No matter where you travel in the Rio Grande Valley, an abundance of natural beauty will greet you. Spectacular sunsets, sparkling beaches, clear rivers and lakes and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna abound. Situated at the confluence of the two main migratory flyways between North and South America, the Valley is world famous among birdwatchers for the variety and number of birds to be found here.

Wherever you go in the Valley, a new facet of outdoor delight awaits you.

Anzalduas County Park
Visitors actually look north into Mexico from the Park’s pavilion and large boat ramp. Bring a basket of goodies and enjoy the large picnic area. (956) 585-5311.

Arroyo Colorado
This last-minute offshoot of the Rio Grande originates southwest of Harlingen. Wildlife of the Laguna Madre venture well up into the river’s mouth. Anglers and boaters find fishing the “other river’s” brackish waters (half saltwater, half fresh) can be very rewarding.

Adolph Thomae County Park on FM 2925 has boating, fishing, hiking, picnic facilities and RV and tent sites. (956) 748-2044.

Nature lovers will enjoy walking the trails and observing wildlife at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park along the river in Harlingen.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Lush and more densely wooded than much of the Valley, this 588-acre state park is the site of the World Birding Center. It has picnic areas and is open to daytime visitors year ’round. Website (956) 585-1107.

Left: Birders from all over the world come to Bentsen – Rio Grande Valley State Park, known for its abundant and unusual species, not found anywhere else in the United States. To view nature in disguise, this birding blind allows viewers to catch a glimpse of the many sub-tropical plants and animals that represent the northern-most distribution in North America

Boca Chica Wetlands and Beach
Sit atop tall white dunes and watch migratory birds such as falcons and pelicans that frequent the trees on the elevated islands. Brownsville’s Boca Chica Beach lies south across the ship channel from South Padre Island at the mouth of the Rio Grande.

Chimney Park
Marked by a historic chimney that once powered irrigation pumps on the Rio Grande, this privately owned and operated park in Mission is primarily a boat ramp facility. Close to restaurants and bars on the river where you can dock and dance.

Delta Lake
This man-made lake was formed as a reservoir to supply northern mid-Valley farms with irrigation. A park offers a pavilion and large picnic areas. Swimming is not allowed. Open daily.

Diving
Two sites in the Valley offer excellent scuba diving. One is an artificial reef built by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife seven miles off South Padre Island from Port Isabel. The other is the Port Mansfield Liberty Ship Reef, located 15 miles off Port Mansfield.

These artificial reefs have become encrusted with invertebrates such as barnacles, corals and sponges that attract grouper, snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, tarpon and shark, making them ideal sites for scuba diving.

Dolphins
South Padre Island’s bottlenose dolphins are wild and free, enjoying the rich waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and the inshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is against the law to feed, swim with or touch wild dolphins, but there are many dolphin watch boats on the island.

Falcon Dam, Lake and State Park
Located on the Rio Grande, this 115,600-acre reservoir offers great freshwater fishing and water skiing. Low rolling hills and the rustic beauty of western Starr County surround it. Camp out a short walk from the water in screened-in cabins. You’ll also find bathhouses, RV hookups, boat ramps and picnic areas. Open to daytime visitors. (956) 848-5327.

Hunting
The Valley is the only region in the United States where whitewing dove can be taken. Hunting leases are also available for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, javelina and wild pig.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
East of Rio Hondo bordering the Laguna Madre, this 50,000-acre federal preserve is the Valley’s biggest wildlife refuge. It supports hundreds of bird species as well as ocelots, deer, javelina, squirrels, long-tailed weasels and alligators.

Mountain lions are rare but have been spotted. After checking in at the Visitors’ Center, explore the Laguna Madre’s harsh but beautiful ecosystem by driving or walking along the mapped roads. (956) 748-3607.

Lake Guerrero
Drive several hours south into Mexico to Lake Guerrero, a spot that attracts bass fishermen from all over America. Local travel agents can set you up with hunting and fishing packages.

McAllen Nature Center
McAllen’s city-operated Botanical Garden has picnic areas and hiking trails that showcase the diverse plant life of the region.

NABA Butterfly Park
The North American Butterfly Association Butterfly Park at Mission is near the new World Birding Center and Bentsen Rio Grande State Park at Mission. It has walking trails with interpretive signs, gardens, and more butterflies than you can count. Website (956) 583-9009

Port Isabel
Take a daylong deep sea fishing excursion or wade fish in the bay (known as the Laguna Madre) off the banks of the mainland or the island. The bay is nationally renowned for red drum, speckled trout and flounder.

