At the southernmost point of Texas, you’ll find the Rio Grande Valley, a region that encompasses four counties and serves as the meeting point between the U.S. and Mexico.
Texans love to head to “the Valley” for its rich Tejano culture, history, and traditions. With its subtropical climate and gorgeous beaches, not to mention museums, parks, and wildlife, the Valley makes for a great weekend escape for those coming from all over the state.
During the summer, the Valley comes alive with abundant opportunities for fun—surprisingly, many of them are free, and who doesn’t love that?
Gas prices may be up, but that doesn’t have to get you down. The Rio Grande Valley lets you take advantage of a variety of activities in a beautiful place without costing you a dime. Here are six free things to do in the Valley that you shouldn’t miss.
For photographers and content producers
Want to soak up the beauty of this region of Texas? These spots will set you up with dreamy sites, exciting shots you can’t get anywhere else, and wildlife encounters you’ll never forget.
Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Spans four counties—Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy
Here’s what’s so cool about Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge: In one very scenic road trip, you can enjoy coastal beauty, saline flats (more on this below), local wildlife, incredible avians, and yes—for good or for bad—even Elon Musk.
SpaceX launches from the Starbase facility right here in the Valley, which feels entirely out of place—but exciting, nonetheless—in the middle of the otherwise tranquil National Wildlife Refuge.
Here you’ll find one of the country’s best miles-long secret beaches in Boca Chica, which is surrounded by shallow bays and mangroves. It may be your first time seeing dunes not made of sand but of clay formations known as lomas.
If you’re really lucky, you may spot an ocelot emerging from a loma—this endangered cat is found only here in the Valley. A bit easier to locate are the reddish egrets that dot the shoreline. Look for information kiosks that will help you identify flora and fauna of the region, for free education to go along with your free visit to the Valley.
La Sal del Rey
Where: Hidalgo County
Right here in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, one of Texas’s most unusual sites is not to be missed.
Slip on some waterproof shoes and hike out to La Sal del Ray, considered to be one of the biggest draws in the Valley. Imagine a massive, shimmering salt lake, the sun bouncing off its natural crystals. It’s a sight to behold—and it’s totally free!
If you’re interested in geology and history, you’ll be fascinated by how they play out at La Sal del Rey, or “The King’s Salt.” It’s one of three notable salt lakes in the Valley, but it’s the only one open to the public. Embedded in its composition are a staggering four million tons of salt. Weather conditions can entirely change its look, so you can visit many times and are pretty much guaranteed a different experience.
TIP: Be sure to enter these waters and enjoy the total buoyancy and feeling of weightlessness of the salt-laden water. And make sure you capture the moment for the Gram.
For nature lovers
One of the best things about nature is that it’s free. Hiking, birdwatching, or getting out on the water takes you back to the basics, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
McAllen Nature Center
Where: 4101 West Business US 83
This site used to be the home of McAllen Botanical Gardens, and it still shows. Now the McAllen Nature Center boasts 33 acres of beauty, with plants that attract colorful butterflies and pollinating bees, picnic tables so you don’t have to spend a cent on restaurant food, and onsite restrooms so you can hang out as long as you like.
The center runs free programs that will immerse you in the habitat and teach you how to make the most of your time here, and it even hosts fitness classes like yoga for free.
Other free opportunities? A 1.6-mile trail through the forest that is impressively well-marked and well-maintained, a playground for the kids, and stellar birdwatching, complete with feeder-side benches—no binoculars needed.
TIP: Arrive in the morning and join a free tour led by a highly knowledgeable park guide.
For water lovers
In the heat of summer, nothing’s better than taking a cold dip. Well, nothing, that is, except a cold dip in nature that also happens to be absolutely free.
Town Lake at Firemen’s Park
Where: 201 N. First St., McAllen
If you want to dip your toe back in time, forgo a crowded swimming pool and head instead to the Valley, where water lovers can’t get enough of the pool nature created: Town Lake.
About the size of a city block, Town Lake is just big enough to meet all your aquatic needs. Jump in and swim the waterline, or bring your own peddle boat, kayak, or SUP board (all available for rent, as well).
This is a peaceful spot with walking and biking paths, a playground, a few BBQ pits, and plenty of spots for catch-and-release fishing, all free to use. The H20 Hut carries what you might not have or have forgotten, and while there are fees for equipment rental and refreshments, they are nominal.
TIP: Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first- served basis, so if mealtime is an important part of your visit, get there early.
For book lovers
For readers, there’s nothing more comforting than settling in with a good book, and the Rio Grande Valley is a great place to do just that.
McAllen Public Library
Where: 4001 N. 23rd St.
I kid you not—the largest single-story public library in the entire country is located right here in the Valley.
McAllen Public Library makes the Rio Grande area of Texas proud and offers so much more than just a ton of tomes. Everything is free, from storytimes for children of all ages to workshops for adults to movie nights for the whole family.
When a public library makes the top 10 list of must-sees in the Rio Grande Valley on TripAdvisor and Yelp, you know it’s worth checking out.
For movie and entertainment lovers
The Valley may be known for its nature, but there’s no shame in expecting some nightlife or entertainment of the more human kind.
Cine El Rey
311 S. 17th St., McAllen
Your first peek at Cine El Rey will intrigue you enough to ask, “Okay, what’s that place?” The red V-shaped marquee protruding from the front of the retro building is eye-catching, drawing you into the real action beyond the doors.
Originally built in 1947 to show films from Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema, the venue has undergone a restoration but maintained both its charm and its standing on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Cine El Rey now frequently hosts free movie screenings (complete with popcorn!) and fun community events that bring everyone together.
Cine El Rey’s tagline is “Entertaining you, your mom, and your mama’s mama since 1947,” and they’re not lying. Check their Facebook page for announcements about upcoming concerts and performances that will enhance your visit to the Valley.
No matter your interest, there’s a place for you in the Rio Grande Valley. With all this area has to offer, including some incredible Tex-Mex food and a beautiful blending of cultures, you might not want to leave. And with so many free activities in the Valley, why would you?
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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