Are you moving to Harlingen, Texas? If so, there’s a good chance you’re looking for information on the activities, entertainment, and exciting things to do in this charming southern Texas town. That’s because Harlingen is located in the Rio Grande Valley, an area of Texas well known for its tropical birdwatching, beautiful trails, and abundant nature preserves. If you want to learn more about your soon-to-be new town and all the best things to do here, read on! The storage experts at Move It Storage put together the top 10 best things to do in Harlingen, Texas, just for you below!
Outdoor Activities in Harlingen
If exciting and engaging outdoor activities are what you seek, Harlingen, TX, has many of them!
1. Phenomenal, World-Class Birding
Did you know that the Rio Grande Valley is recognized as one of the top international birding destinations? For that reason, it’s also home to the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, one of the country’s most famous and longest-running festivals! You’ll find over 500 bird species in this part of Texas, including the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Tropical Kingbird, Green Jay, and Great Kiskadee, among many others!
2. Ride or Hike the Arroyo Colorado Hike & Bike Trail
If you’re a fan of hiking or bike riding, the Arroyo Colorado Hike & Bike Trail will be one of your favorite places in Harlingen! The trail is less than 4 miles out and back and is relatively easy, taking about an hour to finish by bike. It’s open year-round and is also an excellent place for birdwatching.
3. Enjoy Live Music and Great Beer at Blues on the Hill
Blues on the Hill is an annual summertime blues and beer fest in Harlingen, one of the most popular in the state! Featuring many local breweries and their sudsy delights, as well as some of the best blues musicians in the country, the festival is a blast, and the concert is free! Great music, delicious beer, and good times! What more can you ask for?!
4. Enjoy a Beach Day at South Padre Island’s Beaches
Less than an hour from Harlingen are some of the best beaches in Texas at South Padre Island. Many consider South Padre Island a tropical oasis on the tip of Texas. It’s a barrier island with amazing beauty on the Gulf of Mexico and offers year-round excellent weather. Some of the best beaches include Isla Blanca Beach, Andy Bowie County Park Beach, and Harbor Beach, which has the #1 beach access. With 14 beaches to choose from, you’ll be tempted to visit all of them!
Cultural Attractions
Considering its relatively small size, Harlingen, Texas, offers several excellent cultural attractions and activities.
5. Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum in Harlingen comprises three historical buildings on the grounds of the former Harlingen Air Force Base. Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Harlingen and south Texas.
6. The Downtown Murals
One distinctive feature of Harlingen is the downtown area’s beautiful murals, which provide a visual treat for visitors and a wonderful canvas for local artists. Many of the murals display Harlingen’s different cultures and peoples and are a fantastic place to take selfies! (There are nearly 3 dozen of them to see and admire!)
7. Enjoy all the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of Harlingen’s Historic District
Harlingen’s historic district has many things to see, do, taste, and enjoy! For example, there are free walking tours on Saturday mornings and Jackson Street Market Days when local craftspeople show and sell their wares. Free family movie nights, the Harlingen Farmers Market, and many lively community events are good reasons to visit Harlingen’s historic district regularly!
8. Go Antiquing at the Antique & Artisans Emporium
If you’re a big fan of lovely antiques (and the exciting hunt for your favorites), the Antique & Artisans Emporium in Harlingen will be a true delight! For over 20 years, the Emporium has offered an array of dazzling, lovely, and unique antiques from Monday through Saturday.
Dining and Nightlife in Harlingen
You’ll find many excellent restaurants and unique locales to enjoy your evenings in Harlingen.
9. 2 and a Crew Motorcycle Shop
Looking for a place where you can have your motorcycle tuned up while you dig into a great burger and listen to some local artists play? If yes, 2 and a Crew Motorcycle Shop will be your favorite spot! (It’s about 11 minutes from Harlingen in La Feria, Texas.)
10. Jackson Street Cork N Craft
Looking for a place that’s great for date night and serves excellent wines and local craft beers? If yes, Jackson Street Cork N Craft is perfect! Not only do they serve some of Harlingen’s best wine and beer, but they also have local musicians every weekend and serve fantastic, upscale bar food!
- Honorable Mentions
- Hot Shots Lounge
- The Point
- Copz Lounge
- Oxygen Bar
- Hop Shop Bar
- Club Chill
- Vermillion
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is life in Harlingen for families?
A: Harlingen is rated highly as a good place for families by Niche. It has good public schools, housing, a low cost of living, excellent weather, and nightlife.
Q: What storage options are available in Harlingen for personal belongings?
A: Move It Storage offers first-class storage facilities in Harlingen, Texas. Safe, secure, and a great place to store vehicles like boats and RVs, Move It Storage is the self-storage leader in Harlingen.
Q: Is crime a problem in Harlingen, TX?
A: Violent crime in Harlingen is significantly lower than the national average, although property crime is about 25% higher.
Q: Is the cost of living in Harlingen affordable?
A: With an overall cost of living index of 70/100, Harlingen is a genuinely affordable American town. The housing cost index is an exceptionally low 44/100, with a median home cost of $164,000.
Store Your Belongings in Harlingen the Safe and Easy Way with Move It Storage
Are you looking for storage units in Harlingen, TX? If yes, Move It Storage is your #1 choice! Move It offers safe, clean, and affordable Harlingen storage units and storage for larger vehicles like boats and RVs. Excellent security and safety features, along with 4 different Harlingen locations, make storing your household items or items from your business, office, or retail store easy and stress-free.