Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in McAllen, United States

McAllen, United States, McAllen, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities

Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in McAllen, United States

1. South Padre Island

Relax on the beautiful beaches of this popular coastal resort city, offering water sports, bird-watching, and a vibrant nightlife.
  • Beach Activities: Swimming, fishing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are popular activities on the island's long beaches.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
  • Nightlife: Enjoy lively bars, clubs, and music festivals that keep the party going into the night.

2. Corpus Christi

Discover the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, and beautiful beaches in this coastal city.
  • Maritime History: Explore the USS Lexington Museum on Battleship Row to learn about naval history.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Interact with sharks, penguins, and other marine life at the Texas State Aquarium.
  • Beaches: Relax on secluded beaches like Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island State Park.

3. San Antonio River Walk

Experience a unique blend of restaurants, shops, and beautiful landscaping along the San Antonio River.
  • Restaurants: Sample Tex-Mex cuisine at iconic spots like Casa Rio and Boudro's Texas Bistro.
  • Shopping: Discover unique gifts, souvenirs, and clothing in the numerous shops along the river.
  • Landmarks: Visit historic sites like the Alamo, Mission San Jose, and the Tower of Americas.

4. Austin

Enjoy live music, outdoor activities, and unique culinary experiences in the state capital.
  • Live Music Scene: Experience world-renowned musicians at venues like Austin City Limits Live and Stubb's BBQ.
  • Outdoor Activities: Hike, bike, or kayak in Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, or Lady Bird Lake.
  • Food Scene: Indulge in Texas-style barbecue, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique food trucks.

5. Houston Museum District

Visit world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Menil Collection.
  • Art Museums: Appreciate masterpieces from around the world at various art museums.
  • Science Museums: Explore space exploration, natural history, and more at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
  • Architecture: Admire the architectural styles of buildings designed by renowned architects like I.M. Pei and Rafael Viñoly.

6. Dallas Arts District

Experience the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and Klyde Warren Park in this cultural hub.
  • Performing Arts: Catch a show at the Winspear Opera House or the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.
  • Visual Arts: Explore European, American, Asian, and African art at the Dallas Museum of Art.
  • Parks: Relax in Klyde Warren Park, featuring food trucks, events, and green spaces.

7. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Step back in time at the historic district, home to the world's only twice-daily cattle drive and a variety of shops and restaurants.
  • Cattle Drive: Witness the daily cattle drive through the streets of the historic district.
  • Shopping: Browse for cowboy boots, hats, and other Western-themed items at the various shops.
  • Restaurants: Savor Texas-style barbecue, steak, and Mexican cuisine at local eateries.

8. San Marcos

Explore the outdoor adventure hub of San Marcos, featuring tubing on the Guadalupe River and the San Marcos Outlet Mall.
  • Outdoor Activities: Tube, swim, or fish in the Guadalupe River.
  • Shopping: Find designer outlet deals at the San Marcos Outlet Mall.
  • Natural Wonders: Discover the unique geological formation, Wonder World Park.

9. Marfa

Experience art installations, ghost towns, and star gazing in this remote desert town.
  • Art Installations: Visit the iconic Prada Marfa installation and other contemporary art pieces.
  • Ghost Towns: Explore abandoned towns like El Cossett, Chinati, and Valentine.
  • Star Gazing: Marvel at the dark skies of the Davis Mountains for incredible stargazing opportunities.

10. Bandera

Experience Texas cowboy culture in this charming Hill Country town, known as the 'Cowboy Capital of the World'.
  • Cowboy Culture: Learn about the history and traditions of the Texas cowboy at local museums.
  • Outdoor Activities: Hike, bike, or horseback ride in nearby parks like Lost Maples State Natural Area.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot wildlife like deer, armadillos, and wild turkeys in the surrounding hills.

11. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Explore this unique granite dome formation, offering hiking trails, rock climbing, and stargazing.
  • Hiking Trails: Challenge yourself with the Summit Trail or enjoy a leisurely walk on the Loop Trail.
  • Rock Climbing: Test your climbing skills on one of the many routes at Enchanted Rock.
  • Stargazing: Marvel at the dark skies above for incredible stargazing opportunities.

12. Big Bend National Park

Explore this vast desert park, offering hiking trails, hot springs, and wildlife viewing.
  • Hiking Trails: Challenge yourself with the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or the South Rim Trail.
  • Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Santa Elena Canyon.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Spot desert bighorn sheep, black bears, and cougars in the park's rugged terrain.

13. Palm Springs

Relax at palm-lined resorts, explore museums, and enjoy desert hikes in this oasis town.
  • Resorts: Stay at a midcentury modern resort for a truly unique experience.
  • Museums: Learn about art, architecture, and cinema at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
  • Desert Hikes: Explore Joshua Tree National Park or San Jacinto Mountains for desert hiking adventures.

14. Joshua Tree National Park

Experience the unique landscape of this California national park, featuring unusual rock formations and Joshua trees.
  • Rock Formations: Explore the boulders, spires, and arches at Hidden Valley.
  • Joshua Trees: Admire the unique shape and resilience of the Joshua tree.
  • Stargazing: Marvel at the dark skies above for incredible stargazing opportunities.

15. Santa Fe

Experience Pueblo Revival architecture, art galleries, and Southwestern cuisine in this historic city.
  • Architecture: Admire the unique Pueblo Revival style of buildings.
  • Art Galleries: Visit Canyon Road for a concentration of art galleries and studios.
  • Cuisine: Indulge in Southwestern cuisine, featuring chiles, corn, and blue corn.