15 Best Things To Do In Zapata, Texas

things to do in zapata texas
Sidharth
Sidharth  
Updated
| 6 min read

Named after the revolutionary commander Jose Antonio de Zapata, the town of Zapata features history that dates back to the Spanish land grants in the 1700s. Located right on the Falcon International Reservoir, the town hosts numerous fishing events throughout the year and is home to a number of parks, museums, and theatres. Whether you are visiting Zapata for a weekend getaway or for a long holiday, Zapata is sure to make your visit memorable with its local culture, history, special events, and area parks. Here is a list of the top things to do in Zapata, Texas that will keep you entertained and will let you make the most of your time in this incredible South Texan town.

1. Be amazed by the exhibits at Frontier Ranch Museum

Frontier Ranch Museum in Zapata, TX IMG 2040
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Frontier Ranch Museum in Zapata features the famed artist David D. Mertens’ works, which includes art pieces that capture the great outdoors, the ranch life, and the culture of the native Americans. From Indian artefacts from the South Texan area to exhibits of animals portrayed in human situations, the Frontier Ranch Museum is full of interesting finds. The centrepiece of the museum includes a display of ‘Grandma and Grandpa Bucky’, which features the figures of a couple of elegantly dressed deers living in a house that was mounted in the early 60s.

Frontier Ranch Museum

Address: 1302 Jackson Street, Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Frontier Ranch Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

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2. Visit Zapata County Museum of History

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Zapata County Museum of History on Thursday, August 3, 2017

The Zapata county museum of history is a modern, state-of-the-art exhibition that features the cultural and natural history of the Zapata community and the region of South Texas. Located in the heart of the town, the museum includes photographs, historical artefacts, and interactive installations that focus on the mid-20th-century submersion of the former city of Zapata and the resilience and the strength of the community in the region following the event. The museum includes exhibits of the flora and fauna and a collection of well-preserved mammals and reptiles of the region.

Zapata County Museum of History

Address: 805 N US Hwy 83, Zapata, Texas 78076

Website: Zapata County Museum of History

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)

Price: 7 USD

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3. Camp out at Falcon Lake RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Falcon Lake RV Park on Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Located right along Falcon Lake, the Falcon Lake RV Park offers a range of amenities and facilities at conveniently located and peaceful RV sites. The amenities include a waterfront location, a clubhouse with full kitchen, an on-site laundry facility, restrooms with showers, dump stations, an in-ground swimming pool, a picnic area, and WiFi access. The park welcomes two leashed pets at the site and can offer six-month and yearly discounts.

Falcon Lake RV Park

Address: 192 Madison Ave, Zapata, TX 78076, USA

Website: Falcon Lake RV Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 30 USD

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4. Shop till you drop at Family Dollar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Stock up on self-care faves for summer! Upgrading your beauty routine for the season won't cost a fortune with fantastic...

Posted by Family Dollar on Sunday, May 15, 2022

This discount chain of stores includes a variety of goods ranging from household items to beauty products at incredible prices. You can get great deals on foods and beverages, kitchen essentials, and laundry supplies at the store. You can also choose to use the family dollar app or the store’s exclusive digital smart coupons to save more during your shopping trips.

Family Dollar

Address: Highway 83 &, 9th Ave, Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Family Dollar

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

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5. Relax at Romeo Flores Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in Delmar Street, Romeo Flores Park is the best place to spend a relaxing evening with your family in Zapata. The park is big, spacious, and clean. It also features a playground that is a hit among the kids. The park also includes a pool and a court for fun basketball games with your friends.

Romeo Flores Park

Address: 101 Delmar St, Zapata, TX 78076

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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6. Practice your swing at Los Ebanos Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Home of the 6 Time, Back to Back, Lady Hawks District Champions

Posted by Los Ebanos Golf Course on Sunday, July 23, 2017

Located in the pastures of Zapata’s rolling hills, this nine-hole golf course features about 3,000 yards (2,743.2 metres) of golf with valleys, trees, and water hazards that offer challenging shots. Opened in 1984, the golf course features a golf season that runs all year long. The golf course is located downtown, just blocks away from the civic centre and offers facilities such as rental carts and driving range. The golf course also includes an automated sprinkler system, well-groomed fairways, friendly staff, and terrific views that offer great conditions to play for golfers at all skill levels.

Los Ebanos Golf Course

Address: 701 Lincoln St, Zapata, Texas 78076

Website: Los Ebanos Golf Course

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

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7. Treat your tastebuds at El Paraiso

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by El paraiso restaurant on Thursday, August 3, 2017

If you are looking for the best place to taste mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine in Zapato, look no further than El Paraiso on Highway 83. Their flavourful chicken fried steak is a hit among the locals and would delectably satisfy your cravings for Mexican food. With friendly service, relaxing ambience, and affordable prices, El Paraiso has all that is needed for a delightful meal in Zapata. The thick chips, spicy salsa, generous portions of food, and the incredibly friendly staff makes the place a cool spot to hang out with friends in Zapata.

El Paraiso

Address: 1904 US-83, Zapata, TX 78076

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

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8. Taste authentic Mexican food at Steak House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our newest Wednesday’s special CAMARONES A LA DIABLA

Posted by The Steak House Restaurant on Wednesday, January 20, 2021

With a punch of Tex-Mex flavour in all its meals, Steak House offers great food with attentive service and a clean ambience. Their menu features amazing lunch specials and authentic Mexican cuisine. The homemade food, the steakhouse vibes with country music playing during your meal, and the well-furnished interiors of the restaurant will make sure that you have an enjoyable dining experience here. Do yourself a favour and try out their chicken cordon blue, prepared with a delicious, creamy mushroom gravy smothering the chicken the next time you are here.

