must visit in dallas

Dallas   Travel Guide

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The 22 Most Fun Things to Do in Dallas, Chosen by a Local

There’s more to Dallas than meets the eye. Though that flashy skyline and cowboy reputation may be what initially draws you in, you can expect to find a city rich in the arts, fashion, culinary experiences and unique districts. After paying a visit

• All Things To Do

Klyde Warren Park Klyde Warren Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For a fun way to get to the park, take the McKinney Avenue Trolley. This is Dallas’s last remaining streetcar line, running (free of charge) from downtown through Uptown. The trolley passes the city’s most popular attractions, including Klyde Warren. – Justine Harrington

With free Wi-Fi access, weekly events, a dog park, walking trails, a children's park, food trucks and a performance pavilion, Klyde Warren Park is not your typical green space. Built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and managed by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, the urban space in the heart of Dallas hosts events ranging from yoga and concerts to outdoor films and holiday celebrations like tree lightings and trick-or-treating. The park, which sprawls across more than 5 acres, can also be reserved for public or private events – the skyline and location make it an ideal backdrop for weddings and concerts.

Dallas Museum of Art Dallas Museum of Art free

The Dallas Museum of Art houses a collection that spans artistic eras and continents: On gallery walls and behind glass display cases, art aficionados will find ancient works from Africa, Asia and Latin America; European art spanning the 14th to 21st centuries; and contemporary pieces by such artists as Mark Rothko and Roy Lichtenstein. The museum also plays host to various traveling exhibitions, which have in the past included works by Cindy Sherman and the fashions of Jean Paul Gaultier.

Reviewers said the Dallas Museum of Art is a must-see, praising the works on display and the knowledgeable staff. They also appreciate that admission is free and recommend pairing your visit to the museum with a stop at the Nasher Sculpture Center , which is also located in the Dallas Arts District .

The Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza The Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza

On Nov. 22, 1963, shots from Lee Harvey Oswald's gun echoed through Dealey Plaza as President John F. Kennedy's motorcade turned off of Houston Street onto Elm. Today, this scenic green space in downtown Dallas is visited every year by thousands who gather to honor the 35th president.

This tragic day in United States history has been immortalized on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald pulled the trigger 60 years ago. The Sixth Floor Museum (which actually occupies the sixth and seventh floors of the building) houses exhibits detailing JFK's life, presidency and assassination, as well as the history of the 1960s.

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Reunion Tower Reunion Tower

Enjoy 360-degree views of the city from atop Reunion Tower, which stands 470 feet high in downtown. Referred to as "The Ball" by locals thanks to its spherical shape, Reunion Tower offers an indoor/outdoor GeO-Deck that's accessible via an elevator on the tower's ground floor. From the top of the tower, you'll spot some of the city's most famous landmarks and attractions, including Dealey Plaza .

Recent visitors raved about the view and the friendly staff. A few recommended going during the day and at night to enjoy both perspectives of the city.

Dallas Arts District Dallas Arts District free

Culture hounds will want to devote a day to exploring the Dallas Arts District, which is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States. Sprawling across more than 20 square blocks, the neighborhood features museums, performing arts venues, restaurants and bars. Popular attractions within the Dallas Arts District include the Crow Collection of Asian Art , Klyde Warren Park , the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , among others. Performance venues abound as well and include the AT&T Performing Arts Center, which houses the Winspear Opera House and the Wyly Theatre.

Recent visitors praised the amount of coffee shops and restaurants in the area, as well as the variety of things to see and do. Popular restaurants include Musume and Yolk. 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science Perot Museum of Nature and Science

If you've brought the kids to the Big D, set aside some time for a visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. This 180,000-square-foot facility is jam-packed with hands-on exhibits and educational displays that address such topics as anatomy and energy. One particular highlight for recent visitors was the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall, which features towering dinosaur skeletons and an educational scavenger hunt. The Rose Hall of Birds also captivated visitors: Here, interactive displays explain how birds fly and socialize.

Many travelers say that the Perot Museum makes an excellent respite from the hot and humid Texas weather and they were pleasantly surprised by the museum's excellent hands-on exhibits. Reviewers also said this is a great activity for the whole family, as its attractions appeal to a wide range of age groups.

Best Dallas Tours

Dallas Tours

The 8 Best Dallas Tours

April 23, 2020

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Visiting in spring or fall? Plan your trip to the arboretum around the Cool Thursdays Concert Series, which showcases some of the region’s best performers. Pack a picnic and a blanket or chair, as concerts take place on the lawn. – Justine Harrington

True, Dallas has plenty of towering skyscrapers and traffic-laden highways. But it's also rich in green space. For a respite from the big city, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which occupies 66 acres in White Rock Lake Park about 7 miles northeast of downtown. Forget about the hustle and bustle with a stroll through the Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden, where more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas blossom in the spring and several acres of chrysanthemums come to life during the fall. Crepe Myrtle Allee is another must-see for the natural tunnel that's created by the arching crepe myrtle trees.

White Rock Lake and Park White Rock Lake and Park free

Travelers can embrace nature at White Rock Lake and Park, which is located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. Bird-watching, fishing, biking, rollerblading and picnicking by the lake are just a few of the activities people can enjoy. Keep in mind that swimming in the lake is prohibited. But with local attractions nearby like the White Rock Lake Museum, Bath House Cultural Center and  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden , and amenities like a picnic area, dog park and pavilions for rent, you can find entertainment rain or shine.

Visitors often report wildlife sightings, such as different kinds of birds throughout the year. Families note that it's a dog-friendly park as well, with plenty of space for kids and pets to run around. And many recommend visiting at off-peak times, like in the afternoon and evening, to enjoy fewer crowds and take in the colorful sunset. Active travelers also say it a great spot to run, hike or bike.

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Dallas Farmers Market Dallas Farmers Market free

What began in 1941 as a place for local farmers to sell their produce has morphed into a full-blown foodie and retail destination. Today, the Dallas Farmers Market is a 26,000-square-foot food hall and market with four restaurants and a variety of local food vendors. Of course, there are still plenty of farm-fresh vegetables, eggs and meat to be found, all of which are grown and raised in Texas or within 400 miles of Dallas. Peruse homegrown produce, pasture-raised meats, canned goods and regional specialties at The Shed, an open-air pavilion that’s almost always bustling with activity. 

In the Market Building (the main building), visitors can check out handmade crafts and sample all kinds of tasty eats, such as macarons, tacos, smoothies and more. If it’s nice out, one of the best things to do is grab a snack and a beverage and hang out at one of the seating areas outside – the views of the city skyline are lovely from here. While The Market Building is open seven days a week (from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), it’s best to go anytime from Thursday through Saturday, when the atmosphere is at its most vibrant and you can enjoy live music, chef demonstrations and other special events. Note that The Shed is only open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Bishop Arts District Bishop Arts District free

If you're in the mood for some retail therapy and looking to peruse local boutiques, head about 5 miles southwest of downtown Dallas to the Bishop Arts District. Along with antiques, home goods and gifts, the neighborhood is also home to one-of-a-kind clothing stores. Popular restaurants include Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ, Boulevardier and Lucia, among others.

Recent visitors said the neighborhood offers a great mix of indie shopping and tasty restaurants. Several said the area was perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Dallas World Aquarium Dallas World Aquarium

Perhaps "aquarium" isn't the right word to describe this attraction. Of course, there are fish, stingrays, eels and octopuses – you'll find these and a variety of other aquatic creatures occupying the facility's expansive tanks. But the Dallas World Aquarium also houses animals not commonly found in aquariums, including sloths, monkeys and toucans. Observe birds in free flight in the aquarium's vast rainforest and then marvel at the lizards, snakes and bats in the aquarium's Mundo Maya exhibit, which features a cenote.

Recent travelers said they were pleasantly surprised by the number of animals housed in the Dallas World Aquarium, and many say that a visit here makes a great alternative to the Dallas Zoo , especially during the hot summer months. However, some do warn that the space can feel crowded, especially when schools are on break. Another sticking point for some visitors was the high cost of admission, though others say they felt a visit here was well worth the money.

Nasher Sculpture Center Nasher Sculpture Center

U.S. News Insider Tip: Every third Friday of the month, from March through October, ‘til Midnight at the Nasher presents live music, film screenings, a special menu and bar services. This event also includes free admission to the museum, making it the perfect time to visit. – Justine Harrington

Sitting across the street from the  Dallas Museum of Art  in the Big D's lively Arts District , the Nasher Sculpture Garden repeatedly wows locals and visitors with its striking indoor and outdoor galleries (a particular highlight for past visitors). The center houses more than 300 works of art by modern and contemporary artists like Matisse, Picasso and Rodin. Pieces here range from small marble sculptures to massive installations.

African American Museum of Dallas African American Museum of Dallas free

The African American Museum of Dallas features one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the U.S. The museum displays African art, Black renaissance paintings, decorative arts, period rooms and contemporary art, some of which are centuries old.

Recent visitors recommended the museum for its collections and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Many described a visit here as moving.

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Crow Museum of Asian Art Crow Museum of Asian Art free

Tucked within the Dallas Arts District, the Crow Museum of Asian Art displays works hailing from China, Japan, India, Korea and Southeast Asia. Along with more than 1,000 artworks, there's also a library of more than 12,000 books, catalogs and journals. The space also shelters a sculpture garden with historical and contemporary pieces among a landscape of bamboo, maples, azaleas and pine trees.

The museum's permanent collection was originally owned by Trammell and Margaret Crow, a Dallas couple with a deep appreciation for Asian art and culture (they visited China more than a dozen times over the course of their lives). They opened the museum in 1998 with the hopes of sharing their love for Asian art and culture with locals and visitors.

Deep Ellum Deep Ellum free

This neighborhood just east of downtown Dallas is a nightlife hot spot that brims with live music, performing arts, eye-catching murals, unique shops and bustling bars. Its status as a live music hub dates back to the early 20th century, when jazz and blues performers like Bessie Smith, Huddie William "Lead Belly" Ledbetter and Lemon Henry "Blind Lemon" Jefferson frequented its stages. If you're hoping to catch a show in Deep Ellum, venues like Trees, The Factory in Deep Ellum and Club Dada are popular spots. Many of the neighborhood's bars also host live music, including Sons of Hermann Hall and Three Links.

In addition to its live music venues, Deep Ellum is also home to a burgeoning dining scene. Popular restaurants include Pecan Lodge (famous for its barbecue), Ichigoh Ramen Lounge, Adair's Saloon (come here for the burgers), Serious Pizza and Nori Handroll Bar.

George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Set on 23 acres in northern Dallas' University Park, The George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum houses extensive textual, audiovisual and electronic records from the 43rd presidency. As you can imagine, the library is more of a research facility than it is a tourist attraction. Instead, casual visitors should make their way to the adjacent 14,000-square-foot museum, where detailed displays explore events of Bush's time in office such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, as well as the themes of education reform and the economic crisis. Inside the museum, you'll find interactive exhibits that put you in the former president's shoes: You can walk around a replica of the Oval Office, and in the Decision Points Theater, you can experience the Bush administration's decision- and policy-making process.

According to recent visitors, the highlight of a visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is the 9/11 exhibit, which they describe as extensive and well-organized. Other travelers appreciated the special exhibits, which rotate frequently. 

Dallas Contemporary Dallas Contemporary free

Modern art lovers will enjoy the Dallas Contemporary, a non-collecting museum displaying cutting-edge works created by Texan artists, as well as national and international artists. The museum was founded by Patricia Meadows in the late 1970s as a nonprofit space before transitioning into the contemporary art hub that it is today. Located in a former metal fabrication plant in the Design District, the Contemporary has ample space to accommodate multiple large-scale exhibitions at a time. 

Because the Contemporary does not have a permanent collection, the focus here is on showing art as opposed to amassing a collection of artworks. Exhibitions rotate regularly, so visitors can expect to rarely, if ever, see the same thing twice. In general, the museum tends to show work from boundary-pushing artists engaged in relevant social and political conversation. Mediums run the gamut from sculpture to installation to painting, among others. 

AT&T Stadium AT&T Stadium

If there's one thing the people of Dallas love, it's football. So, a stop by the home of the Dallas Cowboys is necessary for a glimpse into the area's culture. The Cowboys' former kingdom in Irving was demolished in 2010 to make way for a bigger, better venue. Now you can visit "America's Team" at AT&T Stadium. The largest domed stadium in the country with a capacity for 80,000 screaming fans is located in Arlington, Texas – approximately halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

Even if you're not interested in seeing a game, you might still want to take a tour of this venue, which also houses an extensive collection of art. In fact, there's a guided tour specifically devoted to the stadium's artwork. But recent visitors say that avid sports fans should tag along on the VIP tour, which leads attendees through the private suites, the press box, the locker rooms and even out onto the field.

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Pioneer Plaza Pioneer Plaza free

Part history lesson, part public art display, Pioneer Plaza attracts visitors looking for a prime photo-op. This 4.2-acre park in downtown Dallas features a re-creation of a cattle drive with bronze longhorn steers being driven by three cowboys on horses. The bronze statues celebrate the trails that originally attracted settlers to Dallas centuries ago. In addition to the statues, the park also features native plants and trees and a stream.

Recent travelers described Pioneer Plaza as a great place for photo-ops thanks to the skyline views. They also say the bronze statues are beautiful. According to reviewers, a quick visit is all you need.

Thanks-Giving Square Thanks-Giving Square free

Plan a visit to Thanks-Giving Square for an escape from the bustle of downtown Dallas. Constructed in the 1970s, the park is significant not only for its peaceful atmosphere, but also for its architecture. It was designed by famed architect Philip Johnson, who incorporated fountains and walkways to encourage visitors to pause and meditate. The square is also set 15 feet below ground level, with a 4-foot wall that blocks the sight of cars on surrounding streets to create a serene escape for visitors. The highlight of the square is undoubtedly the Chapel of Thanksgiving, which has a spiral-shaped façade that rises 90 feet above street level. If you step into the chapel, you'll see the impressive Glory Window by Gabriel Loire, which contains 73 panels of faceted glass that follow the spiral shape of the ceiling.

Recent visitors use words like "beautiful" and "peaceful" to describe Thanks-Giving Square. Reviewers were particularly fond of the mosaics, the fountains and the stained-glass ceiling in the chapel.

Dallas Zoo Dallas Zoo

When the Dallas Zoo was founded in 1888, it housed two deer and two mountain lions. More than a century later, the zoo – which is the oldest and largest in Texas – has grown to shelter more than 2,000 animals representing more than 400 species. Across its 106 acres, you'll find large animals like elephants, giraffes, lions and gorillas, alongside smaller creatures like penguins, toucans, frogs and snakes. There are also animal encounters and experiences, such as giraffe feedings and keeper chats, and attractions like a carousel and a miniature train.

Previous visitors were complimentary of the zoo, praising its manageable size, variety of animals and affordable pricing. Reviewers suggested spending between two and four hours exploring all of the zoo's offerings, and recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the midday crowds. Others described it as small and not particularly impressive, but a worthwhile stop if you're traveling with kids.

Highland Park Village Highland Park Village free

This Mediterranean-style shopping center is home to upscale stores in an open-air setting where visitors can wander for a few hours. The shopping center, which was one of the first of its kind, houses restaurants and shops that reflect the wealthy neighborhood where it is located (such as Jimmy Choo and Rolex). Some refer to it as the "Beverly Hills of Dallas," which should be an indicator of just how high-end the stores are, and locals say it's one of the  top shopping spots in Dallas . The architecture of the longstanding shopping center is also a draw, and shoppers recommend checking out Highland Park Village around Christmastime when lights and decorations transform the outdoor mall.

The shopping center offers concierge services, personal shoppers and complimentary valet parking at multiple stores throughout the village. International shoppers can acquire Texas sales tax refunds from select retail stores by presenting receipts and identification and flight information at the on-site TaxFree Shopping, Ltd.

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The best attractions in Dallas to add to your bucket list

Rodeo shows, sculpture gardens, trolley rides and football stadiums are just the beginning

If everything’s bigger in Texas, then everything’s mahoosive in Dallas. Y’all need to carve out some solid dates when in town, because there’s plenty to keep everyone busy, no matter what their interests.

Let’s begin with the stuff that Dallas is best known for. The Dallas Cowboys, champions of the AT&T Stadium; actual cowboys, saddling up at the rodeo; and of course, meat, served at Dallas’ best restaurants and BBQ joints . Cows aside, the Big D is packing everything else too (including vegan-friendly activity - phew!). From world-class art museums and botanical gardens, to hipster neighborhoods with a variety of dining options and all-welcoming watering holes , this is a metropolis with variety , no bull about it. Here’s the wide spectrum of fun that can be had in delicious Dallas.

RECOMMENDED:   The best attractions in Dallas RECOMMENDED:   The best things to do in Dallas RECOMMENDED:   The best Airbnb   treehouses in Dallas

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Best attractions in Dallas

1.  Reunion Tower

Would you like to see Dallas and beyond from above? The best place to enjoy panoramic views of the city is from the GeO-Deck, an observation platform located in the Reunion Tower of the Regency Hyatt Dallas. The GeO-Deck is 470 feet high. Look for special sky-high activities like sunrise yoga and painting with a view of the city.

Book top attractions in Dallas with a CityPASS.

2.  Dallas Arts District

• Greater Dallas

The Dallas Arts District is the city's hub for performing and visual arts. The Dallas Museum of Art , the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art are within yards of each other. Take a stroll along Flora Street and you’ll pass by the striking Meyerson Symphony Center, home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra , the fabulous Winspear Opera House , the Wyly Theater and the undulating lines of the Moody Performance Hall.  Keep an eye out for the public art along the way, especially the majestic Pegasus outside the Booker T. Washington High School and the KPMG Plaza at Hall Arts.

Learn about the JFK assassination on a Dallas tour.

