San Agustín Plaza

Rio Grande Valley


Parts of this downtown plaza, the oldest in Laredo, date from 1767. Surrounded by cobblestoned streets, lined with ancient oaks, it's a great spot to escape the sun and join locals relaxing on the benches and listening to music. For details of downtown's historic buildings, pick up the Heritage Walking Tour brochure at the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau or area hotels.

Nearby streets are interesting for the traditional shops catering to day-tripping Mexicans. Step behind the La Posada Hotel for views of the fortified border area, the trickle of the Rio Grande and the omnipresent, huge Mexican flag.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rio Grande Valley attractions

1. Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

0.03 MILES

Housed in an 1830s home that served in 1840 as the capitol of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande, this excellent museum brings that turbulent era…

2. San Agustín Cathedral

0.04 MILES

Standing proud at the eastern end of the plaza, Laredo’s sturdy, whitewashed Gothic Revival cathedral was erected in 1872 as the third church on this site…

3. Border Heritage Museum

0.13 MILES

Operated by the Webb County Heritage Foundation, the Border Heritage Museum may be open with a special exhibition. It’s housed in the restored Villa…

4. Laredo Center for the Arts

0.14 MILES

Rotating collections featuring work from local artists young and old can be hit or miss, but it's worth stopping in just for a look at the 1884 'El…

5. Fort McIntosh Historic Site

1.04 MILES

Established in 1849 to protect the region from raiding bandits and hostile local tribes, Fort McIntosh remained active through the Mexican Revolution and…