Plano Texas Travel Tips

Planning a pet friendly staycation in Texas? These Plano Texas Travel Tips will show you where to stay, what to eat, and what to do!

This year for our end of summer getaway, we packed up the truck and headed three hours north to Plano TX. If you’re not familiar with where Plano is it’s a suburb just north of Dallas. Plano is centrally located and just a few hours from most major cities in Texas. And you’re close to both DFW Airport and Love Field. Thanks to our sponsor Visit Plano for hosting us to provide you with these Plano Texas travel tips!

Where to Stay in Plano Texas

It was our first time staying in a hotel since the pandemic began. While we were a little apprehensive about staying somewhere other than our RV, our minds were quickly put to ease. State law in Texas requires masks when social distancing isn’t possible and we noticed several businesses that shared their enhanced cleaning protocols.

It was also our first time staying in a hotel with our dogs. In the past we’ve always boarded them when going on vacation but since Plano is so pet friendly, we jumped at the chance to bring along the entire family. Our dogs are now seniors and both get really anxious when they’re boarded, so this seemed like a great opportunity to test the waters and see how the dogs did in a hotel.

Home 2 Suites Legacy West

You have tons of options for hotels in Plano TX. My pick is for the Home 2 Suites Plano Legacy West. With daily housekeeping along with full kitchens, pet-friendly accommodations, and all the luxuries of home Home 2 Suites is your home away from home.

The rooms are each equipped with a full kitchen to keep you comfortable and leave you feeling as if it’s a home and not just a hotel room. There’s a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and dishwasher and you can also request a burner and skillet free of charge to make meals on the go.

As opposed to traditional hotel rooms, Home 2 Suites, creates a home like environment. With a computer desk and chair, make shift dining room table, as well as ample entertaining room. So whether you’re in town and looking to completely social distance in your home away from home or a place with all the amenities you need for an extended business trip, Home 2 Suites has you covered.

For pet-friendly accommodations, Home 2 Suites in Plano really goes above and beyond. From providing designated potty areas to complimentary dog bowls, it’s easy to bring your pets with you on the road.

You’ll also get an amazing pool experience, full cable, and high speed internet as part of your stay. And if you’re flying into town for a long weekend or even driving and don’t want to worry about parking, the Home 2 Suites has a complimentary shuttle with a 3 mile radius. This means you can access all the best shopping and restaurants in the area without having to worry about traffic, parking, or a designated driver.

If you’re looking for a dog friendly (and kid friendly) getaway in Texas, you have to check out Plano. Had it not been for the August heat, we would have been able to take our dogs with us almost every place we went.

Overall the hotel was really quiet. Aside from at the pool, where there were two other families, we only saw three other guests our entire weekend in Plano.

There are also other ways to stay in Plano that are convenient base camps for your trip. You can find AirBNBs, RV parks, and other hotels.

Tip: For any pet-friendly travel, always request a first-floor room near an exit (if possible) to make potty outings as easy as possible.

Where to Eat in Plano

Taking your dogs out to eat with you has gotten more and more popular. Thanks to that, there are a lot more pet friendly options available when you want your dog to join you at a restaurant.

While finding pet-friendly restaurants in your city may be hard to find, Plano has so many of them and with really great food. Aside from Legacy Food Hall, all other restaurant picks are dog friendly!

Breakfast

Cafe Intermezzo

The patio area of this European-inspired bistro makes for a great spot to enjoy brunch and bring your dog along. And water bowls are provided to keep your dog hydrated while they’re out. 

Menu picks: Cafe Cubano, Salmon Eggs Benedict, and Nutella Strawberry Crepes. While we didn’t order them, I heard the mimosas at Cafe Intermezzo are magical.

Starbucks Reserve Legacy West

If you need a quick breakfast to start the day, Starbucks Reserve is the place to go. You can find all of the traditional Starbucks menu items and more at Starbucks Reserve. This upscale coffee bar features rare, flavorful coffee roasts and unique menu items as well.

