Harlingen's “Dutch Name, Texan Heart” is open to receive you at its Valley International Airport, hotels, and restaurants. Harlingen, TX has unique attractions with an American downtown full of antiques and boutiques, outdoor nature trail-where parrots and sub-tropical birds rule, and heroes are made and celebrated at the Iwo Jima Memorial and Marine Military Academy. Your senses will come alive as you taste Mexican bakeries featured in Southern Living, enjoy our famous free Blues on the Hill concerts, feel our pleasant sub-tropical breeze and see our Texas Highways featured Mural Trail.
Harlingen, TX, is known for great weather and old-fashioned hospitality. It's the perfect South Texas vacation hub for day trips exploring the entire Rio Grande Valley, including South Padre Island and northern Mexico. Harlingen is also known for it's Murals and Artistry.
There's nothing like a Texas vacation in Harlingen. We are located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, just a short drive away from sandy beaches of South Padre Island or cold margarita drinks in old Mexico.
We make it simple to find the right place to lay your head in South Texas for that afternoon siesta. In Harlingen, you can choose between Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, as well as RV Parks.
No matter what your accommodation budget, Harlingen is bound to please. We have great hospitality and are proud of it. Once you fall in love with Harlingen, we will help you find the right place for your short-term or long-term lease.
Attractions
Harlingen, Texas offers a wide range of activities. Below are just a few.
Birding
Our tropical environment is a paradise for Birds & Birding! Bring some binoculars and catch sight of Harlingen's official bird, the Great Kiskadee, as well as other avian beauties at the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park. In appreciation of the many avian beauties that visit the area during their spring and fall migration, Harlingen, Texas hosts a bird festival every year.
Parks
Walk, Run, or Ride through Harlingen’s Picturesque Parks. Visit the Hugh Ramsey Nature preserve and Wildlife habitat. Find great scenic spaces and diverse places around the city and beyond. Hiking and Biking Trails, Nature Trails, and Urban Parks create the backdrop for an interesting and exciting vacation, Texas Style – Big and Bold!
Historic Harlingen
You'll feel as if you have traveled back in time as you look at the beautiful homes on Taylor Street, once known as Silk Stocking Row. As you walk along picturesque Jackson Street, don't forget to take in the Art Deco and Mid-century modern architecture that is sure to please the eye. You can cross the tracks to what was once known as Six Shooter Junction. Once you're on the other side of the tracks, treat the kids to ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain. The Iwo Jima Monument proudly stands on the parade grounds of the Marine Military Academy. Marvel at the monument of great men who were defending our country's freedom and visit the museum that contains souvenirs, photgraphs and memorabilia from the World War II battle.
Festivals and Street Fairs
Harlingen has several street fairs and festival throughout the year. And you will want to go to the Jackson Street Market Days to check out the variety of vendor from both sides of the border. The biggest festival in the Rio Valley is the Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival in Harlingen. The Taste of Harlingen, the Cinesol Film Festival and our holiday parades will also add excitement to your itinerary in Harlingen.
Sports
You will enjoy year-round sports in Harlingen. With our temperate weather, you can enjoy golfing, tennis, canoeing, or play beach volleyball. If participation is not for you, we have a great choice for spectator sports, including soccer and softball. If you wish, you can loose yourself in the excitement of the Valley Race Park during racing season. Out of season the sports bar is open and offers simulcast racing.
Fishing
You are never far away from catching the big fish. You could fish in one of Texas' hottest fishing spots, South Padre Island. Drop your line from a boat, a pier or cast out into the surf. Hire a deep sea boat and look for that 800-pound Marlin or maybe a state-record Wahoo in the Gulf of Mexico. The Laguna Madre Bay is chocked full with trophy speckled trout, redfish and flounder.
Murals and Artistry
Harlingen, Texas is a fascinating place. Dozens of colorful Murals decorate buildings throughout the city. Here you'll find beautiful paintings of tropical birds and Aztec legends. Marvel at quiet vignettes of everyday life in rural Mexico. Feel the compassion in a stark depiction of the biblical tale of the Good Samaritan. Use this guide to spend a few hours or a few days in Harlingen discovering an abundance of creative talent. Enjoy learning about our hopes and our heritage, our accomplishments and our concerns.
Shopping
Our temperate weather makes shopping a pleasure, year round!
Downtown
Jackson Street and the surrounding district's forty blocks offer great bargain shopping for those with a savvy sense of style. Enjoy browsing for treasures in antique malls and unique shops that feature funky and formal, retro and contemporary home furnishings, apparel, and collectibles.
Valle Vista Mall
Valle Vista Mall is anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney, Circuit City, Mervyn's, Sears, and now open Steve & Barry's University Sportswear. Valle Vista Mall is being remodeled and has more than 80 additional stores, including Aeropostale, Victoria's Secret, Limited Too, Express Men, Sam Goody, Bath and Body Works and Waldenbooks.
Lincoln Corners
This great shopping area doesn't stop at Wal-Mart, Pier 1 Imports and Payless Shoe Source, it continues on with Hobby Lobby, Bealls, Ross, Shoe Depot and many great eateries. Your shopping possibilities are endless!
Harlingen Corners
Conveniently located off Highway 83, Harlingen Corners offers large department stores like Marshalls, Kohls, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. After a great day of shopping eat a great meal at Logan's Roadhouse.
South 77 Sunshine Strip
Discover fabulous locally owned stores with fine furniture, accessories, gifts, food and apparel. Other unique stores host an array of inventory ranging from bicycles to western wear and from quilting to beading.
El Mercado Mall
Get your hair done, buy unique imported gifts, or find a golf club that will fit your needs. El Mercado is a great place to find treasures!
Village Shopping Centers
Check out this shopping center for fun trinkets or for a coffee break with friends.
Sun Valley Mall
Find great deals on home decor, grocery, and even toys! Visit this shopping site to stretch your dollar!
Take home Texas-original paintings, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts. A 60-year-old army surplus store, colorful, larger-than-life size murals, and shops specializing in comic books and vintage records add to the mix. The lower Rio Grande Valley is a mecca for shopping and shopping malls.
For more information on any of the topics above or anything else that the Harlingen, Texas area has to offer, be sure to
We make it simple to find the right place to lay your head in South Texas for that afternoon siesta. In Harlingen, you can choose between Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, as well as RV Parks.
Birding