South Padre Island
Brownsville is just 25 miles from the beautiful beaches of South Padre Island. South Padre Island is a coastal resort town bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and offers 5 miles of seashore shopping, fine dining, entertainment, year-round fishing, exotic tropical tours, water sports and lots more! This 34-mil-long barrier reef situated at the tip of Texas offers some of the best tropical destinations anywhere including high-rise hotels, gourmet restaurants, and amusement attractions, including a world class water park, parasailing, bungee jumping, wind surfing, diving, snorkeling, and beach horseback riding. Water activities include dolphin and bird watching cruises, fishing charters, and sailing, as well as marinas that serve pleasure boats.
South Texas Fishing, Fishing, Fishing!
South Padre Island is also one of the best kept secrets for salt water fishing and deep sea fishing. The Laguna Madre Bay is one of the hottest spots for tropical saltwater fishing, and has waters filled with snook, redfish, and tarpon among other prized tropical game fish. With over 253 days of gorgeous sunny weather, its visitors enjoy fishing at South Padre Island year-round.
South Texas Birding and Butterfly Watching
Birding and Butterfly ecotourism activity in South Texas is huge! Headquarters to the World Birding Center, Sabal Palm Audobon Center & Sanctuary and North American Butterfly Association (NABA), the Rio Grande Valley is the top destination for birding and butterfly nature lovers everywhere!
Bird and butterfly watchers are in their glory in and around Brownsville. During the fall and spring migrations, hundreds of species of birds are viewable throughout the area, making Brownsville an internationally-acclaimed birding paradise.
According to the American Birding Association, there are nearly 500 bird species, including the rare Aplomado Falcon, in the Rio Grande Valley, and, due to the profusion of wildflowers, more than 800 species that attract nectar-feeding caterpillars, the NABA reports more than 300 butterfly species in the Valley.
The 557-acre Sabal Palm Audobon Center & Sanctuary, which is nestled into the lush, southeastern part of Brownsville, has Texas Sabal Palms so tall and thick, they provide a shaded canopy and create one of the most beautiful and critical ecosystems of South Texas. Owned and operated by the National Audubon Society, the peaceful sanctuary is ideal for birding and relaxing. Bird watchers are constantly on alert for the Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Hooded Oriole, Green Kingfisher, and other rare species, which can be spotted along the winding nature trails.
In February, the Brownsville International Birding Festival consists of guided tours, seminars, workshops, receptions, and an information exchange. Audubon Society members keep their peers informed with Frontera Rare Bird Alert postings by calling 956-969-2731.
Mexico and South Texas
Matamoros, Mexico is just a two-step across the Rio Grande from downtown Brownsville and is the best place to cross into Mexico from South Texas. Matamoros has become the crossing point of choice for tourists and locals who come back again and again. The friendly Matamoros locals welcome visitors to join their cultural events, shop for bargains at old world style markets and enjoy the cuisine of a variety of restaurants.
The shops and markets of Matamoros offer many art, handcraft, and souvenir options. Good values are available on items ranging from leather goods, silver and gold jewelry, colorfully woven fabrics, pottery, and even prescription drugs. The museums trace the unique history and include new exhibits, one recounting the travels of Pancho Villa.
Matamoros has an ever-expanding collection of restaurants of authentic Mexican, regional seafood, casual French, Asian and continental cuisine…often accompanied by native music performed at your table!
Matamoros is a must to anyone visiting Brownsville and an easy way to make your visit and international one!
