Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Kingsville, TX

  • Published 2023/04/06

When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and are looking for a bit of adventure and excitement, look no further than Kingsville, Texas.

Located in the southern region of Texas, Kingsville is the seat of Kleberg County.

There’s so much to do with museums, historic downtowns, and shopping malls.

The city is known for its strong history and rich cultural heritage.

One of the most popular attractions in Kingsville is the King Ranch Museum, which tells stories from Texas’ past through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live demonstrations.

It also has plenty of activities for visitors, including hiking and biking trails, nature tours, and an assortment of festivals and events.

The best thing about Kingsville is that it’s an excellent place for all kinds of travelers.

Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, this city has something for everyone.

When you visit this city, you will enjoy some of the best things in life that this area has to offer.

Check out the best things to do in Kingsville, TX.

Meet the Animals in King Ranch

Exterior of King Ranch's main house

Darryn Rose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, is one of the state’s most famous and well-known attractions.

The King family has owned the Ranch since its founding in 1853.

It is one of the largest ranches in the world and spans about 825,000 acres.

The ranch is known for its breeding program, which produces some of the world’s finest horses.

It also has cattle, which are used for breeding.

Exterior of King Ranch's commissary

Darryn Rose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is home to many different facilities, including a large museum and visitor center with many exhibits about Texas’ history.

There are also many different tours available, so you can see what life was like for the Spanish ranch hands who worked there in the early days.

Visitors can hike through the property’s natural vegetation.

Explore its many buildings and learn about its history from guides at the visitor center.

Go Back in Time at the 1904 Train Depot Museum

The 1904 Train Depot Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in trains and railroad history.

The 1904 Train Depot Museum was initially a transportation hub for passengers traveling from Corpus Christi to Brownsville, Texas.

The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the history of train travel through Texas and the Southwestern United States.

It features custom pieces like memorabilia and artifacts, signs and emblems, dining car place settings, and other things that make this museum enjoyable and exciting.

The train depot museum has exhibits that tell stories about the early years of rail transportation in Texas.

You can learn about the history of railroads in Texas.

The museum will show you that they were an essential part of the state’s economy.

You’ll love this museum because it offers so many things and will not bore you with the same old stories.

Have Fun at Dick Kleberg Park

If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll love this park situated minutes away from downtown Kingsville.

It’s a great place to hike, explore, and even camp.

Dick Kleberg Park is a fantastic place that offers so much more than just a few acres with trees.

There are miles and miles of trails to explore.

You can walk on them all day long or take a short hike here or there.

There are plenty of picnic tables here, so you can stop by for lunch or dinner while enjoying the scenery.

In addition, the park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, or horseback riding.

If you’re looking for a fun activity in Kingsville, visit Dick Kleberg Park.

Savor Authentic Mexican Flavors in El Dorado Restaurant

If you’re craving an authentic Mexican flavor, head to El Dorado, a favorite local restaurant.

With authentic Mexican food and a family-friendly atmosphere, this restaurant has served the people of Kingsville since its opening.

The restaurant prides itself on using only the best ingredients to create its signature dishes.

They have an incredible menu, and it’s not hard to see why people keep coming back for more.

El Dorado Restaurant serves tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and much more.

You can choose from beef or chicken when ordering your specialty dish.

Likewise, you can choose your food’s spice levels.

With its delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff, El Dorado is truly a wonderful place to enjoy authentic Mexican food with family or friends.

Learn Local History at John E. Conner Museum

If you’re looking to spend some time exploring the fun and beautiful city of Kingsville, you must visit the John E. Conner Museum.

John E. Conner Museum is located inside the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

It’s an excellent learning tool for people of all ages.

The University’s first history professor, John Edwin Conner, established the museum in 1929.

It is home to a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the area’s rich history.

You’ll also find some unique pieces of art that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Visitors will appreciate learning about local history through hands-on activities.

For example, read about famous individuals who were born or lived in Kingsville at one point or another.

Visiting the John E. Conner Museum in Kingsville is a great way to know this unique city better.

Meet Local Farmers at Kingsville Farmers Market

The Kingsville Farmers Market is a vibrant and exciting place to visit in the downtown pavilion in Kingsville.

Kingsville Farmers Market is a great place to visit, especially if you’re looking for fresh fruits and vegetables.

The market specializes in locally grown products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and much more.

It also hosts live music concerts and events throughout the year.

It’s convenient for both local businesses and visitors alike.

You can stop by to enjoy some lunch or dinner while shopping for groceries.

Kingsville Farmers Market is an excellent place to pick up fresh food for your next picnic or barbecue meal.

