Did you know that Allen, Texas is home to one of the largest high school football stadiums in the country? The $60 million Eagle Stadium seats 18,000 spectators and stands as a testament to Texas’s love for football. But Allen offers far more than just sports enthusiasm. This vibrant Dallas suburb combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking a unique Texas experience without the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Allen is conveniently located about 25 miles north of downtown Dallas, making it easily accessible for visitors. The closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), approximately 30 miles southwest of Allen. Dallas Love Field is another option, located about 25 miles south of the city.
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If you’re driving, Allen is accessible via US-75 (Central Expressway), which runs north-south through the city. The Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121) and President George Bush Turnpike also provide easy access to Allen from other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Allen experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed.
Spring (March-May)
Spring brings temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. This season also features beautiful wildflower blooms throughout the city’s parks and green spaces. Spring in Allen can bring occasional thunderstorms, so packing a light rain jacket is advisable.
Fall (September-November)
Fall offers similarly pleasant temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The crowds are typically smaller after the summer rush, and many outdoor events take place during this time. The autumn colors in Allen’s parks add a picturesque backdrop to your visit.
Summer (June-August)
Summers can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) and occasionally reaching over 100°F (38°C). If visiting during summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, and take advantage of Allen’s many indoor attractions during peak heat hours.
Winter (December-February)
Winters are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 35°F to 60°F (2°C to 15°C). While snow is rare, occasional cold fronts can bring freezing temperatures. Winter is a good time to enjoy indoor shopping at Allen Premium Outlets or catch a hockey game at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.
Getting Around Locally
Allen is primarily a car-dependent city, and having your own vehicle will provide the most flexibility for exploring the area. However, there are several options for getting around if you don’t have a car.
Explore Allen at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to discover all that Allen and the surrounding areas have to offer.
For visitors planning to explore beyond Allen, day trips to nearby cities like McKinney, Plano, and Dallas are easily accessible by car. The drive to downtown Dallas takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Where to Stay in Allen
Allen offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From upscale hotels to comfortable extended-stay properties, you’ll find something that meets your needs.
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Luxury & Upscale
The Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at the Allen Event Center offers upscale accommodations with convenient access to the city’s entertainment hub. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen provides modern luxury with exceptional amenities and is located near Watters Creek shopping area.
Mid-Range Options
Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas-Allen and Hyatt Place Dallas/Allen offer comfortable rooms at moderate prices. Both provide complimentary breakfast and are located near major attractions and shopping centers. These hotels are ideal for families and business travelers alike.
Budget-Friendly Stays
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Allen at The Village provides affordable accommodations without sacrificing comfort. Best Western Plus Allen at The Village offers good value with amenities like free breakfast and an outdoor pool, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
For longer stays, consider extended-stay options like Home2 Suites by Hilton or Homewood Suites, which offer kitchen facilities and more space. Most hotels in Allen are clustered around three main areas: near Allen Event Center, along US-75, and near Allen Premium Outlets.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Allen’s dining scene offers everything from authentic Texas barbecue to international cuisine. The city boasts a mix of popular chains and unique local establishments that cater to all tastes and budgets.
Texas Favorites
For authentic Texas barbecue, head to Lockhart Smokehouse at Watters Creek, where you can enjoy brisket, ribs, and sausage prepared in the Central Texas tradition. The Texan Station Sports Café offers classic Texan fare in a lively sports bar atmosphere, perfect for catching a game while enjoying hearty comfort food.
International Flavors
Allen’s diverse population is reflected in its international dining options. Mio Nonno Trattoria serves authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. For Asian flavors, try Sushi Axiom for Japanese specialties or Thai Pan for authentic Thai dishes. Bánh Mì Huỳnh offers delicious Vietnamese sandwiches and other specialties.
Family-Friendly Options
Kelly’s at the Village is a local favorite for American comfort food with a Texas twist, offering a kid-friendly menu and relaxed atmosphere. The Cheesecake Factory at Watters Creek provides extensive menu options that please diners of all ages, with generous portions and famous desserts.
Dining Districts
Allen has several concentrated dining areas where you’ll find multiple restaurant options:
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities in Allen, Texas: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
Allen offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From shopping destinations to outdoor adventures, here are the top picks for things to do in Allen.
Allen Premium Outlets
As one of the most popular destinations in Allen, the Premium Outlets feature over 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores. Shoppers can find significant discounts on brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike, Coach, and many more. The outdoor mall layout makes for a pleasant shopping experience, with plenty of places to rest between stores.
Location: 820 W Stacy Rd, Allen, TX 75013
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and check the outlet’s website for special promotions and additional discounts before your trip.
Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm
This picturesque outdoor shopping center combines retail, dining, and entertainment in a beautiful creek-side setting. With over 60 shops and restaurants, Watters Creek offers a more upscale shopping experience than the outlets. The center features a central green space with a duck pond, public art installations, and regular events like outdoor concerts and seasonal celebrations.
Location: 970 Garden Park Dr, Allen, TX 75013
Tip: Check their events calendar for free concerts and activities, especially during spring and fall months.
Credit Union of Texas Event Center
This modern multi-purpose venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and family shows. It’s the home arena for the Allen Americans hockey team of the ECHL and the Dallas Sidekicks indoor soccer team. With over 7,000 seats, the center provides an intimate setting for experiencing live entertainment and sports.
Location: 200 E Stacy Rd #1350, Allen, TX 75002
Tip: Check their event schedule online and purchase tickets in advance, as popular events often sell out.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Allen boasts numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities that make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for active adventures or peaceful nature experiences, Allen has something to offer.
