15 Best Things to Do in McAllen, Texas

McAllen, Texas is located in Hidalgo County at the southernmost tip of the state, on the Rio Grande.

McAllen offers many exciting entertainment and entertainment options for its visitors.

With a vibrant downtown offering great restaurants, history museums and galleries, McAllen is a great underrated Texas spot.

Also Read: 40 Best Places to Visit in Texas

Excellent Birdwatching Opportunities at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
Excellent bird watching opportunities near McAllen, Texas.

There’s plenty to do in the great outdoors, too, from visiting the unique Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park to tubing down the river.

The river is popular with nature lovers and poultry farmers.

It is easy to spot many beautiful birds such as white-tailed kites hovering overhead.

Here is a complete guide to visiting McAllen, Texas.

Things to do in McAllen, Texas

McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, is the perfect getaway for curious visitors.

This bustling border town is known for its kaleidoscope of cultures and local attractions such as the International Museum of Art and Science and Firemen’s Park.

Adventure seekers will enjoy local outdoor activities such as kayaking on the Rio Grande.

After an adventurous day, explore McAllen’s popular nightlife and music scene with live performances from across Latin America.

Here are the top things to do in McAllen, Texas on your next trip.

Stroll through downtown McAllen.

Downtown McAllen is the perfect place to experience the culture of this Texas city.

With its many small shops, boutiques, galleries, museums and restaurants, it’s easy to find something new every time you visit.

Explore downtown day and night and enjoy the great food, drink and music that McAllen has to offer.

Fish tacos at Georges in Waco
fish tacos

Visit the McAllen Arts District

The city’s arts district, with its art galleries, shops, and art studios, is a must for art lovers.

This vibrant part of McAllen has a lot to offer, with its creative atmosphere and countless works of art, from paintings and sculptures to prints, pottery and photographs.

Visit the beautiful Quinta Mazatlán

Quinta Mazatlan is a beautiful outdoor bird watching center located on the banks of the Rio Grande.

This stunning 15-acre site features hiking trails, bird watching spots, and exhibits on local ecology, plants, and animals.

The Quinta Mazatlan building was built in the style of a Mexican hacienda and includes an art gallery, classrooms and conference rooms.

This stunning location is perfect for bird lovers and nature lovers alike.

Hiking trails next to San Felipe Creek
Trails in the center

Tubing down the Rio Grande

McAllen is located on the banks of the famous Rio Grande, making it a great place to practice water sports like tubing.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tuber grower, get ready for some fun and relaxation on the water.

Going down the Rio Grande tube is one of the best ways to enjoy nature in all its splendor while experiencing the unique local culture of the South Texas Plains region.

See also: 7 regions of Texas.

Enjoy McAllen’s Nightlife

Enjoy McAllen’s vibrant nightlife.

The city has a large selection of bars, clubs and concert venues, where local artists and musicians from all over Latin America perform.

Head to the McAllen Clubs for an unforgettable evening of music, dance and fun.

See exhibits at the International Museum of Art and Science

The International Museum of Art and Science (IMAS) is a great place to visit for art and science lovers.

The museum’s two main exhibition halls feature rotating exhibits focusing on international and local art, as well as interactive exhibits focusing on science and technology.

The museum has a great atmosphere and is great for kids.

Indulge in retail therapy at the mall's stores.
Indulge in retail therapy at the mall’s stores.

Enjoy shopping at La Plaza Mall.

La Plaza Mall is the main mall in McAllen.

This sprawling mall has several shops, including popular high-end stores, department stores and eateries.

This is a great place for everyone, whether you’re looking for a unique gift or just enjoying retail therapy.

Spend a day outdoors at the Firemen’s Park.

Firemen’s Park is McAllen’s main outdoor park.

This beautiful park has plenty of activities for everyone, including hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, an outdoor stage, and picnic areas with grills.

The highlight of the park is the city lake. Here you can rent kayaks and pedal boats, take a scenic walk on the lake, or simply relax and enjoy the views.

Fire Park is the perfect place to get some fresh air.

Watch a performance at the McAllen Performing Arts Center

The McAllen Performing Arts Center is a great place to watch the show.

The center hosts performances by local and international artists, as well as performances, musicals and comedies.

Learn about the city’s history at the McAllen Heritage Center.

The McAllen Heritage Center is a great place to learn about McAllen’s history.

The center has interactive exhibits that tell the story of McAllen’s growth from a small village to the bustling city it is today.

Visitors can also explore artifacts and photographs from the area’s past, as well as replicas of important city icons.

The Heritage Center is the perfect place to experience McAllen’s rich culture and history.

Also don’t forget to check out the museum gift shop for unique souvenirs.

The local farmers market is a great place to shop for fresh produce.
The local farmers market is a great place to shop for fresh produce.

Attend an event at the McAllen Convention Center

McAllen Convention Center is a great place to attend events all year round.

The center hosts concerts, conventions, conferences and other special events by local, regional and national organizations.

This is a great place for families to have fun or for business travelers who might find something unique during their stay.

Go hiking in the McAllen Nature Center

McAllen Nature Center is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts.

The nature center has several hiking trails, as well as a butterfly garden and bird-watching spots.

This beautiful park also has an observation deck from where visitors can take in stunning views of McAllen.

Monarch butterfly on a Texas bluebonnet flower
Monarch butterfly on a Texas bluebonnet flower

Visit the McAllen Public Library

The McAllen Public Library is the perfect place for reading or research.

This unique library has a large selection of books, magazines and newspapers, as well as computers with Internet access.

The library also hosts classes and workshops for both adults and children.

Look at the bandstand at Archer Park.

Archer Park, located on N Main Street, is great for history buffs.

The park has a replica of an old bandstand where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

There are also picnic areas, playgrounds and plenty of green space for children.

Shop for fresh produce at Earth Born Market.

Earth Born Market is a great place to buy fresh local produce.

This market sells a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products from local farmers.

Rope bridge in Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
Rope bridge in Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

Enjoy nature at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.

The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to escape to nature.

The refuge features over 400 species of native plants and animals, as well as many hiking and biking trails.

It is especially popular for its suspension rope bridge – it is a hit with children.

McAllen, Texas must be experienced to truly understand its beauty and exuberance.

The city offers something for everyone, from avid shoppers to adventure seekers looking to explore this corner of Texas.

With a mild climate that is year-round, McAllen is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for all Texans.

What is your favorite thing to do in McAllen, Texas? Let us know below.

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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