Looking for an affordable vacation spot with endless shopping and dining options mere miles from luxe lodging? Look no further than just north of Dallas to Richardson, Texas! Richardson is smack dab in the middle of all the North Texas action. Pack your bags, round up your family and head out to enjoy a weekend full of bargain hunting, much-needed relaxing and delicious eats!
Where to Stay
Did we mention Richardson has a great lineup of top hotels with crazy affordable room rates? Here are just a few of our favorites to choose from:
- Drury Plaza is one of Richardson’s newest places to stay and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorites. Located just minutes from CityLine DFW and the Eisemann Center, plus a rooftop pool perfect for unwinding and relaxing.
- It’s the little luxuries at Cambria Hotel Richardson-Dallas that make your stay special. Savor a taste of Texas at their full-service restaurant and bar. Pro tip: try a local craft beer selected by the Cambria Beer Cicerone.
- The Hyatt Regency Richardson – Dallas is a modern, yet sophisticated hotel, conveniently located inside the “Telecom Corridor” just off 75, providing easy access to nearby golf courses, nature trails and an amazing selection of restaurants.
- The Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel is a newly renovated, stylish hotel with premier amenities, making it an exceptional guest experience.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas, offering free shuttle service covering a five-mile radius, is an elegant hotel that gives you warm chocolate chip cookies when you arrive. Need we say more?
- The Aloft Hotel will always be number one in our hearts. Located just steps from CityLine (literally), this boutique hotel is a convenient home base while you shop and play in Richardson.
Where to Shop
Now let’s get down to business. Richardson’s big bonus is the city’s amazing location! It’s about a ten minute drive to Dallas, the unofficial “fashion capital of Texas,” Allen, the outlet bargainista’s dream, and Plano, the extravagant shopping paradise. With everything from luxury items to steals and deals, these top spots can’t be beat.
Dallas’ NorthPark Center is a perfect mix of luxury brand storefronts, department stores and boutique-style retail. With anchors like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, you will feel like you’ve walked into high-end fashion heaven! And don’t miss the newly opened Italian market and restaurant, Eataly Dallas.
Across the street, you’ll find the open-air shopping staple, The Shops at Park Lane. You can discover incredible brands at affordable prices at stores like Nordstrom Rack, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet.
A hop, skip and a jump over to the 635 and Dallas North Tollway intersection, lands you at Galleria Dallas. Home to nearly 150 stores, Galleria Dallas features top-notch stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Banana Republic. You’ll have no problem finding everything you need, and even stuff you didn’t know you needed! A ten-minute drive never looked so good.
Allen Premium Outlets is home to standout outlet shopping such as Coach, Kate Spade, J. Crew Factory and Michael Kors, just to name a few. If you enjoy saving money, Allen Premium Outlets is the place for you. With savings of 25-65% year-round, you can’t afford to miss out.
Legacy West has quality stores you won’t be able to pass up. Favorites include Madewell, Pockets, Warby Parker, Neighborhood Goods and Johnny Was.
The Shops at Legacy is where you can enjoy an upscale atmosphere, entertainment, high-end shopping and more, all within walking distance!
Discover that perfect one-of-a-kind piece at Beaucoup—our favorite one-stop-shop for home decor, kick-knacks, chic women’s clothing, and unforgettable gifts.
What happens when you combine the uniqueness of thrifted finds with chic styles? You get Ascot & Hart! One step inside and you’ll see why the trendy, colorful pieces are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Whether you’re going out on the town, have a hot date coming up, or just wanna strut your summer glow, do it with Allie-Coosh! The one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are made in-house, and have looks ranging from chunky and abstract to elegant and classic.
Escape from the Texas heat and spend some time discovering everything from women’s clothing to antiques at Beyond the Door. Plus, it’s the perfect place to pick up a knick-knack to remember your visit to Richardson.
Where to Eat
CityLine is all the rage in Richardson – it’s a sensational mixed-use development with appetizing restaurants to boot. For a casual dining experience, check out one of CityLine’s fast and yummy restaurants like Good Union Urban BBQ, or a new favorite, Char’d: Southeast Asian Kitchen.
If you’re looking for a more upscale eatery, these CityLine gems are sure to hit the spot:
DFW Chinatown is a Richardson foodie hotspot and home to a wide variety of cuisines spanning from Chinese to Korean to Japanese and more. Dive into an authentic bowl of ramen from Maru Ramen or handcrafted dumplings from Jeng Chi Restaurant and Bakery. Other local favorites include Monkey King Noodle, Genroku Sushi & Grill, Tofu Factory, and Pho Que Huong.
