Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Laredo, TX

  • Published 2022/10/14

Did you know that Laredo in Webb County, Texas, is the largest inland port in the United States?

Situated on the Rio Grande, Laredo is a major transportation and commercial center for trade with Mexico.

In addition to its busy seaport, Laredo also has an airport and railroad terminal.

Tomás Sánchez de la Barrera y Garza founded the city of Laredo in 1755.

Located in Webb County, this city is one of the oldest settlements in Texas.

The first Europeans to visit the area were Spanish explorers under Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1535.

If you’re looking for a fun getaway that feels like home, look no further than Laredo, Texas.

This vibrant border town teems with activity, offering something for everyone.

From world-class shopping and dining to exciting nightlife and historical attractions, there’s something for everyone in Laredo.

Here are a few of the best things to do in Laredo, Texas:

Visit the Laredo Center for the Arts

Exterior of the Laredo Center for the Arts

Barna Tanko / Shutterstock.com

The Laredo Center for the Arts is a great place to see various local and national artists.

If you’re a fan of art, visit the Laredo Center for the Arts.

Any art lover will surely enjoy their visit here!

The center features rotating exhibitions and a theatre and performance space.

Fountain on the grounds of Laredo Center for the Arts

Barna Tanko / Shutterstock.com

The Laredo Center for the Arts is also home to several educational programs, making it an excellent resource for the community.

Exhibits at the center include a variety of art genres, from painting and sculpture to photography and textiles.

For anyone who wants to try Laredo’s unique cultural experience, the Laredo Center for the Arts is the perfect destination.

Hit the Bullseye at the Arena Gun Club

Arena Gun Club is the perfect place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for a bit of excitement.

This famous gun club features a variety of shooting ranges, as well as a pro shop and cafe.

Arena Gun Club should be a blast whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a novice.

The Arena Gun Club offers various shooting ranges, perfect for people of different experience levels.

The club has many ranges, including a pistol range, a rifle range, and a shotgun range.

If you’re looking to brush up on your shooting skills or want to try something new, the Arena Gun Club is the perfect place.

Learn about Laredo’s Unique Culture at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum

You will learn about the unique culture of Laredo at the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum.

This museum features several exhibits that are perfect for both kids and adults.

Highlights include the “Laredo: A Living Memory” exhibit, which tells the story of Laredo’s history and culture, and the “Woven Memories” exhibit, which showcases traditional Latino textiles from around the world.

The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits, perfect for kids.

These exhibits allow kids to learn everything from traditional Latino music to Laredo’s history and culture.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, making it an excellent resource for the community.

The Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Laredo.

Visit the museum during your stay!

Visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

Exhibit in the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Rio Grande Valley.

This interactive museum features a variety of exhibits, educational programs, and events that showcase the area’s rich heritage.

The museum is also home to an extensive research library and archive, making it an excellent resource for students and historians.

One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the “Model of the Lost Colony,” which tells the story of a colony of Spanish settlers who disappeared in the 16th century.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Rio Grande Valley, visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum.

Browse the Laredo Farmer’s Market

The Laredo Farmer’s Market is a great place to find fresh local produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

Held every Saturday morning, this famous market is a great place to start your day in Laredo.

You can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry and crafts at the Laredo Farmer’s Market.

Plus, you can enjoy live music and entertainment while you shop.

Drop by the Farmer’s Market if you’re looking for a fun day out for the weekend.

You’ll find plenty of great shopping and entertainment options here.

You can also try out some delicious food vendors, and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir or two.

Explore Laredo’s Iconic Military Fort at the Fort McIntosh National Historic Site

Welcome sign of Fort McIntosh National Historic Site

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fort McIntosh National Historic Site is a must-see for history buffs visiting Laredo.

The fort’s exhibits are divided into three sections: the original defense, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War.

Each offers a unique glimpse into the fort’s history.

The original fort exhibit showcases the fort’s early years, while the Mexican-American War exhibit tells the story of Laredo’s role in the war.

The Civil War exhibit is fascinating as it tells how Laredo became a significant center for Confederate supply lines.

If you’re interested in learning more about Laredo’s military history, visit the Fort McIntosh National Historic Site.

Play Some Recreational Sports at Slaughter Sports Complex

Slaughter Sports Complex is the perfect place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for a bit of excitement.

This popular sports complex features a variety of recreational sports, as well as a pro shop and cafe.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a novice, Slaughter Sports Complex should give a fun and exciting experience.

The complex offers a variety of sports, including soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and tennis.

