Location: Harlingen
Top Things to do in Harlingen
Countries
The 7 Best Free Things to do in Harlingen, Texas (TX)
Harlingen (/ˈhɑːrlɪndʒɪn/ HAR-lin-jin) is a city in Cameron County in the central region of the Rio Grande Valley of the southern part of the U.S. state of Texas, about 30 miles (48 km) from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city covers more than 40 square miles (104 km) and is the second-largest city in Cameron County, as well as the fourth-largest in the Rio Grande Valley. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 64,849, for a growth rate of 12.5% since the 2000 census. It is the city with the lowest cost of living in the United States.
Restaurants in Harlingen
1. Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By wercoltons
We were visiting the area and, based on prior reviews, we visited the Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum. It was WELL worth the visit!! There are so many pieces of history here - not just about WWII, but some into the Desert Storm and the Gulf War. We thoroughly enjoyed a video Iwo Jima, which we had not seen prior, as it was privately produced. The staff there is VERY kind, and VERY knowledgeable ! The HUGE sculpture of the soldiers raising the flag is THE original. The replica is in Washington DC. We had a wonderful day there - and will definitely do that again!! Thank you!! NO charge, as they survive on donations.
2. The Prelude Songwriters Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The Prelude Songwriters Club is a "listening room" style music venue showcasing original music by local and touring performers. Our venue has a comfortable, inclusive atmosphere in which community members of all ages can appreciate live acoustic music while enjoying our coffee, tea, and made-from-scratch sandwiches and baked goods.
3. World Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By SallyBIshopMerrill - Harlingen, United States
This place is a lovely City Park so huge you can get pleasantly lost, and found again. Benches, markers, some labels on our native trees and plants, hosting such beautiful species. The only down side is some ignorant people who take van loads of kids in, each with their own plastic straws and tops in cups of soda pop. There are plenty of trash bins, which our resident Javalinas, coyotes, and huge Chachalacas don't disturb. Notice the great care which various areas, like the Peace Circle, receive. Someone might be there when you visit, watering, working, pulling out invasives, our waiting to show you our special species. Did you know butterflies can't lay eggs on just any plant? We had the most lovely time, and saw lots of other couples, and families, enjoying Ramsey Nature Park, the Arroyo Colorado World Birding Center. Something's always in bloom here: your next love affair, naturalist hobby, joy. Bring your dog on a leash.
4. Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
The Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau offers services for meeting planners and travelers, including a calendar of local events, info on sports and entertainment, guides to outdoor activities, colleges, universities and museums, and a photo gallery.
Reviewed By travelerdebBaltimore - Lutherville Timonium, United States
What a nice new facility! Everything you need is here. Nice bathrooms. I would recommend a few benches outside near the front entrance. Also, a few places for easy access from getting off a busy to walking into the building where you don't squish the plants.
5. Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Welcome to Harlingen's own interactive time machine! We have three historical houses situated within our beautiful courtyard; the Lon C. Hill house, the first hospital, and the Paso Real Stage Coach Inn. Each is completely furnished with period piece antiques. Tours of our facilities can be booked by calling before your visit, tour pricing is $2 per adult and $1 per child. The museum is also home to rotating art exhibits from March through October. In October we celebrate our friends and family who have passed on with tribute altars for Dia De Los Muertos, in December we hold our annual Christmas Tree Forest Extravaganza, then from January to March we hold the competition winners of the National Quilting Association out of Padukah Kentucky.
Reviewed By FGerardR - Harlingen, United States
Nice museum of the RGV and particularly Harlingen. Several different rooms with exhibits, original buildings on the property to look at with stories of their history, a small gift shop with some neat one-of-a-kind trinkets. Worth the visit when in Harlingen and close to the airport.
6. Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Sclaffy - Harlingen, United States
Awesome south Texas landscape. Likely to see some wildlife, tons of plants and birds. Please pick up after yourself and bring some doggy bags!! It’s a wonderful trail to explore!!
7. Jackson Street Market Days
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By pedrogN2672PA - McAllen, United States
This is my first time to this event (which is held every 1st Saturday of the month). The street is closed on both ends and booths are set up everywhere. Found some good bargains on vinyls and books. Good munchie booths and fun music. A good way to spend a few hours.
