Rio Grande Valley has a lot of fun things to see and do including many activities in the major cities. These include Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, Mission, Edinburg, and Pharr. You’ll find golf courses, RV parks, attractions, and many other fun things to see and do.
What is the Rio Grande Valley?
The Rio Grande Valley, informally called The Valley, is an area located in the southernmost tip of South Texas.
The Valley runs along the banks of the Rio Grande River. The river serves as a border between Mexico and the United States. The 2008 estimated population of The Valley was 1,138,000. Some of the largest cities in The Valley include (in order of population): Brownsville, McAllen, Harlingen, Mission, Edinburg, and Pharr. The Valley is a popular location for winter Texans because of the mild temperatures and hundreds of very active RV parks. In fact, the population swells by over 200,000 during the winter.
According to Wikipedia, The Valley is not a valley but a delta or floodplain containing many oxbow lakes or resacas. These are formed by bends in the river that later get pinched off from the river as it takes a different course.
Early 20th-century land developers, attempting to capitalize on unclaimed land, utilized the name “Magic Valley” to attract settlers and appeal to investors. Residents of The Valley call it “El Valle”, which translates to “the valley” in Spanish. They also occasionally refer to the area as “El Magico Valle del Rio Grande” (“The Magical Valley of the Rio Grande”), and also simply by the initials “RGV.”
Resources Guide to The Valley
- Texas Outside Favorites – In The Valley, we love South Padre Island, Bentsen Palm Village RV Park, and Los Lagos Golf Course.
- Campgrounds & RV Parks – Our list of some of the campgrounds and RV parks in The Valley.
- Winter Texan Connection – A website with some great information for winter Texans.
- Lonely Planet – A list of information attractions to see in The Valley.
- Best Rio Grande Valley Golf Courses – Here is our list of the best golf courses in The Valley.
- South Padre Island – Read our article about all the fun things to see and do during your winter vacation at South Padre Island.
If The Valley sounds like paradise, it may be one step removed. There are a ton of fun things to see and do in The Valley.
Author: Mike Sharp
I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.
