Things To Do Near Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Head to the visitors center at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park to see the film describing the events leading up to May 8, 1846. Then, join them on a hike across the battlefield to see where events took place. You can also join them for informative programming, which varies regularly. Reenactments occur at this site on occasion.
Hiking Trails
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Historic Battlefield Trail
The paved Historic Battlefield Trail begins in downtown Brownsville. It follows an old railroad line through the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park before reaching Los Fresnos. This trail crosses over old train trestles before reaching its end.
Location
Cameron County Courthouse, 974 East Harrison Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Length
10.1 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Resaca Loop Trail
The Resaca Loop Trail runs through the Sabal Palm Sanctuary. See the old-growth palm forest as you wander along on the trails located on former channels of the Rio Grande. Try to plan your hiking adventure early in the day so that you can catch a glimpse of the rare Central American speckled racer. This trail is also a great place to go birdwatching.
Location
Sabal Palm Sanctuary, 8435 Sabal Palm Grove Road, Brownsville, Texas 78521
Length
3 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Trail
The Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Trail starts by running through an open meadow before offering stunning lake views. You can often see giant alligators, antelope, white-tail deer, armadillos, and rabbits as you hike through the chaparral. It is also a great area to go birdwatching, where you can often see eagles in the winter.
Location
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22688 Buena Vista Boulevard, Los Fresnos, Texas 78566
Length
4 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Gladys Porter Zoo
See over 400 species of animals by visiting the Gladys Porter Zoo. Then, cool off in the small water park. There are frequent special programs held at this zoo, with a special emphasis on those for young children.
Location
500 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
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Boca Chica Beach
Drive your street-legal vehicle right on Boca Chica Beach. See tidal salt flats, mangrove marshes, and clay dunes called Lomas. Kemp's Ridley Sea turtles can often be seen in the spring and summer. You can go surf fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and birdwatching at this southernmost beach in Texas.
Location
Boca Chica Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas 78521
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Fort Brown
Fort Brown, called Fort Texas initially, was constructed in 1846. You can see a collection of buildings built between then and 1860, including Champion Hall, which served as the medical laboratory and isolation ward until World War I. You will also want to see the earthworks constructed by hand in about 1848. This site was the first place that another country fired on a U.S. military plane.
Location
Old Morgue, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Museums
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Children’s Museum of Brownsville
Children can pretend to go under the sea to meet aquatic friends, inside a weather station tracking the path of a tornado, or check a patient's heart rate as a physician when you take them to the Children's Museum of Brownsville. Special events and interactive workshops occur frequently.
Location
501 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
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Stillman House and Heritage Museum
Built in 1850, the Stillman House is one of the oldest houses in South Texas. It still has its original windows, doors, and many other interior features. This home is filled with many antiques showcasing Brownsville's history.
Location
1325 East Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
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Costumes of the Americas Museum
See a rotating display of over 500 indigenous costumes from across the Western Hemisphere at the Costumes of the Americas Museum. Learn more about the processes and techniques used to create them throughout history. Frequently textile workshops and programs are held here.
Location
#5 Dean Porter Park, 501 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Valley Thrift & More
Valley Thrift & More offers a wide variety of merchandise, including home décor, women's clothing, and outside furniture. The choices are constantly changing, so you will want to come back often. Both new and used merchandise are available.
Location
2940 Boca Chica Boulevard Suite 104, Brownsville, Texas 78521
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Country Casuals
If you love the country look, then check out the clothing at Country Casuals. You can also find great gifts and jewelry at this location. Customers have been coming to this location to shop since 1967.
Location
2200 Boca Chica Boulevard, Suite 110, Brownsville, Texas 78521
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Cocina Maiz
Find your favorite Tex-Mex food at Cocina Maiz. They have a drive-through window, so it is easy to grab a meal to eat at a nearby park or on a hiking trail.
Location
239 W. St. Charles Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
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Crepe Town
Crepe Town is a great place to eat when visiting the Museum of Fine Art or other nearby locations. They often host special events. As the name suggests, get fantastic crepes at this location or choose from their wide variety of offerings.
Location
660 East Ringgold Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520