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
Santa 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.;
McAllen, TX Wildlife RefugesPopeye Statue
Whimsical salute to area spinach crop depicts the cartoon sailor man; a favorite spot for snapshots with children; downtown city square.
Crystal City, TX ArtsFannin Plaza
City park at S. Market and Franklin Sts. Includes Texas Revolution cannon, memorial shaft and several historical markers. Nearby is hanging tree on courthouse lawn, and Market House Museum. Newly built children's park, "Fort Fun,"
Goliad, TX PlazasReynosa, Mexico
Reynosa is a charming Mexican city just across the Rio Grande. Several fine restaurants long famed for elaborate wild-game dinners; occasional Sun. afternoon bullfights. Gift shops cater to U.S. visitors with wealth of handicraft items in the Zona Rosa (tourist area)
Hidalgo, TX Day TripsSan Agustín Cathedral
Originally built in 1767; present structure, third on site, dates from 1872. Was elevated to the rank of Cathedral on Aug. 9, 2001. Part of the Webb County Heritage Trolley Tour. On San Agust'n Plaza in heart of old Spanish section.
Laredo, TX Historic ChurchesMission San Francisco de la Espada
Established 1731, favorite of many students of Spanish period in Texas, and popular with photographers. The little church building, restored several times, is still in use. Ruins of walls that once surrounded the mission compound; foundations of a granary;
San Antonio, TX MissionsPiedras Negras, Mexico
A comfortable walking distance from downtown Eagle Pass, across the Rio Grande, is the busy Mexican city of Piedras Negras; population about 280,000. Handicraft items at bargain prices in many shops and traditional Mexican market area. Restaurants and popular night clubs;
Eagle Pass, TX Day TripsAlamo Museum - D.R.T. Library
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, located inside the Alamo walls and south of the Alamo shrine, is open to the public for research. The focus of the collection is the period of the Texas Republic, 1836-1846
San Antonio, TX Historic LibrariesParks
Among eight city parks is 200-acre Veterans Memorial Park that offers picnicking, playground, pavilions, 9-hole golf course. Off F.M. 351 north of U.S. 59.
Beeville, TX ParksMuseum of South Texas History
Founded as the Hildalgo County Historical Museum in 1967, exhibits cover the history of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico from prehistoric times up to 1900. All new permanent exhibits have been installed in the $2.5 million New Wing, starting with a sea dinosaur and a 14
Edinburg, TX History