An inviting climate, combined with friendly people, make up
a large part of the spectacular South Texas Plains region. While this part of Texas might feature some flat terrain broken only by mesquite and brush, there’s definitely
nothing “plain” about this region. Rich in history and culture, the sights,
sounds, tastes and experiences are sure to entice and intrigue you while you’re
here.
This region – incorporating the southeast corner of the
tropical Rio Grande Valley, the rugged beauty of the westernmost tip near Eagle
Pass, and northwestern wonder that is San
Antonio - is packed with adventures.
History buffs can travel across parts of Texas that
conquistadores 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 birdwatching spots in North America, with nearly 500 bird
species and more than 300 kinds of butterflies that call this area home.
Located where major bird migratory routes converge, this region houses the
World Birding Center, a network of nine 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 due to the area’s balmy weather. Conditions are inviting for those who
want to escape the sleet, snow, ice and cold of more northern climes. These
Winter Texans move into the Valley for extended stays, often returning year
after year. The inviting climate and wonderfully mild winter weather means
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. The area’s largest city and one of the biggest cities in the
state, San
Antonio 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, Guinness
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 some amazing artwork, in places like the McNay
Art Museum, Mexican
Cultural Institute and the San
Antonio Museum of Art, and provides some outdoor adventures at Natural
Bridge Caverns, Brackenridge
Park and the Natural
Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
But, this information just barely scratches the surface when
it comes to describing all there is to see and do here, so be sure to carefully
review the following pages for more detailed 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!