It also has several fields and courts, making it perfect for any sport.

Discover Laredo’s Heritage at Casa Ortiz

Casa Ortiz is the former residence of the Ortiz family, one of Laredo’s most prominent families.

Don Jose Reyes Ortiz received the land grant for Casa Ortiz from the King of Spain in 1826.

This historic home was constructed in 1830 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Casa Ortiz is a great place to learn about Laredo’s heritage.

Today, this historic home is managed by the Laredo Heritage Foundation under the Texas A&M International University.

Casa Ortiz is a must-see for anyone visiting Laredo.

Explore the Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

Reed at the Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

Laurens Hoddenbagh / Shutterstock.com

The Lake Casa Blanca International State Park is a beautiful oasis in Laredo.

This 2,200-acre park features a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.

The park also has a playground, swimming area, and campgrounds, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.

Welcome sign of Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for outdoor fun, visit the Lake Casa Blanca International State Park.

You’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Visit the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge

The Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge is one of the busiest bridges in the world, connecting the cities of Laredo, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

This iconic bridge is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of the city.

The bridge is a central transportation hub; people and goods cross back and forth between the United States and Mexico daily.

If you’re looking for a unique perspective on Laredo and Ciudad Juarez, visit the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.

Snap a photo of this historical landmark in the city.

Try Retail Therapy at the Mall del Norte

Macy's at Mall del Norte

Billy Hathorn at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mall del Norte is the largest shopping mall in Laredo and features a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Whether you’re looking for a new outfit or want to window shop, the Mall del Norte is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

With over 100 different stores, you’re sure to find something you love.

Joe Brand at Mall del Norte

AMAPO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The mall also has a variety of restaurants, including fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants.

If you’re tired after all that shopping, check out the movie theater.

You’ll find everything you need at the Mall del Norte.

Visit the mall when you’re in town!

Discover the Imaginarium of South Texas

The Imaginarium of South Texas is a hands-on museum perfect for families with kids.

This famous museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, as well as a planetarium and gift shop.

Its exhibits include the “Water” exhibit, which explores the various ways water is used worldwide, and the “Bugs!” exhibit, which allows kids to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating insects.

The Imaginarium of South Texas is also home to the only full-dome planetarium in Laredo.

The planetarium offers a variety of shows that are perfect for kids and adults.

The Imaginarium of South Texas is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family.

Unwind to Good Music or Watch a Game at the Sames Auto Arena

Exterior of Sames Auto Arena

Sames Auto Arena, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sames Auto Arena is the best place in town to catch a live show or event.

The arena is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts various events, including concerts, sporting events, and conventions.

Check the schedule before you visit to see what’s playing during your stay.

This famous arena is also home to the Laredo Bucks minor league hockey team and the Laredo Lobos indoor football team.

The Bucks and the Lobos play their home games at the Sames Auto Arena, one of the best venues in town for sports.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out an event at the Sames Auto Arena.

You won’t regret it!

Check out the Laredo Little Theater

The Laredo Little Theater is the perfect place to catch a live performance.

This famous theater hosts a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year.

Check the schedule before you visit so you can catch a show during your stay.

The Laredo Little Theater is a historic theater that has entertained the people of Laredo since 1911.

This famous theater stages various plays and musicals and hosts a gift shop and cafe.

The Laredo Little Theater is a must-see for anyone visiting Laredo.

See the Wonders of the Universe at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium

Exterior of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium

AMAPO, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium is a great place to learn about the stars and planets.

This facility features several exhibits and shows that are perfect for kids and adults.

The planetarium also offers a variety of educational programs, making it an excellent resource for the community.

Be sure to visit the Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium and get ready to learn more and explore the mysteries of the universe.

You won’t regret it!

Explore the San Agustin Cathedral

Exterior of the San Agustin Cathedral

AMAPO, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The San Agustin Cathedral is the oldest church in Laredo, Texas, and it’s worth visiting for anyone interested in architecture or history.

This beautiful cathedral features a variety of unique architectural elements.

Visitors love to tour the bell tower, dome, and portico.

Tower of the San Agustin Cathedral

AMAPO, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The San Agustin Cathedral is also home to several historical artifacts, including a painting of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the 16th century.

Tour this beautiful church when you’re in the city.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting for a specific event or want to explore, add Laredo to your list of travel destinations.

Laredo is also home to various exciting adventures, making it the perfect place to get outdoors and explore.

No matter your interests, you won’t regret trying the best things to do in Laredo, Texas.

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