McAllen

Understand

McAllen has grown rapidly over the past century. In 1910 the population was about 150. The city now has a population exceeding 130,000. Over 85% of the city's population is Hispanic or Latino; almost everyone is bilingual to some degree. The first real development in the area that would later become McAllen occurred in the 1850s. That development was led by John McAllen. In 1904, he established a town site then known as West McAllen. In 1907, a separate group of developers established a town known as East McAllen. Eventually, the two towns merged and the City of McAllen was incorporated in 1911. McAllen is surrounded by several medium size towns and cities. These cities are interconnected and sometimes appear to be one larger city. For census purposes the federal government includes all these areas under the heading McAllen–Edinburg–Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). McAllen has a low cost of living. McAllen is a popular birders destination. There are dozens of birding spots in the McAllen area, including the World Birding Center, a complex of 9 sites dedicated to wildlife watching. 528 bird species and over 300 butterfly species have been recorded in the area.

Climate

McAllen has warm winter weather; in the winter months, large numbers of retirees live in the McAllen area. Affectionately called Winter Texans, they come predominantly from the Midwestern United States and Canada and stay in RV parks, apartments, second homes and extended-stay hotels. Winter is the "season" for McAllen, and the time with most of the social activities, many planned especially for Winter Texans. The summer months, on the other hand, are long, hot, and humid; with air temperatures around 100 °F (38 °C) during the day. Heat indices in the summer average around 104 °F (40 °C) during the day and 81 °F (27 °C) at night. On some particularly hot and sweltering days, the heat index can climb upwards to 115 °F (46 °C) and not go below 88 °F (31 °C) at night.

Getting there

By plane 1 McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE IATA), 2500 S Bicentennial Blvd #100 (2 mi (3.2 km) south of downtown via S 10th St (TX-336) & Wichita Ave; Exit 142 from Interstate 2), ☏ +1 956 682-910. It is serviced or will be serviced by:. (updated May 2022) Aeromexico Connect to Mexico City AIFA American Eagle/American Airlines to Dallas-Ft Worth United Airlines/United Express to Houston Allegiant Air to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, St Petersburg/Clearwater Delta Connection to Austin Volaris to Cancun For travelers not renting a car click here for a list of taxi companies and their rates. Otherwise there is the McAllen Metro #4 bus to go into town as the least expensive way. The next nearest commercial airport in the US with Delta (to Minneapolis St Paul), Southwest Airlines, and Sun Country is in Harlingen Valley International Airport, 45 min east on I-2/US 83. Both United & American/American Eagle serve the area through Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen from their respective hubs in Houston and Dallas-Ft Worth. VivaAerobus flies into Reynosa's Gen Lucio Blanca International Airport (REX) and through Monterrey International Airport (MTY) from multiple cities in Mexico. Monterrey is also served by Areus, Aeromexico, Mexicana, TAR, and Volaris from multiple cities in Mexico as well as international flights from Atlanta (Delta), Madrid (Aeromexico), Panama City (Copa), Toronto (Air Canada), and Seoul (Aeromexico).

By train There is no passenger rail service or Amtrak Thruway connections to McAllen. However, you can take Amtrak to San Antonio and connect via bus to McAllen.

By bus The 2 Central Bus Station on 1500-1501 W US Business 83 serves as a bus station for:

McAllen Metro. McAllen Metro operates local public transportation around town on 9 routes from the Central Bus station. The #4 bus connects the airport to the bus station (updated Apr 2024) Greyhound, Greyhound Mexico, Valley Transit. Connects McAllen to Downtown Houston (via Edinburg, Corpu

Getting around

By car The best way to get around McAllen is by car. There are several rental car services located in Mcallen: Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and others. Many of these can be found at the airport.

By taxi Several taxi companies serve McAllen. Customers should call ahead to arrange a pick up.

By bus Metro Mcallen is the bus system that serves McAllen. These buses run from 6AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday, and 8AM to 8PM on Sunday. The bus system covers only limited routes but also interfaces with RioTransit buses, which connect to other towns in the Rio Grande Valley.

Walking and biking McAllen has several hike and bike trails that run north and south.

See

Attractions 1 McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd. A large convention facility that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year at on the corner of S Ware and W Expressway 83. The convention center is surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants. (updated Jan 2022) 2 Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Ave. A beautiful country estate located close to the airport at Visitors can tour the home and the 15 acres of land that surround it. The property is full of plantlife native to South Texas. This is also a great location for bird watchers. 3 Veterans War Memorial of Texas, 3129 Galveston Ave, ☏ +1 956 631-2511. (updated Jan 2022)

Museums 4 International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), 1900 Nolana Ave, ☏ +1 956 681-2800, [email protected]. (updated Jan 2020) 5 McAllen Heritage Center, 301 S Main St, ☏ +1 956 687-1904. (updated Feb 2016)

Do

Art Walk. The McAllen Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art galleries along Main Street between Business 83 to the south and Pecan Avenue to the north. These events take place on the first Friday of every month from September to May from 6PM-10PM. In addition to viewing the galleries visitors will find vendors selling food and other items, and live street performances. The Art Walk is free and open to the public. Birdwatching. McAllen and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley are great places to enjoy birdwatching. 528 species of birds have been spotted in the area, making it the most productive and popular birding destination in the country. Visit South Texas Nature Marketing and the World Birding Center websites to find great birdwatching locations, and visit the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1200 Ash Ave for free brochures, maps and other birding information. PalmFest. This is an annual festival that celebrates the unique culture and history of Deep South Texas. Takes place every October at the McAllen Convention Center. Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. Has concerts throughout the year. Concerts usually held at the McAllen Convention Center. Music After Hours. Free outdoor music concert series featuring local talent. Held in Archer Park every first Friday September through May, and in Bill Schupp Park second Fridays during summers. Candlelight Posada. Annual Christmas celebration held the first weekend in December. Live