Planning a stay in McAllen, Texas, the birding capitol of the area? A stay at the Birds’ Nest Bed & Breakfast, where you can stroll around the property and watch birds and butterflies by the garden and pond, will complement the perfect environmental based visit to enjoy our unique atmosphere and fun loving town.
Before you get started, stop by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce (1200 Ash Avenue) and weekday from 8 to 5 for free area birding info, a map to various locations and a checklist of the 527 species recorded in the area. If you like, we can also recommend a local expert guide for your day birding.
What better way to start your morning off than with a visit to one of our local coffee, tea or smoothie shops? Coffee Zone boasts a great selection of coffee, tea and smoothies, and the dining area provides the comfort of a nice quiet place to plan out your day.
After breakfast, spend the morning at the historic Quinta Mazatlan, a great site to view the Valley specialty birds like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, Couch’s Kingbird, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed and Curve-billed Thrashers, Olive Sparrow, and Chachalacas, among other. A morning at this internationally known birding site is one you won’t forget due to its trails, water features, bird feeding stations and native gardens representing a remnant of the Tamaulipan Thorn Scrub country. Don’t forget your camera; you will regret it!
Jardin Escondido is the ideal place for an unforgettable afternoon; walk on its beautiful trails, gardens and wildscapes. In Jardin Escondido you will find local birds such as Chachalacas, Green Jays, Kiskadees, Buff Bellied Hummingbirds and several waterfowl. Make plans to stay for its famous “Birds – Happy Hour” and enjoy a refreshing drink while enjoying their Birders Live Show. Another option is to book one of the many birding based tours organized by Go With Jo Tours & Travel.
The city of McAllen has many well-known restaurants for the hungry traveler. Stop at La Jaiba Mexican Seafood Grill and try the famous ceviche or rafafar tostada, enjoy the relaxing and comfortable environment at the Cornerstone Grill & Bar, or visit Double Dave’s Pizza and try the famous “Sandos,” “Sammies,” and sandwiches, in addition to the yummy tasting pizzas.
If you’re up for some night birding, check in at Bentsen State Park for a tour to see owls, bats, and other night-loving birds and critters. If not, hot the hay early so you can be up before dawn for more birding adventures!

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, consider McAllen! Stay at romantic Casa De Palmas-Renaissance Hotel by Marriott. Originally built in 1918, this historic hotel combines the magic of yesterday with the conveniences of today, offering a rich experience of hospitality, luxury, and comfort.
What better way to start your morning off than with a visit to one of our local coffee, tea or smoothie shops? Tayrona Coffee and Deli in downtown McAllen serves exclusive delicious Italian coffee, pastries and deli items.
Let’s not forget the distinctive culinary experience that will accompany your stay in McAllen. Enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast at Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge, where you can order anything from fresh fruit to Tex-Mex to bacon and eggs.
McAllen is the birding capital of the country, so spend the morning with a bird symphony as background music at the historic Quinta Mazatlan, a great site to view Valley specialty birds like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, and Chachalacas among many other. Or take a romantic promenade in Jardin Escondido, another ideal place for an unforgettable morning. Walk on its beautiful trails, gardens and wildscapes.
Now it’s time for a delightful lunch. McAllen is home to many different culinary experiencers- it’s one of its strengths! Costa Messa is one of the finest Mexican restaurants in Texas; City Café has a great selection of soups, salads and pastas. Try Taste of India for a little bit of spice, or make your own creation at JIA Mongolian Grill.
Are you up for a cultural experience? Visit the International Museum of Art and Science, the premier art and science museum of South Texas which contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibits and features collections of Folk Art, Fine Art, Decorative Art and Geological. Nuevo Santander Gallery is the place to go when looking for museum quality Old West arms and fine Mexican collectibles. You can find original paintings and sculptures by internationally recognized artists, European antiques and a selection of reference books. And if you are looking for more physical activity, the perfect date spot is the Valley Ice Center where you can glide on the ice like professional figure ice skaters.
Pamper yourselves and relax after a long day of activities. McAllen is home to numerous spas like Spa La Posada, and De Sanchez Day Spa & Salon where you can enjoy a couples massage and other spa services.
