Major Landmarks of Carrollton, TX

Welcome to Carrollton, Texas! Nestled in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, our vibrant community has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.

This local guide will showcase some of Carrollton’s can’t-miss landmarks across entertainment venues, cultural sites, parks, shopping centers, and more. Whether you’re new in town or a lifelong local, read on to discover corners of Carrollton you’ve yet to uncover.

Historic Town Square

The heart of downtown Carrollton is the rustic Town Square. Dating back to the city’s founding in 1846, this National Register Historic District transports you back in time.

Old Town Hall

The Romanesque Revival-style Old Town Hall stands stately amid graceful, antique storefronts. Built in 1928 of tan brick and limestone, this iconic building housed municipal offices for decades. Pop inside to browse the mini museum displaying artifacts and photos from Carrollton’s early days.

Town Square Gazebo

The focal point of Town Square is an octagonal gazebo ringed by park benches. On Saturday mornings, musicians perform free concerts under its wooden canopy. Locals lay out picnic blankets on the lawn or sway to folk tunes during the annual summer concert series.

Carrollton Farmers Market

Every Thursday and Saturday morning, Town Square transforms into a bustling farmers market. Browse vibrant fruit and veggie stands, sample artisanal goodies, and mingle with the community. Don’t miss special events like watermelon fests and chili cook-offs!

Josey Ranch Lake Park

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Josey Ranch Lake, this scenic 400-acre park provides a slice of nature amidst suburbia.

Hiking, Biking and Equestrian Trails

Over 9 miles of multi-use trails wrap around the lake, offering prime real estate for hiking, jogging and horseback riding. Mountain bikers can test their skills on the dirt track dotted with steep berms and thrilling jumps.

The Brazos Trail

This 2.8-mile paved loop is popular for family bike rides and leisurely strolls. Interpretive plaques describe the native wildlife and vegetation. Benches along the way provide ideal spots to stop and appreciate your pastoral surroundings.

Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp

The Josey Ranch fishing pier extends far out on the water, granting anglers access to the lake’s largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. The doublewide boat ramp is free and open to non-motorized vessels like kayaks, canoes and rowboats.

Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Each spring, children cast their lines at the annual Kids Fishing Derby. Prizes go to the young anglers who reel in the biggest catch!

Sand Volleyball Courts

With 19 sand courts encircled by shady oak trees, Josey Ranch is a recreation mecca for volleyball players. Spikes Bar & Billiards sets up shop on weekends serving cold brews to thirsty athletes. League players battle it out on the championship court with bleacher seating.

Annual Sand Volleyball Tournament

The Dallas/Fort Worth Volleyball Organization hosts this major tournament every summer. Hundreds of teams face off for cash prizes while spectators fill the bleachers.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Sprawling across 289 acres, this nature preserve and hands-on museum illuminates the plants and animals native to North Texas.

Indoor Exhibits

Interactive indoor exhibits showcase regional ecosystems from prairie to wetlands. Get eye-level with turtles and snakes inside the reptile room.

Gaze at taxidermy mounts of elk, longhorns and black bears. Modern galleries like the Sustainability Tree teach eco-friendly practices.

Wildlife Dioramas

Lifelike dioramas depict birds and mammals in meticulously detailed recreations of natural scenes. A personal favorite is the great horned owl nest with hungry owlets. These immersive settings provide a glimpse into nature’s secret worlds.

Outdoor Wildlife Habitats

Miles of nature trails meander through habitats populated by native and rescued animals. Observe bison, elk, prairie dogs and trumpeter swans from perimeter boardwalks and viewing platforms designed to minimize disturbance.

Birds of Prey Shows

Daily raptor shows feature flighted demonstrations that showcase hawks, falcons and other birds of prey. Watch in awe as they swoop low over the crowd and land on handlers’ thick leather gloves. Vultures even make occasional cameo appearances!

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Rising 18 stories high, the Country Inn & Suites stands out as Carrollton’s tallest building. This upscale hotel caters to business travelers with amenities like a heated indoor pool, fitness room, boardroom and complimentary breakfast.

Rooms With a View

Panoramic vistas spanning Carrollton and Dallas shimmer through floor-to-ceiling windows. Book a premium room on the north side for the best sights. On clear days you can spot downtown Dallas’ skyline some 20 miles away!

Presidential Suite

The lavish presidential suite occupies the entire 18th floor. Its stylish living area leads to a private balcony with unmatched 360 views. This swanky accommodation also features a full dining room, wet bar and whirlpool tub.

Seasons Restaurant

The hotel’s contemporary seasonal restaurant utilizes fresh regional ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame idyllic views of Josey Ranch Lake. Happy hour brings 50% off appetizers and cocktails at the sleek bar. Don’t miss the enhanced Sunday brunch buffet.

The COR

This sleek high-rise signifies Carrollton’s recent downtown revitalization. Opened in 2021, The COR (short for Carrollton Urban Renaissance) packs loads of shopping, dining and entertainment options into a pedestrian-friendly complex.

Half Price Books Flagship Store

The crown jewel of The COR is Half Price Books’ largest outlet nationwide. Bibliophiles browse mile-high shelves lining two floors of new and used books, music, movies and games all discounted at 50% off retail prices. There’s even a quaint café to enjoy coffee while you read.

Weekly Story Time

Children cozy up on rainbow floor cushions for immersive story times every Saturday morning. costumed actors often read tales aloud while volunteers lead creative craft activities. Kids leave with free book swag!

eMasters Cinemas

This modern 12-screen theater boasts luxury recliners, Dolby Atmos sound and 4k digital projection. Enjoy the latest blockbusters or catch limited-run independent films, live sports simulcasts and Met opera streams.

Party Rooms

Gather your crew in private party rooms outfitted with HDTVs, surround sound, gaming systems and catering options. Perfect for corporate meetings or friend celebrations!

Pacific Table

Their diverse Pan-Asian menu spotlights flavors from across Japan, China, Thailand and Korea. Save room for the heavenly Hawaiian Shave Ice drenched in housemade syrups.

Happy Hour Specials

Stop by weeknights from 4-6pm for crazy drink discounts like $3 wells, beer, wine and sake. You can pair them with $4 potstickers, gyoza and bao buns.

The COR truly has something for everyone. This lively complex continues sparking downtown Carrollton’s remarkable transformation.

Furneaux’s Specialty Antiques and Consignments

This 15,000-square-foot emporium overflows with rare collectibles and vintage furniture. Wares span Georgian silver, art deco jewelry, kitschy barware, industrial factory lights and midcentury modern sofas. Prepare to lose track of time while unearthing hidden gems!

Rooftop Patio

A spiral staircase ascends to the building’s rooftop patio dotted with bistro sets and potted plants. Grab a smoothie next door at the juice bar then soak up some vitamin D on their urban oasis.

The Hunt Bar

Quench your antiquing thirst at the tucked-away watering hole behind towering bookcases. This cozy oak bar offers craft cocktails, 40+ bourbons and wine on tap. Their adjoining lounge features exposed brick walls and retro velvet sofas.