Saddle Up For a Good Time in Plano, Texas

Across the Lone Star State are pockets of early American history, untouched nature and trademark gastronomy. But few cities in Texas kick up so many of those enticing experiences in one compact destination as Plano.

Located about 20 miles north of Dallas, Plano welcomes travelers keen to explore the spirit of Texas in a nutshell. The city's U.S. roots date back to the 1840s when settlers started building the town that established its first railroad in 1872. Plano kept growing, seeing farming give way to 20th-century industry. By the 1980s, the city's population boomed, and major companies set up headquarters, making Plano a busy metropolis in its own right.

Today, Plano celebrates its heritage through distinct arts, culture and attractions. The city builds on that legacy with memorable dining, entertainment and recreation, plus a strong LGBTQ community, which marks the 11th North Texas Pride Festival in June 2021.

Whether you're looking for a day trip, road trip or change of scenery, Plano is ready to welcome you with open arms as wide as the state of Texas.

Retail Therapy and Plano's Natural Best

Whether you're looking for family-friendly, food-focused or even activities with your four-legged friend, there are plenty of things to do in Plano year-round.

Many of the best local attractions are perfect for Plano's sunny weather, like the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. The 200-acre park, perched on the west side of town, offers walking, biking and hiking trails where you can picnic, see wildlife and climb an observation tower with views across the city.

If you're eager for even more active time in nature, strap into ziplining gear at Go Ape Treetop Adventure course. From the middle of Plano's Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, the high-ropes adventure course has tree-to-tree crossings, Tarzan swings, and super-long ziplines through woodland canopies.

All that action is sure to stoke your appetite, so head to Legacy Hall for a bite at Plano's mightiest food hall. Home to more than 20 eateries and several bars, the hall's vendors serve up tasty tacos, barbeque and more, along with chef-curated menus, craft cocktails and special events from trivia to music and movie nights.

Such filling Texas fare may lead to another temptation: shopping. Luckily, the hall is part of the Legacy West retail complex, where you can browse top brands along open-air Windrose Avenue. Across the Dallas North Tollway, the Shops at Legacy boasts high-end retailers, restaurants, day spas and salons for a full day of luxury.

If vintage vibes are your thing, don't miss the Downtown Plano Arts District. The 4.7-acre area features the city's oldest architecture and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

The neighborhood is ideal for strolling, gallery-hopping, sipping coffee and stopping by the free Interurban Railway Museum at Haggard Park. (Note: The museum interior is temporarily closed, but its outdoor exhibit is open.)

When night falls, chill out on the Boardwalk at Granite Park. A waterfront boardwalk lined with bars and eateries connects the commercial-residential enclave, making a dreamy spot to take in the evening's fresh air. And don't miss the Boardwalk's weekly farmer's market, held every Sunday.

Walk This Way

One of the best springtime events returns on Saturday, April 24, 2021, to the Downtown Arts District. Plano Artfest is a free festival built on artistic inclusiveness, creative crafts and cultural connection. This year, Artfest aims to inspire and delight with art demonstrations, the artisan makers' market and live music.

Pair your Artfest visit with the same-day Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk. Buy your ticket to join a signature wine-tasting series with 20 stops around the historic Arts District.

Downtown cocktail walks are big in Plano, as some of the best outdoor, seasonal events in town. One of the top events beckons margarita lovers, who should turn out for the ticketed Downtown Plano Margarita Walk, scheduled for June 12 and featuring cocktail and taco tastings at nearly two-dozen stops.

Or maybe a cold beer or chilled wine is your style? The Downtown Plano Beer + Wine Walk, set for August 14, 2021, is the best summer tasting session for you.

Come autumn, trade your cowboy boots for lederhosen at the German-themed Downtown Plano Oktoberfest Beer Walk, where your ticket comes with a frothy tasting series and a pretzel necklace.

Stay a While

Plano is a hot spot for meetings and conventions, so hotel options abound across the city. Visit Plano hosts a wide-ranging list of more than 50 hotels in town.

Better still, access to central Plano is an easy 30-minute drive from Dallas's two main airports and is part of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail network.

Lodging is convenient in Plano's northwest area, where the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West welcomes visitors to enjoy terrific amenities – including a heated rooftop pool and spa – and is just steps from the Legacy West dining and retail destination.

A stone's throw away, the Marriott at Legacy Town Center is walking distance from The Shops at Legacy and its culinary offerings and offers a heated pool and whirlpool, fitness center, room service and more.

Just minutes from the Boardwalk at Granite Park (and from several of Plano's biggest corporate HQs), fans of industrial-chic decor and loft-style rooms will enjoy the NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. In addition to its outdoor courtyard, game room, 24-hour gym with sauna and poolside dining, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle with access to sports arenas and other attractions.

Pride Returns to Plano
On Saturday, June 12, the North Texas Pride Foundation will host its "North Texas Pride: Come As You Are Festival" at downtown's Haggard Park. The LGBTQ celebration went on hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, when the foundation would have marked its decade milestone.

That means 2021 will ring in the North Texas Pride "10 year +1" anniversary, so be sure to pack your most festive outfit (better yet, go shopping) to add your own LGBTQ spirit to Plano's Pride.