12 Fantastic & Fun Things to do in Kingsville, Texas

Kingsville, Texas is a charming city located in the southern tip of the state. With a population of just over 26,000, Kingsville is the perfect place to enjoy a small-town experience while still having access to all the amenities of a larger city. 

The city is home to beautiful parks and museums, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. 

Kingsville is also within driving distance of some of Texas’ most popular tourist destinations, making it the perfect base for exploring everything the state has to offer. 

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed vacation, Kingsville has something for everyone.

Kingsville Visitors Center

When visiting Kingsville, be sure to stop by the Kingsville Visitor Center. Located in the historic downtown district, the visitor center is a great place to learn about the history of Kingsville and the surrounding area.

The knowledgeable staff can provide information on local attractions and events, and they can also help you plan your visit to Kingsville.

In addition to providing information on things to do in Kingsville, the visitor center also offers a variety of resources for visitors, including maps, brochures, and an online trip planner.

Be sure to stop by the visitor center and explore all that this charming town has to offer.

102 E Kleberg Ave, Kingsville, TX 78363

King Ranch Visitor Center

The King Ranch is one of the most famous ranches in Texas, and the King Ranch Visitor Center is a great place to learn about its history. 

We’re happy to announce that our tour program is set to re-open next week! Daily tours of the Ranch will be available…

Posted by King Ranch Visitor Center on Thursday, August 13, 2020

Located in Kingsville, the visitor center offers a variety of exhibits and programs that tell the story of the ranch.

Visitors can see artifacts from the early days of the ranch, when it was founded in 1853, as well as more recent items from its days as a working cattle ranch. 

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something to do in Kingsville, the King Ranch Visitor Center is worth a visit and certainly one of the best things to do in Kingsville.

2205 TX-141 W, Kingsville, TX 78363

King Ranch

King Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the world, and it’s a must-see when visiting Kingsville, Texas. 

Spanning over 825,000 acres, the ranch is bigger than the state of Rhode Island! 

It’s home to a variety of animals, including cattle, deer, sheep, coyotes, and quail. 

There are also a number of historic buildings on the property, which are open to tours. 

A Brief History of King Ranch

King Ranch was founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King and Gideon K. Lewis. Captain King was a steamship captain who transported cargo between New Orleans and Brownsville, Texas.

He met Lewis while docked in Brownsville, and the two men hit it off immediately. They decided to go into business together, and they purchased 3,560 acres of land near present-day Kingsville. 

The ranch soon began to grow rapidly. By 1854, it had expanded to include 27 miles of Gulf frontage and encompassed over 50,000 acres.

The following year, King married Henrietta Chamberlain Sevier and Lewis married her sister Catherine. The two families moved onto the property and made it their home. 

Over the next several years, additional acreage was acquired through purchases and grants. By the early 1900s, the ranch had reached its current size of 825,000 acres.

Today, it’s still owned and operated by descendants of Captain King and is one of the largest privately-owned ranches in North America. 

What to See and Do at King Ranch

There’s plenty to see and do at King Ranch! Visitors can take part in a number of activities, including horseback riding, hayrides, fishing, hunting, birding, and more. 

There are also a number of historic buildings on the property that are open for tours.

These include the Santa Gertrudis House (the first building constructed on the ranch), the Villareal House (built in 1888), and La Copita Chapel (built in 1916). 

Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and anecdotes about life on the ranch throughout its history. 

Henrietta Memorial Center King Ranch Museum

The Henrietta Memorial Center King Ranch Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the King Ranch, which was once the largest ranch in the United States. 

Visitors can explore exhibitions on the ranch’s history, learn about the cowboy way of life, and see a replica of the ranch’s original headquarters. 

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including cowboy poetry readings and chuck wagon cook-offs. 

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something to do, the Henrietta Memorial Center King Ranch Museum is worth a visit.

King Ranch Saddle Shop

King Ranch Saddle Shop is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kingsville, Texas. 

The shop offers a wide variety of cowboy merchandise, including saddles, boots, hats, and belts. 

In addition to the standard cowboy gear, the shop also sells a range of Western-themed home decor items. 

The staff is friendly and helpful, and they are always happy to answer any questions that you might have. 