The city of McAllen has many amazing and well-known restaurants to visit for a romantic dinner. Start off the evening with some sake and visit Coast Asian Bistro & Bar for fine Japanese cuisine featuring makis, and myriad other Japanese dishes. Or try Capellini, and be transported all the way to Italy with its gourmet Italian food and its unmatched outdoor ambiance.
When the sun goes down, the city’s nightlife comes alive on McAllen’s famous 17th Street. Many clubs and bars that range from high-end dance clubs to relaxing, homey bars are waiting for you. Have a glass of wine in the bohemian scene of House.Wine, enjoy a cocktail at The Patio on Guerra, a Michelada or Margarita in Frida’s Grill & Cantina, or dance to salsa music in the famous Havana Club. Feel like going back to those great years? Try 3911 Retro Lounge for nothing but 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s classics. There is a little something for everyone.
Now that the activities of the day are complete, it’s time to go back to the comfort of your room in Casa De Palmas-Renaissance Hotel for a relaxing sleep and prepare for another day of fun and adventures in the city of McAllen.

Planning a trip to the city of McAllen, Texas to experience the cultural side of the region? If so, a stay at the Drury Suites in McAllen will complement the perfect family trip.
Start your morning with a traditional Mexican breakfast at the popular El Pato Mexican Food . Be sure to try their famous breakfast “Patos,” or tacos, with barbacoa, chorizo and egg, chicharrones or many other choices.
Take pleasure in some of McAllen’s outstanding nature experiences. McAllen is the birding capitol of the country, and you will spend the morning with a bird symphony as your musical background at the historic Quinta Mazatlan, a great site to view the Valley specialty birds like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, and Chachalacas among many other. Afterwards, visit Town Lake where you can rent a kayak or canoe and drift leisurely around Town Lake.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, discover one of McAllen’s 600 restaurants for lunch. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, try the awesome Chinese buffet at the House of China, or stop in Yoko’s Sushi Restaurant which offers fried and hot rolls, nigiris, and sashimi.
Next, visit the International Museum of Art and Science, the premier art and science museum of South Texas, containing over 50,000 square feet of exhibits featuring collections in Folk Art, Fine Art, Decorative Art, and the largest collection of Mexican folk art in the country.
The McAllen Heritage Center, located in “La Placita,” the old post office building in downtown McAllen, will allow you to learn about McAllen’s colorful history. The newly expanded museum features story-telling sessions, and children’s activities.
The city of McAllen has many amazing and well-known restaurants to choose from for dinner. Feel like having a Margarita pizza, a Greek salad, or a cucumber martini? Peppers at Uptown will satisfy your demanding palate. Republic of the Rio Grande offers a delicious twist of flavor in an ambiance surrounded by mission walls, stone colonnades, and dark wooden arches.
Now that the activities of the day are complete, it’s time to go back to the comfort of your room in Casa De Palmas-Renaissance Hotel for a relaxing sleep and prepare for another day of fun and adventures in the city of McAllen.

Planning a family trip to McAllen? A stay at the Homewood Suites in McAllen will complement the perfect family trip.
Start your visit with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. It’s quite a spread- even the pickiest eater will find something to please the palate.
After breakfast, take the kids outside into nature. McAllen is the birding capital of the country, so spend the morning with a bird symphony as your musical background as you tour the historic Quinta Mazatlan. It’s a great site to view Valley specialty birds like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, or Chachalacas, among many other. You’ll also see butterflies, dragonflies (we’re famous for the many varieties of those as well) and maybe even a rabbit, snake, tortoise or other critter! If golf is more your style, there are several excellent courses with very reasonable green fees in the area.
Grab a bite to eat in one of the many family friendly lunch spots in town. Go to Rudy’s BBQ for real Texas Bar-B-Q, Taco Palenque or Palenque Grill for an authentic Mexican parrillada.
Looking for a cultural experience? McAllen delivers! Visit the International Museum of Art and Science, the premier art and science museum of South Texas , which contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibits featuring collections in Folk Art, Fine Art, Decorative Art and the largest collection of Mexican folk art in the country.. They also have excellent interactive educational programs for children.
