The geographic region between
San Antonio and the Rio Grande River is commonly known as the South Texas Plains. This is the very area which was disputed in the US/Mexico war following Texas' annexation into the United States. Today this region includes the rich produce-farming area of the
Rio Grande Valley, as well as much of Texas' most famous ranchland, such as the world-known King Ranch.
The largest city in the South Texas plains region, Brownsville is nestled in a crook in the Rio Grande River just a few miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. It is most often thought of as the "Gateway to Mexico" for visitors to nearby Port Isabel and South Padre Island wishing to head across to Brownsville's sister city, Matamoros, Mexico. However, Brownsville is very much a destination in its own right. With numerous shopping opportunities, including the Juarez Market, as well as a full compliments of hotels, restaurants, museums and attractions, Brownsville offers more than enough to keep visitors busy. The two most popular tourist attractions in Brownsville are the
Palo Alto Battlefield, site of the first battle in the US/Mexico war, and the nationally-renown
Gladys Porter Zoo.
Located within a short drive of San Antonio, Floresville is a great day trip destination for visitors to the Alamo City. Historic Rancho de las Cabras headlines the attractions in Floresville. However, downtown Floresville, which is full of numerous historic buildings, is also a popular stop for tourists. Jackson Nature Park and the Canary Islanders Cemetery, which was established before 1732, are also popular attractions. Today, Floresville is also widely known for its annual Peanut Festival.
Gonzales is a small town, but it has played a huge role in Texas history. Known as the "Cradle of Texas Independence," Gonzales was the site of the first battle in the Texas Revolution. Today, Gonzales celebrates this event with its annual "Come and Take It Festival," which draws its name from the famous battle. Today Gonzales is a popular stop for history buffs. Several
historic buildings and sites are available for public viewing year around.
Goliad is another small town with a big place in Texas history. The site of the most infamous battle in the Texas Revolution, the Texas Declaration of Independence was actually signed inside a mission in Goliad. However, the town is most closely related to the incident following a battle in 1836, when Col. James Fannin and 341 Texan soldiers were captured following the Battle of Coleto Creek and executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre
Named after Capt. Richard King, owner of the nearby King Ranch, Kingsville was founded in 1904. Since its straddles US Highway 77, Kingsville is often thought of as the "Gateway to South Texas." Kingsville is well-known among sportsman, as nearby Baffin Bay is renown for world-class saltwater fishing and the miles of surrounding ranchland are home to some of the best hunting in the nation. Kingsville also boasts a variety of museums and, of course, its namesake ranch - the King Ranch - tours of which are still popular among tourists.
As its name implies, the city of Mission is home to several Spanish missions, the most famous of which is the La Lomita Mission, for which Mission was named. Located along the Texas/Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley, Mission is a popular seasonal destination for Winter Texans. It also is home to the popular Citrus Festival. Mission is considered the hub of Texas birding, as it is home to the World Birding Center, Bentsen State Park and several other excellent birding locations. Mission also boasts four quality golf courses and is located near the Los Ebanos Ferry, which is the last hand-drawn ferry on the Rio Grande River.
Located about halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, near the confluence of the Atascosa, Frio and Nueces Rivers, Three Rivers is home to Choke Canyon Reservoir, Choke Canyon State Park and numerous other venues for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located on the Texas/Mexico border, along the shores of Falcon Lake and the Rio Grande River, Zapata is on the western edge of the South Texas Plains. A popular stop for Winter Texans and outdoor enthusiasts, Zapata offers world-class bass fishing, hunting, and birding.
