Rich in history and culture, the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of
the South Texas Plains region will entice and intrigue you while you’re here.
Incorporating the tropical allure of the southeast corner of the Rio Grande Valley, the rugged beauty near Eagle
Pass and exciting activities in San Antonio, this region is packed
with adventures.
History buffs can travel across parts of Texas that conquistadors once
traversed on their explorations, and visit locations where Franciscan monks set
up missions to Christianize and educate the natives. Texas is said to have the
second finest examples of Spanish mission architecture in the United States,
some of which can be found in the mission district of San Antonio and Mission Espiritu
Santo in Goliad.
In the eastern part of the region, the communities of Goliad and Fannin pay tribute, via museums and
historic sites, to the sacrifices made by those who fought for the Lone Star
State’s independence from Mexico. In the middle of the region, museums in Falfurrias, Alice and George West detail life for early
settlers in this part of Texas.
For nature lovers, the semi-tropical Rio Grande Valley also is one of the
best birding and butterfly-watching spots in North America. Located where major
bird migratory routes converge, this region houses the World Birding Center, a
network of several sites with headquarters at Bentsen-Rio
Grande Valley State Park near Mission.
In Three Rivers, Choke Canyon State
Park features ample fishing and boating opportunities on the massive
26,000-acre Choke Canyon
Reservoir, while those who like to enjoy nature can hike, camp, picnic or
just relax.
The Rio Grande Valley also is quite popular with winter visitors because of
the area’s balmy weather. These Winter Texans move into the Valley for extended
stays, often returning year after year. The inviting climate and wonderfully
mild winter weather mean visitors can look forward to golf, tennis, fishing and
other outdoor activities year-round.
While there is plenty of entertainment on this side of the border,
neighboring cities in Mexico offer enchantment and intrigue for visitors young
and old alike. The beauty and hospitality of the Mexican culture is evident
throughout the region in the border cities of Eagle Pass, Laredo, Roma, Rio Grande City and McAllen.
Last, but certainly not least, is the gem of the region—San Antonio. This city is home to
destinations that are known the world over—The Alamo and the River Walk. Other family
attractions include SeaWorld San Antonio,
Six Flags Fiesta
Texas, San Antonio
Zoo,
Guiness World Records Museum and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and the San Antonio Children’s Museum; but there’s so much more to
experience. The city proudly showcases amazing artwork in places like the McNay Art Museum, Mexican Cultural
Institute and the San Antonio Museum Of
Art.
But, this overview barely scratches the surface when it comes to describing
all there is to see and do here, so be sure to review the following pages for
more information on the cities and attractions in the area to help you plan your
next excursion.
So, hola amigos, and welcome to the wonderful South Texas
Plains!