If you’re in need of a great weekend getaway, Plano has got you covered! Combining a rich history with upscale luxury shopping, this North Texas city offers the appeal of big-city shopping without the crowded commute. Spend the day at Legacy West shopping center where you can find some of the hottest international brands, all within walking distance. We’re talking Louis Vuitton, Gucci, COACH, Lululemon, and much more. Not to mention the great one-a-kind boutiques like Cotton Island Boutique, Griffin and Grace and Ella Bleu to name a few.
After shopping ‘till you drop, Plano’s diverse dining scene is just what you need. They’ve got Tex-Mex, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, BBQ, Vegan, and almost any other kind of cuisine you can think of. With an extensive selection ranging from upscale to casual, you’ll surely find the right spot for nearly any occasion. Plano is a flourishing city, and you’re never short of fun things to do, such as live events, festivals, a thriving music scene, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Read on to find some great tips for making this year’s getaway one to remember!
Where to Stay
With more than 7,200 hotel rooms, there’s a place to stay just for YOU. Explore our editor’s top-pick or check out a full list of hotels here.
If you’re thinking of taking your getaway stay to the next level, consider the only AAA 4-Diamond hotel in Plano: the Renaissance at Plano Legacy West. Centrally located off the Dallas North Tollway on Legacy Drive, this luxury hotel is just steps away from endless shopping and dining at Legacy West and offers 304 rooms in a 15-story state-of-the-art building.
Not to mention the fitness center, room service, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a heated rooftop pool fully complete with rentable poolside cabanas! If you’re looking to spend the day poolside but not staying the night at the Renaissance, check out Resort Pass where you can purchase a day pass or cabana reservation.
Another top-notch choice worth considering is the 4.6-star Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park. This hotel is at the heart of The Shops at Legacy East, making this a prime location for a weekend getaway or a memorable shopping trip experience!
For some amazing hotel deals, be sure to check out Visit Plano’s official hotel deal guide when planning this year’s Plano summer getaway.
Where to Shop
Legacy West takes shopping to the next level with a huge lineup of luxury names like Golden Goose, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and COACH, to name a few. This luxurious shopping center is also home to some of our editors’ favorites including Pockets, Read Between the Lines and Bonobos. No matter your style, you’re bound to find your next favorite outfit at Legacy West.
If you’re looking for a fun, walkable atmosphere with a ton of great outlets, check out The Shops at Legacy East and The Shops at Legacy North. They’ve got a huge assortment of must-stop shops with everything from home decor to beauty and accessories. After you get the shopping out of your system, you can choose from one of their many restaurants where you can sit down and recharge your batteries with a fresh margarita and a tasty meal!
The Shops at Willowbend are a local-favorite with popular destinations like Crate&Barrel, Neiman Marcus, and Restoration Hardware. You’ll walk through the doors feeling welcomed with an inviting, open atmosphere of cute little shops and beloved eateries featuring some great Texas-inspired apparel and plenty of highly-esteemed luxury brands.
The Downtown Plano Arts District is a collection of historic streets and buildings, house galleries, antique stores, restaurants, and local boutiques featuring home décor, handmade jewelry and so much more! Be careful, you might spend all day here!
Where to Eat
Plano has undeniably solidified its status as a foodie destination through a diverse assortment of restaurants. Whether you’re looking for something new, on a strict diet, or simply in the mood for a good old-fashioned cheeseburger, Plano has got you covered.
Before you get a table, be sure to sign up for a free Taste of Plano Foodie Pass so you can earn points and rewards while dining out at participating restaurants. After checking in at 20 restaurants, you’ll automatically be entered into a sweepstake where you have the chance to win multiple prizes including a one-of-a-kind Chef’s Table Dinner Experience!
For a bite that’ll have you saying OMG, check out Lockharts Smokehouse for some great BBQ. Looking for lunch in paradise? Take a shopping break at Haywire in Legacy West and enjoy a fresh take on New American with “ranch to table” ingredients, specialty cocktails, and sweet desserts.
Be sure to check out Legacy Food Hall, the ultimate food court filled with over 20 different cuisine and dining options. Our faves include Roots Chicken Shak, Chilangos Tacos, Dry Rub, and Son of a Butcher.
After you get through at The Shops at Willow Bend, make sure you head over to The District, a collection of buzz-worthy restaurants including local-favorite Mexican Bar Company.
If you’re in the mood for a juicy steak? We recommend BAR-Ranch Steak Company on 15th Street or Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse on Legacy Drive, both of which are solid choices that will not disappoint.
The Boardwalk at Granite Park is a 30,000-square-foot restaurant pavilion and is home to three of our favorites including the Suburban Yacht Club, a coastal cantina with tropical cocktails and SoCal Inspired food. Union Bear Brewing Co., a locally owned and operated brewery, and Bavette Grill, a modern American bistro with a comfy atmosphere. The Boardwalk has multiple restaurants with beautiful patios and outdoor games like Connect Four and Corn Hole, and it’s a great place to stroll, dine, and unwind.
What to Do
If you’re looking for a fun outdoor venue with lots to do, check out The Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall. They’ve got live music, engaging trivia, and a great atmosphere. The fun is endless with a multitude of events and live music performances happening all throughout the week and while you’re there. Check out a list of events here!
Get ready for an awesome combination of picturesque woodland views and rip-roaring fun with over 40 thrilling obstacles and a zipline tour at Go Ape in Oak Point Park! After soaring through the air, you can embrace the outdoors with Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve’s 8 miles of trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, and ziplining.
Relive your childhood memories and bring the kiddos along to the Crayola Experience. The 27 interactive attractions like melt & mold, drip art, and the color playground are sure to keep the family entertained for the whole day! Not to mention they have the world’s largest selection of Crayola products with all kinds of souvenirs and a nearly endless collection of vibrant Crayola colors! It’s all within reach at the Crayola Experience in Plano!
Having trouble deciding between football and bowling? Tap into your competitive spirit and check out Fowling Warehouse on 14th Street. Known as the “original football bowling game,” this unique experience combines two of America’s favorite pastimes, and they’ve got a great selection of food and drinks to keep the fun going!
For a fun night of original bowling, be sure to head over to Pinstack! They’ve got lane-side service, classic American food, and an impressive full bar. After you get the bowling out of your system, you can take the fun to the next level with their laser tag arena, bumper car track, rock climbing wall, and a high-ropes course that’s suspended over a massive, grand arcade. This is also an ideal spot for parties as they house several private event areas fully complete with personal lanes and an exclusive VIP bowling lounge!
The Heritage Farmstead Museum is a premier Texas Blackland Prairie living historical site. This museum aims to offer visitors a unique experience with objects and ideas from different time periods and ages! You can even take tours to see what life was like back then while living on the Blackland Prairie. Make sure to check out the other events Heritage Farmstead Museum has to offer when planning ahead!
You know what they say, “everything is bigger in Texas!” The Texas Pool is 168,000 gallons of saltwater shaped like the great State of Texas. The pool features a diving board, two water slides, and an island with a shallow South Texas inspired wading area for small children and parents. Cook out on their BBQ grills or enjoy the snack bar. There are also picnic tables and a beach volleyball court. Tourist passes are available!
