Laguna Atascosa
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer everyone an opportunity to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. With more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails, the refuge offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can bike along the scenic Laguna Madre, enjoy birdwatching at any of the five wildlife viewing areas located along ADA-accessible Visitor Center trails, or hike through dense thornscrub habitats that gradually transition into expansive coastal prairie grasslands. Recognized as one of North America's most biologically diverse national wildlife refuges, Laguna Atascosa supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life. The refuge is home to more than:
- 450 plant species
- 417 documented bird species
- 130 butterfly species
- 45 mammal species
- 44 reptile and amphibian species
- 40 fish species
This remarkable biodiversity makes Laguna Atascosa a premier destination for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, birding, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or spending the entire day exploring, you'll discover countless opportunities to experience the beauty and wildlife of South Texas.
Driving Directions
- From Harlingen, McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, and points west and north: Take Highway 77 north (Corpus Christi/ Raymondville), take the exit for FM 106 (Rio Hondo) for 24 miles, turn left on Buena Vista Blvd, the Visitor's Center is located 3 miles north on the left.
- From South Padre Island: Take Highway 100 out of Port Isabel and exit right on FM 510 at Laguna Vista. Continue 7 miles to FM 106 and head north for approximately 4.5 miles until Buena Vista Blvd, on the right, the Visitor's Center is located about 3 miles up Buena Vista Blvd on the left.
- From Brownsville: Go north on Paredes Line Road (FM 1847) through Los Fresnos. Turn right on FM106 for about 7 miles. Turn left on Buena Vista Blvd. and it's about 3 miles to the Refuge Visitor Center; it will be on your left.
Fees
Pay your daily entrance fee or buy your annual pass on Recreation.gov.
Daily Permits
- General Visitors: $3 per vehicle
- Commercial Groups: $25 per vehicle per visit or $100 per year
- School Groups and Boy or Girl Scout Troops: Free
Restrooms
For visitor convenience, restrooms are available outside the Visitor Center. A vault toilet is also available near Rene's Overlook on Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive.
Points of Interest
Let our staff and volunteers at the visitor contact station help you plan your visit! Visitors can browse nature and wildlife exhibits and obtain maps and brochures.
What To Do
- 15-minutes: Check out one of our 5 bird blinds along the visitor centers ADA trails.
- One hour: Take a hike on Mesquite Trail (1.2-mile loop).
- Half a day or more: Go on a relaxing bike ride on Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (14.2-mile loop).
Day pass ($3) – Available to the general public and provides access to Laguna Atascosa NWR for one day.
Refuge (LANWR) Annual Pass ($10) – Available to U.S citizens and provides access to Laguna Atascosa NWR for one year.
Annual Pass ($80) – Available to the general public and provides access to federal recreation sites for one year.
Non-resident Annual Pass ($250) – Available to non-residents and provides access to federal recreation sites for one year.
Senior Annual Pass ($20) – Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older.
Military Annual Pass (Free) – Available to current U.S. military members and their dependents.
Senior Lifetime Pass ($80) – Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older.
Access Pass (Free) – Available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
Military Lifetime Pass (Free) – Available to Gold Star Families and eligible veterans.
- From Harlingen, McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, and points west and north: Take Highway 77 north (Corpus Christi/ Raymondville), take the exit for FM 106 (Rio Hondo) for 24 miles, turn left on Buena Vista Blvd, the Visitor's Center is located 3 miles north on the left.
- From South Padre Island: Take Highway 100 out of Port Isabel and exit right on FM 510 at Laguna Vista. Continue 7 miles to FM 106 and head north for approximately 4.5 miles until Buena Vista Blvd, on the right, the Visitor's Center is located about 3 miles up Buena Vista Blvd on the left.
- From Brownsville: Go north on Paredes Line Road (FM 1847) through Los Fresnos. Turn right on FM106 for about 7 miles. Turn left on Buena Vista Blvd. and it's about 3 miles to the Refuge Visitor Center; it will be on your left.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Whether you want to support conservation, learn more about nature, or share your passion for the outdoors, you've come to the right place. Volunteers play a vital role in helping national wildlife refuges fulfill their mission of conserving wildlife and habitats while connecting people with the natural world. At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, volunteers make a lasting difference through a variety of activities, including visitor services, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, environmental education, special events, and refuge maintenance. By partnering with volunteers, the refuge can expand its impact and better serve both wildlife and the community. Join us and help protect the unique natural resources of South Texas while sharing your talents, skills, and enthusiasm with others.
Services
About
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1946 to provide vital habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, particularly redhead ducks. Today, the refuge is recognized as a premier birding destination and serves as the focal point for ocelot conservation in the United States. Encompassing more than 120,000 acres, the refuge includes diverse habitats ranging from coastal wetlands and thornscrub to beachfront habitat on South Padre Island. As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Laguna Atascosa is dedicated to conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations.