Location: Mission
Top Things to do in Mission
What to do and see in Mission, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Mission is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 77,058 at the 2010 census and an estimated 83,563 in 2016. Mission is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.
Restaurants in Mission
1. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
This 588-acre subtropical woodland is home to lots of birds and several endangered species: great for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Reviewed By TrueTexasTraveler - Amarillo, Texas
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is an absolute gem in far south Texas. Firstly, it's a bird watchers paradise. There are a number of blinds and an observation deck to see birds and other wildlife. We're not even bird watchers but we saw some amazing birds, and with the information around the park it's easy to spot what type of bird it is, including birds that only live along the Rio Grande. The Hawk Observation Tower is accessible, and it's mesmerizing to just sit up there and watch the hawks soar in the currents. There is information about irrigation in the valley and the history of the land and use of the land before it was a state park. We traveled all the way to McAllen primarily to go to this park and were not disappointed. Keep in mind campsites are limited so book early, and you can not drive in the park, but there is a tram.
2. McAllen Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By DC2florida - Washington, DC
This place was stunning. Huge, as befits a former Walmart, but they certainly made a lemon into lemonade. The exterior was inviting and there was an interesting exhibit of art near the entrance. The different sections were beautiful and enormous. An area for kids, teens, study groups and a gorgeous quiet study room. Clever design with lower shelves in the middle that are higher toward the edges... Every city needs a great library like this. Worth visiting as a tourist just to see the potential.
3. Main Event Entertainment
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JuanC1321 - McAllen, Texas
Great place for family and friends to get together and enjoy a great evening of bowling and arcade games. Friendly atmosphere with lots to do.
4. Quinta Mazatlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Quinta Mazatlan is a historical Adobe mansion and nature and birding center located in McAllen, Texas. Our MissionThe urban sanctuary works to enrich people's lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas.Our VisionQuinta Mazatlan, cherished locally and recognized internationally, is a sanctuary connecting people to the history, beauty and wonder of our natural world.
Reviewed By deaconallan - Houston, Texas
If one is interested in Spanish Colonial architecture, history, and, in this case, the local flora and fauna, the Quinta Mazatlan is well worth the visit. The house is fantastic, the grounds with their native growth, and of course the birds and butterflies. Being a camera and a "long" lens.
5. National Butterfly Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
The National Butterfly Center is the pilot project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization committed to environmental conservation and education. It is located in Mission, Texas, because the Rio Grande Valley is home to the greatest volume and variety of butterflies species in the United States. Just 10 years ago, this 100-acre parcel of land along the banks of the Rio Grande River was a commercial onion field. Today, it is the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on propagating native plants for pollinators in formal gardens and wildscapes. This nature preserve contains a Hackberry Forest and several species of endangered plants and animals. Expect season variations and changes subject to rainfall, temperatures, etc. THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER IS NOT A BUTTERFLY HOUSE. All wildlife found in the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Conservation Area, which includes a National Wildlife Refuge tract and Bentsen-RGV State Park, is free-roaming. The National Butterfly Center features walking trails and two birding areas, as well as a photography blind. Our butterfly and bird lists may be found on our website. PLEASE NOTE: Butterflies prefer sunny days, with temperatures above 70 degrees, so days like this are the best for enjoying the wild, free-flying butterflies. The peak of butterfly season normally occurs in late October/early November, and may continue until the first prolonged cold snap. To see what's happening now, check our Facebook page for photos, programs, and other announcements, or look under the tab 'IN THE NEWS' on our website. Handicapped parking available, with many accessible areas.
Reviewed By mapleRose - Austin, Texas
It's wonderful to see private parties develop sites like this to protect the environment and educate the public without relying on government to do it for them! There is much work to be done to turn this place into a fancy garden, but the butterflies don't care! I came at 8 on a Sunday morning and was the only one there. The bird songs were beautiful and focusing on individual flowers and butterflies is very centering.
6. Cinemark Pharr Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By janmccoy - Texas
My husband and I enjoyed viewing a movie at Cinemax Pharr. The sound and picture were excellent. The popcornaments and beverages were very good. The temperature was well managed and con for table with sleeves. I recommend this venue for movie viewing.
7. McAllen Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By 10RogerTheLodger10 - Toronto, Canada
We have been to the McAllen Convention Center several times, most recently the auto show. Conveniently located on I-2 (Expressway 83) there is a lot of free parking space available and out back they can provide space for related flea markets etc. On other occasions we have attended Winter Texan health shows. The main display floor is at grade level so there are no stairs.
8. La Lomita Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
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Reviewed By dasreiseteam - Bad Pyrmont, Germany
This is one of the few places in the Rio Grande Valley that gives you an idea what it was like before all the settlers came to develop the are. The chapel itself is only a small building but you can sense the history. It belonged to one of the big ranches. The ranch house is long gone but there is still an old brick oven from the time when baking was done outside. You are also right on the Rio Grande and look across the river to Mexico. They have grills and tables and it's a great place for a picnic in this quaint setting.
9. World Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
A network of nine spectacular birdwatching sites along 120 miles of scenic road.
Reviewed By Intlxpatr - Pensacola, Florida
This was a great day. There are benches and even swings at each feeding site, blinds behind which to watch kingfishers and a hawk tower! Tram service a great help to non-hikers, bikers, etc. early morning calls are cacophonous music to the ears..
10. La Plaza Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
La Plaza Mall is the premier shopping destination in the Rio Grande Valley and features over 1,200,000 square feet of upscale and mainstream retail space with retailers that include BCBGMAXAZRIA, Marciano, Michael Kors and Pandora, as well as more traditional retailers like Express, American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and Aéropostale. La Plaza Mall completed the expansion and renovation of its new food court, La Plaza Cafes. Eateries include Zushi, Green Leafs Beyond Great, Charley’s Subs and more. Conveniently situated at the intersection of 10th Street and Expressway 83, just 5 miles from the U.S. – Mexico border, La Plaza Mall is home to over 150 specialty retailers.
Reviewed By m60212bo - McAllen, Texas
I always enjoy going to La Plaza Mall, I live about half a mile away from there. I like shopping there because there is always specials going on at the different stores. It feels good and with the new parking lot added it is a lot easier to find a parking space and get inside the Mall, a lot sooner if we are in a hurry.
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