We are lucky. Collin County and the rest of North Texas offer so much to do. So as the year winds down, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. What were the most memorable experiences 2024? There were a lot of good ones — very good ones. But these are the best.
Local Profile handpicked these spots after exploring and enjoying everything they have to offer. These are our personal favorites, you may disagree, and that is perfectly OK!
So, without adieu, here is Local Profile's selection of this year's best of the best experiences:
Best Day Spa
WorldSprings
3240 Plano Pkwy, The Colony
Take a dip. WorldSpring offers exactly as the name implies — travel to the world’s best natural springs just feet apart from each other, right here in North Texas. Each pool offers different benefits to refresh your self-care day.
Woodhouse Spa (honorable mention)
5760 Legacy Dr. Suite B14, Plano
Unwind with a spa treatment, massage, facial and more in the comfort of a modern yet cozy atmosphere.
Best Dinosaur To Visit
Frisco Public Library
8000 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
Meet Rexy, the T. rex skeleton statue that measures 42 feet long and the centerpiece of the $60-million-plus library. If the T. rex model wasn't enough to spark children's imaginations, the library also has themed areas, including the preschooler-geared tiny town, which has a little train, a train depot, a vet, a construction site and a grocery store. Oh, and yes, they have lots of books, too.
Best Golf Course
PGA Frisco
4341 PGA Pkwy, Frisco
The PGA’s move to Frisco could not have come at a more par-fect time. Live out your pro-golfer fantasies with a Texas-sized putting green (the Dance Floor), a 10-hole short course (The Swing) and two courses, The East designed by Gil Hanse and The West, a Beau Welling design. Frisco residents get a discount.
TPC Craig Ranch (honorable mention)
8000 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney
TPC Craig Ranch offers an unbeatable experience for Collin County golfers, blending immaculate course conditions, strategically demanding hole layouts and the thrill of watching the world’s top golfers compete annually. This dynamic combination makes it a must-visit destination for both avid players and fans of the game. The links, home to The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, is members only but open to guests.
Best Ice Skating
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas
Galleria’s ice rink, surrounded by the many shops at the mall, has lessons and public sessions for anyone wanting to get on the ice. Cool down in the summer or experience a holiday wonderland during the winter.
Allen Community Ice Rink (honorable mention)
200 E Stacy Rd #1350, Allen
Hit the ice in Allen with a full-sized rink perfect for birthday parties, corporate events and weekend fun. In 2021, this rink was the venue for the U.S. Figure Skating Championship Series. Don’t worry — you don’t have to be a pro to skate here!
Best Iconic Filming Location To Visit
Southfork Ranch
700 Hogge Dr, Parker
For thirteen years, viewers watched 356 episodes of Dallas, one of the longest-running TV series in history. Each week, audiences were welcomed into Southfork Ranch, the home of the Ewing family. Now, you can visit this iconic Texas ranch in person and experience the lifestyle that captivated millions with tours and the chance to live the a Ewing (for a day or two at least).
Best Local Museum Experience
National Videogame Museum
8004 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
At The National Videogame Museum, you don't just look at exhibits, you play with them. From Atari to Xbox, The National Videogame Museum is the only museum in America dedicated to the history of video games and features over 10,000 pieces of gaming hardware, software and memorabilia as well as interactive exhibits like a 12-foot game of Pong and a 1980s-style bedroom where you can play a Nintendo Entertainment System.
Frisco Heritage Museum (honorable mention)
6455 Page St, Frisco
Step into the past at the Frisco Heritage Museum. Wander through recreated historic buildings, meet the first founders of North Texas and explore a rustic wooden caboose. Each exhibit tells the fascinating story of the area’s evolution from a modest stop on the Shawnee Trail to Frisco, Texas.
Best Music Experience
Charles W. Eisemann Center
2351 Performance Dr, Richardson
From classical tunes to boyband-style groups, the Eisemann Center’s performers create unforgettable experiences night after night.
Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar (honorable mention)
6765 Winning Dr #810, Frisco
Start the weekend with a sing-along — you don’t even have to be good. And what’s better than a little friendly competition? Watch two pianists duel it out in a competition-style playoff. At Pete’s the music is great and the food is even better.
Best Baseball Viewing Experience
RoughRiders Lazy River
7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco
Why sit in the stands when you can float in a pool? With a lazy river ticket, guests can enjoy full 360-degree access to the expansive 3,000-square-foot river and spectacular views of the entire ballpark, while staying cool of course.
Best Place To Play Pickleball
Chicken N Pickle
4600 Merlot Ave, Grapevine
Chicken N Pickle serves up cocktails, local brews and, of course, chicken. Pickleball courts and indoor/outdoor games for all ages and abilities are available at the coolest coop around.
The Local Good Coffee Co. (honorable mention)
201 Legacy Dr, Plano
The pickleball phenomenon is still going strong. Why not pair it with some coffee that’s even stronger? These free courts fill up fast, so be sure to get there early.
Best Place To Play Cornhole
Truck Yard
5959 Grove Ln, The Colony
Truck Yard is a go-to backyard party spot with free live music every day and a rotating selection of food trucks. Sit back and have a beer while the kids play a variety of back-yard games such as mega Battleship and, of course, cornhole.
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost (honorable mention)
4700 W Park Blvd, Plano
Enjoy barbecue and ice-cold drinks while you enjoy the competitive spirit of cornhole on Katy Trail Ice House’s massive patio. Plus, this spot is home to the “best margarita in Dallas.” It can’t get any better than that.
