Travel Attractions – Laredo, Texas, USA
Laredo, Texas is located right at the border of Mexico and the United States. It is one of the oldest border crossing points, and it has a fascinating history. Modern Laredo is a unique combination of two cultures. It is not only the largest inland port in Texas, but also one of the most visited Spanish beach resorts. All modern amenities are right next to the cobblestone streets on the Puebla Vieja hill. It was once the capital of the briefly independent Republic of the Rio Grande. Now it’s the perfect getaway for beaches and lively entertainment. There are also great communities and great festivals, including a month-long celebration of George Washington’s birthday.
The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum tells the story of the briefly independent nation with exhibits on local culture, history, and politics. A bridge crosses the Rio Grande into Mexico, located next to Los Dos Laredos Park. The trails in Lake Casa Blanca International State Park include a lake with fish and an area for swimming.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Lake Casa Blanca is located five miles north of downtown. It’s a reservoir on the Chacon Creek. It was created in 1950 by a dam that was constructed to provide a recreational area for neighboring counties.
Fisherman will love the abundance of bass, catfish and carp in the lake. Everyone else will have a great time skiing, boating and swimming as well as mountain biking, hiking and cooking out.
More Details About Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
| Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-casa-blanca |
| Address: | 5102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78041, United States |
| Contact: | +1 956-725-3826 |
Zacate Creek
Zacate Creek runs ten miles south of the city’s limits. It played an important role in the American Civil War, when 200 Union soldiers attempted to invade the city and take away 5000 bales.
The town developed the area surrounding the creek into a park and greenway. A three-mile trail runs along the creek.
Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium
The Texas A & M International University campus houses the planetarium. It is a unique teaching-learning centre, open to the public for field trips and events in star gazing.
It is one of the best planetariums in California, with the latest technology that allows for incredible views not only from Earth but also from all parts of the cosmos. The Digistar 5 will make you feel as if you are in deep space exploring new planets and marveling at the amazing beauty of the universe.
More Details About Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium
| Website: | https://www.tamiu.edu/planetarium/ |
| Address: | Laredo, TX 78041, USA |
| Contact: | +1 956-326-2463 |
Fort McIntosh
Fort McIntosh, then Camp Crawford, was established for the first time in 1849. It played an important role in the Mexican-American War as well as the American Civil War. Near the fort, was held the Battle of Laredo.
Here were also some of the notorious ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ units of African American slaves. The fort is no longer an active military base. It is now part of Laredo Community College and is open year-round to visitors.
Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum
The Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, which was built in the 20th century, was once a brick two-story home that used to house Laredo merchant families. This house is a reminder of the grand homes that once inhabited the San Agustin District, making it so beautiful.
It is easy to recognize the Italianate style and it is a stunning sight. Now, the museum displays regional history, industry and culture as well as various ethnic groups.
More Details About Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum
| Website: | http://webbheritage.org/museums/villa-antigua-border-heritage-museum/ |
| Address: | 810 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040, United States |
| Contact: | +1 956-718-2727 |
The San Agustin de Laredo Historic District
The historic district was once the entire town of Laredo. It is now located in the center of downtown. Brick is used to pave the streets and the architecture, which reflects Spanish-Mexican influences dating back to the 19th century, is beautiful.
It is where you will find the last examples of Spanish Colonization in Lower Rio Grande Valley. You’ll find the former capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande, as well as the Cathedral, which is why the area got its name.
More Details About The San Agustin de Laredo Historic District
| Website: | https://www.dioceseoflaredo.org/parishes/san-agust%C3%ADn-cathedral-laredo |
| Address: | 201 San Agustin Ave, Laredo, TX 78040, United States |
| Contact: | +1 956-722-1382 |
The Republic of the Río Grande Museum
The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is located in downtown Laredo, at the San Agustin Plaza. It was built in 1830 and is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The Mexican vernacular architecture gives it an inviting appeal. The building was originally the residence of the mayor.
It also served as the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande. Now, the museum displays exhibits that show visitors a Laredo home from 1830. It is one of three most popular historic landmarks in the town, alongside San Agustin Cathedral and La Posada Hotel.
More Details About The Republic of the Río Grande Museum
| Website: | http://webbheritage.org/museums/republic-of-the-rio-grande-museum/ |
| Address: | 1005 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040, United States |
| Contact: | +1 956-727-3480 |
FAQs about Laredo, Texas
What is Laredo Texas famous for?
Laredo, Mexico is the location of one the oldest crossing points at the Mexico-United States border. It is also the country’s largest inland port-of-entry. Laredo has been able to thrive while blending the cultures of Mexico and the U.S.
Is Laredo worth visiting?
Laredo is located just across the Rio Grande, Mexico’s sister city Nuevo Laredo. It makes for an interesting visit. The city is almost exclusively Hispanic and Latino making it stand out from other Texas cities.