11 Reasons I’m Loving Los Fresnos

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My family has lived in the RGV less than three months, but I can say with absolute certainty that I am loving living in Los Fresnos.

Imagine coming home from vacation to an immediate full-priced, cash offer on your house, with a seven-day move out request. Now, imagine that scenario with a five-month-old baby, a three-year old birthday girl, and a whole zoo of dogs. This was my life a few months ago. My husband and I had no idea where we were going to live, only that we needed to be within a decent commute to South Padre Island for his job transfer 202 miles away.

We looked at Bayview, Laguna Vista, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, San Benito and everything even remotely close to the Island with our very patient realtor (thanks, Kenya!). It was so much fun to explore all the tiny towns and neighborhoods, but we knew instantly that our heart belonged to the Bayview/Los Fresnos area.

I felt like a very giddy Goldilocks sipping on that perfect bowl of porridge when we recognized Los Fresnos as our town. While we haven’t tried everything, these are my favorite Los Fresnos area activities, eats, and places as a newbie in the RGV!

11 Favorite Los Fresnos Spots

1. Bobz World (Los Fresnos, Texas)

They have laser tag, some elaborate exhibits and structures, and several other activities which are technically still on our to-do list. I will say that I was grateful to find some delicious pizza and Blue Bell ice cream! Although I assume this place is more of a tourist attraction, sifting through the shop and having a fun and tasty family dinner and dessert was a neat little day adventure. 

2. Children’s Museum of Brownsville (Brownsville, Texas)

The closest children’s museum to our old home was the DoSeum in San Antonio, which was quite a trek. This year, my daughter did the Beansprout and Maui & Moana three-year old summer camps at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville. The staff was amazing and my daughter had an absolute blast. There was plenty to do for my son as well while we waited for my daughter. 

3. Chopstix (Los Fresnos, Texas)

Ah, delicious Chinese food. Sometimes I have sushi and fried rice cravings, and this place definitely hits the spot. While there’s no spicy yellowtail on the menu, I do love their California Rolls!

4. Elva’s Mexican Restaurant (Los Fresnos, Texas)

OH MY GIANT TACOS! My first time here I ordered two bacon and egg a la Mexicana tacos and one barbacoa taco. The waitress looked at me like I was cray! She said, “They’re the big ones.” I told her “It’s okay, I’m hungry.” I should have listened. Our temporary apartment was attached to this restaurant so we made Elva’s a regular (and absolutely essential) part of our morning routine.

5. Los Fresnos Memorial Park (Los Fresnos, Texas)

This park is amazing. It has a walking trail, a community pool, and a wonderful playscape. We attended the 4th of July festival here and my kids loved the choo-choo, free watermelon and bounce house. It was nice to participate in a local family-friendly activity.

6. Los Fresnos City Park (Los Fresnos, Texas)

When we didn’t have a washer and dryer, we had to use the super fun Coin Laundry. My husband was able to take my daughter with him to to this fun play place. It’s nestled right behind the local library on Highway 100. Every time we drive by my daughter asks to go play with friends!

7. Pirates Landing Restaurant (Port Isabel, Texas) 

This isn’t technically in Los Fresnos, but it’s a short little drive to Port Isabel from home and it’s absolutely worth it. My husband and I take our kids here often. Our favorite part of this restaurant is the theme! Pirates, all day, evARGHry day. My three-year old is enamored by pirates and mermaids, so this place is perfect. Plus, it has a great view of the SPI fireworks!

8. Rivers End Nursery (Bayview, Texas)

My family is obsessed with plants. We love bamboo, and trees, and gardening, and this place was so fantastic! We went to this nursery for their annual Mango Fiestaval and had such a blast.

9. Sea Life Center (Port Isabel, Texas)

While this doesn’t compare to the Texas State Aquarium that we are used to, it’s an amazing little place full of touch tanks and fish for my pre-schooler and infant to enjoy. It’s great to know that there’s a friendly educational place, just a hop, a skip and a jump away from my house.

10. Walmart (Los Fresnos, Texas)

Laugh. Go ahead. It’s okay to think, “Um… lady… it’s just a common store”. My old town had a dollar store and a grocery store and it was quite a drive to the nearest giant supermarket. According to the locals, this is a new development for Los Fresnos, so I’m pretty glad we get to be here to enjoy it. Ha!

11. Gladys Porter Zoo (Brownsville, Texas)

One of the first things we did as potential RGV transplants was buy a zoo membership. It has been our absolute most valuable go-to activity. 

As we continue to explore Los Fresnos and the surrounding area, I’m sure we’ll come across many more spots to add to this list. I guess I’ll have to plan on an update!

Lower Valley Mamas: Which Los Fresnos spots do you recommend?

 

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