Things To Do In McKinney, Texas

This is your “official” weekend getaway to enjoy with friends and family in McKinney, Texas. 

This historic city is located in North Texas, 45 miles north of downtown Dallas and an hour’s drive from north Fort Worth. It makes a great road trip from either direction. McKinney, Texas, has a population of 180K, but it doesn’t feel like a large city, especially its downtown. When you step into the historic downtown area, you’ll get the warmth of a small-town feel, and the hospitality is unmatched. Here are fantastic things to do in McKinney, Texas, that I know you’ll love!

The shops in downtown McKinney are adorable, and residents of McKinney own most of them. It’s full of activities, such as antiquing, biking, historic home tours, fishing, and eating some serious BBQ!

If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a weekend with your girlfriends, family, or both, how about a weekend getaway in McKinney, Texas? Note that a day trip would also be a great outing if you can’t find a free weekend.

 

McKinney, Texas

The city of McKinney prides itself on being a unique community with lots to offer its residents and visitors. There’s much to love about the town, from its downtown boutiques to the eclectic food scene on the town square.

Plenty of restaurants and shops make it an ideal weekend destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities like Dallas, Houston, or even Fort Worth.

Things To Do In McKinney, Texas

Making time for yourself is vital in today’s world. Whether you spend the weekend with friends or family, relaxing and recharging can make you happier, more productive, and more creative. This family-friendly town has scenic views, historical sites, breweries, vineyards, restaurants, and more attractions.

If you’re looking for something fun on a weekend getaway in McKinney, try visiting one of the museums or attractions listed below. If it were me, I’d start downtown. I bet you will not want to leave! Try to plan your trip on a Saturday to visit one of the best farmers’ markets in the DFW area.

Things To Do In Downtown McKinney, TX

This area of McKinney is filled with murals, historic buildings, a farmer’s market, quaint Main Street, specialty shops and restaurants, and everything from clothing & jewelry designs by local artists.

One-of-a-kind stores, antique stores, art galleries, coffee shops, and eateries fill the town square. If you like antiques, you’re in for a treat at the Antique Company Mall on Virginia St. Be sure to see many antique dealers’ permanent vendor booths.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard Museum is a non-profit organization where admission fees help it survive the fees associated with running a place like this. The Heard-Craig Center will have information about the museum, but be sure to walk out by the native plant garden and nature trails to see the birds and butterflies.

Admission: $9-$12

Collin County History Museum

It’s an excellent place for history buffs in the group to discover historical artifacts, photographs, documents, maps, archival newspapers, and records. It’s located at 300 E Virginia St.

Admission: Guided Tours $9 – reservations required. Call (972) 542-9457.

McKinney Parks

Parks in McKinney are geared toward play, pets, and picnics that the entire family can enjoy. For a good time, pack a picnic and find one of these parks that suits your needs. From dog parks to biking trails and picnic pavilions, I’m confident that one of these parks would be a good fit for your group.

• Bonnie Wenk Park
• Erwin Park
• Chestnut Square Historic Park
• Oak Hollow Golf Course
• Towne Lake Park—Fun things happen at the Towne Lake recreation area when a large lake with a fishing pier and paddleboat rentals, walking trails, and a playground are all in the same place.​

Chestnut Square Historic Village

This preserved village, with houses dating from 1854 to 1930 and a general store, is walking distance from historic downtown McKinney Square. Call ahead to book a tour. Special events are also available for booking. Chestnut Square Historic Village is where the farmers market is held every Saturday morning.​

McKinney Performing Arts Center

​Check out the McKinney Performing Arts Center for upcoming attractions and live performances.​​

Breweries In McKinney, TX

Tupps Brewery

We took a tour of Tupps Brewery, and they have several new things going on later this year, like filling up those silos with boutiques! I can’t wait for that and their expansion of the brewery. Stay tuned to Tupps Brewery.

Franconia Brewing Company at 495 McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX, is another brewery I’m unfamiliar with in town.

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McKinney Farmers Market

It’s one of my favorite flea markets in North Texas. There are so many vendors out there that it will take a whole morning to see them all. You’ll find local produce, fresh vegetables, organic products, and many food trucks. Many residents and restaurant owners set up there. Farm-to-table is highly valued in this community.

Located at 315 S. Chestnut St., Open every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. (Worth a day trip)

Love farmer’s markets as I do? Check this out – Open Air Markets in North Texas.

McKinney’s Second Saturday Art On The Square (PM)

Visit during the city’s Second Saturday McKinney on the Square, when shop owners stay open late and live music is everywhere. You’ll love the entertainment, late-night shopping, and dining; there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Most shop owners even host light snacks and beverages to invite you in. It is a festive and welcoming time to enjoy the square and get a chance to experience the local community vibe. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are a first-time visitor, Second Saturday is a great time to rediscover something new about Downtown McKinney.

Travel Tip: The event is the second Saturday of each month from April through Sep, from 7 – 9 pm in Downtown McKinney.

Third Monday Trade Days

Come for a visit on the weekend BEFORE the third Monday, and you can enjoy the oldest and largest monthly trade days in North Texas. That is if you like old stuff, antiques, unique things, and collectibles. But they do have new products, too.

Located at 4450 W University Dr. Parking is free on Fridays and $5 on weekends.

Wineries And Wine Tastings In McKinney

Landon Winery is right in the middle of downtown. Enjoy a wine tasting or two, and sit outside on the shaded patio to enjoy local wines. If you’re a planner, you may want to book a winemaking class (in advance) if you’ve thought about making your own wine. Or how about a lesson where you will learn what wines pair well with certain foods? How fun would that be!

