Location: McAllen
Top Things to do in McAllen
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What to do and see in McAllen, United States: The Best Places and Tips
McAllen (/mɪˈkælɪn/ mih-KAL-in) is the largest city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States, and the twenty-second most populous city in Texas. It is located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley. The city limits extend south to the Rio Grande, across from the Mexican city of Reynosa, and McAllen is approximately 70 miles (110 km) west of the Gulf of Mexico. As of the 2010 census the city's population was 129,877, and the population of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan area was 774,769. As of 2016, the city population was estimated to be 142,212. It is the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the state of Texas, and the bi-national Reynosa–McAllen Metropolitan Area counts a population of nearly 1.5 million.
Restaurants in McAllen
1. McAllen Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By DC2florida - Washington, DC
This place was stunning. Huge, as befits a former Walmart, but they certainly made a lemon into lemonade. The exterior was inviting and there was an interesting exhibit of art near the entrance. The different sections were beautiful and enormous. An area for kids, teens, study groups and a gorgeous quiet study room. Clever design with lower shelves in the middle that are higher toward the edges... Every city needs a great library like this. Worth visiting as a tourist just to see the potential.
2. Main Event Entertainment
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JuanC1321 - McAllen, Texas
Great place for family and friends to get together and enjoy a great evening of bowling and arcade games. Friendly atmosphere with lots to do.
3. Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle
Overall Ratings
5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Tony T G - Brownsville, Texas
A Large Modern Basilica of South Texas. It is not as intricate as the older, traditional Basilicas but it does have its very own charm.
It's been said that some make regular pilgrimages here. Upon arriving you will notice merchants selling Holy Water on the steps of the Basilica. Additionally one can go over to a large fountain on the steps of the Basilica, where one can fill their containers full of Holy Water.
When we walked in we noticed a very large impressionable Shrine in the back drop that people pray to.
At one of the side chambers lays a chamber full of ceramic saints that people pray to as well. At the other end of the Basilica lays another room dedicated to prayer candles that are lit and burned until they extinguish themselves. According to the website, here at the Basilica thousands of candles are lit every week. If you wold like to have them light a candle for you every week of the year, they will do it for a donation of $130.00 per week!
We didn't arrive during a mass but we just happened to walk into what seemed like repetitive chanting of a rosary prayer. After a quick tour of the interior we walked outside to its charming lawn. It has a walking trail that walks you through a full size "Way of the Cross" that spans approximately a mile long.
Additionally the Basilica has a Gift store and a hotel on the grounds that includes a breakfast with your stay.
4. Museum of South Texas History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Prehistoric plants and animal fossils, native people and European colonization exhibits, and a steamboat replica are but a few of the fascinating displays to see at the Museum of South Texas History. This facility is ADA accessible.
Reviewed By lissetsalinas1 - Edinburg, Texas
Pretty nice museum to go to if visiting the valley a bit small but it is a small town. Fun way to spend two hours or so certainly not a all day thing but still nice.Thank you for visiting the Museum of South Texas History! We hope you return to our special events. Upcoming family-friendly event is Summer Nights at the Museum starting in June 2017. Hope to see you there!
5. Quinta Mazatlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Quinta Mazatlan is a historical Adobe mansion and nature and birding center located in McAllen, Texas. Our MissionThe urban sanctuary works to enrich people's lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas.Our VisionQuinta Mazatlan, cherished locally and recognized internationally, is a sanctuary connecting people to the history, beauty and wonder of our natural world.
Reviewed By deaconallan - Houston, Texas
If one is interested in Spanish Colonial architecture, history, and, in this case, the local flora and fauna, the Quinta Mazatlan is well worth the visit. The house is fantastic, the grounds with their native growth, and of course the birds and butterflies. Being a camera and a "long" lens.
6. Cinemark Pharr Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By janmccoy - Texas
My husband and I enjoyed viewing a movie at Cinemax Pharr. The sound and picture were excellent. The popcornaments and beverages were very good. The temperature was well managed and con for table with sleeves. I recommend this venue for movie viewing.
7. McAllen Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By 10RogerTheLodger10 - Toronto, Canada
We have been to the McAllen Convention Center several times, most recently the auto show. Conveniently located on I-2 (Expressway 83) there is a lot of free parking space available and out back they can provide space for related flea markets etc. On other occasions we have attended Winter Texan health shows. The main display floor is at grade level so there are no stairs.
8. Massage Masters
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Get a 1 hour relaxation massage for $35! Also offer a 2 for $60 deal if you want to bring a companion. Get the best deal with a 5 for $125 offer! Come with a group or get 5 gift certificates for $25 each and come whenever you want!
Reviewed By 1127mg
I was not at all impressed with the way they answer the phone. I called a couple times. Once they were busy and didn't even bother to offer other available dates/times. Another time the person was very sarcastic with his responses. On both occasions it...MoreI am sorry to hear about your experience over the phone. Please give us a call at your convenience for a resolution.
9. La Plaza Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
La Plaza Mall is the premier shopping destination in the Rio Grande Valley and features over 1,200,000 square feet of upscale and mainstream retail space with retailers that include BCBGMAXAZRIA, Marciano, Michael Kors and Pandora, as well as more traditional retailers like Express, American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and Aéropostale. La Plaza Mall completed the expansion and renovation of its new food court, La Plaza Cafes. Eateries include Zushi, Green Leafs Beyond Great, Charley’s Subs and more. Conveniently situated at the intersection of 10th Street and Expressway 83, just 5 miles from the U.S. – Mexico border, La Plaza Mall is home to over 150 specialty retailers.
Reviewed By m60212bo - McAllen, Texas
I always enjoy going to La Plaza Mall, I live about half a mile away from there. I like shopping there because there is always specials going on at the different stores. It feels good and with the new parking lot added it is a lot easier to find a parking space and get inside the Mall, a lot sooner if we are in a hurry.
10. McAllen Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By WYbirdwatcher - Cheyenne, Wyoming
It was over 100 degrees when I visited the Nature Center. Nevertheless, the trails offered enough shade to help shelter me from the sun. Mostly thorn scrub dry land birds present. The permanent restroom facility is adequate. Trails are well-maintained, although the map available at the visitor center (trailer) is a bit confusing. Fortunately, this is not a big place, so getting lost should not be one of your concerns. One of the highlights for me (being from Wyoming, where we don't have them) was the purple martin colony near the restroom facility.
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