Lon C. Hill founded this town in 1904 and named after the city of Harlingen in the Netherlands. Six years later, when the city was incorporated, it had 1,126 residents. During World War I and II, the population grew to over 45,000 with the operation of Harlingen Air Force base, where Valley International Airport is located today. After the base closed in 1962, the population declined, but it has slowly increased to its current total of 65,000 people.
About 81% of Harlingen's population is Hispanic, and you can find many great Mexican restaurants to dine in while visiting this Rio Grande city. You won't be disappointed when you start your day with a breakfast burrito from Las Cazuelas. La Playa Mexican Café has been a favorite for generations, and its margaritas are highly praised. Migas are especially good at Alicia's Mexican Restaurant.
There are many things to do in Harlingen. The historic downtown area is great for a stroll to work off your meal, and you will love shopping at the small downtown merchants. Learn more about Iwo Jima by visiting the Iwo Jima Memorial Museum, then head to the Harlingen Arts and Heritage, where you will find artwork created by local artists. It's also a place to learn more about the city's history and see some of Harlingen's oldest buildings.
Jalapeno 100 Bike Ride – This ride starts at the Boys and Girls Club of Harlingen and features courses ranging from 12 to 100 miles. It takes place in late February.
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival- This five-day November festival, held at various locations throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley, features over 120 birdwatching field trips, keynote speakers, a trade show, and other activities.
Harlingen Fall Festival - You can listen to live music, pet animals, take photos in the pumpkin patch and enjoy the carnival rides at this November festival at Harlingen's Fair Park.
Falcon State Park, near Roma, is an excellent place for a day of water fun on the 84,000-acre Falcon International Reservoir. Anglers are often delighted with the size and number of largemouth bass and channel catfish that they pull from the lake. There is a campground with over 130 camping spots.
Mustang Island State Park, near Corpus Christi, is a fantastic place for a beach day. You can build sandcastles and play in the water. Rent a kayak and paddle along the 20-mile-long Mustang Island State Park Paddling Tour. There are 48 campsites with full hookups and 50 primitive sites.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park, near Mathis, is home to an 18,256-acre lake that's a great place to catch largemouth and white bass. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in this state park. There is a large campground with some sites offering water hookups.
Workers constructed the Port Isabel Lighthouse in 1852, where you can climb 75 winding steps and three small ladders to see the spectacular view from the top of this lighthouse, which is the last one open to the public in the Lone Star State. Once back on the ground, visit the keeper's house to learn more about this area.
Head to the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen to see the Iwo Jima statue. The monument was a gift from Dr. Felix W. de Weldon, who created the one on display in Washington D.C. Right behind the monument is the grave of Corporal Harlon H. Block, who was a native of Weslaco, and the man who placed the flagpole into the ground on February 19, 1945.
Travel to Hidalgo to see the world's largest killer-bee statue. This statue commemorates the first swarm of Africanized killer bees found a short distance from the city. This statue weighs over 2,000 pounds.
There are many terrific campgrounds in the Harlingen area, including the gated Port Isabel Park Center, where you can swim in the pool and play pool in the billiards room. This pet-friendly campground offers short-term and long-term stays.
Another fantastic choice is Tropic Wind RV Resort in Harlingen. This campground for people 55 and older features a swimming pool, laundry facility, fitness center, and dog park. This pet-friendly campground offers many recreational facilities, like pickleball and shuffleboard courts.
Fun-N-Sun RV Resort, in San Benito, welcomes campers over the age of 55. This campground is part of the Thousand Oaks family and has a pool, a tennis court, and a bocce-ball facility. There is a restaurant at the campground, too.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Harlingen, TX, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Harlingen?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Harlingen from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Harlingen?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.