Lone Star Wine Cellars – A boutique winery (fine wines) in a former theater with a tasting room, retail & great music on the weekend. Quote: “The Best Texas Wines Are Ones Shared With Friends.” Sounds like my kind of place.

 

McKinney Restaurants On The Square

No one will go hungry while walking around the square in McKinney. From sandwiches to pizza to an upscale steakhouse and drinks to the best desserts, there is something here for everyone’s palate in Mckinney, TX, restaurants on the square.

Local Yocal BBQ & Grill

It is a come-as-you-are weekend getaway kind of restaurant with Wagyu steaks, BBQ, Texas-style dishes, and local craft beer on tap.

CT Provisions

If you like oysters, you’re in the right place. It’s not my favorite. I’ve only had them once – and I gagged! These were Eastern Canadian Oysters that were served to us. Other than that, I would definitely go back and try something different. I loved the atmosphere. But if you like oysters, CT Provisions is a great option.

Patina Green Home & Market

Enjoy a great lunch at Patina Green Home & Market. They serve real, farm-to-table food and offer a seasonal lunch menu, farm-fresh produce, and some of the best tomato soup you’ll ever eat. Plus, shop for gift items in their store while waiting for your order. I’m sure you’ll find something for yourself, too.

While it was hard to decide what to order, I went with the Hickory Smoked Ham / Smoked Cheddar / Jalapeno Peach Jelly / Jalapeno Cheddar Loaf sandwich. I ate the entire thing because it was that good! There’s a reason Food Network voted this sandwich as the top sandwich in Texas—it’s in the sandwich. It was perfect in every way!

Travel Tip: The restaurant closes at 3 p.m.

Sugarbacon

One of the best McKinney Square restaurants I can not say enough good things about is Sugarbacon. This restaurant offers New American eats with a Southern flair, cocktails, beer & wine, and comfy digs. Make it a priority to order the restaurant’s signature dish, Sugarbacon—a plate of smoked pork belly in a sweet glaze—as the namesake dish is trendy.

The service was terrific from the moment we walked through the front door. Hearing the server describe each menu item made my mouth water. When the food was delivered, I couldn’t wait to dig in! Just look at their signature item (above), which is perfectly called SugarBacon.

That’s house-smoked pork belly, ancho BBQ sauce, and bread & butter pickles, plated as a starter, though I could totally eat this for lunch! I went with the tender pulled pork sandwich for my meal and knew I had made the right choice!

Pro Tip: Make reservations for Sugarbacon on Open Table or arrive early. This is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

The Yard

Another excellent restaurant recommendation for a quaint getaway weekend is The Yard. There are plenty of places to sit outside under the canopy of grand oaks, patio seating, and plenty of space to play, eat, and drink outside and inside. The Yard doesn’t take reservations, and seating is first-come, first-serve. They have a small outdoor bar and food station for beverages if you have to wait for your table. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends and family.

Hugs Cafe

Peach Gobbler (not cobbler) Sandwich (not dessert, but a sandwich): a sandwich of turkey, cheddar cheese, bacon, and lettuce topped with homemade peach chutney—so good, I bought a jar. I’m so sorry, but no photo is available.

If you get the chance, read the story about Hugs Cafe. When we heard it, everyone was tearing up.

Coffee Shops In Downtown McKinney

There is no shortage of coffee in downtown McKinney. There seems to be a coffee shop on every street corner.

Filtered – 218 Louisiana St

Collective Coffee – 301 W Louisiana St

Wattage Coffee – 119 S Tennessee St

TexaKona FM 107 Drink & Cafe (coffee shop) – 407 E Louisiana St. They have a separate place in McKinney where they make their coffee.

Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Through—2741 Virginia—is a little far out, but it’s a drive-in coffee shop.

Habitats Plants + Coffee – 214 N Kentucky St

If you’re looking for a Starbucks, drive to 1787 N. Central Expressway.

Food Walks Of Texas Tour

What’s not to love about a Sunday brunch? What if you could sample several hot spots like a progressive brunch? Sound too good to be true? Food Walks of Texas offers food tours around the Square by appointment. You’ll enjoy delicious brunch foods and cocktails while being introduced to historic downtown McKinney’s history and charming specialty culinary scene. The brunch tour begins at 11:45 and lasts for approximately 3 hours. But check when making reservations. This is a great idea for a large group on your weekend getaway in McKinney, Texas!!

Book A Quaint Bed & Breakfast In McKinney

Check yourself into a Bed and Breakfast somewhere around the square. Sleep in and enjoy a cup of coffee in your room, or get up early and head to the McKinney Farmer Market (every Saturday) for a fresh cup of Joe!

Neathery Estate in historic downtown is McKinney’s most adorable southern-style bed and breakfast inn. The owner is passionate about her work and has years of experience in the hospitality industry.

She is very excited to be in McKinney and has been open since early 2018. The house is beautiful, and she puts her heart into being a gracious host. This is a must-stay when you come to check out the town! It’s within walking distance of the square, but you can also drive and park near it if you don’t want to walk a few blocks to the shops.

Travel Tip: Neathery Estate was voted the #1 Hotel in McKinney four years in a row (2019-2022).

There you have it—these things to do in McKinney, Texas, are just for you and your people! All you have to do is make reservations and pack a bag. McKinney—the sweet, vibrant community—is waiting to greet you and show you what a truly wonderful place it is!

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