Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Crystal City, Texas

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Crystal City, Texas
Crystal City, Texas / U.S. Department of Agriculture / Flickr

Greetings from the farm and ranch community of Crystal City, Texas!

Exploring small country towns in South Texas is the best avenue to immerse in local culture. Crystal City has a lot to offer in that area. But it also does not lag behind when it comes to travel destinations and nearby attractions!

Known as the “Spinach Capital of the World,” Crystal City produces 80% of the nation’s spinach. Every second week in November, the lovely town celebrates its annual Spinach Festival with live music and entertainment.

The four-day event commemorates the town’s history as a top producer of the leafy vegetable, dating back to 1936! You may wonder why the town also celebrates “all things Popeye” during this time of the year.

To give you a hint, it has something to do with spinach!

Continue reading below to learn more about this South Texas city. If it’s your first visit, you’re lucky to reach this far and read about the best things to do and places to visit in Crystal City, Texas!

Briscoe-Garner Museum

Briscoe-Garner Museum, Crystal City, Texas
Briscoe-Garner Museum, Crystal City, Texas

Discover the life of two prominent leaders and Uvalde natives in the Briscoe-Garner Museum.

Briscoe-Garner Museum tells the story of 20th Century political figures from Lone Star State – Vice President Jack Garner and Governor Dolph Briscoe. The 1920 home shows the legacies of these two influential people and expands more about Texas history.

The lovely red-bricked house, situated in Uvalde, is a nearby attraction to Crystal City, South Texas. It welcomes families, students, and history geeks to learn or study about the life and career of the duo.

Their permanent exhibitions include the “Cactus Jack of Texas” on the first floor. It tackles the life and career of Garner, the nation’s most powerful vice president.

Check out their collections of personal artifacts about Garner’s early childhood and life as a lawyer. This includes all his influential works throughout his career and administration as a Vice President.

You’ll find the documents of his bright personality and abilities particularly interesting!

Meanwhile, the second level of the museum displays a permanent exhibition, “Dolph Briscoe: Texan,” in honor of the governor. The exhibits surround Briscoe as a rancher and World War II military before he became a governor of Texas.

There are more things for you to discover in the Briscoe-Garner Museum that are far more interesting! Plan your visit now, and don’t miss out on their upcoming displays.

Address: 333 N Park St, Uvalde, TX 78801, United States

Carrizo Springs Municipal Golf Course

Carrizo Springs Municipal Golf Course, Crystal City, Texas
Carrizo Springs Municipal Golf Course, Crystal City, Texas

An attraction in neighboring Carrizo Springs, this municipal golf course offers great views of the green landscapes.

It’s a 9-hole course in a long 3,420 yards, making it a challenging obstacle for even a skilled golfer. However, its wide fairways and stunning views offer a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. You can tell that the course is well groomed and maintained.

Don’t worry about bunkers or water hazards, as you won’t have frequent encounters with them. Known to be a generally dry region, the fairways remain firm and allow your ball to roll smoothly. At this point, your greatest weapon is your aim!

If you’re staying in Crystal City and looking for a little tee time, Carrizo Springs is just a 15-minute drive. Just remember to come by a little early because it gets a bit packed in the afternoon. You’re lucky if you get to enjoy the course to yourself!

They offer rental clubs, carts, and driving range facilities.

The Carrizo Springs Municipal Golf Course first opened in 1950 and has been operating year-round since.

Address: 1604 Highway 85 Carrizo Springs, Texas 78834, United States

Chaparral Wildlife Management Area

Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Crystal City, Texas
Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Crystal City, Texas

Pack light and take off for a 50-minute road trip to Chaparral Wildlife Management Area.

A weekend getaway for hiking or primitive camping is perfect in this 15,200-acre brushland. Additionally, the nature area provides some of the best hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities in South Texas.

