McKinney
Introduction
McKinney is the county seat of Collin County, Texas, and a suburb within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It sits roughly 32 miles north of Dallas, placing it within easy reach of the wider metroplex while keeping its own identity as a Collin County seat.
Within Collin County, McKinney ranks as one of the area's larger cities, following Plano and Frisco. That position makes it part of the fast-growing suburban belt north of Dallas, where the county seat role and the metroplex address together shape what you'll find here.
Getting there
McKinney is easy to reach by car, and the most straightforward approach is from Dallas. Two major highways connect the city: US Route 75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
Getting around
Getting around McKinney means driving. No major bus services serve the city, and McKinney has no agreement with Dallas Area Rapid Transit, so DART rail, bus and light rail services do not extend here. The city's senior bus service, CCART, shut down due to budget issues, removing what had been a limited local option. Major taxicab services do not operate in the city either, so rather than counting on hailing a cab on the street, arrange your own transport.
- If you are arriving from elsewhere in the region, the most natural approach is from Dallas, via US Route 75 or the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
- Having your own vehicle also makes it easy to reach the surrounding areas.
- Treat walking as a way to enjoy a specific area once you have driven there, not as your primary means of getting between destinations.
- Plan your journey from the airport accordingly, arranging your own vehicle or road transfer in advance rather than expecting to continue by train or bus.
Where to stay
For a straightforward stay, you'll find chain motels along North Central Expressway, the main north–south artery through town. The Days Inn sits on this corridor, and the Quality Inn is another option on the same strip; it's an older property, but it's still clean and comfortable.Food & drink
For casual Tex-Mex, head to El Fenix Mexican Restaurant on South Central Expressway, where the food is tasty and cheap; weekend evenings can get very busy, so plan accordingly. If you're after something more familiar, Culver's on West Eldorado Parkway serves its menu in a casual setting. When you want a drink, the Londoner on North Tennessee Street is an English pub that also serves food.What to see and do
In McKinney, start with the past: Chestnut Square Historic Park gathers seven restored homes from the 1850s, and guided tours of the buildings are available for a small fee. For a broader look at the region's story, head to the North Texas History Center on East Virginia Parkway. The source lists no other sights or activities, so plan your time around these two stops rather than expecting a packed itinerary.Three days in McKinney
Day one: Base yourself in McKinney and get your bearings in the historic centre. Chestnut Square Historic Park is the place to start, with its preserved buildings and grounds giving you a feel for the town's past. In the evening, head to North Tennessee Street for a meal at the Londoner, an English-style pub where you can settle in over dinner and a drink.
Day two: Spend the day exploring Collin County. Plano and Frisco are both within easy reach, and the Sam Rayburn Tollway and US Route 75 connect the area, so you can move between towns without much trouble. If you would rather leave the car behind, DART and CCART both serve the region. Back in McKinney, try El Fenix Mexican Restaurant on South Central Expressway for Tex-Mex, or Culver's on West Eldorado Parkway if you want something simpler.
Day three: Treat the day as a slower one. Have a look around McKinney's historic streets before planning the next leg of your trip. Dallas and Fort Worth are both within reach if you want a change of scene, and the North Central Expressway makes the run into Dallas straightforward. If you are staying overnight before you leave, the Days Inn and the Quality Inn are among the options in town.