Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley!
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AREA ATTRACTIONS

  • Port Isabel Historical Museum
    A state-of-the-art facility is located in the Champion Building. Built in 1899 as a dry goods store and residence, it now houses two exhibit levels, a theater, a gift shop and one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S. - Mexican War. The facade features the famous 'fish mural' painted in 1906 by a local fisherman. (Last ticket is sold at 3:30 p.m.) Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (956) 943-7602.

  • The Treasures of the Gulf Museum
    puts the spotlight on three Spanish shipwrecks. Meeting their fate in 1554, just 30 miles north of Port Isabel, and brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children's Discovery Lab, Ship Theatre and Nautical Gift Shop. (Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.) Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (956) 943-7602.


  • Photo by Valerie D. Bates (C)2004
    All Rights Reserved

  • Port Isabel Lighthouse
    Constructed in 1852, the Point Isabel Lighthouse was built to protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. In 1952, the Lighthouse was opened as a State Park and remains the only lighthouse on the Texas coast open to the public. The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage which is on the grounds of the lighthouse, houses the Chamber of Commerce. (Last ticket is sold at 4 p.m.) Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (956) 943-7602.

  • Gladys Porter Zoo
    With more than 1,500 animal specimens, the Gladys Porter Zoo ranks as one of the premier zoos in the world. The zoo specializes in collecting and breeding endangered species. The 31-acre park, opened in 1971, has such zoo favorites as gorillas, giraffes, lions and rhinos as well as many other exotic animals. Virtually all animals live in open exhibits where visitors can view them in their natural surroundings. Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended weekend and summer hours. Admission is $6.50 for adults ages 14 and up, $3.25 for children ages 2-13 and $5 for senior citizens ages 65 and older (prices subject to change). Ask about discounts for groups of 10 or more. 500 Ringgold, Brownsville. (956) 546-7187.

  • Iwo Jima Memorial
    Fashioned from a photo of U.S. Marines planting the flag on Iwo Jima, this was the original statue used to cast the more famous monument in Arlington, VA. It is located on the campus of Harlingen's Marine Military Academy. A Visitors Center includes a museum focusing on the battle with a 30-minute film, a gift shop and a scrapbook of all Iwo Jima veterans who have visited the monument. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard, Harlingen near the airport. (956) 412-2207

  • Texas Air Museum
    More than 50 historic aircraft from both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam are on display at this museum. View restoration work underway on German fighters, Russian transport planes and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. There are special "fly-ins" featuring demonstration flights on the second Saturday of each month from October through March and on the Fourth of July, weather permitting. Admission. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farm Road 106, Rio Hondo, 8 miles east of Harlingen. (956) 748-2112.

  • Valley Race Park
    Valley Race Park in Harlingen offers both greyhound and horse racing with year-round full card simulcast racing from the finest racetracks throughout Texas and the U.S. Seasonal live greyhound racing November 30-April 7 features some of the best greyhounds racing in the country. The 80,000 square foot air-conditioned facility has three dining areas to entertain family, friends and business associates plus two banquet rooms that are ideal for special group functions. Gates open daily at 11 a.m. Free parking. Take Expressway 77/83 in Harlingen to Ed Carey Drive and then go south on Ed Carey about one mile. (956) 412-7223.

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1320 W. Frontage Road
Alamo, Texas 78516
Phone: 956-787-8221
For Reservations: 1-800-335-3131

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