Get to know a place where people don’t need an excuse to have a good time. A place where words unite to celebrate the colour, sounds, and flavours of a modern international city. From glittering nights out to outdoor adventure in green spaces, parks and sunshine, authentic Mexican cuisine, there’s a place that can make anyone feel young; and it’s closer than you think.

Known for its mild winter weather, tropical breezes, brightly coloured birds, and low cost of living, McAllen will always be visitors' delight. McAllen also offers plenty of America’s best-known hotel chains and restaurants, as well as hundreds of local specialty dining establishments. The arts and nightlife are also thriving in McAllen. You’ll find myriad live music venues, Broadway shows, art galleries, museums, and much more.

McAllen is a true bi-national destination. It has a flavour all its own- tangy and delightful- that tantalizes the senses while soothing the spirit. It is worth a visit.

Go to https://www.exploremcallen.com for more information.

Getting to McAllen

McAllen is easy, safe and fun to travel to. Whether you are enjoying a road trip or flying into McAllen your experience will be a memorable one!

Flying

The McAllen International Airport offers 9 non-stop routes to McAllen. Including flights from Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, Nashville, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara.

Canadians can connect through Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft Worth or Houston.

We go above what is necessary and beyond what is expected to help our air travellers with safety upgrades like UV – light sanitizing, recharge stations, frequent surface cleanings, and enhanced personal distancing for all.

Seasonal flights to Los Angeles and Orlando are also offered.

Carriers include American Airlines, United, Allegiant, and Aeromar (schedules vary). For more information visit https://linktr.ee/mcallenairport

Driving

For snowbirds who choose to drive to McAllen from Canada, there are many great Interstate options, depending on where you are coming from.

Depending on traffic and road conditions, the drive is about 28 hours from Toronto and Winnipeg and 34 hours from Calgary.

Weather

Mild winter temperatures can be expected in McAllen with the coolest months being December and January.

November and February are warmer with highs in the 70s and daytime temperatures in March and April are in the 80s F.

Terrain & Landscape

McAllen is situated north of the Rio Grande River, the landscape is mostly flat with a very big variety of species of birds. South Padre Island is only an hour's drive east. 

Accommodations and Where to Stay

Planning an extended stay in McAllen?

We got you covered. McAllen offers a wide variety of extended stay hotels along with many different RV parks in the surrounding areas.

Be sure to book your spot early as rooms and lots go fast!

Attractions & Sights

McAllen is the perfect place to create new experiences with friends and family alike. Enjoy a day of shopping at the many shopping districts or if you’re the type to enjoy sunshine and nature, then we have plenty of options for you!

1. Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
2. McAllen Nature Center
3. La Plaza Mall
4. McAllen Performing Arts Center
5. Town Lake at Firemen’s Park
6. Fantasyland Skate Center
7. Palm View Golf Course
8. McAllen Food Truck Park
9. 2^nd Street Hike & Bike Trail

Culture & Entertainment

McAllen is home to many different minds and talents, all of whom can influence and inspire people from all walks of life. If you are looking for awe-inspiring works of performances that will leave you impressed, then be sure to stop by and see these with your own eyes.

1. International Museum of Arts & Science
2. McAllen Performing Arts Center
3. Nuevo Santander
4. McAllen Creative Incubator
5. Valley Symphony Orchestra
6. Downtown Street Art (self-guided tour)
7. World Birding Center
8. Historic Cine El Rey
9. Phoenix Gallery
10. Museum of South Texas History

Food & Dining

Know a place where the food scene is fierce, and the tropical sunsets are lined with palms?

A place where bistros and trendy pubs compete with food trucks, legendary BBQ, and the most authentic Mexican food north of the Rio Grande?  

Have a taste of McAllen, so you’ll be the one who knows a place.

Learn more about McAllen's local food and dining scene here:

https://visitmcallen.com/experiences/food-lovers/

Festivals & Events

From award-winning parades to bi-cultural, bi-national, multi-day festivals, McAllen boasts some of the best destination events in the country. Be sure to check out one of these events next time you’re in town:

1. McAllen International Car Fest
2. Sizzlin in the Tropics BBQ Cook-off
3. McAllen Marathon
4. Taste McAllen
5. Fiesta De Palmas
6. McAllen Holiday Parade & Christmas in the Park
7. Winter Texas Expo

Sporting Events

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G-League, an affiliate of the Houston Rockets, are 3-time league champions, featuring top NBA-level players in a state-of-the-art venue, Bert Ogden Arena.

We are also home to the RGVFC Toros soccer team who play at H-E-B park which is located just outside of McAllen. You can catch either team playing year-round.

Shopping

From upscale retailers to homegrown boutiques and specialty shops with hard-to-find items, McAllen is a shopaholics paradise. Stop by any of our shopping districts and get your fix while you’re in McAllen!

1. La Plaza Mall

2. Las Tiendas Shopping District

3. Palms Crossing

4. Downtown McAllen

5. RGV Premium Outlets

6. North 10th Street Boutiques

7. Various Farmer’s Markets weekly

Fitness & Outdoor Recreation

Water parks, bicycling, nature parks, and hiking trails are just a few of the options we have for the outdoor adventurer or workout warriors. Included are venues that help you get a sweat on right here in McAllen:

1. 2nd Street Hike & Bike Trail

2. Bill Schupp Park

3. Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center & Hiking Trail

4. McAllen Dog Park

5. Palm View Golf Course

6. Town Lake at Firemen’s Park

7. Bentsen State Park

8. McAllen Nature Center

9. Lark Community Center Adult Programs

Health Care & Medical Facilities

McAllen has award-winning hospitals like Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR Health), South Texas Health System McAllen and Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

Snowbird Clubs and Activities

Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley is a great organization that has tons of information on activities and services for Winter Texans in McAllen and the surrounding areas.

What's Nearby & Excursions

Ranked the number two beach in Texas – South Padre Island is less than an hour away from McAllen. Soak up the sun and great times at this amazing destination without having to travel too far from your stay.

Safety

McAllen is proud to boast some top accolades over every other city in Texas and the United States including:

#17 – Safest places to live in the U.S in 2020 – 2021 (US News – 2020)

#9 – Safest City in America (Smart Asset – 2021)

Cost of Living

McAllen is proud to boast some top accolades over every other city in Texas and the United States including:

#1 – Most affordable cities for new homeowners (Move.org – 2021)

#3 – Best places to live for quality of life in the U.S in 2021 (US News – 2020)

#9 – Best Places to live in Texas in 2020 – 21 (US News – 2020)

#3 – Most Affordable places to snowbird this winter (55 places – 2021)

Accolades

See why Canadian snowbirds love McAllen