As the 21st most populous city in Texas, McAllen is the place to be! Located right on the Rio Grande, McAllen is a city growing rapidly and it’s hard to keep up. It also provides tourists with amazing accommodations, including hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals. Plenty of amazing activities and attractions are available in this Texan city as well. Check out these 10 best things to do in McAllen, Texas.
1. Quinta Mazatlan
If you’re wondering what to do in McAllen, then make your way to Quinta Mazatlan. It is not only a historical marker, it’s a World Birding Center! You can tour the 1930’s Adobe mansion and there are plenty of trails, birds, art, history, and room to play! The mansion features Spanish architecture and huge gardens and, best of all, Quinta Mazatlan is “a mansion on a mission”, designed to help people connect with wildlife. It’s a lovely tropical garden where you can see plenty of birds, including Green Jays, Olive Sparrows, and others! Prepare to make memories while exploring Quinta Mazatlan, both inside the manor and out in the gardens!
Admission is 3 USD/adult and 2 USD/child and seniors. Members get in free, all year!
Quinta Mazatlan
Address: 600 Sunset Dr, McAllen, Texas, TX 78503
Website: Quinta Mazatlan
2. International Museum of Arts & Sciences
Awarded the Monitor’s 2010, 2011 & 2016 Readers Choice Awards (2009 & 2010 recipient), and the Award Winning Exhibit: Watershed Award granted to Flato (San Antonio) for IMAS’ new building (built in 2000), the International Museum of Arts and Sciences will breathe life into your brain! This museum has over 50,000s square feet (4,645.2 square meters) of exhibit space and various opportunities for visitors to participate in hands-on science exhibits and to learn about original works of art.
The International Museum of Arts & Sciences has featured collections in the subject areas of folk, fine and decorative art, as well as a geological collection.
International Museum of Arts & Sciences
Address: 1900 Nolana Ave W, McAllen, Texas, TX 78504
3. Museum of South Texas History
20 minutes from McAllen, in Edinburg, TX, the Museum of South Texas History is waiting to tell the story of the origin of this region! Operation hours are from 1 pm until 5 pm on Sundays and 10 am until 5 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays. This museum started out as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum, in the 1910 Hildago County Jail and it covers the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico. Once inside, you can comb through the archives and exhibits, through to the 20th century. It is guaranteed to be quite the learning experience!
Museum of South Texas History
Address: 200 N Closner Blvd, Edinburg, Texas, TX 78541
Website: Museum of South Texas History
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4. The McAllen Heritage Center
Posted by McAllen Heritage Center on Saturday, 24 June 2017
The McAllen Heritage Center is where all the history of the city itself, is housed and preserved. Inside the center, you will find works of art, documents, pictures, and more, all with rich cultural value. The McAllen Heritage Center is full of information on McAllen’s customs, traditions, and folklore. Maybe before you dive into exploring McAllen, brush up on the history of this growing city, at the McAllen Heritage Center.
The McAllen Heritage Center
Address: 301 S Main St, McAllen, Texas, TX 78501
Website: The McAllen Heritage Center
5. The Veteran's War Memorial of Texas
Posted by Veteran's War Memorial on Monday, 29 May 2017
The Veteran’s War Memorial Foundation of Texas provides educational, cultural, and historical knowledge for future generations. The role of the Veteran’s War Memorial of Texas is to share stories about the sacrifices of those who died in the service of their country, thus, promoting their legacy and the important values from their sacrifice. There are three vital holidays where veterans, teachers, students, and the community honor these fallen veterans: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Pearl Harbor Day. You will a few memorials here, etched with the names of the fallen heroes who served and died, defending their country.
