Bordering Mexico along the Rio Grande, Laredo seamlessly blends cultures to create a vibrant fusion. Beyond the trade activity at the border, Laredo offers history, nature, and family fun in a bi-national community.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| San Agustin Cathedral | Oldest active cathedral along U.S.-Mexico border with Gothic Revival architecture. |
| Republic of the Rio Grande Museum | Museum next to the cathedral, showcasing the history of the Republic of the Rio Grande. |
| Fort McIntosh | A former U.S. Army fort, now housing the Webb County Heritage Foundation Museum. |
| Lake Casa Blanca International State Park | A park offering fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. |
| Zaragoza Historic District | Historic district in Nuevo Laredo with 19th-century architecture. |
| Outlet Shoppes at Laredo | Largest outlet center in South Texas with over 100 retailers. |
| Sames Auto Arena | Multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, events, and sports. |
| Imaginarium of South Texas | Children’s museum with interactive STEAM exhibits and a waterpark. |
| Falcon International Reservoir | Offers bass fishing, birdwatching, and boating activities. |
| National Border Patrol Museum | Museum displaying the history and artifacts of the Border Patrol. |
| El Cenizo Valley Nature Preserve | Nature preserve with hiking trails and a nature center. |
| Las Misiones Historical District | Historic neighborhood with 19th-century homes and Spanish colonial architecture. |
Here are 12 top attractions and activities in Laredo that showcase the best of this South Texas border town.
San Agustin Cathedral
Name and Location: San Agustin Cathedral, located in downtown Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: The cathedral was built between 1872-1876 and is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo. It has historic significance as one of the oldest buildings in Laredo.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour the historic cathedral, view the architecture and decor, and attend mass services.
Visitor Information: Open daily, guided tours available. Dress code requires modest attire covering shoulders and knees.
The centerpiece of downtown Laredo, San Agustin Cathedral contains beautiful Gothic Revival architecture of stone and stained glass. Completed in 1872, it is the oldest continuously active cathedral along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Inside, the striking stained glass windows, carved statues and ornate altar create a sense of grandeur. Be sure to see the Republic of the Rio Grande Flag, the only existing replica of the short-lived nation’s banner.
Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
Name and Location: Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, located in downtown Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: The museum is housed in a historic 19th century home and outlines the brief history of the Republic of the Rio Grande, an independent nation that existed briefly in this region in the 1840s.
What to Expect: Exhibits related to the Republic of the Rio Grande and Laredo history. Guided tours available.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday, free admission.
Located beside San Agustin Cathedral, this museum chronicles the brief historic Republic of the Rio Grande. Learn about this attempt to create a separate nation between Mexico and newly annexed Texas.
Exhibits showcase artifacts, photos and displays covering this unique local history. Walking tours are also offered. The small museum provides a great introduction to a lesser-known yet fascinating piece of Laredo’s past.
Fort McIntosh
Name and Location: Fort McIntosh, located in downtown Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: Established in 1849, Fort McIntosh was one of several forts built for protection along the Mexican-American border. It has historic significance from the U.S.-Mexican War era.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore the adobe brick ruins of the old fort and view interpretive displays.
Visitor Information: Open daily, free admission.
For a look at Laredo’s military history, visit the former Fort McIntosh, once an active U.S. Army fort for protecting the Texas border in the late 1800s.
Today, restored fort buildings house the Webb County Heritage Foundation Museum. See exhibits on the fort’s history and life for soldiers and civilians here over a century ago. Costumed living history reenactors provide additional context.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Name and Location: Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, located 7 miles east of downtown Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: The park was established in 1953 and features a large reservoir popular for fishing and water sports.
What to Expect: Recreational activities include fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping, and hiking trails. Wildlife viewing available.
Visitor Information: Open daily, entrance fees apply.
Feel miles away from the city at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park just minutes from downtown. The lush park set on a human-made reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
Shoreline trails yield views of the water and diverse plant species in areas like the Fabria Loop Trail. Pack a rod and rent a kayak or canoe from the park store to fully enjoy the water recreation.
Zaragoza Historic District
Name and Location: Zaragoza Historic District in downtown Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: This historic neighborhood dates back to the 19th century and contains many preserved adobe homes from Laredo’s early days.
What to Expect: Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to view the historic adobe architecture.
Visitor Information: The district is open to explore daily. Guided tours may be available through the visitor’s center.
Just across the bridge from downtown in Nuevo Laredo, the Zaragoza Historic District contains beautifully preserved 19th century architecture. Historic homes, municipal buildings and churches built in neoclassical designs line the charming pedestrian promenade.
Grab a bite from a local cafe while soaking in the historic ambiance. It feels worlds apart yet is just steps from the border.
Outlet Shoppes at Laredo
Name and Location: Outlet Shoppes at Laredo, located off I-35 in Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: Opened in 2006, this is Laredo’s largest outlet shopping center featuring major brand name stores at discounted prices.