Best Place To Laugh
Addison Improv
4980 Belt Line Rd #250, Dallas
As a North Texas staple, Addison Improv is full of history, hosting some of the biggest names in comedy such as Bert Kreischer and Kevin Hart.
Mic Drop Comedy (honorable mention)
7301 Lone Star Dr Suite A-110, Plano
Experience live stand-up comedy with top touring performers you've seen on Netflix, HBO and Showtime, or discover an up-and-coming comedian that will leave your abs hurting the next day.
Best Place To Ride Two Ferris Wheels
Grandscape
5740 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony (Grandscape)
4450 Destination Dr, The Colony (Scheel’s)
Don’t wait for the fair! Enjoy 360-degree views of the scenic North Texas skyline from the comfort of a climate-controlled gondola in the middle of Grandscape. With its breathtaking view from the top of the 200-foot wheel, every ride at Grandscape Wheel is truly spectacular. After that, head into Scheel’s for another massive Ferris wheel ride while you get a glimpse of the many taxidermy creatures and animatronic Teddy Roosevelt.
Best Place To Swing In The Trees
Oak Point Park
5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano
Go ape in Oak Point Park elevates adventure to new heights — 27 feet up in the canopy to be specific. Located in Plano's largest park, this treetop course offers thrilling views, over 8 miles of trails and a zipline over Rowlett Creek. With 40 crossings and four ziplines, the high-ropes course takes two to three hours to complete, offering a unique and exhilarating experience.
Best Playground
Spirit Park Playground
1151 Ridgeview Dr, Allen
Spirit Park is home to a treehouse-themed playground — a big one at that. Not only is the playground at Spirit Park one of the best playgrounds for older kids, but it also has baseball/softball fields and hike/bike trails to keep older kids and adults entertained. You’re never too old to play in a treehouse. Restrooms and picnic tables are available on-site.
Hope Park (honorable mention)
8000 McKinney Rd, Frisco
Hope Park features three unique play areas, all enclosed by a wooden fence. This playground resembles a miniature play city, complete with winding walkways, turrets, bridges and slides. Alongside these, you'll find classic attractions like swings, a merry-go-round and a teeter-totter. Be prepared: the size of this playground can make it a bit of a challenge to keep an eye on wandering kiddos. Restrooms are available within a short walk.
Best Public Art Experience
Hall Park
6801 Gaylord Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034
Spend your afternoon among art at Hall Park. The Texas Sculpture Garden, known as the most extensive private collection of contemporary Texas sculptures ever curated, is home to more than 40 pieces of art from talented Texas artists. Next, make your way to Kaleidoscope Park’s focal point, Butterfly Rest Stop, crafted by internationally acclaimed sculptor and fabric artist Janet Echelman. This artwork adorns the Arts Plaza, symbolizing the monarch butterfly's migration. Butterfly Rest Stop stands as one of Texas's largest outdoor public art installations.
McKinney Silo Mural Project (honorable mention)
406 E Virginia St, McKinney
Renowned Australian artist Guido van Helten transformed McKinney’s Historic Flour Mill, painting a massive 100-foot-tall mural on the cement grain silos and grain elevator at East Virginia and Main Streets. Completed in late August 2022, the mural honors the community’s deep industrial and agricultural heritage.
Best Rainy Day Fun
Arcade 92 Retro Arcade, Bar and Restaurant
305 E Virginia St. Suite 103, McKinney
Rainy day? Head to Arcade 92. The best part is — no tokens or coins needed. Instead, all games are set to free play with a set price for a day pass. Plenty of time to set a new Pacman record or master Street Fighter II. Game on!
Puttery (honorable mention)
5762 Grandscape Blvd Suite 105, The Colony
These indoor courses hit different. Puttery offers multiple courses with a variety of themes such as a library, downtown rooftop and ski lodge. Plus each course has cocktails to match the theme. When you’re done golfing, unwind in the lounge.
Best Rooftop View
Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star
11 Cowboys Way, Frisco
Sure the Omni Frisco Hotel is impressive, but the view from the pool deck is the best in Frisco. Lounge by the pool and take in a great view of The Star.
Urban Crust (honorable mention)
1006 E 15th St, Plano
Urban Crust features a rooftop ice bar called "32 Degrees," named of course for its constant 32-degree temperature the draft beers are poured. What’s even cooler? The views.
Best Sports Fan Experience
The Star
1 Cowboys Way, Frisco
The Star is truly a one-stop shop for anything Dallas Cowboys you could need. Head to the Dallas Cowboy Pro Shop and get decked out, head to to in navy, silver and white. Guided tours offer fans an exclusive opportunity to explore where the Dallas Cowboys train and work 355 days a year. Young and old alike love running around Tostitos Championship Plaza, the Dallas Cowboys 50-yard replica turf field.
Best Antique Shopping
High Street Antiques
800 Central Expy, Plano
High Street Antiques offers 50,000 square feet of fine antiques and rare collectibles. You can find everything you need for your home, yourself, or that perfect gift, all in one place. From vintage clocks to historic memorabilia, surely you can find something.
Antique Company Mall (honorable mention)
213 E Virginia St, McKinney
With antiques and hidden gems as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to lose an afternoon, or two, to the 15,000 square feet of jewelry, vintage decor, mid-century furniture and much much more.
Best Cowboy Hat Shopping Experience
McKinney Hat Company
213 N Kentucky St, McKinney
Picking a hat is hard. There are too many shapes and you may have a funny-shaped head. The professionals at McKinney Hat Company offer a curated selection of felt and straw hats for cowpokes and city slickers alike. They also won’t judge the shape of your head.
This article was featured in Local Profile’s best of the best magazine. To read more, visit the link here.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.