Just a quick 30 minute drive north up I-75 from Dallas, Allen is an outlet bargainista’s dream! Known throughout the metroplex for excellent shopping, Allen also offers an expansive selection of restaurants and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Allen is the perfect destination for a hassle-free, affordable weekend getaway!
Where to Stay
Maximize your vacation time by staying smack dab in the middle of the action! Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen, Hampton Inn & Suites—Dallas Allen and Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at Allen Event Center are just a few of the fabulous hotels within walking distance of shopping, dining and entertainment.
Only 30 minutes from downtown Dallas, Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen is a sophisticated hotel blending luxury and convenience, and boasting rustic design along with curated local art and modern technology. Enjoy original cuisine at their on-site restaurant, Texan Canyon Kitchen, generous parking, a state-of-the art fitness center, a stunning patio and pool, plus shopping and dining just across the street. This is what staycation dreams are made of!
Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at Allen Event Center is a popular spot for the kiddos with their expansive indoor pool, but adults will enjoy the easy two-minute walk to The Village at Allen’s 75+ retailers and restaurants including the brand-new Macy’s Backstage. Choose from just about every cuisine you can imagine for breakfast, brunch, dinner, and happy hour. You’ll also find a lively nightlife scene with plenty of late-night hot spots featuring local brews on tap and live music.
Adjacent to Allen Premium Outlets and with easy access to the interstate, you’ll find rates as low as $77 per night at Hampton Inn & Suites. Pack your car and forget about it when you stay on property to shop more than 120+ name-brand designer retail outlet stores.
Find even more hotel offers here.
Where to Shop
“Sale” is our favorite four letter word, and they are plentiful, along with great prices, at Allen Premium Outlets, A Simon Center. From Troy Burch to American Eagle, you can stock up on name brands without the sticker shock.
Be sure to sign up for the Shop Allen PlayPass where you’ll find discounts from many of the retailers and restaurants below. It’s FREE!
Situated on 52 acres of village greens, Watters Creek is full of interactive public art, a village green space, delicious dining options, and stores for everyone in the family! The ambiance of Watters Creek makes it the perfect spot to spend the day. Shop favorites like Anthropologie, Francesca’s, and DSW, or pick up must-have accessories at Kendra Scott and Sunglass Hut. Spend an afternoon with the kids in the village treehouse play area and stop into VR trip for an out-of-this world gaming experience. After you’ve scoured the shops, treat yourself from head to toe at the amazing salon and spa selections like Envy Nail Spa, The Lash Lounge, and Madison Reed Color Bar. The possibilities are endless at this must-visit shopping Mecca!
The Village at Allen offers something for everyone (even the dog!), from shopping, to dining, to a kid-friendly outdoor greenspace. Drop off the pup at The Mutt Puddle for some TLC while you spend the day exploring stores like HomeGoods, Macy’s Backstage, Uptown Cheapskate, and Ulta Beauty. Stop in for some afternoon fuel at Armor Coffee Co., where you just might run into Allen’s newest local celebrity. HGTV’s “No Demo Reno” star, Jennifer Todryk, and her husband Mike own and operate the popular local coffee shop. Take your cup of brew over to chill out at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. Refuel as a family at restaurants like Kelly’s at The Village, Pluckers Wing Bar, and Numero 28 Allen Ristorante Pizzeria, or try out local favorite Dodie’s Cajun. Vibe Yoga and My House Fitness are ready to welcome you if you have any energy left in the tank after your day of shopping.
Where to Eat
Traveling across the world is as easy as making dinner plans at Hedary’s Mediterranean Restaurant! The family-owned Lebanese eatery is located in a quaint house in the heart of Allen and serves up authentic dishes created with garden-grown veggies that will have you feeling right at home.
While you’ll certainly find familiar favorites in Allen, you won’t want to miss out on flavors that are authentically their own. Head over to check out Spice Creations Fine Indian Kitchen’s robust menu with numerous dishes to choose from including classic curies with a twist and a crafter menu that is suitable for kids.
