Harlingen is a great place to visit if you’re looking to escape the big cities and explore nature. It is a beautiful city in Texas and a wonderful destination to live in due to its calm and quiet nature.
Harlingen, Texas, is the home of birding, golf, and event town. The city is located in the Rio Grande Valley, an international birding hotspot and an important site for migratory birds.
Harlingen also has a variety of indoor activities, including movie theatres, bowling alleys, history museums, and art galleries.
The town center is home to family businesses, boutiques, antique shops, and cafes, as well as community events such as farmer’s markets and art nights.
Many people love this area as it makes their stay very enjoyable. It is suitable for people from all works of life as well as all ages.
In addition to this, you cannot be short of things to do here as there are so many activities for everyone.
Let us now talk about some of the best and most amazing things to do in Harlingen (TX).
Things To Do In Harlingen (TX)
The Harlingen area is an easy drive from Corpus Christi and San Antonio. You can also get there via bus or train, which is great if you want to explore other cities as well.
Now, let us focus on some of the best things to do
1. McAllen Ice Palace
Located in McAllen, the Ice Palace is a great place to go in the winter, and it’s one of the best ice skating rinks in Texas.
The palace offers skates for rent and lessons for beginners and advanced skaters who want to improve their skills.
The Ice Palace is open from November through April every year. You can reach them at (956) 542-4400 or visit their website: https://www.icepalacemcallentx/.
2. The Port of Harlingen
The Port of Harlingen is located in Harlingen. This port was built in 1929 and was once a major hub for trade between Mexico and America.
The Port of Harlingen has grown into an important source of jobs and tourists due to its strategic location along one of America’s busiest shipping routes, making it easy for travelers to visit from all over North America.
If you want something fun or exciting, consider visiting this historical landmark with family and friends.
There are lots of activities happening here throughout each day, including:
Boat rides are available every hour on weekends ($5 per person)
Live music performances every weekend evening through the spring season (weather permitting).
3. See A Movie At The Majestic Cinema Or Galaxy Drive-In Theater
The Majestic Cinema is a historic movie theater that has been open since 1940. It is located at 1601 Broadway in Harlingen and can be reached by phone at 830-846-3111.
The Galaxy Drive-in Theater is also located in Harlingen, but it operates under different rules than other theaters do: you can’t bring food or drinks into the area, and no alcohol is allowed.
However, rides on their carousel come free with admission, and there are concession stands available for purchase inside the theater itself.
The Majestic Cinema is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. However, all shows begin at dusk (6 pm).
For more information about what’s playing at this location—including showtimes and directions—visit their website at https://www.majesticcinemaofharlingentexas/home.
4. Enjoy an Outdoor Ice Cream Social in Downtown Harlingen (TX)
Harlingen’s Ice Cream Social is a fun event that will keep you busy for hours and provide a great way to spend time with friends and family.
The ice cream social is held at the Harlingen City Hall on the first Friday of every month (except July), from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Each month there are different themes, so be sure to check them out.
5. World Birding Center
The World Birding Center is a non-profit organization that cares for and rehabilitates wild birds. It’s located in Harlingen, Texas, near the Rio Grande Valley border with Mexico.
The center was founded by Dr. Don Wilson, who started it after he realized how important it is to help injured birds recover from injuries sustained during their migrations from Canada worldwide.
World Birding Center has over 30 acres of land where they raise and care for more than 500 different species of birds, including owls, hawks, eagles, and falcons.
6. Paragliding
Paragliding is a great way to see the area from the air and the ground. It’s also fun, but finding a pilot who will let you go up with them can be hard.
Harlingen Municipal Airport is the best place in town for paragliding, located right outside of town on FM 466.
General Douglas MacArthur originally built this airport during World War II as an emergency landing strip; today, it’s used by commercial pilots who fly out of here on their way around Texas or Mexico.
If you want your flight experience without spending money on lessons or renting equipment beforehand (which might cost hundreds), check out this website, Fly Texas: http://flytexas4uandyou.com/paragliding/harlingen/.