WHERE TO STAY IN KINGSVILLE

Here are our hand picked accommodations if you will be staying in Kingsville. You can’t go wrong, no muss, no fuss.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

La Quinta Inn & Suites

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Downtown Kingsville

Downtown Kingsville is a charming small town with a lot to offer visitors. One of the best ways to experience downtown is to take a walking tour. 

Leafy tree-lined streets and quaint shops give the town a cozy feeling, and there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. 

The Kleberg County Courthouse is one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Kingsville, and it’s definitely worth a visit. 

Whether you’re looking for some retail therapy or just want to soak up some small-town charm, Downtown Kingsville is definitely worth a visit.

John E. Conner Museum

Kingsville, Texas is home to the John E. Conner Museum, which chronicles the history of South Texas ranching. 

The museum features a variety of exhibits on the ranching lifestyle, from its early days to the present. 

Visitors can learn about the challenges of ranching in a harsh climate, the importance of teamwork, and the vital role that livestock play in the ranching economy. 

The museum also features a working blacksmith shop, where visitors can watch as skilled artisans create works of art from iron and steel. 

With its combination of historical exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, the John E. Conner Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of ranching in Texas.

Kingsville Farmers Market

The Kingsville Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other local items. 

The market is open every Saturday from 8:00am to noon, and it is located in the historic downtown area. 

In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market also features baked goods, honey, eggs, and soaps. There is also live music on select Saturdays. 

The Kingsville Farmers Market is a great place to support local businesses and get fresh, healthy food and is one of the best things to do in Kingsville.

1904 Train Depot Museum

The 1904 Train Depot in Kingsville, Texas is a must-see for any visitor to the area. The Depot is a beautifully restored piece of history, and it’s the perfect place to learn about the area’s rich railroad heritage. 

Visitors can take a tour of the Depot, and see how it was used in the early days of Kingsville’s history. They can also learn about the area’s famous “Texas Troubles” – a period of political turmoil that led to violence and bloodshed. 

After taking a tour of the Depot, visitors can explore the rest of Kingsville, which is full of historic buildings and interesting shops. 

There’s also a great selection of restaurants, so visitors can refuel after a day of exploring. 

Kingsville is a charming town with plenty to offer, and the 1904 Train Depot is just one of the many reasons to visit.

Ramey Golf Course

Ramey Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole course located in Kingsville, Texas. The course is well-maintained and offers a challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels. 

After a round of golf, visitors can relax in the clubhouse, which features a full-service bar and restaurant. 

Dick Kleberg Park

Dick Kleberg Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Kingsville, Texas. The park has a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails. 

The park also has a pond, which is home to a variety of fish and wildlife. Visitors can rent canoe and kayaks to explore the pond, or they can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. 

Dick Kleberg Park is a great place to spend a day with family and friends.

Wild Horse Distillery

Kingsville, Texas is a great place to visit for a taste of the old west. One of the best places to experience this is at the Wild Horse Distillery. 

The distillery offers tours of the facility as well as tastings of their various products. Their most popular product is their line of American whiskies, which are made using traditional methods and local ingredients. 

The distillery also makes a variety of other spirits, including vodka, gin, and rum. In addition to their spirits, the distillery also offers a range of western-themed merchandise, including cowboy hats and belt buckles. 

So whether you’re looking for a taste of the old west or just want to find a unique gift, the Wild Horse Distillery is definitely worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kingsville, Texas known for?

Kingsville, Texas is known for its rich ranching history, and for being the home of the King Ranch. The town is also known for its friendly people and beautiful scenery.

How far is Kingsville from the border of Mexico?

Kingsville is about 25 miles from the border of Mexico.

Is Kingsville worth visiting?

Yes, Kingsville is definitely worth visiting! The town has a lot to offer, including a rich ranching history, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. There are also plenty of things to do, like visit the King Ranch Saddle Shop or the John E. Conner Museum. Kingsville is a great place to spend a day, or even a weekend.

You might also like:

things to do in kingsville tx, kings ranch tours, things to do in kingsville texas, chuck wagon kingsville, what to do in kingsville tx, kings inn kingsville tx, places to eat in kingsville tx, kingsville tx things to do, king ranch store kingsville tx, king ranch tours, kingsville things to do, what is kingsville texas known for, things to do kingsville