Daily Ranch Tours at King Ranch, Kingsville TX
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking required with most time spent on the tour bus.
Overview
Step into Texas ranching history on King Ranch’s Daily Ranch Tours in Kingsville, where sweeping brush country, historic sites, and cattle breeds create a living portrait of South Texas heritage.
Daily Ranch Tours located in Kingsville, TX
Most Popular! | 1.5 Hours
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Your journey begins at the historic Santa Gertrudis Creek where Captain King first camped in 1852.
• See King Ranch Quarter Horses, Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, our resident Longhorn herd and an abundance of wildlife! View South Texas brush clearing equipment, land-going leviathans conceived and developed on King Ranch to clear mesquite and huisache from the pastures; and the Calera Pens and Camphouse, where at roundup time the cattle are vaccinated, branded and tagged.
• Your guide will explain the history and the modern day workings of the ranch. Watch for the auction arena, the horse cemetery, and the Colony – home of the Kineños or King’s men. Historic buildings you will view from the tour bus include Mrs. King’s carriage house, the Commissary with its lookout tower, and the grand home built in 1912 by Captain King’s widow, Henrietta.
• Our King Ranch Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour start time so you can watch a short orientation video on the history and current operations of the Ranch.
Rates
• Adults $20.00 • Seniors $15.00 Ages 65+ • Military $15.00 with ID • Students $15.00 with ID • Children $6.00 Ages 5 to 12 • Toddlers Free Ages 4 and Under -- Must sit in ticket holder's lap
Duration
• 1.5 hours
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Orientation
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour to watch the introductory video covering King Ranch’s history and operations.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Tours involve moderate walking and time on a bus navigating uneven terrain, so supportive footwear is recommended.
Bring Sun Protection
South Texas sun can be intense year-round; sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will keep you comfortable during outdoor stops.
Prepare for Seasonal Weather
Summer can be hot and humid; winter mornings might be chilly, so dress in layers to adjust throughout the tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer roaming the brushland.
- Bobwhite quail heard calling across the pastures.
History
King Ranch was established in 1853 by Captain Richard King and remains a pioneering model of cattle ranching and land management in the American Southwest.
Conservation
The ranch employs sustainable brush clearing and land stewardship practices developed on-site to maintain the delicate South Texas ecosystem.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Corpus Christi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun Hat
Protects from intense Texas sun during outdoor portions of the tour.
summer specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Support needed for walking on uneven terrain around ranch stops.
Light Jacket or Layers
Adapts to fluctuating temperatures typical of South Texas.
fall specific
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the 1.5-hour tour, especially in warm weather.