Chaparral WMA hosts a diverse ecosystem of animal and plant life. Public hunting is an integral part of managing this ecosystem in addition to research and recreational purposes. Animals like coyotes, feral hogs, white-tailed deer, and mourning doves are your common hunts.

Take note that there are rules and regulations for hunting in Chaparral, including the requirement of a hunting license.

For a healthier, more enjoyable activity in the area, you can bring a bike and cycle the Paisano driving trail. Biking on the 8-mile trail is feasible year-round except in August when temperatures reach a hundred degrees.

Meanwhile, driving in Paisano takes you through 49 stops of wildlife and habitat management areas.

The nature park is also a popular location for educational tours, field trips, and research.

Most Wildlife Management Areas of Texas offer tough experiences, so ensure this is the type of adventure you seek! Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and hydrate after a long hot day of nature activities.

Address: 64 Chaparral WMA Dr, Cotulla, TX 78014, United States

Crystal City Internment Camp Marker

Crystal City Internment Camp Marker, Crystal City, Texas
Crystal City Internment Camp Marker, Crystal City, Texas

This camp in Crystal City is a former confinement site of migratory agricultural workers during the Great Depression.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor that led to World War II, the site was used for a similar purpose. It was used as an internment camp for “Enemy Aliens” of the state, notably the people of Japanese descent.

However, the US government confined a few German and Italian citizens as well, putting the average population of prisoners to 2,800. This went on throughout the war until 30 months later. The war ended, and the prisoners were either paroled or sent back to their home country.

When the camp ultimately closed, it was transferred to the City and School District and is now a location of two public schools.

Today, a historical marker representing the Crystal City Camp is still erected on the campground, along with seven others nearby. To learn more about this interesting history, visit the Crystal City Memorial Public Library next to the City Hall!

You can request access to the interpretive trail and a free brochure to explore the internment sites in Texas!

Address: 7th Avenue and Holland St., Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Dimmit County Public Library and Wade House Museum

Dimmit County Public Library and Wade House Museum, Crystal City, Texas
Dimmit County Public Library and Wade House Museum, Crystal City, Texas

With only a 16-minute drive from Crystal City, you can visit an interesting library and museum facility in South Texas.

The Dimmit County Public Library had its humble beginnings in a small county courthouse room in 1948. Over 30 years later, the City of Carrizo Springs and Dimmit County funded its present building in 1980. The addition of the Wade House Memorial Museum occurred in 2002.

Many of the library materials and equipment in Dimmit County Public Library came from local donations over the years. Bookworms and history enthusiasts will find a nice, splendid spot in the public library.

Feel free to read books about the history of American Indian groups in Texas before the Spanish rule!

If you prefer a museum experience, see the collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and projectile points in the Wade House Memorial Museum.

The museum came into the picture more than 20 years after the library’s renovation. It contains over 50 years of collecting artifacts around the county by J. W. House, an instructor from Carrizo Springs.

This 2-n-1 learning facility is worth the drive when traveling through Crystal City!

Feed your curiosity and rifle through rows of books and archeological artifacts to unearth Texas’s prehistory.

Address: 200 N 9th St, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834, United States

Family Dollar

Family Dollar, Crystal City, Texas
Family Dollar, Crystal City, Texas / Mike Mozart / Flickr

Crystal City has one of over 1,000 Family Dollar retail stores in Texas. If you’re around town, you don’t need to look further for your essential goods and groceries!

Family Dollar is known as the “one-stop shop,” with more than 8,000 convenient neighborhood locations in the United States. Luckily, you can find them in the local neighborhood of Crystal City.

As the name suggests, Family Dollar delivers value on family essentials through a compelling assortment of merchandise for everyone.

They have everything you need, from food and beverages to household supplies, kitchen and laundry essentials, groceries, toys, and more! Shop and save for their seasonal items, including school and dorm room supplies, personal care items, and skin care products.

It’s also an easy stop for bread or milk if you ever need a quick breakfast on the road.

