Del Rio is a border city in South Texas that is teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty.
Founded in the late 19th century, the city was once a bustling stop on the San Antonio-El Paso Road.
Today, Del Rio is still a popular stop for travelers on the US 90, who come to experience its rich heritage and scenic surroundings.
The city of Del Rio is connected to Acuña, Mexico across the border by the Lake Amistad Dam International Crossing, an international bridge that crosses the Del Río River.
Also Read: Ultimate West Texas Road Trip Itinerary
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Del Rio is essentially the backdoor to Big Bend country.
You will find plenty of activities in the nearby area including hiking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing.
Del Rio, while being in West Texas, somehow reminds us more of the Hill Country and Central Texas.
Here you will find crystal clear natural springs, caverns, water bodies, lush vegetation – a far cry from the desert of West Texas!
This rarely visited Texan city is a great weekend getaway for all types of travelers.
Also Read: 25 Best Things to do in West Texas
Best Things to do in Del Rio, Texas
Located less than 3 hours away from San Antonio, Del Rio is a hidden gem.
The city is home to a number of historical sites, including the Whitehead Memorial Museum and the Val Verde County Courthouse.
Del Rio is also known for its vibrant arts scene.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking in the nearby parks.
Here are our favorite things to do in Del Rio, Texas.
Check out the art galleries in downtown
Del Rio is home to a number of art galleries that showcase the work of local and regional artists.
The galleries are located in the downtown area, and many of them are within walking distance of each other.
An essential stop is the Firehouse Gallery, which once served as Del Rio’s first firehouse as well as City Hall.
Other popular art galleries include Falcon Art Gallery, Lee-Bunch Studio Gallery, and Casa de la Cultura.
See the murals near Casa de la Cultura
Casa de la Cultura is a community cultural center in Del Rio, Texas.
The center offers a variety of programs and events that promote the arts, culture, and heritage of the region.
If you have the time, take a tour of the center.
Inside, you will find stunning art work, murals, and photographs created by the Del Rio community.
The center also celebrates events such as the Day of the Dead with spectacular artwork.
Take a walk around Barrio San Felipe
Barrio San Felipe is the neighborhood where the Casa de Cultura is located.
It is also home to other attractions such as Brown Plaza, historic buildings being restored by the Brown Plaza Conservancy, and trails along the San Felipe Creek.
In the neighborhood, you will see a variety of murals depicting Del Rio’s rich history and ecology, such as the Del Rio Flood mural.
Take a stroll around the neighborhood to spot the beautiful murals focusing on themes such as culture, environment, history, friendship, trade, and more.
Historic Brown Plaza located at the center of the neighborhood is also worth a visit.
Brown Plaza has a rich history: it was here that Del Rio began!
This was the first plaza in the city and initial buildings of the settlement started coming up around the Brown Plaza.
The plaza even has a central bandstand or gazebo where concerts and political events were held since the earliest times.
Another attraction in Barrio San Felipe is the Rotary Park along San Felipe Creek.
Take a stroll and see the town’s historic buildings
Del Rio is a city rich in history, and its historic buildings are a testament to that.
One of the most iconic is the Val Verde County Courthouse, which was built in 1887.
The courthouse is a beautiful example of Second Empire Style architecture, with its intricate Victorian hardware and sandstone structure.
Another significant historic building in Del Rio is the Glenn-Dowe House, Val Verde Winery building, Theater, and more.
We recommend taking a stroll around Main Street and historic downtown areas to see these historic structures.
Keep aside about an hour or two for the activity.
Learn about Judge Roy Bean at the Whitehead Memorial Museum
The Whitehead Memorial Museum is the best place to learn about the history of Val Verde County.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to the life and times of Judge Roy Bean, the self-proclaimed “Law West of the Pecos.”
In addition to dispensing his own brand of frontier justice, Bean also ran a saloon and served as postmaster.
Visitors can see everything from Bean’s personal pistol to his hand-crafted wooden coffee table.
His final resting place is also in the museum.
Along with exhibits on Bean, the museum also features rotating exhibitions on topics such as cowboy culture and Native American life.
See the aviation artifacts at Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum
The Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum in Del Rio, Texas, founded to showcase the rich history and heritage of the Laughlin Air Force Base, is a true hidden gem in Del Rio.
The museum has exhibits on the history of the Laughlin Air Force Base, it role in defense of the country, as well as information on aircrafts that fly from the base such as the U-2 jet.
Enjoy a drink at Val Verde Winery
Val Verde Winery is a historic winery located in Del Rio, Texas.
The winery was established in 1883 by Frank Qualia, an Italian immigrant, and it is the oldest continuously operating winery in the state of Texas.
The winery is still managed by the Qualia family and is known for its production of quality wines.
The winery offers a variety of tours and tastings, and it is a popular destination for visitors.
Cool down at the Moore Park Public Pool
The Moore Park Public Pool in Del Rio, Texas is a great place to cool off and have some fun in the summer months.
The pool features a large deck area with chairs and umbrellas for relaxing in the sun.
There is also a snack bar and a playground for children.
The Moore Park Pool is a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
Play golf at San Felipe Country Club
In sleepy Del Rio, you will find an excellent golf course at the country club.
The golf course is located along the banks of the San Felipe River and offers amazing views.
It is a popular destination for golfers.
Visit the famous San Felipe Springs
San Felipe Springs is one of the most beautiful places in Texas.
The springs are located in Del Rio, and they are known for their crystal-clear water.
Visitors can go swimming, fishing, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
The San Felipe Creek swimming hole is vey popular in the summer and one of the best ways to access it is at the Lions Park.
Best Things to do near Del Rio, TX
You will find a variety of outdoor attractions located in the Del Rio area.
Here are some of our favorites to explore now.
Spend a day at Lake Amistad National Recreation Area
Lake Amistad National Recreation Area, located on the Texas-Mexico border, is known for its clear waters and scenic views.
The reservoir was created in the early 1969 when the International Amistad Dam was built on the Rio Grande.
Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
The area also offers several hiking trails and picnicking spots.
In recent years, Lake Amistad has become increasingly popular as a destination for bird watching.
The lake is home to a variety of bird species, including ducks, geese, herons, and bald eagles.
The area around the lake is rich with Native American history, and there are several archaeological sites that can be explored.
See the petroglyphs at Seminole Canyon State Park
Seminole Canyon State Historical Park is a must-see for anyone interested in Texas history.
The park is home to some of the most important petroglyphs in the state, which provide a window into the lives of the Native Americans who once lived in the area.
The guided Fate Bell Shelter tour is an excellent way to learn more about the petroglyphs and see them up close.
The tour takes you through a fascinating landscape of canyons and cliffs.
You can also hike down to the Rio Grande river or take a stroll along the nature trail.
Go underground at Kickapoo Caverns State Park
Kickapoo Caverns State Park is home to a series of caves and caverns that are perfect for exploring, and the surrounding hills offer breathtaking views.
While the caves are the main attraction, there is also plenty to do above ground.
Hikers can enjoy miles of trails, and birdwatchers can keep an eye out for the many species that make their home in the park.
Enjoy kayaking at Devils River State Natural Area
Devils River State Natural Area is a beautiful place to visit.
The river itself is crystal clear and flows over limestone beds, creating a unique and stunning ecosystem.
The surrounding land is mostly undeveloped, providing a haven for wildlife.
Visitors can also enjoy activities like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and tubing on the river.
What are your favorite things to do while visiting Del Rio, Texas? Let us know below.