If you’re feeling creative and want to make your own art, visit Artsy Pots, a paint your own pottery studio, were families can spend quality time together while letting their creativity fly.
After a day filled with family-fun activities, the city of McAllen has many amazing and well-known restaurants for the hungry visitor. Enjoy the relaxing and comfortable environment at the Cornerstone Grill & Bar. For dessert, La Higienica or Red Mango will not disappoint.
Time to burn all dinner and dessert calories off in a fun way! Visit the Valley Ice Center and glide on the ice like a professional figure ice skater. The whole family is sure to have a blast.
Tired? It’s time to go back to the Drury Suites for a relaxing sleep and prepare for another day of fun and adventure in the city of McAllen.

Planning a girls’ trip to McAllen? Start with a stay at Embassy Suites. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city, close to La Plaza Mall and the airport.
Start your morning with the Embassy Suites famous breakfast, a smorgasbord of delicious pastries, fruits, and heartier fare. It’s your choice!
After breakfast, it’s shopping time! In addition to La Plaza Mall’s over one million square-feet of shopping including Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Banana Republic McAllen is home to exclusive boutiques that you must visit. Colors Boutique, carries name brand clothing. Glitz & Glamour has a wide selection of evening gowns and dresses for special occasions like weddings and prom. And Sylvia’s and Uniques offers the latest in designer fashion. There are five major shopping areas in McAllen- La Plaza Mall, downtown, the “Las Tiendas” area, uptown, and the Convention Center complex. Be sure to explore them all.
You’ll need to pamper yourself and relax after a day of shopping. McAllen is home to numerous spas. Enjoy a makeover, a manicure, a pedicure or a hot stone massage at D’Salon Hair & Beauty Spa or Frida Health & Wellness.
If you’re looking for a cultural experience, visit the International Museum of Art and Science, the premier art and science museum of South Texas, which contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibits featuring collections in Folk Art, Fine Art, Decorative Art including a gorgeous stained glass window permanent display. The display is so stunning that several marriages have been performed there. Nuevo Santander Gallery is the place to visit when looking for museum quality Old West arms and fine Mexican collectibles. You can find original paintings and sculptures by internationally recognized artists, European antiques and a selection of reference books.
McAllen has over 600 restaurants, so finding just the right one for dinner may be a challenge- but a fun one! A local favorite, Republic of the Rio Grande offers a delicious twist of flavor in an ambiance surrounded by mission walls, stone colonnades, and dark wooden arches.
When the sun goes down, the city’s nightlife comes alive on McAllen’s famous 17th Street. Many clubs and lounges that range from high-end dance clubs to relaxing, homey bars are waiting for you. Enjoy a Michelada or Margarita in Frida’s Grill & Cantina, then dance to salsa music in the famous Havana Club. Feel like going back to those great years? Try 3911 Retro Lounge for nothing but 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s classics. There is a little something for everyone.
Now that the activities of the day are complete, it’s time to go back to the comfort of your room for a relaxing sleep and recharge those batteries for another day of fun, shopping and adventure in the city of McAllen.

Planning a guys’ trip to McAllen? A stay at the Texan Guest Ranch will complement the perfect trip. Come and relax by the reflecting pond as you stroll the walking trails around the perimeter of the Ranch, and don’t forget your fishing pole!
What better way to start your morning off than with a visit to one of our local coffee, tea or smoothie shops? Dali boasts a great selection of coffee, tea and smoothies; and if you feel like having something sweet, try Shipley Donuts or TCBY for a smoothie. If you are looking for a traditional Mexican breakfast, look no further than El Pato Mexican Food and try the famous breakfast “Patos,” or tacos, with barbacoa, chorizo and egg, chicharrones or many other choices.
How does golf sound after breakfast? Hit eighteen holes on several of McAllen’s excellent golf courses, all with very reasonable green fees.
