Sabal Palm Sanctuary
8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd. · Brownsville, TX
Sabal Palm protects one of the last stands of native sabal palm forest in the United States, on the far south edge of Brownsville. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under, and the site has over three miles of nature trails, wildlife viewing stations, and an observation deck that is wheelchair accessible. Guided bird walks and history tours generally run November through March, which lines up with the season, but the schedule is not posted online so call before you drive out. It is closed Wednesdays, and the Gorgas Science Foundation runs it under a lease from the National Audubon Society.
More Recreation in the Valley
See all →Resaca de la Palma State Park & World Birding Center
Brownsville
The largest World Birding Center state park, 1,200 acres in Brownsville. $4 a day, open 6am to 10pm, best birding October through April.
Quinta Mazatlan
McAllen · Nature Centers & Wildlife Refuges
Historic adobe mansion and urban bird sanctuary in McAllen, part of the World Birding Center. Easy paved trails, feeders, and evening programs.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Mission · Nature Centers & Wildlife Refuges
Headquarters of the World Birding Center, with a tram, trails, and hawk watch. Prime green jay and chachalaca country for Valley birders.
Shary Municipal Golf Course
Mission · Golf Courses
Mission's 27-hole city golf course, the town's busiest winter attraction. Walk in or book a tee time, with a full driving range.