Updated: 6/2/22
Written by: Michelle Williams. Originally published on A Girl From TX @agirlfromtx.
Have an upcoming trip to Dallas and looking for things to do in Plano, Texas? Or maybe you’re like me and your family lives there and you want to visit! Either way, we put together our ultimate guide of Things to Do in Plano, Texas for your upcoming Plano visit! You’re going to love this gorgeous city just outside of the Dallas!
Also, a special shout-out to Yvan Nguyen for being an incredible Plano guide and helping put this list together! Yvan is an incredible Austin-based photographer that actually grew up in Plano herself, so you know these spots are all local-approved!
WHERE TO STAY & GETTING AROUND IN PLANO
Cambria Hotel Plano Frisco
I stayed at the Cambria Hotel while I was there. Absolutely loved the convenience of the location with it being just down the road from the Shops at Legacy where you can find TONS of food options, shopping, bars for happy hour and late night drinks, and offices if you happen to be working in Plano or there for business.
The hotel staff was so friendly, and a special shout-out to the front desk guy who always made me laugh as I went in and out!
Getting To Plano From Dallas
The trip between Plano and Dallas takes about 15-30 minutes depending on where in the city you are! The Dallas North Texas Expressway is a great option if you need to get from one to the other quickly.
Getting to Plano from DFW Airport
While I would recommend renting a car on your trip, you will have NO problems getting an Uber or Lyft from the DFW Airport! If you haven’t taken either before, you can use THIS promo code for a free Lyft and THIS promo code for a free Uber to Plano!
Getting Around Plano
I absolutely would recommend renting a car if you are driving around Plano and visiting the city. While it is SO easy to walk around the Shops at Legacy and the Boardwalk without a car, a car will definitely make life easier.
FAMILY FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN PLANO
Walk Around Granite Park
This little piece of Plano was one of my favorites! Plenty of restaurants and bars (including a brewery named below) for you to stop by, and comfy chairs (and a fire pit!) to sit with and enjoy the view of the water. Especially good if you have picky kiddos that need a lot of nearby food options to choose from, also if you need a beer.
Pictures at Bluebonnet Trail
If you’re looking for a gorgeous Spring bluebonnet spot for photos (or just to enjoy beauty of) then this is great place to enjoy! Tons of stunning flowers on this trail!
Rope Courses at Go Ape
This was one of the MOST FUN things we did in Plano! We came into it expecting it to be “easy” and we were oh so wrong. It was an absolute blast for kids and adults alike! They also had different options of medium to extreme routes for those that weren’t feeling as great about the adventures. High recommend for something to do in Plano with kids.
The Texas Pool
If you’re visiting during summer, you have to check out The Texas Pool! Shaped just like the great state of Texas is this cool Plano pool your kids will love and will definitely keep them cool in the heat.
Walk Around Downtown Plano
With tons of great restaurants, cute murals, coffee shops, and boutiques Downtown Plano is an absolute gem. I recommend heading either here or the Shops at Legacy for dinner and getting there early or staying late to enjoy and walk around the area!
Main Event
I have to add this because when I was a kid living in the DFW area I would LOVE going to Main Event! It’s basically a giant bowling alley / game hall with bowling, pool, arcade games, and laser tag. Basically, the perfect spot if you happen if you need some rainy day activities in Plano!
WHERE TO GRAB BRUNCH IN PLANO
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- Credit: Sixty Vines
Sixty Vines in Plano
I’ve known about Sixty Vines for YEARS and finally got a chance to go! Had an incredible brunch and delicious wine with their fully stocked wines on tap. Seriously the perfect place for a brunch with your family (my mom would love this spot) or with your girls!
Prim & Proper
This cute little brunch gem inside the Neighborhood Goods store at Shops at Legacy is a serious BEAUTY. It’s a little less well known than Sixty Vines, so you’re way more likely to get a reservation here. It is absolutely a great spot for lunch, followed by some shopping around Legacy!
The Biscuit Bar
Oh my gosh their biscuits made my heart happy. Wish I had one as I am typing this. This is the best option if you want a faster on-the-go brunch! I was surprised by how quickly the line went and loved getting to eat my biscuit by the water at the Boardwalk.