3.  The Sixth Floor Museum

Every school kid knows what happened in Dallas on November 22, 1963—and the majority of Americans (60 percent) still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald’s assassination of President Kennedy was part of a bigger conspiracy. If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place. The infamous Texas School Book Depository is now The Sixth Floor Museum, a world-class center dedicated to telling the story from every angle. Poke through 40,000 artifacts and stand at the exact window Oswald fired from, then head to the grassy knoll below to make up your own mind over the “second shooter.” Afterward board the JFK & Dealey Plaza bus tour to explore your theories first-hand, taking in key sites including the Texas Theatre, the art-deco cinema where Oswald was finally apprehended.

4.  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

• Little Forest Hills

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to the Arboretum. This urban oasis provides plenty of breathing space in a natural setting. Take a stroll around the different gardens, each with a different style. Take a moment for reflection in the beautiful Women’s Garden and enjoy the fantastic views of White Rock Lake below. The best times to visit the Arboretum are in the fall when the leaves turn all kinds of shades of russets, reds, yellows, and ochres; and the spring, when the Dallas Blooms Festival is in full swing with its vibrant colors.

5.  Dallas Museum of Art

• City Center District

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is the cultural epicenter of the city. The permanent collections encompass the art of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as contemporary art and design. The museum offers tours, gallery talks, workshops and lectures with renowned artists. Take a break at the  museum café. Don’t miss out on special events like murder mystery games and kids' nights.

Go on a Dallas Arts District scavenger hunt.

6.  American Airlines Center

• Sports and fitness
• International Center

Victory Park is less of a traditional green space but more of an entertainment district, with The American Airlines Center at its core. AAC is home of NBA force Dallas Mavericks and local hockey team Dallas Stars. Concerts and other entertainment events also take place at the expansive venue throughout the year. Whilst here be sure to grab a snap in front of Texan artist Rob Wilson’s mural honoring Dallas’ greatest hits, which has recently become somewhat of a local ‘gram sensation.

7.  Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum was established in 1873 as one of the city’s first commercial districts for African-Americans. Much of its early history is associated with trade and industry, but now it’s more famous for a number of things. First, music, from the jazz and blues of the 1920s to today’s booming music scene. Visual arts, a la murals and sculptures like The Traveling Man, a series of three sculptures in stainless steel ranging from 8 to 38 feet tall. And last but not least, the former warehouses have been converted into apartments, stores, restaurants and some of today’s hippest bars (you’ll find us at the Deep End and Trick Pony , FYI)

See Deep Ellum on this tour.

8.  Perot Museum Of Nature and Science

• West End Historic District

Let your inner child marvel at the interactive games and activities; look  a T-Rex or the megafauna of the Ice Age in the eye;  climb on an earthquake simulator or use brainwaves to move an object (a light one, though, like a ping pong ball.) The Perot Museum of Nature and Science opened in 2012 and it captures the spirit of scientific knowledge. The fantastic building is an ode to science; it’s sustainable, energy-efficient and the landscaping reflects a cross-section of the different landscapes of Texas. Take a minute to enjoy the views of Dallas from the windows on level four.

Save with the Dallas CityPASS

9.  Mesquite Championship Rodeo

• Sherwood Forest

If you want to witness the true grit and skill of the Texan cowboy, head to Mesquite Championship Rodeo at Mesquite Arena. This facility, a 15-minute drive east of downtown, holds different events throughout the year, but July, August and September are the busiest rodeo seasons. It is exhilarating to watch each event, from team roping to steer wrestling and calf roping. Experience the speed and grace of the horses and the cowboys' skills with ropes and lassos; feel the sheer power of bucking broncs and bulls. (And, yes, you will feel for those poor clowns!)

10.  McKinney Avenue Trolley

• State Thomas

If you are into historic means of transport, you’ll adore the McKinney Avenue Trolley. Streetcars were abandoned in 1956, but the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority non-profit has operated restored vintage streetcars since the 1980s.  Rosie, the Green Dragon, Matilda, Petunia and Betty will happily take you from Uptown to the Dallas Arts District free of charge. They only ask for a small donation toward their maintenance. Look for the round maroon and white sign. As the trolley approaches, wave your hand out and the motorman will stop so you can hop on board. When you’re ready to hop off, just ring the bell.

11.  AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium is the state-of-the-art home of the Dallas Cowboys (although it’s owned by the city of Arlington). The facility was completed in 2009 and its most salient feature is the retractable roof. With 80,000 seats, it’s the fourth largest NFL stadium in the nation. Works of modern art, installations and murals adorn the stadium's six levels, which make for an art gallery inside of the magnificent sports venue. There are four types of tours: VIP tours, self-guided tours (only when there’s field availability), educational tours and art tours. The best part? You can go out on the field and pretend to be an NFL star.

12.  Klyde Warren Park

Until 2012, the Woodall Rodgers Freeway split Dallas in two. Klyde Warren Park, built over the freeway between Pearl Street and St. Paul, now joins both neighborhoods. This beautiful park is a hub of activity. The property features a lending library with a reading area and board games, a children’s park, equipment for croquet, petanque and badminton, ping pong and foosball tables. There are all types of events during the week, from dancing lessons and concerts to tai chi and yoga. Looking for a bite to eat? The food trucks are very popular.

13.  Nasher Sculpture Center

The best feature of the Nasher is the gorgeous garden, which provides a perfect setting for the sculptures by renowned international artists. Even though it’s in the heart of the city, the garden offers much-needed peace and quiet. The lovely café opens up to the garden. The permanent collection includes the biggest names in modern and contemporary art from Alberto Giacometti to Barbara Hepworth. The luminous and expansive building was designed by architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2003. The museum evolved from the personal collection of Raymond and Patsy Nasher, avid collectors and a prominent business family of Dallas.

14.  Pioneer Plaza

• Parks and gardens

Pioneer Plaza is undoubtedly one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks. The bronze sculptures recreate a herd of longhorn steers driven by three cowboys through a flowing stream, man-made cliffs and native plants. The sculptures commemorate the cattle drives along the trails that took them from South Texas to the railheads in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Pioneer Plaza is the biggest open space in downtown Dallas and draws many visitors. If you want to take pictures or have a quiet stroll among the sculptures, you may want to avoid the weekends when parents bring their children and quinceañeras do photoshoots.

Book a Dallas tour and see Founders Plaza, Deep Ellum, and more.

15.  Dallas Farmers Market

• Markets and fairs
• Farmers Market District

At less than one mile, the Dallas Farmers Market is a bracing walk away from Downtown, the ideal distance to work up an appetite. The Market, as the food hall is called, is a big shed that houses restaurants, along with artisanal and specialty food vendors. Expect communal seating areas for all except Mudhen, the stand-alone, farm-to-table restaurant. You’ll find it hard to choose one place to eat, with options including tacos, macarons, Neapolitan-style pizza and more. From Ruibal’s nursery, you can see the downtown skyline framing the potted plants and flowers.

Do a Dallas foodie tour.

16.  House of Blues

The House of Blues is one of the many concert venues in the city that gave Stevie Ray Vaughan to the world. It's not all about music though. There's also a bar and restaurant for pre-concert dinner and drinks. Remember to make a reservation. Catch free live music weekly, with show styles ranging from country and western to pop, jazz and electronic. One Sunday morning a month, local traditional and contemporary Gospel singers treat you to a wonderful show while you enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. It's a truly uplifting experience.

17.  Bishop Arts District

• Bishop Arts District

In the 1920s, the South Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff was a bustling commercial area with warehouses and stores. Nowadays, after experiencing a revival, it’s one of Dallas’s trendiest areas. New boutiques, bars, restaurants and smokehouses occupy those old warehouses, which lend the area a lot of character. Some old-timers survive for now, though. Colorful murals—some artistic, some depicting the past and present of Oak Cliff—add a feeling of vitality to the area. For a complete experience, take the free Dallas Streetcar outside Union Station in downtown Dallas to the Bishop Arts stop. The Texas Theater (where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested) is a short walk away.

18.  Southfork Ranch

• Historic buildings and sites

At Southfork Ranch, you can visit the home of one of TV’s richest and most complicated families, the Ewings. The property was a family home at the time of filming, but later became a conference center and event venue located less than 30 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. See how the other half lives during the tour, along with memorabilia from the series like Jock Ewing’s 1978 Lincoln Continental or the gun that killed JR. Tours start at 10:15am daily and run every hour. Alternatively, you can ride the trails at the ranch. The five daily rides are subject to weather and safety conditions.

19.  Historic Downtown McKinney

McKinney is a beautiful historic commercial downtown located 37 miles north of Dallas. It’s a great place to spend a few hours away from the big city. Buildings from the late 1800s surround the main square and the historic courthouse, which is now the McKinney Performing Arts Center . Independent boutiques, antique dealers, coffee shops and restaurants line the leafy streets. Nearby, the historic village of Chestnut Square comprises six historic homes, the replica of a one-room school, a chapel and a store that together bring local heritage and history to life. 

Tour Southfork Ranch and more on a full-day tour.

20.  Legacy West

Legacy West is the newest upscale lifestyle destination in the Dallas Metroplex. The development features the regional headquarters of some big companies, hotels, luxury retail shopping, restaurants, a food hall and apartments. Retailers include staple designers like Coach and J. Crew, along with eye-candy shops like the Tesla showroom. Dining options range from Shake Shack burgers and Italian food at North Italia and Taverna restaurants to superb steaks at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House and French-inspired food at Toulouse . Meet friends for a drink at the upscale-meets-casual Earl’s Bar & Kitchen. 

21.  Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. The 100-acre park is located 3 miles south of downtown Dallas. The zoo is divided into two areas joined by a tunnel: ZooNorth and the Wilds of Africa. ZooNorth includes the Koala Walkabout with animals from Australia, a tiger enclosure, the flamingo pond and birds from different countries, among many other species. On the other side of the park, the Wilds of Africa brings zoo-goers the giants of the savanna, a gorilla trail and large cats. Inside the zoo, you'll find three restaurants and food stands to fuel your journey through the wild. The zoo draws quite a crowd on weekends, so be sure to visit during the week if you can.

22.  Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture

Note: This museum is temporarily closed.

The Old Red Museum tells the story of Dallas from prehistoric times to the modern day including artifacts used by the first settlers. The Trading Center gallery shows the transformation of a sleepy town into a thriving regional trade center while the Big “D” Gallery shows how Dallas became a nationally relevant city. Make sure to stop by the World Crossroads gallery to see Dallas’ many contributions to pop culture like J.R. Ewing’s Stetson hat and national history items like the handcuffs used on Lee Harvey Oswald.

23.  Dallas World Aquarium

• Zoo and aquariums

Even though Dallas is miles away from the sea, you can still see interesting marine life from all over the world at the Dallas Aquarium. The exhibits are divided by region and include birds and reptiles. The aquarium is also involved in several conservation projects to protect endangered species like the Orinoco crocodile. Don’t miss the feedings and talks throughout the day. The aquarium occupies two warehouses built in the 1920s in a similar style to other Historic West End buildings.

You can also check out an aquarium in Grapevine.

Explore more of Dallas

13 museums in Dallas everyone should visit

Dallas is a diverse, sparkling town and a culture fiend’s paradise, packed with tons of cool restaurants, bars and things to do, plus a slew of fun, interesting and must-visit museums. Here are the 13 best museums in Dallas worth exploring.

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The 14 Best Things to Do in Dallas

By Priya Krishna and Jonathan Thompson

You’ve heard the expression: Everything's bigger in Texas —and those who say it all over the state aren’t wrong. But few Texas cities embody that mantra more than the sprawling metropolis of Dallas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, already boasting the largest urban Arts District in the nation, and the country's second-busiest airport. With more than 20,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline (second only to New York City ), and preparations well underway for its upcoming spotlight as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city, there’s never been a better time to experience the Big D. Here are the best things to do in Dallas when you inevitably come to town.

Rad our complete Dallas travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Klyde Warren Park Arrow

This public park spans more than five acres across the busy Woodall Rogers Freeway. It acts as a bridge connecting uptown to downtown, but it also has abundant green space, a paved trail for joggers or walkers, fountains, a dog park, and daily free programming, ranging from yoga to movie screenings. In November 2022, its most recent addition saw an improved 6,000 square foot children’s park open, including a state-of-the-art kids’ climbing wall and a shaded pavilion for events.

Dallas Arboretum Arrow

Frequently named one of the top botanical gardens in the world, the fairytale-esque Dallas Arboretum sits resplendent on 66 glorious acres, overlooking majestic White Rock Lake. From the innovative Trial Gardens to the serene Woman’s Garden, this is the kind of Eden-like enclave where you’ll actively want to get lost amid the blooming beauty. The ‘Cool Thursdays Concert Series’ on the manicured lakeside lawn are also a major treat in the Spring and Fall—particularly when enjoyed with a picnic and a glass of bubbly in hand.

AT&T Discovery District Arrow

Located at the geographic heart of downtown, the new Discovery District was years in the making and is a great outdoor meeting, drinking, and dining spot for commuters and tourists alike. It's essentially an enormous courtyard, so it's easy to navigate—the only real choice is where to sit and order. Jaxon, with its large outdoor space, is a favorite, but there are also plenty of great options in the Food Hall, including Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine from Baboushi and delicious seafood options from The Dock. AT&T clearly put a lot of thought into the space's installations: the 104-foot-tall Media Wall is hard to miss, bringing digital art to life in incredible detail, while The Globe is a perspective-twisting multicolored tunnel containing an interactive light and sound experience. It's a perfect place for a weekday lunch or a relaxed evening, with excellent people-watching as all of Dallas flows by. 

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Arrow

Set in the infamous Texas School Book Depository building, the museum covers the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy and is one of the state’s most visited historic sites. Explore the story from every angle at the impressive Sixth Floor Museum, housed in the infamous book depository from where Lee Harvey Oswald’s shots ricocheted on November 22, 1963. Poke through 40,000 artifacts and stand at the exact window where Oswald fired from, then head down to the grassy knoll to make up your own mind about the existence of a ‘second shooter.’ Afterwards, board the JFK Trolley Tour to visit other key sites first hand, including the Texas Theatre, the art-deco cinema where Oswald was finally apprehended by police.

Levi Mandel

Hannah Towey

Charlie Hobbs

Maresa Manara

Crown Block Arrow

Situated atop Dallas' iconic Reunion Tower, Crown Block boasts the best views in town—and also some of the best food. A rare steak and fine seafood restaurant, it's swiftly become a place for the big movers and shakers of the Big D to see and be seen since its opening in April 2023. As the elevator opens onto the 18th floor restaurant, it's hard not to be blown away by the sight of downtown Dallas in all its glory, unfurling beyond the floor to ceiling windows. There's a strict dress code, exceptional service, and an unbelievable sense of romance. It's the perfect place for an important date or a big birthday, basking in the undeniably sexy surroundings.

Dallas Museum of Art Arrow

Dallas boasts one of the largest urban arts districts in America, encompassing a mind-boggling 118 acres of museums, galleries, and theaters. Highlights include the AT&T Performing Arts Center, a four-venue complex centered on Sir Norman Foster’s striking drum-shaped Winspear Opera House, as well as I.M. Pei’s lavish Meyerson Symphony Center. But the headline act of them all is the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest institutions of its kind in the country, housing nearly 25,000 objects from the third century through present-day, across 159,000 square feet. The museum’s permanent collection (free to enter for all, every day) is particularly strong in African sculpture, decorative arts, and contemporary works, including paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol.

Upstairs Circus Arrow

This is a completely different take on a regular bar, where you complete craft projects while drinking craft cocktails. It's a lot of fun, with people of all ages chatting and laughing while completing creations ranging from jewelry and leather wallets to homeware. Most people are either on dates (this is a genius date idea) or in bigger groups of friends. The location is great, the drinks are affordable, and you get to head home with a cool item you created yourself. It's a win-win-win. Because of the set-up, it's more about the creative projects than the creative juices on the menu, but the cocktails are genuinely tasty. (The trick is not to drink too many, so you don't mess up what you're working on.)

Sweet Tooth Hotel Arrow

Opened in October 2022, Sweet Tooth Hotel is not a hotel but an immersive art exhibit open to the public daily. A platform for emerging experiential artists, it's bright, dynamic, colorful, and an Instagrammer's dream—think edgy modern art gallery meets neon disco garden. The nine distinct gallery spaces are loosely linked by the "hotel" theme. Each one feels like you are entering a new, vibrant suite with something different to say. The staff are great—readily available to explain the thinking behind the exhibits (which is very helpful, as signage is limited). The bar staff at the Calirosa Cocktail Lounge are also awesome, and make a great selection of inventive cocktails, including Bubble Ducky—a pink tequila concoction served in a tiny bath with a miniature rubber duck floating in it.

Lee Harvey's Arrow

A "private social swim club", Lee Harvey's Dive In is like no other venue in Dallas. Essentially a sunny swim club across the street from a beloved 50-year-old dive bar, it's a brilliant, affordable option if you need to cool off from the intense summer heat of Texas, and fancy doing so with a delicious cocktail in hand, surrounded by beautiful people. There's a good selection of ice cold beer, both domestic and imported, but really this place is about colorful cocktails, which may or may not get spilled in the pool. The rum punch is surprisingly good and they serve a solid margarita too. For those feeling a bit more daring, try the Ocean Water: a party-starting fusion of malibu, vodka, and blue curacao.

Dallas Farmers Market Arrow

For years, the Dallas Farmers Market was mostly a wholesale market with purveyors primarily selling goods to restaurants. But a more recent emphasis on close-to-home farmers (and a major facelift of the site itself) has made it well worth a visit during any trip to the Big D. Check out The Shed—a breezy outdoor pavilion behind the main building where you can buy all kinds of fresh produce and delicious street food—before browsing everything from quirky housewares to artisanal jewelry in the main hall itself.

