101 Things to Do in Harlingen

1. Feed the ducks at Pendleton Park (corner of Morgan Blvd & Grimes)

2. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun (and exercise) at Champion Skate Center, 1320 N. 25th St. Skate rentals available.

3. Visit Saldivar’s Grocery, 2602 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, for delicious cabbage tamales, a local favorite.

4. Remember when carhops delivered food right to your car!  They still do at Sonic, America’s Drive-In, 1206 Morgan Blvd.  Cruise on over!

5. Tune in to 88.9 FM for National Public Radio favorites -- All Things Considered, Car Talk, Morning Edition, and more!

6. Come and enjoy an old fashioned icecream soda or banana split. Choose from over 30 flavors at “F” Street Dairy Bar, 720 S. “F” St.

7. Go for the gold! Visit Harlingen's USA Judo Training Site and visit with past and future Olympians, 516 W. Van Buren.

8. Bike along the Arroyo on the City's two-mile Hike & Bike Trail. (Ample parking at McKelvey Park, 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.)

9. Enjoy the extensive art collection at Harlingen Public Library, 410 '76 Drive. Borrow a free guide at the front desk and take a tour!

10. Have a brown bag lunch amidst the beautiful flowers and fountains at the Texas Travel Information Center, at the US 77/83 interchange.

11. Load up the lawn chairs and head to McKelvey Park at 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip for "Blues on the Hill" - free concerts all summer long.

12. Browse for treasures in dozens of unique shops on Jackson Street, known as "The Antique Capital of the Valley."

13. Original art at reasonable prices - visit the D'Arte Center, home of the Harlingen Art Forum, at 115 E. Jackson. OpenTue-Sat.

14. Outfit yourself at Bullrider Western Wear, 1606 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.  Great selection of hats, boots, belts and jeans.

15. Catch a flick at Movies 10 in Sun Valley Mall at 13th & Washington Streets. $1.50 everyday and early bird specials Mon - Fri.

16. Don’t miss Karaoke on Sunday nights at I-69 Sports Bar & Grill, 205 S. T Street (on US 77 access road, north of Harrison.

17. Start the day with coffee and pastries at Sweet Delights Bakery, 105 W. Jackson.

18. Enjoy arts, crafts, food, and music at RioFest, Harlingen's April arts festival. Schedule at www.riofest.com.

19. Marvel at beautiful homes on East Taylor Street, once known as Silk Stocking Row.

20. Satisfy your sweet tooth with cookies from Lara's Bakery, 403 W. Polk. Family owned and operated for more than 50 years!

21. Shop for the latest fashions at Valle Vista Mall, 2020 S. Expressway 83.

22. Peek into the future. Have your cards read at Yerberia Niño de Atoche, 405 ½ W. Harrison.

23. Marvel at the stained glass window at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 1417 E. Austin.

24. Sample the Buffalo burgers at Boog-A-Dee Boo's Burgers & Brew, 1302 Morgan Blvd.

25. Bet on the winners at Valley Race Park, 2601 S. Ed Carey Drive. Simulcast dog and horse races from around the nation 364 days a year.

26. Take a sunset stroll around City Lake (across from Harlingen Public Library) and watch the sun melt into the palm trees.

27. Sink some putts at Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course (on US 77/83, M Street exit).

28. Experience the charm of local theatre with a show at Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre. Call 412-PLAY for schedule and tickets.

29. Who wouldn't "love" to play of tennis at H.E.B. Tennis Center? (In Pendleton Park, corner of Morgan Blvd. & Grimes.)

30. Visit the past at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, two blocks from Valley International Airport, on Loop 499.

31. Travel to China.  Dine at China Restaurant, 1506 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, for authentic oriental cuisine.

32. Get a glimpse of Harlingen in the olden days! Dozens of vintage photos are on display at Capital One, 221 E. Van Buren.

33. Learn about the healing powers of aloe juice and sample different flavors at Forever Living Aloe Plantations, on US 83, Altas Palmas exit.