You will surely be hungry after a long morning of golfing. Grab a bite to eat in one of the many lunch spots in town. Ranging from Bar-B-Q to Chinese and Mexican to Italian, McAllen has over 600 restaurant choices from every corner of the world. Try the Cajun style of the Bayou Grill, Rudy’s BBQ for real Texas Bar-B-Q, Taco Palenque for authentic Mexican food, or if you’re in the mood for Asian food, try the awesome Chinese buffet at the House of China, Yoko’s Sushi Restaurant that offers fried and hot rolls, nigiris, and sashimi, Taste of India for a little bit of spice, or make your own creation at JIA Mongolian Grill.
You have many different options of what to do after lunch. Spend the afternoon at the historic Quinta Mazatlan, a great site to view the Valley specialty birds and other critters. Or rent a kayak out at Town Lake and get a little exercise while working on that tan.
McAllen has many amazing and well-known restaurants for the hungry guys. Visit Russo’s Pizza for a truly outstanding pizza, or for that great appetite, create your own burger at Smashburger
It’s time for more fun out with the guys. If you’re visiting McAllen from May to September, support the McAllen Thunders playing in the Baseball North American League. McAllen is also home to the Killer Bees hockey team, and the Vipers basketball team. Or visit one of the city’s many sports bars any time of the year.
When the sun goes down, the city’s nightlife comes alive on McAllen’s famous 17th Street. Many clubs and lounges that range from high-end dance clubs to relaxing, homey bars are waiting for you. Have a glass of beer- or two- from the large selection on tap at the popular Roosevelt’s at 7, try a a Michelada at Frida’s Grill & Cantina, or dance to salsa music in the famous Havana Club. Feel like going back to those great years? Try 3911 Retro Lounge for nothing but 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s classics. There’s a little something for everyone.
Now that the activities of the day are complete, return to the Texan Guest Ranch for a relaxing sleep and prepare for another day of fun and adventures in McAllen.

Planning a prolonged stay in McAllen? We’re so glad you are coming for a visit! You’ll find the weather wonderful, the people pleasant, and the prices low!
What better way to start your morning off than with a visit to one of our local coffee, tea or smoothie shops? Coffee Zone boasts a great selection of coffee, tea and smoothies; their dining area provides comfort in a nice quiet place to plan out your day.
If you’re looking for a traditional Mexican breakfast, look no further than El Pato Mexican Food to try their famous breakfast “Patos,” or tacos, filled with avocado, chorizo and egg, chicharrones or many other choices.
Morning is the perfect time to take pleasure in nature; McAllen is the birding capital of the country, so spend the morning with a bird symphony as your musical background at the historic Quinta Mazatlan, a great site to view the Valley specialty birds like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, or Chachalacas, among many other. Jardin Escondido is another ideal place for an unforgettable morning; walk on its beautiful trails, gardens and wildscapes. In Jardin Escondido you will find local birds such as Chachalacas, Green Jays, Kiskadees, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds and several waterfowl. Another option is to book one of the many birding based tours organized by Go With Jo Tours & Travel.
When it’s time for lunch, chew on this: McAllen is home to over 600 restaurants! City Café has a great selection of soups, salads and pastas, or make your own creation at JIA Mongolian Grill.
McAllen offers a broad variety of activities to choose from for an enjoyable afternoon. Visit the International Museum of Art and Science, the premier art and science museum of South Texas that contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibits featuring collections in Fine Art, Decorative Art and the country’s largest collection of Mexican folk art. The newly expanded McAllen Heritage Center, located in “La Placita,” an old post office building, in downtown McAllen, will allow you to learn about McAllen’s colorful history.
Bingo is a fun way to spend time with friends and to have the opportunity to win wonderful prizes. Triple City Bingo and Americana Bingo open their doors to you for a great afternoon. McAllen also has many clubs available to Winter Texans such as quilters clubs, painters clubs, woodcarvers clubs, computer clubs, coin collectors, nature based clubs, and many others. South Padre Island is just a short drive away and you can plan a deep-sea and bay fishing trip with Osprey Cruises. And don’t miss the Winter Texan & Wellness Expo, every year in January.
After a day filled with fun activities, the city of McAllen has many amazing and well-known restaurants for the hungry traveler. Try The Patio on Guerra or El Divino for great food and a fun experience.
Once the activities of the day are complete, it’s time to head back to the hotel or the comfortable R.V and off to bed to rest up for another day of fun and adventure in McAllen.