Pecan Lodge Arrow

Whichever way you slice it, barbecue is king in Texas, and Dallas has one of the finest BBQ restaurants in the entire state: Pecan Lodge. Here, the pit-smoked food is so good that the lines snake around the block pretty much every day at lunchtime (tip: if you order more than five pounds of meat, you can skip straight to the front). The handmade jalapeño sausages and beef brisket with southwestern seasoning are particularly superb, while the “hot mess” (sea salt-crusted sweet potato topped with barbacoa and chipotle cream) is deliriously good. If you’re really hungry, order “the trough,” a hot, sticky selection of everything from the menu. Just make sure you save room for dessert: Aunt Polly’s banana pudding is the stuff of a local legend.

Bishop Arts District Arrow

A hipster-pocket neighborhood just across the Trinity River from downtown, Bishop Arts is packed with more than 60 unconventional boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and art galleries, all within an easily walkable hub. Perennial favorites include homeware store Home on Bishop, cozy independent bookstore The Wild Detectives (which also serves a mean cocktail), and legendary confectionary store Dude, Sweet Chocolate. Meanwhile, recent additions include Ame, an exquisite French-Indian eaterie with a champagne bar, and Paradiso, a glamorous restaurant and cocktail bar built around a Mediterranean-style courtyard.

White Rock Lake Arrow

Located about five miles northeast of downtown, White Rock is a serene, 1,000-acre city lake surrounded by criss-crossing trails, picnic areas, and wildlife refuges. Looping the lake (about 9.3 miles on a well-maintained path) is a popular fitness pastime for both runners and cyclists, while the water sports on offer include rowing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, with several local operators available. Meanwhile, at the old White Rock Municipal Fish Hatchery in the park’s southwest corner, you’ll find 50 acres of dense woodland to explore, with coyotes, red foxes, beavers, and pelicans among the wildlife in abundance here.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science Arrow

A sleek, futuristic masterpiece next to Klyde Warren Park, the Perot Museum was designed by superstar architect Thom Mayne to resemble a large cube hovering over the landscape. Its immersive, interactive interior is even more impressive, with 180,000 square feet of exhibition space covering everything from dinosaurs to distant galaxies. Kids will love the “Earthquake Shake” in the Dynamic Earth Hall, while dads will equally enjoy the Lamar Hunt Family Sports Hall, where they can “race” legendary NFL running back Jamaal Charles. The superb onsite café, by Wolfgang Puck, makes it easy to spend a whole day here.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Texas (TX) » 55 Best Things to Do in Dallas (Texas)

55 Best Things to Do in Dallas (Texas)

A well-rounded city growing out of the stark North Texas prairie, Dallas has a jumble of ultramodern skyscrapers, the largest arts district in the United States, museums of the highest quality and pulsating nightlife.

Whole swathes of the city have been reinvented in recent times, like the Design District breathing new life into an austere neighborhood of warehouses, or Klyde Warren Park, on the former route of a freeway.

But if you’re hunting for old-time Texas trademarks like big steaks, BBQ and honkytonks among the upscale restaurants and high-culture, you’ll find them with little trouble.

Dallas will also forever be tied to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, and at Dealey Plaza you’ll discover how the city has come to terms with this tragedy.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Dallas:

1. Dealey Plaza

In Dallas you can visit a place where the course of history was changed forever.

The landmarks at Dealey Plaza, like the Texas School Book Depository, the Grassy Knoll and Elm Street as it bends down to the railroad tracks, would be unremarkable were it not for the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

The cityscape at Dealey Plaza is mostly unchanged, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993. It’s hard not to be moved looking up at the corner sixth floor window from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired his three shots, seeing the X that marks the spot where JFK was struck by the fatal second bullet and standing on the bank from which Abraham Zapruder took his famous footage.

Tip : start your visit with the Dallas City Highlights Tour

2. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

All the context you could want about the assassination of John F. Kennedy is available at this thorough and even-handed museum housed in the former Texas Schools Book Depository and opened in 1989. As you work your way up to Lee Harvey Oswald’s sixth-floor roost you’ll find out about JFK’s career and the landscape in the early-1960s, taking in the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War.

The deed itself is covered in great detail, with hundreds of photographs from the scene and analysis of the Zapruder film (the Zapruder family donated the copyright to the museum in 1999). Inevitably there’s also background on the myriad conspiracy theories swirling around the assassination, to the point where even obsessives may pick up a new titbit.

Finally, Lee Harvey Oswald’s vantage point, preserved behind glass, is as cluttered as it was when he fired his shots in November 1963.

Recommended tour : JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour

3. Arts District

Dallas lays claim to the largest urban arts district in the United States, on 20 square blocks to the south-east of Uptown, and with a rare concentration of cultural attractions.

We’ll visit plenty of the attractions in this area, like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Klyde Warren Park and the Winspear Opera House.

Respected venues and institutions are shoulder-to-shoulder in the Arts District, from the vaunted Dallas Black Dance Theatre in the east to the Dallas Museum of Art in the west.

There’s also tons of architectural interest, in monuments like the neo-Gothic Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe (1902), with a 68-meter spire and 100 stained glass windows.

If you really want to get to know the Arts District’s cityscape there are 90-minute walking tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10:00.

Related tour : 1.5-Hour Dallas Sightseeing Tour by Segway

4. Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)

One of the top art museums in the country sends you on an international journey through 5,000 years of history, from antiquity to contemporary art.

Art-lovers can leap across time periods and civilizations, inspecting 1,700-year-old Buddhas, a Greek funerary relief from 300 BCE, ancient American art in gold and a Nok terracotta bust from Nigeria dating back 2,000 years.

The American and European art collections are as rich as you’d hope, with works by O’Keeffe, Hopper, Childe Hassam and masters like Canaletto, Courbet, Monet, van Gogh and Piet Mondrian.

Every post-war trend from Abstract Expressionism to Installation Art has a place in the comprehensive Contemporary galleries, featuring Sigmar Polke, Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline and many more.

Founded in 1903, this is one of the ten largest art museums in the United States, with ten concurrent exhibitions, and a program of talks, tours, concerts , film screenings and workshops.

Included in:   Dallas CityPASS

5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

An exceptional attraction and head-turning new landmark for Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature (2012) has 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors.

This extraordinary building is designed as a large cube over a water garden, while the facade evokes the drought-tolerant grassland of North Texas.

It would be impossible to sum up this multifaceted museum in one paragraph, but as with any state-of-the-art science attraction, you can be sure that there’s lots of interactivity and hands-on activities.

You can experience an earthquake, make music in a sound studio, build your own robot, smell the beeswax of the Blackland Prairie, compete against world-class athletes and take a whirlwind trip around Dallas in miniature.

No natural history museum would be complete without dinosaur skeletons, and the “Life, Then and Now Hall” is ruled by gargantuan Alamosaurus and T. rex fossils, but also has a superb Paleo Lab where you can watch the museum’s cutting-edge dinosaur research on screens in real-time.

Included in : Dallas CityPASS

6. Klyde Warren Park

A patch of Downtown Dallas in the Arts District was completely transformed in the early 2010s when the Woodall Rodgers Freeway moved underground for three blocks to make way for this innovative public park on its route.

Dreamed up as a central public gathering space for Dallas, Klyde Warren Park has a big lawn fringed by a tree-lined pedestrian promenade, and comes with a restaurant, children’s park, botanical garden, reading room, dog park, performance pavilion and urban games area.

The park opened in 2012 and is named for the son of billionaire Kelcy Warren who donated $10 million for its development.

On a given day there will be ten or more licensed food trucks here, and the park’s website will tell you who they are and what they’re serving up.

Related tour : Full-Day Small Group Tour of Dallas & the JFK Assassination

7. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Dallas has many plus points, but verdure isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

Even so, there’s a botanical garden to match the best, in 66 acres on the south-east shore of White Rock Lake, only 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas.

We’ll talk about this reservoir in more detail later.

There are 19 named gardens at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, like the 6.5-acre Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden, with vibrant seasonal beds of more than 2,000 azalea varieties (one of the largest in the United States), as well as tulips and daffodils.

The Palmer Fern Dell, where a brook is edged by ferns, azaleas, camellias and mature trees, is a godsend in the searing summer months, when mist sprayers lower the ambient temperature by several degrees.

The big event on the calendar is Dallas Blooms, from the start of February to mid-April, with more than 100 varieties of spring-blooming bulbs including 500,000 individual tulips.

8. Reunion Tower

One of the towers that make Dallas, Dallas arrived to the south of Dealey Plaza in 1978. Also known as The Ball, the 171-meter Reunion Tower is four narrow shafts (one cylindrical and thee rectangular) crowned with an openwork geodesic dome illuminated at night by 259 LEDs.

The elevators are in the three rectangular shafts, and on the 68-second ride to the GeO-Deck you’ll get a stirring view of Dallas through shaft’s outer glass panel.

And once you reach the GeO-Deck you can brush up the city’s story and changing skyline on interactive screens, peer through telescopes and feel the breeze on the outdoor platform.

There are also two rotating eateries up here, at the Cloud Nine Cafe and Wolfgang Puck’s posh Five Sixty, with an Asian-infused menu.

Book online : Dallas’ Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket

9. AT&T Stadium

For many sports fans the name Dallas is almost always followed by “Cowboys”, 24-time division champions, five-time Superbowl champions and the most valued team in the NFL as of 2019. The Cowboys are tied in second with most Superbowl appearances in history and are currently on a run of sold-out regular and post-season games that has stretched since 2002. In 2009 the franchise moved to the 80,000-capacity (expandable to 105,000) At&T Stadium, located 20-minutes west in Arlington and claimed to be the largest domed building in the world.

One of many astounding things about the stadium is its public art program, which has left it with museum-quality pieces of contemporary art by the likes of Olafur Eliasson and Doug Aitken.

You don’t need game tickets to see the AT&T Stadium up close, as there’s a menu of tours, from self-guided visits to a special VIP Guided Tour with extra tour stop and field access, all with an expert guide.

Book online : Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour with Transport

10. Nasher Sculpture Center

Raymond Nasher (1921-2007), the developer behind the NorthPark Center mall, was a voracious art collector, and together with his wife Patsy assembled a jaw-dropping sculpture collection.

Much of this was put on display at the mall (some still is), until a more suitable permanent home could be built.

At the turn of the 21st century the Nasher Foundation put up the funds for a Renzo Piano-designed museum with a two-acre garden to make these riches available to the public.

The Nasher Sculpture Center is all the more extraordinary against the cityscape of downtown Dallas.

The center’s collection is a who’s who of modern sculpture, furnished with pieces by Alexander Calder, Giacometti, Hepworth, Henry Moore, Matisse, Gauguin, Joan Miró, Picasso, Claes Oldenburg, Richard Serra and Rodin.

Only a fraction of the foundation’s holdings can be displayed at one time, so the center’s exhibition is refreshed every few months.

Included in : Dallas Art District & Museum Of Art Walking Tour

11. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

The understated John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza was inaugurated in June 1970, beside the red sandstone towers of the Dallas County Courthouse.

The monument at its core was designed by architect Philip Johnson, a friend of the Kennedy family, and was personally approved by Jacqueline Kennedy.

Conceived to represent the “freedom of John F. Kennedy’s spirit”, the memorial comprises a square room without a roof, with concrete walls 15 x 15 meters long and 9 meters high.

These walls are composed of 72 concrete columns, supported by two legs at each corner and so appearing to hover over the ground when illuminated at night.

In the room is a granite square carved with JFK’s name, painted in gold to catch the light from the walls.

Bestselling tour : JFK Assassination and Museum Tour (Includes Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House)

12. Meadows Museum

The oil baron Algur Meadows (1899–1978) made repeated trips to Madrid in the 1950s, and in that time he fell in love with Spanish art at the Museo del Prado, resolving to create his own “Prado on the prairie” back in Dallas.

This became the Meadows Museum at the Southern Methodist University campus, home to one of the largest assemblages of Spanish art outside of Spain.

The art here dates from the 900s to the present, comprising Renaissance altarpieces, massive Baroque canvases, liturgical polychrome images, graphic art, Impressionist landscapes, abstract painting, sketches and sculpture.

Among the many great artists featured are Velázquez, El Greco, Murillo, Ribera, Zurbarán, Goya (six works), Sorolla, Rodin, Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Henry Moore and Giacometti.

In 2019-20 there were fabulous short-term exhibitions for Sorolla and the great Spanish Renaissance sculptor Alonso Berruguete.

13. Deep Ellum

If you’re out for live music, great food, awesome bars or one-off shops then Deep Ellum is the place to go, just on the other side of the I-345 from Downtown Dallas.

This has been an entertainment district since the 1880s, and blues legends like Leadbelly, Bessie Smith and Blind Lemon Jefferson all entertained the crowds in the 1910s and 1920s.

The name comes from the neighborhood’s main artery, Elm Street and crops up in the old blues song Take a Whiff on Me, and the song “Deep Elm Blues”, made famous by the Grateful Dead.

The lineup of clubs and live venues is too long to list here, but features Trees Dallas, played by Radiohead, Nirvana, Arcade Fire and Pearl Jam.

For concept bars you’ve got a slew of craft breweries/distilleries, and the trailer park themed Double Wide.

By day you can check out the street art and pick from ramen (Oni), tacos (Tiki Loco), sushi (Nori) or southern comfort food (Brick & Bones, Get Fried) for lunch.

Recommended tour : Dallas Deep Ellum Beer & Cider Tour

14. Dallas Zoo

Across the Trinity River from Downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo would be a worthwhile family outing even without its greatest attraction.

But the Giants of the Savanna habitat is not something you’ll come across very often.

This $32.5-million habitat, unveiled in 2011 has reticulated giraffes, zebras, impala, ostriches and guinea fowl sharing the same large space.

In the same zone is the zoo’s herd of African elephants, as well as African lions, South African cheetahs, warthogs and African wild dogs.

The Gorilla Research Center, opened in 1990, is another feather in the Dallas Zoo’s cap, a lush recreation of the Congo Rainforest, with enough space for two troops of gorillas, each separated by a wall.

The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari takes you on a 20-minute, mile-long narrated monorail ride past hippos, okapis, Grévy’s zebra, Thomson’s gazelle’s and some giant birds, from great white pelicans to Goliath herons.

Book online : Dallas Zoo – General Admission

15. Dallas World Aquarium

In the West End Historic District, this aquarium in a reworked warehouse from 1924 has more than just fish.

Mundo Maya keeps ocelots, American flamingos and a variety of colourful passerine birds and owls to go with its vibrant angelfish and axolotls.

The upper floor is taken over by a reproduction of the Orinoco Rainforest, inhabited by sloths, giant river otters and primates like pygmy marmosets and red howler monkeys, as well as dwarf caimans, poison dart frogs, toucans, mata mata turtles and electric eels.

The ten main tanks are on the lower level, where you’ll come within inches of aquatic life from all over the world from giant Japanese spider crabs to brilliant Percula clownfish, tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish and moon jellyfish.

Outside the South Africa exhibit keeps a playful colony of black-footed penguins, numbering only 50,000 in the wild.

16. Pioneer Plaza

The city’s rugged early days are remembered at this park laid out in 1994 in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, just south of downtown.

Rendered in bronze by artist Robert Summers is a marvellous sculpted ensemble – the largest bronze monument in the world – depicting an everyday scene on the old Shawnee Trail.

Crossing the plaza are 49 longhorn steers and three trail riders on horseback, all in an environment of ridges and cliffs, planted with trees and plants native to North Texas, a flowing stream and waterfall.

Each steer is a little larger than life, at just under two meters high.

Related tour : 75-Minute Small-Group City Highlights Tour

17. Fair Park

This 277-acre outdoor complex on the right shoulder of Downtown Dallas has a history as a fairground going back to 1886. The space was transformed to lift spirits in the Great Depression, when Dallas hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. Architects George Dahl and Paul Cret turned Fair Park into a magnificent exhibition of Art Deco design.

Plenty of the attractions on this list can be found right here, and the park holds more than 1,200 events a year, from concerts to sporting events.

For 24 days from the last Friday of September, this is the venue for the Texas State Fair, attended by over two million people each year and presided over by the iconic Big Tex.

One of the main events is the annual college football game between Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns, at the 92,100-capacity Cotton Bowl.

A centerpiece during the fair is the Texas Star, a Ferris wheel 65.8 meters tall, with 44 gondolas.

18. Hall of State

Fair Park’s mainstay is the Art Deco Hall of State, which is a formidable landmark, even if the exterior is showing its age.

There are few better examples of Art Deco architecture in Texas, and it’s bewildering to think that this regal edifice got built in the depths of the Great Depression.

What draws your eye outside is the semicircular recess at the entrance, with limestone pillars rising 23 meters dividing bands of blue tiles evoking the state flower, the bluebonnet.

On the frieze are the names of 60 historical figures with an important role in Texas history.

The monument has belonged to the Dallas Historical Society since 1938, and its radiant interior holds the Hall of Heroes, with six bronze statues representing Stephen F. Austin, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Sam Houston, James Fannin and William B. Travis.

During the Texas State Fair in 2019 there was a wonderful exhibition on the history of the state in cinema.

19. Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

This compact but ever-popular aquarium opened with the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, but was given a modern makeover in 2009. There are six main exhibits at the Children’s Aquarium: Freshwater Zone, with red-bellied piranhas and Australian rainbows; Intertidal Zone, for sea stars and sea urchins; Shore Zone, inhabited by seahorses, batfish and home to a Caribbean reef; Near Shore Zone, which has Moray eels, clownfish and porcupinefish, and the Offshore Zone, where you’ll see the ominous-looking Queensland groupers and zebra sharks.

Finally, the outdoor Stingray Bay is most people’s favorite part, where you can touch and feed cownose rays and watch black tip ref sharks in an ample outdoor tank.

20. Frontiers of Flight Museum

Head to Dallas Love Field Airport to be awed by this Smithsonian Affiliate museum in the airport’s south-east corner.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum has more than 30 aircraft and space vehicles on show, a portion of which were built in the North Texas area.

There are also 13 galleries and exhibits to ponder, including artifacts from the Hindenburg, lots of detail about aviators like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, and a full-size model of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Wright Flyer.

As for preserved aircraft, make sure to see Apollo VII, used for the first manned flight of the Apollo Space Program in 1968. Also indispensible is the last surviving Texas-Temple Sportsman monoplane (1928), a de Havilland Tiger Moth (1940), a Bell 47 (of M*A*S*H fame) and jet fighters and bombers including an F-16b (1977), an LTV A-7 Corsair II (1967), a Republic F-105D (1958) and a Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star (1950).

21. Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

The tree-shaded sidewalks of the Dallas Heritage Village are lined with the largest ensemble of historic buildings in the city.

These properties, dated between 1840 and 1910, are arranged as an outdoor museum in 20 acres, where the only hint of the passage of time comes from the Downtown Dallas skyline over the trees.

City Park was the first public park in Dallas, plotted in the 1870s and the site of the first city zoo and weekly outdoor concerts in the 1880s and 1890s that would resemble the performances given here today.

The park was at risk of being redeveloped until the late-1960s when the Millermore plantation house became the first of 21 historic buildings to find a new home here.

Each building is decorated with period-specific furniture, tools and ephemera, and a team of role-playing interpreters helping the whole village to life.

22. Texas Discovery Gardens

Also at the historic Fair Park, the Texas Discovery Gardens is a botanical garden in 7.5 acres, growing native and exotic plants from around the world that have adapted to the difficult soils and climate of North Texas.

This is the first public garden that has been certified 100% organic by the Texas Organic Research Center, and is irrigated via sustainable water conservation methods.

The gardens’ plants have also been selected for their ability to provide habitats for wildlife, including birds and butterflies.

Outside you can saunter through the Native Butterfly Habitat, Shakespeare Garden (with plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays and sonnets) and the Master Gardener’s Garden, showing how you can get the most out of drought-tolerant plants.

Children will be wild for the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium, where you can even watch butterflies shake out of their chrysalises at the Emergence Chamber on the lower level.

There are also 20 species of venomous and non-venomous native snakes at the Snakes of Texas exhibit.

23. American Airlines Center

Two big-time sports franchises share this multipurpose arena in the Victory Park neighborhood.

Most famous are the Dallas Mavericks, who clinched the NBA Championship in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki, who had just retired in 2019 after a 21-year spell.

The Mavericks are renowned for their passionate fans, and at the time of writing were going through a home-game sell-out streak that had continued since 2001. Owner Mark Cuban’s strategy is to sell off unsold tickets at big discounts or give them away to charity.

At roughly the same time of year, this is also home rink for the Dallas Stars, who last lifted the Stanley Cup in 1999. American Airlines Center has hosted up to 20 major concert dates a year since it opened in 2001. Elton John, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Eagles and Celine Dion were all on the program in 2019-20. Food-wise, there are lots of choices for Tex-Mex (Mesero), Southern-style cuisine (House of Blues), pizza (Olivella’s) and sushi (Imoto) within a five-minute walk of the arena, and ample concessions inside, from tacos to hot dogs.

24. Design District

North-west of Downtown Dallas, the Design District has taken root on the regenerated floodway of the Trinity River.

Where before there were old showrooms and warehouses from the 1950s, there’s now an eclectic but upmarket neighborhood of art galleries, men’s and women’s fashion boutiques, swish interior design shops, a slew of fine dining establishments and brand new high-end residences.

One of the many things to love about the Design District is that it has developed naturally, and the low, almost nondescript warehouses that had been here for decades remain, accompanied by dazzling new architecture.

No massive mixed-use developments, national chains or wholesale demolition has been allowed here.

Related tour : Dallas Design District Brewery Tour

25. Crow Museum of Asian Art

The real estate baron Trammell Crow (1914-2009) was a keen collector of East and Southeast Asian Art, and even put his son to use as an art purchaser in Tokyo to enhance his inventory which grew to 7,000 pieces.

In 1998 almost 600 pieces were donated as a gift to the people and visitors of Dallas, at this museum that opened in the Dallas Arts District.

The museum is organized into three main spaces: Gallery I featured Japanese works by master ceramic artists, marvellous prints and a samurai suit of armor.

Gallery II, for Chinese art, holds one of the largest collections of jade in the United States, as well Qing Dynasty snuff bottles, mostly from the 1700s.

Gallery III holds works from across India and Southeast Asia, comprising two Mughal baradari gazebos and highly ornate pieces like the gilded Nepalese Seated Manjushri Dharmadhatsuvajisvara buddha from 1823. Linking Gallery II with Gallery III is the glass Skybridge, commanding a privileged view of the Trammell Crow Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

26. African American Museum

The Hall of Negro Life at the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936 was thought to be the first recognition of African-American culture at a world’s fair.

Fair Park’s African American Museum was built on the exact same plot as that hall and opened in 1993, although its history as an institution goes back to 1974. The museum has amassed a vital collection of African and African-American art, historical artefacts and decorative arts, presented across four vaulted galleries.

In the collection are pieces by luminaries like Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Clementine Hunter and Larry D.

Alexander, but the museum is also engaged in a vibrant and enlightening program of music performances, dance, lectures and book fairs.

A thrilling ongoing exhibition, Facing the Rising Sun, investigates North Dallas (now Uptown), displaying found objects, historical documents, photographs and firsthand accounts at special interactive kiosks.

27. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

This educational museum recounting one of the pivotal events of the 20th century and its repercussions opened in 2019 in a high-impact modern building by Dealey Plaza in the West End Historic District.

The attraction’s origins lie in an organization founded by 125 Holocaust survivors in 1977. The Holocaust/Shoah Wing tells the 3,000-year story of the Jewish People, covering their persecution over many centuries before Hitler’s rise to power and the murder of six million Jews in the Second World War.

There are testimonies by survivors and liberators throughout this wing, and devastating artefacts like a genuine boxcar from a concentration camp train.

The Human Rights Wing goes into the progress made since the Holocaust, while the Pivot to America Wing is optimistic and highly interactive, celebrating diversity, encouraging people to confront their own biases and recreating a Civil Rights-era sit-in.

28. Welcome to Dallas 3-Hour Small Group Tour by Van

If you have limited time in Dallas or just want a comprehensive introduction to the city, this three-hour tour on GetYourGuide.com is just the ticket.

Even more so if you visit in summer, as you’ll travel in an air-conditioned van to see all the obligatory landmarks and areas.

This whistle-stop trip takes in Dealey Plaza, Old Red, Founder’s Plaza, Pioneer Plaza, the Dallas Arts District, Deep Ellum, Swiss Avenue, and Klyde Warren Park, all in the space of three short hours.

29. Magnolia Hotel

The Magnolia Petroleum Company (merged to form Mobil in 1959) built itself a majestic Beaux-Arts headquarters in the early-1920s.

Exceeding its neighbor, the Adolphus Hotel (1911), the Magnolia Building briefly became the tallest in the state at 122 meters.

The tower is 29 stories, with its two wings connected by an arch about three quarters of the way up.

In 1934 the Magnolia Building was given its most iconic feature: A rotating neon Pegasus, which became a symbol for Dallas even after the tower became crowded out on the skyline, and was re-made for the new millennium.

You’ll see it best approaching Downtown Dallas from the south.

Mobil moved out in the 1970s and the tower was sold off to the city, later becoming a luxury hotel.

30. Dallas County Courthouse

On the south-east side of Dealey Plaza is a formidable Romanesque Revival building, built from a warm, rusticated red sandstone with rusticated marble for its first floor and window openings.

Affectionately known as Old Red, the courthouse, impossible to miss for its turrets and soaring central tower, dates to 1892 and lost its governmental role when a new courthouse building was completed close-by in 1966. Since 2007 this grand building has held the Old Red Museum.

On the second floor the permanent exhibition walks you through the city’s past, from prehistory to the present, showing off fossils, items relating to 19th-century trade, war weapons, sports paraphernalia and the people who have put Dallas on the cultural map.

Included in : Dallas and Southfork Ranch Small-Group Combo Tour

31. Giant Eyeball

Heading along Main Street on the edge of the Dallas Arts District you’ll find yourself being stared down by a humungous blue eye.

This 9.1-meter fiberglass sculpture by multimedia artist Tony Tasset, was completed in 2007 for an installation in Chicago before finding a new home in Dallas.

The enclosing astro-turf lawn is owned by the arty Joule Hotel across the street, and is usually fenced off from the public, but there’s a clear line of sight to a work that has become a bit of a modern emblem for Dallas.

32. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

World-famous architect Santiago Calatrava’s contribution to the Dallas cityscape is this startling cable-stayed bridge spanning the Trinity River and named for the oil heiress and philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill.

The bridge, easily recognized by its 120-meter central arch pylon, opened in 2012 and was part of a large-scale project to redevelop the Trinity River.

Connecting the underside of the arch to the roadway is a system of cables that seem to intersect in different ways depending on your perspective.

That arch is visible for miles and stands out on the riverbanks, that have been left mostly clear of development.

The Trinity Skyline Trail passes along the river below and you can get a great perspective not far south at the Trinity Overlook park off N Beckley Ave.

33. Trinity Groves

In the same program, a new 15-acre shopping, dining and entertainment destination has sprouted up by the bridge on the western bank of the Trinity River.

Trinity Groves has made a name for its cutting-edge dining, thanks to a Restaurant Concept Icubation Program, allowing entrepreneurs to test drive restaurant concepts to see if they are ready for an expansion.

Because of this constant process of trial and error, no two visits will be the same.

34. The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum

Completely free to enter and more commonly known as the Samurai Collection, this museum in the Harwood District compiles hundreds of years of Japanese craftsmanship at the former St. Ann’s School.

The collection has been fastidiously amassed by real estate developer Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, his wife Ann and their children.

Objects on show date from the 600s to the 1800s, and include suits of armor, horse armor, masks, helmets and katanas.

The exhibition is reworked twice a year, and the museum has a traveling exhibition that has visited cities around the world.

35. Museum of Biblical Art

This attraction next to the immense NorthPark Center bounced back after a fire in 2005 destroyed its former building along with more than 2,500 works of art.

As the name may tell you, the Museum of Biblical Art collects works inspired by the bible, and the list of artists featured is prestigious.

There’s art by Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, John Singer Sargent and Ben Shahn, just by way of intro.

Since 2014 a whole wing of the building has been home to the National Center for Jewish Art, with a superb array of Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art).

36. Mia’s Tex-Mex

On Oak Lawn’s Lemmon Avenue (4334) is a revered Tex-Mex eatery that has been around since 1981, an eternity by Dallas standards.

It was founded by couple Butch and Mia (Mama Mia) Enriquez.

In these 40-odd years, Mia’s Tex-Mex has become an institution favored by movie and TV stars, Dallas Cowboys and almost anyone who calls the city home.

Specialities include Butch’s Original Brisket Tacos, which come with Monterrey Jack, poblano peppers and grilled onions, and comes with brisket gravy, rice and beans.

Also big are the Homemade Rellenos (stuffed poblano), Mama’s Quesadillas and Mama’s Chicken Lemon (breaded breast with a lemon butter sauce). Don’t forget chips and guacamole, or a round of Mia’s famous margaritas.

37. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The seat of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) was completed in 1989 and has a reputation for its supreme acoustics.

The project was a collaboration between the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and the Artec Consultants, the firm of acoustical expert Russell Johnson, resulting in a shoebox shape with a “reverse fan” configuration at the back of the hall.

Even the most distant seats enjoy a clear line of sight and perfect sound.

Check the DSO’s program for something that might take your fancy, be it symphonies (Prokofiev’s sixth at the time of writing in Nov ’19), movie and musical soundtracks, reworked classic rock and pop, world-renowned soloists and lots of family-friendly performances around Christmas.

38. Wilson Building

Sharing the same block as the Giant Eyeball, wrapping around Main Street, N Ervay Street and Elm Street in an E-shape, is a handsome trace of old Dallas.

A Beaux-Arts office and commercial complex modelled on the Palais Garnier in Paris, the Wilson Building (1904) was constructed for the cattle magnate John B. Wilson.

The main tenant was the Titche-Goettinger Department Store, occupying the basement and first two levels.

At first the building was only on Main Street and Ervay Street, but it was such a success that a new wing was added on Elm Street in 1911. Among its conveniences were two telegraph offices and an artesian well more than 450 meters deep.

The Wilson Building is now residential, but as you pass by you can take a moment to behold its elegant curved corners and the rich carvings on the cornice and window arches on the fifth floor.

39. NorthPark Center

In the top 20 largest malls in the country, NorthPark Center is also praised as one of the top premium shopping destinations in the Southwest.

This was already the world’s largest climate-controlled building when it opened in 1965. But it more than doubled in size in the mid-2000s after an expansion that also gave rise to the CenterPark, a tapestry of lawns and mature trees on crushed granite paths.

Among more than 230 stores are luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Bulgari, Cartier and Versace, as well as more day-to-day retailers from Sephora to H&M, Gap, Macy’s Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

A branch of the wildly popular Eataly Italian market chain is slated to open at the NorthPark Center in 2020. World-class sculpture, by artists like Antony Gormley, Andy Warhol and Frank Stella, has been integrated into the NorthPark Center since it first opened, and you can pick up a complimentary map for a tour.

Included in : Dallas Shopping Tour

40. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Whatever your opinion on the 43rd President of the United States, it’s a fact that he was in office for some of the country’s most crucial events since World War II.

After Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009 George W. Bush settled in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, and his Presidential Center opened on the campus of Southern Methodist University in 2013. One engrossing exhibit is a detailed replica of the Oval Office, but you’ll also see material recovered from Ground Zero, accompanied by Bush’s diary entry on 9/11 and the various gifts given to the president by foreign politicians.

The interactive Decisions Points Theater puts you in the hot seat, and you can see how your response to Katrina differs from what Bush actually did.

On the lighter side there’s a whole exhibit devoted to Bush’s sense of humor.

Outside is the Texas Rose Garden and 15 acres of native Texas prairie with wildflowers and grasses.

41. Trinity River Audubon Center

The project to revitalize the Trinity River also encompassed this National Audubon Society nature center down the Trinity River and barely 15 minutes out of Downtown Dallas.

The city will feel very distant here on the edge of the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the country.

The center is on what used to be illegal landfill, now a mosaic of habitats for species like scissor-tailed flycatchers, little blue herons and northern harriers.

The LEED certified nature center holds an informative natural history museum, and the Audubon Society arranges lots of programs like bird-watching, conservation treks, night hikes and activities for schools and scouts.

42. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

If a break from sightseeing is in order there’s good old family fun at this waterpark where you’ll never have to contend with sunburn.

One thing’s for sure: Epic Waters has not compromised on size, as these slides and pools are contained by a huge, retractable structure.

In fact at 80,000 square feet it’s the largest attraction of its kind in the state, with 11 rides attached to its lofty slide tower.

Three of these are “first in industry” rides, like the Lasso Loop, which is literally a body slide with the tallest loop in the country, or Aquanaut, the first indoor double rider inner tube slide in the country.

There are more sedate attractions like a lazy river, outdoor wavepool and a space for toddlers and smaller children.

There’s hunger-slaying fast food and a big video arcade area with new games and old-time amusements.

43. Cedar Hill State Park

Another open space surprisingly close to Downtown Dallas is this state park protecting a tract of old farmland, on rocky limestone slopes, parcels of prairie and the east shore of the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake.

You can get acquainted with this land’s past at the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center, touring reconstructed and original farm buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Dallas Off-Road Bike Association (DORBA) has drawn up a 12-mile trail through the park, made up of three concentric routes ranging from 3 to 12 miles long.

Joe Pool Lake is a major draw for swimmers at the gravel beach and fishers casting off for crappie, largemouth black bass and catfish.

And, if you want to make a weekend of it, there are 350 developed campsites, all with water, electricity and access to hot showers.

44. Globe Life Field

At the time of writing, in the 2019-20 off-season, the new home of MLB’s Texas Rangers was under construction, due to open with the 2020 season.

From 1994 to 2019 the Rangers had played just across the road at Globe Life Park, which was being repurposed for XFL’s Dallas Renegades and the FC Dallas affiliate, North Texas SC.

The brutal summer heat in Texas has always had an impact on Rangers’ attendances.

So, at a construction cost of more than $1.1bn, the new 40,000 ballpark has a retractable roof to protect fans from the glaring sun and also avoid rain delays.

This will be partially transparent, and able to open and close in record time.

If you happen to read this post before the work is completed in 2020, you can watch the progress from the Hilti Observation Deck on the upper right field concourse of Globe Life Park.

45. Dallas Farmers Market

Right next to the skyscrapers of Downtown Dallas is a big public market that has been trading since 1941. Safe to say that things have changed a lot in 80 years, and what started out as a horse-and-wagon wholesale business is now a testament to the changing relationship between North Texans and their food.

The Dallas Farmers Market’s guiding principles are Honesty, Responsibility and Transparency.

The main market is open seven days, and is a bountiful food hall and artisanal vendor market for fresh produce, meat, seafood, flowers, housewares, handmade gifts and a world of snacks, baked goods and delicious meals made on the spot, from tamales to banh mi.

The Shed meanwhile is an open-air pavilion where local ranchers gather on weekends to sell their seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, eggs, farm-raised meats, cheese and all manner of specialty foods.

46. White Rock Lake Park

A mere 15 minutes in the car from Downtown Dallas will get you to a blissful slice of water and greenery at this 1,250-acre reservoir.

White Rock Lake came about by damming the namesake creek to bolster the city’s water supply at the start of the 20th century.

