Top 7 Cities North Of Dallas You Should Definitely Visit

Top 7 Cities North Of Dallas You Should
Definitely Visit

Diverse cultures, plenty of parks, luxury lakes, and historical architecture — Dallas, Texas, really is a must-visit on many tourists’ lists. But the big city life isn’t for everyone! If you love the serenity of a more laid-back ambiance — or simply love to think (and do things) out of the box — the suburbs and cities north of Dallas are waiting for you!

Wear your sunscreen and get in your comfy travel outfit as we go discover the top 7 cities north of Dallas you should definitely visit!

1. McKinney

With its historic downtown, creative community, and greenery-lined streets, the city of McKinney has an ambiance entirely different from Dallas. It is located 32 miles from downtown Dallas and is known to be one of the USA’s most livable places. McKinney is a serene, picturesque city, ideal to slow down the pace of life and enjoy the little things. Its friendly charm and small-town feel make it one of the top places to visit north of Dallas.

However, don’t let the calmness of the city fool you into thinking there’s not much to do! Here are our top picks for the things to see (and places to eat) in McKinney:

Go on a shopping spree — followed by a mouthwatering meal — at Main Street.
Take a tour (and enjoy a drink or two) of the Franconia Brewhouse.
Rest amidst the soothing sounds of water at the McKinney Falls State Park.
Devour delicious bites at one of its top restaurants. We recommend trying the seafood and steaks at Rick’s Chophouse and the tacos at Harvest Seasonal Kitchen.
Make new animal friends at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Sherman

Conveniently positioned between Dallas towards the South and Choctaw Casino in Durant towards the North, Sherman is a quaint city offering a unique experience full of knowledge and discoveries. It’s a reasonable distance from Dallas, making it the ideal if you wanted some space from the busy city but also wanted to initiate trips to indulge in its many activities. If you’re up for a gamble, Choctaw Casino is just a 20 min drive up to the north on the Oklahoma side in Durant. As such, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in Sherman!

Moreover, Sherman’s rich history, multitude of recreational activities, superb breweries, and options for dining and shopping are sure to make your stay worthwhile.

Speaking of staying, the Boho Bordeaux Airbnb in Sherman offers high-quality residence for you and your loved ones. If you’re ready to create cherishable memories inside your place of stay, this Airbnb is for you! And for the outdoors, here are our top picks for Sherman:

Mesmerize at the captivating animal displays at the Harber Wildlife Museum (it makes for a great activity on a rainy day, too).
Learn how to create unique wood decor at Board & Brush.
Devour an award-winning beer at 903 Brewers.

Experience the exhilarating slides and wonderful water features of the Splash Family Aquatic Center.

3. Allen

A northern suburb of Dallas, Allen is home to three unique shopping destinations, 70 miles of hiking trails, plenty of art and culture, and over 250 dining areas. As such, from the avid traveler to the more slow-paced, there’s a little something for everyone. Allen has developed from a railroad town to one of the liveliest parts to the North of Dallas.

If you’re up for an Allen itinerary, here’s what you must include in it:

Immerse in the Local Orchestra at the Allen Performing Arts Center.
Walk through the majestic trees of Cottonwood Creek Trail.
Watch the sunset, followed by a delicious dinner, at Watters Creek.
Pick a treat for your dog at Petco or Hollywood Feed.

4. Southlake

Despite its quaint and small-town feel, Southlake is nothing short of a leisure destination. With its outdoor attractions, plush shopping centers, and many eateries, you can expect to have a lot to do in the city. What’s more, it provides the perfect peaceful oasis from the frenzy of Dallas.

If you’re in the city, here’s what you must check out:

Shop till you drop at Southlake Town Square
Experience the beauty of Lake Grapevine — and indulge in its many water-based activities.
Ride a horse at the Marshall Creek Ranch.
Visit the White’s Chapel United Methodist — a place of worship and famous tourist destination.

5. Keller

Just west of Southlake lies the beautiful city of Keller. With its capability to ‘wow’ its visitors, the suburban city is gradually becoming a hotspot for tourists. Keller balances the big city leisures with small-town charm, creating the perfect spot to simply step back and enjoy a relaxing day.

You will find plenty of unique things to do here, with our top favorites listed below.

Create your own souvenir by painting alongside an artist at Painting With A Twist.
Treat yourself to a soothing massage at the Melt Spa + Massage.
Satiate your inner gamer at the arcades of Tornado Terry’s Family Amusement Center.
Devour fresh produce at Keller Farmer’s Market.

6. Frisco

Officially branded as “Sports City USA”, Frisco is every sports lover’s dream come true. Football, baseball, hockey, basketball — you name it, Frisco has it! The wonders of Frisco only begin here; 9 million square feet of retail space, 70 miles of trails, and plenty of monumental buildings and heritage spots await you to come to explore them!

Whether you’re in the city for a day or a week, here’s what you shouldn’t miss on a Friso itinerary:

Watch a practice session of the Dallas Cowboys at The Star & Ford Center.
Play as you learn at the National Videogame Museum.
Indulge in shopping, food, and entertainment at the Stonebriar Centre.
Satisfy your inner history buff at the Frisco Heritage Museum.

7. Grapevine

Known for its restored ancient buildings and exquisite wine, Grapevine is another one of the must-visit cities to the North of Dallas. It is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and features rustic rural charm and a welcoming ambiance. Grapevine ranks fifth nationally in terms of wine production, and offers scenic vistas at the picturesque Lake Grapevine.

Here are the top things to do while you’re there:

Follow the Heritage Trail from Nash Farm to Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Indulge in shopping and entertainment at the Grapevine Mills.
Take a Grapevine Wine Tour.
Enjoy performances and visual arts at Palace Arts Center.

Ready To Explore The Top 7 Cities North Of Dallas?

On that note, our blog post on the top 7 cities that you should definitely visit near Dallas comes to a wrap! Be sure to include the top activities to see and do there in your itinerary — and collect cherishable memories and souvenirs while you’re there. We wish you safe and happy travels!