Discover Webb: History and Culture in Laredo

In Webb, you can combine different travel interests: In Laredo in Webb County, you’ll find historic sites and museums, as well as arts offerings, events, and opportunities for wildlife watching. The following places and activities offer specific ways to explore them.

Historic Sites in Laredo

The San Agustin Historic District is Laredo’s oldest neighborhood and was founded in 1755 by Tomas Sanchez. In the historic district, San Agustin Cathedral overlooks San Agustin Plaza. Another way to explore the district is the San Agustin District Tour, which takes you through the San Agustin National Register District. It is offered as a guided or self-guided tour, so you can choose between a guided experience and exploring on your own.

The history of Fort McIntosh also includes several clearly distinct phases. The site was established in 1849 as a star-shaped earthen fort on a hill overlooking the Rio Grande. It served to defend the river border and later as a training camp, before being abandoned as an Army post on June 9, 1947. Among the surviving buildings are the Fort McIntosh Barracks: they are the last remaining of three brick barracks built by the U.S. Army in 1880. The fort’s founding, military use, and preserved architecture offer different ways to explore its history.

Museums and Cultural Offerings

The Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum is housed in a restored, two-story brick building dating to the early 20th century. The building once belonged to two early merchant families from Laredo. Exhibitions rotate at the museum, which also hosts outdoor films and educational seminars. Tours and programs on local history and historic preservation are offered year-round. The mix of exhibitions, events, and tours makes the museum a destination for a range of cultural interests.

The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum authentically depicts everyday life in a home in mid-19th-century Laredo. The building served as the Capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. A visit to the museum thus connects the portrayal of daily life with the building’s former political role. The Laredo Center for the Arts features art exhibitions, dance and music performances, and lectures on art history. It also offers art education classes for adults and children.

Planetarium, Nature, and Local Experiences

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium presents immersive shows about nature, animals, Earth’s environment, and space. They use 360-degree panoramic visuals and surround sound. On March 19, 2026, the university reported on renovations to the Sonia and Memo Benavides Immersive Theater at the planetarium, citing state-of-the-art projectors, improved lighting, and new seating. The Imaginarium of South Texas serves families from Webb County, South Texas, and northern Mexico. With hands-on exhibits and outreach programs, it offers a bicultural and creative learning experience.

For outdoor pursuits, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Laredo has trails for mountain biking and hiking. Visitors can watch wildlife on land, in the lake, and in the air. The Washington's Birthday Celebration offers a different focus: its four-week event program includes two parades, an air show, a Jalapeño Festival, a two-week fair, and fireworks. If you’d like to plan your trip around the celebration, check the specific event dates in advance.

Food and drink also offer their own themes for trip planning. The Laredo Taco Trail is a digital pass to participating taquerias, where you can sample local taco flavors. The Laredo Coffee Tour takes you to local cafés and includes tastings of various coffees from Laredo. The offerings differ in timing: Villa Antigua Museum offers tours year-round, while the Washington's Birthday Celebration is a four-week event program.

Discover more destinations: Laredo, Starr, Bandera, Gillespie County, Parker, Wharton, Harrison County, Jasper County

For the broader travel overview: Texas.