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Brownsville

Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is a popular location for Mexican and American beach tourists. It is part of the Rio Grande Valley, a four-county region known for its abundance in citrus fruit production and Winter Texan population. The city features a combination of different climate regimes: Gulf Coast plains and the Great Plains. There is a lot to do in this city: historical museums, art galleries, beaches, birding locations and natural wildlife refuges. As Brownsville is a border town, its culture is predominantly Hispanic.

See
27
Do
39
Eat
22
Drink
12
Buy
8

108 places

  1. Do

    77 Flea Market

    Large open flea market with food trucks and vendors selling authentic Mexican goods, ranging from fruits, vegetables, plants, artifacts and other collectibles. Free parking. The number derives from its location on U.S. Highway 77. It is one of the first attractions you will see when arriving through Brownsville. Wear walking shoes, as it tends to get hot when walking through the area.

    Sat Sun 8AM-6PM

  2. Drink

    7th & Park

    Acts as both a coffee and bicycle shop. Great for tourists looking for an active transportation plan. Location is situated next to a bicycle lane as well.

    Daily 7AM-9PM

  3. Do

    AirFiesta

    Professional pilots perform beautiful synchronized flybys in a variety of aircraft dating from the 1950s.

    February 13-14Check website one to two months before event for prices.

  4. Do

    Belden Trail

    Mile-long trail connecting West Brownsville to other commercial areas. Pedestrian and family-friendly.

    Free

  5. See

    Boca Chica State Park

    Isolated beach across South Padre Island. It is known for its sandy dunes, quiet atmosphere and scenery. Regarded as a hidden gem by many tourists. Known as Boca Chica Beach to locals.

  6. Buy

    BookBee

    Local bookstore selling school accessories such as medical and laboratory equipment. It used to be near the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, until it moved in 2016.

  7. See

    Brazos Island State Park

    Beach north of Boca Chica State Park. Great for camping and fishing.

  8. Do

    Brownsville Beer Fest

    Oktoberfest-style festival with many different beers from around the world. Includes a performance from Los Angeles-based group, Metalachi.

    October 1stGA Tickets: $25, pre-sale tickets: $75

  9. Do

    Brownsville Event Center

    Popular center for city events, weddings and other festivities. Rooms are named after important city buildings. The main ballroom has over 1,200 seats in a theater style setting. It also divides into five other rooms which features a classic seating style. Outside features a trail next to a resaca with Victorian-influenced lights.

  10. Do

    Brownsville Farmers' Market

    Great place to shop for locally grown foods like fruits and vegetables. Vendors set up shop each week of the year every Saturday.

    Sat 9AM-noon

  11. See

    Brownsville Historical Association

    Main office in charge of operating five historical buildings in Downtown Brownsville. Buildings include the Heritage Museum & Preservation Center, Stillman House, Market Square Research Center, Old City Cemetery Center and The Historic Alonso Building.

  12. See

    Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts

    Beautiful arts museum focused on the works of local and Latin American painters.

  13. Do

    Brownsville Sports Park

    Sports park with baseball and soccer stadiums. It also has a new fitness center and a volleyball court. Very family friendly.

    Free

  14. Do

    Brownsville Sports Park Hike & Bike Trail

    A trail in the Brownsville Sports Park with access to a lake, boardwalk and hiking pathways.

    Free

  15. Drink

    Bubbly Brew TeaHouse

    The only teahouse in the city. Serves bubble tea and smoothies. Popular for young locals and students.

  16. Eat

    C&C Wings

    Very popular local restaurant known for its buffalo chips and unique wing flavors. Has several TVs set up for weekend sporting events. Local bands perform here on the weekends and also host celebrations.

    $3-8

  17. Do

    Camille Lightner Playhouse

    Popular performing arts venue featuring plays and musicals. Features adaptations of both local and popular acts.

    Plays: adults $15, students (with school ID) $10, children under 12 $5; Musicals: adults $20, students (with school ID) $12, children under 12 $12; season tickets: $85; Winter Texan tickets: $50

  18. Do

    Charro Days Fiesta

    Unique event celebrating the friendship between Brownsville and its next door neighbor Matamoros. Celebration starts in the end of February and features people dressed in Charro costumes, food, music and a parade.

    Free

  19. See

    Children's Museum of Brownsville

    Museum involving hands-on activities, events and workshops for children.

    $8; free for children 1 and under

  20. Eat

    Chopstix

    Asian restaurant that provides Japanese, Chinese and Mongolian meals. Serves sushi rolls, rice and is known for its noodles.

    $2.50-7.25

  21. Do

    Christmas Parade

    A longstanding tradition which many schools participate in by making floats and performing songs based on pop culture and traditional Mexican music.

    Free

  22. Eat

    Cobbleheads

    Popular local restaurant known for its live music. Serves an array of meals from Philly-cheese steaks, salads, Mexican and custom-made meals from the region. It also has an outdoor patio next to a resaca. Perfect for night dinners.

  23. See

    Commemorative Air Force Museum

    Air force museum displaying collections of aircraft from World War II. Hosts the annual AirFiesta in mid-February.

    Adults: $6, seniors (55+): $5, kids 12-18: $3, kids under 11: Free

  24. See

    Costumes of the Americas

    Museum housing one of the largest collections of traditional clothing worn by indigenous people in Latin American countries.

    $2 per person, children under 10: free

  25. Buy

    Craftland

    Craft items store selling yarn, ribbons and variety of different home decor items such as wreaths, mason jars and Christmas decorations. The windows of the stores have shiplap, a type of wood used in barns.

  26. Do

    CycloBia Nights

    Event where several streets in Downtown close to allow bicyclists to ride their bicycles around the area. Participants are also allowed to walk, skate, etc. Takes place three times a year: in June, August and October.

    Free

  27. Do

    Dean Porter Park

    Clean park with many museums and a playhouse in a walking distance. It includes a pavilion and a playground. Park is next to a resaca.

    Free

  28. Eat

    Dirty Al's Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen

    Popular bait-style restaurant serving seafood with a tropical atmosphere. Serves burgers and specializes in cajun-style meals. Originated from South Padre Island.

    $9-13

  29. Buy

    Discount Mattress Brownsville

    Discount Mattress Brownsville is a family-owned business that offers a wide selection of affordable mattresses and sleep products. Known for quality service and low prices, the store serves the Brownsville community with top brands and fast delivery options.

    USD

  30. Drink

    El Hueso De Fraile

    One of the most popular local eateries in the city. Popular with locals and tourists. Serves Latin American meals and provides soothing, live music at night. Specializes in a variety of coffee and tea flavors.