The well-kept store offers great value with quality brands suitable for every family’s budget. Besides the wide selection of products, they ensure that your shopping experience is smooth and organized.

They also give their friendly associates ample opportunities to grow while consistently improving customer service.

Convenience is right around the corner with an easy trip to the Family Dollar Store in Crystal City.

Address: 700 E Zavala St, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Miguelito’s Mexican Grill

Miguelito’s Mexican Grill, Crystal City, Texas
Miguelito’s Mexican Grill, Crystal City, Texas

Experience a local gem in Crystal City, Texas, with delicious Mexican food from Miguelito’s.

This Mexican Grill and Restaurant in the country town offers an extensive selection of food to satisfy your cravings. Visitors consider this place a hidden treasure in a remote area of South Texas.

The restaurant provides patio and bar seating for guests getting off the road. With top-notch service, Miguelito’s Mexican Grill is a town favorite when it comes to exceptional dining. If you ever made your way down the small city, stop by for lunch and try more tasty recipes!

The bestsellers here range from street tacos and grilled meat to Chicken Enchiladas and more fun dishes! Have some Chips & Salsa to-go to keep you company on your travels.

All their grilled meals are a side salad and a choice of baked potato or French fries. For lovers of salad greens, enjoy a salad dressing of your choice to 

In addition, their affordable prices make them a go-to restaurant for all occasions, whether formal or casual celebrations. If you’re looking for a date-worthy dining place, they also excel in that department.

Have a bite for a quick afternoon snack, and stay a bit longer for refreshments. Don’t deny yourself a margarita because it’s the real deal!

Something about the place feels like you’ve gone far enough, but it still feels like home.

Address: 1023 N 1st Ave, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Mireya’s Florist & Gift Shop

Mireya's Florist & Gift Shop, Crystal City, Texas
Mireya’s Florist & Gift Shop, Crystal City, Texas

Grab a fresh bunch of spring flowers from the best flower boutique in town, Mireya’s Florist & Gift Shop!

Established in 1996, this small Fresh Flower business has been providing the loveliest flower arrangement services for the residents of the small town. Whatever occasion, Mireya’s Florist & Gift Shop will tailor the perfect design and arrangement for you.

These florists are passionate about floriculture and experts in ornamental flower arrangements for various occasions.

Their flowers are made to last and cater to every emotion. A friend’s birthday? You can get inspiration from your favorite movie or picture, and they will make it happen. They got everything for any joyful celebrations like Valentine’s Day, Anniversaries, Christmas, Easter, and more!

If you need “get-well-soon” flowers or wish to send your condolences to a departed loved one, they can arrange it for you in no time.

Promotional events, weddings, Mother’s Day, and other special holidays are no exception.

If you’re visiting Crystal City for a tuxedo kind of event, their services include tuxedo rentals, too!

The little white-painted boutique is just right along E Zavala street between a video and eye care store.

Visit Mireya’s shop, and not a “daisy” will go by where you forget your trip to the lovely town.

Address: 324 E Zavala St, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Popeye Statue

Popeye Statue, Crystal City, Texas
Popeye Statue, Crystal City, Texas

Crystal City owes its spinach business to the famous 1930s cartoon character, Popeye the Sailor Man… Sort of!

As you pass by the south side of downtown, it’s impossible not to notice the colored statue of Popeye in front of the city hall. The life-sized figure pays tribute to the sailor for having the town’s spinach industry make it through the Great Depression.

When the period of economic depression hit and destroyed many communities across the country, Crystal City stood still. Thanks to people’s love for spinach! Or Popeye’s love for spinach, rather.

The unpopular vegetable became every mother’s dinner menu and had their children eat spinach.

Crystal City produced an average of 10,000 cans a day and earned itself “World Spinach Capital.” In 1937, the city erected a Popeye statue downtown in his honor.

