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8 Best Things To See And Do in Plano, Texas

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Looking for the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas? You’re in the right place! We had a blast on our visit to the Lonestar state. Plano, Texas is just a hop, skip, and jump away from it’s huge nearby neighbor Dallas. Those of us who love to draw outside the lines also enjoy going a little bit off the beaten path. It’s great to get away from the traffic, crowds, and queues that shorten the time we have to spend on fun. If that sounds good to you, then check out Plano where it’s busy but not a burden to do all the fun things they have waiting for you.

If you haven’t already read our articles about our fabulous accommodations or all the amazing food we tried, you’ll want to read those after you see all the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas. Here are eight of our favorite ways to spend your time in this fun and frisky town.

Disclaimer: Our visit to Plano, Texas was hosted by Visit Plano. The opinions expressed are strictly our own based on our experiences.

1. Shop Till You Drop

There’s no denying that Plano is a shopper’s dream. Shopping areas are so thoughtfully laid out that you can park once and literally spend all day browsing, sampling, playing, and investigating an incredible array of items in every category. Two of our very favorite shop stops are Shops At Legacy and Legacy West. They’re both large collections of stores with enough variety to keep you busy for the better part of a day if shopping is your jam.

The Shops at Legacy fountain The Best things To See and Do in Plano Texas
The Shops at Legacy

Shops At Legacy

In the Shops At Legacy, you’ll find clothing, jewelry and accessories, gifts and specialty items, home items and furnishings, and sporting goods. Many of the shops are local boutiques selling distinctive and unique items that will reflect your tastes and personal style. There are also plenty of well-known brands as well as places to pick up those special gifts for friends and family back home. Don’t miss popping into the one-off-a-kind shop Another Time & Place for handmade items like lanterns, Turkish rugs, and jewelry to feel like you’re strolling through the Grand Bazaar.

Legacy West

Legacy West is home to some of the world’s best-known premier brands. There are not many places you can shop for a Tesla, diamonds, luxury watches, and distinctive lingerie all together and without having to drive around. But you can do that Legacy West. It’s pretty clear to us that shopping is definitely one of the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas.

2. Explore The Historic Downtown Arts District

Lots of Plano is sparkling and shiny brand new for sure. That’s why we love getting the best of both worlds by spending time exploring the charms of the Historic Downtown Arts District too. This gem of a neighborhood offers a chance to enjoy architecturally interesting historical buildings, many of which remain from the late 1800s and early 1900s as a testament to the enduring grandeur of this multifaceted community core. History buffs and architecture fans will find plenty of reasons to ooh and ahh when surveying the many beautiful structures. Everyone can enjoy the many different places to eat and drink. There’s plenty of shopping to be found here too.

Plano Street Art Things to Do and See in Plano Texas
Street Art in Historic Plano Arts District

Different things to do like an Art & Wine Walk, Mistletoe Market, Scavenger Hunts, and more give everyone a chance to have fun and experience the area all at the same time. Be sure to put the Historic Downtown on your list of best things to see and do in Plano, Texas.

3. Get Artsy

Art lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in Plano. There’s lots of street and public art. We followed the sculptures of longhorns in our own sort of cowpoke trail, which was a fun way to see all the different pieces. You can also see artworks at galleries downtown and around town. Holman Pottery, and Skypony Gallery offer just the tip of the iceberg.

Longhorn sculptures in Plano, Texas
Longhorn sculptures in Plano, Texas

If you’d rather get your inner artist working yourself, check out the classes and workshops available at Pipe & Palette. Recent topics have covered flow painting, hand lettering, pain your pet and urban watercolor. There’s also plenty of neat art and creative works to see in their shop, so have fun exploring even if you’re not ready to create your own masterpiece just yet.

Performing arts also get their due in Plano. There are various venues for dance, music, theater and all kinds of live performances. North Texas Performing Arts – Plano is just one spot that offers family-friendly live performances.

