Collin County Visitor Guide

Discover the best places to eat, play, and stay in Collin County.
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Collin County Texas Visitors Guide

Planning a trip to Collin County, Texas? You’re in for a vibrant mix of historic charm, modern luxury, family-friendly fun, and natural beauty. Located just north of Dallas, Collin County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, and it offers an impressive variety of attractions, shopping, dining, and outdoor experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re exploring small towns, visiting bustling cities like Plano and Frisco, or just passing through, this complete guide covers the best of what to do, see, and eat in Collin County.

PLACES TO STAY
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Where Is Collin County?

Collin County is located in North Texas, forming part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It’s bordered by Denton County to the west, Dallas County to the south, and Grayson County to the north.

Major cities within Collin County include:

  • Plano

  • Frisco

  • McKinney

  • Allen

  • Prosper

  • Celina

  • Murphy

  • Princeton

  • Fairview

Thanks to excellent highways like US-75, SH-121, and the Dallas North Tollway, Collin County is incredibly easy to navigate—whether you’re arriving from Dallas or flying into DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field.

Why Visit Collin County?

Collin County is more than just a Dallas suburb. It’s a destination all its own. Here’s why travelers love coming here:

  • Safe, clean, and family-friendly

  • Great mix of modern and historic attractions

  • Tons of shopping and dining options

  • Festivals and events year-round

  • Easy access to lakes, trails, and parks

  • Welcoming small-town vibes with big-city convenience

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, planning a romantic getaway, or organizing a family vacation, Collin County offers a little something for everyone.

Best Cities to Explore in Collin County

1. Plano

The largest city in Collin County, Plano is a hub for:

  • Upscale dining and shopping

  • Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy

  • Historic Downtown Plano

  • Beautiful parks like Oak Point Nature Preserve

2. Frisco

One of the fastest-growing cities in America, Frisco is perfect for:

  • Sports lovers (home of the Dallas Cowboys HQ, RoughRiders, and FC Dallas)

  • Family-friendly attractions like KidZania and Sci-Tech Discovery Center

  • World-class shopping at Stonebriar Centre and The Star District

3. McKinney

Famous for its charming downtown, McKinney is a top spot for:

  • Boutique shopping

  • Local art galleries

  • Foodie-approved restaurants

  • Festivals like Oktoberfest and Home for the Holidays

4. Allen

Allen is ideal for:

  • Outlet shopping at Allen Premium Outlets

  • Catching a hockey game at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center

  • Exploring the new mixed-use development, The Farm in Allen

5. Prosper, Celina, and Beyond

These emerging towns offer:

  • Scenic countryside drives

  • Hidden gem eateries

  • Local vineyards and wineries

  • Weekend farmer’s markets and antique fairs

THINGS TO DO
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Top Attractions in Collin County

The Star in Frisco

The 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters includes:

  • Dining and shopping

  • Tours of the Cowboys facility

  • Ford Center events and games

Heritage Village in McKinney

Step back in time with historic homes, reenactments, and local history exhibits.

Crayola Experience – Plano

A hit with kids of all ages, offering interactive exhibits, art stations, and family fun.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary – McKinney

Enjoy nature trails, live animal exhibits, and educational programs in a beautiful setting.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve – Plano

Perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and family picnics, with dirt trails and paved loops.

Best Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of parks, lakes, and trails scattered throughout the county:

  • Lavon Lake – Boating, fishing, and camping

  • Towne Lake Park – Paddle boats, trails, and picnic areas

  • Erwin Park – Mountain biking, hiking, and camping

  • Celebration Park in Allen – A favorite for families with its splash pad and sports fields

Whether you’re biking, jogging, or kayaking, Collin County makes it easy to get outdoors.