34. It’s for the kids. Check out the children’s programs at Harlingen Public Library, 410 ’76 Drive.

35. Fun for the kids, great pizza for the adults at CiCi’s Pizza, 2025 Lincoln (in Lincoln Corners Shopping Plaza).

36. Have a healthy lunch at Peso Bill’s, 803 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.  Known for the best salad bar in town! 

37. No need to go to New York for pictures of Lady Liberty! Pose with Harlingen's replica on Zoy Street (south of Walmart).

38. Enjoy fresh seafood at the Oyster Bar Restaurant, 2301 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.

39. Great gifts at San Miguel, Harlingen’s largest selection of jewelry, ceramics, and textiles from throughout Mexico!  Located at El Mercado Mall 712 N. 77 Sunshine Strip.

40. Your money and your ball go farther at the Fairwinds Golf Course Driving Range, 2524 Spur 54.

41. See what's fluttering in the Butterfly Garden across from the Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. Over 43 species have been seen here!

42. Savor the flavors of local raspas (snow cones) from traditional to exotic:  tamarindo, cherry picadilly, pineapple, leche and more!  Stands located throughout Harlingen.

43. Grab your binoculars!  Harlingen parks are home to lots of Valley specialty birds.  Free birding guides at Wild Bird Center, 122 E. Jackson.

44. Watch fresh tortillas roll off the press at HEB, 509 S. Expressway 83. Plus, pick up a bag of warm tortillas to take home!

45. Pay tribute to World War II heroes at the Iwo Jima Monument & Museum. Open daily. (On the Marine Military Academy campus).

46. Throw some strikes at Creasey's Bowl, 644 Ed Carey Drive.

47. The Antique Auto Club meets at Dairy Queen, 121 N. Loop 499, the last Saturday of the month, 6-11 p.m. Cruise over and check out the street rods!

48. The Harlingen Table Tennis Club welcomes all ages, Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Community Center, 201 E. Madison.

49. Get an old-fashioned shoeshine in the lobby at Capital One, 221 E. Van Buren.

50. Try water aerobics in the indoor pool at Pendleton Park (corner of Morgan Blvd & Grimes).

51. Make it dinner and a movie at Cinemark 16, 401 S. Expressway 83. Purchase tickets online at www.cinemark.com

52. Treat the kids to games, rides, and pizza at Peter Piper Pizza, 306 N. 77 Sunshine Strip.

53. Take a tour of Valley International Airport, and end it with a cup of your favorite coffee at Starbucks with free WiFi internet service. Call 430-8605 to schedule a tour.

54. Good to the last drop: attempt the 46 oz. margaritas at the Lone Star Restaurant, 4201 W. Business 83.

55. View dozens of award-winning wildlife photos from the Valley Land Fund Photo Contest. On permanent display at Valley International Airport .

56. Groove to the beat of live blues bands at the Hop Shop, 923 S. Commerce. A real Texas roadhouse!

57. See the Valley from the air! Call Amigos Aviation for sightseeing rates, 425-4069.

58. Teens will love Harlingen’s new Skate Park! Located at the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club, 1209 W. Washington. Open 1-8pm every day.

59. Sample the pumpkin empanadas at Nelda's Bakery, 304 W. Tyler. A local specialty!

60. Going once, going twice, you'll be sold on the fun and bargains at Soles Auction, 212 W. Jackson. Call 428-7344 for schedule.

61. Don't miss your cue, bank shot over to Rack Daddy's Bar and Grille, 1802 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.

62. Dip into some HOT Salsa Aerobics at Olympus Gym, 516 W. Jackson.

63. Go behind the scenes at KGBT-TV 4 News Center. Call Monica at 365-4444 to schedule a free tour.

64. Shop for unique gifts and home decor at Flowers by Jesse, 208 E. Jackson.

65. Nostalgic for the good 'ole days? You'll love the historic photos at Luby's Cafeteria, 822 Dixieland Road.

66. Broaden your knowledge at the Regional Academic Health Center Library, 2102 Treasure Hills Blvd.

67. Take a walking tour among the natives -- plants that is, at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park on Loop 499, one mile east of Sunshine Strip.

