Region: South Texas Plains
McAllen is in Texas' lush lower Rio Grande Valley, noted for subtropical climate, access to Mexico and tourist facilities catering to thousands of summer and winter visitors. It's a great destination for birders and other nature-oriented visitors. Many Midwesterners and Canadians spend entire winters here, strolling amid blossoming citrus groves. Mobile home parks and tourism organizations cater to visitors with planned daily activities such as dances, tours, bridge, domino and shuffleboard tournaments, shows and concerts. Economy is based on tourism, citrus, vegetables, oil, gas, international trade with Mexico and conventions. Golf is very popular and there are numerous courses available.
This area is the best birding location in the entire country. Several wildlife refuges and state parks offer excellent bird-watching activities. Birders often see grebes and black-necked stilts. Flocks of red-crowned parrots and green parakeets are frequently seen and heard throughout the city, including the unique setting at McAllen's World Birding Center site, Quinta Mazatlan. Best time to find them is dusk.
Several citrus groves and fruit and vegetable groves offer tours. The McAllen Information Center can provide the information and location. Shoppers find La Placita a great place to shop in renovated historical houses in the downtown area at 301 South Main St. Antique hunters enjoy several good antique stores sprinkled throughout the city, many specializing in Mexican antiques and furnishings.
Access to Reynosa, Mexico, is available via Texas 336 to the McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge.