Just a quick drive north up I-75 from Dallas, Allen is an outlet bargainista’s dream! Known throughout the metroplex for excellent shopping, Allen also offers an expansive selection of restaurants and plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Allen is the perfect destination for a hassle-free, affordable weekend getaway! 

Where to Stay

Maximize your vacation time by staying smack dab in the middle of the action! Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center, Hampton Inn & Suites—Dallas Allen and Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at Credit Union of Texas Event Center are just a few of the fabulous hotels within walking distance of shopping, dining and entertainment. 

The Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center blends luxury and convenience, boasting rustic design along with curated art and the latest technology. Enjoy original cuisine, generous parking, a fitness center, a stunning patio and pool, plus shopping and dining right across the street. This is what staycation dreams are made of!

Courtyard by Marriott is an easy two-minute walk from The Village at Allen’s selection of shopping, dining and entertainment options, and boasts an indoor pool perfect for the kiddos. Marriott is going above and beyond to provide the best lodging options for your getaway—know before you go, and check out their cancelation and commitment to cleanliness policies. 

Adjacent to Allen Premium Outlets and with easy access to the interstate, you’ll find rates as low as $77 per night at Hampton Inn & Suites. Find out more about the measures they’re taking to ensure your stay is safe for the whole family!

Find even more lodging options here.

Where to Shop

“Sale” is our favorite four letter word, and they are plentiful, along with great prices, at the recently renovated Allen Premium Outlets, A Simon Center. From Coach to Converse to Columbia, you can stock up on name brands without the sticker shock. Check out this list of currently open stores as you map out your bargain hunt!

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm and Sunday: 12-6pm. Individual store hours may vary.

Situated on 52 acres of village greens, Watters Creek Village is full of interactive public art, delicious dining options and stores fit for everyone in the family! The ambiance of Watters Creek Village makes it the perfect spot to spend the day. Shop favorites like Anthropologie, Francesca’s, and DSW or pick up must-have accessories at Kendra Scott. After you’ve scoured the shops, treat yourself from head to toe at the amazing salon and spa selections like Envy Nail Spa, The Lash Lounge, and Madison Reed Color Bar. The possibilities are endless at this must-visit shopping Mecca!

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm and Sunday: 12-6pm. Individual store hours may vary.

The Village at Allen offers something for everyone (even the dog!), from shopping, to dining, to a kid-friendly outdoor greenspace. Drop off the pup at The Mutt Puddle for some TLC while you spend the day exploring stores like James Avery, HomeGoods, Cabela’s, Kid to Kid and Ulta Beauty. It’s all fun and games at Exit 4 Private Escape Rooms and Topgolf, or you can chill out at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Refuel as a family at restaurants like Shakertins and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, or try out local favorite Dodie’s Cajun. Mayweather Boxing is ready to welcome you if you have any energy left in the tank after your day of shopping!

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm and Sunday: 11am-6pm. Individual store hours may vary.

Where to Eat

If you’re a Texan who takes Tex-Mex very seriously (as we all should), we recommend you eat at one of the best Tex-Mex places in Allen, Uncle Julio’s. You can expect to enjoy some made-from-scratch Mexican food in a fun, festive atmosphere. Be sure to grab an order of their sizzling fajitas and wash them down with a legendary “swirl” cocktail – the original frozen collision of Spain and Mexico combining a frozen margarita and frozen sangria.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30am-9pm and Friday-Saturday: 11:30am-10pm

We would be remiss not to mention Roman Cucina for some top-notch Italian food in Allen. Winding down with a glass of wine and some pepperoni garlic bread sounds like the perfect ending to any day.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5-9pm and Friday-Saturday: 5-9:30pm

Kelly’s At The Village (not to be confused with The Kelly Farm Burger Stand) has brisket nachos to die for! As if you needed any more convincing to check out this local favorite, it also has a pretty lively nightlife scene and over 40 beers on tap. 

Frogg Coffee Bar and Creperie, a Watters Creek staple, will make you feel like you’re sipping coffee in a little café in Europe. The menu features artisan coffee, gourmet crepes, fresh salads, appetizers, fine wine and Texas beer. Sip and dine on the oversized patio overlooking the creek.

What to Do

You don’t need a boat to go wakeboarding in this day-and-age. Hydrous Wake Park at Allen Station makes it possible to wakeboard in the middle of the metroplex with a cable park and a body of water! If you are not interested in getting in and getting wet, Hydrous provides sitting areas for observing flips and tricks (and major wipeouts). 

Hours: Open Monday-Sunday from 12pm-6pm., you can book a 2 hour session online for up to 16 people here.

If you’re a mega daredevil, grab your BMX bikes and skateboards to stunt your way around The Edge @ Allen Skate Park. Featuring a concrete skate park, two roller-hockey rinks and a BMX track, this skate park is one of the largest and gnarliest outdoor facilities of its kind in Texas.

Hours: 8am-11 pm for all skate areas. BMX track hours are from 8am to dusk.

Complete your trip with some friendly family competition at Pinstack. The fun doesn’t stop at the state-of-the-art bowling lanes, indoor games, laser mazes or the LED Rock Climbing Wall—this activity venue also boasts a full-service restaurant featuring chef-inspired cuisine and a full bar!

Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-12am: Friday-Saturday: 11am-2am