Nestled in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Plano is a thriving suburban city with a small town charm. While Plano offers all the expected conveniences and amenities of a modern American city, it also boasts some unique attractions.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| The Shops at Legacy | Upscale open-air shopping, dining, entertainment; European-style village with events like live music, movies. |
| Southfork Ranch | Historic TV show filming location with tours, ranch grounds, restaurant, and Dallas memorabilia. |
| The Boardwalk at Granite Park | Amusement destination with restaurants, shops, live music, family-friendly activities. |
| The Interurban Railway Museum | Museum highlighting the history of the electric interurban railway with real rail cars, exhibits. |
| Sam Johnson Recreation Center | Water fun and recreation center with pools, gym, sports facilities, trails. |
| Arbor Hills Nature Preserve | 200-acre nature preserve with multi-use trails, birding, hiking, and biking in diverse natural settings. |
| Heritage Farmstead Museum | Living history museum depicting North Texas pioneer life in the 1800s with interactive exhibits. |
| Downtown Plano | Vibrant district with shops, restaurants, galleries, historic architecture, and cultural venues. |
| Pecan Hollow Golf Course | Premier public golf course with challenging terrain, tournaments, and dining facilities. |
| Luna Vista Golf Course | 18-hole municipal course with scenic views, affordable play, and junior-friendly options. |
| Russell Creek Park | 40-acre park with ponds, playgrounds, sports facilities, and outdoor recreational activities. |
| Downtown Plano Arts District | Hub for galleries, studios, shops, public art, and cultural activities. |
From museums to nature centers to retail destinations, Plano has an array of attractions to suit a range of interests. Here are the top 12 attractions and activities to check out while visiting Plano.
The Shops at Legacy
Name and Location: The Shops at Legacy retail complex in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Large outdoor lifestyle shopping center opened in 2002. Features over 100 shops, restaurants, and amenities.
What to Expect: Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. Department stores, boutiques, cafes, green spaces, fountains, and paths for strolling.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free parking garages throughout. Seasonal events and live music.
The Shops at Legacy is an upscale open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination spanning over 250 acres. The beautiful shopping village is modeled after a European town square, with storefronts facing tree-lined boulevards and sidewalk cafes spilling onto brick paseos. From flagship stores to locally owned boutiques, you’ll find diverse shopping options at Legacy.
In addition to world-class retail, Legacy offers fine dining at restaurants like Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse along with more casual chain eateries. Nightlife spots like The Keeper and Tricky Fish provide after-hours fun.
Ongoing community events like live music and movie nights create a lively ambiance.For upscale shopping, dining and entertainment without leaving Plano, Legacy is a must-visit local attraction.
Southfork Ranch
Name and Location: Southfork Ranch in Parker, TX.
History and Significance: Iconic ranch made famous as the Ewing family home on the TV series Dallas. Historic Texas ranch since 1970.
What to Expect: Tour the ranch house and grounds. Shops, exhibits connected to the show. Event facilities.
Visitor Information: Open daily for tours. Admission fee. Reservations recommended. Restaurant onsite.
Fans of the classic TV show Dallas won’t want to miss Southfork Ranch, where the show was filmed. Tour the Ewing Mansion interior and grounds to see the gun room, bedrooms, pool and patio all featured in the series. Check out vehicles like the 1978 Lincoln Continental used by J.R. Ewing. Don’t miss photo ops on the balcony where the opening credits were shot.
The ranch property offers beautiful grounds to explore beyond the mansion, including gardens, a lake and Texas longhorn cattle. The on-site restaurant J.R.’s Barbecue allows you to grab a bite while surrounded by Dallas memories and memorabilia. Part TV set, part working ranch, Southfork Ranch is a one-of-a-kind Plano attraction.
The Boardwalk at Granite Park
Name and Location: The Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Open-air dining and entertainment complex opened in 2008. Part of the larger Granite Park development.
What to Expect: Over 20 restaurants and bars with patios overlooking the boardwalk. Live music and movie nights.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free parking onsite. Kid and pet friendly outdoor space.
The massive $3 billion Granite Park development in Plano features the Boardwalk as its entertainment highlight. This dining and amusement destination evokes nostalgia for seaside boardwalks, yet with a decidedly Texas twist. In addition to restaurants and shops, on-site attractions include Big Shucks oyster bar, Concatenation Carousel, Highlands Mini Golf park, and massive sports bar The Beach.
