McAllen on a Budget: Tamales, Trails & Art

Experience McAllen on a dime without sacrificing the fun!

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

McAllen Delights:

  • Start your day with a yummy Tex-Mex breakfast at El Gallo de Jalisco. Huevos rancheros, anyone?
  • Stretch your legs and burn some calories at the McAllen Nature Center, a hidden gem full of trails and wildlife.
  • Get some fresh air and culture at the Quinta Mazatlan, a historic mansion turned eco-center with beautiful gardens.
  • Time for lunch! Head to Delia's Tamales for a local favorite: tamales stuffed with cheese and jalapeño sausage.
  • Afternoon delight: explore the vibrant streets of McAllen's Art District, filled with murals, galleries, and quirky shops.
  • End your day with a bang at the Nuevo Santander Gallery, where you can admire stunning Mexican and Latin American art for free. Plus, it's BYOB so bring your own drinks and enjoy!

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

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Type of trip

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