McKinney is one of those towns that surprises you in the best way possible. It’s charming and creative, with a walkable historic district, amazing food, unique boutiques, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in North Texas. This weekend itinerary highlights the best ways to explore McKinney from delicious brunches and cozy cafés to hands-on workshops, shopping, and relaxing escapes.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a solo adventure, this guide walks you through exactly how to spend a Friday through Sunday in McKinney.
Table of Contents
Friday – Settle In & Explore Historic Downtown
Check Into Your Hotel
Experience McKinney’s history firsthand at The Bingham Estate. The Margaret Cottage combines a cozy, boutique feel with beautiful gardens and charming architecture. You’ll love strolling the property, enjoying the outdoor picnic spaces, and capturing photos in a Southern-inspired setting. Perfect if you want a serene home base with a historic touch.
For a more modern downtown experience, The Denizen Hotel offers contemporary rooms and easy access to McKinney’s west side and historic downtown. Its stylish interiors and central location make it ideal for walking to murals, local cafés, and boutiques, giving you both convenience and comfort for a weekend filled with exploration.
Kick Off Your Weekend at Habitat Plants + Coffee
This plant-filled café is such a peaceful place to ease into your weekend. Grab a latte, explore their leafy displays, and sip your drink in a space that feels like a greenhouse oasis. It’s a cute spot to take photos or pick up a small plant as a souvenir.
Create Your Own Signature Scents at Expressive Aromas
At Expressive Aromas, you’ll craft a custom fragrance or body product in a cozy, scent-filled workshop. Owner Bharvi guides you through blending scents into a perfume, lotion, or car fragrance. It’s immersive, fun, and gives you a unique keepsake from McKinney.
Discover Unique Hats at Bay Willow Design & McKinney Hat Co
Pop into Bay Willow Design and McKinney Hat Co for handcrafted hats and custom designs. These boutiques highlight McKinney’s creative side and offer unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Pinkitzel
Swing by Pinkitzel for pink glitter, whimsical cupcakes, tea parties, and colorful waffle cones. The over-the-top décor and playful sweets make this a fun, photo-ready experience before dinner.
Dinner at Sugarbacon
Wrap up your first day at Sugarbacon, a local favorite for elevated comfort food. Don’t miss the dry-aged tomahawk, thick-cut fried bacon with honey bourbon chipotle BBQ sauce, or the hot chicken sandwich. Pair with a Bourbon & Berries cocktail or a Cucumber Lime Mocktail for the perfect evening.
Saturday – Coffee, Boutique Finds & Spa Relaxation
Morning Coffee at Collective Coffee & White Box Roastery
Start your day at Collective Coffee downtown with a cookie butter latte or choose White Box Roastery for specialty matcha lattes, croissants, or a caramelized banana bread latte. Both spots are ideal for fueling up before a day of exploration.
Explore Downtown Murals & The McKinney Cotton Mill
Stroll downtown McKinney and snap photos of colorful murals and street art. Stop at The McKinney Cotton Mill, a historical landmark that blends history with modern flair, perfect for a quick photo stop or a mini history lesson.
Creative Photoshoot at LX Art Gallery & Studio
LX Artworks Gallery & Studio offers fun immersive backdrops for private photoshoots, styled content creation, or special events. While primarily a fine-art gallery, the space can be reserved to add color and creativity to your afternoon, making it a memorable setting for capturing unique McKinney moments.
Lunch at Hamm’s Meat + Market
Savor a gourmet lunch at Hamm’s Meat + Market. From hearty sandwiches to chef-driven dishes, it’s a local favorite with a menu that’s creative, indulgent, and expertly prepared.
Shop Boutiques: Bird & Words and Fair & Square Imports
Discover curated stationery, home décor, and international finds in these unique boutiques. A great way to find gifts or treasures you won’t see anywhere else.
- Bird & Words – Modern stationery, home décor, and curated gifts.
- Fair & Square Imports – Internationally sourced décor and unique treasures.
Relax at Aoki Head Spa & Elite Derma Med Spa
After a day of exploring, unwind with a restorative wellness session.
At Aoki Head Spa, indulge in holistic scalp treatments, aromatherapy, and relaxing techniques that melt away tension. Jihee (the owner) and Sora (the general manager) both bring a warm presence and expert touch that makes each treatment feel deeply personalized.
If you want to take your spa day up a notch, visit Elite Derma Med Spa, a boutique med spa known for advanced skincare treatments. From hydrating facials to LED therapy and custom skin analysis, everything here is designed to make your skin glow and leave you refreshed for the rest of the weekend.
Dinner at Mabel’s African Cuisine & Bar
End your day with dinner at Mabel’s African Cuisine & Bar, serving authentic African dishes like Naija-style spaghetti with shrimp, jollof rice, and savory pastries. This flavorful, family-run spot brings a taste of Africa to McKinney and is perfect when you want a meal that truly stands out.
Sunday – Brunch, Picnic & Last-Minute Treats
Brunch at Cubana Grille
Enjoy a flavorful brunch at Cubana Grille, featuring dishes like oxtail with grits, chicken wings & waffles, sliders, plantains, and more. This new menu is full of local favorites and fresh takes on comfort food.
Treat Yourself at Cocktail Creamery
Cocktail Creamery is such a fun surprise in McKinney. It’s an ice cream shop that blends handcrafted flavors with playful twists inspired by your favorite cocktails (with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). It’s part dessert shop, part little happy moment, and the perfect cool-down after brunch or before exploring more of the city.
Lunch Picnic at The Bingham with Enchanting Escapes
Enjoy a scenic lunch picnic with Enchanting Escapes at The Bingham, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a simple, peaceful experience that instantly makes the day feel more special, especially when the weather is nice.
Explore the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend your afternoon wandering the trails and wildlife exhibits at the Heard Museum. Highlights include the butterfly garden, dinosaurs, and seasonal features that make it a must-visit for nature lovers. It’s educational, and a great way to soak in the nature side of McKinney.
End Your Weekend at Page 3 Eatery
Page 3 Eatery brings bold, authentic flavors from Mumbai and Lucknow to North Texas, making it one of the most exciting dining experiences in McKinney. Each dish is packed with spice, texture, and aroma from crispy Pani Puri to melt-in-your-mouth Galouti Kebab and comforting Pav Bhaji.
Things To Do in Mckinney, TX This Weekend: FAQs
What is McKinney, Texas known for?
Historically, McKinney was known as an agricultural powerhouse, especially through the early 1900s when it became a major producer of corn, wheat, and oats placing Collin County among the top producers in Texas.
Today, McKinney is known for its beautiful historic downtown, thriving boutique shopping, artistic studios, and chef-driven restaurants that highlight its creative, homegrown spirit.
What is there to do in downtown McKinney?
You can explore murals, visit the McKinney Cotton Mill, sip coffee at Collective Coffee, picnic at The Bingham Gardens, or shop for handcrafted hats at McKinney Hat Co. The district is lively yet cozy, perfect for strolling, browsing, and discovering something new on every block.
What unique shops are in downtown McKinney?
For one-of-a-kind finds, check out Bay Willow Designs and McKinney Hat Co for custom hats, Habitat Plants & Coffee for plants, and Expressive Aromas for personalized scents.
Things To Do in Mckinney, TX This Weekend: Final Thoughts
From murals and boutiques to hands-on workshops and authentic flavors, this weekend itinerary lets you experience the city at its best. No matter your travel style—romantic getaway, girls’ trip, or solo adventure—McKinney is a place where you can slow down, explore, and make memories that last long after you leave.
You’ll leave inspired, well-fed, and ready to plan your next visit.
Last Updated 1 day ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 7, 2025
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