Weekend Getaway: McAllen's Best 2-Day Plan

Discover the vibrant culture and rich history of McAllen.

22 April 2023

McAllen is a charming city located in southern Texas, known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the city's historic downtown district, sample authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, and enjoy outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking in the nearby Rio Grande Valley. With its warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere, McAllen makes for a delightful destination for any traveler.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Texas

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at House. Wine. & Bistro 4.6
    10 photos

    House Wine & Bistro

    4.6 (537) • $$

    1117 US-83 BUS, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Quaint bistro with pastas, flatbreads, large plates & more than 100 wines by the glass.

    housewineandbistro.com

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    . Their spinach and goat cheese omelette is a must-try!
  • Visit the International Museum of Art & Science 4.4
    10 photos

    International Museum of Art & Science

    4.4 (759)

    1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen, TX 78504, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Modern museum featuring a range of global artwork, hands-on science exhibits & educational programs.

    theimasonline.org

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    for some interactive exhibits and art installations.
  • Take a stroll in the Municipal Park 4.3
    10 photos

    Municipal Park

    4.3 (684)

    1921 N Bicentennial Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Park,Tourist attraction

    27-acre site with baseball & soccer fields, picnic facilities, a playground & an outdoor pool.

    mcallenparks.net

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    , which spans over 250 acres and has several walking trails and picnic areas.
  • For lunch, try the famous panini sandwiches at Salt-New American Table 4.6
    10 photos

    SALT - New American Table

    4.6 (696) • $$$

    210 N Main St, McAllen, TX 78504, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Locally sourced New American plates served in a rustic-chic space with a full bar & an open kitchen.

    saltnewamericantable.com

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    .
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at La Plaza Mall, which has over 150 stores and is the largest shopping center in the Rio Grande Valley.
  • End your day with a margarita and some live music at Thirsty Monkey Bar & Grill 4.1
    10 photos

    Thirsty Monkey

    4.1 (103) • $

    1613 Chicago Ave, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Bar,Point of interest

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    .
  • Hotel recommendation: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel McAllen La Plaza Mall 4.3
    10 photos

    Wyndham Garden McAllen At La Plaza Mall

    4.3 (755)

    1921 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503, USA

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Modern hotel with a year-round indoor/outdoor pool, plus free Wi-Fi, breakfast & an airport shuttle.

    wyndhamhotels.com

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Day 2

Nature and Culture

  • Start off with a traditional Mexican breakfast at Tacos Del Gordo 4.3
    10 photos

    El Gordo Meat Market / Taqueria

    4.3 (82)

    4001 S Shary Rd #800, Mission, TX 78572, USA

    Grocery or supermarket,Store

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    .
  • Head over to the World Birding Center 4.6
    10 photos

    World Birding Center

    4.6 (55)

    2800 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572, USA

    Park,Point of interest

    Famed birding destination with viewing stations, towers & guidance for spotting hundreds of species.

    theworldbirdingcenter.com

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    and take a birding tour to spot some of the unique bird species of the Rio Grande Valley.
  • For lunch, try some authentic Tex-Mex dishes at El Pato Mexican Food 4.3
    10 photos

    El Pato Mexican Food

    4.3 (966) • $

    3019 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Casual chain serving standard Mexican fare, including all-day breakfast, in a colorful setting.

    elpatomexicanfood.com

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    .
  • Visit the McAllen Heritage Center 4.5
    10 photos

    McAllen Heritage Center

    4.5 (80)

    301 S Main St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Small museum with exhibits on McAllen history & works by local artists, plus a gift shop.

    mcallenheritagecenter.com

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    and learn about the rich history and culture of the city and the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Take a leisurely walk in the McAllen Nature Center 4.6
    10 photos

    McAllen Nature Center

    4.6 (300)

    4101 US-83 BUS, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Tourist attraction,Park

    Popular with bird-watchers, this preserved green space has walking trails & a cactus garden.

    exploremcallen.com

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    and explore the native flora and fauna.
  • End your day with some fine dining at Bodega Tavern & Kitchen 4.5
    10 photos

    Bodega Tavern & Kitchen

    4.5 (607) • $$$

    2901 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA

    Bar,Restaurant

    New American eats & unique craft cocktails served in a hip, modern-rustic space with outdoor seats.

    Learn more
    , which serves up some delicious fusion cuisine and craft cocktails.
  • McAllen may not be as popular as other Texan cities, but its unique blend of culture, nature, and cuisine is sure to win your heart!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to McAllen by plane is to fly into McAllen International Airport. Some airlines that offer flights to McAllen are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Car

The best way to get to McAllen by car depends on where you are coming from, but some major highways that lead to McAllen include I-2, US-281, and US-83. Use a GPS or map to plan your route.

Train

There is no train station in McAllen, so the best way to get there by train is to take Amtrak to San Antonio and then take a bus or fly to McAllen. The San Antonio Amtrak station is located at 350 Hoefgen St.

Boat

There is no way to get to McAllen by boat, as it is not located near any major bodies of water.

Bus

The best way to get to McAllen by bus is to take Greyhound, which offers several daily routes to the McAllen Bus Station. The Greyhound station in McAllen is located at 415 S 12th St.

Destination

McAllen

Welcome to a place that's so far south, it almost needs a passport. But don't worry, there's no need to brush up on your Spanish - you're still in the good ole U.S. of A.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

3 Days of Adventure: Family-Friendly McAllen on a Budget

McAllen, located in the southernmost region of Texas, offers an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip. Known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, visitors can explore the International Museum of Art & Science, where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits, or enjoy a day at the sprawling McAllen Nature Center, featuring walking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. With an array of family-oriented activities and attractions, McAllen promises a memorable and enjoyable vacation for the entire family.

McAllen's Family Adventure: Uncover the Hidden Gems

McAllen, United States, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a variety of attractions and activities for everyone. Explore the vibrant International Museum of Art and Science, where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits and learn about the wonders of science. Enjoy outdoor adventures at the stunning Quinta Mazatlán, a nature sanctuary with hiking trails and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal destination for an educational and entertaining vacation.

Mcallen Magic: 5 Days of Family Adventures & Quirky Delights

McAllen, located in southern Texas, offers a delightful family-friendly experience with its diverse range of attractions. Explore the charm of Quinta Mazatlan, a historic mansion with beautiful gardens and wildlife, perfect for nature lovers. Let your kids enjoy the fascinating discovery zones at the International Museum of Art & Science, followed by a fun-filled day at the McAllen Nature Center ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and hands-on educational experiences.

Weekend Adventure: McAllen, Texas Travel Guide

McAllen, located in southern Texas, is a vibrant city with various tourist attractions. Visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage through the McAllen Heritage Center or take a stroll along the scenic McAllen Nature Center. The city is also known for its shopping districts, such as the La Plaza Mall, which offers a wide range of stores and restaurants.