4. Go To The Plano Balloon Festival/Oak Point Nature Preserve

We love a day in nature and the Oak Point Nature Preserve is a great spot to get your dose of the great outdoors in Plano. With 800 acres of park including 13 miles of nature trails and a creek, Oak Point is Plano’s largest park. There are plenty of great views to enjoy if you like to walk and explore. If you’re into other activities like canoeing, kayaking, or SUP, they have you covered.

Plano Balloon Festival Best Things to See And Do in Plano texas
Balloons preparing for evening festivities at the Plano Balloon Festival

But for the ultimate in outdoor activities, you’ll want to check out the amazing Plano Balloon Festival that takes place every fall. Along with a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Run/Walk events, the grounds are filled with live bands, food and vendor booths, and plenty of balloon-focused activities. There’s the Balloon Launch, Balloon Fly-In Competition, and awesome Balloon Glow that fills the night air with the glow of huge floating air balloons illuminated by their burners. Texans from all over and visitors alike look forward to this stunning event every year.

5. Enjoy Food And Fun at Legacy Hall/The Box Garden

Legacy Hall (aka Legacy Food Hall) is one of those amazing collections of food, drinks, and fun that have been popping up all over the world. Inside this feast-worthy marketplace are some 25 eateries and craft bars, filled with delights from cultures around the world. And while we love to munch a bunch, what’s different about this gathering place is that it also incorporates a great entertainment venue, The Box Garden, putting it on our list of best things to see and do in Plano, Texas.

Box Garden at Legacy Hall
Box Garden at Legacy Hall

This multipurpose outdoor space has a large stage to host live music, concerts, festivals, movie and sports screenings, culinary events, and more. The Box keeps a pretty full calendar of events. The Box Garden is a great place to grab a brew and watch a big game on a huge screen or go with friends to listen to live music or dance to the late-night DJ spinning top tunes. Check out their calendar of upcoming events to see just how packed your entertainment schedule could be.

6. Go All Aboard at the Interurban Railway Museum

We love free museums and Plano’s free Interurban Railway Museum provides a great glimpse into the past. Located in Historic Downtown Plano, this unique museum is a must for transportation buffs. It’s also fun if you like to get mail – like we do! The first part of the museum is an actual interurban train car of the Texas Electric Railway. Car 360 was used as a railway post office, delivering mail and people along the way from Denison to Dallas. You can step inside to see how the mail was stored, sorted, and delivered as well as what it might have been like to ride as a passenger back in the day.

Interurban Railway Museum Plano Texas Best Things to Do & See in Plano Texas
Interurban Railway Museum

The other part is the museum includes permanent, temporary, and mini exhibits covering all aspects of electricity, transportation, history, and culture around the Railway. Fun for adults as well as kids of all ages, the Interurban Railway Museum encourages discovery and exploration with lots of hands-on activities and interesting stories. This unique transportation museum with free admission is one of the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas.

7. Stroll Along the Boardwalk

Sometimes you just feel like taking a little stroll outside, especially when the weather is good. Adding a pretty boardwalk, and a nice stretch of waterfront viewing makes it all that much better. Throw in a few prime places to eat, drink, and play, and we think it’s a home run. That’s why the Boardwalk at Granite Park is a hit with locals and visitors alike. We enjoyed a leisurely walk along the water, taking in the pretty views on a warm and welcoming day.

Boardwalk Plano Texas
Boardwalk Plano Texas

The Boardwalk at Granite Park is like a beautiful oasis nestled among office buildings, retail shops, hotels, and restaurants. The dining options here are plentiful. Try the best breakfast biscuits in town at The Biscuit Bar. Or settle in for brews and food at Union Bear, a lively hangout for dinner and late-night fun. There are many different places to suit your mood. You can hang out and read your paper over a great cup of coffee. Or treat yourself to High Tea at a beautiful French bistro. Strolling the Boardwalk at Granite Park is one of the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas.

