Watters Creek District
Allen’s Watters Creek district should be your first stop when visiting the city. This vibrant mixed-use neighborhood has something for everyone – shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation. The Village at Watters Creek is home to over 30 restaurants, boutiques, and businesses. Popular shops include Anthropologie, lululemon, Kendra Scott, and more. Grab a coffee at Starbucks or try out one of the many other eateries. After perusing the shops, take an evening stroll along the creek or relax outdoors on the patios of Steel City Pops or Sweet Fire Chicken. Don’t miss a photo op at the iconic Allen water tower, prominently situated in the center of Watters Creek. As the sun goes down, catch a movie at the Cinemark 17 and XD or enjoy comedy shows at Backdoor Comedy Club. With so much to see and experience, you’ll want to spend at least a full day exploring Watters Creek on your first trip to Allen.
Celebration Park
Allen is well-known for its focus on parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. One of the city’s premier parks is Celebration Park, spanning over 100 acres. The park has something for visitors of all ages and interests. Adults will love walking the scenic hiking trails that wind through peaceful wooded areas. Families with children can spend hours exploring the park’s playgrounds, splash pads, athletic fields, and picnic areas. For a taste of local history, check out the Hendricks House, a Victorian farmhouse built in 1895 that now serves as a museum. Inside, you’ll find antique furnishings along with exhibits on Allen’s founding families and the history of cotton farming in the area. During your visit to Celebration Park, don’t forget to snap a photo next to the park’s iconic silos and windmill, remnants of Allen’s agricultural past.
The Arts of Allen
Allen has a thriving arts community that visitors will certainly want to experience. The Arts of Allen complex in downtown Allen is home to several top-notch cultural institutions. At the center of it all is the Allen Community Theatre, which produces musicals, comedies, and dramas year-round. After taking in a show, stroll next door to visit the sculpture garden and indoor galleries of the Allen Visual Arts League. Creative types of all ages can get hands-on at the center’s Clay Academy, with pottery wheels and clay for beginners to experts. Just across the street lies the Allen Heritage Center. Step back in time as you tour this one-room schoolhouse from 1872 filled with historical photos and artifacts. Between the arts, theater, and history, you’ll gain a well-rounded perspective of Allen’s cultural offerings.
Allen Premium Outlets
What’s a visit to a new city without a little shopping? Allen Premium Outlets is the premier place to find big name brands at discounted prices. Shoppers will be in paradise with over 120 outlet stores and restaurants all in an attractive outdoor shopping village. Some store highlights include Nike, Levi’s, Kate Spade, Coach, and Michael Kors. After updating your wardrobe, refuel at one of the plentiful dining options like Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Red Lobster, or Starbucks. Plan at least half a day to leisurely shop the huge two-story outlet center. While you’re there, ask guest services about VIP coupon books exclusive for tourists that include additional store discounts.
Bethany Lakes Park
Nature lovers will enjoy getting outdoors at Bethany Lakes Park situated on 76 acres in eastern Allen. The park’s focal point is the 12 acre spillway lake, stocked for catch-and-release fishing. You can cast a line from one of the fishing piers or meander along the lake trail circled by weeping willow trees. Other park amenities include a large playground, volleyball court, and walking trails that connect to the citywide trail system. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the covered pavilions or shaded picnic tables along the lake. An interpretive center offers exhibits educating visitors on topics like water conservation, wildlife, and the Trinity River watershed. Bethany Lakes Park provides the perfect mix of recreation and environmental education.
Topgolf
Looking for some group entertainment? Topgolf Allen is just the place with climate-controlled driving range bays perfect for playing games with family and friends. Each bay accommodates up to six players and includes comfy lounge seating, HDTVs, and food and drink service. The three-level venue also has a full restaurant and sports bar with plenty of seating. Between rounds of virtual golf games, nosh on tasty apps like brisket tacos and buffalo wings. Kids will enjoy the outdoor playground area while adults finish up their games. Topgolf can easily occupy your group for hours, day or night. It’s the ideal spot for some friendly competition and good eats.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center
Get your recreation fix indoors at the impressive Joe Farmer Recreation Center operated by the Allen Parks and Recreation Department. This state-of-the-art facility has an indoor walking track, cardio and strength training equipment, gymnasiums, and an indoor aquatics center. The complex also houses programming and classes like fitness bootcamps, sports leagues, swimming lessons, and more. Visitors can purchase day passes for $7-$15 to access all amenities and facilities. After working up an appetite, refuel at the on-site bistro offering light breakfast and lunch items. With so much to see and do at Joe Farmer Rec Center, you may just make it a habit to frequent this complex long after your first Allen visit.
Allen Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings, head over to the Allen Farmers Market for a taste of fresh, local goods. Open from mid-April through mid-November, the weekly outdoor market brings area farmers, ranchers, and artisans together. Shop seasonal fruits and vegetables, ethically raised meats and eggs, breads and baked goods, honey, jams, pickles, and more. After browsing the booths, grab breakfast tacos from one of the on-site food trucks, then find a seat at the picnic tables. In addition to locally grown and made products, you’ll also find craft vendors at the market selling items like soaps, jewelry, artwork, and textiles. Don’t miss this Saturday morning tradition for the true flavor of Allen.
How to Get Around Allen?
Now that you know the best things to experience in Allen, let’s discuss the easiest ways to get around the city. Here are your main options for transportation during your Allen visit:
Public Transportation
Allen is serviced by DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), so you can utilize public buses and trains during your stay. The closest transit station to Allen is the Parker Road Station, which is accessible via the Red Line. From there, you can transfer to bus routes that serve destinations around town. Purchase DART passes at station vending machines or via the GoPass app.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for hire around Allen and can be convenient for shorter point-to-point trips. Major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft also operate within Allen. With the apps, you can easily get quotes, estimated pickup times, and request rides. This is useful for airport transfers or nights out when you don’t want to drive.
Charter Buses
For group travel or trips with 10 or more people, consider booking a charter bus through Charter Bus Company Allen. Our fleet of buses offers a seamless way for medium to large groups to explore Allen together. Our team handles all the driving and logistics while you sit back and enjoy the sites. Onsite amenities like WiFi, TVs, and power outlets will keep everyone comfortable en route. Contact Charter Bus Company Allen at 214-540-6738 to request a group bus quote.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this Allen travel guide gave you a great overview of the top things to do on your first visit to the city. With a lively downtown district, arts, shopping, parks, recreation, and more, Allen truly has something to offer every type of traveler. Use public transit or request group travel with Charter Bus Company Allen to easily navigate between Allen’s attractions. For an unforgettable first-time trip, be sure to experience as many of these quintessential Allen activities as you can! Call us today at 214-540-6738 to start planning your group transportation.