Activities Recommendations
The RGV has plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and budgets. However, no matter which one you pick, please always carry with you extra water and sunscreen. During the summer temperatures in the valley can get into the high 110° F with high relative humidity.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a relatively short 1 hour and 20 minute drive from downtown McAllen making it a good day trip. At the island you will be able to enjoy what’s considered the best beach in Texas. You will have the option to enter the beach either through an establishment (like restaurants or bars) or through one of the many public beach accesses. These options are usually free, but for a very reasonable $10 you will be able to take your vehicle into the sand (if it’s a 4x4, we would hate your car get stuck) at designated entry points at the far end of the island.
Beach Front Bars and Restaurants:
Clayton's Beach Bar - Clayton’s is almost synonymous with South Padre Island. Even if you’re not interested in buying from them I’d recommend you go here since they offer free parking, free easy access to the beach, and free restrooms. However, if you decide to venture into Clayton’s you will find they have all sorts of adult drinks and decent food options. Although, be ready to pay a beach premium.
Bar Louie - Right next to Clayton’s is Bar Louie which offers another option for good drinks and food. It is usually less busy if you want to have a more serene beach trip. They also often have live music later in the evening.
Wanna Wanna Bar & Grill - Out of the three Wanna Wanna offers the most reasonable prices for drinks and food (still slightly over the average, it’s beach front after all). The only downside might be their small parking lot so you may need to walk a couple of blocks.
Public Accesses:
Beach Access #2 - This is one of the only public accesses that has restrooms and showers so it’s the one I recommend (although if you skipped the bars sections, I would still recommend Claytons over this). They do charge a $10 parking fee per car, but the walking board extends pretty far into the beach making it easy for you to carry a cooler and other things.
Beach Access #5 and #6 - These two allow you to take your vehicle into the beach (again please only do this if you have a 4x4 or plenty of experience off roading) which makes it by far the easiest way to take all your stuff right up to the ocean. The only disadvantage is that there are no public restrooms.
Go Wild! - You also have the option to park your car anywhere on the side of the road once you pass Beach Access #4 and simply walk over the sand hills. If you drive 5 minutes further north from beach access #6 you will find the end of the road which may also be a great photo opportunity.
Last thing is that if you decide to make the drive to South Padre Islland, just make sure you follow the speed limit as there’s a large police presence all over the valley. Specially when not on the interstate and traveling through state highways, small towns in South Texas don’t mess around, so pay attention to the speed limit signs.
Nuevo Progreso (Mexico)
Nuevo Progreso is the Mexican town on the other side of Progreso, Texas. Thousands of locals make their way south on a daily basis to shop Mexican staples such as snacks, meats, cheeses, and “artesanías.” The town center is the first thing you encounter as soon as you step across the border, and is very well patrolled and consider extremely safe.
In this town you can enjoy things like foot massages, pedicures and manicures, haircuts, and even dental work, for significantly cheaper than you would in Texas. Also, the best thing is that you can enjoy of a delicious margarita or chelada while you’re getting treated. Credit cards are accepted at most places but I would recommend you bring about $30 in one or five dollar bills in case you want to order something from the street vendors.
While you’re there I would also recommend you stop at a restaurant to try some tacos. The Valley has good Mexican food, but there’s something about meat in Mexico that gives it a unique taste you cannot find anywhere in the states. Some good grill and bars are the following:
Galerias - You will identify it as the big orange building towards the back of the main street. The first floor is a store where you can find all sorts of Mexican product, and the restaurant is located in the second floor. Try their Tacos and Lonches, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a Margarita or Mojito.
Angels - This is the large red building with the big windows on a street corner. Same concept here, you will want to head upstairs to find the restaurant-bar. Their Tacos and Lonches are a must try as well with your favorite drink on the side.
To get to Nuevo Progreso set your GPS to this address: 315 S International Blvd, Progreso Lakes, TX 78596. This is a parking lot on the Texas side. Parking is $5 - $10 depending on the day. Afterwards just follow the signs to Mexico to cross by foot (taking your car across the border is not recommended since lines are significantly longer on the way back compared to by foot). You will need $1 in quarters per person to cross the bridge in each direction. Passport is recommended since you will get to take the shorter line on your way back, but as long as you have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license you will be able to make your way back without any hiccups.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
The 2,088-acre Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to experience the region's diverse ecosystem. Established in 1943, the refuge serves as a crucial breeding and wintering ground for migratory birds, supporting their journey along two important migratory pathways. You can spot a wide variety of bird species, including the Green Jay, Northern Parula, and Black-Throated Green Warbler along with other 400 species of birds and other wildlife documented.
Alternatively if you want more of a relaxing hike, the parks offers 25 trails that you can walk. You will find several things in the park as you walk around such as a couple of lakes, a cemetery from the 1800s, the Rio Grande (on the other side of a border wall on the southern end of the park) as well as the draw bridge that offers a great photo opportunity.
When visiting you can feel free to pack some snacks for a picnic, there are multiple tables that you can use. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent; the summer sun and the humidity of the area can be a dangerous combo if you come unprepared. Entrance to the park is free, but parking is $5 per vehicle. The park is open from 9AM to sunset.
You can find a map and other information on the park’s website: Santa Ana Website