By the middle of the century the reservoir had lost its main role as a water source and had become a little paradise for recreation.

You can rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks on the shore, and there are piers and launches for people hoping to land white crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

You may just prefer to wander a piece of the 9.33 mile loop around the water, fixing your gaze on the Dallas skyline, which is all the prettier at sunset.

On your way you’ll be joined by lots of joggers and bike riders, and should see lots of turtles sunning themselves on the rocks.

47. Highland Park Village

Both an abiding piece of American retail history and a place to indulge in some luxury shopping, Highland Park Village became the first self-contained shopping center when it opened in 1931.

The plaza, designed as a shopping center that could also serve as a town square, took design cues from Spanish, Californian and Mexican towns, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000.

Today’s tenants cater to the top end of the market, and include names like Fendi, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, Dior and Carolina Herrera.

The Village Theater was the first luxury movie theatre in the state when it opened in 1935. Much-changed, the theatre plays first-run movies at two state-of-the-art screening rooms with plush seating.

48. Swiss Avenue Historic District

At the start of the 20th century the inventor of the system cotton gin, Robert S. Munger, turned his hand to real estate, developing a big tract of East Dallas for his deed-restricted Munger Place community.

This fifty-block neighborhood possesses America’s largest contingent of prairie-style homes, inspired by the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

For sightseers on foot or by car, the most picturesque part is the four-block, 57-acre Swiss Avenue Historic district, between Fitzhugh Street and a little way north of La Vista.

Along with Prairie School, preserved houses in the district include Colonial Revival and a variety of other opulent historicist styles like Tudor, Italian Renaissance, Spanish, Queen Anne and Craftsman.

Students of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work will notice a strong resemblance at the R. W. Higginbotham House (1913) at 5002 Swiss Avenue.

49. Winspear Opera House

The sophisticated stage for the Dallas Opera is a Foster + Partners building conceived as a traditional horseshoe opera house re-imagined for the 21st century.

The Winspear Opera House is one of four cultural venues at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and had its inaugural season in 2009/2010. Many agree that this is nation’s finest opera house, and its horseshoe configuration kindles a certain intimacy despite accommodating audiences of 2,200. When you arrive you’ll be met by the Annette and Harold Simmons Signature Glass Facade, more than 18 meters high, while the slatted Sky Canopy gives shade to more than three acres of Sammons Park.

French conductor Emmanuel Villaume has been director of the Dallas Opera since 2013, and in store for the 2019-2020 season were The Magic Flute, The Golden Cockerel, Don Carlo, The Barber of Seville and Pulcinella/La voix humaine.

50. Six Flags Over Texas

The first ever Six Flags theme park was established in Arlington about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

In case you were wondering, the name “Six Flags” refers to the flags of the six nations that have governed Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, United States of America and the Confederate States of America.

This is a day trip not to pass up, especially if you’re in town with children or teenagers.

The littlest thrill-seekers will love the rides and entertainment at Bugs Bunny Boomtown, while bigger adrenaline fiends will have 13 rollercoasters and 3 water rides to take on.

One of the headlines is the New Texas Giant, converted from wood to steel in 2011, with a nerve-shredding 79° drop 45 meters long.

The outlandish Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast, is a high-speed shuttle rollercoaster turned back to front and accelerating from 0-70 mph in 3.8 seconds.

51. Founders Plaza (Dallas County Historical Plaza)

Opposite the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza on Main Street is the unassuming Founders Plaza, which, along with a terrazzo map of Dallas County in the 1800s and a fountain, has a small wood cabin.

This looks much like the one built by John Neely Bryan (1810-1877), who in 1841 founded the settlement that became Dallas after first visiting the area two years before.

Bryan had a busy life, departing for the California Gold Rush in 1849, becoming a delegate to the Texas state Democratic convention in 1853 and shooting a man (non-fatally) for insulting his wife in 1855. In 1860 a fire wiped out most of the city’s original log cabins, but this example, made from cedar, is a rare survivor, dating to around 1850. It has been taken down and rebuilt several times over the last 170 years, and was placed at its current site in 1971.

Included in this tour : Full-Day Small Group Tour of Dallas & the JFK Assassination

52. Dallas City Hall

The current city hall is in the south of Downtown Dallas and was designed by I.M. Pei, also known for the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

This Brutalist, buff-colored concrete building held its first City Council in 1978 and is in the shape of an inverted pyramid, looking a little like a stadium grandstand from Young Street.

That was all a consequence of how much more space was needed above by the offices that ran the government, compared to the citizen services and public areas on the lower levels.

An interesting factoid about the building is that there’s a tunnel on the third level basement that was intended to be used by a future underground rail transit system that was never built.

To movie fans of a certain vintage, City Hall is better known as the Headquarters of the OCP company in the Robocop movies.

53. Bob’s Steak & Chop House

The original Bob’s Steak & Chop House is at 4300 Lemmon Avenue in Dallas.

In the 25+ years since this steakhouse opened its doors, the chain has gone nationwide, but time has stood still at the original location.

The decor has hardly changed, and, amazingly, you’ll still be greeted at the door by founder Bob Sambol . Bob’s Steak & Chop House is all about Texas-sized portions of high-quality cuts, full of flavor and hand-picked from the top 2% of USDA prime beef.

Whether you order prime steak, chops or seafood, every dish is accompanied by Bob’s signature, a single glazed carrot.

Most cuts are butchered at the restaurant, and all are given a five-minute rest before returning to the broiler for Bob’s hallmark hard sear.

54. Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse

This legendary BBQ joint frequented by George W. Bush, Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing) and Jimmy Buffett has a fun backstory.

Sonny Bryan came from a line of Texas restaurateurs going back to his grandfather Elias in 1910. In 1958 he and his wife, a beauty pageant regular, sold their gun collection and staked all their money on a restaurant by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

He ran this location for the next 30 years, selling it to an investor group in 1989. Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse has spawned many more locations, although only seven survive today, and mostly in the Dallas area.

The original, on Inwood Road, has starred in all sorts of food/travel shows, like Man v. Food Nation and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels.

The interior is as basic as it gets, as Sonny Bryan resorted to reusing old school desks in the 50s.

Needless to say the real story is the brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken and sides like BBQ beans, potato salad and mac & cheese.

55. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Anyone willing to travel a bit further for some natural beauty will be rewarded by this 200-acre park, 20 minutes away in Plano.

At Arbor Hills there’s a trail system adding up to about nine miles, including three miles that are paved.

The park is broken down into three main habitats: Blackland Prairie, Riparian Forest and Upland Forest, sustaining birds like woodpeckers, herons, owls and turkey vultures, as well as coyotes, deer, bobcats and several snake species.

There’s free Wi-Fi in the developed parts of the park, as well as a picnic pavilion and playground for wee ones.

Make for the observation platform for a pleasing view of the landscape and parts of Plano.

55 Best Things to Do in Dallas (Texas):

• Dealey Plaza
• The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
• Arts District
• Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Klyde Warren Park
• Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
• Reunion Tower
• AT&T Stadium
• Nasher Sculpture Center
• John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
• Meadows Museum
• Dallas World Aquarium
• Pioneer Plaza
• Hall of State
• Children's Aquarium at Fair Park
• Frontiers of Flight Museum
• Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
• Texas Discovery Gardens
• American Airlines Center
• Design District
• Crow Museum of Asian Art
• African American Museum
• Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
• Welcome to Dallas 3-Hour Small Group Tour by Van
• Magnolia Hotel
• Dallas County Courthouse
• Giant Eyeball
• Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
• Trinity Groves
• The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum
• Museum of Biblical Art
• Mia's Tex-Mex
• Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
• Wilson Building
• NorthPark Center
• George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
• Trinity River Audubon Center
• Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
• Cedar Hill State Park
• Globe Life Field
• Dallas Farmers Market
• White Rock Lake Park
• Highland Park Village
• Swiss Avenue Historic District
• Winspear Opera House
• Six Flags Over Texas
• Founders Plaza (Dallas County Historical Plaza)
• Dallas City Hall
• Bob's Steak & Chop House
• Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
• Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

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20 Best Things to Do in Dallas, Texas

Keep this list of museums, restaurants, and exciting activities in mind the next time you’re in Dallas.

Peeterv/Getty Images

Dallas is one of those cities that tends to be unfairly judged by travelers who have never been before — or by those who have only experienced a sliver of its offerings. If they look beyond the heat and traffic, though, they’ll discover a long list of reasons to visit this Texan metropolis. Lily Cabatu Weiss, the executive director of the Dallas Arts District Foundation , describes it as a destination that’s “diverse with an energy, synergy, and an economic engine,” partially fueled by its exciting arts scene, popular sports teams, and an extensive list of first-rate museums. In her words — and as evidenced below — there’s “so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy” in Dallas. 

That said, to gain a comprehensive understanding of all things Dallas, you’ll want to either rent a car or be open to using a rideshare service throughout your trip. “Travelers don’t realize how much of a big city Dallas is and how many different neighborhoods are within a 5-minute drive of the downtown core. You can visit these neighborhoods and get a genuinely different version of Dallas in each one,” says Gabe Sanchez, beverage consultant for Midnight Rambler , a cocktail bar at The Joule. 

Meet the Expert

Lily Cabatu Weiss is the executive director of the Dallas Arts District Foundation.

Gabe Sanchez is a beverage consultant for Midnight Rambler , a cocktail bar at luxury hotel The Joule.

Ready to plan a trip to the Lone Star State? Read on to discover the 20 best things to do in Dallas, with recommendations from local experts. 

Related: Travel + Leisure ’s Guide to Dallas

Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com

“The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is an exquisite, world-class botanical exhibition with rotating seasonal exhibits in east Dallas on White Rock Lake,” says Weiss. If you’re visiting between mid-February and mid-April, be sure to buy tickets for Dallas Blooms , ​​the Southwest’s largest annual floral festival. 

Don a pair of cowboy boots.

It’s not a trip to Texas without trying on — and maybe buying — at least one pair of cowboy boots. Wild Bill's Western Store , Cavender’s , or Boot Barn are great options for those who just want the experience (and might not wear their boots all that often). If your budget is on the higher end of the spectrum, though, head to one of the Lucchese locations or the Miron Crosby storefront in Highland Park Village.

Taste the flavors of a Thai street food market.

Dallas’ culinary options go further than tacos and barbecue, and Sanchez has the inside scoop on where to go. “You should visit the Thai food market on Sunday at the Buddhist Temple of North Dallas,” he says. “The food is amazing, and the prices are hard to beat.” Just remember to bring cash and sunscreen; the market is held outside.

Cheer on a local professional sports team.

Professional sports are king in Dallas, the home of the Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks, Wings, and FC Dallas, among others. Depending on the team and the season, you might be able to snag tickets for a game — if not, you can always root for the home team from one of the city’s sports bars.

Visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Getty Images

Weiss recommends spending some time at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza , where the main exhibit, “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation,” explores the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online . 

Attend the State Fair of Texas.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the annual state fair. The State Fair of Texas is held from late September through October, and you’ll want to come hungry. It’s an event known for its wide range of mouthwatering, deep-fried treats — from deep-fried Texas Oatmeal Pies and deep-fried praline cheesecake egg rolls to fried stuffed wings and fried mac and cheese.

Discover Dallas’ different neighborhoods.

When you come to Dallas, you can’t just stick to one neighborhood. “Go to Uptown, the Design District, Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts, and Henderson Avenue,” says Sanchez. This map is a great start for understanding what you may find in each part of the city. 

Related : This District in Dallas Is Full of Unknown Gems — Including a Brand-new Luxury Hotel

Stay at one of the city’s best hotels.

Courtesy of Mansion on Turtle Creek

You can certainly count on Dallas to excel in the luxury hospitality department. In the 2023 World’s Best Awards , T+L readers voted Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas , and The Joule as the top hotels in Dallas, a distinction earned based on their rooms, location, service, food, and value.

Spend a day in the Dallas Arts District.

Travelers interested in architecture and urban design have to spend at least an afternoon — if not a full day — in the Dallas Arts District, which reportedly houses “more buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects than any location in the world. “Standouts not to be missed are the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , an interactive experience; Klyde Warren Park , the game-changing deck park built over a freeway that connects Downtown Dallas to Uptown; and the Dallas Museum of Art , owning an impressive assortment of art,” explains Weiss.

Go shopping in Highland Park Village.

Strekoza2/Getty Images

Whether you’re on the hunt for something specific or just enjoy window shopping, you’ll be dazzled by the stores and brands inside Highland Park Village . The high-end roster includes the likes of Carolina Herrara, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Moncler, and Loewe. 

See a movie at the historic Texas Theatre.

In a world of on-demand movies, it can be refreshing to catch a film at a movie theater. “[ The Texas Theatre ] has been fully restored to its original glory. If you are a JFK buff, you can see the seat Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in,” says Sanchez, who also says it’s a good idea to first “go to Bishop Arts District , grab a coffee, and make the short walk to Jefferson Blvd.”

Walk the Katy Trail.

Dallas might not be the most walkable city, but there are definitely places where you can get your daily steps in. Take the Katy Trail , for example. Built on an abandoned railroad line, the trail spans 3.5 miles, with markers at every quarter mile. Walkers, joggers, and bikers can take advantage of its paved, well-lit path through greenery and blooming flowers.

Eat some Texas barbecue.

If you’re in Texas, there’s a good chance barbecue is on the menu. “I always suggest trying two or three places and comparing apples to apples,” says Sanchez. “Go to Terry Black’s and Pecan Lodge (they’re a block from each other), get the brisket at each, then make your decision on who should have bragging rights.”

Bring the whole family to the Dallas Zoo.

The Dallas Zoo holds the title of the largest zoo in Texas, with more than 2,000 animals representing 406 species across 106 acres. It’s located just three miles south of downtown Dallas, and guests can see everything from a Galapagos tortoise to giraffes, elephants, and penguins.

Uncover the cultural sites and experiences in Fair Park.

It might be home to the State Fair of Texas, but the 277-acre Fair Park complex has reasons to visit all year round. Weiss recommends “experiencing the art deco architecture [and] seeing a Broadway show at the Music Hall ,” but there’s also the African American Museum of Dallas and The Women's Museum to discover.

Enjoy a sky-high meal at Monarch.

At the top of The National, the building that houses Thompson Dallas , sits Monarch , a culinary wonder from Michelin-recognized chef Danny Grant. The food — handmade pasta, steak, and seafood — may be the star of the show, but the breathtaking position on the 49th floor also plays a critical role in the overall experience, with skyline views for days.

Cross over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

Thomas Faull/Getty Images

“The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge (designed by Santiago Calatrava), with a pedestrian bridge running parallel, is a must-do,” says Weiss. The 400-foot-tall bridge, one of the vehicular bridges in the Trinity River Corridor Project , connects downtown Dallas to West Dallas and traverses the Trinity River.

Treat yourself to a spa day.

Courtesy of The Joule

Sometimes a little TLC is necessary on a trip — and Dallas has several options for incredible facials, massages, and body treatments. Local favorites include The Spa at The Joule , The Spa at Thompson Dallas , and Spa Adolphus .

Step back in time at Old City Park.

If you have a large stretch of time to fill in your day, Sanchez suggests spending a few hours in Old City Park , Dallas’ first and oldest park. “[It] has a collection of fully restored homes and businesses from the founding of Dallas,” he says, and there are several guided tours you can book on weekends, including the Black History Tour and the Women’s History Tour.

Polish off a few tacos.

Last, but certainly not least, you have to find a good spot for tacos when you’re in town. Sanchez recommends Taco Y Vino , El Come Taco , and Pepe’s and Mito’s . At the latter, he specifically calls out the tacos nortenos.

Things to Do in Dallas, TX - Dallas Attractions

Things to do in dallas.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Downtown Dallas
• Northwest Dallas-love Field
• West Dallas
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

2. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

3. Reunion Tower

4. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

5. Dallas Museum of Art

6. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

7. The Dallas World Aquarium

8. Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District

9. Klyde Warren Park

10. Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures

11. Dallas Zoo

12. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

13. NorthPark Center

14. White Rock Lake Park

15. Nasher Sculpture Center

16. Bishop Arts District

17. Frontiers of Flight Museum

18. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

19. Pioneer Plaza

20. Katy Trail

21. American Airlines Center

22. Highland Park Village

23. Galleria Dallas

24. Deep Ellum

25. Rainbow Vomit

26. Crow Collection of Asian Art

27. Southern Methodist University

28. Meadows Museum

29. Dallas Arts District

30. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

What travelers are saying.

The 12 best things to do in Dallas 

Apr 18, 2022 • 6 min read

You can stop in at the Dallas Museum of Art (for free!) to admire more than 24,000 works spanning some 5000 years © Alamy Stock Photo

Dallas is a sprawling metropolis that’s bursting with fun and exciting things to do. It's the ninth-largest city in the US and the birthplace of the frozen margarita, packed with world-class shopping, delicious dining, a diverse art scene and plenty of history, outdoor activities and pop-culture curiosities.

Come for the scream-worthy roller coasters, sports teams and luxe malls. Stay for the barbecue, beer and mural-strewn neighborhoods, filled with musicians playing everything from the blues to hip-hop beats.

Explore Dallas’ neighborhoods 

Dallas is an amalgamation of neighborhoods, each with their own flavor of fun. Shop and dine out in the laid-back and artsy  Bishop Arts  district. Deep Ellum is a great neighborhood for live music, beautiful murals, art fairs, and restaurants. Uptown attracts visitors for its strip of restaurants on McKinney Street that turn into bars at night, and Oak Lawn is a nationally known hot spot for the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Grab a bite at Allgood Cafe,  rooftop drinks at the Green Room,  or rub elbows with bikers at Renos Chop Shop Saloon.   Pecan Lodge  slings mean barbecue in Deep Ellum, while  Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse  is a beloved local favorite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Near  White Rock Lake ,  Mariano's Hacienda  is where the frozen margarita  was invented in 1971 – though the original margarita machine is now part of the Smithsonian Institution's collection in Washington, DC. 

