Nicknamed the City of Palms for the 40 varieties of trees that line its streets, McAllen is a winter resort that lies on the same latitude as Fort Lauderdale and enjoys the same subtropical climate. The town bills itself as the “square dance capital of the world,” attracting some 10,000 people each winter for daily promenades.
While you're exploring McAllen's 17th Street Entertainment District, look for the neon marquee (it's the original) of the Moderne-style Cine El Rey. Opened in 1947 as a Spanish-language theater, Cine El Rey catered to the town's Mexican community until the mid-1980s. Today it presents American independent films, concerts, theatrical performances and comedy shows; phone (956) 278-0626.
City parks offer year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Park and Spray Ground, at the corner of 29th Street and Zinnia Avenue, has picnicking facilities, a skateboard park, a sand volleyball court and a “spray ground”—a playing surface containing hundreds of water jets. Camping, fishing, canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed at Fireman's Park, 201 N. 1st St. At McAllen Nature Center, 4101 SR 83, hiking trails wind through a lush native forest that's home to a variety of flora and fauna; phone (956) 681-3333.
McAllen Heritage Center, housed in the old post office building at 301 S. Main St., has artifacts, exhibits and special programs pertaining to the town's history; phone (956) 687-1904.
Visitor Centers
McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau 1200 Ash Ave. McAllen, TX 78501. Phone:(956)682-2871
Shopping
Dillard's, JCPenney, Joe Brand and Macy's are among the 150 stores in the 1.2 million-square-foot La Plaza Mall, 2100 S. 10th St.McAllen's arts district, along Main Street in the heart of downtown, features a concentration of art galleries and studios exhibiting works by local artisans. The district's Art Walk, held the first Friday of each month September through May from 6-10 p.m., is a popular event.