McKinney is moving forward with plans for a major surf and adventure resort that could become a new entertainment and tourism destination in North Texas. The city is considering setting aside nearly $21 million toward the development, which is already under construction and is expected to bring new jobs, visitors and recreational opportunities to the area.

McKinney Considers $20.87 Million for Cannon Beach

The McKinney City Council is considering allocating $20.87 million in land-sale proceeds toward Cannon Beach, a planned $200 million surf and adventure resort.

The development is being built near Stacy Road and State Highway 121. Construction began in December 2025, and the first phase is currently projected to open in mid-2027.

Cannon Beach is being developed through a partnership involving Cannon Development Group, the City of McKinney and the McKinney Economic Development Corporation.

According to projections cited by city officials, the development could create more than 700 local jobs and generate over $2 billion in economic impact during the next two decades.

What Will Cannon Beach Include?

The planned 58-acre development is designed to offer more than a traditional water attraction. At its center will be a three-acre surf lagoon, giving visitors an opportunity to participate in surf-related activities without traveling to the coast.

Plans also include a full-service resort hotel, lazy river, mineral hot springs circuit, sandy beach areas and cabanas. Visitors could also have access to a skateboard park, movie theater, bowling alley, health club and indoor recreational facilities.

The development is expected to include event and wedding venues as well as additional water-based attractions and lounge areas.

Once operational, the resort is projected to attract approximately 400,000 visitors each year, potentially adding a significant tourism destination to McKinney’s growing entertainment landscape.

City Approves Rezoning for the Development

The Cannon Beach project received an important regulatory step earlier in 2026 when the McKinney City Council approved a zoning change for the property.

The rezoning allows the site to accommodate the planned combination of resort facilities, recreational attractions, parking and open space.

The project is being developed as McKinney continues to experience growth in residential development, commercial activity and entertainment options. A large destination resort could add another component to the city’s expanding mix of attractions.

Cannon Beach Has a Similar Arizona Development

The Cannon Beach concept is not limited to Texas. A similar surf-focused development in Mesa, Arizona, has already opened.

The Arizona destination features a large surf lagoon along with a stationary rapid surf wave, beach areas, dining, splash pads, hotels and event spaces. It also incorporates retail and wellness-related attractions.

The Mesa development provides an example of how a surf-centered destination can combine water activities with hospitality, entertainment and other recreational offerings.

What the McKinney Project Could Mean for North Texas

If the planned development moves forward as projected, Cannon Beach could become a notable addition to North Texas’ tourism and entertainment offerings. The combination of a surf lagoon, hotel, recreational facilities and event spaces is designed to appeal to both local visitors and tourists. The resort would add to the region’s growing entertainment scene, which also includes major live events such as the Guns N’ Roses San Antonio concert. The anticipated visitor volume could also create opportunities for nearby restaurants, retailers, hospitality businesses and other service providers.

The combination of a surf lagoon, hotel, recreational facilities and event spaces is designed to appeal to both local visitors and tourists. The anticipated visitor volume could also create opportunities for nearby restaurants, retailers, hospitality businesses and other service providers.

With construction already underway and the initial phase targeted for 2027, additional details about the project’s progress and future attractions are expected to emerge as development continues.

Conclusion

Cannon Beach represents a large-scale effort to introduce a surf-centered resort and entertainment destination to McKinney. With a planned three-acre lagoon, hotel, recreational attractions, event spaces and other amenities, the development is intended to offer a broad range of activities in one location.

The city’s proposed $20.87 million investment, combined with private development funding, reflects the scale of the project. As construction progresses toward a projected mid-2027 opening, Cannon Beach will remain a development to watch as North Texas continues to expand its tourism and entertainment options.

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