Get cultured in the Arts District 

Downtown Dallas is home to the largest contiguous arts district in the United States, the Dallas Arts District. Spend time exploring an impressive selection of larger-than-life sculptures at the  Nasher Sculpture Center  before stopping in the  Dallas Museum of Art  (for free!) to admire more than 24,000 works of art spanning some 5000 years.

Walk across the street to the  Crow Museum of Asian Art , or  Klyde Warren Park , which sits on top of a highway. For an evening activity, buy tickets to a  Dallas Symphony Orchestra  concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center. To be close to all the district offers, stay at the new HALL Arts Hotel – and be sure to check out its curated selection of art.  

Root for the home team at an athletic event 

With seven professional teams in the area, it’s easy to see why this is a sports-loving city. Fans of pro basketball and hockey can cheer on their teams – the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars – at the  American Airlines Center , while fans of WNBA and MLB can scoot over to Arlington, to take their loved ones out to the ball game at the new  Texas Rangers  stadium or watch the Dallas Wings hit the court at College Park Center. You can also make the short drive to Frisco to catch a soccer match with FC Dallas. 

Experience the thrill of race-car driving with NASCAR at Texas Motor Speedway , and of course, don’t miss a chance to watch America’s Team, the  Dallas Cowboys  – though their home field at Jerryworld is also technically in nearby Arlington.  

Learn about the John F Kennedy Assassination 

One of the darkest moments in Dallas’ past is the assassination of President John F Kennedy. Pay your respects by visiting the  Sixth Floor Museum  to learn about the president’s life and death, then go outside to see the “X” on Elm Street that marks where he was hit. Just a block from Dealey Plaza is the John F Kennedy Memorial Plaza, which features a statue commemorating the president. 

For more JFK history, drive to  Texas Theatre  to watch a film in the same spot where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested, or to the Hilton Fort Worth, where JFK spent his last night alive.  

Kayak on the Trinity River 

Outdoor lovers will find a plethora of activities in Dallas, from running on the Katy Trail to sailing on White Rock Lake. But the most unique experience one can have is kayaking on the Trinity River Paddling Trail, a National Recreation Trail with more than 130 miles of river.

Those with their own kayak or canoe can choose from 21 different launch sites, some of which lead through wilderness and others guide you under the city’s most notable bridges next to the skyline. Trinity River Kayak Co.  offers various kayaking tours, including one at sunset. 

Unwind at the Dallas Arboretum  

Set next to White Rock Lake, the  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden  is one of the most beautiful spaces in town. It’s known as one of the best arboretums in the world because of its phenomenal seasonal displays that celebrate Halloween, winter holidays and tulip season. Live concerts and art shows are also a common occurrence.  

Spend a day at the first-ever Six Flags  

Six Flags is a worldwide name in amusement parks, and Dallas just so happens to be the home of the brand's very first park.  Six Flags Over Texas  is a located in Arlington, a suburb of Dallas, and is a great place to spend the day with friends or family. Have a blast on 14 roller coasters and 45 thrilling rides across 212 acres. Mr Freeze, the Texas Giant and El Diablo are just a few of their most exciting roller-coasters.  

Go big at the State Fair of Texas 

If you visit Dallas between September and October, you must get a ticket to the  State Fair of Texas  and say "howdy" to Big Tex, a 52ft cowboy statue at the entrance of the fair.

As one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the country, the State Fair of Texas is a huge to-do in Dallas that draws millions of people state and nationwide, who love the thrill of amusement-park rides, agriculture shows and rodeos, live music, shopping and playing games. It's also known for having some of the most creative fair food in the nation, like cotton-candy burritos and waffles stuffed with fried chicken.  

Delve into Dallas fandom at Southfork Ranch 

Uncover the mysteries of who shot JR with a visit to  Southfork Ranch , home of the Ewing Mansion from the 1978-1991 TV show Dallas . Fans of the hit series can explore the ranch with a guided tour – you’ll see spots made famous on the show, as well as a selection of memorabilia like Lucy’s wedding dress. After your tour, shop at a themed retail store and grab a bite from the on-site deli.  

Museum-hop around the city  

Although there are quite a few museums in Dallas’ Arts District, we'd be remiss not to mention that there are other museums worth a visit.

In  Fair Park , the  African American Museum  is the largest such institution in the southwestern US and has a selection of historical and cultural displays, while steps away from Dealey Plaza, the  Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum  delves into the Holocaust and the development of human and civil rights movements that followed. 

Take your kids to the  Perot Museum of Nature & Science  to do hands-on science experiments, or explore the galleries of the  Meadows Museum , which houses one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.  

Shop til you drop, all over town

Home not only to the oldest shopping center in the US,  Highland Park Village , but also to the first  Neiman Marcus  store, which still welcomes customers today, Dallas has definitely earned the right to be called a shopper’s paradise.

Experiences vary between world-class malls, like the  Galleria  and  NorthPark Center  (home to an Andy Warhol painting!), and localized spots like  Traders Village , the largest outdoor flea market in Texas, and the  farmers market  on the weekend.  

Camp at Cedar Hill State Park 

If you grow tired of Dallas’ urban sprawl and want to reconnect with nature, visit Cedar Hill State Park, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Dallas. The 1826-acre park offers overnight camping, as well as trails for hiking, running or mountain biking. Boat owners can spend the day on Joe Pool Lake, fishing for bass, crappie and catfish, while those without a boat can just jump on in for a swim.  

You may also like: The best neighborhoods in Dallas 16 free things to do in Dallas Wichita's magician of millinery helps put hats back on top

This article was first published June 2021 and updated April 2022

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Home » North America » Dallas

27 BEST Places to Visit in Dallas (2024)

People often dismiss the idea of traveling in their own country. When they have a holiday, they’d rather go somewhere exotic. But if you choose to travel to Dallas, you’ll enjoy all the same attractions without the long flight. Dallas has amazing scenery, a vibrant music and arts scene, seriously intense shopping, and the tastiest barbecue foods you’ll ever encounter.

Dallas may not be on your travel bucket list, which is why you may need a little help working out what you should see in this exciting city. There are lots of attractions and activities that will suit every taste, preference, and fitness level, so you may need some help deciding what to do. To help you with that, we’ve created this list of the best places to visit in Dallas that includes some attractions you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Dallas:

These are the best places to visit in dallas, faq on the best places to visit in dallas, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in dallas.

Located just east of downtown is the lively and vibrant neighbourhood of Deep Ellum. A hub for entertainment and live music, Deep Ellum is perfect for music lovers and anyone looking to rock out all night long.

• Browse the shops, stalls and vendors at the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market.
• Listen to live music every night of the week at the Free Man.
• See Deep Ellum’s Traveling Man statues, a trio of massive installations spread across the neighbourhood.

Deep Ellum isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Perhaps you want somewhere quieter or off the beaten track even. Be sure to check out where to stay in Dallas to find the BEST area for you! Now, onto the fun…

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#1 – The Sixth Floor Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Dallas

• The best place to visit in Dallas if you’re curious about JFK.
• This museum is an impartial record of JFK’s death and documents every angle of the event.

Why it’s so awesome: There’s a lot of controversies out there about JFK and how he died, and this museum does its best to clear up that confusion. It documents it from every angle, including the historical context and cultural perspective, to try to give visitors a balanced and objective view.

What to do there: If you think that JFK’s death is part of a bigger conspiracy, then this museum might convince you differently. Take the time to explore the more than 40,000 artifacts, as well as the window that Lee Harvey Oswald shot from, and make up your own mind once you have all the facts. You can then head to the grassy knoll below and experience the scene for yourself.

#2 – Texas Horse Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Dallas

• If you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, then you can’t go past horse riding while you’re in Texas.
• This park pays homage to the history of the city, which is why visiting is a Dallas must do.

Why it’s so awesome: This is a 302-acre park that is within the Great Trinity Forest and is part of Davy Crockett’s legacy. You can enjoy a variety of horse-based activities here including riding lessons, trail rides, and hippotherapy.

What to do there: Give in to your traditional side while you’re visiting Dallas and get close to nature at the same time. The trail rides are particularly good because you’ll be able to enjoy ancient trees, springs, and a Native American archaeological site alongside the Trinity River. And best of all, when you add this to your Dallas itinerary, you’ll be able to do it all with the sparkling lights of the city close by.

#3 – Klyde Warren Park – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Dallas

• A new park that’s become a favorite amongst tourists and locals alike.
• This part only opened in 2012 and it’s now one of the best places to visit in Dallas for a relaxing hit of nature.

Why it’s so awesome: This park cost the city 110 million dollars and was built over a railway line to connect the uptown and art districts. It’s become one of the city’s social centers and offers a range of free activities to suit every taste.

What to do there: While you’re wandering around Dallas , the traffic and the fumes of the city can get to you. When it does, you should make a detour to visit this park. Locals and tourists alike visit the park to breathe in a bit of nature, to enjoy some outdoor activities, and to just relax. So, check out what’s on while you’re in the city, from yoga to ice-skating, table tennis, or chess.

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#4 – Highland Park Village – A great place to see in Dallas if you love architecture

• This was the first outdoor shopping center in America.
• The Spanish influenced architecture is as popular as the designer labels inside the building.

Why it’s so awesome: This shopping center is located inside a lovely, Spanish inspired building that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. And then when you go inside, you’ll be confronted with the latest labels and fashions, from Dior to Chanel and Alexander McQueen. So really, it’s the best of both worlds.

What to do there: If you love to shop, and have a flexible budget, then this is the place you need to visit. So, take an afternoon or a morning, warm up your credit card, and shop the labels with the rest of the city.

#5 – Fearing’s Restaurant

• This restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Dean Fearing.
• This is the place to visit if you’re looking for a sophisticated experience as well as great food.

Why it’s so awesome: If you enjoy an elegant décor and slow, sophisticated food, then this restaurant will suit your preferences. Located within the Ritz-Carlton hotel, this restaurant offers hearty food with a traditional twist and unusual flavor pairings that will leave your mouth tingling.

What to do there: This is the perfect restaurant for a relaxed, elegant night out. So, get dressed up and head in for an unforgettable meal. Try the chicken-fried Maine lobster and wood-grilled antelope steak if you’re looking for something tasty and unusual. And afterwards, head out to one of the nearby bars for a relaxed drink in sophisticated surroundings.

#6 – Southfork Ranch

• Home of TV’s dysfunctional Ewing clan.

Why it’s so awesome: Most people will recognize this white house at first sight from the TV, and if you’re a fan of the show then exploring it is a Dallas must-do. The house was home to some of the most iconic moments in TV history, including the shooting of J.R. and is one of the most popular points of interest in Dallas because of it.

What to do there: You can take a tour through the house and then explore the museum as well. The tour will take you through the most famous rooms in the house and you’ll be able to see costumes, clips, and props from the TV show.

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#7 – Dallas Arboretum – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Dallas!

• A stunning botanical garden in the center of the city.
• The garden also holds amazing Cool Thursdays Concerts on the lawn.

Why it’s so awesome: This garden is stunning on its own, with lots of areas and exhibits that will interest every member of the family. The Thursday concerts are amazing as well and cover a range of genres, which includes 70s and 80s tribute music.

What to do there: If you’re in the city on a Thursday then make sure you turn up to see what music they have on. But the gardens are worth visiting during the day as well. Take the kids to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, wander the Texas Skywalk and walk under the Cascades, a stunning waterfall.

#8 – George W. Bush Presidential Library

• This is the best place to visit in Dallas if you want to learn more about 21st-century history.
• There’s an exhibit on the 9/11 attacks at this museum, so be careful if you’re particularly sensitive.

Why it’s so awesome: This probably isn’t the type of museum that kids will enjoy, but it’s still a fascinating place for adults who like learning more about the history of the places they visit. If this is one of your favorite pastimes when you travel, then this museum is a treasure trove.

What to do there: There are a few exhibits in this museum that get top ratings from visitors. You can see an exact replica of the Oval Office, learn more about 9/11, and get insights into the Bush dynasty. Afterwards, make sure you try out the Decision Points Theater, where you get to make decisions based on evidence the President had at the time of the choice. It’s a sobering and fairly difficult look at the weight that comes with power.

#9 – The Nasher Sculpture Center

• Home to some of the best art in the city, which is why it’s one of the most popular hotspots in Dallas.
• Located in Dallas’s Art District, there’s something for everyone here.

Why it’s so awesome: If you like art then you’ll love this center. It includes both temporary and permanent exhibits as well as a two-acre garden that’s filled with works by some of the best artists and photographers in the business. The center also offers the Nasher prize and you can see exhibits from past winners at the center as well.

What to do there: There are a range of exhibits and activities at this center that are worth seeing. Make sure you check out the sculpture garden where you’ll see pieces by Henry Moore, Rodin, and George Segal. This is also the place where you can enjoy live music and outdoor movie screenings. So, find out what’s on while you’re in the city and make sure you go along.

#10 – The Katy Trail – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Dallas

• A 3.5 mile route through the parks of the city.
• This is the local’s favorite place to exercise, so if you want to work off your holiday then this is the place to do it.

Why it’s so awesome: This trail winds through the parks of the city and through some of the most popular districts in Dallas. It’s popular with dog walkers, runners, and cyclists, and follows the path of the old railroad, known as the MKT or the Katy. As long as the weather is reasonable, you’ll find locals exercising and enjoying the outdoors in this location.

What to do there: If you’ve been eating too much on your holiday or just miss the endorphins you get when you work out, then put on your exercise gear and head down to this trail. You can walk the route and stop off whenever you see something interesting or just focus on your fitness and explore afterwards, whichever you want to do.

#11 – AT&T Stadium

• This stadium has an innovative and award-winning design that seats 85,000 fans and makes for a fantastic sporting experience.
• Sports are huge in Dallas, so you might as well be a part of the action!

Why it’s so awesome: People in Texas love their sports and Dallas is no exception. A sign of just how deep this love goes is this amazing stadium, which is to normal stadiums what a luxury car is to a family station wagon. This stadium is high tech, amazing to look at, and makes the sporting experience even more exciting than it normally is.

What to do there: You should obviously see what sports are on while you’re in the city and try to catch a game at the stadium. But even if you aren’t there at the right time, you can still get the America’s Team guided tour and get a behind the scenes look at everything from the artwork in the stadium to the locker room.

#12 – Lower Greenville – Cool place to see in Dallas with friends!

• One of the recently renovated hotspots in Dallas.
• This area used to be a little scary but is now one of the city’s best spots for nightlife.

Why it’s so awesome: This part of Dallas used to be rundown and most tourists and locals avoided it when possible. However, after a facelift and some marketing, it has become one of the most popular attractions in Dallas. It’s the perfect place to go for a fun night out and to enjoy some of Dallas’s best restaurants and cocktails.

What to do there: You’ll find a variety of unusual and trendy places to eat, drink, and hang out in this area. Visit during the day for a meal and then dessert at Steel City Pops, with its variety of gourmet popsicles. And then head over to HG Sply Co. for cocktails on the roof terrace with the hippest people in the city.

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#13 – The State Fair of Texas – Awesome place to visit in Dallas with kids!

• Don’t miss this incredibly popular fair.
• Kids, adults and everyone in between will find things to do, see, and eat at this iconic event.

Why it’s so awesome: Between late September and October, the State Fair of Texas offers everyone amazing food, attractions, concerts, animals, and acres of fun, lights and sound. This fair is famous even outside of Texas and is an iconic event that sums up everything that Dallas is known for.

What to do there: If you’re in the city at the right time, then this fair is a Dallas must do. It draws in visitors from all over the state and you’re bound to find something to enjoy there. Try the food, watch a concert, or just wander around and enjoy the atmosphere. If you’re from another part of America or the rest of the world, it’s like stepping into the Texas that you’ve seen in movies and on television.

#14 – Reunion Tower

• The best place to visit in Dallas for a spectacular view of the whole city.

Why it’s so awesome: When you visit a new city, you absolutely must see it from high up at least once. The Reunion Tower is the best place in the city to get these amazing views and to start to understand Dallas in its entirety.

What to do there: Take your camera up to the observation deck of the Reunion Tower on a clear day and go nuts with the pictures! If it’s cloudy or overcast, you probably won’t get the best view, so try to pick your time carefully for the best view and images.

#15 – Dallas Museum of Art – A perfect place to visit in Dallas if you are on a budget!

• Admission to the general exhibition is completely free.
• This is one of the best places to visit in Dallas with kids too!

Why it’s so awesome: Located in the arts district just across from Klyde Warren Park, this museum is the pride of the city. There are more than 24,000 objects in the museum dating from the third millennium to the present day as well as amazing educational programs that have won awards for their innovation and creativity.

What to do there: You’ll need a bit of time when you visit this museum as it’s one of the largest in the US and takes visitors on a journey from the ancient past to the modern-day. Make sure you take a look at the different collections too, including artwork from Africa, all over Asia, the Mediterranean, and the contemporary collection.

The arts district is home to some of Dallas’s best Airbnb’s so why not stay in the area and roam the museum until your heart’s content.

#16 – Trinity Groves – A must-see for foodies!

• No matter what food you enjoy, you’ll find it at this restaurant hub.
• This is the perfect place to start your night out in Dallas.

Why it’s so awesome: This area is Dallas’s restaurant hub and you’ll find a dizzying array of food options in this business district. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, vegan, Asian, seafood or Mediterranean food, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings in this area.

What to do there: For a really awesome night out, try sampling everything that’s on offer. Start out at Tapas Castile for an appetizer, find another restaurant for your meal and then find somewhere else for dessert. And don’t forget the after-dinner drinks either, because you’ll find a variety of options for a quick drink in between courses along the way.

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#17 – The Arts District – One of Dallas’s coolest historical sites!

