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
Alamodome
160,000-sq.-ft. building provides facilities for football, concerts, and other events. It is the only domed stadium in North America with two permanent ice sheets. It's home for the annual Alamo Bowl college football game each Dec. Tours conducted every Thursday and Friday. (
San Antonio, TX Sports ComplexesMuseum 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 HistorySan 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 ChurchesThe Alamo
The most famous spot in Texas, where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city'
San Antonio, TX MissionsNatural Bridge Caverns
One of the world's premier caverns, take 75-minute tour through a half-mile of the largest show cavern in Texas. For the more daring spelunker, the Adventure Tour offers a physically demanding excursion into an undeveloped cavern (reservations are required for the Adventure Tour)
San Antonio, TX CavingSanta 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 RefugesMarket House Museum
Quaint structure with cupola on the courthouse square. First public use on Aug. 30, 1853; in 1886, building became a firehouse with meeting hall. Local volunteer fire department used the building until 1964 and restored for use as museum in 1967
Goliad, TX Museums