The first annual Spinach Festival dated back to 1936 and resumed in 1982 after World War II. Spinach replaced onions as the town’s locally-grown crop for an apparent reason. A 2010 study evidenced that children had grown to love the legendary vegetable because of Popeye.

Don’t skip this part on your tour to Crystal City! The legendary statue still stands after over 85 years in “Spinach Town.”

It’s easy to locate just behind the police station downtown. Grab your cameras and do the classic squint-eyed pose to document your trip.

Wherever you are in the world, remember to “eat your spinach!”

Address: 400 W Zavala St, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Spinach Festival

Spinach Festival, Crystal City, Texas
Spinach Festival, Crystal City, Texas

Celebrate the annual Spinach Festival in Crystal City with the locals!

To celebrate the city’s history as a top producer of spinach, a 4-day event is held downtown every second week of November. The festival features live music and entertainment from top artists and a fun parade through the quaint town.

Enjoy the views of the carnival and the lively ambiance of the vendor’s booths! There’s a lot of Popeye merch and other interesting local items to browse.

Whether a joiner or a watcher, play a part during the four fun days of town events, too!

The festival is never complete without the Spinach Cook-off and Eating contest! It’s one of the festival’s highlights to look out for. Prepare to taste different local recipes made from this healthy ingredient. You’ll never leave with an empty stomach and a lack of information about the town’s history!

Past common events that appealed to the masses include Spinach Festival Queen’s Pageant, a Car Show, and a 5K Run!

One thing you’ll be expecting from this celebration is the representation of authentic Hispanic heritage as the town’s bloodline. Meet and greet locals and to know more about the city’s history!

After all, there’s nothing more fulfilling than traveling to hidden gems in the outskirts with rich cultures!

Address: 401 W Zavala St, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Subway

Subway, Crystal City, Texas
Subway, Crystal City, Texas

Casual dining in your favorite fast food chain sounds perfect once in a while especially when you’re looking for something familiar on your travels.

Pretty much everyone knows (and loves!) Subway – one of the world’s largest counter-serve chains. Besides being convenient and affordable, they offer fresh foods and healthy options you least expect in a fast food restaurant.

Subway is known for its build-your-own sandwiches and salads, subs, and more abundant options. It was established in 1965 by Dr. Peter Buck and college freshman Fred DeLuca. Their journey started with a casual “Let’s open a submarine sandwich shop!” Now they are the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain.

Located at 1901 Hwy 83, Subway brings world-class food – old favorites to new – in Crystal City, Texas.

Enjoy a footlong, subs, wraps, or salads in their restaurant, or take out some of their delicious flavors on the road. Their services are also always professionally-done!

As a world-known restaurant with over 40,000 franchises around the globe, they are conveniently digitalized. You can check their menu on their website for an expansive view of their selections or go straight to them.

Luckily for road trippers, Subway is accessible along the highway and would make a convenient stop anytime.

Address: 1901 Hwy 83, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

The Grille at El Dorado Ranch

The Grille at El Dorado Ranch, Crystal City, Texas
The Grille at El Dorado Ranch, Crystal City, Texas

Another finest restaurant in town is The Grille at El Dorado Ranch, where the “food is the best around.”

El Dorado is a bit out of the way but worth a stop when traveling through Crystal City, Texas. It’s a good place for pizza, stakes, burgers, or tasty chicken wings.

Open seven days a week, El Dorado offers dine-in and take-out services around town. It is attached to a resort where oil field workers around Carrizo Springs and Crystal City area stay. Their facilities include a kitchen and bar with great selections of American and Mexican delectables and cold beers.

The American restaurant is casual and family-friendly, one of the best you can find in the area!

The owner of The Grille at El Dorado Ranch has spent years perfecting his menu. Don’t sleep on steak night and experience the best food in this part of town. With awesome staff and service, you will find yourself returning to this jewel on your next visit.

The place also has RV spots for rent with a pretty great outdoor setting.

If you’re on the hunt for great pizza, steak, and margaritas, this place won’t let you down!

