Movies/Concerts/Live Theatre

Approx. Miles Away

Year round live entertainment, trade shows, and much more.

Museums/Historical Attractions

10,000 to 20,000 pilgrims per week travel from all over the world to pray at the shrine that holds a image of La Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos. The church, reconstructed after a fire caused by a plane crash in 1970, features elaborate stained glass, and the grounds feature a walking path showing the Stations of the Cross.

McAllen's "edutainment center" featuring Mexican folk art, paintings and sculptures, science and natural history as well as travelling exhibits that change throughout the year. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 1 to 5 pm. 

Built in 1865 by the Oblate Fathers as an overnight way station on the route between Brownsville and Roma. The chapel was moved to its present site in 1899 and still features its original brick floors, beamed ceilings, an outdoor "beehive" oven and water well. La Lomita is surrounded by a park with picnic facilities, grills and rest rooms.

The sole hand drawn ferry on US waterways. A trip across the Rio Grande to Mexico and back. Holds three cars and several people.

Original statue used to cast the monument in Virginia. Located on the campus of Harlingen's Marine Military Academy.

Built in 1853, used by both the Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War and recently restored to its original appearance. Visitos can climb 74 steps to a spectacular view of Laguna Madre and South Padre Island. Only lighthouse in Texas open to the public.

Established after the the Mexican War, Fort Ringgold is one of Texas' best preserved old military posts. Landmarks at the Fort include Lee House, once occupied by Robert E. Lee, and the old post hospital. 

A must-see for anyone interested in learning about this region's complex and fascinating history. The museum features exhibits on Spanish exploration and colonization, the Mexican and Civil wars and even the 14-foot skeleton of an ice age mammoth! Open Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 1 to 5 pm. Free admission.

Parks/Recreational Facilities

Once traded for a fiddle and a new suit, this 2,088-acre preserve is home to almost 400 species of birds as well as coyotes, bobcats and the endangered ocelot. Hike on your own or take a guided tour. Visitors can choose from trails to choose from for hiking, a paved route for cars or bikes, or an interpretive tram tour (trams run November - May only). Visitor Center open daily, 8 am to 4 pm.

One of the top birding sites in the United States located on the banks of the Rio Grande. The park offers picnic areas, nature trails, boardwalks and a Hawk Preservation Tower.

Seasonal live greyhound racing Nov 30 - April 17, daily except for Christmas. Year round full card simulcast racing. Air conditioned facility with outside seating and 3 dining areas, full-service catering and private party rooms.

Award winning zoo with over 31 acres simulating animals' natural habitats, housing over 1,500 specimens including some of the rarest animals in the world.

Miles of sunfilled beaches, restaurants, shopping, horseback riding, fishing, watersports and much more.

Shopping/Shopping Malls

Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, PetSmaft, Office Depot, many more

Enclosed Mall with over 70 stores including Sears, J.C. Penny, Bealls, Jones & Jones, and many more

New mall North of Mc Allen with Hobby Lobby, Target, Ross's, Marshalls, and many more.

Small Mexican bordertown with plenty of shopping available, numerous restaurants with both Mexican and American food, and plenty of fun and entertainment.

Sports/Sports Stadiums and Golf Courses

Public 18 hole, 72 par golfcourse designed by Von Hagge. A unique golfing experience for all visitors, just a short drive from anywhere in the Valley.

Semi-private 18 hole, 71 Par golf course

Public 9 hole, 31 Par golf course

Home of the Killer Bee's ice hockey team, and has many entertainment , sporting, and concert events throughout the year,