Brownsville’s setting on the border of the U.S.-Mexico, offers visitors a two-nation holiday. Within the city borders, there is an astonishing range of cultural, historical and outdoor activities. There are plenty of things to do in Brownsville, especially if you’re an outdoor and nature lover. So with one day up your sleeve, the question arises, what to see, where to eat and where to party? Fret not! We’ve you covered! Here’s a 24-hour in Brownsville itinerary that will guide you in exploring and experiencing the best of everything Brownsville has to offer.
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9:00am- Tex-Mex Special for Breakfast at Toddle Inn Restaurant!
Start your day with a filling and hearty breakfast at the Toddle Inn Restaurant. It puts out authentic American and Mexican cuisine. Breakfast faves include heuvos rancheros, flour tortilla tacos, hash browns, salsa and several Tex-Mex specials. Everything is amazing and lip-smacking here!
Address: 1740 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-542-8838
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00am-2:00pm; Saturday: 6:00am-2:30pm; Sunday: 7:00am-2:00pm
10:00am- Get a sample of old-time Brownsville at Historic Brownsville Museum!
After breakfast, walk a mile or two towards the Historic Brownsville Museum, tucked within the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot building. Much of the Brownsville history can be learnt here, from the American-Mexico War to the American Civil War. It houses exhibits, photographs, agricultural and ranching tools, furnishings and military artifacts that impart plenty of information about Brownsville’s past.
Address: 641 E Madison Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-548-1313
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Distance from Toddle Inn Restaurant: 1.9miles or 8minutes drive
11:00am- Let your children run free at Children’s Museum of Brownsville!
A short walk away is the Children’s Museum of Brownsville. This museum is worth a visit, if you’re traveling with kids. It houses plethora of interactive hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and learning. Displays are on diverse topics, including health, history, art, science and much more. Exhibits include a construction zone where children can act as an architect; all world’s cafe where the kids can role play and be cashiers, customers, waiters and cooks; Texas farmhouse where the kids can ride a tractor and learn about farming; the plaza where kids can out together a puzzle and be a part of a puppet show; discover all the facets of the sea at the under the sea exhibit, weather exhibits where kids can be meteorologist, and many more exhibits.
Address: 501 E Ringgold Street #5, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-548-9300
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Distance from Historic Brownsville Museum: 0.9miles or 3minutes drive
12:00pm- See the traditional clothing of Americas at Costumes of the Americas Museum!
Continue your adventure by visiting the Costumers of the Americas Museum which features an extensive collection of traditional clothing and accessories of the ancient cultures of the country. The museum highlights the historical pieces, i.e. authentic native jewelry and costumes from North, South and Central America. It also houses outfits from Spanish Colonial period, such as Charro suits.
Address: 501 E Ringgold Street # 5, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-547-6890
Distance from Children’s Museum of Brownsville: 0.5miles or 3minutes drive via E Ringgold Street
1:00pm- Lunch!
Swing by the Chicken Run BBQ (Palm Village Shopping Center, 1552 Palm Blvd #18) that serves delicious succulent BBQ food. In mood for Mexican food, head to El Pollo Loco (54, 83 S Expy) or Taco Palenque (1803 Boca Chica Blvd). For seafood, make your way over to The Oyster Bar (153 Paredes Line Rd).
2:00pm- See the local wildlife at Gladys Porter Zoo!
Visit the Gladys Porter Zoo that is home to about 1,600 animals. It features plant and animal species from Tropical America, Africa, Indo-Australia and Asia. Highlights include Macaw Canyon, free-flight Aviary, a Komodo dragon and gorilla exhibit. It also has a botanical garden and the Small World kid’s area. Take a serene walk in the botanical garden and connect with nature. Kids can touch, interact and take selfie with domesticated animals at the Small World.
Address: 500 E Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-546-7187
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5:30pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm
3:00pm- Browse some art in different medias at Brownsville Museum of Fine Art!
Next, head to the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art that features over 350 pieces of fine art in different mediums, including prints, sculptures, paintings, photographs and drawings. The work by many well-known local, national and international artists. Arts by the notable artists like Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Jorge Marin, and many more is on display.
Address: 660 E Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-542-0941
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Wednesday: 10:00am-8:00pm; Thursday-Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Distance from Gladys Porter Zoo: 0.1mile or 1minute drive
4:00pm- Tour the Brownsville Founder’s House at The Stillman House Museum!
The Stillman House Museum was home of the founder of Brownsville- Charles Stillman. The museum features books, photographs and other artifacts, as well as original doors, windows, shutters and furnishings. Know the story of Brownsville right from its frontier days to its development as a industry, transportation and technology hub.
Address: 1325 E Washington Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-541-5560
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Brownsville Museum of Fine Art: 1.3miles or 7minutes drive
5:00pm-Shopping!
Give a new look or update your wardrobe with selections from the Sunrise Mall. The mall houses more than 100 stores and is anchored by the Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Bealls and Dillard’s. Other stores featured here include Bebe, A’gaci, Gap, Express, American Eagle Outfitters, Aldo, Old Navy, G by Guess, Victoria’s Secret and many more.
Address: 2370 North Expy, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States
Phone: 1 956-541-5302
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-7:00pm
Distance from The Stillman House Museum: 4.5miles or 8 minutes drive via I-69E N
After some fashion-shopping, head to Little Shabby Garden Shop to pick up some unique items and vintage treasures. This shop has an extensive collection of antiques and collectibles, including time pieces, vintage housewares, etchings, vitrines and other colorful household items. Take back home some souvenirs as a reminder of your wonderful time in Brownsville!
Address: 2900 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-459-5627
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:30am-6:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Distance from Sunrise Mall: 1.3miles or 6minutes drive
7:00pm- Time for supper with liquid refreshments!
In mood for some Italian food, head to Toscafino Restaurant (3001 Pablo Kisel Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526, United States). Pasta, pizza, caprese salad and several other Italian delights are served in a beautiful and serene setting.
Madeira Restaurant (805 Media Luna Rd #800, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States) is a much-lauded eating establishment. It serves up Argentinean-style meat and seafood. Dine under the stars and enjoy your supper.
Another very popular restaurant that receives rave reviews is the Vermillion Restaurant (115 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States), known for its Tex-Mex specials. It has a variety of nachos and down-home American food options, as well.
9:00pm- Shake it up!
After dinner, immerse yourself in the lively nightlife scene of the city.
Head to The Bar that has casual cool crowd and an extensive cocktail list filled with beer, wine and other libations. Sip tipples while enjoying the music spun by the DJs. Patrons can belt out a few songs at the Karaoke. The DJs create an incredible ambiance that impels everyone to groove.
Address: 1900 N Expressway, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States
Phone: 1 956-548-2277
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 4:00pm-2:00am
Or
Swing by Cobbleheads, a beautiful waterfront nightspot. With convivial and chic setting and spectacular views, it is a great spot to end the night on the town. An array of live acts and lively vibe permeates the air. It has a broader drink and food menu. Knock back a couple of drinks and immerse yourself in the live music.
Address: 3154 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
Phone: 1 956-546-6224
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am-12:00am; Thursday to Saturday: 11:00am-2:00am
24 Hours in Brownsville Map Guide
