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

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