Timeline
06:07
Resaca de la Palma State Park Trails
Walk the trails at Resaca de la Palma State Park to find a quiet spot facing west. The trail is short enough to explore before the crowd arrives. Bring binoculars if you want to spot early birds while you wait.
07:07
Stand at the Resaca de la Palma Battlefield for the sunrise ceremony. The 8,000 candles honoring the fallen soldiers are lit at sunset, but the early morning light on April 15 offers a stark, beautiful contrast to the historic ground. The sun rises toward the east, illuminating the landscape where the US and Mexican soldiers once clashed.
07:52
Check the route for nearby cafes that open early. There are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity of the park, so you will need to drive or walk to a local establishment in Brownsville for breakfast once the sun is fully up.
Local tip
The park allows bicycles and has a large native habitat. If you arrive early, you might catch birds before the main visitor crowds. The ceremony is specific to November 14, so for a sunrise visit, you are experiencing the natural illumination of the battlefield itself.
Check before you go
- The Memorial Illumination with 8,000 candles only happens on November 14. On other dates, the site is a historical battlefield and state park.
- There are no food or drink options within the park or at the viewing spot. Plan to eat after leaving the area.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Brownsville (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).