Live music takes the stage at the Central Square lawn on weekends as people lounge outdoors. Families will love the kid-friendly offerings and lively atmosphere. For shopping, playing, eating and hanging out Texas-style, The Boardwalk is the place to be.
The Interurban Railway Museum
Name and Location: The Interurban Railway Museum in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Housed in a restored 1908 train depot. Highlights the history of the electric railway that connected Dallas and other cities.
What to Expect: Railway artifacts and exhibits. Features the “Koi Road” pond. Family-friendly indoor and outdoor areas to explore.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sat year-round. Free admission. Metered street parking nearby.
This hidden Plano gem documents the history of the electric interurban railway that connected North Texas in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore real rail cars from the 1900s era, lovingly restored. Exhibits showcase maps, artifacts and photos from the peak years of the Interurban railway which stretched over 500 miles. Kids can enjoy hands-on displays explaining how early rail technology worked.
In addition to the museum, history comes to life at the heritage village next door populated by recreated shops and buildings evoking small-town Texas in 1911. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in bygone railway history with your family.
Sam Johnson Recreation Center & Pool
Name and Location: Sam Johnson Recreation Center & Pool in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Named after WWII veteran and former US Representative Sam Johnson. City’s largest rec center and pool facility.
What to Expect: Year-round pool, gym, fitness classes, sports courts, walking track. Programs for all ages and abilities.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Memberships available. Drop-in fees for pool and gym access.
When the Texas heat sizzles, Plano residents head to the Sam Johnson Recreation Center & Pool for water fun and recreation. The outdoor pool complex features a 50-meter lap pool, diving well, children’s playground pool, splash pad and two-story water slide for thrills.
Adjacent to the pool, the center houses a full gym, fitness studio, cardio equipment, game room and teach kitchen. Outside you’ll find a ropes course, tennis and basketball courts, playing fields and walking trail. With so many options, it’s easy to spend a full day here playing at this lively rec center.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Name and Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: 200-acre wooded area with restored native prairie. Trails open to hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.
What to Expect: Over 7 miles of scenic trails. Diverse plants and wildlife. Interpretive center onsite. Geological points of interest.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Parking lot and trailheads located on Parker Rd.
Just two miles west of downtown Plano, the 200-acre Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers a scenic escape into the local natural landscape. Five miles of multi-use trails wind through prairie, woodland and creek environments. Outdoors enthusiasts will enjoy birding, hiking and biking through this urban greenspace. Pretty wildflowers bloom in spring and summer.
Park amenities include a wetland boardwalk, butterfly garden, amphitheater space, picnic areas and interpretive signage identifying native plants and wildlife. Pets are also permitted on leash. For a refreshing outdoor experience within the city, Arbor Hills is the place to play.
Heritage Farmstead Museum
Name and Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: 4-acre living history museum recreating late 19th century farm life. Opened in 1981.
What to Expect: Tour the farmhouse, barn, and historic buildings. Gardens, livestock, demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sat. Free admission. Parking onsite. Tours and education programs available.
History comes to life at this 4-acre living history museum focused on North Texas pioneer life in the 1800s. Tour authentically recreated homes and buildings staffed by costumed interpreters demonstrating blacksmithing, quilting, gardening and other period skills. Special annual events mark holidays and celebrations as they would have occurred historically.
The museum grounds are planted with native crops and plants like those used by settlers of the time. With its immersive setup and engaging interpreters, Heritage Farmstead provides families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience aspects of Texas’ rural past firsthand. Kids will especially enjoy getting hands-on with history.
Downtown Plano
Name and Location: Historic downtown Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Heritage downtown area with shops and eateries in restored brick buildings from the late 1800s.
What to Expect: Boutiques, restaurants, pubs. Farmers market on weekends. Museums and cultural sites. Quaint, walkable atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Free parking garages and street parking. Year-round events and activities.
Plano’s downtown district centered on 15th Street offers a vibrant small town atmosphere with shops, restaurants, galleries and historic architecture. Start your visit at the Interurban Railway Museum to appreciate Plano’s transportation history and culture. Grab lunch on charming Haggard Park surrounded by eateries before browsing the boutiques and antiques stores lining the brick streets.
