Cameron: Coast, Nature and History

Three distinct themes take center stage when planning a trip to Cameron: coast, history and nature. Each place and activity has its own focus—from fishing by the water to historic sites, nature trails and wildlife watching. This lets you tailor your choices to what interests you most on your trip.

Coast, Beach and Water

Padre Island National Seashore protects 66 miles of wild coastline and one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Fishing is possible there from the beach, the lagoon or a boat. The park also has two campgrounds, as well as opportunities for primitive beach camping. To reach Padre Island National Seashore, take the JFK Causeway and Highway 358; Park Road 22 then runs about 10 miles to the park entrance.

At Isla Blanca Park, more than a mile of sandy coastline stretches along the Gulf. The park also has a fully equipped marina and more than 600 RV sites. The coastal destinations therefore differ in their described features: Padre Island National Seashore focuses on wild coastline, fishing and camping, while Isla Blanca Park has a marina and numerous RV sites.

Battlefields and Lighthouse History

Palo Alto Battlefield and Resaca de la Palma Battlefield are two units of the park that commemorate the first two battlefields of the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. The first major battle of the war took place at Palo Alto Battlefield. Palo Alto Battlefield preserves much of its 1846 character; a broad coastal prairie is the defining landscape feature of the National Historical Park.

The Port Isabel Lighthouse was built in 1852. The reconstructed keeper's house now serves as a visitor center and museum. Visitors who climb the lighthouse tackle 75 winding steps and three short ladders. From there, they can see the coastal landscape and the beaches of South Padre Island. A visit to the historic site combines with views of the coast.

Nature Trails and Wildlife Watching

In Resaca de la Palma State Park, Texas ebony and anacua forests line a resaca, or oxbow lake. The park offers more than 10 miles of nature trails and tram rides through the preserved ecosystem. Tram rides are available Wednesday through Sunday. The trails differ in length and features: the Ebony Trail is 0.2 miles long and ends at an observation platform and boardwalk. The Quail Loop is a recommended 1.3-mile mountain biking loop where you can spot ospreys and other birds of prey. The paved Tram Loop is 2.8 miles long and has seven trailheads and viewing opportunities.

At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, the 14.2-mile Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive leads to Osprey Overlook above a 3,500-acre freshwater lake. Biodiversity is another defining feature of the refuge: it is home to 417 bird species, 45 mammal species, 44 reptile species, 130 butterfly species and 450 plant species. The views of the landscape along the drive and the figures on its wildlife and plant life offer two different ways to experience the refuge.

Sabal Palm Sanctuary combines nature and history. More than 3 miles of nature trails lead to the Rio Grande and through the Sabal Palm Forest. The 1892 Rabb Plantation House serves as the sanctuary's visitor center.

More Excursions

At Gladys Porter Zoo, visitors can see 377 animal species and 225 plant species along a route about three-quarters of a mile long. The zoo also has the Russell Aquatic Ecology Center, a free-flight aviary, a herpetarium and a Komodo dragon exhibit. The visitor route and the areas listed make the zoo a different kind of excursion from the nature trails and wildlife refuges.

Pedro Benavides Recreational Park also offers a variety of experiences: its mountain biking trail is about 2.5 miles long and includes sections for beginners, intermediate riders and experts. A nature trail about a mile long also runs along the resaca and has two wildlife observation stations. County Beach No. 6 allows vehicles to drive onto the beach; many visitors use it for day camping.

Discover more destinations: Harlingen, South Padre Island, Brownsville, San Benito, Port Isabel, Los Fresnos, Laguna Vista, La Feria, Bayview, Encantada-Ranchito El Calaboz

For the broader travel overview: Texas.