Things to Do in Brownsville

Hit Brownsville's Bike Trails

Exploring Brownsville on a bike transforms a vacation into an exhilarating adventure. The city boasts a network of trails and bike paths that encourage people to immerse themselves in the city’s fantastic coastal weather. These trails connect the community, fostering a sense of belonging and providing safe and healthy transportation for both locals and tourists.

It’s common to see families and friends flocking to Brownsville to explore the city’s trails. The Mitte Cultural District serves as a popular starting point for these rides. As riders venture along the trails, they can pass by numerous authentic Mexican bakeries, such as Saritas and Las Palmas, offering enticing aromas of freshly baked treats.

The journey continues, allowing visitors to stop and admire the city’s historic buildings. They can then indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many restaurants located in the downtown area. From mouthwatering elotes, raspas, and tacos to the soothing sound of birds singing, and the breathtaking view of the sunset, Brownsville offers a culinary and sensory experience like no other.

For nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, the Monte Bella trails are a paradise. This 7-mile single-track bicycle course offers beautiful routes for both cyclists and hikers. Another gem in Brownsville is Laguna Atascosa, the largest protected area of natural habitat in the Rio Grande Valley. Nature lovers will find solace in this sanctuary, while history buffs can explore the Historic Battlefield Trails of the Mexican-American War. Visitors can also visit the historic Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, which features picnic areas, video shows, shops, and cannons with kiosks for souvenir purchases and refreshments. These trails not only promote a healthier lifestyle but also foster a sense of community pride. They cater to people of all ages, offering something for everyone.

Festivals All Year Long

People in Brownsville are always down to party! There’s always something going on here, and no two events are the same. Take, for example, the Charro Days Fiesta. This late-February fiesta celebrates Brownsville’s rich cultural heritage with a vibrant parade, dances, a golf tournament, and a carnival with more than 40 rides. For something more musical, don’t miss the Brownsville Latin Jazz and Guitar Festival, a three-day event held in October that features performances from top-class musicians. The Brownsville Beer Fest, also in October, showcases some of the best craft and specialty beers from around the world at a 121-foot-long wooden bar, known as the “longest bar in Texas.”

If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world experience, be sure to check out Space Fest, held every May in Downtown Brownsville. While the event celebrates the city’s economic growth and rising quality of life, it also shines a spotlight on local art, culture, and community spirit. From art contests and artisan vendors to food trucks and celebrity performances, Space Fest offers a vibrant, well-rounded view of what makes Brownsville truly unique. If you’re visiting during the spring season, don’t miss the Brownsville Birding Festival—a perfect event for nature lovers and families alike. The festival offers a variety of outdoor activities, from guided tours along scenic trails across Brownsville, kayaking tours along our beautiful resacas, to visits at the Gladys Porter Zoo. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Brownsville’s rich biodiversity while spotting some of the region’s most beautiful and rare bird species during a time of great bird migration in the region.

Go Birding in Brownsville

Birding in Brownsville is serious business. After all, the riverside border town is home to as many as 500 tropical species of birds at any time of the year. That’s due to its mild climate, lush tropical landscape, and strategic location within a major migratory bird path. What that means for you, and any other birder, is there are birds here that you may not see anywhere else in the country.

As you may expect, there are quite a few places you can go to spot some wildlife. Resaca de la Palma State Park, Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Boca Chica Beach, and Laguna Atascosa Wildlife refuge are all good birding locations, according to local birders, Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge is the most scenic of them all. The refuge is home to more than 400 bird species, such as aplomado falcons, redhead ducks, and Altamira orioles, as well as the endangered ocelot. Each season brings with it a new set of birds to spot. To learn more about the types of birds that can be spotted in each season, visit the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge’s birding guide. 

Get a Taste of the Local Fare

South Texas, also known as the Rio Grande Valley, is one of the most fertile regions in the state. It leads the state in citrus production and is also a major producer of maize, sugarcane, and various melons. Brownsville offers a great way to get a taste of all that the Rio Grande Valley produces at its weekly farmers’ market. In the farmers’ market, you’ll find locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as raw honey, fresh gulf shrimp, baked goods, homemade jams, and more. The Brownsville Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday morning at Linear Park near downtown Brownsville.

Go to the Beach

Of course, no visit to Brownsville is complete without a trip to the coast. Just under 40 miles away are two of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Texas: South Padre Island and Boca Chica Beach. South Padre Island is a vibrant destination with a wide selection of restaurants, hotels and family-friendly attractions like Beach Waterpark. Visitors can rent jet skis, book parasailing adventures, or embark on dolphin-watching cruises. For those seeking a quieter experience, Boca Chica Beach, located East of Brownville. Offers miles of tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled shoreline. It’s the perfect place to fish, swim and take a long beach walk. You may even catch a glimpse of the nearby SpaceX launch facility, a subtle reminder of Brownsville’s growing future.