Don’t miss independent shops like Vintage Martini and Jen’s Hat Shop for fashion, decor and accessories you won’t find elsewhere. The elegant ArtCentre of Plano showcases local artistic talent. Stop for a craft beer at Shoreline Brewery in a converted machine shop before strolling back to your car.
Pecan Hollow Golf Course
Name and Location: Pecan Hollow Golf Course in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Semi-private 18-hole course opened in 1983. Known as one of the top Dallas-area municipal golf courses.
What to Expect: Well-maintained greens and fairways. Pro shop, driving range, rental clubs available. Scenic lake views and tree-lined terrain.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Reservations accepted. Green fees apply. Seasonal hours.
Since opening in 1983, Pecan Hollow has gained prestige as one of Texas’ premier public golf courses. The 18-hole, par-72 course was masterfully carved from the natural North Texas landscape featuring rolling hills, Pecan trees and creeks. The lush bentgrass greens and bermuda fairways pose challenges for novice and expert golfers alike.
The course has hosted prestigious tournaments like the US Amateur and US Women’s Open qualifying events. Visitors will find a professionally-managed course with amenities like a pro shop, driving range, rental clubs and Patio 91 grill for post-play dining. For an acclaimed golf experience in Plano, Pecan Hollow is par for the course.
Luna Vista Golf Course
Name and Location: Luna Vista Golf Course in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Public 18-hole course surrounded by scenic countryside. In operation since 1964.
What to Expect: Affordable daily-fee public course with bentgrass greens. Pro shop, club rentals, concessions available.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Reservations taken weekdays. Green fees apply. Seasonal hours.
For a more relaxed golf outing with beautiful scenery, check out Luna Vista Golf Course. This affordable 18-hole municipal course offers an enjoyable round for all skill levels along with impressive elevated views of the surrounding countryside. Mature trees scattered around the hilly terrain provide shade and some challenge.
In addition to the course, Luna Vista has a lighted driving range, putting green, pro shop and Tradewinds restaurant housed in a recreated 1940s-style clubhouse. Juniors play free with a paying adult after 2pm daily – an unbeatable value. For an affordable round with panoramic views, play Luna Vista.
Russell Creek Park
Name and Location: Russell Creek Park in Plano, TX.
History and Significance: One of Plano’s many scenic community parks. Popular for recreation activities.
What to Expect: Playgrounds, basketball court, athletic fields, hiking trails, picnic pavilions. Leisurely, family-friendly environment.
Visitor Information: Open daily 5am-11pm. Free admission. Public parking available.
Families flock to this 40-acre park on Parker Road for recreation and refreshment. Russell Creek Park features ponds, streams and decorative waterfalls interspersed between playgrounds, trails, picnic spots and athletic fields. Kids will enjoy spotting ducks, turtles and rabbits in the ponds along with historictrain cars on display.
Park highlights include 18-hole mini golf, sand volleyball court, skate park, 18-hole disc golf course and batting cages. The ponds accommodate catch-and-release fishing. With so many amenities, Russell Creek Park provides a full day out for family fun and adventure.
Downtown Plano Arts District
Name and Location: Downtown Plano Arts District, located within historic downtown Plano, TX.
History and Significance: Hub for the city’s arts and cultural institutions. Home to galleries, performance spaces, public art.
What to Expect: Art galleries, theaters, outdoor art installations. Seasonal art festivals and music events.
Visitor Information: Events year-round. Accessible via downtown parking and public transit. Walkable district.
Plano’s compact downtown has designated the historic Arts District along East 16th Street as a hub for galleries, studios, shops and public art. Start at the ArtCentre of Plano, showcasing regional talent across mediums from paintings to jewelry to fiber art. Pop into galleries like Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery to watch artists at work.
Whimsical sculptures and colorful murals adorn alleyways and building facades. On your walk, grab handcrafted chocolate from Kate Weiser Chocolate or coffee from Mudsmith Coffee. With creative spirit woven through the neighborhood, the Arts District celebrates artistic talent.
Conclusion
Plano strikes a balance between suburban convenience and attractions with real local flavor. From indulging in shopping and dining at Legacy West to revisiting TV history at Southfork Ranch, Plano keeps visitors entertained. Families appreciate the parks and recreation options.
Outdoors lovers have nature trails and preserves to explore right in the city. With its diversity of museums, shops, activities and charm, Plano delivers attractions to satisfy tourists and locals alike.