Crystal’s guidebook

Crystal
Crystal’s guidebook

Sightseeing

SPI has beautiful beaches, nightlife and plenty of restaurants to try out. There is also kayaking, water sports, bungee jumping, dolphin watching, beachfront dining and of course fishing! https://www.sopadre.com/
186 locals recommend
South Padre Island
186 locals recommend
SPI has beautiful beaches, nightlife and plenty of restaurants to try out. There is also kayaking, water sports, bungee jumping, dolphin watching, beachfront dining and of course fishing! https://www.sopadre.com/
This park has 1,200 acres of semi-tropical acres and is a part of the World Birding Center. Great location for walking, biking or even a tram ride. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma
17 locals recommend
Resaca De La Palma State Park & World Birding Center
1000 New Carmen Ave
17 locals recommend
This park has 1,200 acres of semi-tropical acres and is a part of the World Birding Center. Great location for walking, biking or even a tram ride. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma
A National Wildlife Refuge where you can enjoy nature hikes, kayaking, hunting, and fishing. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa/
21 locals recommend
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station
22688 Buena Vista Blvd
21 locals recommend
A National Wildlife Refuge where you can enjoy nature hikes, kayaking, hunting, and fishing. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa/
Gladys Porter Zoo is a zoological and botanical park located in Brownsville, Texas. The zoo officially opened on September 3, 1971, and currently averages 375,000 visitors annually. Situated on 31 acres, the zoo houses about 400 animal species and over 250 tropical and neo-tropical species and subspecies.
91 locals recommend
Gladys Porter Zoo
500 E Ringgold St
91 locals recommend
Gladys Porter Zoo is a zoological and botanical park located in Brownsville, Texas. The zoo officially opened on September 3, 1971, and currently averages 375,000 visitors annually. Situated on 31 acres, the zoo houses about 400 animal species and over 250 tropical and neo-tropical species and subspecies.
Boca Chica State Park was a Texas state park located in the Boca Chica Subdelta of the Rio Grande near Brownsville in southeastern Cameron County, Texas. The park was acquired and opened in May 1994.
17 locals recommend
Boca Chica Beach
17 locals recommend
Boca Chica State Park was a Texas state park located in the Boca Chica Subdelta of the Rio Grande near Brownsville in southeastern Cameron County, Texas. The park was acquired and opened in May 1994.
The Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a 557-acre nature reserve and bird sanctuary located in the delta of the Rio Grande Valley in Cameron County near Brownsville, Texas. It is noted for being one of the last locations in the Rio Grande Valley with a profuse grove of sabal palms, an edible-heart-bearing palm much prized by pre-Hispanic inhabitants and noted by early explorers. As a relatively habitat-rich remnant of this Valley, it is a prized birdwatching and butterfly watching location for persons interested in the ecology of the Valley and adjacent states of northern Mexico. The Sabal Palm Sanctuary closely approaches the southernmost point in the state of Texas, and is the southernmost point accessible to the public
22 locals recommend
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd
22 locals recommend
The Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a 557-acre nature reserve and bird sanctuary located in the delta of the Rio Grande Valley in Cameron County near Brownsville, Texas. It is noted for being one of the last locations in the Rio Grande Valley with a profuse grove of sabal palms, an edible-heart-bearing palm much prized by pre-Hispanic inhabitants and noted by early explorers. As a relatively habitat-rich remnant of this Valley, it is a prized birdwatching and butterfly watching location for persons interested in the ecology of the Valley and adjacent states of northern Mexico. The Sabal Palm Sanctuary closely approaches the southernmost point in the state of Texas, and is the southernmost point accessible to the public
Interactive learning for young children close to the zoo.
13 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Brownsville
501 E Ringgold St
13 locals recommend
Interactive learning for young children close to the zoo.
Minutes away from another country!
Matamoros
Minutes away from another country!
10 locals recommend
Cinemark Sunrise Mall and XD
2370 Old Hwy 77
10 locals recommend
20 locals recommend
Sunrise Mall
2370 North Expy
20 locals recommend

Mexican Food

Great Mexican food with large serving sized plates at a budget-friendly price!
Emilia's Restaurant
5182 S Padre Island Hwy
Great Mexican food with large serving sized plates at a budget-friendly price!
This cozy little restaurant is less than a mile away from your stay. Great food at great prices!
Fina's Coffee Shop
435 Old Port Isabel Rd
This cozy little restaurant is less than a mile away from your stay. Great food at great prices!
3 Marias Quesadillas
3231 Pablo Kisel Blvd
Local institution dating back to 1934 serving down-home American & Tex-Mex faves in a simple space.
18 locals recommend
Vermillion Restaurant and Watering Hole
115 Paredes Line Rd
18 locals recommend
Local institution dating back to 1934 serving down-home American & Tex-Mex faves in a simple space.
14 locals recommend
Taqueria Ultimo Taco
938 North Expy
14 locals recommend
15 locals recommend
Mi Pueblito
3101 Pablo Kisel Blvd
15 locals recommend
Super Cream
1014 Ruben M Torres Blvd
Toddle Inn Restaurant
1740 Central Blvd
Bigo's Bar & Grill
464 Paredes Line Rd
Antonio's
840 Paredes Line Rd

Food scene

Family-friendly chain serving American comfort food with a Texas twist, plus cocktails.
9 locals recommend
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
2495 Frontage Rd
9 locals recommend
Family-friendly chain serving American comfort food with a Texas twist, plus cocktails.
Vibrant outpost featuring classic Tex-Mex dishes & cocktails in a stylish space, plus a large patio.
Adolios
2370 North Street
Vibrant outpost featuring classic Tex-Mex dishes & cocktails in a stylish space, plus a large patio.
Brisket, ribs & sides served up cafeteria-style in a no-frills setting with indoor picnic tables.
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
2780 Frontage Road
Brisket, ribs & sides served up cafeteria-style in a no-frills setting with indoor picnic tables.
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting. Bar and drinks setting on the other side of the restaurant as well.
52 locals recommend
Chili's Grill & Bar
3660 N Camp Creek Pkwy SW
52 locals recommend
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting. Bar and drinks setting on the other side of the restaurant as well.
Chic, upscale-casual restaurant serving Italian cuisine & cocktails, with indoor & outdoor seating.
14 locals recommend
Toscafino
3001 Pablo Kisel Blvd
14 locals recommend
Chic, upscale-casual restaurant serving Italian cuisine & cocktails, with indoor & outdoor seating.
11 locals recommend
Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki - Brownsville
3340 Pablo Kisel Blvd
11 locals recommend
Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.
15 locals recommend
Texas Roadhouse
4805 83
15 locals recommend
Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.
Fresh Fish and shrimp.
Mariscos De La Rosa
7738 Padre Island Hwy
Fresh Fish and shrimp.
6 locals recommend
Gazpachos
2451 Pablo Kisel Blvd
6 locals recommend

City advice

What to pack

pack for both light cold weather and hot temps

Brownsville weather can be unpredictable. During our "colder" season, lows tend to reach 50 degrees and during the day will rise to low 80 degrees.
Getting around

not a walking-friendly city.

Safe city but locations are fairly far apart, therefore, rental cars are recommended or uber/taxis.