5 Days of Adventure: Budget Travel in McAllen

Explore McAllen on a budget - where affordability meets adventure!

21 June 2023

McAllen, located in southern Texas, offers plenty of affordable activities for budget travelers. Visit the Quinta Mazatlan nature preserve, explore the city's arts district, and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at local food trucks and restaurants. Stay at The La Quinta Inn & Suites or The Motel 6 for affordable accommodation options.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival in McAllen

  • Check into affordable La Copa Hotel, centrally located.
  • Visit the McAllen Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade artisan goods.
  • Walk along McAllen's Art Walk, viewing the city's public art displays.
  • Have a delicious Mexican dinner at Delia's Tamales, where you can taste the authentic flavors of the Rio Grande Valley.
Day 2

Exploring Nature

  • Start your day with a picnic lunch at the McAllen Nature Center.
  • Take a guided birding tour at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, known as the "Jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System."
  • Hike the Anzalduas County Park to see panoramic views of the Rio Grande River and local wildlife.
  • Enjoy dinner at El Divino, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a fun, quirky atmosphere.
Day 3

Shopping and History

  • Visit the International Museum of Art and Science, which features exhibits on science, history, and art.
  • Shop at the McAllen Downtown Farmers Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and more.
  • Explore La Plaza Mall, one of the largest indoor malls in Texas, with a variety of stores and restaurants.
  • Have lunch at SALT New American Table, a trendy restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine.
Day 4

Relaxation and Culture

  • Spend the day at the Quinta Mazatlan, a nature and birding center with beautiful gardens and walking trails.
  • Visit the McAllen Heritage Center, which celebrates the city's rich cultural history.
  • Enjoy a dinner of steak or seafood at Santa Fe Steakhouse, a local favorite for over 20 years.
  • End the night with a live concert at the Cine El Rey, a historic movie palace converted into a music venue.
Day 5

Departure from McAllen

  • Have breakfast at House. Wine. & Bistro, a cozy café known for their brunch.
  • Visit the Museum of South Texas History, which showcases the history and culture of the border region.
  • Take a stroll through Archer Park, a beautiful green space with shaded trails and picnic areas.
  • Grab lunch at The Patio on Guerra, a lively restaurant with outdoor seating and Tex-Mex cuisine.
  • Depart McAllen feeling refreshed and fulfilled after a great stay in this hidden gem of a city.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

5 Days of Adventure: Budget Travel in McAllen

McAllen, located in southern Texas, offers plenty of affordable activities for budget travelers. Visit the Quinta Mazatlan nature preserve, explore the city's arts district, and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at local food trucks and restaurants. Stay at The La Quinta Inn & Suites or The Motel 6 for affordable accommodation options.

Escape for a Weekend: Romantic McAllen Retreat

McAllen, located in southern Texas, offers a charming setting for a romantic getaway. Couples can take a stroll through the stunning Quinta Mazatlan, visit the fascinating Museum of South Texas History, or indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at local favorites like Palenque Grill or Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki. With its warm weather and luxurious accommodations, McAllen is the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories with your loved one.

Majestic McAllen: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip!

McAllen, located in southern Texas, offers a wonderful family friendly trip with its diverse range of attractions and activities. Families can explore the International Museum of Art and Science, where interactive exhibits and programs cater to all ages, while nature enthusiasts can enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife at the World Birding Center. Additionally, the Quinta Mazatlan historical mansion provides a unique cultural experience, with its lush gardens, birding trails, and educational programs for children.

McAllen on a Budget: Tamales, Trails & Art

McAllen, located in the southern tip of Texas, offers plenty of budget-friendly activities and accommodations for the budget-conscious traveler. From visiting the bird-watching paradise of the World Birding Center to hiking at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, there are various outdoor destinations to explore. Additionally, visitors will find plenty of affordable and delicious Mexican cuisine at local eateries and food trucks.