Shopping Destinations You Can’t Miss

You won’t leave empty-handed after a visit to Collin County. Some top retail spots include:

  • Legacy West (Plano) – High-end shopping and dining

  • Allen Premium Outlets – Designer brands at outlet prices

  • The Star District (Frisco) – Chic boutiques, local brands, and restaurants

  • Downtown McKinney – Antique stores, handmade crafts, and vintage finds

  • Stonebriar Centre (Frisco) – Large indoor mall with department stores and an AMC theater

From luxury goods to one-of-a-kind gifts, shoppers will love exploring Collin County’s retail scene.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

The food scene in Collin County is just as diverse as its cities. Whether you crave BBQ, international cuisine, or sweet treats, you’ll find it all here.

Plano

  • Haywire – Texas-inspired upscale dining

  • Sixty Vines – Wine-focused modern American cuisine

  • Whiskey Cake – Scratch kitchen with a rustic vibe

Frisco

  • Eight | 11 Place – Cozy wine bar and live music

  • The Heritage Table – Farm-to-table dining in a restored home

  • Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano – Authentic and upscale Mexican fare

McKinney

  • Harvest Seasonal Kitchen – Organic and locally sourced dishes

  • The Yard – Laid-back food truck park and bar

  • Hutchins BBQ – A must-visit for smoky Texas barbecue

Allen and Beyond

  • The Brass Tap (Allen) – Craft beers and live music

  • Urban Crust (Plano) – Artisan pizza and rooftop views

  • E.J. Wills Gastropub (McKinney) – Great burgers and atmosphere

PLACES TO EAT
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Where to Stay in Collin County

Whether you’re looking for a boutique stay or a full-service hotel, you’ll find plenty of options.

Luxury & Upscale

  • Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star

  • Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West

  • NYLO Plano at Legacy

Family-Friendly Hotels

  • Hyatt House Frisco

  • Residence Inn by Marriott McKinney

  • Hilton Garden Inn Allen

Budget-Friendly Options

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites

  • Comfort Suites McKinney

  • Holiday Inn Express Plano

Festivals and Events to Plan Around

Collin County hosts dozens of events throughout the year, so plan your visit accordingly!

  • McKinney Oktoberfest – Live music, German food, and beer

  • Frisco Freedom Fest – 4th of July fireworks and family fun

  • Plano Balloon Festival – Hot air balloons, food, and entertainment

  • Allen USA Celebration – A massive Independence Day event

  • Celina Cajun Fest – Crawfish, music, and community vibes

  • Christmas in the Square (Frisco) – Dazzling holiday light displays

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Traveling with kids? No problem. Collin County is packed with kid-approved attractions:

  • Play Street Museum (multiple locations)

  • KidZania – Frisco

  • Urban Air Adventure Park

  • Altitude Trampoline Park

  • PINSTACK Bowling and Arcade

  • National Videogame Museum

Many parks also include splash pads, shaded playgrounds, and easy walking trails.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Want to experience the area like a local? Don’t miss these under-the-radar spots:

  • Chestnut Square Historic Village – McKinney

  • Fowling Warehouse – Plano (football + bowling hybrid game)

  • Crape Myrtle Trails – McKinney

  • Texas Sculpture Garden – Frisco

  • Local vineyards in Celina and Prosper

These spots offer a unique taste of Collin County culture and charm.

Transportation and Getting Around

The easiest way to explore Collin County is by car. While some areas have local transit options (like DART in Plano), most visitors prefer to drive.

  • Dallas North Tollway, US-75, and SH-121 provide fast travel between cities

  • Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available

  • Most hotels offer free parking

Flying in? You’re less than an hour from:

  • DFW International Airport

  • Dallas Love Field

Conclusion: Why Collin County Should Be on Your Texas Travel List

From bustling downtowns and elegant suburbs to scenic trails and unforgettable dining, Collin County, Texas offers a dynamic experience for every kind of visitor. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, sports event, shopping spree, or family vacation, you’ll find authentic Texas charm, cutting-edge development, and a community that welcomes you with open arms.

So pack your bags and come explore everything that makes Collin County a top destination in Texas—you’ll be glad you did.

Featured Communities in Collin County

Learn more about the best places to live in Collin County.

Allen

35 minutes from Dallas

Fairview

40 minutes from Dallas
McKinney-Texas-Featured-Image

McKinney

35 minutes from Dallas

Melissa

50 minutes from Dallas

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