Located deep in the heart of South Texas at MM1 of Interstate Highway 35, Laredo, Texas is the beginning of the Lone Star State, and of a travel experience that is American, Texan and Mexican all in one. This location lends itself to a perfect blend of culture, language, culinary influences and ambiance that can only be found deep in the heart of South Texas. This small Spanish Villa, founded over 258 years ago on the banks of the Rio Grande, still keeps treasures from yesteryear. Walk around our historic downtown and discover landmarks that are significant for both Laredo and Texas history. Some landmarks are: San Agustin Plaza, Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and San Agustin Cathedral.
Getting to Laredo is the easiest part! Laredo is served by Interstate Highway 35; US Highway 59 and 83; and Texas Highway 359. And don’t forget, we’re located at mile marker 1 of IH-35. The Laredo International Airport is serviced by three airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines and Allegiant.
For assistance in planning your trip down to Laredo, don’t hesitate to give the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau a call at 800.361.3360. Visit Laredo and you’ll learn why we like to say we live on the edge.
Attractions
1. Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course – Rated a top 50 municipal golf course in the nation, debuting at #40 on Golf Week’s list, The Max is designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones, II. The 18-hole public course features 7,297 yards of golf which bring you right up to the edge of the country overlooking the Rio Grande. To schedule your tee time log on to: http://themaxlaredo.com or call 956.726.2000.
2. Sames Auto Arena – The Sames Auto Arena is a first class, state-of-the-art multipurpose facility. This multi-use facility has introduced affordable, family-oriented entertainment to South Texas, including major concerts, sporting events, family and ice shows, conventions, trade shows and civic events. Check out their website http://www.samesautoarena.com for a calendar of events.
3. Lake Casa Blanca International State Park – The only International state park, Lake Casa Blanca is situated in Laredo, Texas at 5102 Bob Bullock Loop. Reservations can be made by calling 512.389.8900.
4. TAMIU Planetarium – The TAMIU Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium’s mission is to create and present enlightening experiences that inspire wonder in learning about space and science. Check out their website for upcoming shows: http://www.tamiu.edu/planetarium/
5. Uni-Trade Stadium – This $18Million dollar stadium includes a built-in concert stage, 9 luxury suites, grass berms, state of the art LED video board, 3 private picnic areas, 3 private party areas and a Stadium Club located on the suite level.
6. Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center – Come walk on the wild side at the Laredo Community College LBV Environmental Science Center. The Center contains representations of the Rio Grande ecosystem and live specimens of plant and animal life to serve as a living science laboratory. The Center is located on the Laredo Community College campus, for hours of operation dial 956.764.5701.
7. Republic of the Rio Grande Museum – The museum is housed in one of Laredo’s oldest structures located on San Agustin Plaza in downtown Laredo. According to tradition, in 1840, the structure served as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. Guided tours are available year round, call ahead for a reservation at 956.727.0977.
8. Laredo Center for the Arts – The Laredo Center for the Arts hosts a variety of artistic and cultural events, including international art exhibitions, dance performances, art history lectures, musical performances, and art education classes for adults and children. Open Tue-Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., located at 500 San Agustin 956.725.1715.
9. Fort McIntosh – Established by the Army in 1848, the old guardhouse, chapel, warehouse, living quarters, infirmary, commander’s house and commissary are now Laredo Community College. The original earthen fort is an educational institution located at West End Washington Street along the banks of the Rio Grande.
10. San Agustin Cathedral – Originally built in 1767, the present structure--the third on this site--dates from 1872. It was elevated to the rank of cathedral on Aug. 9, 2001.
Events
The Laredo International Sister Cities Festival draws in more than 14,000 people each year, so make sure to mark your calendar. The three-day event at the Laredo Energy Arena features free admission and the opportunity to shop to your heart’s content. Laredo will play host to over 180 exhibitors from all across Mexico. This is your opportunity to indulge in a cultural experience without having to step foot across the border. Exhibitors bring their native wares, textiles, wrought iron furniture, pewter, leather goods, delicious Mexican snacks and the list goes on!
If you can’t make it to Laredo in time for the Sister Cities Festival, don’t fret, Mexican imports are available year-round along the San Bernardo Avenue 40-block sector. The avenue specializes in group events and can provide hours of bargain hunting and an urban adventure.
- Washington’s Birthday Celebration (Month long celebration)
- Laredo Birding Festival (Takes place in February)
- Laredo International Fair & Exposition (March)
- Laredo International Sister Cities Festival (July)
- Firefest (October)
- Autmusfest (October)
- Farmers Market (Every 3rd Sat. of the month)
- Oktoberfest (October)
Birding
If you enjoy watching and learning more about South Texas avian beauties pack your bags and bring your binoculars. Laredo’s location on the Rio Grande puts it on the migratory path of many different species of birds. Great viewing can be found along several nature sites including Lake Casa Blanca and Las Palmas trail, on the Texas A&M International campus, North Central Park and of course along the edges of the Rio Grande.
Lodging
You can count on Laredo’s lodging facilities to make your stay on the South Texas border a home-away-from-home experience. Accommodations include all new suite properties and established favorites that have been constants on the Laredo landscape for more than a century. Immerse yourself in a community with a truly authentic identity and a history older than the U.S. itself created by explorers of yesteryear and its geographic location on the edge of two countries for most of its past.