The Veteran's War Memorial of Texas
6. Sacred Heart Church
“Sacred Heart Parish was the principal church for central Hidalgo County, since its beginning in 1911. The roots of Sacred Heart Parish stem from the La Lomita Chapel in Mission, Texas. The La Lomita Chapel had served since the late 1800’s as a resting place and a waystation for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. “ - This is an excerpt taken from a booklet published by Sacred Heart Parish, honoring the parish’s Diamond Jubilee, 1911-1986. Today, Sacred Heart is one of five parishes in McAllen and it continues to serve families, members, and non-members, in order to welcome and unite various races in harmony and peace.
Sacred Heart Church
Address: 306 S 15th St, McAllen, Texas, TX 78501
Website: Sacred Heart Church
7. The Basilica of Our Lady San Juan
12 minutes from McAllen, in San Juan, TX, the Basilica of Our Lady San Juan is a shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of San Juan, which was built in 1920. The origin of the devotion to Our Lady of San Juan del Valle can be traced to San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, where Spanish missionaries placed a small image of the Immaculate Conception in the church. Sometime afterward, the shrine was completely destroyed. Years later, on March 24, 1998, Our Lady of San Juan del Valle became a national shrine, and Pope John Paul II designated it as a minor Basilica.
Basilica of Our Lady San Juan
Address: 400 N Virgen de San Juan Blvd, San Juan, Texas, TX 78589
Website: Basilica of Our Lady San Juan
8. Hildago Pumphouse
Located in Hidalgo, 18 mins from McAllen, the Hildago Pumphouse is full of history, which dates all the way back to the 1900s! Take a trolley, tour the museum and even schedule an event. The Hidalgo Pumphouse is a great place to schedule parties and even weddings! This is a great place for bird watching as you can see White-tailed hawks, Green Parakeets, Tropical Kingbirds and 500 other species of birds, here.
Hildago Pumphouse
Address: 902 S 2nd St, Hidalgo, Texas, TX 78557
Website: Hidldago Pumphouse
9. Palm View Splash/Spray Park
Posted by Debbie Doll on Thursday, 9 June 2016
One of the most fun places in McAllen for kids is Palm View Splash/Spray Park. It is a waterpark that is loaded with fun for everyone! The kids can run around in the fountains of water shooting out from the ground. You can host a family get together here or host a barbecue!
Palm View Splash/Spray Park
Address: 3401 Jordan Ave, McAllen, Texas 78503
10. South Texas Comic Con
Posted by South Texas Comic Con on Saturday, 9 May 2015
Attending Comic Con is certainly one of the most fun things to do in McAllen. Prepare yourself for the South Texas Comic Con! This awesome place is filled with galleries, exhibitions, and more, all related to everything comic book and superhero. September 9-10 is Fan Weekend! Afterward, you can choose what to eat and check out some of the places to shop.
South Texas Comic Con
Address: 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, Texas, TX 78501
Website: South Texas Comic Con
11. Fireman's Park
For some wholesome family time in McAllen, visit Fireman’s Park. This large park has a playground suitable for engaging in various sports, a pavilion where you can enjoy a barbecue and a picnic with your family and a sand volleyball court. But the highlight of the park is a massive lake that is popular for catch-and-release fishing, kayaking and paddle boating. Bike rentals and walking trails are also available here.
Fireman's Park
Address: 201 N 1st St, McAllen, TX 78501, United States
Website: Fireman’s Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: free
12. Klement's Grove
A family-owned business, Klement’s Grove is a citrus grove that has been growing fruits for more than 30 years. Visitors can stroll through the citrus grove and pluck fresh oranges, pineapples, grapefruit, lemons, limes, tangerines, kumquats and other amazing variety of fruits from the trees and plants. You can also visit the shop where freshly picked fruits are available for purchase by the pound, sack or bushel. So drop by Klement’s Grove in McAllen and take home some delicious citrus fruits to enjoy with the entire family.
Klement's Grove
Address: 4508 N Taylor Rd, McAllen, TX 78504-9740
Website: Klement’s Grove
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
Try to keep up!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced city, with tons of things to do, drop by McAllen! There is no dearth of entertainment in McAllen. So pack your bags and visit McAllen in Texas.
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