The top things to do in Las Colinas (Irving, TX) are worth writing about.
Las Colinas is in Dallas County and not too far from the big city. It’s Irving’s most popular dining and entertainment spot. With dozens of restaurants, bars, and hotels, there are plenty of options for planning a night out or a weekend getaway. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Colinas, keep reading!
Las Colinas’s live music venues are second to none, with outdoor concerts at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory and indoor shows at Irving Convention Center. There are also plenty of other activities for visitors to do in and around the area, including shopping at Irving Towne Center, playing golf at Las Colinas Country Club (now the Ritz Carlton), and seeing cultural exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Dallas).
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is conveniently located just outside Las Colinas, making it easy for travelers to fly into DFW Airport and then drive about 20 minutes into the urban center.
Visit Irving, TX, graciously served our small group with gifts and memorable experiences throughout our weekend.
Things To Do In Las Colinas
As you stroll through Las Colinas, either by walking or driving, go by the Love Locket Bridge over the Mandalay Canal. You might find my love locket on the bridge – Kim & Brody – given to me by Visit Irving. This was such a surprise, and I was about to shed a tear when it was presented to me because Brody is my son (actually, our grandson whom we’ve raised since birth). The others in our group also got one.
Mandalay Canals On Lake Carolyn
Lake Carolyn is a small lake with canals in Irving. There is a 3.2-mile loop trail that is easy to walk. Depending on how fast you walk, it can take roughly an hour – and the views are beautiful, too.
Gondola Cruises – If you have something special you’re celebrating, opt for a dinner cruise by Gondola Adventures on the Mandalay Canal. Make it more special with a song or two sung by the gondolier! There are eight types of cruises, not all for romance, and they can serve lunch, too.
Kayak/Paddleboard – Or, if you prefer to get your feet (a little) wet, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding are other options to do on the Mandalay Canal. My young son and I kayaked two years ago. It was inexpensive and not very far—perfect for us. You can rent both from Stand Up Paddle North Texas.
Dining – The Mandalay Canal is home to some of Irving’s most popular restaurants, including Pax & Beneficia Coffee, Pacific Table, Via Real, Hugo’s Invitados, The Ginger Man Pub, and many more.
Las Colinas Entertainment District
Toyota Music Factory
Music Scene – If you’re looking for an unbeatable live music venue in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ve come to the right place. The Toyota Music Factory is a huge part of Las Colinas’s food and entertainment scene. The venue is home to several restaurants which offer unique dining experiences, an open-air pavilion for live music, and a cinema.
Toyota Music Factory has something for everyone. Whether you want to see your favorite band or comedian perform live on stage or want to grab dinner with friends or family after work, this venue has something for everyone!
The Pavilion has become an important part of the North Texas music scene, with three areas where you can see live music and bands. It’s also become a destination for those who want to enjoy good food while listening to live music.
Dining – The Toyota Music Factory has a ton of eateries, with some adjacent to the large lawn that provides picnic tables and plenty of places to lay a blanket down on the grass to enjoy food, drink, & music. The best part is you can eat at the restaurants (most, if not all, have outdoor seating) or bring your food to an available picnic table out on the lawn to enjoy while listening to the band play.
Parking – Plenty of on-site self-parking at restaurants, behind restaurants, and in a nearby garage.
Fact: Superstars who have played here include Ringo Starr, Harry Styles, Post Malone, Chris Rock, Demi Lavato, Backstreet Boys, and The Chicks. WOW!
The Mustangs Of Las Colinas
The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a sculpture park featuring a herd of wild horses. It’s located in Irving, Texas, at William Square. The sculpture park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
The visitor center has information about the Mustangs and several other animals native to North Texas. Visitors can also learn more about these animals from live animal presentations.
Not every day do you see wild mustangs galloping across the water. But if you come to Las Colinas, you can visit the Mustangs of Las Colinas at William Square and enjoy seeing these magnificent sculptures in person.
Fact: For the 20th Anniversary of the Mustangs, country singer LeAnn Rimes narrated a video on creating the bronze sculptures with her behind it.
Las Colinas Restaurants Irving, TX
The Ranch at Las Colinas serves large portions, and seating outside is remarkable.
Hugo’s Invitados atmosphere and outdoor seating are top-notch. But don’t leave without going inside to see the dressed-up mannequins – now that’s a sight to see.
Pacific Table is right on the canal, offering upscale dining and great views outside.
Places To Stay In Las Colinas
From rustic modern boutique chic to luxury hotels on the canal, Las Colinas will have what you’re looking for.
Texican Court – A boutique rustic chic hotel with pink doors and orange refrigerators across the street from the convention center. Two Mules Cantina is the onsite restaurant and bar offering food, wine, & spirits. This urban-style vibe restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Whether you want to dine inside or out in the relaxed beer garden featuring beanbag-style chairs, tables, picnic tables, and fire pits, the choice is yours.
Read more about Texican Court and the other five boutique hotels in Texas owned by Valencia Hotel Group.
The Omni Hotel is on the canal with a beautiful pool, spa, lush dining options, and nice rooms overlooking the canal.
The Westin Irving Convention Center – adjacent to the convention center, is a pet-friendly hotel with nice rooms, wellness, and dining.
Las Colinas Resort (now The Ritz Carlton). When the hotel finishes its $60 million facelift, it will officially be a Ritz Carlton. This is going to be a remarkable place to stay and make memories. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the Outlaw and a marvelous spa treatment compliments of Vist Irving.
Small Event Venues In Las Colinas
Texican Court
Our travel writer event was held at the Texican Court Little Chapel Ballroom adjacent to the outdoor lawn. It was the perfect small event space for our small group – Southern Travelers Explore. They brought in the biggest longhorn we’d ever seen, armadillos, so we could see them race, live music, and more. Texican Court is also an option for weddings. Parking is plentiful.
Irving Convention Center
Small or large – they can handle it all! The Irving Convention Center is a premier convention, trade show, and sports facility in the heart of Las Colinas. It is home to many conventions, such as pet shows, art fairs, and other events like weddings and job fairs.
Fun Fact: There are 123 tons of copper on the convention center’s exterior, which is equal to 46 million pennies.
Venetian Terrace
Venetian Terrace is an upscale Italian restaurant and a luxurious small wedding venue on the ceremony terrace on the Mandalay Canal.
With these wonderful things to do in Las Colinas, when will you visit?
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