7. Hiking & Biking Trails
Hiking is an efficient way to exercise, enjoy nature, and see some of the beautiful scenery in Harlingen. If you are searching for something else to do, try biking.
Biking is also a healthy form of transportation that can help you get around town without using your car or public transportation.
8. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is an adrenaline-pumping activity that makes you feel at the top of your game.
It’s not just about conquering rapids and making it through to the other side, and it’s about being in control of what happens next.
When you’ve got a group of people with paddles guiding your boat along the river, it becomes much more than an adventure.
It’s an exercise in teamwork that can be used for anything from school projects to corporate retreats or even just fun outings with friends and family or whoever else might be interested.
The best part? Whitewater rafting is available year-round! Whether your idea of adventure requires jumping over rocks or scaling heights while balancing on logs, plenty of options are available throughout Texas, including several locations within Harlingen itself, where locals go every weekend.
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9. Shop at the South Texas Farmers Market
The South Texas Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in Texas and the largest in America.
This market is open every Saturday morning from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in Harlingen’s Historic Downtown District.
The market offers fresh vegetables and fruits, local crafts, handmade jewelry and more.
Pork, beef, lamb and more at the South Texas Farmers Market. There are many types of meat.
Various vendors sell their products here, so you will never run out if you need or want something from them.
10. The Point
The Point has a lovely open-air atmosphere. It’s a chill place with great music and ample space that doesn’t feel crowded when it gets busy.
It is definitely one of the best places to hang out in Harlingen. They are at 115 E Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550-9133.
It is something different and has a nice bohemian ambiance to enjoy and soak up the vibes. Not to mention, the burgers are nice.
The refurb on this location is beautiful. It has a neat patio in front with a TV on the wall. It also features a beautiful interior and nice high-top tables.
Upstairs is a nice idea, in thought, but we’re talking about deep South Texas. When the sun starts to set, holy cow, don’t even think about being upstairs unless you want to bake.
Once the sun is completely down, it’s very comfortable, but if there is “live music,” forget about having any type of normal conversation. You will have to scream into the ear of whoever you want to talk to.
The staff has a lot of their friends hanging out there regularly because they are always deeply involved in a conversation with the same people.Â
11. Kayaking
Kayaking is an amazing way to connect with nature and explore Harlingen’s waters. You can go boating in rivers, lakes, and even bays.
The best time to kayak is in the summer when the water is less crowded and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
It is also easy for beginners as they don’t have much experience under their belt.
If you are interested in learning to row in Garlingen, TX, we recommend taking an introductory class at one of the local schools before heading out on your own.
This will ensure that everything is successful once you start; We know that this is not always easy.
12. Golfing
Harlingen is home to several golf courses, so if you like the sport, this is the place to go. Several public courses are open and have great views of the area.
The best part about golfing at Garling? This is a fun way to spend time with friends or family and enjoy nature.
You can also exercise by walking or running on one of these beautiful courses.
If you’re looking for somewhere new and fun, consider visiting one of our local golf courses.
Have Fun at the Planetarium & Museum of Regional History
Planetariums and Regional History Museums are great places to learn about the stars.
The museum has a variety of exhibits, including the following:
- Old locomotive engines from the 1930s are still used for special events such as parades or weddings (no longer powered by steam).
- A display showing how cotton is grown in Texas before being shipped to the rest of America (the cotton comes from nearby farms).
- “Heaven Can Wait,” an exhibition about how immigrants built their houses on top of each other so they could live closer together than they could have done otherwise.
13. Regis Salons
Visiting Regis Salons is among the fulfilling things to do in Harlingen.
From the latest cuts and the most up-to-date color trends to special occasion hair and specialty services, their stylists are here to help you find the perfect look. You can locate them at 2000 S Expressway 83 Ste B01 Valle Vista Mall, Harlingen, TX 78552-5950.
At Regis Salons, they believe style and beauty serve to enhance your unique journey. Their aim is to offer an engaging space where you can refine and redefine how you look and feel.
You will definitely get value for your money when you get to see yourself in the mirror.
14. Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum
The Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum is located in Harlingen, Texas. It’s a tribute to the men who fought on Iwo Jima and is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the week except on Christmas Day.
The museum features artifacts relating to the Battle of Iwo Jima and information about soldiers who served there during World War II.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that teach them about what it was like for these men during wartime, including stories about their experiences there and how they lived after returning home safely back home with newfound skills that would help them continue serving America well into later decades following World War II’s conclusion just over 50 years ago today.
15. Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are a great way to exercise and socialize. They’re available in many locations, so you can find one near your home or work.
The Harlingen Municipal Tennis Center is just one example of a tennis court open 24/7, 365 days per year, except on holidays.
If you’re looking for something more athletic than watching TV on the couch with your family, tennis is an excellent option.
16. Explore Fishing & Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Fishing is a popular pastime in Harlingen. Numerous fishing tournaments are held throughout the year, and many people have boats or canoes for fishing on Lake Charles.
The most popular place to fish is near the mouth of Rosedale Bayou, where you’ll find many different fish species, including catfish, bream, largemouth bass, and sunfish.
If you plan on catching anything larger than a smallmouth bass, you should bring your tackle box because no stores nearby sell supplies like hooks and lures.
If you’re looking for the best indoor entertainment in the Harlingen area year-round, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventures Park is the place to be. You can find them at 2020 S Expressway 83, Harlingen, TX 78552-5902.
It’s an indoor playground for the whole family, with new adventures around every corner.
Kota Water Trampoline and Adventure Park is a fun place; Children spend all their energy and do different things and having fun here. The staff is patient and helpful with the children.
There are fewer food restrictions for the party, you can bring your own drink for each person, and there is a section where parents don’t feel like they have to watch out. Your child’s safety is clear to the outside world when you walk in with the door open. Must order from their menu.
17. Hugh Ramsey Nature Park & Prelude Songwriters Club
Hugh Ramsey Nature Park is an attractive urban forest park along the Arroyo Colorado River. 1001 South Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 78550
There are a large number of migratory birds from this area that roost, rest and roost here. Flora and fauna are abundant and congregate here.
If you are brave enough, you can find wild boars roaming the forest here. Very pleasant trails for walking or cycling.
It is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary in the middle of the city. It has several habitats and lots of bird life. It has these lovely little nooks where you can sit in the shade and watch the birds at the feeders.
This free city park is great if you enjoy walking in a natural environment full of birds. Don’t miss the Green Grebe Pool. The city of Harlingen has done a great job on this park, which is part of RGV’s World Bird Center. Just a few kilometers from the airport.
Prelude is a place to listen to artists who want to showcase their talent in songwriting and music in general.
Prelude Songwriters Club is a “listening room” style music venue featuring original music from local and touring artists. At 113 Jackson Street, Harlingen, TX 78550-6845.
It has a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where community members of all ages can enjoy live acoustic music while enjoying coffee, tea, sandwiches, and baked goods.
The atmosphere at Prelude is very intimate and offers a different perspective on Harlingen. It’s got coffee, cookies, and the songwriter’s favorite hangout.
18. Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum
Great history within, but more interesting is the history of medicine and the archaic tools doctors used for medical practices. Definitely a different world at a different time.
The Museum also seems to host touring exhibitions. You can locate it here at 2425 Boxwood St, Harlingen, TX 78550-3695.
There has no admission fee, but donations are encouraged. There are two rooms with changing exhibits. On our visit, a local artist displayed paintings of Padre Island and an interesting exhibit of old calendars.
Outside are several historical buildings that you can walk in. There is the home of the founder of Harlingen, Mr. Lon Hill, the first hospital, and a stagecoach inn.
The exhibits are well done. The staff was very friendly. There is a small gift shop on the premises and a snack machine.
They feature a good short film about the history of Harlingen and the challenges they faced.
19. The Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau is located at 311 E Taylor St, Harlingen, TX 78550-6920.
They offer services for planners and travelers, including local event calendars, sports and entertainment information, outdoor activity guides, colleges, universities and museums, and photo galleries. The friendly staff will help you find what you want.