What to Expect: Shoppers can browse the outdoor outlet mall and take advantage of savings on clothes, shoes, housewares and more.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Store hours vary.
Find incredible outlet savings at the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo. With over 100 name brand retailers, it’s the largest outlet center in South Texas. Shop popular stores like Nike, Gap, Levi’s, Under Armour, Kate Spade New York and more.
International shoppers come for the savings on designer brands. There are also plenty of places to stop for a meal or snack to refuel for more bargain hunting.
Sames Auto Arena
Name and Location: Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: This large multi-purpose arena opened in 2002 and hosts major concerts, sporting events, rodeos, and conventions.
What to Expect: Attend concerts, sports games, conventions, and other events held at the arena throughout the year.
Visitor Information: Event schedules and ticket information available on the arena website.
This multi-purpose arena is the top entertainment venue in Laredo. Concert tours stop here to play for South Texas fans. Past performers have included Justin Bieber, Elton John, Marc Anthony, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more.
Various events are hosted as well, ranging from WWE wrestling matches to Disney on Ice. The venue also serves as the home for the Laredo Bucks ice hockey team.
Imaginarium of South Texas
Name and Location: Imaginarium of South Texas, located in Mall del Norte in Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: Opened in 2007, this is an interactive children’s museum with educational exhibits and activities.
What to Expect: Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits focused on science, math, literacy and art. Family friendly indoor attraction.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday, admission fee required.
The Imaginarium of South Texas provides the premier children’s museum in Laredo. Kids can learn and play in the interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) exhibits.
Firm favorites include the Bubble Room, Construction Zone and Airways challenge where kids pump air to make objects levitate. Outside, the Wetlands Waterpark provides splash pads, pools and water slides for cooling summer fun.
Falcon International Reservoir
Name and Location: Falcon International Reservoir located on the Rio Grande River south of Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: The reservoir was created in 1954 by the construction of Falcon Dam, providing water storage, hydroelectricity, and recreation.
What to Expect: Popular recreational activities include fishing, boating, water sports, camping, and picnicking along the reservoir shores.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Day use fees may apply. Boat permits required.
Sprawling over 83,654 acres along the Rio Grande, Falcon International Reservoir attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Pristine shores surrounded by native brushlands set the scene for excellent bass fishing, birdwatching and boating.
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle out on the reservoir for scenic views and spotting osprey and herons. The International Falcon Reservoir hosts fishing tournaments throughout the year.
National Border Patrol Museum
Name and Location: National Border Patrol Museum in Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: Opened in 1986, this museum outlines the history and role of the U.S. Border Patrol in the Laredo region and across the country.
What to Expect: Exhibits relating to the Border Patrol using artifacts, vehicles, equipment and historical items.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday, free admission.
Learn about the history of the Border Patrol and see artifacts and vehicles used to secure the border over the years at this free museum. Exhibits profile the challenges faced by early Border Patrol units in the first half of the 20th century.
An outdoor memorial honors agents killed in the line of duty. Current issues and innovations are also showcased through interesting displays and exhibits.
El Cenizo Valley Nature Preserve
Name and Location: El Cenizo Valley Nature Preserve, located northwest of Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: This 484-acre nature preserve protects regional flora and fauna. It offers hiking trails through native habitat.
What to Expect: Nature trails for hiking and birdwatching. Observe native plants and wildlife. Picnic areas available.
Visitor Information: Trails open daily, free admission. Closes at dusk.
Explore the wild natural beauty surrounding Laredo at this new nature preserve northeast of the city. Six miles of hiking trails wind through nearly 500 acres of South Texas brushlands.
The Chuck Waskom Loop Trail crosses scenic bluffs with panoramic views of the area’s plants and terrain. Mountain bikers also enjoy hitting the preserve’s trails. The nature center has exhibits and an observation deck overlooking the ponds.
Las Misiones Historical District
Name and Location: Las Misiones Historical District in east Laredo, Texas
History and Significance: This area contains the sites of 18th century Spanish colonial missions, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to Expect: Self-guided tours of mission ruins and markers depicting the locations of historic missionary activity.
Step back in time at the historic Las Misiones neighborhood west of downtown. Stroll past beautiful 19th century townhomes from Laredo’s early days when the city flourished from river commerce.
Notable homes include Casa del Rio with an elaborate Italianate façade and the historic Sanchez home. The charming neighborhood preserves the city’s Spanish colonial architectural heritage.
Conclusion
With its Mexican influences, Laredo offers a unique cultural fusion that flavors every experience. Whether immersing yourself in local history, shopping for bargains, appreciating art and architecture, enjoying live entertainment or exploring the outdoors, you’ll discover Laredo’s distinctive bi-national identity.
The city’s attractions provide exciting ways to embrace the blend of Mexican and American traditions. From the river to the ranches and everything in between, Laredo invites visitors to explore an enriching border culture.