McAllen

McAllen and the City of Palms, is in the South Texas Plains|southern plains of Texas, USA. It is the largest city in Hidalgo County and the second largest city in the Rio Grande Valley after Brownsville. It is near the Rio Grande River on the border with Mexico.

McAllen Halal Explorer

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 in 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 and the two towns merged and the City of McAllen was incorporated in 1911.

McAllen has warm winter weather and a low cost of living. In the winter months, large numbers of retirees live in the McAllen area. Affectionately called Winter Texans and 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 McAllern, and the time with most of the social activities, many planned especially for Winter Texans.

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.

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).

Travel to McAllen

Buy a Flight ticket to and from McAllen

• McAllen-Miller International Airport IATA Flight Code: MFE - 2500 South Bicentennial Blvd #100 26.175833, -98.238611 ☎ +1 956-682-910 - McAllen Miller International Airport George W. Bush and Rick Perry at McAllen-Miller International Airport It is serviced by American Airlines]. (Nonstop service to Dallas), United Air-Lines. (Nonstop service to Houston), Allegiant Air (Nonstop service to Las Vegas, NV; and Orlando, FL)

• Valley International Airport (IATA Flight Code: HRL), located in Harlingen, TX is about a 45-minutes drive east of McAllen. This airport is serviced by Continental, Southwest, and Sunday Country. Offers regular direct connecting Flights to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Offers seasonal direct connecting Flights to Minneapolis, MN.

By Rail

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

Travel on a Bus in McAllen

The bus station is located at 1500 West Highway 83 in downtown McAllen. It is serviced by Greyhound which connects McAllen to cities throughout the United States.Additionally and there are several Mexican bus companies which connect McAllen to cities throughout Mexico. These carriers also create many times and opportunities to go by bus to Houston or other cities in the USA as well. In many cases and these companies cover the southeastern USA with their schedules.

By car

• US 83 runs east and west connecting McAllen to Brownsville and Laredo.
• US 281 runs north to I-37, which connects McAllen to Corpus Christi and San Antonio.
• McAllen - Hidalgo - Reynosa International Bridge is located in nearby Hidalgo, TX connects McAllen to Reynosa, Mexico.
• MX 40 goes frim Mazatlan, Durrango, Torreon, Saltillo, Monterrey to Reynosa and McAllen
• MX 97 connect to the 97 from the 180 leaving Victoria Mexico (or arriving from Tampico: enter the McAllen area from Reynosa,

Get Around

GPS 26.204969|-98.241544|zoom=10

By car

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

Best way to travel in McAllen by a Taxi

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

Travel on a Bus in McAllen

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/biking

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

What to see in McAllen

Attractions

• Klement's Grove 4508 North Taylor Road - A citrus grove and country store offering a wide range of citrus fruits for sale, or pick your own in their grove. You can also buy their homemade citrus juices, dressings, Sauces, and more.

• McAllen Convention Center - 700 Convention Center Blvd - A large convention facility that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year at on the junction of South Ware and West Expressway 83. The convention center is surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants.

• 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.

• The Zone - 2600 West Expressway 83 - An amusement park with attractions including miniature golf, go carts, bumper boats, batting cages, and video games.

Museums

• International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) - 1900 Nolana Ave 26.241569, -98.233852 ☎ +1 956-682-0123

• McAllen Heritage Center - 301 South Main Street 26.201082, -98.234730 ☎ +1 956-687-1904

Parks

The City of McAllen has 25 city parks].

• Airport Park 2201 S. 26th Street
• Archer Park - 101 N. Broadway
• Balboa Park - 2611 Covina
• Cascade Park 1000 Bales Road
• Daffodil Park - 4200 Daffodil
• Doc Neuhaus Park - 700 Dallas
• Escandon Park 2021 S. 19th Street
• Fireman's Park 201 N. 1st Street
• Frontage Park - 1901 Oakland
• Garza Park - 2601 Lark
• Hackberry Park - 417 Hackberry
• Idela Park - 3500 Idela
• Las Palmas Park - 2500 Quince
• La Vista Park - 100 La Vista
• Lions Park 1201 N. 12th Street
• Los Encinos Community Park - 2900 Sarah
• Municipal Park 1921 North Bicentennial Blvd
• Palm City Park 2601 South 22nd Street
• Palm View Park - 3411 Jordan
• Retama Village Park - 2500 Laurel
• Robin Park - 1100 Robin
• Schupp Park - 1300 Zinnia
• Springfest Park 3501 South 23rd Street
• Suarez Park 409 South 27th Street
• Western Park 110 N. 16th Street
• Westside Park 1000 South Ware Road

Top Muslim Travel Tips for McAllen

• 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 Monday - 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 nation. 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 am 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.

