City of McAllen, TX » Visitors » Things To Do

Things to Do

Cross the border, visit the World Birding Center and experience McAllen’s unique offerings

Palm View Golf Course

Hike & Bike Trails

The Parks Division maintains exercise and fitness trail systems at various parks located throughout the city. The trail systems combine jogging and fitness stations to provide residents and visitors a great workout in beautiful locations.

McAllen Creative Arts Incubator

The McA2 Creative Incubator, is the home, support and voice for local artists throughout the Rio Grande Valley. With the help of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, McA2 is bringing arts to the city and increasing the attractiveness of our community's culture. We provide low cost studios, managerial advice, legal and technical support to qualified artisans with qualified projects. Our newly remolded building hosts 13 art studios, exhibition space and a stage for performances. We invite you to stop by and visit our talented artists' exhibits or check for performances on our calendar.

IMAS Museum

The International Museum of Art and Science guides its collecting interest towards obtaining Fine Art, Folk Art, Decorative Arts, Pre-Columbian, and scientific objects from all parts of the globe, with the primary focus being the Americas. This interest is realized by the collection which consists of examples of folk Art, including ceramics and masks, and an impressive array of scientific specimens, including a large assortment of geological samples. This collection is further enhanced by an eclectic assortment of fine art works on paper, paintings, and sculpture by local, national and international artists. IMAS was developed through the efforts of the McAllen Junior League to increase the quality of life for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, and to provide activities in the arts and sciences that are meaningful, educational, and available to the public. The museum is located at the intersection of Bicentennial Way and Nolana Avenue.

World Birding Center (Quinta Mazatlan)

Quinta Mazatlan is the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center under the stewardship of the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department. Its mission is to preserve the 1930s adobe estate and the native plants and animals of the Rio Grande Valley, by providing a sanctuary for environmental education, eco-tourism and inspiration to people of all ages.

Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Valley Symphony Orchestra is presently an 80-musician orchestra with a six-concert subscription season and eight educational concerts. It performs both standard symphonic repertoire and commissioned new works. It also hosts the most acclaimed American and international soloists.

Mexico

Upon entering any border market, the textures and aromas of leather and wicker fill the traveler’s senses. Vendors of all types line the streets with fine wooden carvings, leather goods, wicker baskets, tortilla holders, hammocks, cowboy hats and sombreros, ponchos and silver hand-made jewelry. Curio shops compete for the traveler’s attention with bright displays from Mexican artisans. Among the most popular items in any Mexican curio shop are the richly colored hand-woven blankets in a variety of patterns and fabrics. You’ll be surprised at how incredibly affordable these fine items are. Liquor shops and pharmacies are also popular stops with tourists.

Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge

Along the banks of the lower Rio Grande is the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,088 acre refuge established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds. Considered the ‘jewel’ of the refuge system, this essential ‘island’ of thorn forest habitat is host or home to nearly 400 different types of birds and a myriad of other species, including the indigo snake, malachite butterfly and the endangered ocelot.

At an ecological crossroad, Santa Ana is strategically located where subtropical climate, gulf coast, great plains and Chihuahuan desert meet. Thousands of birds from the Central and Mississippi flyways funnel through the area on their way to and from Central and South America. This small patch of midvalley riparian woodland is also habitat for about one half of all butterfly species found in the United States.

McAllen Public Library

The McAllen Memorial Library shall dedicate its efforts to the task of bringing to its patrons the body of knowledge and of human insights which forms the basis of our culture.

RGV Silverados Basketball Team

This CBA Team plays at the McAllen Convention Center.

Email McAllen Ballet

Send an email to McAllen Ballet to find out more about performances.

South Padre Island

Located at the tropical tip of Texas, some meeting planners have called it “a meeting planner’s dream”. It's one of the fastest-growing meeting and convention destinations in the Southwest.

It's a place where warm, sparkling beaches, relaxing activities, unparalleled convention and lodging facilities, along with friendly hospitality, come together in one terrific location to ensure the highest level of attendance for your next meeting or convention.

Cine El Rey

This historic venue brings entertainment to the Heart of the City.

Manic Haus Gallery

Manichaus (pronounced: manic house) is an artist-run, professional modern art space located in McAllen, Texas. We specialize in 20th and 21st Century art produced from some of the best South Texas, national and international artists. You will find paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, prints and handmade/wearable art at Manichaus. We also have a small shop where you can find some the best in small print publishing, toys, comics, DIY accessories and more!