10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from McAllen, Texas
Living in or visiting
McAllen, Texas and itching for a quick escape? You’re in luck. Within about a 1–2 hour drive, you can find beaches, birding hotspots, historic towns, and wide-open ranch land that feels like a whole different world from the city.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short road trips from McAllen that take you to nearby counties:
Brooks, Cameron, Kenedy, Starr, and Willacy. None of these stops are in Hidalgo County, but they’re close enough for a relaxed day trip or a simple weekend getaway.
1. South Padre Island – Classic Beach Day (Cameron County)
If you’re in McAllen and craving sand between your toes,
South Padre Island is the go-to spot. It’s about a
1.5 to 2-hour drive east, depending on traffic.
Imagine this: you roll down the windows, the air gets saltier, and suddenly that first glimpse of the ocean appears over the causeway. It never gets old.
- What to do: Swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, or just walk for miles along the shoreline.
- Adventure options: Go parasailing, take a dolphin-watching boat tour, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
- Chill options: Grab shrimp tacos, sit on a beach bar patio, and watch the sunset.
If you can go on a weekday, the island usually feels less crowded and more laid-back. It’s one of the best
day trips from McAllen if you love the ocean.
2. Brownsville – History, Riverfront & Culture (Cameron County)
About
1.5 hours southeast of McAllen,
Brownsville offers a blend of history, wildlife, and border-town charm. It’s a great choice if you like a mix of museums and time outdoors.
Highlights include:
- Exploring historic sites tied to the U.S.–Mexico border and early Texas history.
- Strolling along riverfront areas and local parks.
- Stopping at local restaurants for classic Tex-Mex and seafood.
Brownsville has a quieter vibe than some other border cities, which makes it a nice, slower-paced road trip from the McAllen area.
3. Boca Chica Beach & Coastal Wildlife Drives (Cameron County)
If you like your beaches a bit wild and undeveloped,
Boca Chica Beach—east of Brownsville—is worth the extra drive. From McAllen, plan on about
2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your route.
Here, the coastline feels raw and open. No big resorts, no crowds—just waves, dunes, and coastal winds.
- Nature focus: Look for shorebirds, sea turtles during certain seasons, and wide, empty stretches of sand.
- Driving tip: Parts of the area can be sandy—keep an eye on local conditions and your vehicle’s limits.
- Why go: It’s an excellent escape if you want a more secluded Gulf Coast experience near McAllen.
Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a full gas tank. This is one of those
“pack in what you need” kind of trips.
4. Raymondville – Small-Town Gateway to the Coast (Willacy County)
Raymondville, about
1 to 1.25 hours northeast of McAllen, is a quiet town that makes a good “reset” day: slow traffic, friendly faces, and a relaxed pace.
While it’s not a big tourist destination, it’s a solid stop on a
road trip through Willacy County.
- Walk or drive around town and check out local shops and cafes.
- Use it as a base to explore nearby nature spots in Willacy County.
- Enjoy that classic South Texas small-town feel where everyone seems to know everyone.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need to get out of McAllen for a few hours,” Raymondville is low-stress and easy.
5. Port Mansfield – Quiet Fishing Village Escape (Willacy County)
From McAllen, drive about
1.5 hours to
Port Mansfield, a tiny coastal community tucked along the Laguna Madre. This spot is ideal if you love fishing or just want some peaceful water views without the bustle of South Padre.
What you’ll find:
- Excellent spots for bay fishing—bring your gear or book a local guide.
- Deer often roaming freely around town (they’re surprisingly used to people).
- Calm water views that are perfect for sunrise or sunset photos.
It’s the kind of place where time feels slower. If you’re overwhelmed by city noise, a day in Port Mansfield can feel like hitting a reset button.
6. Falfurrias – Old-School South Texas Stop (Brooks County)
Drive about
1.25 hours north of McAllen and you’ll hit
Falfurrias, in Brooks County. Chances are you’ve seen the name on highway signs, but never actually stopped. It’s worth at least an afternoon.
