12 Best Things to Do in McAllen, Texas

McAllen, in southern Texas, is a city full of life and color, steeped in Mexican culture, and host to some of the country’s biggest festivals. There’s plenty to do in McAllen, whether you want to go shopping or learn about the city’s history.

The historic palace and estate of Quinta Mazatlan are still one of the most productive birding places in the United States. The McAllen Performing Arts Center, the Arts District, and the Mercado District are all places where you may experience the city’s artistic side and buy locally made leather goods or jewelry. 

If you want to prepare for your trip, we have rounded up the best things to do in Mcallen in this post, so make sure to stick until the end.

Our Top Recommendations

Entertainment, outdoor activities, and a wide variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to gourmet dining are just a few of McAllen’s many offers. With all the exciting things to do in Mcallen Texas, it will surely keep you on the go the entire time you’re there. Check out our top favorites.

• Most Significant Landmark – Quinta Mazatlan
• Best Park – Oval Park and the McAllen Convention Center
• Best Free Activity – McAllen Nature Center
• Best Activity for Kids – Town Lake at Firemen’s Park
• Best Activity for Adults – Palm View Golf
• Best Food – Dine at Salt
• Best Nightlife –  17th Street Entertainment District
• Best for Families – International Museum of Art & Science

Best Things to Do in Mcallen, Texas

1. Most Significant Landmark – Quinta Mazatlan

Address: 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, Texas 78503

The Spanish-style palace and grounds known as Quinta Mazatlan date back to the 1930s and serve as a center for birdwatching and environmental education.  There have been sightings of over 230 different species of birds in the Rio Grande Valley; some are seasonal visitors, while others call this place home year-round. Quinta Mazatlan is the sole known home of the endangered Buff-bellied hummingbird, in addition to attracting many other types of this species. 

The estate is also known for being a popular stopping point for migrating butterflies. Quinta Mazatlan is a tranquil haven that is approximately twenty minutes from the center of McAllen. It provides numerous educational programs for children and adults, as well as historical and themed botanical excursions, and it has a number of natural paths that tourists can explore. It is one of the top Mcallen things to do.

The neighboring Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport is a place to stay that offers both a restaurant and a bar for its guests. This hotel in McAllen also features a garden as well as a terrace for its guests. The hotel also provides luggage storage with a free Internet zone, a front desk that is open around the clock, an airport shuttle service, and room service.

2. Best Park – Oval Park and the McAllen Convention Center

Address: 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, Texas

At any given time, the McAllen Convention Center plays host to a variety of activities ranging from exhibitions and competitions to shows and performances. More than 500 events are held here every year, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the city. It is a pleasant complex found in the Convention Center District, and it features several entertainment venues in addition to Oval Park.

In front of the convention center is the 2.4-acre Oval Park, which features ornamental fountains and provides a peaceful location to sit and enjoy a warm Texas day. The public park features many benches along the lake, gardens, trees that provide shade, and an outdoor amphitheater for hosting live performances. 

It is a wonderful area to visit before or after an event at the convention center or the performing arts center.

If you need a place to stay, Studio 6-Mcallen, TX is a good blend of proximity and affordability. The rooms at this 2-star hotel are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi access. At the snack bar, guests are welcome to have a beverage.

All of the rooms have a coffee maker, and some of the rooms also have a kitchenette with a refrigerator and a microwave. Every room is also equipped with a television.

3. Best Free Activity – McAllen Nature Center

Address: 4101 West Business 83, McAllen, Texas

You can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and see a more natural side of the Rio Grande Valley by visiting the McAllen nature center, which is located in a park of Downtown Mcallen. More than 20 acres of native thorn scrub woodland, 200 types of flora, and more than 300 species of animals can all be found within the park.

This is a great spot for a speedy pit break, a picnic lunch, or a location to visit in between engaging in other activities.

You can enjoy the streams, cacti, nature trails, and birdwatching as you take a stroll along the walkways, which range in length from a quarter mile to a half mile. There is information posted all over the park that will provide you with a description of the various sorts of habitats that are found here for flora and fauna native to the McAllen area. This makes it one of the fun things to do in Mcallen Texas.

One of the most interesting features of the landscape is the cactus garden which is located in the middle of it and displays a variety of cacti that are native to the region.

A highly rated accommodation near the area is Home2 Suites By Hilton McAllen. The outdoor pool, exercise center, and a shared lounge are just some of the amenities of this 3-star property. There’s also free WiFi, an ATM, and a shuttle service. 