• A whole area where you’ll never be short of things to do and see!
• One of the most famous places in Dallas for the arts and for a great day and night out.

Why it’s so awesome: You might not know this, but Dallas has one of the biggest urban area areas in America at the moment. The Arts District stretches for 19 blocks across the city and is filled to the brim with restaurants, museums, and theaters. There’s something for everyone in this district, which makes it the perfect place to visit in Dallas if you have a free couple of hours or even a whole day to fill!

What to do there: One of the best things you can do in this area is to wander and just explore what’s around. But if you prefer to be more directed, then don’t forget to check out what’s on at the AT&T Performing Arts Center while you’re in the city. A good way to explore this area is by taking a walking tour so you can get an insider’s view of the district before you start to explore on your own.

#18 – Fair Park

• This park is a nationally registered historic landmark.
• It was designed by George Dahl and the whole area is a stunning example of art deco.

Why it’s so awesome: This park originally opened in 1886 for the Dallas State Fair and the fair is still the highlight of the year. But even if you travel to Dallas at a different time of year, there’s still a lot to see in this area. There are a variety of amazing Art Deco buildings in the area that are prime examples of this trend. They’ve been adapted to suit modern standards, but still look amazing in photos.

What to do there: If you’re in Dallas at the right time of year, make sure you see the State Fair in October. The Cotton Bowl in the middle of the park also hosts the annual University of Texas versus the University of Oklahoma game, so if you’re in the city at the right time then make sure you see this iconic, extremely popular game.

#19 – The Travelling Man

• This exhibition includes 3 installations spread throughout a Dallas neighborhood.
• The statues are meant to indicate the different stages of life and are a startling and fascinating addition to the neighborhood of Deep Ellum.

Why it’s so awesome: Created by the artist Brad Oldham, the statues were created to replace murals that had to make way for the city’s rail lines. Each figure is made of polished metal sheets that are riveted together and evoke the railway history of the neighborhood. There are 3 separate statues and they tell the story of the Traveling Man from birth to life. According to the stories, the Traveling man started out as a buried locomotive that was brought to life by a splash of gin that turned him into a type of transformer!

What to do there: This is one of the most fun things to do in Dallas . Check out the statues in order to get the best impression of the story being told. The first statue is known as Awakening and features just part of his head emerging from a pit of gravel. From there, you can see the robot on Good Latimer Street, leaning against some debris, and then taking a stroll in the third and final piece.

#20 – Adrian E. Flatt Hand Collection – Quite the quirky place in Dallas!

• This museum is one of the most unusual things to do in Dallas!
• A singular collection that you won’t soon forget.

Why it’s so awesome: The contents of this museum were created by an orthopedic surgeon who has a slight obsession with hands. It’s filled with bronze casts of the hands of famous people as well as significant figures in history and society. The creator was a surgeon who specialized in hand surgery and this lit the spark that led to this singular collection.

What to do there: This is a quick, quirky visit that will look great in photos and give your trip a more unique flavor! Make sure you have a look at some of the famous hands in the collection such as Walt Disney, Mickey Mantle, Doctor Seuss, and Dwight Eisenhower. You’ll also find the hands of composers and astronauts. In fact, the collection includes over 100 pairs of bronze casts.

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#21 – The ‘Eye’ Sculpture

• A slight strange display outside of the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas.
• This art installation was created to surprise passers-by and it certainly does that.

Why it’s so awesome: It isn’t often that you see an enormous, 3 stories tall eye lying in a garden, but this is precisely what you’ll see in Dallas. The eyeball is impressively rendered, with streaky red veins, and looks unsettlingly real. It was created by Tony Tasset in 2007 as part of a temporary display and is made of fiberglass. It started out its life in Chicago, was taken to St. Louis, and finally ended up in the center of Dallas.

What to do there: This is a prime selfie spot and will look great on social media! It’s owned by the Joule Hotel and is located in the middle of an otherwise lovely sculpture garden. It really draws attention where it is, and even the locals sometimes look surprised to see a huge eye staring back at them as they hurry past.

#22 – The Perot Museum

• The perfect place to take the kids for an interactive and educational experience.
• The museum contains 5 floors of exhibits, so you could while away hours there.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum stays up with the times and includes 11 permanent exhibition halls with 3D computer animals, life-like simulations, educational games, video, and interactive kiosks. There are also some additional displays for kids including an outdoor play space and dedicated children’s museum. Your kids will love the robots and 35-foot tall fossils as well!

What to do there: If you’re looking for a place to take the kids while you’re visiting Dallas, then this is the perfect location. They’ll learn about the world without realizing that they’re learning, and you’ll enjoy the experience as well.

#23 – White Rock Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Dallas

• This park is home to a variety of special events in Dallas.
• When you want to do some exercise in natural surroundings, this is the perfect place to visit.
• The kids will love this area too because it manages to offer several wildlife experiences right in the heart of the city.

Why it’s so awesome: White Rock is one of the most popular parks in Dallas and for good reason. It’s the chosen venue for special events throughout the year and even on quiet days, it’s the place the locals visit to exercise, picnic and just soak up the natural surroundings. The park also contains miles of hiking and bike trails, dedicated picnic areas, a dog park, and wetlands along with the associated wildlife just meters from the busy city!

What to do there: Check out what’s on in the park while you’re in the city and make sure you don’t miss any of the special events. But apart from that, this is a great place to spend an afternoon. The park offers prime bird watching opportunities, kayaking and canoeing across the lake and miles of hiking and bike trails. Basically, whatever you like to do in nature, you’ll be able to do it in this park!

#24 – Frontiers of Flight Museum

• A Dallas must do for aviation fans!
• This museum contains over 35,000 historical artifacts that show how humanity finally lifted off the ground.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re interested in aviation or in space, then you need to pay a visit to this museum. It has a collection of over 30 aviation and space flight exhibits which includes 13 galleries of displays of small aircraft models. There are also over a dozen full-sized planes including a model of the Wright Flyer, created by the Wright brothers, and aircraft from different wars.

What to do there: Spend some time learning about flight! You’ll get the chance to explore the histories of aviation pioneers such as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and Bessie Coleman. You’ll also get the chance to see planes from the World Wars and the Cold War as well as an Apollo pod.

#25 – Zero Gravity Thrill Park

• This park has a perfect safety record, so although the rides may be scream-inducing, they’re also extremely safe for you and your family!
• The perfect place to spend some time with your family or friends.

Why it’s so awesome: This park contains some of the scariest and most thrilling rides in the world. It’s one of the best places in Dallas if you like a little adrenalin with your trip and includes rides like the 7 story Bungee Jump, the Texas Blastoff, which travels straight upwards at 70mph, and the Skyscraper, which hits four G’s as it goes around! This is definitely not the kind of park which is designed for the faint of heart!

What to do there: Prepare yourself for some scares and take your bravest friends along with you. If you’re going to visit this kind of park then you need to go on as many rides as your stomach can take, so see how many you can take before your stomach says, ‘no more’. This park is also popular amongst kids and does have some slower, safer rides that will suit all ages.

#26 – Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – One of the more unique places to visit in Dallas!

• If you’ve ever wanted to watch jousting while eating with your hands, then this is the place to do it.
• There are only 8 of these restaurants in the US, so you need to try them whenever you can.

Why it’s so awesome: For some reason, the medieval times have always excited people’s imaginations and their stomachs, and this restaurant is the only place in the modern world where you can indulge that interest. It offers 11th-century style meals that you can eat with your hands while you watch the knights joust for the right to be the Queen’s champion.

What to do there: If you’re looking for more unusual places to eat in Dallas, then try this restaurant for a meal you can really sink your teeth (and your hands) into. The food is relatively authentic, satisfying, and not all the healthy, but you don’t visit this type of restaurant for its vegetables. Instead, let yourself enjoy the atmosphere and the jousting and picture yourself back in a time long before your birth.

#27 – Legoland Discovery Center

• A wildly popular attraction in Dallas ever since the release of the movies!
• Great for kids and adults who are in touch with their inner children.

Why it’s so awesome: This Legoland is actually an amazing Lego playground with rides, build and play areas, a 4D cinema and a factory tour where you can learn all about how Legos are made. It’s the perfect place to take any child who loved the movies and wants a chance to build their own creations on a larger scale!

What to do there: Spend an afternoon or a morning at Legoland and let yourself remember how fun it can be to create without any expectations. Check out the 4D movie and then take the factory tour to get a behind the scenes look at how Legos get their colors and shapes. It’s much more interesting than it sounds!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Dallas

What is the top place to visit in Dallas, Texas?

The Sixth Floor Museum and the J.F.K. Memorial Statue are the top places to visit in Dallas because of their cultural importance.

What is the best outdoor place to visit in Dallas?

The Dallas Arboretum is a stunning outdoor botanical garden in Austin and a perfect place to visit in Dallas in the outdoors.

What is the best place to visit in Dallas at night?

The views from Reunion Tower are fantastic at night when the city is all lit up.

What is the best place to visit in Dallas for adults?

Fearing’s Restaurant is a sophisticated restaurant with food cooked by the top chefs, a perfect place to enjoy without the kids.

Exploring the many and varied cities in America can be as exciting as visiting more exotic locations. When you travel to Dallas, you’ll enjoy amazing food, shopping, a vibrant atmosphere, and lots of sports excitement during an easy, relaxed trip. This might not be a destination you’ve considered visiting before. That’s why we’ve decided to inspire you with this list of the best places to visit in Dallas no matter what you like doing, seeing, or eating!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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32 Incredibly Fun Things to do in Dallas, Texas

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas, Texas?

Dallas, located in north Texas, is one of the major cities in the Lone Star State.

It is pretty exciting to visit and has a variety of tourist attractions.

Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys, one of the country’s major football teams.

The city is also home to the Texas State Fair and its official mascot Big Tex.

The city is often affectionately called ‘Big D’ by the locals. 

Dallas has a pretty interesting history.

Just as shown in the 1980s TV series Dallas, the city’s fortunes were built on cattle ranching and the oil industry.

But modern-day Dallas is a major hub for information technology and financial services and has a fast-growing economy. 

Also Read: Best Road Trips from Dallas

The city has many points of interest and tourist attractions from the Dealey Plaza which is of historical importance due to the assassination of JFK to the trendy nightlife of the Deep Ellum neighborhood. 

The city also has a large number of museums and the Dallas Arts District is home to numerous Arts Deco buildings.

Dallas is perfect for couples as well as families and is one of the best romantic weekend getaways in Texas . 

Along with all the Dallas stuff to do during the day including cultural and outdoor attractions….

….you can also enjoy shopping and sample a variety of cuisines including Tex-Mex, Texas bbq, and frozen margaritas while on a visit to this vibrant city. 

Also Read: 48 Best Day Trips from Dallas

Where to stay in Dallas

The popular neighborhoods of the Arts District, Deep Ellum, and West End Historic District are the three best areas to stay in while visiting Dallas.

You will be close to the prominent attractions and cool things to do in Dallas including the Museum of Art and the Reunion Tower. 

For a luxury experience stay in the Omni Dallas in the Historic West End District. Or to stay close to all the museums, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton.

If looking for elegance Uptown, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Crescent Court. 

For a memorable experience, stay at the Joule on Main Street.

The famous eyeball sculpture is located on the grounds of this hotel while the neo-gothic style of architecture makes for a charming stay. 

If you’re looking for a budget to mid-range stay, then Dallas also has a variety of hotel chains including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Days Inn, and Comfort Inn.

You will also find motels and hostels within the city that are located close to the fun things to do in Dallas. 

Best Things to do in Dallas

While Dallas is simply enormous and has innumerable attractions, a majority of them are located quite close to each other in the Arts District.

The museums, parks, and other attractions here are located within walking distance of each other. 

The other popular neighborhood is the West End Historic District where the assassination of JFK took place.

A number of attractions related to the event and the president are located here. 

Besides the attractions, Dallas has an amazing culinary and shopping scene.

It is also renowned for its live music in the Deep Ellum neighborhood.

Overall Dallas provides the ultimate city break in Texas for all kinds of visitors. 

Here are some of the popular things to do in Dallas Texas on your next visit:

Be intrigued at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza 

All history nerds must visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

The museum also provides an educational and informative history lesson for the kids. 

The Dealey Plaza was where JFK was assassinated and his shooter Oswald was on the 6th floor of the museum building, which was the Texas School Book Depository back in the day. 

That very spot has been converted into a museum and is full on amazing exhibits.

You can even see the window from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shot that killed the president.

Out on the plaza, you can see the two X marking the spots where the bullets hit the President. 

The Museum explores the life and death of President John F Kennedy and has plenty of historical exhibits and artifacts related to him.

There is also an excellent narration of the assassination events in the context of the national and international political events happening in the 1960s. 

This is a really cool museum that provides an amazing experience for the entire family.

Visitors often find that the museum is an emotional experience too – especially for those who have heard about the incident firsthand.

We recommend keeping aside at least 2 hours for a self-guided tour of the museum. 

Pay respects at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Located a short distance east of Dealey Plaza, you will find the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

The simplicity of the concrete memorial feels even more tragic after experiencing the Sixth Floor Museum.

A beautiful epitaph displays an apt tribute to the president. 

Walking within the tall walls of the monument and stepping into the vast emptiness is a sobering moment.

It is synonymous with the void that President JFK left in the nation.

A black granite stone with his name is located in the center of the monument. 

You should definitely add it to your Dallas Texas things to do bucket list.

Take a stroll through West End Historic District

The premier attractions of Dallas’s West End are, undoubtedly, the Sixth Floor Museum, Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial.

However this charming neighborhood also has many other things to see and do while visiting Dallas. 

The Old Red Museum, the Dallas World Aquarium, and the Dallas Holocaust Museum are also amongst the top things to do in West End Dallas.

If you want to shop for cowboy hats and boots, then make a beeline for Wild Bill’s Western Store. 

The area also has many restaurants and cafes.

See the bronze cattle and cowboys sculpture at Pioneer Plaza

Located in the Dallas Central Business District, you will find Pioneer Plaza.

This public park is famous for the sculpture of a herd of longhorns being rounded by three cowboys on horses.

It depicts a traditional cattle drive.

The bronze sculpture is simply massive and has 49 individual bronze steers. 

The sculpture celebrates the city’s beginnings by pioneer settlers.

This is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dallas.

The sculpture is also one of the most popular Instagram spots in the city and looks simply amazing in photos. 

While you visit the park, be sure to go to the adjacent Pioneer Park Cemetery.

Several of the city’s earliest founders, mayors of Dallas, and other prominent citizens are buried here.

The Confederate War Memorial is also located inside the cemetery.

The 65 ft tall monument honors the soldiers from Texas that fought during the American Civil War. 

Enjoy nightlife in Deep Ellum

Looking for a unique thing to do in Dallas for the ‘gram? Head to Deep Ellum!

Deep Ellum is the funky, quirky, and edgy heart of Dallas.

We love the unique vibe and character of this neighborhood.

Here you will find antique stores and thrift shops, striking murals, block parties, events, and festivals.

This is also the live music capital of North Texas. 

As amazing as it is to explore Deep Ellum during the day, to truly experience it, you should come here at night.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Deep Ellum, Dallas

You can see a stand-up show at Dallas Comedy House or attend a concert at Trees, the city’s legendary music venue.

The neighborhood has many restaurants, pubs, and eateries that cater to a variety of crowds at night. 

Another essential in Deep Ellum: Pecan Lodge!

This barbecue restaurant is a Texas institution.

There’s almost an hour long wait line to sample their famous brisket and other barbecue meats. 

Enjoy the vibe of the Dallas Arts District

One of the most amazing neighborhoods to visit in downtown Dallas is the Arts District.

This is the city’s cultural hub and is known for its world-class museums and performance venues.

This also happens to be one of the largest arts districts in America. 

The district is over 20 blocks long and also has excellent restaurants, shopping, art galleries, music venues, and more.

The Arts District is also famous for its Art Deco architecture.

One of the best ways to explore the district is on a walking tour. 

Some of the major attractions in the district include the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, the Cathedral Guadalupe, Opera House, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and more. 

Ride the McKinney Avenue Trolley

Did you know that you can get around for free in Dallas on the McKinney Avenue Trolley? 

Also known as the M-Line , the trolley takes visitors through the Dallas Arts District and its many attractions as well as areas in Downtown and Uptown.

The trolley has convenient stops at Klyde Warren Park and near the art museum and is a popular way to see Downtown Dallas tourist attractions.

The trolley itself is a beautifully restored vintage streetcar that is fun to ride.

Our kids especially love the trolley rides and that is one of the highlights of their visit to Dallas. 

Besides the free trolley service, you can also go on a paid hop on hop off trolley tours to see the city.

There are two trolley tours: the JFK tour and the Dallas tour.

The Dallas tour is an excellent way to see over 15 of the cities most popular attractions in about 90 minutes. 

See art through the ages at the Dallas Museum of Art

Located in the Arts District of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art is an amazing place.

This is one of the largest art museums in the country and is home to many renowned pieces of art.

The museum collection is vast and extensive and spans several continents.

You will find artwork from the Asian subcontinent, Africa, Greek and Roman antiquities, the Far East, and more.

The museum also has an excellent collection of Islamic art.

The museum’s contemporary art collection is also interesting. 

General admission to the museum is free however visitors need to pay extra for special art exhibits on display.

The museum makes an excellent date in Dallas or a fun family day.

Devote at least a couple of hours to the museum and its amazing exhibits. 

Admire the striking sculptures at Nasher Sculpture Center

Another must things to do in downtown Dallas for art lovers!

Nasher Sculpture Center is located next to the Dallas Museum of Art and is an excellent place to spend some time outdoors admiring the artwork.

The indoor building of the museum also has excellent sculptures. 

This is one of the best sculpture collections in the world and has over 300 stunning thought-provoking modern pieces by renowned artists.

