McAllen · Hidalgo County, TX

Cheap things to do in McAllen

Scout analyzed 68 McAllen places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Wellness

Sundara Spa

Sundara Spa is suitable for a relaxing solo retreat or a quiet special occasion outing, typically lasting 3-4 hours and costing $100-$300 per person depending on services. It could pair well with a quiet dinner afterward.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$300 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Shopping

The Gallery

The Gallery is suitable for a solo shopping trip or a casual outing with friends to browse clothing, jewelry, and possibly home goods. Expect to spend about an hour and between $20-$100 if making a purchase.

ShoppingArtsRelaxed

$20–$100 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

McAllen Historic Business Redevelopment

The Flying Walrus

The Flying Walrus is a mellow bar for an evening of cocktails, pizza, and live music, ideal for a social outing that could last a couple of hours. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for drinks and food.

CocktailsLive musicSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

Helium Trampoline Park

This trampoline park is good for a few hours of active fun for kids and families, especially on weekends or for birthday parties. Expect to spend $15-25 per person for jump time.

SportsOutdoorsPlayful

$15–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Firemen's Park

Firemen's Park is ideal for a casual family outing with a playground, volleyball court, and BBQ pavilion. Expect to spend a couple of hours and bring your own food and drinks, keeping costs low.

OutdoorsSportsFood

$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Quinta Mazatlan

Quinta Mazatlan is suitable for a 1.5-hour visit, offering a blend of history and nature with its Spanish-revival estate and tropical gardens. Expect to spend around $5-10 per person for entry, making it an affordable outing that pairs well with a picnic or local lunch.

HistoryOutdoorsAnimals

$5–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

McAuliffe Park

This park is suitable for a quick family outing or a solo walk, especially on a sunny weekend. Expect to spend an hour playing or relaxing, with no cost involved.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

RU RESTAURANT

RU Restaurant is a good spot for an evening meal, potentially pairing with a movie or drinks nearby. Expect a sit-down experience lasting about 1.5 hours, with typical costs ranging from $30-$75 per person depending on drinks and courses.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Diego’s Farm to Table

Diego’s Farm to Table is a good choice for a casual dinner or lunch, particularly for families or a date night. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-60 per person for a meal.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Semilla Coffee Lab

Semilla Coffee Lab is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual coffee with a friend, expecting to spend $5-$15 per person for about 30 minutes. It functions well as a brief break during a day of errands.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Ambra

Ambra is an upscale steakhouse ideal for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $75-$150 per person for a full meal with drinks.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Solum Coffee Roasters

This coffee shop is good for a quick stop for a drink and small bite, a brief solo work session, or a casual meeting. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for about 30 minutes to an hour.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Casa Madre Brunch & Grill

This Mexican restaurant is suitable for a 1.5-hour meal, whether it's brunch or dinner, and will likely cost $20-45 per person. It could be a relaxed start to a weekend day or an evening meal.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Birdie Bistro

This is a casual spot for breakfast or brunch, suitable for families or a relaxed meal. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-25 per person.

FoodRelaxedPlayful

$15–$25 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Palominos Restaurant

Palominos Restaurant is a steakhouse suitable for a nice evening meal or celebration, typically lasting around 90 minutes. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an entree and drinks.

FoodRelaxedUpscale

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

McAllen Performing Arts Center

This venue is suitable for an evening or afternoon outing to see a show. Expect ticket prices ranging from $50-$200 per person and a visit duration of about 2-3 hours.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$50–$200 typical2.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Yard House

Yard House is suitable for a casual meal or drinks with friends or family, especially for sports fans, with a large menu and extensive beer list. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-60 per person.

FoodCocktailsSports

$25–$60 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity focused on bird watching and nature. It can be paired with a picnic lunch and costs minimal to access.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Krab Kingz McAllen

Krab Kingz is a casual spot for seafood, suitable for a relaxed meal with family or friends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a meal, costing around $15-40 per person before drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

SALT - New American Table

This is a good spot for an upscale dinner or special celebration, offering New American cuisine in a chic setting. Expect to spend $75-150 per person for a 1.5 to 2-hour meal.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Edinburg Municipal Park

Edinburg Municipal Park is ideal for a low-cost family outing, offering walking trails, bird watching at the World Birding Center, and open spaces for sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the outdoors.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Los Encinos Park

Los Encinos Park is a free city park good for a family outing or solo walk, taking about 1.5 hours. It's best combined with other local attractions for a longer day.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Bodega Tavern & Kitchen

Bodega Tavern & Kitchen is suitable for an evening meal with friends or a date, focusing on New American food and craft cocktails in a modern-rustic setting. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for a 1.5-hour visit.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

The Republic of the Rio Grande

This place is good for a dinner outing, especially for special occasions or date nights, where you can expect to spend $30-70 per person. Plan for a visit lasting about 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking