Explore McAllen, Texas
McAllen, TX is a busy community in southern Texas and the largest city in Hidalgo County. The city was originally established as the McAllen Townsite on December 5, 1904, by several men, including John McAllen and James Ballí McAllen. By 1911, the area was cultivating 5,000 acres of cotton, alfalfa, grapes, citrus fruits, and other commodity crops. At that time, the population was around 1,000, and McAllen was officially incorporated the same year. The city and its economy experienced a boom after 20,000 troops from New York were stationed in McAllen to help deal with border disturbances, which were taking place due to the Mexican Civil War. The population was around 6,000 by 1920, and it continued to grow steadily throughout the 20th century.
As of 2022, McAllen has a population of around 158,000 and is known for its excellent shopping districts as well as the beautiful local bird species. If you want to experience the area's great shopping, La Plaza retail complex is a perfect place to start. The shopping center contains over 150 specialty shops and plenty of mainstream stores. You could also head to Earth Born Market to pick up some fresh produce and other locally grown goods. There's also the Mercado District, where you'll find lots of interesting vendors as well as live entertainment and some superb dining destinations.
While visiting McAllen, it's worth stopping by a few of the city's most notable landmarks. There's the Quinta Mazatlan, a historic Adobe property dating back to the 1930s that's open for public tours. You could also visit the McAllen Public Library and the Veterans War Memorial of Texas. If you want to learn something new, consider browsing unique museums like the McAllen Heritage Center and the International Museum of Art & Science. You could also attend a live performance at the McAllen Performing Arts Center or the outdoor amphitheater at Oval Park.
When you want to enjoy the beautiful Texas sunshine, one option is to visit the McAllen Nature Center for a day of hiking and birdwatching. Alternatively, you could go biking around the lovely downtown area or have some fun paddleboarding at Firemen's Park.
Campgrounds Near McAllen, Texas
The McAllen area features many reputable campgrounds, and one example is the Valley Gateway RV Park. This family-owned park has full-hookup RV sites available and is filled with grassy meadows and surrounded by shady trees. Guests have access to amenities such as laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and showers, and there are nearby opportunities for shopping and various forms of entertainment.
Another excellent place to stay in the area is the McAllen Mobile Home Park and RV Resort. This 45-acre park offers full-hookup RV campsites and provides a peaceful atmosphere for guests. The campground contains a clubhouse, which regularly hosts events and activities. During your stay, you can also play shuffleboard or enjoy a refreshing swim in the on-site pool.
The area is also home to the massive Mission Bell Tradewinds RV Resort, which boasts a whopping 716 RV campsites. The lovely campground features a community center that frequently hosts potluck dinners, dances, arts and crafts courses, and other activities for guests. Plus, the park is only a few minutes away from restaurants, shopping outlets, and medical facilities.
State Parks Near McAllen, Texas
If you're a fishing enthusiast, Falcon State Park is a must-visit destination. The park, which covers 570 acres on the southern shores of Falcon International Reservoir, offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the state. The reservoir is also a popular spot for boating and a variety of watersports. Other features of the scenic area include a butterfly garden, three miles of hiking trails, and a variety of unique wildlife species. While you're exploring the area, make sure to keep your eyes open for the rare javelina.
Mustang Island State Park is located just off the coast of southeastern Texas on a narrow stretch of land. The park is a paradise for anyone who enjoys the beach, featuring crashing waves, windblown sand dunes, and breathtaking views of the vast Gulf of Mexico. While visiting the park, you could sunbathe, go swimming in the gulf, or hunt for seashells along the five miles of pristine white-sand beaches. You may also want to enjoy activities like kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, or stargazing. If you enjoy paddling, consider exploring the 20-mile Mustang Island Paddling Trail.
Another picturesque waterfront park in the region is Lake Corpus Christi State Park, which surrounds the 25-square-mile Lake Corpus Christi. The sizable reservoir is a popular destination for activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and paddleboarding. The park is also known as a superb area for birdwatching. In fact, there's a trail leading to a special area with 21 bird feeders and several birdbaths. If you visit the park during the hot Texas summer, you might want to stop by the on-site shaved ice stand for a refreshing treat.
National Sites Near McAllen, Texas
The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is located at the site where the first shots of the United States-Mexican War were fired in 1846. The park is a great place to visit if you're interested in learning more about the war and the events that led up to it. The site features a visitor center, where visitors can watch a film with information about the start of the conflict. Depending on when you visit, you may also get the chance to watch reenactments while you're there. You should definitely explore the Historic Battlefield Trail to see where various events of the battle took place.
One of the most beautiful areas in southern Texas is the Padre Island National Seashore. The site encompasses the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier islands on the planet and is home to many sea turtles and unique bird species. The sizable island features protected sand dunes, prairies, and tidal flats, and visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, windsurfing, sunbathing, picnicking, and birdwatching.
If you make your way to the bustling city of San Antonio, TX, you can visit San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The site is home to four beautiful missions, all of which were established along the San Antonio River during the 18th century. Each of the missions remains an active parish, and while exploring the historical park, you can tour the buildings, browse the fascinating artifacts, and soak in the impressive architecture. Each of the four missions has unique offerings, including peaceful gardens, workshops, a nature trail, a demonstration farm with a 300-year-old watering system, and many more.
National Forests Near McAllen, Texas
The nearest national forest to McAllen is Sam Houston National Forest, which is located in eastern Texas near the city of Houston. The forest is a great area to explore and provides plenty of recreational opportunities. For example, you could hike the well-known Lone Star Hiking Trail, swim or relax on the beach at Double Lake Recreation Area, or enjoy some boating and fishing in Lake Conroe. The forest is an excellent birdwatching destination. Some of the species you might see include bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, waterfowl, and a variety of songbirds.
Located north of Sam Houston National Forest, Davy Crockett National Forest encompasses 160,000 acres of woodlands, streams, and scenic wildlife areas. The forest, which gets its name from the famous pioneer Davy Crockett, is home to the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. There, you'll find a four-acre lake that's popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping on the shores. Additionally, there's an amphitheater and a bathhouse with showers. The forest contains quite a few exceptional trails to explore, including the Piney Creek Horse Trail and the Ratcliff Lake Trail.
Angelina National Forest is a 153,000-acre stretch of land spread across four counties in eastern Texas. The forest's most famous feature is Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is the state's largest man-made body of water. Visitors to the reservoir can enjoy boating, watersports, and fishing. In fact, the man-made lake is even a popular stop on the Bass Pro fishing circuit. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll have many quality routes to choose from around the forest, including the Lanana Creek Trail and the Sawmill Hiking Trail.
