Del Rio: Culture, Nature and Theater

Del Rio, Texas, combines historical heritage, theater, art, and nature experiences into a destination with many different facets. Anyone looking for a vacation rental in Del Rio can tailor their stay to their own interests: following the city’s history, attending a theater performance, taking an art walk, or enjoying the outdoors along San Felipe Creek. This combination also offers families plenty to talk about and discover together, without every vacation day having to look the same.

Culture and History in Del Rio

One notable historical landmark is Val Verde Winery. It was founded in 1883 by Italian immigrant Frank Qualia. Theater enthusiasts can also get to know The Upstagers. The ensemble has been performing live theater in Del Rio, Texas, since 1977 and has twice been named Texas State Champion in the American Association of Community Theaters competition.

The Whitehead Memorial Museum also offers a tangible introduction to local history. The main entrance is located in the two-story stone Perry Mercantile. The Laughlin Heritage Foundation also tells the story of Laughlin Air Force Base since its founding in 1943. Together with the Del Rio Main Street Program, which preserves and showcases the historic downtown, these sites provide a multifaceted way to explore the town’s past.

Nature Watching and Water Activities along San Felipe Creek

For more leisurely activities, the Paseo de Los Ninos Nature Trail offers a covered area with benches for observation. Visitors can watch birds and other wildlife from the desert scrub communities there. Important for planning your day: Use of the Paseo de Los Ninos Nature Trail is limited to daytime hours.

An early walk along San Felipe Creek offers another opportunity for nature observation. You may spot kingfishers and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers. Along the Creek Walk, visitors can also float, swim, and kayak in the crystal-clear waters of San Felipe Creek. This allows you to shape your stay in Del Rio according to your own pace, combining wildlife watching, exercise, or water activities.

Art, Downtown, and Events

The Firehouse Gallery hosts a First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. It also offers affordable art education and entertainment in Del Rio. The Main Street District brings shopping, entertainment, art, and education together in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Those who prefer to discover the city through its cultural sites rather than individual nature experiences can make this a fitting focus of their trip planning.

For many years, the Paul Poag Theatre was a movie theater called “The Rita Theater.” Today, it is available for commercial and nonprofit events as well as for event organizers. For a vacation rental or vacation home in Del Rio, this variety provides a useful point of reference: First decide whether you would rather fill your days with theater and history, art, or nature and water activities.

As another destination, you can also visit Laughlin Afb.

For the broader travel overview: Val Verde County.