This is a land like no other with unparalleled opportunities for travel and tourism, business and development and more. Whether you plan to stay for a day, a week or a lifetime, you’ll find much to enjoy in the Valley.
Visitor's Guide to the Rio Grande Valley
While many downtowns across America have become sleepy, boarded-up relics of their former selves, Valley downtowns teem with shoppers from the North and the South. The bustling newness of our rapidly growing economy is tempered by the Old World charm engendered by our nearness to Mexico with its rich history and laid back attitude.
Our subtropical climate with its mild winters entices “Winter Texans” from all over North America. Tourists and day trippers find dozens of points of interest from Laredo to South Padre Island. Shopping and dining in Mexico are less than an hour away, and the mountains of Mexico’s interior are only a half-day’s drive.
Beachgoers will enjoy the emerald surf and glistening sands of South Padre Island. One of the premier resorts on the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is just two hours from the Valley’s western end. Ecotourists will delight in the beauty of the land and the diversity of wildlife to be found here. The Valley is a flyway between North and South America, creating some of the best birding and butterflying opportunities in the country.
A fresh breeze is blowing through South Texas, bringing with it a wealth of opportunities. Come and visit or come and stay; you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for in the Rio Grande Valley.
Mexico is just a two-step across the Rio Grande from downtown Brownsville, easily making your trip an international one. The friendly neighbors of Matamoros welcome visitors to join their cultural events, to shop for bargains at old world style markets, and to enjoy the cuisine of a variety of restaurants.
Mexicans love a fiesta. This means that many holidays become a festival. Some examples include Dies y seis de Septiembre (Independence Day), Day of the Dead, Battle of Puebla, Holy Week, and the Christmas holidays.
The shops and markets of Matamoros offer many art, handcraft, and souvenir options. Good values are available on items ranging from leather goods, silver and gold jewelry, colorfully woven fabrics, pottery, and even prescription drugs. The museums trace the unique history and include new exhibits, one recounting the travels of Pancho Villa.
Matamoros has an ever-expanding collection of restaurants. Along with authentic Mexican, regional seafood, casual French, Asian, and continental fare is served, often accompanied by native music, performed at your table.
Be sure to include Matamoros as part of your trip to the Rio Grande Valley!
Visiting Mexico Requirements
Entering into Mexico, US or Canadian citizens must carry proof of citizenship in the form of a birth certificate or passport. For those staying more than 72 hours or going beyond the border towns, a Mexican Tourist Entry Card, also known as the DNI form (available at MX Consulates, MX Government Tourism Offices, and border immigration offices), is required along with a Visitor Fee of MXPeso$178.00 (subject to change) or its equivalent in US currency. After paying at any Mexican bank, the form has to be stamped by immigration officials at an international bridge. The DNI entitles unlimited visits up to 6 months. Mexican immigration authorities will request proof of necessary fees being paid before leaving Mexico.