//
City in Texas, United States
Photo: Anthony Acosta, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
McAllen, the City of Palms, is in the southern plains of Texas, USA. It is the largest city in Hidalgo County and the second largest city in the Rio Grande Valley after Brownsville. It is near the Rio Grande River on the border with Mexico.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A large convention facility that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year at on the corner of S Ware and W Expressway 83. The convention center is surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants.
A beautiful country estate located close to the airport at Visitors can tour the home and the 15 acres of land that surround it. The property is full of plantlife native to South Texas. This is also a great location for bird watchers.
The McAllen Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art galleries along Main Street between Business 83 to the south and Pecan Avenue to the north. These events take place on the first Friday of every month from September to May from 6PM-10PM. In addition to viewing the galleries visitors will find vendors selling food and other items, and live street performances. The Art Walk is free and open to the public.
McAllen and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley are great places to enjoy birdwatching. 528 species of birds have been spotted in the area, making it the most productive and popular birding destination in the country. Visit South Texas Nature Marketing and the World Birding Center websites to find great birdwatching locations, and visit the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1200 Ash Ave for free brochures, maps and other birding information.
This is an annual festival that celebrates the unique culture and history of Deep South Texas. Takes place every October at the McAllen Convention Center.
Has concerts throughout the year. Concerts usually held at the McAllen Convention Center.
Free outdoor music concert series featuring local talent. Held in Archer Park every first Friday September through May, and in Bill Schupp Park second Fridays during summers.
Annual Christmas celebration held the first weekend in December. Live music, food booths, special areas for children and for teens, Christmas parade, official City Christmas Tree lighting, traditional "posada"- a live reinactment of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.
Has a relaxing lagoon to view or walk around.
Local fauna and flora exhibit.
Nicely priced Chinese menu, with lunch specials mid-week.
Cheap lunches.
As close to real Chinese food as you will find.
Great Tex-Mex food for a great price. Check out the salsa bar. Second location at 1000 S. 10th St.
This is a local favorite, serving made-to-order burritos
Salads, soups, pizzas and more.
Sandwiches, salads, soups and more.
Mexican and Tex-Mex food.
Mexican food.
Chinese and Vietnamese food.
Two additional locations at 400 E Nolana Ave, and 4500 N 10th St. Japanese food.
Chicago style pizza.
Mexican food.
Changed menu to high end dinners only- not burgers, steaks, pizzas any more nice menu though.
Diverse menu includes chicken fried steak, enchiladas suisas, and pizzas.
Steakhouse and cantina.
On 10th just north of Hwy 83 (right side) Steaks, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
American and Mexican dishes.
In the Entertainment District, American cuisine.
Pizza and drinks and live music with an outdoor stage.
A unique concept, one side is a wine bar, the other side is a fine furniture shop.
Specializes in a wide variety of beers from around the world.
Large pool hall and sports bar.
Cuban restaurant with bar and large dance floor.
This is a large, very popular mall near the airport. Department stores include Dillard's, Macy's, and JCPennys.
A citrus grove and country store offering a wide range of citrus fruits for sale, or pick your own in their grove. You can also buy their homemade citrus juices, dressings, sauces, and more.
By train
There is no passenger rail service or Amtrak Thruway connections to McAllen. However, you can take Amtrak to San Antonio and connect via bus to McAllen.
By bus
The Central Bus Station on 1500-1501 W US Business 83 serves as a bus station for:
By car
By taxi
Several taxi companies serve McAllen. Customers should call ahead to arrange a pick up.
By bus
Metro Mcallen is the bus system that serves McAllen. These buses run from 6AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday, and 8AM to 8PM on Sunday.
Walking and biking
McAllen has several hike and bike trails that run north and south.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
McAllen · Regional · MFE
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about McAllen and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.