4. Best Activity For Kids – Town Lake at Firemen’s Park

Address: 201 N. 1st. St. McAllen, Texas

Visits to the area designated for community use at Firemen’s Park are enjoyable ways to spend a portion of the afternoon. The Town Lake, which can be found in the center of the park and is suitable for paddleboarding, serves as the park’s focal point.  A winding paved path that loops around the park and lake and provides access to a number of vantage points along the route allows you to go to several parks and lakes.

Keep a look out for the ducks that call this area home. This park is ideal for families because it features a sizable play area for children, as well as benches and restrooms for their use. 

Because there is a station close to the lake, this is a wonderful site to mark for a rest stop or ending point if you are going to be bicycling around the city to see everything it has to offer. Parking is paved at Fireman’s Park, and there are also sand volleyball pits and concessions.

 A good and affordable motel near the area is the Aloha Inn. Each guest unit at the Aloha Inn is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and work desk in addition to central air conditioning. Moreover, cable TV is offered for free. The McAllen Medical Center can be reached from the motel about 5.2 kilometers.

5. Best Activity for Adults – Palm View Golf

Address: 2701 S. Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78503

The par at Palm View Golf is 72, and the course length is 6,771 yards. Its expansive and undulating fairways, fourteen man-made lakes, and meticulously cared-for Bermuda grass all contribute to the course’s status as a fan favorite among both residents and tourists. 

A lighted outdoor driving range with target greens and an indoor hitting room with computerized swing analysis is available at the course.

The Dining Room Grille is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and supper. It also features short-order meals and a large choice of beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. In addition, there is a Pro Shop located on the premises. In addition, there is a conference and banquet facility at Palm View Golf Course that can accommodate up to sixty-four guests.

SpringHill Suites McAllen is a highly-rated hotel accommodation near Palm View Golf. McAllen Miller International Airport can be reached in about 5 minutes from this all-suite hotel in McAllen, Texas. The smoke-free hotel provides complimentary airport transportation and Internet access.

It also has complimentary coffee, microwaves, and mini-fridges in each suite. There is a flat-screen television and a comfortable seating area in the room.

6. Best Food – Dine at Salt

Address: 210 N Main St, McAllen, TX 78504, United States

This trendy yet rustic restaurant has a great location on Main Street, and it draws customers in with its creative takes on New American cuisine. Salt is a must-visit destination for foodies thanks to its chef-driven menu that highlights sustainably sourced, organic, and regionally sourced foods.

This American restaurant is one of the best places in McAllen to taste contemporary cuisine because it features a mashup of Mexican, Asian, and Italian flavors in its cuisine. In addition to that, there is a full-service bar that offers an extensive selection of premium spirits, craft beers, and boutique wines. In addition to that, you must order their pork shank.

This is braised slowly until it reaches the ideal consistency. This pork dish has a crunchy and crispy outside, yet the interior is tasty and soft enough to melt in your mouth.

In addition to that, dipping it in their green mole and habanero salsa will make it extra tastier, so make sure not to forget to do that. 

Casa De Palmas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is an affordable option near is conveniently located only 3.2 kilometers from McAllen International Airport, and it provides free airport transfers and a restaurant for its guests. There is free Internet access in each and every room.

7. Best Nightlife – 17th Street Entertainment District

Address: 209 S 17th St, McAllen, TX 78501, United States

The 17th Street Entertainment District can be found in the center of McAllen. It is comprised of a large number of pubs and high-end restaurants, each of which has its own distinct atmosphere and variety of entertainment options. 

The neighborhood is most popular with younger inhabitants, but it offers something for everyone, whether you want a quiet meal with friends, a pub night with live entertainment or a DJ, or locations in which you can dance the night away. The district is most popular with younger residents. It is one of the best Mcallen Texas things to do on the weekend.

Those who want to drink but don’t want to drive home later can hire pedicabs, and the party scene is watched over by security officers. There is also plenty of parking available. The entertainment district is home to several theaters and some of the city’s most trendy restaurants.

 Don’t worry about getting drunk and not being able to go home, one good option is to stay at La Copa Inn. This affordable motel features air-conditioned rooms and offers guests free WiFi and private parking. Each room also has its own private bathroom, bed linens, towels, a wardrobe, and a flat-screen TV. A refrigerator is available in each of the guest rooms.

8. Best for Families – International Museum of Art & Science

Address: 1900 W Nolana Ave., McAllen, Texas

The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) brings together aspects of culture, arts, and science through the exhibits and the public events that it hosts. The exhibitions at this Smithsonian Affiliate museum, which also showcases art, invite visitors to engage in hands-on discovery and creativity, and the museum itself is affiliated with the Smithsonian.

See more than 1,500 works of art from around the world that educate visitors about the history of various cultures. There are thousands of geological specimens on exhibit that show the marvel of natural history, and there are thousands more examples of textiles inspired by cultural traditions. 