PLANO BEST PLACES TO EAT
Legacy Hall
The obvious must because no matter what kind of food the group wants, they 100% will have it here! Legacy Hall opened within the past couple years in Plano and is an insane food hall with countless options, indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and honestly so much more. Highly recommend as your go-to lunch or dinner spot and you get to try out so many local gems! Below are some of my favorites at Legacy Hall:
Enter the Bao // Press Waffles Co // Carlton Provisions // Susiecakes // Velvet Taco // Whisk & Eggs
Whiskey Cake
We stopped here for drinks & desserts and OY! was that some good whiskey cake! Their signature caramel whiskey cake is a must try if you’re in the area. Also great cocktails and beers on top to go with it!
Urban Crust
While we did not have time to stop here ourselves, our trusted guide Yvan was singing it’s praises and loves how easy and low key Urban Crust in Downtown Plano is! So if you’re down there, she would recommend stopping by for a slice.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
More American-food style, which is perfect with the fam! We loved this gorgeous restaurant and especially enjoyed the outdoor patio. Located right in the heart of Legacy West too for some pre-dinner shopping.
The Keeper
An incredible seafood spot if you’re craving something fun. I loved this little restaurant and wish we had time to get more food there than we did. However, my friend Alex (also from Plano!) highly recommends and would add it to his Plano rec list for ya. *The Keeper has since closed.
Nicolas
A cute little Italian gem at The Shops at Legacy which makes for a perfect date night spot! Grab a glass of wine and shore some pasta with your cutie on their adorable outdoor patio. *Nicolas has since closed.
North Italia
Okay. Truth be told, I have only had North Italia at their Austin locations, but I would definitely recommend! I have no doubt their Plano one will live up to expectations. If you have never had North Italia before, then your Italian pasta loving heart with be very, very happy here.
GO SHOPPING IN PLANO
Boutiques in Downtown Plano
There are so many adorable boutiques and small businesses in Downtown Plano that are worth checking out! These store owners have curated amazing little shops and have some incredibly beautiful and unique items. I actually ended up buying something for Lafoofaraw boutique myself.
Stores in Shops at Legacy
If you want a full on shopping day with all your favorite stores, check out the gorgeous Shops at Legacy Outdoor Mall! Walk around and shop till you drop, then stop at one of the many gorgeous patios for a drink or a bite to eat. My mom and I actually love heading here on our shopping trips!
Coffee Shops in Plano
Mudleaf Coffee
I have had this one on my list for a while, and it lived up to the hype. Plenty of tables, delicious coffee, a reservable room for studying, and a giant play rug for kids complete with games and toys.
1418 Coffee House
If you’re a fan of the low-key cozy coffee shop, then this is definitely the spot for you. Comfy & cozy seating and delicious coffee combined! Especially perfect if you want to get some reading done.
Mecca Matcha
The mecca craze has come over to Plano! Mecca is absolutely beloved and well liked, and while I personally don’t like matcha myself, I have heard matcha-lovers say many good things. If that’s you, then head right on over here!
Hiccup Tea House
This one is SUCH a fun space to get a fun drink! Their teas are the epitome of Insta-worthy. It’s also a little more low key so it usually isn’t crazy busy!
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK FOR HAPPY HOUR IN PLANO
Sixty Vines
I talked about it before, but it HAD to come back down to this section too because of the incredible wine selection they have! A little on the pricy side, but the beauty of this place and the selection they have make it absolutely worthy for a wine date with your girls or a special event.
Union Bear
A Plano brewery located right on the boardwalk! Loved this little brewery and the ability to sit waterside on the patio with a cold beer. This is a great low-key style placed to get the gang together for sure. Also, plenty of awesome food options nearby!
Hub Streat
Mentioned above because of how kid friendly it is, and had to bring it up here again! The drinks are reasonably priced, the patio is a blast, the game room is perfect to keep kids entertained, and the TVs are aplenty if you have a game to watch!
Taco Diner
I absolutely love myself a good mambo taxi. If you haven’t been to the Mi Cocina spin off spot, then you have to go! It’s got a killer happy hour too so the drinks are a lot more affordable! *Taco Diner has since closed.
Thank you guys so much for checking out our Things to Do in Plano Texas Guide! We had such a blast visiting over the weekend and I love getting to explore more of the Dallas Fort Worth area. I grew up just outside of Plano (shout-out to Grapevine Colleyville) and never spent enough time in this ever rapidly growing city. So glad I finally got to put together this list of Things to Do in Plano!
Photo credits: @agirlfromtx and @simplyyvan