Eat like a local and head over to Peppersmash—ultimate craft bar and kitchen serving up unpretentious (but crazy delicious) American classics. Whether you’re looking for a handcrafted cocktail for happy hour or a feast of a Sunday brunch, Chef Justin Samsill is sure to delight.
Calling all foodies! Think of a place where fresh cafe classics are made-to-order with local ingredients with a market featuring an assortment of homemade breads, dips, and more…now get in your car and drive to Elke’s Market Cafe. (PS the brisket queso is a must-try)
If you’re a Texan who takes Tex-Mex very seriously (as we all should), we recommend you eat at one of the best Tex-Mex places in Allen, Uncle Julio’s. You can expect to enjoy some made-from-scratch Mexican food in a fun, festive atmosphere. Be sure to grab an order of their sizzling fajitas and wash them down with a legendary “swirl” cocktail – the original frozen collision of Spain and Mexico combining a frozen margarita and frozen sangria.
We would be remiss not to mention Roman Cucina for some top-notch Italian food in Allen. Winding down with a glass of wine and some pepperoni garlic bread sounds like the perfect ending to any day.
Kelly’s At The Village has brisket nachos to die for! As if you needed any more convincing to check out this local favorite, it also has a lively patio and nightlife scene with over 40 beers on tap.
Frogg Coffee Bar and Creperie, a Watters Creek staple, will make you feel like you’re sipping coffee in a little café in Europe. The menu features artisan coffee, gourmet crepes, fresh salads, appetizers, delicious wines and Texas beer. Sip and dine on the oversized patio overlooking the creek.
Another Watters Creek favorite, at the top of our ‘Don’t Miss List’, is Edith’s French Cafe. Enjoy French-style pastries, light fare, and all-day breakfast. Where else can you participate in high tea in the middle of the metroplex?
What to Do
Fore golfers of every skill level (see what we did there), Topgolf Allen is the perfect activity for a day of fun. Snack on delicious bites from the kitchen or sip on handcrafted drinks from the bar as score points and aim for the targets scattered across the full-size range.
For more experienced players, the Courses at Watters Creek are just the place to tee off with a 9 and 18-hole professional course. And if you’re no pro, no worries! The Courses aren’t just for pros. With multiple courses, there are enough options that players of all skill levels will find a good challenge. Schedule a tee time and face off against your fellow players or book an individual or group lesson at the practice center. Grab a bite to eat at Grill 33, inside the clubhouse to satisfy your burger, sandwich, and snacking cravings.
You don’t need a boat to go wakeboarding in this day-and-age. Hydrous Wake Park at Allen Station makes it possible to wakeboard in the middle of the metroplex with a cable park and a body of water! If you are not interested in getting in and getting wet, Hydrous provides sitting areas for observing flips and tricks (and major wipeouts).
If you’re a mega daredevil, grab your BMX bikes and skateboards to stunt your way around The Edge @ Allen Skate Park. Featuring a concrete skate park, two roller-hockey rinks and a BMX track, this skate park is one of the largest and gnarliest outdoor facilities of its kind in Texas.
Complete your trip with some friendly family competition at PINSTACK. The fun doesn’t stop at the state-of-the-art bowling lanes, indoor games, laser mazes or the LED Rock Climbing Wall—this activity venue also boasts a full-service restaurant featuring chef-inspired cuisine and a full bar!
Keep in touch with Mother Nature at Allen’s Celebration Park. The 104-acre park has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. Spend the afternoon at the kidMania Play & Sprayground at Celebration Park, a fun place to get wet and appropriately wild, then head over to the adjacent playground to end the day with a bang. The kidMania playground is one of the largest handicap-accessible parks in Texas, ensuring no one misses out on the fun.
Transport yourself to a winter wonderland in the middle of summer at the Allen Community Ice Rink. Hit the ice at the Open Skate with only $5 entry and $3 skate rental—an affordable (and fun) activity for the whole family.