68. Kick up your heels at Wild Bill’s Saloon, 3811 W. Business 83.

69. Reel in the big one at Harlingen Sports Complex fishing pier, 3139 Wilson Road.

70. Shop for bargains at Market Days on Jackson Street the first Saturday of each month.

71. Find that perfect Texas gift at Glory B's, Harlingen's most unique store, 2901 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.

72. Admire the workmanship of the famed "King of Desks." A rare Wooten desk is on display at the J Gordon Nix Building, 905 E. Tyler.

73. Shop for current fashions at The Balcony Boutique at a bargain price. 122 E. Jackson (inside Lola’s Antiques).

74. Kids love breakfast with a Mickey Mouse touch at Lonnie's Down Home Restaurant, 816 Morgan Blvd.

75. Folk medicine is all the rage. Check out the herbs at a Yerberia el Indio, 402 W. Harrison.

76. Plan a quick getaway -- go near, go far, Go with Jo Travels. Call 423-1446.

77. For the best fajitas in town, visit Pepe's, 117 S. Sunshine Strip. Rated as one of the Top 50 Mexican Restaurants in the U.S.!

78. Beatles fans will love the atmosphere (and the food) at the New York Deli, 122 N. “A” Street.

79. No visit to Harlingen is complete without a walk through Grimsell Seed Company's lush tropical gardens, 213 W. Monroe.

80. Let the kids run wild at any one of Harlingen's 14 neighborhood parks.

81. Bring the kids for family karaoke on Wednesday nights at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1500 W. Harrison.

82. Pick up a Heritage Trail brochure at the Harlingen Chamber, 311 E. Tyler, and take a walking tour of our historic downtown.

83. Guayaberas are back! The versatile shirts made popular in Latin American more than 200 years ago are available in dozens of colors and styles at Dillard's, 2000 S. Expressway 83.

84. Have a Master Florist at Bloomer’s design something special for your sweetie.  Located at 2001 S. 23rd Street.

85. Let the kids cool down and play in the indoor playrooms at Burger King or McDonald's

86. Tantalize your tastebuds and create your own blend of ice cream at the Marble Slab Creamery, 1334 Ed Carey Drive.

87. Add to your Beanie Baby collection at Quips & Quotes, 709 N. 77 Sunshine Strip (in Colonial Village).

88. Caravan over to the Jerusalem Café at 2224 S. 77 Sunshine Strip for Mediterranean cuisine - falafel, gyros, tabouli, and more!

89. View Harlingen's tribute to its most famous resident, the late Bill Haley. Shake, rattle, and roll to the corner of Jackson & "A" Streets.

90. Take a trip back in time with a Harlingen Trolley Tour. Call Vamonos Travel for schedule and reservations, 428-1392.

91. Rise and Shine! Raise the Colors with the Marine Military Academy cadets at their morning assembly.

92. Tour the Harlingen City Cemetery, an official Texas historic site. At 1501 S. "F" St.

93. Flick your wrist on the Frisbee golf course in Dixieland Park, 2501 S. Dixieland Road.

94. Rejoice with a Masterworks Concert by the Harlingen-based South Texas Chorale.

95. Visit the Rainbo Bakery Thrift Store at 1600 W. Harrison for great bread at bargain prices.

96. Munch on the Lone Star state's official snack: crunchy tortilla chips and spicy salsa, available at dozens of Harlingen restaurants.

97. Wrap yourself in tradition!  Great selection of quilts at Simply Irresistible, 110 E. Jackson.

98. Swing your partner! Square dance in one of Harlingen’s RV Parks. Contact callers Nesser Shukayr, 622-0557; Tom Roper, 245-4245; or Jerry Rash, 428-3741 for a schedule.

99. It’s a museum too! Enjoy great food and vintage collectibles on display at Main Street Grill, 105 W. Jackson.

100. For all your beauty needs, visit Merle Norman's La Posada Day Spa, 1205 E. Tyler.

101. Check the Valley Morning Star, Harlingen's daily, for dozens of additional happenings!

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