The city of Los Fresnos, Texas holds the opportunity for plenty of beach time and a lot of birding. Located in the midst of the central flyway, the city is poised for bird watchers to gaze upon a number of rare species that flock here, as well as prepare themselves for the number of other outdoor activities that might likewise attract them. With 95% of the Rio Grande Valley’s native habitat having been cleared for development and farming, the rare pockets of untouched land that allow for recreational activity in the great outdoors are taken advantage of here, and with reckless abandon (and that’s a good thing!)
Things to Do
Los Fresnos, Texas: Best Birding, Bobz World, & A Little Graceland Rolled Into One
Photo: Facebook/Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
With close to 100,000 acres, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge provides an opulent sanctuary for a multitude of plant and animal species. There are a number of paths to take on foot or by bicycle, where you can spot birds, butterflies, and even alligators (from a safe platform). If touring around on the water is more your cup of tea, the refuge also provides kayaks and gear to paddle the Laguna Madre. Catch up-close glimpses of the abundant fish and native seagrasses that populate one of the world’s most hypersaline lagoons.
Photo: Facebook/Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
If you would like to tour a part of the refuge by air-conditioned van, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers guided tours of the 15-mile loop called Bayside Drive. Or to feel the wind in your hair, take an open-air tram and bring a zoom lens or binoculars to be able to get a closer look at the birds and critters you come across. Over 400 species of birds have been sighted at the refuge, which makes it one of the best spots for birding in the Rio Grande Valley.
Photo: Facebook/The Texas Bucket List
And if you simply want to be a Texas tourist, drive until you see the giant gorilla that signals the amazing family fun that is Bobz World – an amalgamation of arcade, bowling, souvenir shopping and food that is sure to make even your youngest go ape-y! Also, Little Graceland is a Texas-sized phenomenon in Los Fresnos that you need to see to believe. Simon Vega was an army buddy of Elvis Presley, and although Elvis’ real Graceland resides in Tennessee, Vega has established a tribute to the man in his own home called Little Graceland, complete with replica wrought-iron gates adorned with musical notes. It truly is an earnest shrine to the King, and every January, Vega throws a birthday bash for Elvis, complete with tribute artist performances watched by hundreds of adoring fans. And it’s all here for your enjoyment in Los Fresnos, Texas!