San Juan TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near San Juan, Texas.
1. Basilica Of Our Lady Of San Juan Del Valle National Shrine
HISTORIC CATHOLIC PILGRIMAGE SITE
The Basilica Of Our Lady Of San Juan Del Valle is a prominent national shrine housing the venerated statue of Our Lady of San Juan, a 1949 reproduction of the original dating to the 1600s. The current basilica was reconstructed after the original shrine was destroyed in 1970 when a small plane crashed into its roof and exploded in flames. This pilgrimage destination conducts weekly masses and welcomes visitors who come to see both the shrine and its miraculous statue that survived the devastating fire.
2. Gelman Stained Glass Museum
COLORFUL ARTISTIC HERITAGE
The Gelman Stained Glass Museum showcases beautiful stained glass artistry and is located at 411 Virgen de San Juan Blvd in San Juan. Visitors can explore the vibrant collection that highlights this traditional art form with pieces of various styles and historical significance. The museum offers a unique cultural experience in the Rio Grande Valley and occasionally hosts special events like Mother's Day celebrations.
3. San Juan Hotel
HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDING
The San Juan Hotel is a historic structure built in 1920 and redesigned in 1928 in the iconic Spanish/Mission Revival style, serving as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Rio Grande Valley. Originally constructed to serve Anglo businessmen and political figures, the hotel has a complex history connected to the period known as 'La Matanza' or 'The Slaughter' when anti-Mexican violence was prevalent in Texas. Although currently vacant and deteriorating, the hotel was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1985 and was named to the National Trust's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list for 2025.
4. Lions Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Lions Park offers residents and visitors of San Juan a welcoming outdoor recreation space with various amenities. The park provides opportunities for families to enjoy picnics, playground equipment, and open green spaces. It serves as a central gathering place for community events and leisure activities throughout the year.
5. P•Kaboo Indoor Playground
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
P•Kaboo Indoor Playground is a popular family entertainment venue providing a safe and climate-controlled environment for children to play. The facility features various play structures, slides, and interactive activities designed for children of different ages. Parents appreciate this indoor option that allows kids to burn energy regardless of weather conditions outside.
6. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & Cook-off
CULTURAL CULINARY FESTIVAL
The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta & Cook-off is an annual celebration held in San Juan that brings together the community for food, music, and cultural activities. Visitors can sample various dishes prepared by local cooking teams competing for recognition in different categories. The event represents the lively community spirit of San Juan and its celebration of Mexican-American heritage.
7. Christmas BBQ Cook-off
HOLIDAY CULINARY COMPETITION
The Christmas BBQ Cook-off is a festive annual event in San Juan where barbecue enthusiasts showcase their grilling and smoking skills. Participants compete in various categories while attendees enjoy sampling delicious barbecue creations in a holiday atmosphere. This event has become a cherished tradition that brings together locals and visitors during the Christmas season.
8. Halloween Haunted House and Festival
SPOOKY SEASONAL CELEBRATION
The Halloween Haunted House and Festival is a popular seasonal attraction in San Juan featuring frightful experiences for thrill-seekers. The event includes a elaborately decorated haunted house along with festival activities suitable for various age groups. This community celebration has become a highlight of the fall season in San Juan, drawing visitors from across the Rio Grande Valley.
9. Museum of South Texas History
REGIONAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Museum of South Texas History, located near San Juan in Edinburg, chronicles the rich heritage of the Rio Grande Valley region. Exhibits span from prehistoric times through the settlement period and into the 20th century, featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors gain insight into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped South Texas through the museum's comprehensive collections and educational programs.
10. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
SUBTROPICAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,088-acre protected area located near San Juan that serves as a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife including over 400 bird species, making it a premier birdwatching destination. The refuge features trails, observation towers, and a canopy walk that allows visitors to experience the subtropical ecosystem from different perspectives. This ecological treasure offers guided tram tours and maintains a visitor center with educational exhibits about the unique Rio Grande Valley environment.
11. International Museum of Art & Science
CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in nearby McAllen offers visitors an enriching blend of art exhibitions and interactive science displays. The museum houses permanent collections of Mexican folk art, European and American paintings, and natural history specimens alongside rotating exhibitions. IMAS provides educational programming for all ages, including workshops, classes, and special events that connect art and science in engaging ways.
12. La Plaza Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
La Plaza Mall is the Rio Grande Valley's largest shopping center, located in McAllen just a short drive from San Juan. The upscale mall features over 150 specialty retailers, department stores, and dining options, including many luxury brands not found elsewhere in the region. Shoppers from both sides of the US-Mexico border frequent this retail destination for its comprehensive selection and amenities.
13. Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
BORDER HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is housed in one of Laredo's oldest buildings, which once served as the capitol of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840. The museum displays period furnishings, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of this independent nation that encompassed parts of Texas and three Mexican states. Visitors can explore the historical significance of border relations and the complex political history of the region through the museum's carefully preserved exhibits.
14. Costa Messa Restaurant
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN DINING
Costa Messa Restaurant offers an authentic Mexican dining experience near San Juan with recipes that have been passed down through generations. The restaurant is known for its fresh handmade tortillas, flavorful mole dishes, and traditional seafood preparations that showcase the culinary heritage of the region. Visitors appreciate the warm atmosphere, attentive service, and consistently high-quality food that has made Costa Messa a local favorite for decades.
15. Quinta Mazatlan
HISTORIC MANSION WILDLIFE CENTER
Quinta Mazatlan is a historic Spanish Revival adobe mansion built in the 1930s that now serves as a wing of the McAllen Public Library and an urban nature center. The 15-acre property features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and native habitat that attracts numerous bird species and butterflies throughout the year. Visitors can tour the architecturally significant mansion, participate in educational programs, or simply enjoy the peaceful grounds that showcase the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley.