5 Best Things To Do in McAllen
The city of McAllen is a border town in southern Texas with a binational representation of culture, history, food, and shopping. This is a city that lets you experience and appreciate the blend of Hispanic and American cultures in a fun, eclectic, and unique way. So, whenever you take a trip to this town, be assured that you will find plenty of things to do in McAllen. Moreover, being a moderately-sized city, it has fine shopping centers, museums, outdoor recreation areas, as well as many locales, where birdwatchers can find endemic and migratory species.
The city widely focuses on promoting the work of local artists; art walks and galleries abound in the downtown historic district of McAllen. From vibrant cafes and restaurants to festivals portraying Mexican culture, there is plenty to explore here. Hence, book your flights to McAllen soon and have a wonderful trip.
Explore Exciting Things to do in McAllen
Now check out our list of the top places to visit in McAllen and add them in your bucket list.
1. Quinta Mazatlan
So, these were the top things to do in McAllen, Texas. If you're looking for a bustling city with plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and heritage, then McAllen is the place for you. From museums, art galleries, and ofcourse the famous— Quinta Mazatlan, there are plenty of landmarks to explore. Moreover, if you're looking for places to eat, explore the restaurants and cafes in the city, then you won’t be disappointed by the vast list of eateries found here. And if you're wondering where to shop in this town, head over to La Plaza Mall, and delight your shopping buds.
The Quinta Mazatlan is a must-see in McAllen and should be on the top of your bucket list. This historic Adobe property is located on a stunning estate that also serves as a birding and nature center. Further, this 1930’s mansion has beautiful architecture and manicured gardens around the estate. Spare a few hours to visit here, and take a tour to experience the art and history that make this such a standout landmark in south Texas.
The entrance to the Quinta Mazatlan is a pathway lined with palm trees escorting you to the grounds, with attractions such as cactus gardens, sculptures, and informational signs about the property. It is also an internationally known birding center, serving as a habitat for hundreds of species of birds.
2. International Museum of Art and Science
This iconic museum provides an abundance of educational programs, cultural events, and exhibits, primarily focused on the ecosystem of the Rio Grande River. It serves as one of the top attractions in McAllen. It has an interactive science playground in which children can crawl, climb, and slide their way to discover everything about Rio Grande.
The award-winning Watershed exhibit invites hands-on discovery about the water cycle, and a weekend science presentation designed by NASA. The presentation displays celestial and planetary systems as seen by space probes, satellites, and the Hubble Space Telescope. Further, here you can find more than 1,500 works of art from around the world that teach visitors about the history of various cultures worldwide.
3. La Plaza Shopping Mall
One of the best places for shopping in McAllen is at La Plaza, a retail complex brimming with upscale stores. Shoppers from all around the Rio Grande Valley visit the La Plaza Mall for retail therapy, considering there is a myriad of top-notch retail stores selling trending apparels, accessories and more.
In addition to mainstream stores for clothing and home décor, you can find more than 150 flagship retail stores here. From cosmetics and sporting goods to electronics and toys, there is plenty to shop for. Plan on spending at least a whole day dedicated to shopping and strolling this large complex. Plus, there are a handful of restaurants / cafes settled here where you can grab lunch or dinner while you are here.
4. Nuevo Santander Gallery
Nuevo Santander is a family owned and operated gallery, selling museum-quality items, particularly artifacts relating to the American Old West. Besides, visiting here will be one of the best things to do in McAllen. The gallery sells Old West military uniforms, spurs, and saddles, and other objects representing the history of the Rio Grande Valley and Colonial Mexico. Moreover, fine Mexican collectibles can also be found here, followed by antique furnishings and religious pieces.
Nuevo Santander Gallery also sells fine paintings crafted by established local artists. The artwork merely focuses on art grounded in traditional realism, and includes pastels, oil, and watercolor. Interestingly, the gallery's doors are 150 year old ironwork from Colonial Mexico, and the interior is adorned with regional mesquite walls and floors.
5. McAllen's New Park and SprayGround
McAllen's New Park and SprayGround is located at the corner of North 29th and Zinnia Streets, and is a popular park that has water jets for community kids to cool off in. Apparently, it is one of the best places to visit in McAllen. Apart from that, the park also has a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, a skateboard area, walking and jogging trails, and athletic practice fields. All in all, there are a bunch of sportious activities to indulge in here.
Moreover, shaded areas and picnic shelters are available, to shield park-goers from the “Texas heat.” Picnickers can make use of the park's barbecue pits to have the most enjoyable experience. And there are restrooms also available for people’s convenience. Additionally, the park is extremely child friendly, and people are welcome to carry their dogs here as well.
Overall
So, these were the top things to do in McAllen, Texas. If you're looking for a bustling city with plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and heritage, then McAllen is the place for you. From museums, art galleries, and ofcourse the famous— Quinta Mazatlan, there are plenty of landmarks to explore. Moreover, if you're looking for places to eat, explore the restaurants and cafes in the city, then you won’t be disappointed by the vast list of eateries found here. And if you're wondering where to shop in this town, head over to La Plaza Mall, and delight your shopping buds.