More breakfast recommendations:

• First Watch
• Main Street Bakery & Bistro

Lunch and Dinner

Lazy Dog

This restaurant has a really unique approach to their menu. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, Lazy Dog offers a regular menu but also one that’s just for dogs. And if you’re not ready to eat in restaurants quite yet, they have family meals and TV dinners to take home.

Menu picks: queso dip, grilled 5 cheese with bacon candy, and beer battered fish and chips.

Legacy Hall

This is like your favorite mall food court but on steroids. Legacy Food Hall is home to more than 20 delicious restaurants and bars making this a perfect spot for families and groups.

Everyone gets what they want! Mom can get lobster rolls, dad some brisket, one child a taco, and the other some pizza…all in one spot! Make sure you check the event schedule before you leave to see if there are any movies or live music events taking place.

Rodeo Goat

If you’re ready to take your love of burgers to the next level, you need to check out Rodeo Goat. And if you love spicy foods as much we do, you’ll want to order both of the burgers in this month’s Battle of the Burgers. Both of the burgers were amazing, but my vote goes to the Hatch Me If You Can burger. You’ll have to let me know what you think!

Menu picks: Hatch me if you can and matador burgers served with a steaming pile on the side.

Village Burger Bar

Located close to the Home 2 Suites hotel in The Shops at Legacy is the Village Bar. They have a great menu to start, but the build-your-own burger menu is what our girls really loved. Plus, they have a full bar and drinks to go!

Menu picks: Blue burger and shoestring fries.

More pet friendly lunch and dinner recommendations

• Bulla Gastrobar
• Cafe Istanbul
• Hub Streat
• Katie Trail Ice House Outpost
• RA Sushi
• The Fillmore Pub
• Whiskey Cake

Dessert

Milky Treats

I rarely order dessert but after seeing the ice cream flavors and smelling the freshly-made waffles cones, I gave in. These colorful creations are perfect for cereal-lovers and those on the hunt for a beautiful dessert.

Menu picks: Cake by the Ocean and Cookie Monster

The Gelato Cone

My oldest loves all things sweet and all things chocolate. The other is much more particular. Brady loved the rich milk chocolate flavor at The Gelato Cone and I, in an attempt to get Colby to eat, ordered the lemon ice cream. Meaning I ordered dessert twice this weekend and loved it each time!

Kilwins

Thankfully, if you have kiddos with opposing tastes as I do, you’re in luck. The Gelato Cone is right across the street from Kilwins who offers a huge variety of fudge and creamy hand-made ice creams…including Colby’s favorite, mint chocolate chip.

More dessert recommendations

• Amorino
• Ha Palenteria
• Hi Sweetie
• Meccha Matcha
• Sugar Ray’s Bake Shop

What to Do in Plano

Whether you want to socially distance or not, Plano has got you covered with things to do and see.

Hiking in Plano

For those that want to socially distance you can go for a hike. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve both have hiking spots that are pet friendly and perfect for a day away from others out in nature.

Tip: masks can be hot so when going for a hike, wear a fishing gaiter (buff) to easily move on and off your face as you get close to others.

If hiking isn’t your thing, check out these Dog Parks in Plano:

• Dog Park at Bob Woodruff Park
• Dog Park at Windhaven Meadows Park

Where to Shop in Plano, TX

• Downtown Plano
• Legacy West
• The Shops at Legacy

More travel tips for Plano Texas

• Plano Art Murals: there’s so much to see all around Plano with the colorful murals and sculptures spread throughout.
• Crayola Experience: bring your creativity to life with 25 colorful, hands-on family-friendly experiences
• Go Ape Treetop Adventures: for those with kids ages 10 and up, this experience combines ziplining and aerial challenges for a unique adventure
• The Texas Pool: swim in this huge, Texas-shaped, 168,000 gallon saltwater pool

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly getaway in Texas, you need to use these Plano Texas travel tips on your next vacation. From lodging and restaurants to things to do and see, Plano is perfect for your next pet-friendly vacation!

More family friendly Texas vacation tips:

• Fort Worth with Kids
• Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine
• The Woodlands Resort