Discover McKinney Through Guided & Self-Guided Tours
McKinney’s walkability is one of its many charms. The Historic Downtown square is best explored on foot — so you can pop into antique stores, vintage shops, cafes, and restaurants at your leisure. Visitors interested in history, art, and the outdoors will also find much to love here. Luckily, there are a variety of guided experiences (both self-guided and led outings) to help you get the lay of the land and experience McKinney’s best attractions, from popular sites to hidden treasures.
Guided Walking Tours
Touring the downtown area gets you up close to historic architecture and provides unique insight into the community’s culture. Step back in time on a Historic District Tour, where you’ll learn all about the city’s founding in 1848 and the storied past and present of McKinney.
For a different perspective, join a guided mural tour to explore downtown’s public art. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and note that walks pause in August due to the heat. Those who don’t want to do the full guided tour also have the option of embarking on a self-guided excursion of downtown.
Food & Wine Tours
Get a taste of the local culinary scene on a food tour, where you’ll delve into the city’s beloved restaurants, most of which are located in the Historic Downtown. Indulge in gastronomic delights and learn about hometown chefs and food trends. Food Walks of Texas offers private tours for groups of friends, families, or coworkers who want to discover the flavors of this North Texas hub.
The city also serves as a great home base for wine-tasting trips — the nearby Texas Hill Country is chock-full of regional and in-town wineries like Barons Creek Vineyards, which offer sampling sessions, tours, and other educational experiences for those interested in the art of vino. If craft brew is more your style, visit TUPPS Brewery for a fun, informative tour led by the brewery’s founder and owner.
Self-Guided & Themed Tours
There are also popular art gallery walks in the downtown area. The city is home to several pieces of public artwork (from murals to sculptures), which you’ll explore with Jump Into Art Studios. During these day programs, everyone, from creative enthusiasts to the simply curious, will enjoy learning more about this destination’s lively arts scene from the makers themselves. Afterward, consider rounding out your visit with a self-guided tour of the McKinney Tiny Doors, a 75-plus-piece miniature public art installation, which can be explored through the Visit McKinney app.
Outdoor lovers will also find plenty of tour options that are perfect for soaking up the natural beauty of the area. Self-guided strolls of scenic parks like Erwin, Towne Lake, and Bonnie Wenk give visitors a glimpse into the region’s flora and fauna. And at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, local experts provide monthly guided tours on the natural history, plant life, birds, the wetlands, and more. Most excursions are included with the cost of admission, though special tours are also offered throughout the year.
From guided sightseeing tours to self-paced explorations, McKinney offers a diverse range of ways to discover the city, allowing visitors to tailor each outing. As you plan your visit, check the events calendar and tour pages — there’s an option for every interest and type of traveler.