Just north of the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel is a long, lighted pier parallel to the causeway.

Port Mansfield
Bordered by the King Ranch, this sport fishing hot spot was once a small commercial fishing village and servicing port for oil companies. Wading and pier fishing both produce spectacular results. There is an annual fishing tournament in July.

Lodging, restaurants, clubs, marinas, RV parks and hunting and fishing guides as well as a 3,200-foot lighted runway for private aircraft. (956) 944-2354.

Rio Grande Wildlife Corridor
A number of agencies are working together to create the Rio Grande Wildlife Corridor by buying adjacent tracts and designating them as wildlife sanctuaries. The resulting corridor running the length of the Valley will be much the same as before farmers cleared much of the natural habitat. When animals can travel undisturbed from one ecosystem to another, their numbers and diversity should increase.

Sabal Palm Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Owned by the National Audubon Society, this 527-acre wildlife sanctuary near Brownsville is the largest and best-preserved Texas Sabal Palm forest in the country. An excellent destination for walking, photography and nature watching, the sanctuary has no facilities for camping, hunting, fishing or driving.

Brochures for both Native and Forest trails are available in the Visitor Center. A small picnic area lies outside the Visitor Center.

Large groups should call ahead for appointments. Self-guided tours are available. Trails can be walked from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (956) 541- 8034.

La Sal del Rey Tract and La Sal Vieja Tract
Indians, conquistadors and Confederate soldiers once traversed the banks of these historic salt lakes. Both of these tracts are excellent birding sites and are open from sunrise to sunset daily. Stay on trails and enter only through marked entry points.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Boasting more species of birds than any other spot in the United States, this 2,088-acre refuge attracts birders from all over the world.

Walk on multiple trails of different lengths totaling 12 miles underneath hanging Spanish moss. Stop at three manmade lakes and birdwatching blinds. Tram tours are available on seasonal schedules. Open daily from dawn to dusk. The Visitors Center is open year ’round 8-4 except major holidays. (956) 787-3079.

Scenic Wetland Trails
In Edinburg, forty acres of scenic wetlands have an extensive growth of native vegetation around two ponds that provide prime habitat to an abundance of birds, including several uncommon species. Six observation blinds along trail. Part of the World Birding Center. Open daily during daylight hours. Website (956) 381-5631.

South Padre Island
Isla Blanca Park has two beachfront pavilions, a 1,000-foot sea walk, marina, restaurants, gift shops, volleyball nets and showers. Stroll or fish off huge granite jetties. RV camping is available. Open daily. (956) 761-5493.

Andy Bowie County Park, north of the city limits, has two beachfront pavilions, picnic tables, showers and restrooms and a large parking area. Open daily. Horseback riders can trot through the surf at very affordable hourly rates. (956) 761-3704.

Rent a wide array of unusual toys—rafts, giant floating tricycles and more—to frolic in the surf. Access your inner teenager with parasailing, waverunners, bungee jumping (for the strong of heart), race cars and a vast array of streetlegal fun vehicles.

Beachcombing and sunset watching are equally popular activities. (800) 343-2368.

Valley Nature Center- Weslaco
A three-fourths mile, self-guided nature trail takes visitors through a six-acre urban forest. It features an exhibits hall, gift shop, and meeting facilities, with educational programs all year for adults and children. Presentations can be arranged for meetings and school groups. Closed Mondays. 301 S. Border Ave., Weslaco. Website (956) 969-2475.

The Valley Nature Center provides hands on opportunities for educating enthusiasts of all ages about the wonder of the unique Valley ecosystem. It is the only nature center south of Corpus Christi and east of Eagle Pass. This non-profit organization has been dedicated to environmental education since it opened its doors in 1985.

World Birding Center
A grand vision takes flight at the new World Birding Center, with headquarters at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission. Texas Parks & Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services join nine Valley communities dotted along 120 miles of river road from South Padre Island west to Roma to form this ecological treasure. Novices as well as advanced birders/naturalists are invited to enjoy viewing stations, watching towers, interpretive centers and programs. Website (956) 585-1107.

Above: Nested at the entrance to Bentsen – Rio Grande Valley State Park lays the new World Birding Center Headquarters. The recently completed building displays an architectural theme that is simple and modern. The center proudly shares an educational message on the importance of habitat restoration and conservation.