San Antonio and the South Texas Plains Region

Regional Highlights

The Alamo, San Antonio
Paseo del Rio or River Walk, San Antonio
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, McAllen
Presidio La Bahia, Goliad

San Antonio

Texas's top vacation destination is San Antonio, a city that Will Rogers once described as one of only three unique cities in the country. (Wonder what the other two were? San Francisco and New Orleans.)

San Antonio has a rich history remembered at sites include The Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. The Alamo lies just off the famous River Walk, a pedestrian area lined with unique shops and sidewalk cafes, perfect for touring on foot or by open air barge.

This many links San Antonio shares with Mexico are found throughout the city, from its shopping to dining. Museums offer a full menu of options for travelers whose interests range from the military to art while gardens tempts travelers year around.

On the outskirts of the city, you'll find the theme parks as well as destination resorts, perfect for a getaway with the family or a romantic getaway with some relaxing spa treatments.

Brush Country

Heading southwest of San Antonio, you'll soon reach the Brush Country, the mesquite-covered land that's a favorite with ranchers and hunters. Here small towns dot the roadways to the US-Mexico border where communities including Laredo and Eagle Pass offer easy access into Mexico as well as attractions and shopping of their own.

Rio Grande Valley

In the far southern reaches of the state lie the treasures of the Rio Grande Valley, a region filled with miles of citrus groves and coastal flats dotted with birds from throughout North America.

Harlingen is a top destination in the Valley and makes a good central point from which to enjoy a look at all of the southern tip of Texas. Within a one-hour drive enjoy a romp in the surf of, shopping in Mexico, bird watching in national refuges, and more.

West of Harlingen, McAllen offers activities both in the city and in Mexico thanks to its location just eight miles from the Mexican city of Reynosa. McAllen is also a favorite with part-time Texans known as Winter Texans who return to South Texas every year to enjoy the temperate weather and many special events aimed at these very welcome guests. (For nearby Brownsville and South Padre Island, see the Gulf Coast section.)