Browse the Shops in Downtown Kingsville

The road of Downtown Kingsville

AlinaFox, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Kingsville is the heart of this historic city.

It’s home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment in the area.

Since its establishment in 1904, Downtown Kingsville has become an essential part of the city.

This place is Kingsville’s economic and cultural center.

You will find many unique restaurants and shops downtown and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities.

Whether you’re looking for a store that sells housewares or clothing, there’s a good chance that you’ll find it here.

Many events also occur in Downtown Kingsville each year, including festivals, parades, and concerts.

Downtown Kingsville offers a unique glimpse into the past, so take a walk around this historic place.

Visit the J.K Northway Exposition Center

The J.K Northway Exposition Center is a multipurpose coliseum in Kingsville that has hosted many events over the years.

Built in the 1960s, the facility can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators and has seating for 2,500 outside the arena.

The arena features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and a complete concession stand and restrooms.

The J. K. Northway Exposition Center is home to the Kleberg Kenedy County Junior Livestock Show, an event in Kingsville with many activities and programs.

The center features a variety of events, including concerts and sporting events, making it the perfect place to catch your favorite band or team.

Watch out for these one-of-a-kind experiences here at J.K Northway Exposition Center.

Drink Some Rum at the Wild Horse Distillery

This distillery has produced high-quality Texas whiskey since its inception.

Located just north of Kingsville, this distillery offers tours to visitors interested in learning more about its production methods and history.

The master distiller of Wild Horse Distillery is passionate about creating world-class spirits which use the best Texas-sourced ingredients.

Wild Horse Distillery offers handcrafted rums like the white rum, which has a smooth, creamy taste.

They also produce the naturally sweet gold rum, and the Texas rum, which has an overall taste of aged whiskey.

This family-owned and managed distillery also offers samples of its products for visitors to try before they buy.

If you’re visiting Kingsville, and haven’t yet visited Wild Horse Distillery, stop by this unique distillery on your next trip.

Roam the King Ranch Museum

Located on the grounds of King Ranch, this museum features artifacts from the ranch’s rich history and offers visitors an inside look at how ranching once was.

The King Ranch Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of this famous ranch in Texas.

The museum gives visitors insight into the life and times of one of America’s most famous ranches.

King Ranch Museum showcases its permanent exhibits.

You’ll find Toni Frisell’s photo of the ranch in the early 40s, rifles, guns, saddles from around the world, vintage cars, and many more.

They also screen video presentations about the history of the King Ranch Museum.

Take a tour around the ranch grounds.

You can walk around the different buildings and learn about what goes on at the ranch daily.

There are also many different animals that you can see here as well.

It’s fun to watch how they live their lives, from riding horses to feeding them hay.

Play Golf at L.E. Ramey Golf Course

Located on the outskirts of Kingsville, this 18-hole course offers a unique experience for golfers.

If you want something a bit different from the traditional links-style courses that are so popular in the area, this course is for you.

L.E. Ramey Golf Course is a public course with 18 holes, a driving range, and 6,995 yards of space for playing.

The course has operated since 1967 and is still one of the most popular courses in Kingsville.

It’s an ideal place for golfers of all skill levels to experience recreation and relaxation.

The course is open to the public year-round and is considered one of the most scenic courses in Kingsville.

Know Your Future with Kingsville Psychic

Kingsville Psychic is a fantastic place to visit when you’re in the area.

It’s a psychic shop that has helped many people find the answers they’ve been looking for.

This is an excellent experience for anyone who wants to know more about their future.

It’s also a great way to find out what you are destined for or if you have any hidden talents.

Kingsville Psychic is the place to go if you want to connect with your past and future.

Kingsville Psychic offers a variety of psychic readings, including tarot card reading, palm reading, aura cleansing, life coaching, and more.

The psychic will help you understand what you need from this life and where you belong in the world.

If you need to fix any problems in your life, then this shop can help you, too.

If you’re interested in getting readings from psychics in Kingsville, then you should check out this shop.

Reach New Heights with Vintage Air Tours

If you want to catch your breath and enjoy some time away from the hustle of everyday life, then consider visiting Vintage Air Tours.

Vintage Air Tours allows you to fly over the city and view it from above.

You can see all the landmarks and even get a bird’s eye view of some of the houses.

This fantastic experience will make you feel like you were transported back in time.

You can fly over the city on a WWII aircraft with knowledgeable tour guides to show you around the area from the sky.

Vintage Air Tours is perfect for those who want a bird’s eye view of the area they live in or visit often.