Celebration Park
This 104-acre park is one of Allen’s premier recreational destinations. It features KidMania, a massive playground structure, and a popular splash pad for hot summer days. The park also includes baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a 1.5-mile trail. Celebration Park is known for hosting Allen’s spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display.
Location: 701 Angel Parkway, Allen, TX 75002
Allen Station Park
This historic park is built around the former site of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which gave Allen its start. The park features a BMX track, skate park, and Hydrous Wake Park, where visitors can try cable wakeboarding. History buffs will appreciate the preserved stone dam and other historical markers throughout the park.
Location: 1120 N Cedar Dr, Allen, TX 75002
The Courses at Watters Creek
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy this municipal golf facility featuring three courses: the 18-hole Championship Course, the 9-hole Player Course, and the 6-hole Futures Course. The facility also includes a driving range and practice areas. The courses are well-maintained and offer challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Location: 7201 Chase Oaks Blvd, Plano, TX 75025
Hydrous Wake Park
Located within Allen Station Park, Hydrous Wake Park offers a unique wakeboarding experience without the need for a boat. Using a cable system, riders are pulled across the water while performing tricks and jumps. The park caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with separate areas for different abilities. Equipment rentals and lessons are available on-site.
Location: 580 E Exchange Pkwy, Allen, TX 75002
Tip: First-timers should consider booking a lesson, which includes all necessary equipment and instruction from experienced staff.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Allen may not have as many museums as larger cities, it offers several cultural attractions and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that showcase the community’s spirit and heritage.
Allen Heritage Village
Step back in time at Allen Heritage Village, a collection of historic buildings that have been preserved to tell the story of Allen’s past. The village includes the Lynge House (built in 1918), the Allen Christian Church (1918), and several other structures that have been relocated to this site. Guided tours are available on the third Sunday of each month.
Location: 450 E St. Mary Dr, Allen, TX 75002
Tip: Check the Allen Heritage Guild website for special events and extended tour hours during holidays.
Annual Festivals & Events
Family-Friendly Activities
Allen is an exceptionally family-friendly destination with numerous activities designed specifically for children and families to enjoy together.
Topgolf Allen
This popular entertainment venue combines a high-tech driving range with a casual dining experience. Players hit microchipped golf balls at targets while earning points for accuracy and distance. With climate-controlled hitting bays, it’s enjoyable year-round regardless of weather. The venue offers a full restaurant and bar menu.
Location: 1500 Andrews Pkwy, Allen, TX 75002
Allen Community Ice Rink
Located within the Credit Union of Texas Event Center complex, this ice rink offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons. Skate rentals are available on-site, making it easy for visitors to enjoy some time on the ice. The rink maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with music and occasional themed skating events.
Location: 200 E Stacy Rd #1350, Allen, TX 75002
Pinstack
This entertainment center offers bowling, laser tag, rock climbing, bumper cars, and a high-ropes course, along with a large arcade. Pinstack also features an upscale restaurant and bar, making it a complete entertainment destination for families. It’s particularly popular for birthday parties and family gatherings.
Location: 635 N Central Expy, Allen, TX 75013
Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium
This indoor aquatic center features a competition pool, leisure pool with water slides, a lazy river, and interactive water play elements. The facility offers swimming lessons, water exercise classes, and open swim times. It’s a perfect place to cool off during hot Texas summers or enjoy water activities year-round regardless of weather.
Location: 110 Rivercrest Blvd, Allen, TX 75002
Tip: Check their schedule before visiting, as certain pools may be reserved for classes or swim team practice during specific hours.
Day Trips from Allen
Allen’s central location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Here are some worthwhile day trip destinations, all within an hour’s drive.
McKinney (10 minutes)
Just north of Allen, historic downtown McKinney offers charming shops, restaurants, and a well-preserved 19th-century atmosphere. Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary for nature trails and exhibits featuring native Texas wildlife. McKinney’s historic square is perfect for an afternoon of shopping and dining.
Plano (15 minutes)
South of Allen, Plano offers additional shopping at Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy. The city is home to the Heritage Farmstead Museum, a living history site depicting life in North Texas during the early 1900s. The Crayola Experience at Plano’s Willow Bend Mall provides interactive creative activities for children.
Dallas (30 minutes)
A short drive south brings you to Dallas, where you can explore world-class museums like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Museum of Art. Visit Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum to learn about President Kennedy’s assassination, or enjoy the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for stunning seasonal displays.
Frisco (20 minutes)
Just west of Allen, Frisco is known as the “Sports City USA” due to its many professional sports venues. Visit The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility and entertainment district. The National Videogame Museum offers interactive exhibits on gaming history. Frisco’s iFly indoor skydiving facility provides the thrill of freefall in a controlled environment.
Tip: The Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers) play at Riders Field, offering affordable family entertainment during baseball season.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Allen is generally a safe city with low crime rates, but as with any travel destination, it’s good to be aware of local customs and safety considerations.
Safety Tips
Local Etiquette
Practical Travel Tips
Make the most of your visit to Allen with these helpful tips and insights from experienced travelers.
Money Matters
Connectivity
Planning Efficiently
Ready to Experience Allen, Texas?
Allen may not be the first Texas city that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but this vibrant suburb offers a perfect blend of shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly entertainment. With its convenient location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Allen serves as both a destination in its own right and an excellent base for exploring the region.
From the retail therapy of Allen Premium Outlets to the outdoor adventures at Celebration Park and Hydrous Wake Park, Allen provides diverse experiences for visitors of all interests. The city’s commitment to parks, trails, and recreational facilities makes it especially appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a shopping expedition, or a family vacation, Allen, Texas offers the perfect combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Start planning your trip today and discover why Allen is becoming one of North Texas’s most popular destinations!
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