It has a NASA-designed weekend science program that shows celestial and planetary systems as observed by space probes, satellites, and the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as an interactive scientific playground where kids may crawl, climb, and slide their way to discovery about the Rio Grande.

After your family trip to the museum, you can stay at the  Entire spacious house near shopping & eateries. This is perfect for big families and close to nearby shops and restaurants. This air-conditioned cottage comprises three bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen with a fridge and an oven, and two complete bathrooms. 

9. Best for Shopping – La Paz Mall

Address: 2200 S. 10th Street, McAllen, Texas 78503

The La Plaza Mall is the enclosed shopping center and gift shop that boasts the title of “biggest” in southern Texas. It is located only five minutes from the border with Mexico and features more than 150 specialty businesses. 

Shoppers will be able to discover anything they are looking for at this location, including but not limited to apparel, cosmetics, sporting goods, electronics, toys, and homewares. The children’s play area at La Plaza Mall hosts holiday-themed celebrations and encourages children to engage in educational play. The mall also features salons, a spa, and full-service banks.

In the event that you have worked up an appetite while shopping, you are welcome to take a seat in the dining area of La Plaza Mall. The dining area serves a variety of foods, including pizza, salads, sandwiches, cookies, huge pretzels, and coffee. This upmarket shopping center also offers valet parking, free Wi-Fi, and stroller rentals to its customers.

After a day of shopping, you can stay at the Best Western Plus McAllen Airport Hotel.  This hotel is less than a half mile from McAllen International Airport and provides complimentary airport shuttle service, an outdoor pool, and a fitness facility.

10. Best Historical Landmark – McAllen Heritage Center

Address: 301 S. Main Street, McAllen, Texas 78501

If you want to know what to do in Mcallen TX, for history geeks, a museum showcasing the history and culture of McAllen may be found at the McAllen Heritage Center. It was opened in 2008 and featured numerous fascinating items, images, and movies relating to the area’s extensive history. The walls of the Center are adorned with murals that have historical themes. 

The Mcallen heritage center investigates the discovery of the Rio Grande Valley by Europeans for the first time in 1519 by Alonso Alvarez de Pinada, the establishment of the first organized settlement in the region in the 1740s by Jose de Escandon, and the founding of the town of McAllen in the early 20th century. Both of these events occurred before the founding of the town of McAllen.

In 1905, work began on constructing a rail line in McAllen, and it wasn’t until the following year that the city’s first post office opened its doors to the public. A free parking area is located right next to the Mcallen heritage center, and inside the museum itself, there are guides available to assist visitors in making sense of the numerous exhibits held there.

There is a room available for you at the Siesta Inn McAllen if you are looking for somewhere to stay for the night. This McAllen, Texas hotel is rated 4 stars and features a pool, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and air-conditioned rooms for visitors. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s views of the city.

11. Best Cultural Hub – McAllen Performing Arts Center

Address: 801 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, Texas

The McAllen Performing Arts Center is widely regarded as one of the city’s most prestigious venues since it hosts performances of international quality for both locals and tourists. It is a smart option to attend one of the many shows or events held in the center throughout the year, such as a concert or performance in the evening.

The live performances on the inside of the structure are on par with the artistic quality of the building itself. This is a cultural hub of the town as well as the Rio Grande valley that supports the arts, and it is an excellent opportunity to watch some of the spectacular acts that travel through McAllen. 

You can stroll around Oval Park before or after your performance to take in some of the most expansive views of the complex, including the Performing Arts Center. This makes it one of the best things to do in Mcallen TX.

Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center is a wonderful hotel accommodation that provides guests with a pool and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel features both a restaurant and a gym for guests’ convenience. Visitors can grab a cocktail at the bar and enjoy the daily free breakfast.

12. Best Fresh and Organic Products – Earth Born Market

Address: 4508 N. Taylor Road, McAllen, Texas

The Earth Born Market is a specialized farmer’s market that sells only sustainably grown and organically grown produce. The shop offers nothing but fresh, uncooked, locally sourced, organic produce. 

The Holbrook family not only owns the market but also the farm in Mission, Texas is known as South Texas Organics, from which the majority of the store’s produce is obtained. Organic fruit, citrus fruit, veggies, and fresh juices are some of the items that may be purchased at the market.

There are also exotic fruits that can be purchased, such as kumquats, persimmons, dragon fruits, jack fruits, passion fruits, and plantains. Native fruits can also be purchased. Fruit can be purchased as a present at the market or it can be shipped to any location in the United States.

Home2 Suites By Hilton McAllen is an exceptional hotel located near the market. An outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a common lounge are just some of the amenities at this 3-star property. It also includes a free shuttle service, an ATM, and free WiFi.