In Brownsville, Everyone is Family
Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is in a rich, tropical setting along the great Rio Grande and near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Brownsville is known for celebrating its diverse history, tradition, and heritage and also embraces innovation, looking to the future and beyond. It’s no surprise that thousands of visitors flock to Brownsville yearly. From fishing to folklore, this is a one-stop destination with fun for everyone. Our city is a unique place where you can explore many activities, such as birdwatching in the morning, having a unique culinary experience in the afternoon, and being part of an historic rocket-launch viewing that evening.
Brownsville is a proud city with a rich history, launching toward the future. Our city is linked by a vibrant community celebrating our diverse culture year-round with incredible food, live music, attractions, and festivals. Here, everyone is family.
Traditions and Celebrations
For over 80 years, Brownsville has celebrated its bi-national traditions and culture at its annual Charro Days Fiesta. In late February, the schools close, and the whole community comes alive for a week of fun and festivities. It starts with a joyful “El Grito” and a spectacular folk-style street dance called the Baile del Sol. Also happening during Charro Days is Sombrero Festival, a three-day event that provides the single best marketing venue during Charro Days–and most likely year-round–in the southernmost tip of Texas. Sombrero Festival attracts a large cross-segment of the regional population and tourists who plan their stay to coincide with the local holiday featuring well-known musical artists, local music, up-and-coming musicians from across the state, and great classic rock, country, and cover bands. It also offers unique food booths, popular events, such as the Jalapeno Eating Contest, Waiters Race, Grito Contest, Charro Days Classic 5K Run, Tortilla Frisbee Toss, Hat Stack Relay, and the only Charro Bean Cook-Off we know of, Frijolympics.
Historic Trails
Exploring Brownsville on a bike turns a vacation into an adventure. The city has trails and bike paths to enjoy our great coastal weather. They link our community, connect people and places, and provide safe and healthy transportation for our locals and tourists.
People interested in Brownsville’s history will enjoy riding the Historic Battlefield Trails of the Mexican-American War. The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has picnic areas, video shows, shops, and cannons, with kiosks where you can grab souvenirs and refreshments.
Birdwatching
Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a magnificent spot for birdwatching because it’s in the middle of two of the most significant aviary fly-ways in North America. Hundreds of species migrate through this region every year.
Enthusiasts still have an opportunity to experience this rare subtropical ecosystem. Guests have access to over three miles of walking trails, bird-viewing blinds, feeding stations, butterfly gardens, and a river observation deck.
SpaceX
The SpaceX South Texas launch site is located near Boca Chica Beach, approximately 32 miles east of downtown Brownsville (fewer than 10 miles from Brownsville city limits). As you drive past Boca Chica Beach, you’ll be able to see Starship, the fully reusable spacecraft and the second stage of the Starship System. It offers an integrated payload section and can carry passengers and cargo to Earth’s orbit and planetary destinations and between destinations on Earth. Starship is currently being tested at SpaceX Brownsville.
Gladys Porter Zoo
Located in the Mitte Cultural District, we have our beloved Gladys Porter Zoo. As you walk in, you’re greeted by various amazing animals. You quickly forget any worries you may have and feel like a kid again. Everyone who works at the zoo is kind and knowledgeable about the animals. It’s truly fun for the whole family. Like good movies, the zoo helps you escape the world’s realities. You’re just in the moment and can appreciate everything around you.
We invite you to explore our city and connect with our amazing community through a collection of personalized highlights and recommendations shared by Brownsville’s incredible people. We love this city, and we know you will, too.
