Roughly halfway between McAllen and Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas is best known for its close access to South Padre Island and for the Marine Military Academy, one of the best military high schools in the country. Each year, spring breakers stream into Harlingen on their way to South Padre Island and many hotels on the island offer free shuttle service from the airport. Harlingen also provides easy access to the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets in nearby Mercedes, TX. While visiting Harlingen, you can see original clay sculpture of the Iwo Jima monument and visit the Iwo Jima Museum located on the Marine Military Academy campus.