Weekend Adventure: McAllen, Texas Travel Guide

Discover the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of McAllen, USA.

22 April 2023

McAllen, located in southern Texas, is a vibrant city with various tourist attractions. Visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage through the McAllen Heritage Center or take a stroll along the scenic McAllen Nature Center. The city is also known for its shopping districts, such as the La Plaza Mall, which offers a wide range of stores and restaurants.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to McAllen!

  • Check into SpringHill Suites by Marriott, a stylish and comfortable hotel located close to major attractions.
  • Head over to The Quinta Mazatlan, a nature preserve that offers bird-watching, hiking trails, and educational programs.
  • Take a stroll at the McAllen Convention Center, which often hosts cultural events and music festivals.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Salt New American Table, where the chefs use the freshest ingredients to create innovative dishes.
  • End your day with a cocktail at Suerte Bar & Grill, a casual bar that features a wide selection of drinks and live music.
Day 2

Shop till You Drop

  • Explore the La Plaza Mall, a shopping venue with a mix of luxury and popular brands.
  • Stop by the bustling McAllen Farmers Market to pick up fresh meat, produce, and baked goods.
  • Take a break and indulge in some delicious tacos at Delia's Tamales.
  • Visit The Monitor, a local newspaper that offers tours of their printing press and newsroom.
  • End your day at The Patio on Guerra, a beautiful restaurant located in a historic building that serves Tex-Mex fare.
Day 3

Adventure Time

  • Head over to the International Museum of Art & Science, which showcases interactive exhibits on science, art, and history.
  • Get some adrenaline pumping by visiting Xtreme Lazer Tag, a popular indoor laser tag center.
  • Take a drive down to South Padre Island for some sun, sand, and sea.
  • Enjoy a seafood feast at Pier 19 Restaurant and Bar, which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Visit the historic Casa de Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel, a hotel that dates back to the 1800s and is now a lovely boutique hotel.
Day 4

Culture and Art

  • Visit the McAllen Heritage Center, which offers exhibits on the city's history and culture.
  • Explore the beautiful Rio Grande Valley Nature Center, which has over 1,000 acres of wetlands and scenic trails.
  • Take a tour of The McAllen Performing Arts Center or catch a show if there is one playing.
  • Dig into some authentic Mexican cuisine at House Wine & Bistro, which also has a wine bar.
  • End your day with a local craft beer at Grain to Glass, a hip bar that offers over 200 beers on tap.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to McAllen by plane is to fly into McAllen International Airport. Some airlines that offer flights to McAllen are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Car

The best way to get to McAllen by car depends on where you are coming from, but some major highways that lead to McAllen include I-2, US-281, and US-83. Use a GPS or map to plan your route.

Train

There is no train station in McAllen, so the best way to get there by train is to take Amtrak to San Antonio and then take a bus or fly to McAllen. The San Antonio Amtrak station is located at 350 Hoefgen St.

Boat

There is no way to get to McAllen by boat, as it is not located near any major bodies of water.

Bus

The best way to get to McAllen by bus is to take Greyhound, which offers several daily routes to the McAllen Bus Station. The Greyhound station in McAllen is located at 415 S 12th St.

Destination

McAllen

Welcome to a place that's so far south, it almost needs a passport. But don't worry, there's no need to brush up on your Spanish - you're still in the good ole U.S. of A.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

McAllen, United States: A Romantic 5-Day Getaway

A romantic trip to McAllen, United States promises to be a breathtaking experience for couples. Enjoy long walks through beautiful parks and nature reserves, ambrosial dinner dates in fine restaurants, and explore the rich culture of the city. Whether your weekend getaway is a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled endeavour, McAllen is sure to be an unforgettable romantic destination.

McAllen's Family Adventure: Uncover the Hidden Gems

McAllen, United States, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a variety of attractions and activities for everyone. Explore the vibrant International Museum of Art and Science, where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits and learn about the wonders of science. Enjoy outdoor adventures at the stunning Quinta Mazatlán, a nature sanctuary with hiking trails and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal destination for an educational and entertaining vacation.

McAllen on a Budget: Tamales, Trails & Art

McAllen, located in the southern tip of Texas, offers plenty of budget-friendly activities and accommodations for the budget-conscious traveler. From visiting the bird-watching paradise of the World Birding Center to hiking at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, there are various outdoor destinations to explore. Additionally, visitors will find plenty of affordable and delicious Mexican cuisine at local eateries and food trucks.

3-Day Adventure Plan: Experience McAllen, USA

McAllen is a vibrant city located in the southern region of Texas, USA. Its subtropical climate makes it an ideal destination to visit all year round. Tourists can explore its cultural landmarks, indulge in local cuisine and take a stroll along the scenic Rio Grande River.