Laredo: A Border Town Adventure in 3 Days
Experience the vibrant culture and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine in Laredo.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Laredo, the vibrant city in Texas, offers tourists a blend of culture, history, and adventure. Visitors can explore museums, indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine, and discover the city's oldest continuously inhabited residence. A stroll across the iconic International Bridge will lead you to lively markets and an authentic cultural experience.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in at Embassy Suites by Hilton Laredo, an elegant hotel with a beautiful atrium and free cooked-to-order breakfast.
- Visit the historic downtown area, where you can admire the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and shop for souvenirs.
- Stop at Delicatesse, a French bakery known for its delicious macarons and croissants.
- Head to the Laredo Center for the Arts, a cultural hub that features art exhibits, concerts, and performances.
- Enjoy dinner at El Meson de San Agustin, a popular restaurant where you can sample traditional Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Finca Bruncheria, a cozy spot known for its fresh juices and savory breakfast plates.
- Explore the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the city's past as a border town.
- Take a short drive to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and have lunch at Los Comales, a colorful eatery where you can feast on tacos and quesadillas.
- Return to the U.S. and spend the afternoon shopping at Mall del Norte, the city's largest shopping center.
- End the day with a dinner at Palenque Grill, a lively restaurant that serves delicious Mexican-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
- Wake up early and drive to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, a beautiful park that offers hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities.
- Rent a kayak or a paddle board and explore the lake's tranquil waters.
- Have a picnic lunch at one of the park's scenic spots, and watch for birds and other wildlife.
- Visit the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, a nature preserve that features interactive exhibits and nature trails.
- Drive back to the hotel and rest for a bit before enjoying a dinner at Palenque Grill.
- (Note: Depending on the season, the itinerary might be adjusted to highlight other attractions or activities, such as the annual Washington's Birthday Celebration or the Laredo Birding Festival.)
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Laredo is by flying into Laredo International Airport, which has daily flights from major cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Laredo is a great option, as it is located right on the US-Mexico border and connected to major highways such as I-35 and I-69.
Train
While there are no passenger trains that go directly to Laredo, you can take a train to San Antonio and then connect to a bus or drive the rest of the way to Laredo.
Boat
While there are no direct boat routes to Laredo, you can take a boat to the nearby cities of Corpus Christi or Brownsville and then connect to a bus or drive the rest of the way to Laredo.
Bus
Taking a bus to Laredo is a popular option, with several bus companies such as Greyhound and Tornado Bus Company offering daily routes from major cities across the United States.