8 Day Trips From Collin County, TX

Living in Collin County gives you access to a broad range of destinations within a short drive. Whether you want to explore small-town charm, modern attractions, or scenic nature areas, many worthwhile options are within reach. This guide outlines the best day trips from Collin County TX, each offering its own unique features and local experiences. These destinations are ideal for low-commitment getaways that don’t require extensive travel or overnight stays.

McKinney’s downtown historic district is a compact destination with reliable hours, an established retail mix, and regular events. It’s a local trip for most Collin County residents, but it offers enough density and diversity to build an entire day around. The square includes independent shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants, with additional streets extending the walkable core.

Seasonal events and small-scale festivals fill the calendar year-round. Parking is manageable; most destinations are close enough to avoid extended walking. Food options range from bakeries and pizza shops to cocktail bars and full-service restaurants. This is one of the few destinations in North Texas that maintains an intact and regularly used downtown core that works for repeat visits.

Grapevine is about an hour southwest of Collin County and centers around its historic Main Street. The city’s heritage is tied to winemaking, and the walkable downtown includes multiple tasting rooms, wine shops, and restaurants. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates on weekends and gives short rides between downtown and Fort Worth Stockyards.

The district's shops include galleries, home goods stores, and long-running retailers. You can build a day around tastings, shopping, and walking without driving between stops. The adjacent Grapevine Mills area includes more commercial activity if you want to pair your visit with outlets or chain restaurants.

Denton is about 45 minutes west of central Collin County and blends a walkable downtown square with an active live music and restaurant scene. The historic courthouse anchors the square, and side streets offer independent bookstores, cafes, and vintage shops. It’s a good place for relaxed walking, exploring niche retail, and trying local food.

The city is home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, which helps sustain the downtown area throughout the year. Live music venues such as Dan’s Silverleaf and Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios book performances during the week and weekends. You can build a structured day in Denton around gallery visits, record shopping, and restaurant stops without leaving the city center.

Lake Texoma sits on the Texas-Oklahoma border and is one of the largest reservoirs in the region. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Collin County and offers access to fishing, day-use parks, and trail systems. Eisenhower State Park on the southern shore is a reliable access point with marked trails, lake overlooks, and shaded picnic areas.

This destination works well for a day focused on light recreation and steady movement. You can drive the perimeter roads, stop at local marinas, or build a base at the park and explore the shoreline on foot. Small towns nearby, including Denison and Pottsboro, offer places to eat or rest before returning home. This is one of the most practical outdoor day trips from Collin County TX, especially during spring and fall months.

Cedar Hill State Park, located southwest of Dallas, provides access to the eastern side of Joe Pool Lake. It’s about 75 minutes from most areas in Collin County. The park includes shoreline trails, bike paths, and shaded picnic areas. Terrain consists of a mix of lakefront, woods, and native grasslands, offering a visual contrast to more urban parks.

This is one of the better options for those who want to walk trails, sit near the water, or photograph open natural space. Nearby, Cedar Hill has expanded its retail and restaurant offerings, so it’s easy to transition from outdoor activities to dining or shopping. The park maintains reliable access year-round and is rarely overcrowded on weekdays.

The Fort Worth Stockyards deliver a highly localized historical setting that still functions as a working district. Located about 90 minutes from most parts of Collin County, this area includes rodeo arenas, shops, saloons, and walking tours. The brick-paved streets and original buildings are still in active use, and daily cattle drives offer a window into the area's history.

Beyond its Western identity, the Stockyards also offer steakhouses, distilleries, and indoor markets that attract both first-time visitors and locals. You can also visit Mule Alley, a redeveloped part of the district with newer restaurants and boutique retail. The schedule of events changes monthly, so you can time your visit to include live performances or vendor events.

Decatur is about 90 minutes from Collin County and has built a reputation for its small-town square and antique-focused shopping. The Wise County Courthouse anchors the district, and surrounding streets include older buildings now housing cafes, vintage shops, and bakeries. The square maintains steady hours and supports casual walking without large crowds.

The rest of the town includes trails, parks, and public recreation areas, offering options to combine downtown exploration with outdoor movement. A few miles south, the Lyndon B. Johnson Grasslands offer trail loops and quiet routes suitable for walking or picnicking. This trip is best suited for slower-paced days focusing on browsing and low-density walking.

Waco is roughly two hours from central Collin County and includes restored historical areas and newer attractions. Magnolia Market at the Silos remains a major draw, with food trucks, a central lawn, and a curated store focused on home goods. The complex also includes a bakery and coffee shop that attract visitors throughout the week.

In addition to Magnolia, the city features the Dr Pepper Museum, the Waco Suspension Bridge, and the Cameron Park Zoo. You can structure a whole day around two or three locations without needing to rush. Waco works well for people interested in curated shopping, slower-paced walking, and short museum visits. 

If you're exploring life in Collin County or thinking about making a move, Town and Ranch Real Estate Group offers the experience and local knowledge you need. Our team specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate all types of real estate — whether you're looking for a spacious ranch, land with potential, or a modern home close to local amenities.

Reach out to Town and Ranch Real Estate Group to start your real estate journey with a team that’s as connected to the area as you are. Search for Collin County real estate here.