Wake up where the day feels easy and end it somewhere unforgettable. Plano is the perfect home base for exploring the best of North Texas. With a blend of inviting neighborhoods, standout dining, and relaxing places to unwind, Plano sets the tone for a great day before you head out on nearby adventures. From there, it’s an easy drive to the energy of Downtown Dallas or the historic charm of Fort Worth, making day trips effortless and exciting. Whether you’re chasing culture, cuisine, or classic Texas experiences, starting and ending your day in Plano lets you enjoy it all without ever feeling rushed.
Fuel Up in Plano Before a Day Out
Ease into the day with brunch in Plano, where cozy cafés and buzzworthy brunch spots set the tone for whatever comes next. From classic comfort food to creative, chef driven dishes, fueling up here makes the perfect starting point before heading out on day trips to explore neighboring cities and nearby attractions.
First Watch
First Watch in Plano is a popular daytime café known for fresh, made to order breakfast and brunch dishes with a healthy twist. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, house made specialties, and lighter options alongside classic favorites, all served in a bright and welcoming space. It is an easygoing spot to gather or enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out to explore nearby cities and attractions.
Haywire
Haywire in Plano brings Texas-inspired brunch to the table with a menu that highlights bold flavors, quality ingredients, and a true sense of local pride. From elevated comfort dishes to shareable plates, the experience is paired with a welcoming, rustic-chic setting that feels both relaxed and refined. It is a great place to start the day with a taste of Texas before heading out to explore nearby cities and attractions.
Urban Egg
Urban Egg in Plano is a go-to brunch spot known for elevating classic breakfast favorites with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The menu focuses on chef-driven comfort food, from rich egg dishes to indulgent pancakes and hearty breakfast plates, all served in a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are meeting friends, fueling up for a day of exploring, or simply treating yourself to a slow morning, Urban Egg offers a polished yet approachable brunch experience that locals and visitors alike love.
Whiskey Cake
Whiskey Cake in Plano offers a bold, farm to kitchen approach to brunch and comfort driven cuisine, blending locally sourced ingredients with rich, scratch made flavors. Known for its hearty dishes, craft cocktails, and warm, rustic atmosphere, it is a standout spot for a leisurely brunch that feels both elevated and inviting. Starting your day here sets the tone with Texas inspired flavors and a relaxed vibe before heading out to explore the surrounding cities.
Day Trip to Downtown Dallas
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is one of the top family-friendly attractions in North Texas and a must-visit destination during a day trip from Plano. As the largest and oldest zoo in Texas, the Dallas Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits like Giants of the Savanna, which features elephants, giraffes, and zebras in a naturalistic setting, as well as the popular Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari. Located just south of Downtown Dallas, the zoo offers a fun, educational experience for all ages and is an easy stop to include when exploring Dallas while staying in Plano.
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is one of the most unique and popular outdoor attractions in Downtown Dallas, offering a vibrant urban green space built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Located between Uptown and the Dallas Arts District, the park features open lawns, walking paths, children’s play areas, and daily programming that includes fitness classes, live music, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of rotating food trucks, relax with skyline views, or explore nearby cultural attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. Klyde Warren Park is an ideal stop on a Dallas day trip from Plano, providing a perfect mix of relaxation, entertainment, and city energy.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a family-friendly attraction in Dallas, offering interactive exhibits that make learning fun for visitors of all ages. Located in Victory Park near Downtown Dallas, the museum features hands-on experiences focused on science, technology, engineering, nature, and space. Highlights include dinosaur fossils, immersive simulations, and engaging STEM exhibits that encourage exploration and discovery. An easy day trip from Plano, the Perot Museum is a perfect stop for families and curious travelers looking to experience one of Dallas’s most popular educational attractions.
Day trip to fort Worth
DFW Car & Toy Museum
The DFW Car and Toy Museum in Fort Worth is a must-visit attraction for automotive enthusiasts, families, and collectors alike. Home to an impressive collection of classic cars, vintage toys, and rare memorabilia, the museum showcases decades of automotive history alongside nostalgic pop culture displays. Visitors can explore restored vehicles, model cars, and toys from different eras, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Easily accessible as a day trip from Plano, the DFW Car and Toy Museum adds a fun and unique stop to any Fort Worth itinerary.
Fort Worth Water gardens
The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a unique and peaceful urban oasis located in downtown Fort Worth, offering a striking blend of architecture, nature, and tranquility. This 4.3-acre attraction features three distinct water features, the Active Pool, Quiet Pool, and Aerating Pool, where waterfalls and geometric design create a refreshing escape from the city. Free and open to the public, the Water Gardens are a popular spot for photos, relaxation, and a scenic break while exploring Fort Worth. Easily visited on a day trip from Plano, the Fort Worth Water Gardens add a calm and visually stunning stop to any North Texas itinerary.
The Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is an iconic attraction in North Texas, offering visitors an authentic taste of Texas history and Western culture. Known for its daily cattle drives, the Stockyards feature brick-lined streets, historic buildings, western wear shops, live music venues, and classic Texas dining. Visitors can explore museums, watch rodeo events, or simply soak in the cowboy atmosphere that earned Fort Worth the nickname “Where the West Begins.” Easily accessible as a day trip from Plano, the Fort Worth Stockyards provide a memorable experience that pairs perfectly with starting and ending your day in Plano.
Out for the Day, Back to Plano for Dinner
After a full day of exploring nearby cities and attractions, return to Plano to wind down with a memorable dinner. From chef driven restaurants to relaxed neighborhood favorites, the city offers plenty of options to end the day on a high note. It is the perfect way to relax, reconnect, and savor one last great meal before calling it a night.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Lockhart Smokehouse in Plano brings authentic Central Texas barbecue to the table with slow-smoked meats and time-honored techniques. Known for its brisket, ribs, and hearty sides, this casual spot offers a laid-back dinner experience rooted in big flavor and Texas tradition, making it a satisfying way to wrap up the day.
Mexcian Sugar
Mexican Sugar delivers a vibrant dinner experience inspired by bold Mexican flavors and elevated presentation. The menu showcases house-made salsas, rich sauces, and creative takes on traditional favorites, all served in a lively and colorful space. It is an ideal spot for a flavorful evening meal that feels festive yet refined. It is a great spot for an energetic evening that feels celebratory and full of flavor.
North Italia
North Italia in Plano is a go-to destination for modern Italian dining, featuring scratch-made pastas, hand-tossed pizzas, and thoughtfully crafted dishes made with high-quality ingredients. The warm, contemporary atmosphere makes it an inviting place to gather for dinner, pairing classic Italian flavors with a fresh, stylish setting that feels perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. It is an easy choice for a polished yet approachable dinner experience.
Suburban Yacht Club
Suburban Yacht Club offers a relaxed, neighborhood vibe paired with a globally inspired menu and creative cocktails. With its welcoming atmosphere and eclectic dishes, it is a fun and easygoing choice for dinner, whether settling in for a casual meal or lingering with friends after a day of exploring. It is an ideal place to end the day on a laid-back and social note.
Places to Stay in Plano
Plano offers a wide range of hotels that make it an ideal place to stay while exploring Dallas Fort Worth and the surrounding area. Visitors can choose from upscale hotels near Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy, convenient business and extended-stay properties, or comfortable family-friendly hotels located throughout the city. Many Plano hotels offer easy access to major highways, dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it simple to take day trips to Dallas and Fort Worth while enjoying a relaxing stay. With modern amenities, welcoming accommodations, and a central North Texas location, Plano hotels provide the perfect home base for your DFW adventure.