- Check out local diners and cafes for classic South Texas comfort food.
- Wander the town and take in old storefronts and murals.
- Use it as a jumping-off point to explore rural Brooks County ranchland and backroads.
If you like old-school Texas towns where folks still wave from their pickup trucks, Falfurrias gives you that experience less than 90 miles from McAllen.
7. Rural Brooks County – Scenic Ranchland & Backroads
Beyond the town of Falfurrias,
Brooks County stretches out with open skies, brush country, and long, empty roads. This is a great area if you just want to drive, talk, and clear your head.
Think of it as your personal “movie road trip” backdrop—big blue sky, dusty fences, and sun-bleached signs.
- Plan a loop drive north of McAllen through Brooks County and back a different way.
- Stop at roadside picnic spots for a simple lunch.
- Keep an eye out for hawks, deer, and other wildlife along the fences and fields.
If you love photography, bring your camera. Sunsets out here can be unreal, with bright oranges and pinks stretching all the way across the horizon.
8. Kenedy County – Empty Highways & Wild Texas Coast
Kenedy County is one of the least populated places in Texas, and that’s exactly the charm. It lies north of Willacy and Cameron Counties, and you’ll mostly experience it by driving through on the highway.
From McAllen, head northeast about
1.5 to 2 hours and you’ll find yourself in long stretches of open land.
- Enjoy the “middle of nowhere” feeling with almost no development.
- Watch for wildlife—depending on the season, you might see deer, birds, and other animals along the roadside.
- Use the trip as a mental break: no city noise, no long lines, just the road and the sky.
This is less of a “things to do” stop and more of a
“place to breathe” near McAllen. Sometimes the drive itself is the experience.
9. Rio Grande City – River Views & Historic Vibes (Starr County)
Head
west about an hour from McAllen and you’ll reach
Rio Grande City in Starr County. It’s a riverside town with layers of history and a real sense of place.
- Stroll through historic districts and check out old architecture.
- Enjoy views of the Rio Grande and the unique landscape along the border.
- Try local eateries serving up Tex-Mex with that deep South Texas flavor.
If you’re into photography, older buildings and river scenes make for great shots. It’s an easy day trip that feels far enough from McAllen to count as a “getaway,” without being exhausting.
10. Starr County Scenic Drives & Small Communities
Beyond Rio Grande City,
Starr County has smaller communities and rural stretches that are perfect for aimless exploring. Sometimes the best
road trips from McAllen are the ones with no strict schedule.
- Take the highway west, then branch off on side roads (staying on public roads and obeying signs, of course).
- Look for small-town parks or roadside snack spots where locals gather.
- Soak in the mix of brush country, river views, and borderland culture.
If you like to just drive, talk with whoever’s in the car, and see what you find, Starr County is a fun playground for that relaxed style of travel.
Tips for McAllen Road Trips to Nearby Counties
Before you hop in the car and go:
- Fuel up: Some stretches, especially in Kenedy and parts of Brooks County, can be pretty empty. Don’t count on frequent gas stations.
- Bring water & snacks: South Texas heat is no joke, especially in summer.
- Check weather and road conditions: Heavy rain can affect coastal areas and rural roads.
- Plan your route: Even if you like to wander, it helps to know your main highways and where you can stop if needed.
A simple day trip can turn into your favorite memory from the Rio Grande Valley—whether it’s a quiet beach afternoon or a long drive through ranchland with good music playing.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from McAllen?
Have you taken a great
out-of-county road trip from McAllen? Maybe a sunrise drive to South Padre Island, or a peaceful afternoon in Port Mansfield?
I’d love to hear about it.
- Which of these 10 ideas would you try first?
- Do you have any secret spots in Brooks, Cameron, Kenedy, Starr, or Willacy Counties?
Share your stories and tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too.
And if you found this helpful, please
share this post with friends or family looking for easy road trip ideas from McAllen. The more we share, the more people get to see just how much there is to explore right outside Hidalgo County.
Comments
Post a Comment