Most Scenic Road Trips in McAllen, United States
1. Rio Grande Valley Scenic Byway
A 60-mile drive along the Rio Grande River featuring rich birdlife and stunning sunsets.
- Rich Birdlife: Home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Natural Beauty: The river's ever-changing landscape offers a unique and beautiful backdrop.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the La Lomita Chapel along the way.
2. Farm-to-Market Road 107 (FM 107)
A picturesque drive through McAllen's rural countryside with lush farmlands and vibrant wildlife.
- Scenic Countryside: Offers breathtaking views of the rolling hills and green pastures.
- Farm Fresh Produce: Pass by farm stands selling fresh produce directly from the fields.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for deer, rabbits, and various bird species.
3. Southmost Point
The southernmost tip of Texas, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Gulf of Mexico Views: Beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the Gulf.
- Historic Lighthouse: Visit the historic South Padre Island Lighthouse nearby.
- Wildlife Reserve: Close proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
4. Ranch Road 285 (RR 285)
A winding road through the heart of the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see species like javelina, foxes, and more than 400 bird species.
- Natural Beauty: A peaceful drive through untouched natural landscapes.
- Historical Significance: Travel along a historic route once used by Native Americans and early settlers.
5. Ranch Road 465 (RR 465)
A scenic drive through the peaceful countryside of Hidalgo County with stunning sunflower fields in season.
- Seasonal Sunflowers: Sunflower fields bloom in late summer, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy views of rolling hills, farmlands, and small towns.
- Historical Markers: Pass by historical markers detailing the region's rich history.
6. Palmview Loop
A circular route showcasing palm tree farms, vibrant gardens, and historic sites.
- Vibrant Gardens: Gardens featuring a variety of tropical plants and flowers.
- Historic Sites: Visit the historic Mission Palms and La Lomita Chapel along the way.
- Palm Tree Farms: Pass by fields of swaying palm trees, a unique sight in the region.
7. Farm-to-Market Road 516 (FM 516)
A scenic drive through rural Starr County, offering panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding hills.
- Historic Sites: Visit sites like the historic Presidio La Bahía de los Españoles along the way.
- Rural Scenery: Experience a peaceful, rural drive through small towns and farmlands.
8. Farm-to-Market Road 1472 (FM 1472)
A picturesque drive through the rolling hills of western McAllen, offering glimpses of rural life.
- Rolling Hills: Enjoy a serene drive through the picturesque rolling hills.
- Rural Scenery: Get a glimpse of rural life in small towns along the way.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the historic Rancho de la Luz.
9. Farm-to-Market Road 1465 (FM 1465)
A peaceful drive through the countryside of eastern McAllen, featuring lush farmlands and rolling hills.
- Peaceful Scenery: Enjoy a calm and quiet drive through beautiful rural landscapes.
- Farmlands: Pass by lush farmlands producing crops like citrus, cotton, and sugar cane.
- Historical Markers: Learn about the region's history through historical markers along the way.
10. Farm-to-Market Road 88 (FM 88)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of western Hidalgo County, offering views of the Rio Grande River.
- River Views: Enjoy picturesque views of the Rio Grande River.
- Rural Scenery: Experience a peaceful, rural drive through small towns and farmlands.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the historic Rancho de los Dolores.
11. Farm-to-Market Road 78 (FM 78)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of southern Hidalgo County, featuring stunning sunsets and vibrant wildlife.
- Stunning Sunsets: Take in beautiful sunsets over the open countryside.
- Vibrant Wildlife: Spot various species of birds, deer, and rabbits during your drive.
- Rural Scenery: Experience a peaceful, rural drive through small towns and farmlands.
12. Farm-to-Market Road 2078 (FM 2078)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of western McAllen, featuring lush farmlands and rolling hills.
- Lush Farmlands: Pass by fields of crops like cotton, corn, and sugar cane.
- Rolling Hills: Enjoy a serene drive through the picturesque rolling hills.
- Historical Sites: Discover historical sites like the historic Rancho de Lomitas.
13. Farm-to-Market Road 492 (FM 492)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of eastern McAllen, featuring lush farmlands and rolling hills.
- Lush Farmlands: Pass by fields of crops like citrus, cotton, and sugar cane.
- Rolling Hills: Enjoy a serene drive through the picturesque rolling hills.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the historic Rancho el Carmen.
14. Farm-to-Market Road 785 (FM 785)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of western McAllen, offering panoramic views of the valley.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding hills.
- Rural Scenery: Experience a peaceful, rural drive through small towns and farmlands.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like the historic Rancho la Perdiz.
15. Farm-to-Market Road 86 (FM 86)
A scenic drive through the rural countryside of southern McAllen, featuring stunning sunsets and vibrant wildlife.
- Stunning Sunsets: Take in beautiful sunsets over the open countryside.
- Vibrant Wildlife: Spot various species of birds, deer, and rabbits during your drive.
- Rural Scenery: Experience a peaceful, rural drive through small towns and farmlands.