South Texas Plains, Texas
Say hello to the Alamo - and adios to the winter blues and the summer doldrums. Soak up some sun in the tropical Rio Grande Valley. Stroll the streets of Laredo. Attend a fiesta, admire a Picasso, and savor a salsa-spiced snack. You will soon find that there is nothing plain about the South Texas Plains. Throughout the year, this fascinating region, from San Antonio to the Rio Grande, offers delights, muy especial!
Explore South Texas Plains
International Racetrack Association
Drag racing every other Sat. Feb. - Nov. Nine miles north on U.S. 281;
Edinburg, TX Race TracksShrine of La Virgen de San Juan del Valle
An elaborate Catholic church, completed in 1954, included many imported objects of art. It was destroyed by fire after an airplane crash (apparently deliberate) in 1970
San Juan, TX ShrinesSeaWorld San Antonio
The world's largest marine life adventure and family entertainment park, features popular shows like "Shamu Visions,"
San Antonio, TX Wildlife AreasSanta Ana National Wildlife Refuge
About 2,000 acres of thick, brushy growth, typical of Valley before agricultural development. Preserves and protects abundant wildlife and plant species, many found nowhere else in U.S. Rare birds prominent during winter season. Interpretive wildlife tram operates late Nov. - mid-Apr.;
Pharr, TX Wildlife RefugesRiver Walk
One level below the downtown streets, the popular Paseo del Rio (River Walk) is edged by hotels, art and gift shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, boutiques, and live music. Half-hour scenic riverboat cruises (fee)
San Antonio, TX Historic SitesOur Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Replica of venerable shrine in Lourdes, France;
Rio Grande City, TX ShrinesWashington's Birthday Celebration Museum
Displays of sparkling gowns, photos and other memorabilia tell the story of Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration, now more than a century old. At 1000
Laredo, TX MuseumsGoliad State Park
184-acre park features reconstructed, refurnished replica Mission Nuestra Senora del Espritu Santo de Ziga, generally called Mission Espritu Santo. Excellent interpretive displays, plus camping and picnicking area, rest rooms and river fishing spots. Mission established 1749
Goliad, TX State ParksSan Fernando Cathedral
Construction began on the cathedral shortly after Canary Island colonists, granted land and title by Spain's King Phillip V, settled here in 1731. Completed in 1750
San Antonio, TX Historic Churches