Discover the Best of McAllen, Texas!
Story by Trucha
Edited by Abigail Vela and Nina Alegre
McAllen, Texas, is a small city with BIG charm. It is the most populous border city in Hidalgo County in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Hit up the local art scene and farmers market, or go hiking and enjoy exploring McAllen!
Outdoor Fun
Yes, it’s true, you can hike in South Texas! McAllen offers some easy-going but lovely hikes where you can see the Texas Spiny Lizard, native RGV plants, and Chachalacas.
And it doesn’t stop there—stop by some of McAllen’s parks for an afternoon picnic or to go paddle boarding! The Town Lake Fireman’s Park offers fishing poles, pedal boats for family fun, and kayak rentals. Another park to visit is Bill Schupp Park, equipped with grills, a volleyball court and three playgrounds!
Arts and Culture
Depending on the time of year, McAllen has a festival or parade for every season! Some fan favorites are MXLAN, a 3-day art and music festival, and the newly added Alebrije Music Festival at La Fiesta de Palmas. In the winter, McAllen hosts the South Pole Illuminated festival, home to the tallest digital Christmas tree in America!
McAllen is also home to local museums like International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), which exhibits local art, diverse exhibitions, and educational programs for kids! If you’re interested in history, La Placita or the McAllen Heritage Museum gives you the rundown of the history of McAllen, Texas.
Down the street from IMAS, you’ll run into the McAllen Public Library (MPL), the largest single-floor library in the United States. You can sign up for a free library card on the spot and enjoy their large collection of books, movies, music and countless resources they offer. Additionally, MPL hosts weekly farmer’s markets every Saturday in front of the building!
Must Visit Spots in McAllen
The McAllen Downtown district is home to clubs and bars, but it is a bustling shopping district during the daytime! You’ll be greeted by vendors selling hot Cheetos with cheese, corn in a cup, and more. There are also some wacky things to see and plenty of places to shop.
If you are looking for hidden gems, check out Baby Arcade, a Y2K-inspired thrift shop located in the heart of Downtown McAllen.
Just over Old Bus 83, you can find more places to explore! Archer Park is right across the street from Nerve Coffee, and Main Street offers dining experiences like Mikhuna Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine. For a more relaxed setting, head over to Roosevelt’s at 7.
Have Fun Exploring the Rio Grande Valley!
You may wonder if McAllen is safe. McAllen was voted one of the top five safest U.S. cities! So, enjoy exploring the Rio Grande Valley—there are plenty of places to discover!
