The Vibrant Rio Grande Valley

Many communities and South Padre Island are just a few of the highlights in this region of South Texas.

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Words by Rick Stedman

The Rio Grande Valley in Texas is a popular snowbird destination. The area includes several communities, particularly McAllen, Harlingen and Brownsville, which will lead you eastward to South Padre Island on the Gulf Coast. This vast region has more than 200 RV parks, a little less than 20 golf courses, and a variety of attractions.

One of the newest RV parks in Texas is the Tropical Trails RV Resort in Brownsville. It opened in January 2020 and encompasses  300 sites on 61 ha (150 ac) that are generously spaced apart by an impressive 15 to 17 m (50 to 55 ft). In addition to complimentary high-speed fiber optic WiFi, the park includes 30-/50-amp power, picnic tables, brick fire pits, and water. You’ll also appreciate its clean grounds that include a swimming pool, amenity centre, rental cottages, and much more.

Though many of the RV parks in the Rio Grande Valley are 55+, some options for family RVers and couples include the Tropic Winds RV Resort in Harlingen; Llano Grande Resort and Country Club in Mercedes; and Park Center in Port Isabel.

Bird Sanctuary

Birding is big business in the Rio Grande Valley and it’s considered an international destination for enthusiasts. According to a report in 2011 by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), birding had an ‘economic output of $463 million and contributed to providing 6,613 full- and part-time jobs annually.’

Area birding experts report more than 500 bird species call the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas home at least part of the year. Birders come from all over the world to the region armed with binoculars, cameras and guidebooks. Even if you’re not a birder, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement.

One of the Rio Grande Valley's premier destinations for birdwatching is the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Tours are available and there’s more than 1,006 m (3,300 ft) of boardwalks to stroll and explore. Other highlights include 20 ha (50 ac) of wetlands that provide a refuge for shorebirds and waterfowl, five bird blinds, a gator pond, butterfly gardens, tortoise exhibit, plus a gift shop, and five-story observation tower.

The sanctuary is also part of the expansive World Birding Center (WBC), which first opened in 2004 and consists of a network of nine sites located along 193 km (120 mi), spanning from the town of Roma east to South Padre Island. The World Birding Center is in a partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the communities of Roma, Mission, McAllen, Hidalgo, Edinburg, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville, and South Padre Island.

Golfing

For those who fancy another type of birdie, the Rio Grande Valley has a number of golf courses. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Brownsville Golf Center is an 18-hole, par 70 track that measures 6,144 yards from the tips. Open 363 days a year, the course is well manicured and challenges golfers with water hazards on half of the fairways.

In nearby McAllen, city officials recently changed the name of Palm View Golf Course to Champion Lake Golf Course. The city council grappled with the name Palm View for several years as it caused confusion with the nearby city of Palmview, just 16 km (10 mi) east.

Regardless of its official name, Champion Lake has been a favourite among locals and snowbirds for the last 52 years. The par 72, 18-hole course measures 6,771 yards from the back tees and features water on all but two holes. Open 364-days a year, it has a driving range, 929 sq m (10,000 sq ft) putting green, pro shop, restaurant, and more.

One of the more picturesque courses in the area is South Padre Island Golf Club. Its beautiful fairways and grounds will immediately capture your attention. The front nine features several holes that play along Laguna Madre Bay with views of South Padre Island. The par 72, 18-hole course spans 6,931 yards from the gold tees and challenging hazards include cactus, scrub brush, large natural sand areas, wetlands, water, and unpredictable winds.

More Rio Grande Attractions

Beach Park at Isla Blanca is the newest kid-friendly attraction in South Padre Island. The 10 ha (25 ac) waterpark opened in spring 2020 and features more than 20 attractions. A few highlights include 13 water slides, the Soaring Eagle zipline, scuba diving, as well as several outdoor eateries.

Gravity Park - an adventure and amusement park - has been attracting visitors for almost three decades and makes for a great day trip. Some of the highlights are the Rocket, which is considered to be the tallest reverse-bungee in the world, and a giant swing called the Skycoaster that provides a panoramic view of the entire island. Other attractions include go-karting, mini-golf, a trampoline ride, arcade, a climbing wall, and an 18 m (60 ft) Ferris wheel.

Fishing is immensely popular on South Padre Island, and the options are plentiful. Anglers can bring their gear, hire a guide, fish off the beach, go deep-sea fishing, or cast off the jetties. Saltwater fishing in these island waters offers more than 600 different species. Jump on an off-shore charter and try your luck at landing mahi-mahi, grouper, tuna, kingfish, tarpon, or Spanish mackerel, to name a few. Regardless of where or how you fish, a Texas fishing license is required and available at many local tackle shops.

There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying fresh fish caught earlier that day. Whether you prefer your fish grilled, blackened, fried, or baked, any one of the several restaurants on South Padre Island will prepare your fresh catch for you! A few local restaurants offering this service include Blackbeards’, Pier 19, Sea Ranch Restaurant and Bar, Parrot Eyes Restaurant and Bar, and the Painted Marlin Grille.

There is also a trio of museums in Port Isabel that should be explored such as The Treasures of the Gulf Museum, Port Isabel Historical Museum, and Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site. This lighthouse was constructed in 1852 and is the only one in the area that’s open to the public. Standing just 22 m (72 ft), it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The Port Isabel Historical Museum contains artifacts from the Mexican-American War, which took place from April 1846 to February 1848. The Treasures of the Gulf Museum is right next door and will be a big hit with your kids. The museum re-creates life aboard a 16th-century ship and showcases several sunken treasures that were found in waters off the Gulf. (*Ed note: At the time of publication the museum was temporarily closed so be sure to check for modified hours of operation before visiting).

Cross the Border into Mexico

Visiting Mexico for a day should also be on your travelling itinerary when visiting the area. There are several points of entry throughout the region, but the most popular is in Nuevo Progreso, MX. You can’t miss this tourist area with its colourful street consisting of vendors selling everything from food, clothes, and leather goods, to jewelry, pottery, shoes, and hats.

Parking your RV and walking across the border is the preferred and safest way for most visitors. Be sure to bring your passport and American currency. It costs $1 USD to cross and $.30 USD to reenter the U.S. In Progreso, you’ll find medical services including pharmacies. Strolling the streets, exploring the many shops, enjoying local cuisine or sipping cold margarita(s) are great ways to experience its local culture.

Avoid the College Crowds Spring Break

Most of the year, South Padre Island is quiet with a relaxed atmosphere. However, for three weeks in March, the area turns into an area of ‘non-stop partying,’ which is better known as Spring Break. Thousands of college students ditch the books and descend on South Padre Island (or any other place on the planet that hovers above 16°C (60° F). So keep in mind that the largest crowds for spring break are expected to be in the South Padre Island area from March 6 to 28.

For more information about the Rio Grande Valley be sure to visit  www.wintertexaninfo.com