8. Dabble in Trivia, Karaoke, Craft Beer at Unlawful Brewing

The last, but not least, item on our list of 8 best things to see and do in Plano, Texas is to let your hair down and play some games at Unlawful Assembly Brewing Taproom. The first thing you’ll want to do is get yourself one of their tasty craft brews. If you’re like us and can’t decide, go for a flight to see what you like first. Then you can enjoy your favorites for the rest of your visit. The taproom on the third floor of Legacy Hall gives you a bird’s eye view of all the action. Grab a bite at one of the Hall’s food stalls and bring it up to have with your beer.

Unlawful Assembly Brewery Taproom Best Things to Do And See in Plano Texas
Unlawful Assembly Brewery Taproom

That’s just where the fun begins. The good times are amplified by the many events hosted at the taproom on a regular basis. Every Monday is karaoke night. You can sing until your heart’s content. Or join in “Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night.” Match wits with others while having a heck of a good time. Unlawful Assembly also offers brewery tours on Saturday afternoons. The brewery uses trained comedian brewery tour guides. Tickle your funny bone while you learn the brewing process. And, enjoy the great tastes as part of your tour admission.

Best Things To See And Do In Plano, Texas

We’ve only scratched the surface of the best things to see and do in Plano, Texas. There are so many great opportunities to shop, sightsee, get active, and have fun. We simply wanted to point you in the direction of some of the things we enjoy. While you may also love the hustle and bustle of nearby Big D, Dallas, don’t forget Plano. It’s a diverse, historic, and scenic town. Plano rewards visitors who explore its many offerings with a fabulous trip and wonderful lasting memories.

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Co-founder of Food Travelist. I love to cook for family and friends. Share your best recipes with me.

20 Comments

  1. I didn’t realize there was so much to do and see in Plano Texas! I’d love to see the street art!

  2. I’ve been to Texas once but didn’t get enough time to explore the city! I would love to visit Plano someday. It sounds like a fun city.

  3. Kita Bryant

    Plano is such an easily overlooked town. I remember going there when I was younger and I had so much fun!

  4. I haven’t had the opportunity to explore Texas like I want to. I will definitely be adding a visit to Plano when I do.

  5. I have always wanted to go to Texas. It seems like an amazing state to visit. I’ll have to keep this place in mind for when I am able to go.

  6. My aunt and uncle live in Plano, and have for over 40 years now. They love it! I am going to send this to them and see if they have “done it all.” As seniors, they love to find those wonderful places that don’t cost an arm or a leg.

  7. Wow! So many amazing things to do and see in Plano, I had no idea! Next time I’m visiting I’m definitely going to have to try and fit some of this in!

  8. I would love to explore Plano, TX! I’d be all over the eateries and all of the shopping stops, but my husband would have to check out the breweries!

  9. This post makes me want to visit Plano! I’d especially love the art galleries and balloon festival!

  10. Wow! Looks like there is a ton to do and see! We’re always looking for non-traditional places to vacation. This may make the list!

  11. I was in two different Texan cities this year, for the first time, and started to fall in love with the state! Putting Plano on the list for next time, thanks!

  12. I had no idea there was so much fun to be had in Plano! As an art lover, I think I would really enjoy a visit.

  13. My husband and I would have so much fun at Unlawful Brewing! This looks like a great place for a date.

  14. I can’t even tell you how much I want to go to a balloon festival! This looks like an awesome spot to visit with a lot to do. Plano Texas – I will pin this for later so that I can remember it when booking a trip.

  15. What a fun list! I’ll have to see how far Plano is from San Antonio, where we live. It looks like there’s tons to do in Plano.

  16. I visited Texas this year and had so much fun. I have to look into planning a trip to Plano.

  17. I was so impressed by all the great things Plano has to offer from art, shopping, ballooning, food and drink. I would definitely not miss this city if I am nearby.

  18. robin rue

    I would love to visit Plano someday! It sounds like there is a ton to do there.

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