• McAllen International Travel Show - The first week in January, with booths from around the world, live entertainment

• 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 music, food booths, special areas for children and for teens, Christmas parade, official City Christmas Tree lighting, traditional "posada"- a live reinactment of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.

Study in McAllen

Public Libraries

McAllen has three public libraries, including the main library and two branch libraries.

• Main Library - 4001 North 23rd St.
• Lark Branch Library - 2601 Lark Ave.
• Palm View Branch Library - 3401 Jordan Ave.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in McAllen

Convention Center at the junction of Ware Road and Expressway 83. Large number of shops and restaurants surround the convention center.

Downtown has lots of shopping available especially along Main Street.

10th Street is a designated retail street with many shops both near downtown and the North 10th area from Dove to Trenton and the surrounding area. 10th Street near downtown has many eclectic and locally owned stores, and as you go north and these mix with more national retailers.

• La Plaza Mall - 2200 South 10th Street - This is a large, very popular mall near the airport. Department stores include Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenny, Joe Brand, and Sears.

Halal Food

With over 600 dining establishments in the City, excellent dining choices is one of McAllen's strengths. Tex-Mex is of course very popular, as is Chinese, barbecue, seafood and sushi, among others. Many restaurants serve meals featuring organic, locally grown products, and you will find a variety of live music featured in many establishments.

• Dai Tung - 400 E Nolana Ave - Nicely priced Chinese Menu, with lunch specials mid-week.

• El Padrino - 116 South Broadway Street
• El Pollo Loco - The Crazy Chicken - 601 Nolana Ave - Flame grilled Chicken with all the sides.

• Le Lai Eastern Restaurant - 2901 North 10th Street - Cheap lunches.

• Los Cazadores - 901 North Main Street - Breakfast, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Great very traditional Lawyer food establishment- near the scenic Art Walk area.

• Lotus Inn Chinese Restaurant - 1120 North 10th Street - As close to real Chinese food as you will find.

• Saigon - 1200 North 10th Street - Vietnamese large soup bowls, great sandwiches, and very strong traditional Vietnamese Coffee.

• Taco Palenque - 3020 North 10th Street - Great Tex-Mex food for a great price. Check out the salsa café. Second location at 1000 S. 10th St.

• Taco Rico - 3716 Pecan Ave ☎ +1 956 668-1660

• Taqueria El Zarape - 3420 North 10th Street - Two more locations at 817 South 10th St, and 4401 North 23rd St. even has locations in neighboring cities Traditional 6 small taco format- organic juice available

• El Pato - This is a local favorite, serving made-to-order burritos

• Blue Onion - 925 Dove Ave - Salads, soups, Pizzas and more.

• City Cafe - 2901 North 10th Street - Sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

• Costa Messa - 1621 North 11th Street - Mexican and Tex-Mex food.

• Don Pepe's - 306 North McColl Road - Mexican food.

• Fresco - 7017 North 10th Street - Italian food.

• Hop Tung - 4200 North 10th Street - Chinese and Vietnamese food.

• Korea Garden - 3424 North 10th Street - Korean food.

• Kumori Sushi and Teppanyaki - 1424 E Ridge Road - Two additional locations at 400 E Nolana Ave, and 4500 North 10th St.Japanese food.

• La Mexicana - 4300 Col Rowe Blvd - Mexican food.

• Mama's Pizzeria - 401 North 10th Street - Chicago style Pizzas.

• Palenque Grill - 606 E Expressway 83 - Mexican food.

• Peppers - 4620 North 10th Street - Changed menu to high end dinners only- not Burgers, Steaks, Pizzas any more nice Menu though.

• Republic of the Rio Grande - 1411 S. 10th Street - Diverse menu includes Chicken fried Steaks, enchiladas suisas, and pizzas.

