Top Things to Do in Laredo This Summer

Located on the Southern U.S. border, Laredo, Texas, is a charming city steeped in history and offering an abundance of activities to entertain you and your family this summer.

The city has a historic downtown with museums and incredible architecture, modern restaurants serving delicious cuisine, and fun for all ages both indoors and outdoors. Laredo is a destination you don’t want to miss.

Review these stellar highlights of things to do in Laredo this summer.

Arts and Culture

When the temperature heats up in Laredo, you might be looking for some indoor activities. The Sames Auto Arena hosts a plethora of entertainment, from sporting events to concerts.

For more cultural pursuits, visit Republic of the Río Grande Museum in downtown San Agustin Historical District. It is one of Laredo’s oldest structures, dating back to 1830. This historical Texas landmark was once the capital of Republic of the Rio Grande and home to Bartolomé García, a prominent rancher and three-time mayor of Laredo. Today the museum displays an authentic recreation of a 1830s home. Nearby you’ll also find the Villa Antigua Heritage Museum, which occupies a restored two-story brick residence built in the early 20th century as home to two prominent families. The interior showcase exhibit explores the region’s history and culture.

Family-Friendly Fun

Take a family-friendly walk on the wild side and explore the region’s ecosystem at Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center, located on the Laredo Community College campus. The kids will go gaga for the living laboratory, live specimens of plants and animals that inhabit the Rio Grande.

For more family-bonding experiences, visit Jett Bowl North. The bowling alley has a jukebox, an arcade and a restaurant that serves burgers, cheese sticks, chicken wings and more bar-food delights.

Happy the Javelina

LBVE Summer Camp (Photo by Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Center)

Shop ’Til You Drop

If a few days of shopping are just what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of options in Laredo. The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo has all of your favorite brands, like Nike, Michael Kors and H&M. Plan to spend a good chunk of time here, as there are more than 80 retailers.

If local boutiques are more your style, get dolled up at Dollz Boutique, which has a stunning selection of women’s dresses and boho-chic attire that can go from the office to date night. To pick up some unique accessories, head to La Coquet. This boutique showcases brands from Latin America, offering one-of-a-kind purses, chokers, earrings, rings and more. Another shop not to miss is Sara Boutique. The boutique is home to trendy women’s clothing like cocktail dresses, off-the-shoulder tops, onesies, platform shoes and more.

The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo

Dollz Boutique

Photo by Dollz Boutique

La Coquet

Photo by La Coquet

Sara Boutique

Photo by Sara Boutique

Drink and Dine

It’s time to hit the town, and Laredo has a host of delicious restaurants and bars to choose from.

Looking for tasty tacos? Check out El Puesto Taqueria & Cantina. You'll find a variety of tacos to choose from, as well as daily specials offered.

Want to enjoy an evening under the stars and dine on pizza and chicken wings? Wizard Wicks Pizza has an outdoor patio as well as indoor seating, follow them on social media for their live entertainment schedule.

There's always time for cocktails. Stop by Culture Social Bar and browse their selection of craft cocktails, they do not disappoint. Home to bottomless-mimosas during Sunday brunch along with a great food menu to add on to your experience. Enjoy!

Get Outside

Work off some of those margaritas while you enjoy fresh air and views of the Rio Grande River during a round of golf at The Max, a par-72, 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. signature design course that spans 270 acres of the South Texas landscape. Book a lesson to improve your golf game, or play with a group of family or friends for fun. Either way, you can’t go wrong at this beauty of a public golf course.

Photo by @johnygross956

For more time in nature, visit Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Minutes from the Mexican border, this lakeside park has it all: swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, and camping and picnic spots. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Texas horned lizards, Black-tailed jackrabbits and a host of birds like the Hooded orioles and Lark sparrows all live here during the summertime.

Find out more about these and other top things to do in Laredo this summer here.