Steak House

Address: 111 US-83, Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Steak House

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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9. Go bass fishing at Falcon International Reservoir


Also known as Falcon Lake, the Falcon International Reservoir is a reservoir on the Rio Grande and is bounded by the counties of Zapata and Starr on the Texas side. The lake is stocked with varied species of fishes that include largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake was ranked number one for bass in the country and offers the perfect landscapes to go bass fishing during your holiday. As one of the best largemouth lakes in the state, Falcon Lake also hosts bass fishing tournaments and offers several fishing guides. The relatively shallow lake has gradual slopes and excellent terrestrial vegetation that provides the perfect cover and structure for fishing along the shoreline. Note that fishing regulations are enforced statewide and should be followed for certain species of fishes such as the alligator gar.

Falcon International Reservoir

Address: Zapata/ Starr Counties, Texas

Website: Falcon International Reservoir

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Watch your favorite game at Z Wings Sports Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Today is National Wing Day! Do y’all prefer flats or drums?!

Posted by Z Wings Grill and Bar on Friday, July 29, 2022

Z Wings Sports Bar and Grill features the best burgers and sandwiches in town and is the place to head to if you are looking to kick back and watch NFL and UFC games with your friends. They also offer a kids’ menu that includes junior wings, junior tenders, and junior sliders. With friendly service and lip-smacking food at reasonable prices, Z Wings Sports Bar and Grill will not disappoint you when it comes to having fun.

Z Wings Sports Bar and Grill

Address: N, 1309 US-83, Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Z Wings Sports Bar & Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 2am

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11. Refresh your senses at Rejuvenate Spa LLC

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Now Available CAR FRESHIES

Posted by Rejuvenate Spa on Thursday, November 11, 2021

Rejuvenate Spa offers services that include facials, dermabrasions, waxing, and tanning in Zapata. The day spa features caring, professional staff, and an amazing ambience to get all your cosmetic needs fixed. They also offer a range of non-surgical treatments that cater to all skin tones for both men and women.

Rejuvenate Spa

Address: 1310 Jackson St D, Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Rejuvenate Spa

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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12. Stay overnight at Amigo Inn and RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Rv sites near Laredo Texas!

Posted by Amigo Inn & RV Park on Saturday, June 1, 2019

Whether you are seeking for an RV spot for the winter or go fishing in the Falcon Lake, Amigo Inn and RV park will take care of your needs. The RV Park has 65 RV sites and each spot includes amenities such as water, TV, sewer, electricity and Wifi. You can also choose to use the recreation hall for any business meetings, or host get-togethers such as Thanksgiving, New years or Christmas celebrations. They also offer guide services that include taking the clients on bass fishing trips and other guided tours on Falcon Lake.

Amigo Inn and RV Park

Address: 209 Lake Shore, St., Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Amigo Inn and RV Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 30 USD

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13. Spend a day out at Falcon Lake County Park and Boat Ramp

071 - NORTHERN BOBWHITE (3-10-12) falcon lake state park, tx (5) (8718707901)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ALAN SCHMIERER used under CC0

Located north of Roma at the southern end of the International Falcon Reservoir, Falcon Lake County Park offers spectacular views of rolling hills with green pastures. Falcon Lake is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and is also quite popular among bird-watchers with its varied species of birds. The boat ramp at the park features three 24-feet (7.31 meters) lanes at an elevation of 269 feet(81.99 meters) and a single 24-foot (7.31 meters) lane at an elevation of 259-feet (78.94 meters).

Falcon Lake County Park and Boat Ramp

Address: Zapata, TX 78076

Website: Falcon Lake County Park and Boat Ramp

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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14. Take a walk at Zapata County Sesquicentennial Trail Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located close to the Zapata County Museum of History on Highway 83, Zapata County Sesquicentennial Trail Park features a peaceful sidewalk trail with surroundings that include palm trees and a beautiful pond. The park is popular among the locals who visit the park for its scenic views and relaxing atmosphere. The park also features amenities that include restrooms, playgrounds, and benches.

Zapata County Sesquicentennial Trail Park

Address: 867 US-83, Zapata, TX 78076

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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15. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Los Pasteles Bakery & Coffee

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Los Pasteles Bakery and Coffee is the place to head to if you are looking to have delicious breakfasts in town. The eatery offers a self-serving breakfast menu that includes tacos, pastries, tortillas, and coffee. They also offer some of the best homemade doughnuts and bread that will keep you coming back for more. Los Pasteles Bakery also offers a range of desserts, pastries, cookies, and can create custom-made wedding cakes and quinceanera and birthday cakes.

Los Pasteles Bakery & Coffee

Address: 1701 Hidalgo Blvd, Zapata, TX 78076, United States

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 6:30pm; Sun: 5am - 5pm

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Explore Zapata

Entrance sign of Zapata Tx
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Johny0398 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

From interesting historical museums to active fishing grounds, Zapata has some pretty amazing things to do in store. Take your pick from the above list of things to do in Zapata, Texas and make the most of this warm, sub-tropical town along the US-Mexican border.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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When Sidharth is not traveling or writing, he can be found honing his Spanish, indulging in Netflix binges, reading, swimming in the ocean, or simply daydreaming in a hammock.

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