Address: 5850 FM191, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

Uvalde Grand Opera House

Uvalde Grand Opera House, Crystal City, Texas
Uvalde Grand Opera House, Crystal City, Texas

Visit the historic theater in Uvalde, Texas, for quality live theatre and exceptional cultural performances.

The Uvalde Grand Opera House is a premier arts venue in Southwest Texas and the oldest operating theater in the state. Just a 43-minute drive from Crystal City, the 1891 opera house continues to host shows and performances in their auditorium.

They are deeply rooted in improving life in Uvalde and surrounding areas through dance, music, art education, and community service.

Discover how they bring creativity on stage by attending one of their variety shows and events (of popular demand!) in the middle of town.

The old building, restored in the 1980s, remains to be one of the best opera venues in South Texas.

One interesting feature you’ll see here is the Dragon sitting atop the turret, made by an honest mistake. Legend says this creature was not meant to be a part of the building’s architecture but merely an architect’s scribble. Apparently, the builder took it seriously, and the rest is history.

Today, only a replica remained perched outside the opera house after the original was damaged due to weather.

Book a ticket and see for yourself the beloved landmark while catching a show in the Uvalde Grand Opera House!

Address: 104 W North St, Uvalde, TX 78801, United States

Uvalde Memorial Golf Course

Uvalde Memorial Golf Course, Crystal City, Texas
Uvalde Memorial Golf Course, Crystal City, Texas

Not far from Crystal City is a scenic 18-hole-public golf course in Uvalde sitting along the Leona River.

If you can fit some tee time on your trip, visit the Uvalde Memorial Golf Course, a 40-minute drive from Crystal City, Texas.

The course, located on a Native American archeological site, attracts visitors from around South Texas for its challenging character. Likewise, newcomers and casual golf players enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this local destination.

The municipal golf course is also a popular spot for hosting events and tournaments. They have been hosting the Fourth of July Tournament here yearly, along with other community programs.

It’s a place to meet good people and share worthwhile memories. Whether on a business trip or casually catching up with old friends, the beautiful course and clubhouse will not disappoint.

Grab your coolers and enjoy a refreshing drink while at it. It’s as good as it gets for a small city that doesn’t get much recognition, not until you experience it.

Enjoy the picturesque scenery while getting in good shape at Uvalde Memorial Golf Course, a “value golf done right!”

Address: 221 E Doughty St, Uvalde, TX 78801, United States

Yolie’s Steakhouse & Mexican Food

Yolie's Steakhouse & Mexican Food, Crystal City, Texas
Yolie’s Steakhouse & Mexican Food, Crystal City, Texas

There’s not one unappetizing experience a good Mexican plate can’t fix! Good thing you can find one in Crystal City.

Yolie’s Steakhouse & Mexican Food, conveniently located close to town, hits the right spot when it comes to a delicious homemade meal. Stop by here if you want to refill your tummy after a long road trip.

Judging by how the place gets easily packed, you can tell something great is going down the kitchen. Yolie’s welcomes you to their store for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. From their tasty Enchilada and Crispy Taco to Chalupa and Rice Beans, their menu is curated to appeal to every palate.

You’ll get a great deal of serving for its price, too! Both their service and facility are top-notch, attracting locals and visitors to their business.

If you’re looking for nothing too fancy and an easy meal, this is a place to be! You’ll love their Huevos Rancheros for a Mexican breakfast and extensive buffet options for lunch. Their fish taco is a perfect to-go snack while driving through the city!

Family, friend groups, and travelers make a quick stop at Yolie’s more often than not for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

Great food, great employees, great location (and parking!). Those who’ve visited Yolie’s a number of times adored the Mexican restaurant, to say the least. 

Note this quaint little place if you’re looking for places to dine in Crystal City. If nothing can make you happy, a taco will!

Address: 1511 N Highway 83, Crystal City, TX 78839, United States

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