People visit this beautiful place every week. There is valuable information for those who need information about their environment. But it’s way more than that.
It is a good location for great wedding photography because there are fountains, flowers, palm trees, and benches.
Everything you need is here, and they have a nice bathroom. We recommend some seats outside the front entrance. In addition, several places to enter the building do not damage plants from work.
It has a beautiful setting with a lot of information on everything. They have hookah upstairs too, and great big open space and neat seating areas.
But if there is music up there, forget about talking to your friends; it will be impossible with the volume. Unless you are seated next to them, & shouting in their ear, no one else can hear what you’re saying.
20. Jackson Street and Antiques
Jackson Street is a historic district in Harlingen, Texas, that often features some of the city’s best antique shops in close proximity to one another.
Jackson Street Antiques is at 218 Jackson Street, Harlingen, TX 78550-6433.
The servers are well put together, reasonably priced, and staffed with friendly and helpful staff.
There are 2 or 3 antique shops very close by on this street. They are all funky and have traditional knives found in antique shops. If I remember correctly, it had a huge vinyl record section in the back. The price matches the sometimes expensive items (the Beatles box set with 12 albums costs $575). A good place to visit. You never know what you might find.
This will give you a nice break if you’re into vintage stores.
21. The Antique & Artisans Emporium
If you go into The Antique & Artisans Emporium, you will discover a large, messy room. The Antique & Artisans Emporium is located at 123 East Jackson Avenue, Harlingen, TX 78550-6845.
This is Frank’s Collection Record Shop. You will find many crates and a wall full of vinyl records. They claim to have over 5,000 records in every genre on sale for $5 and up, depending on the album and artist.
They buy and sell records and a number of other things, such as cassettes, comics, old coins, etc. It’s worth taking a look.
If you’re a record collector, you will probably love this place and would probably rate the place a little higher than me.
This place has wonderful, wonderful things. You need to devote plenty of time because they have a wonderful and huge selection. People never fail to find an item here.
22. The Centennial Park Mural & Plaza
This is a Centennial Park in the middle of the city of Harlingen, TX. It is a relatively small area with a History of Mexico and Mankind as a Mural. This is a brilliant idea.
The images are so nice and well done. Besides the images, more “words” are written on the ground level. It is an interesting and must-see attraction.
RGV Fan Fest
RGV Fan Fest is a whole new show for the city of Harlingen, Texas, at Harlingen Convention Center. You can locate them at 701 Harlingen Hts Dr Harlingen Convention Center, Harlingen, TX 78552-5055.
They patronize celebrities, have one-of-a-kind art, and vendors from all over Texas. They also offer free video game play for everyone and kind video game tournaments for the masses.
RGV Fan Fest offers Q&A sessions with your favorite celebrities and tons of programming for the whole weekend. You do not have to bother about getting hungry; there is plenty of food and fun for everyone.
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23. Twinkets & Friends
This is an antique shop that opened a little over a year ago. They have a lot of things. They have the shop well organized, and they keep it clean. It is worth visiting, and you can locate them at 122 1/2 W Jackson St, Harlingen, TX 78550-6431.
Finding a hometown antique store that is both professionally organized and has handmade crafts is rare. But this consortium is appealing to “Winter Texans” as one of the sites to see in Harlingen, Tx, and to local collectors of unique antiques.
The owners, who happily run the store, will generously let you wander, even through the back room, or aid you with the location and provenance of delicate miniature china pieces and larger wooden furniture.
You will find items from many countries and regions, rare toys, cute wall signs, handmade crocheted egg covers that look like chickens, and soap covers that look like fish, just as examples.
They are not the only vendors; others have antiques and collectors’ items on display. But it’s the twins who will be delighted to see you and delight you with their laughter and true joy of life.
Spend a dollar or spend a few hundred; you’re already a friend when you walk in the door.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Harlingen. As you can see, it’s a great place for your next vacation. Whether you want to spend time with family or friends, many activities are available for visitors who want to explore this small town in Harlingen, TX.
So get out there and enjoy some fun activities, let us know what else we should add.
