Attractions in Harlingen, TX
Our tropical environment is a paradise for Birds & Birding!
Bring some binoculars and catch sight of Harlingen's official bird, the Great Kiskadee, as well as other avian beauties at the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park. In appreciation of the many avian beauties that visit the area during their spring and fall migration, Harlingen, Texas hosts a bird festival every year.
See our Harlingen Texas Birding and Birdwatching page for more information on bird watching in the Rio Grande Valley.
Walk, Run, or Ride through Harlingen's Picturesque Parks
Visit the Hugh Ramsey Nature preserve and Wildlife habitat. Find great scenic spaces and diverse places around the city and beyond. Hiking and Biking Trails, Nature Trails, and Urban Parks create the backdrop for an interesting and exciting vacation, Texas Style – Big and Bold!Visit the website for the Texas Tropical Trail
Tour Historic Harlingen
You'll feel as if you have traveled back in time as you look at the beautiful homes on Taylor Street, once known as Silk Stocking Row. As you walk along picturesque Jackson Street, don't forget to take in the Art Deco and Mid-century modern architecture that is sure to please the eye. You can cross the tracks to what was once known as Six Shooter Junction. Once you're on the other side of the tracks, treat the kids to ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain. While you are close, stop by the historic City Cemetery named the Garden of Heroes and Angels. The Iwo Jima Monument proudly stands on the parade grounds of the Marine Military Academy. Marvel at the monument of great men who were defending our country's freedom and visit the museum that contains souvenirs, photgraphs and memorabilia from the World War II battle.Festivals and Street Fairs
Harlingen has several street fairs and festival throughout the year. And you will want to go to the Jackson Street Market Days to check out the variety of vendor from both sides of the border. The biggest festival in the Rio Valley is the Rio Grande Valley Bird Festival in Harlingen. The Taste of Harlingen, the Cinesol Film Festival and our holiday parades will also add excitement to your itinerary in Harlingen. Plan your Texas vacation to be here for one of these amazing events. You won't be disappointed!For your Sporting Spirit
You will enjoy year-round sports in Harlingen. With our temperate weather, you can enjoy golfing, tennis, canoeing, or play beach volleyball. If participation is not for you, we have a great choice for spectator sports, including soccer and softball. If you wish, you can loose yourself in the excitement of the Valley Race Park during racing season. Out of season the sports bar is open and offers simulcast racing.You are never far away from catching the big fish. You could fish in one of Texas' hottest fishing spots, South Padre Island. Drop your line from a boat, a pier or cast out into the surf. Hire a deep sea boat and look for that 800-pound Marlin or maybe a state-record Wahoo in the Gulf of Mexico. The Laguna Madre Bay is chocked full with trophy speckled trout, redfish and flounder.
Murals and Artistry in Harlingen
Harlingen, Texas is a fascinating place. Dozens of colorful Murals decorate buildings throughout the city. Here you'll find beautiful paintings of tropical birds and Aztec legends. Marvel at quiet vignettes of everyday life in rural Mexico. Feel the compassion in a stark depiction of the biblical tale of the Good Samaritan. Use this guide to spend a few hours or a few days in Harlingen discovering an abundance of creative talent. Enjoy learning about our hopes and our heritage, our accomplishments and our concerns.Garden of Heroes & Angels
While you are on F Street, make sure you don't forget to visit the City Cemetery. The cemetery came into legal existence in 1912 and in that year, Harlingen's founder Lon C. Hill sold 7.6 Acres of land. Leaders of the community at that time such as James Lockhart, Horace Johnson and Daniel Hinojosa are buried here.
