The most southern tip of Texas is considered one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. During migration, species from the Central and Mississippi flyway converge in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (Valley). The Valley is also where four climates (temperate, desert, coastal and sub-tropical) converge. A documented 1,200 plant species within the Valley attracts and supports a diversity of wildlife, birds and butterflies that depend on the vegetation that can only be found here in the United States. Thousands of years of adaptations and changes on the landscape have created species-specific relations found only in portions of the lower Rio Grande delta.

From High School Football to Professional Basketball, Hockey and Soccer to College Baseball, Volleyball, Basketball and more the RGV has abundant opportunities for the sports enthusiast!

The Rio Grande Valley has more playable days of golf per year than anywhere else in the United States.

With over 20 courses to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for your enjoyment!

Exploring Nuevo Progreso is a fun experience. You will find a wide variety of curio shops with everything from Mexican candies and cookies to colorful ceramics and chimineas.

Winter Texans have been visiting this small border town, south of Weslaco, Texas, for more than 50 years. It is a safe area for tourists to enjoy shopping for souvenirs and pharmaceuticals, taking advantage of low priced dental services, and enjoying the local cuisine and beverages.

The Veterans War Memorial Foundation of Texas provides an educational, cultural, and historical facility to assist our children, and future generations, to learn about the sacrifices of those who died in the service of their country. The Veterans War Memorial of Texas emphasizes the value of their legacy, and the important lessons which must be learned from those sacrifices.

Events on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Pearl Harbor Day are held each year with the support of the City of McAllen. Veterans, teachers, students, and all community members are encouraged to attend honoring all veterans for their service and remembering the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the United States of America.

Described as one of the 10 best fishing areas in the country, Port Mansfield can help make your fishing dreams come true.

Port Mansfield is surrounded by thick, virtually untouched, lightly populated brush land and the close surrounding area offers an unmatched variety of wildlife for your viewing and enjoyment.

Friendly deer roam the town, javelina, flocks of turkeys and quail are frequent visitors to the port and surrounding areas.

Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, SPI is the home of beautiful beaches, warm gulf waters, fishing, boating, bird watching, shopping, and a diversity of year-round activities.

South Padre Island offers a wide variety of activities for the Winter visitor. Miles of beaches provide the opportunity to swim, fish or just relax and enjoy the mild tropical climate of Winter on the island. For the nature lover, there are bird sanctuaries , sea turtles and lots of dolphins.

There are many fishing charters that offer both deep sea and bay fishing. For the more adventurous visitors, there is horseback riding, atv and jet ski rentals, speed boat cruising and parasailing.

Fishing in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas consists of saltwater fishing along the Gulf Coast and freshwater fishing in the Rio Grande River and a variety of lakes, the largest of which is Falcon Reservoir in Zapata, Texas.

The Gulf Coast offers both deep and shallow saltwater fishing at South Padre Island and Port Mansfield.
The Lower Laguna Madre is a shallow, hypersaline lagoon which is home to a wide variety of fish species including Speckled Trout, Sand Trout, Whiting, Red Drum (Redfish), Black Drum, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper and many others.

Large Mouth Bass is the most popular freshwater sportfish in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley. Trophy size Bass are taken regularly from the Rio Grande River and Falcon Reservoir. Crappie and Catfish are also popular fisheries.

There are many Flea Markets and Farmers Markets to explore here in the RGV.

You will find a wide variety of vendors services and products.

The "Magic Valley", as it was declared in the early 1900s due to its year round growing season, is a 140 mile stretch of delta along the Rio Grande River at the southernmost tip of Texas.

Before recorded history little is known about this region other than that it was inhabited by nomadic tribes of Indians who were primarily hunter gatherers.

The Spanish began colonizing the area in the 1700s establishing missions and presidios along the Rio Grande river.

Land grants and porciones were awarded by the King of Spain to early settlers in the area. These were primarily used for cattle, sheep and goat ranching. At this time in history the area was known as Nuevo Santander, a part of New Spain.

There are many museums in the RGV where you can experience the history of the area.

Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island. It is located north of Padre Island and is one of the longest barrier islands along the Texas coast. Whether vacationing or staying long term, you will find many great things to do in Port Aransas.