You know it’s true, we all have a sweet tooth whether you want to admit it or not, and Sweet Daze Dessert Bar has the perfect cure! You will fall in love with their rotating soft serve flavors such as fruity pebbles and black velvet, designer doughnuts that feature everything from uniquely-topped unicorns and 24k marble designs, plus handcrafted drinks, artistically decorated cakes and dessert bars!
As if summer couldn’t get sweeter, Sweet Firefly Gourmet Ice Cream & Candied Treats is home to Richardson’s finest hand-crafted ice cream, Sweet Firefly has a wide variety of to-go desserts to choose from. Whether it’s an ice-cream sandwich, large gumballs, pints of homemade ice cream or dark chocolate cashews, you won’t want to miss out on the sweet treats!
What to Do
Experience a piece of Broadway without even leaving the Lone Star State with the Repertory Company Theatre Summer Musicals. Kicking off with “Camelot” from June 18-27, “Big Fish” from July 23-August 1 and “The Wizard of Oz” from August 20-29.
Put the LAUGH into ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ with comedian Max Amini’s Live Show at the Eisemann Performing Arts Center on July 9th.
For some adult-only fun, Free Play arcade offers an irresistible gaming experience that will take you back in time with more than 95 retro games—they also have a great beer selection with foodie favorites!
If the kiddos are tagging along on your staycation, keeping them engaged and entertained is a must on a family trip, and we’ll help you do just that. Glenville Pool isn’t just for swimming. Opening June 5th, splash around in the water playground or sit back and relax at one of the three other pools Richardson has to offer!
If you’re looking for an activity with a little more edge, book an experience at Class Axe Throwing. It’s the perfect place to perfect your aim with a unique twist that’s sure to be remembered.
Keep the competitive spirit going with K-1 Racing! The indoor go-kart track is a sure way to satisfy the need for speed with plenty of options for fun for the whole family including arrive and drive, birthday parties, leagues, and more.
Altitude Trampoline Park is the place to be for anyone who’s ready to reach for the sky. Bounce all day on one of the endless indoor trampolines, and don’t miss the foam pit, battle beam, and trapeze.
From farm fresh pantry staples to artisanal sweets and treats, spend your summer Saturdays shopping at the Richardson Farmers Market. Located at the Dal-Rich Towne Square, the Market is the place to go for local goods and unique finds.
After your retro gaming sesh, venture over to Four Bullets Brewery to sample “English ale with a Texas twist.”.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a mess? Check out Quiggly’s Clayhouse! This clayhouse (not to be confused with a playhouse, although it will feel like one), hosts art camps and features a walk-in studio, where trained artists will help you create a masterpiece of your very own! Choose from pottery painting, glass fusion, mosaics, clay sculpting or letter art. They also make pottery kits for at-home crafts!
Score a hole in one with entertainment for golfers of all levels. Enjoy the greenery of Richardson’s three unique courses like Sherrill Park Golf Course–ideal for amateurs and pros alike with two regulation courses. Or head over to Canyon Creek Country Club’s 18-hole golf course alongside 22 tennis courts, three resort-style pools, and an award-winning restaurant. Looking to learn, practice, and play in one place? The Golf Ranch is just for you with an all-turf range, 9-hole course, and beginner series or private lessons.
CityLine doesn’t just have tasty bites. Enjoy the day outside at the urban plaza, or explore the two nearby parks where you can bike, hike or walk the trails.
The fun at CityLine doesn’t stop there! On the second Fridays of May, June, and July from 6-10pm, explore a new kind of shopping experience with the Night Market. The event is in partnership with The Boho Market and showcases more than 25 homemade and vintage goods booths.
Speaking of the great outdoors, did you know Richardson is full of nature trails and parks? After you stop by Richardson Bike Mart and Run On!, you’ll be ready to explore Spring Creek Nature Area Trail—a 2.3 mile loop trail that features a river and is good for all hiking skill levels! Huck Finn Trail is a 1.4 mile trail that features a beautiful waterfall and a hike achievable for all ages! Bring your camera, because you’ll find plenty of spots for photo ops!
See North Texas from a new perspective as you soar through the air and get lost in a treetop adventure at Go Ape! Located just minutes away from Richardson in Plano’s Oak Point Park, fly high above the ground as you cross 40 different crossings and obstacles and four ziplines. Because of Richardson’s convenient location, the possibilities are truly endless.
Ride the waves 13-miles north to Allen and cut loose at Hydrous Wake Park at Allen Station, a wakeboarding facility that uses a cable system to pull riders around the 10-acre lake. They will have you looking like a pro in no time!