• Sahadi's - 709 North 10th Street - Greek and Mediterranean food. Wine tastings every Friday night at 7:30PM. Live music.

• Bajio - North 10th - Steaks mid-priced to higher-priced Hibatchi near Bajio on North 10th (near the Lowes) mid to higher priced- try it and post more here.

• Lansky and Brats - 400 E Nolana Ave 26.238929, -98.217545 ☎ +1 956-631-3463 - Steakhouse and lounge.

• Santa Fe Steakhouse - 1918 South 10th Street 26.186865, -98.233490 ☎ +1 956-630-2331 - Steakhouse and cantina.

• Republic of the Rio Grande - 1411 South 10th Street 26.190694, -98.231492 ☎ +1 956-994-8385 - On 10th just north of Highway 83 (right side) Steaks, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

• The Patio on Guerra - 116 South 17th Street 26.203283, -98.238186 ☎ +1 956-661-9100 - American and mexican dishes.

• El Divino Dining & Fruit cocktails - 5001 North 10th Street 26.248633, -98.223240 ☎ +1 956-627-3990 - In the Entertainment District, American cuisine.

Entertainment District

McAllen has a lively entertainment neighborhood in downtown along 17th Street. Multiple bars and late night restaurants have in the area.

• Cafe 201 - 201 South 17th Street
• The Boiler Room - 118 South 17th Street
• The Dive - 216 South 17th Street
• Flesh - 200 South 17th Street
• Rythem and Brews - 214 South 17th Street
• Shine Martini Lounge - 100 South 17th Street
• Speakeasy Piano Cafe - 316 South 17th Street
• Vicio - 204 South 17th Street

Other Downtown Spots

• Club Monday - 1704 Dallas Ave
• House Wine & Bistro - 1117 West Business 83 26.203544, -98.231816 ☎ +1 956-994-8331 - A unique concept, one side is a and the other side is a fine furniture shop.

• Roosevelt's at Seven - 821 North Main Street 26.212093, -98.233447 ☎ +1 956-928-1994 - Specializes in a wide variety of soft drinks from around the world.

Other Night Spots

• Fast Eddie's - 400 E Nolana Ave 26.239885, -98.218199 ☎ +1 956-687-8296 - Large swimmingpool hall and sports café.

• Havana Club Grill - 500 E Nolana Ave 26.236903, -98.209012 ☎ +1 956-687-3100 - Cuban restaurant with and large dance floor.

• Hillbilly's 6000 North 10th Street
• Metropolis - 2021 Orchid Ave
• Thirsty Monkey - 119 West Nolana Ave - New Orleans-style and grill.

• Trade Cafe - 2010 West Nolana Ave bar with drag queen shows on Thursday nights.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to McAllen

McAllen - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to McAllen, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for McAllen. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in McAllen and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to McAllen. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to McAllen. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMcAllen: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in McAllen.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in McAllen: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in McAllen, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in McAllen.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in McAllen, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in McAllen, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within McAllen and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in McAllen, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in McAllen, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of McAllen without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for McAllen is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring McAllen.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group McAllen is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in McAllen, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group McAllen Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

McAllen has 40 hotels and over 3,300 rooms, ranging from full-service to budget.

• Drury Suites McAllen - 300 West Expressway 83 26.189593, -98.226943 ☎ +1 956-682-3222
• Casa De Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel - 101 North Main Street 26.205291, -98.234952 ☎ +1 956-631-1101
• Embassy Suites Hotel McAllen Convention Center - 800 Convention Center Blvd. ☎ +1 956 688-8329

Travel Next

Get on 23rd Street and go south about 17 miles to Reynosa, Mexico.

Get on US 83 and go east 35 miles to Harlingen (Texas) | Harlingen, TX.

Get on US 83 and go east 59 miles to Brownsville, TX.

Get on US 83 and go east 51 miles until you get to TX 100. Then take TX 100 east about 23 miles to South Padre Island. It will take you a total of 80 miles to get to this location.

Get on US 281 and go north about 94 miles. Turn right on TX 141 and go east 15 miles to Kingsville (Texas) | Kingsville, TX, and visit the historic King Ranch.

Get on US 83 and go west 148 miles to Laredo, TX.

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