The city of Harlingen is home to everything tropical; from the red-crowned parrots to the palm trees and bougainvilleas that dominate the landscape. Aloe Vera farms and citrus groves surround the city and Mexico and the seashell-littered beaches of South Padre Island are only minutes away. The city developed at the crossroads of major national rail lines and is an important trade and transportation center.
Things to do in Harlingen
Birding
The city of Harlingen is known worldwide as a tropical birder's paradise because of its location on the convergence of two major flyways. Pick up a free birding guide and checklist at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce and see how many species you can find. The city has several sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, including the Ramsey Nature Park and Harlingen Thicket Bird Sanctuary.
Cottonwood Creek Golf Course
1001 South Ed Carey Drive, Harlingen, TX
Downtown Jackson Street District
The historic downtown of Harlingen has become known for its antiques. Visitors can shop for glassware, jewelry, vintage clothing, furniture, crafts and collectibles in dozens of unique shops and buildings that have been restored to their 1930s and 1940s era splendor. Jackson Street is the site of many community festivals and events. Call 956-427-8703 for more information.
Forever Aloe Plantations
The valley is the aloe vera capital of the nation. This magic healing plant is vital to the skincare industry and is being tested for treatment of arthritis and diabetes. The visitor center features a 15-minute video on how this unassuming plant is grown, harvested and processed. Located on the US 83 at the Atlas Palmas exit. Open Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm. Call 956-425-2585 for more information.
Harlingen Art Forum Gallery
This gallery features original work by local artists. It is a great source of affordable gifts and home décor. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 11am - 4pm. Located at 305 West Van Buren. Call 956-425-4030 for more information.
Harlingen Heritage Trail
Visitors can take a walking or driving tour of Harlingen. Features include homemade ice cream and the old-fashioned soda fountain and the beautiful homes on Taylor Street. Harlingen Heritage Trail brochures are available at the Harlingen Area Chamber. Call 956-428-1392 for more information.
Iwo Jima Monument and Memorial Museum
This is the original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington national Cemetery and was donated by Dr. Felix W. de Weldon to the marine Military Academy. It depicts the raising of the US flag during World War II. The Visitors center includes a museum that focuses on the battle and features a 30-minute film entitled "The Battle For Iwo Jima." Located at 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard. Open daily from 9:30am - 4pm. Call 956-412-2207 for more information.
Knapp Chevrolet Antique Auto Museum
At this museum visitors can marvel at a showroom full of antique and classic autos, including a 1929 Chevrolet, a 1957 Belair convertible and several collectible Corvettes. Open Monday - Thursday from 8am - 8pm, Friday from 8am - 7pm and Saturday from 8am - 5pm. Located on US 83 at the Stuart Place Road exit. Call 956-423-1370 for more information.
Los Ebanos Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is full of birds, butterflies, gardens and nature trails. Visitors can stroll through the native habitat and take photos from a blind at the end of the lake. Bird species seen here include the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, the Great Kiskadee, the Green Jay and the Plain Chachalaca. Open Thursday - Monday from 8am - 5pm. Closed on Major Holidays. Call 956-399-9097 for more information.
Murals
Harlingen has more than a dozen interesting and colorful artworks on display at locations throughout the city. Pick up the Discover Harlingen Murals brochure at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parks
This city boasts an extensive park system with recreation facilities for both visitors and residents. Among the city's 25 park sites are numerous playgrounds, gardens, nature trails, tennis courts, swimming pools and picnic shelters. Also features the 27-hole Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course. Call 956-427-8870 for more information.
Rio Grande Valley Museum
At this museum the history of South Texas comes alive through tours of historic Harlingen buildings. Step inside the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn and the home of city founder Lon C. Hill. Located off Loop 499 at Boxwood and Raintree Streets. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm and Sunday from 1 - 4pm. Call 956-430-8500 for more information.
Rio Grande Valley White Wings
From May through September at Harlingen Field, the whole family can enjoy hot dogs, cold drinks and a great time watching the White Wings play in the Central Baseball League.
South Padre Island
Harlingen is just minutes away from South Padre Island, which is the premier beach resort on the Texas coast. It offers a wide variety of fun including fishing, boating, horseback riding, restaurants, shops and more.
South Padre Island
Harlingen is just minutes away from South Padre Island, which is the premier beach resort on the Texas coast. It offers a wide variety of fun including fishing, boating, horseback riding, restaurants, shops and more.
Texas Travel Information Center
At the travel information center, visitors can seek guidance from professional travel counselors or the wealth of free literature available. Located near the Texas-Mexico border at the intersection of US Highways 77 and 83 at 2021 West Harrison. Open daily from 8am - 5pm. Closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call 956-428-4477 for more information.
Tony Butler Golf Course
2640 South M Street, Harlingen, TX
Valley Race Track
This race track features greyhound racing from December - April and simulcast racing for the nation's top greyhound and horse tracks 364 days a year. Located at 2601 South Ed Carey Drive. Open daily at 11am. Call 956-412-7223 for more information.