Bring Your Furry Friend to Vishal Raju Bhagat Memorial Dog Park

The Vishal Raju Bhagat Foundation Memorial Dog Park is a great place to take your dogs for a walk.

The memorial park is open daily, so you can bring your own dog or pet during the daytime.

The park features an off-leash area for dogs with their owners or guardians to play together while enjoying themselves at this beautiful place in Texas.

The park also includes several amenities like a water fountain and benches and a complete obstacle course where dogs can play.

If you love dogs, then this is one place you should visit in Kingsville.

It allows people to meet other dog-lovers and their pets, and spend time with their own furballs outdoors.

Admire the Artworks at the Barraza Fine Art Gallery

The Barraza Fine Art Gallery is located in a beautiful historic building.

It’s one of the most unique places in Kingsville that you should visit while you are there.

The South Texas artist Santa Barraza owns and operates the Barraza Fine Art Gallery.

Barraza aims to unleash the spiritual creativity of the artists around the area.

The building was built in 1907 as a private residence.

Today, it’s now an art gallery.

This gallery is home to various unique art pieces that are sure to make you stop and think.

Many different types of art are displayed throughout the building, including paintings from some of the best Texas artists.

You’ll also see Barraza’s own works.

If you’re looking for an artsy place to spend an afternoon, this is the place for you.

Listen to Classic Recitals and Performances by the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra

Kingsville is a city of wondrous entertainment and endless recreation.

And this proves to be true with the presence of the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra.

This music group was the result of a collaboration between the city of Kingsville and its resident college, Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Formed in 2006, it offers the beauty of orchestral concerts to the city and its surrounding places.

One of its highlighted programs is its free children’s concert held annually.

But it hosts a variety of concerts and symphonies all throughout the year, too.

So, get your tickets in advance and prepare for a night of music and extravaganza.

Most of the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra’s performances take place in the Performance Hall of the university on North Armstrong Street.

Enjoy the Festivities at the Annual Ranch Hand Weekend

When it comes to festivals, Kingsville always makes sure to pay homage to its heritage and culture.

And this is the same with Ranch Hand Weekend.

This annual event celebrates the ranching industry of the state of Texas.

Complete with good food, live music, and its staple two-step dancing, this festival is a must-visit for first-time and recurring visitors to the town.

Some other activities you can expect at this event include cooking demonstrations, a car show, and a team roping course.

Ranch Hand Weekend occurs every November in the historic King Ranch.

Bring Home a Special Gift for a Loved One from The Cherry Tree Tea Room

The Cherry Tree Tea Room is one of the food treasures of Kingsville.

This local cafe serves a variety of tea amid its sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

One of its charming points is its servings of flavored teas in vintage tea sets.

The quaint cafe offers a cozy, homely atmosphere with its photos and fresh flowers.

It also has a gift shop onsite, making it a unique stop for those looking for souvenirs to take home with them.

The Cherry Tree Tea Room is on East Kleberg Avenue.

View Mother Julia’s Statue at Mother Julia Museum & Chapel

Want a nice change from your usual historical excursion in Kingsville?

Mother Julia Museum & Chapel might be the spot for you.

This historical gem features stained glass windows and adoration stations.

Its centerpiece is the bronze statue of the revered woman herself, greeting everyone visiting the place near its entrance.

Mother Julia was a remarkable nun who helped establish 45 convents.

At the young age of 19, she answered her spiritual call and eventually opened a school within the town, too.

Now, you can learn more about her works at this well-rounded chapel and museum.

Mother Julia Museum & Chapel is on Richard Avenue.

Watch Art Exhibitions at Ben Bailey Art Gallery

An artistic adventure awaits you at Ben Bailey Art Gallery.

This gallery offers a massive showcase of artworks from artists all over the world.

From mixed media to fine art painting, there’s so much creative inspiration for you to absorb.

Come by by yourself or with a loved one on a date, and you won’t regret it.

Housed in Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Ben Bailey Art Gallery is on West Santa Gertrudis Boulevard.

Final Thoughts

Kingsville is one of those places that you can’t get enough of.

It’s a fun place to be, and its people are amicable.

Kingsville has many things to do that will keep you busy all day long.

There are many fun activities to enjoy during your stay here, such as bike riding, kayaking, golfing, and more.

The city also has a great nightlife with various restaurants, bars, and clubs that are sure to please anyone’s taste buds.

Many festivals take place throughout the year, and there is always something going on.

While it may not be as famous as other cities like Houston or San Antonio, it’s worth a visit on your next trip to Texas.

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