For many, summer is a time to relax, spend time with loved ones, and have fun. What better way to enjoy the season than to go on a weekend getaway with the family? In McKinney, Texas, planning a weekend trip can be a fantastic way to explore the state’s scenic beauty and make memories to last a lifetime. Fortunately, there isn’t a shortage of great places to visit here. With that said, here are our top picks for local summer weekend getaways near McKinney.
Tyler State Park
Image by Aaron Burden is licensed with Unsplash License
Location: 789 Park Road 16 in Tyler
Phone Number: 903-597-5338
There are few better family-friendly summer activities than playing on the beach. The beach is perfect for all ages, whether you want to swim, fish, play water sports, or relax and read on the sand. If you’re looking for a fun beach to visit this summer, try Tyler State Park in Northeast Texas. This tranquil setting features a cooling, 64-acre spring-fed lake, large trees of varying varieties, and intriguing historical structures.
With boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, geocaching, camping, and bird-watching opportunities, you certainly won’t be bored at this beloved state park. Stay overnight at the park at a water-only or full-hookup campsite, in a cabin, or in a screened shelter. Rent a canoe, paddleboat, kayak, paddleboard, or johnboat to explore the lake. Hike through the Pineywoods by following the 13 miles of trails and learn some history by taking the virtual tour. Fish for perch, catfish, bass, and crappie on one of three piers or the boat ramp.
If you’re already in the area, you may be interested in visiting nearby attractions. For example, you’ll find the Discovery Science Place, a wheelchair-accessible science museum with fun and interactive exhibits and programs. As Tyler is known as “America’s Rose Capital,” you’d be remiss not to visit Tyler Rose Garden, a public 14-acre park with over 38,000 rose bushes to browse. In Larue, a sky-high thrill at New York Texas Zipline Adventures may be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
McKinney Falls State Park
Location: 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway in Austin
Phone Number: 512-243-1643
Sometimes, the best way to spend quality time with your family is to put the technology away and head to the rugged outdoors. McKinney Falls State Park provides an ideal setting for camping, hiking, and other fun activities with a group. Here, you can soak up the stunning scenery of the 641-acre park’s waterfalls and woods while spending valuable time with friends and family.
You have plenty of places to stay overnight on Friday and Saturday, as this park offers 81 campsites with water and electric hookups. Six newly remodeled cabins are available for rent if you seek cozier accommodations. There’s even a primitive youth camping area if you prefer a more authentic camping experience. Keep in mind that the Visitor Center recommends reservations for camping and day use of the park.
To fill up your day, consider swimming or fishing in Onion Creek or hiking or biking through the 9 miles of meandering trails at the park. Kids may enjoy attempting to become a Junior Ranger by picking up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal from the visitor center and completing tasks around the park to earn badges. You can also ask about Junior Ranger Explorer Packs or fishing rods and tackle. Pack some homemade snacks for a picnic lunch and use the fire ring with a grill to make some hot dinner at the campsite.
In addition, just 20 minutes away is Austin, a vibrant city with plenty of things to do, see, and eat. For a fun, casual, family-friendly eatery, try Phil’s Ice House, a refurbished gas station serving creative burgers, or Amy’s Ice Cream. In this city, you’ll also be near the Thinkery, the premier children’s museum in Austin. Here, kids can enjoy hands-on activities centered on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).
Rough Creek Lodge and Resort
Location: 5156 County Road 2013 in Glen Rose
Phone Number: 800-864-4705
For a more luxurious experience, you may be interested in Rough Creek Lodge and Resort in Glen Rose, Texas. On these 11,140 acres, you’ll find everything you need for a summer getaway, including fine dining, sophisticated ranch-style housing, and fun activities for the whole family. There are a variety of packages and offers to explore for different seasons and holidays.
Countless activities will keep you entertained at this beloved resort. Take in the scenery by horseback riding through the surrounding trails. Go fishing in one of the many lakes and ponds on the property. There’s also hunting, hiking, zip-lining, inner tubing, canoeing, biking, and more. You may enjoy exploring the fitness center and swimming pool or going to the basketball court, archery range, or batting cage if you’re a fitness lover. You may also seek to navigate the largest maze in Texas. Additionally, the resort has video games, a petting zoo, and hayrides.
Along with all the outdoor activities available, Rough Creek Lodge and Resort is the perfect locale for a staycation. Relax in one of 51 stylish guest rooms and suites in the main lodge, many with private balconies overlooking the beautiful Mallard Lake. Whether you’re here for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a trip with friends, or a business meeting, you’re sure to find excellent accommodations.
During your stay, sink your teeth into the sumptuous rustic American cuisine. Choose from appetizers like Grilled Texas Quail, Handmade Pheasant Ravioli, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail. The main course will be an even harder decision with bold dishes like Red Chile Glazed Swordfish and comfort food like Green Bean-Potato-Cheddar Casserole & Green Tomato Chutney. Treat yourself with a dessert, like warm apple blackberry tart, vanilla bean banana pudding, or lemon buttermilk pie.
As you can see, if you’re in the McKinney, Texas, area, there are plenty of ways to stay busy this summer. Whether you want to appreciate the beauty of nature, peruse a quaint town, or try something new, there’s a superb place for you here. But we want to know what you think. Have you been to any of these places? What are your favorite summer getaways in this beautiful region? Let us know here at Huffines Hyundai McKinney, and we’ll be happy to add them to our list.