Presidio TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Presidio, Texas.
1. Fort Leaton State Historic Site
HISTORIC FRONTIER OUTPOST
Fort Leaton State Historic Site stands as a preserved frontier trading post dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can explore the adobe structure that once served as both a home and fortification against attacks. The site offers interpretive exhibits that tell the story of early settlers and trade along the US-Mexico border.
2. Big Bend Ranch State Park
RUGGED DESERT WILDERNESS
Big Bend Ranch State Park encompasses over 300,000 acres of rugged wilderness along the Rio Grande. The park features dramatic desert landscapes, including canyons, mountains, and the famed 'River Road' scenic drive. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing in this remote natural paradise.
3. Chinati Mountains
MAJESTIC DESERT PEAKS
The Chinati Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the Presidio landscape with their dramatic desert peaks. These mountains are home to diverse desert wildlife and offer opportunities for hiking and photography. The changing light throughout the day creates spectacular views as the sun casts shadows across the rugged terrain.
4. Chinati Cemetery
HISTORIC LOS INDIOS CEMETERY
Chinati Cemetery, locally known as Los Indios Cemetery, is marked by a Texas Historical Marker along the river road. The cemetery offers a glimpse into the region's rich multicultural history and heritage. Many of the graves date back generations, telling the story of the families who have called this border region home.
5. Santa Teresa De Jesus Church
CENTURIES-OLD SACRED SPACE
Santa Teresa De Jesus Church, established in 1683, stands on O'Reilly Street as one of Presidio's oldest structures. The church was rededicated in October 1983 during its tricentennial celebration. Its simple yet dignified architecture reflects the spiritual heritage of the region's early Spanish and Mexican settlers.
6. RCS Community Building and St. Francis Plaza
DOWNTOWN OASIS GATHERING SPACE
The RCS Community Building and St. Francis Plaza serve as a refreshing downtown oasis featuring shade, fountains, and greenery. This central gathering spot hosts the weekly Farmers Market every Saturday morning. The plaza provides a welcome respite from the desert heat while encouraging community connection.
7. Presidio Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Presidio Farmers Market brings together local vendors every Saturday morning at the St. Francis Plaza. Visitors can browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional specialties in this community-oriented gathering. The market offers a perfect opportunity to experience local culture and support small businesses in this border town.
8. Presidio Drag Racing
HIGH-SPEED DESERT COMPETITION
Presidio Drag Racing events offer high-octane entertainment for motorsport enthusiasts in this border community. Races take place west of town across from the Chili Plant on FM 170. These popular gatherings combine the thrill of speed with community celebration, often coinciding with holidays like the 4th of July.
9. Giant Big Bend Bluebonnets
SPECTACULAR WILDFLOWER DISPLAYS
The Giant Big Bend Bluebonnets create a spectacular natural display throughout Presidio during the spring months of February, March, and April. These impressive wildflowers, larger than the common Texas bluebonnet, carpet the desert landscape in vibrant blue. The annual bloom attracts photographers and nature lovers seeking to witness this uniquely Texan phenomenon.
10. The River Road (Highway 170)
SCENIC BORDER DRIVE
The River Road, officially Highway 170, is considered one of America's most spectacular scenic drives as it winds between Presidio and the surrounding Big Bend region. The route follows the Rio Grande through dramatic desert canyons with breathtaking vistas around every curve. Travelers are treated to ever-changing views of the river, mountains, and border landscapes that showcase the raw beauty of this remote corner of Texas.
11. Presidio-Ojinaga International Bridge
HISTORIC BORDER CROSSING
The Presidio-Ojinaga International Bridge connects the sister cities across the Rio Grande, serving as a vital link between the United States and Mexico. Visitors with passports can cross to experience the culture, food, and shopping of Ojinaga, Mexico. The bridge represents centuries of shared history and ongoing cultural exchange between these interconnected border communities.
12. Texas Longhorn Viewing
STATE ICON EXPERIENCE
Visitors to Presidio can view the official Texas state large mammal, the Texas Longhorn, at Big Bend Ranch State Park. These iconic cattle with their impressive horns represent the rich ranching heritage of the region. Seeing these magnificent animals against the backdrop of the desert landscape offers a quintessentially Texan experience.
13. Big Bend National Park
VAST WILDERNESS TREASURE
Big Bend National Park, accessible from Presidio, encompasses over 800,000 acres of protected desert, mountain, and river environments. The park offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in one of America's most remote and least-visited national parks. Visitors can experience diverse ecosystems ranging from the Rio Grande riverbanks to the towering Chisos Mountains that rise like an island in the desert.
14. Presidio La Bahía
SPANISH COLONIAL FORTRESS
Presidio La Bahía stands as one of the world's finest examples of a Spanish frontier fort and the most fought-over fort in Texas history. The restored presidio sits on the footprint of the original fort, with Our Lady of Loreto chapel being the only completely original structure dating back to 1779. Visitors can explore the museum featuring artifacts, watch an award-winning film, and walk the grounds to experience Spanish and Texas lifestyles of the 1800s.
15. Marfa Lights Viewing Area
MYSTERIOUS DESERT PHENOMENON
The Marfa Lights Viewing Area provides the perfect vantage point to witness the famous unexplained lights that have puzzled visitors for generations. Located a short drive from Presidio, this roadside park features informational displays about the mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the desert night. Visitors gather at dusk hoping to glimpse the ethereal lights that have inspired scientific inquiry, paranormal theories, and cultural fascination since they were first documented in the 1880s.
Presidio Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Presidio, Texas.
Presidio Beaches
Visit our list of beaches and waterfront escapes near Presidio, Texas.