You will see sculptures by artists such as Picasso and Rodin among others.

This is one of the best places to take Instagram photos in Dallas. 

The outdoor garden is very beautifully landscaped and very romantic.

It is an amazing place to spend time with your loved one.

We recommend keeping aside at least an hour or two to walk through this beautiful space.

While the museum has paid entry it is free to visit on the first Saturday of each month. 

Admire the exhibits at the Crow Museum of Asian Art

The Crow Museum of Asian art Dallas is a museum dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of Asian art.

The Crow Museum features ancient Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean and Southeast Asia artifacts from all periods in history.

There are also rotating exhibits with changing themes throughout the year.

The Crow Museum is a great place for anyone who wants to learn more about different cultures or just wants to see some spectacular works of art!

Check out the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park

Located opposite the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Garden, you will find the Klyde Warren Park.

This urban park is the epicenter of the arts district and hosts a bunch of events including fitness classes, music concerts, children’s events, and more. 

The park has stunning views of downtown Dallas and it’s a beautiful natural oasis.

It offers the perfect break between checking out all the surrounding museums and cultural attractions in the neighborhood.

The park is an excellent place to let the kids run free and even has a splash pad for the little ones to beat the summer heat. 

But the best part about the park is the plenty of food trucks that are parked here!

You can buy meals from the food trucks and eat them at the picnic tables in the park.

Our favorites are the Serious Salad, Yummy Pizza, and Wuden Chopsticks.

We also love buying fresh fruits from the Fruit Lady Truck. 

The park is especially stunning during the holiday season.

It is home to a beautiful Christmas tree and looks very festive. 

See the T-Rex at Perot Museum of Nature & Science

Looking for super cool and nerdy things to do in Dallas?

Plan a visit to see some dinosaur skeletons, experience an earthquake, and understand the science behind basketball!

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a must-visit for families and kids of all ages.

The museum provides a fun and interactive educational experience and you can easily spend half a day here looking at all the permanent exhibits and special event galleries. 

Their main attraction is the amazing dinosaur exhibit hall.

We found it comparable to the Field museum of Chicago which has one of the best dinosaur halls in the country. 

Here you can see rarely seen dinosaur species from as far away as the southern hemisphere.

There are a lot of informative plaques and you do need to read a lot, but our kids always enjoy listening to the information.

The T-Rex escalator as well as Stan, the gigantic T-Rex skeleton is also great. 

We also love the museum’s vast collection of gems and minerals.

Other exhibits include stars and the solar system, earthquake simulator, sports, and more.

They also have a great children’s play space in the basement. 

Also Read Best things to do in Texas with kids Best Dinosaur Museums in Texas to Visit Now

See the beautiful Cathedral Guadalupe

The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe is located in the Arts District and is a must-see attraction in the neighborhood.

It was built in the late 19th century in the Gothic Revival style of architecture.

Made of beautiful red brick the cathedral is 224 feet tall. 

The interior of the cathedral is also beautiful and striking.

It is large, ornate, and has beautiful stained glass windows.

Attending mass at the historic Cathedral is an amazing experience.

They also have Mariachi music in the service. 

Photograph the stunning Old Red

The Old Red Museum in the historic West End district is a unique attraction in Dallas.

The history museum is located inside the Dallas County Courthouse. 

Built from red sandstone in 1892, this historic building has stunning architecture.

It looks like a castle straight out of a fairy tale and is very photogenic. 

Inside the museum, you will find a variety of historic exhibits narrating the history of the Dallas area from its earliest years as a trading center to the current day metropolitan area. 

See relics belonging to Bonnie and Clyde or artifacts used in the TV series Dallas.

The Old Red is definitely one of the legit country things to do in Dallas, TX!

Discover black history at the African American Museum of Dallas

The African American Museum of Dallas is a museum that celebrates the diverse history and culture of African Americans.

Located in downtown Dallas, the museum features permanent displays on sports, business, politics and civil rights as well as temporary exhibitions that showcase different themes.

The African American Museum of Dallas is a place where people from all backgrounds can learn about African American culture while exploring their own heritage – no matter what color they are!

Learn about the holocaust and advocate for human rights in Dallas

Another great museum to visit while in Dallas is the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

The museum is located close to Dealey Plaza and offers an intimate and emotional experience.

You can see moving images, read about first hand accounts, and see informative exhibits about the Holocaust on a visit to the museum.

Watch a concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is a world-class symphony orchestra, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the city’s culture.

In addition to their regular season, they do a wide range of other performances including pops concerts, children’s concerts and more.

Wondering what to do in Dallas with your loved one?

Plan a great date night in Dallas with a performance of the orchestra followed by dinner at a romantic restaurant!

Spend a day in Bishop Arts District

Looking for a trendy neighborhood with boutique stores, striking murals, and amazing nightlife?

Head to the Bishop Arts District!

This is a top stop for those looking for arty and bohemian stuff to do in Dallas, Texas!

Explode the narrow alleys and streets of this neighborhood and you will find intriguing and thought-provoking street art, comic book stores, chic bars, boutiques, and more.

The street art here easily rivals that of Deep Ellum and elsewhere in America!

This is one of our favorite areas to explore in Dallas.

Admire the view from the Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is a 561 ft tall observation tower.

It is one of the most well-known landmarks in the Lone Star State.

It is located in the West End Historic District and can be seen along with a trip to the Dealey Plaza. 

You cannot really leave Dallas without seeing the view from the top of the Reunion Tower.

This striking building has become the icon of Dallas and is a must-visit attraction.

It has a cafe and an observation deck on the top floor.

The building has been featured in numerous movies and TV series. 

Visitors can write to the top of the Reunion Tower and enjoy the panoramic views of the Dallas skyline from the observation deck.

If you visit around sunset, then you can see the city from above in daylight as well as lit up at night. 

Seeing the views from here while enjoying drinks is one of the most romantic things to do in Dallas for couples .

Attend a game at the American Airlines Center

The American Airlines Center is the home of the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars.

On a visit to Dallas, you can watch a game at the arena and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The venue also hosts many events including concerts by talented musicians.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga are some of the artists that have performed here before.

The center is located in Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas.

See the sharks at the Dallas World Aquarium

When it comes to West End Historic District Dallas things to do nearby for families, the Dallas World Aquarium is pretty popular!

This is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Dallas.

The aquarium is a favorite with our kids and is one of the best in the state. 

The highlight of the aquarium is the walk through the underwater tunnel.

You can see a variety of colorful fish and even sharks swim all around you.

You can also see other marine animals like manatees. 

However, this is much more than an aquarium.

The aquarium has a natural rainforest and has several land animals and exotic birds.

You can see monkeys, sloths, jaguars, flamingos, and crocodiles. 

Feed the giraffes at the Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo is another great attraction for kids in the city.

The vast zoo is located on a 106-acre campus and is the oldest as well as largest zoo in Texas.

It has lots of animals that are well taken care of. 

Expect to see gorillas, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, penguins, flamingos, and more in their natural environments.

They also have a kid’s play area and a splash pad. Families can easily spend half a day at the zoo. 

Enjoy the beautiful Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre natural paradise located on the shores of White Rock Lake.

The garden has several thousand species of trees, shrubs, and herbs, and the grounds are beautifully maintained.

Visiting the garden is an amazing experience for the entire family. 

The garden looks stunning year-round.

Around Christmas, they have the Holiday at the Arboretum event where you can enjoy Christmas trees, lights, and other holiday attractions.

In the spring, the garden is a paradise of tulips, roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons.

In the fall, you will find tens of thousands of pumpkins creating one of the largest pumpkin patches in Texas. 

This is one of the best places to visit in fall in Texas .

Go kayaking at White Rock Lake

If you are tired of the city’s urban attractions and museums then spend a tranquil day in nature at White Rock Lake.

Hiking and biking trails go around the lake and are perfect to explore the surroundings.

The main loop around the lake is a little over 9 miles long. 

Other amenities at White Rock Lake Park include picnic tables and restrooms.

The lake is also a good place to go fishing.

Other activities on the lake include sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Birding around the lake is also excellent, making it one of the best things to do near Dallas for nature lovers.

Attend the Texas State Fair at Fair Park

Fair Park in Dallas is home to the Texas State Fair.

We always love visiting the State Fair in the summer and it is one of our favorite things to do Dallas.

On a visit, you can see Big Tex.

This 55 ft tall statue welcomes visitors and has become the cultural icon of Texas. 

The fair is an amazing way to spend time with the family.

There are a variety of rides for the kids and lots of fried food like corn dogs, fried Oreos, funnel cakes and turkey legs. 

Fair Park itself is full of history.

The historic buildings here were built for the Texas Centennial Exposition held in 1936.

They have a beautiful Art Deco architecture.

Fair Park and its buildings is one of the best places to photograph in Dallas. 

Be awed by airplanes at the Frontiers of Flight Museum

Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas is a must for aviation enthusiasts.

You can spend a quick hour here looking at various aircraft and understanding aviation history. 

The aerospace museum has a vast collection of photographs, artifacts, and planes from the World War II era.

Other special attractions include the Apollo 7 command module, a model of Leonardo da Vinci’s parachute design, and missiles. 

See the blacksmith’s house at Dallas Heritage Village

Dallas Heritage Village located in the Old City Park is a living history museum in the historic Cedars neighborhood.

The recreated village has a good collection of significant historic buildings complete with period furnishings.

The buildings represent the late half of the 19th century. 

This open-air museum is a nice educational experience for families.

You can walk through the buildings like old houses, school rooms, hotels, and a church.

You can also see volunteers dressed up as musicians, artists, and blacksmiths back in the day. 

Take a picture of the eyeball sculpture

The eyeball sculpture is definitely one of the more weird and quirky things to do in Dallas.

This 30-ft tall fiberglass sculpture is located on private grounds of the luxurious Joule Hotel but can be easily seen from the street.

The giant eyeball is surprisingly lifelike. 

The sculpture was created by artist Tony Tasset to display temporarily in Chicago but since then has found a home in the hotel’s private sculpture garden.

To take close-up photos of the ‘Eye’ you need to bring a zoom camera as you cannot get close to the sculpture. 

Take a photo with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is one of the striking landmarks of the Dallas skyline.

The bridge spans the Trinity River. 

Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the bridge has distinctive features such as long sweeping curves and the white color.

The cable-stayed bridge looks beautiful when lit up and is one of the free fun things to do in Dallas at night. 

Visitors can take excellent photos of the bridge from Trinity Overlook Park or the pedestrian Ronald Kirk Bridge. 

See the 9/11 exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Located in University Park near Dallas, you will find the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

This is one of the popular North Dallas things to do with kids for locals as well as visitors.

The presidential library and museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. 

Two of the main highlights of the museum are the 9/11 exhibit and the Oval Office replica.

The collection includes many other historical artifacts and documents that narrate the life and work of President George W. Bush. 

Enjoy the roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas

Close to Dallas in Arlington , you will find the original Six Flags over Texas theme park.

The park has a vast number of thrilling rides and roller coasters of every kind including wooden roller coasters and standing roller coasters. 

They also have kiddie roller coasters for preschoolers.

Visiting Six Flags and sitting on all the rides is a memorable experience.

They also have seasonal events such as holiday light shows and Halloween fright fests. 

The theme park is also one of the most popular things to do around Dallas during spring break and school holidays.

Enjoy shopping at Highland Park Village

Highland Park Village is a self contained shopping center that offers visitors to Dallas an upscale, yet affordable, shopping experience.

This is one of the most popular things to do in North Dallas area.

The mall contains over 100 high end brands, art galleries, department stores, and boutiques.

Highland Park Village also offers an array of dining options and is a great place to spend time with the family.

We hope you liked our post on the best things to do in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas.

Did we miss any popular attractions in this dynamic Texan city? What are your top 10 things to do in Dallas TX?

Please let us know in the comments.

More Texas Travel Guides Dallas to Big Bend Road Trip Itinerary Best Things to do in North Texas Things to do in Waco, Texas Best Road Trips in Texas

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22 Best Things To Do In Dallas – Ultimate Dallas Bucket List

Dallas may not be as high on the list of cities to visit as trendy Austin or coastal Houston for most visitors to Texas but we can assure you that it is a city full of fun things to do, incredibly good food, and people who thoroughly enjoy having a good time.

This large and sprawling city has plenty of museums, green spaces, amusement parks, some of the country’s top sporting teams like the Dallas Cowboys, and world-class restaurants. No matter what you are into, you will find it in Dallas!

We’ve prepared the ultimate Dallas bucket list filled with the best things to see and do so you don’t miss any of this beautiful city’s highlights and top attractions.

Dallas Bucket List

1. geo-deck at reunion tower.

The  Reunion Tower  is an iconic landmark in Dallas and one of the most easily recognizable features of the Dallas city skyline. Visitors can experience panoramic views of downtown Dallas from the Reunion Towers 470-foot high indoor/outdoor observation deck. The observation deck is reached via a thrilling ride inside a glass-panel elevator which is definitely not for the feint of heart! Admission to the Geo-Deck is free with the  Dallas CityPass .

2. Dallas Arts District

Dallas can lay claim to having the largest urban arts district in the United States. Situated over twenty blocks, the area has a huge concentration of sculptures, some of the city’s top attractions, and many architectural gems surrounding the landscape.

Some of the top Dallas attractions you can find here include the Crow Museum Sculpture Garden, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Winspear Opera House, the Dallas Museum of Art, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

While you’re in the Arts District, be sure to also visit the the oldest Catholic church in the city; the beautiful Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe. With its towering 224-foot spire, 49-bell carillon, and 100 stained glass windows, it is one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in Dallas.

3. Dallas Museum of Art

The  Dallas Museum of Art  is located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District and features a stunning collection of over 25,000 works of art from all cultures spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Pieces include work from ancient Mediterranean art, 18th century European, American, African and Asian art. Some of the artists on display here include Andy Warhol, Renoir, Van Gough, Cezanne, and Monet. In addition, the museum has lots of fun programming for kids of all ages and events for adults that includes a lecture series with authors, poets, and visionaries.

4. Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge

The Ronald Kirk Bridge is a pedestrian footbridge over the Trinity River in Dallas which connects Downtown Dallas and West Dallas. While there is nothing too special about this pedestrian bridge, what is special are the up close views of the iconic white Margaret Hunt Hill bridge that runs parallel. Not only that, but you can also see spectacular Dallas skyline views from here too.

You can find the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian bridge in Trinity Groves, a green space in West Dallas which provides a good place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. There are also hiking and biking trails and picnic facilities for family gatherings.

5. AT&T Stadium

The AT&T Stadium is the largest domed stadium in the world and the largest enclosed stadium in the NFL which is fitting because everyone knows everything is bigger in Texas! Home to the Dallas Cowboys, this impressive stadium cost over one billion dollars to construct making it also one of the most expensive sports venues ever built.

Catching a Dallas Cowboys game is a thrilling event, from the the pre-game tailgating parties to sitting in an arena packed with 80,000 energetic fans, this is a must do if you’re visiting Dallas. If you are not in Dallas during a home game or in football season you can still visit the stadium and take a  guided or self-guided tour of this astounding building .

AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington which is about thirty minutes from downtown Dallas. Public transport from downtown Dallas is non-existent so you will either need to rent a vehicle or get an uber or lyft to visit.

6. Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is a five-acre deck park which sits over an eight-lane freeway. The park is a feat of engineering and design made of more than 300 concrete beams while using a combination of Geofoam and specially designed soil to stop the deck from being too heavy.

This green space connects the vibrant Uptown neighborhood with the Dallas Arts District and downtown area transforming a former freeway into an urban oasis for local residents. The landscaping includes native plant species and 322 tree’s offering the community an environment they can come together and connect at. You will also find a handful of restaurants and food trucks here.

7. George Bush Library and Presidential Center

The  George W. Bush Library and Presidential Center  is a state of the art facility which gives visitors an in-depth look into the George Bush American Presidency and displays over 40,000 gifts and artifacts given to the President and First Lady during their time at the White House.

Highlights of the Presidential Center include a number of exhibits such as ‘Life in the White House’; an inside look into what life is like inside the White House, the ‘Oval Office’; an exact replica of the Oval Office in scale and design during the Bush administration, and a ‘Nation Under Attack’; a memorial to the September 11 attacks with many artifacts, photographs and letters on display.

Tickets for the George W. Bush Library & Presidential Center can be purchased upon entry or you can buy them in advance online and save 39% on admission (along with three other city attractions) using the  Dallas CityPass .

8. Giant Eyeball

One of Dallas’ most unusual attractions is the giant thirty-foot tall eyeball sculpture located outside of the popular five-star  Joule Hotel .

This weird sculpture which looks like it just fell out of a zombie’s eye socket was created by Tony Tasset and modeled after the artist himself. ‘The Eye’ was created by a company who specializes in kitschy fiberglass sculptures for roadside attractions and eventually bought by the Joule Hotel who is known for their expansive art collection. The public are permitted to stroll the gardens of the Joule Hotel where you will find the gigantic eyeball.

9. Perot Museum of Nature & Science

At the Perot Museum of Nature and Science visitors will find five floors housing permanent exhibit halls that will exercise their brains through hands-on activities, educational games, and life-like simulations. On the main floor there is an incredible thirty-five foot  Malawisaurus  fossil, access to the roof deck, and a 300 seat theater. There is also a children’s museum including outdoor play area.

The extraordinary building itself and outdoor space serves as a living science lesson; it has a stone roof which features a landscape of drought-tolerant greenery inspired by Dallas surroundings and the plinth is landscaped with a one acre rolling green roof consisting of rock and native drought-resistant grasses that reflects Texas’ indigenous landscape demonstrating a living system that will evolve naturally over time. This impressive building stands 170 feet high and was conceived as a large cube floating over a landscaped base.

10. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The  Sixth Floor Museum  at Dealey Plaza explores the life, death and legacy of John F. Kennedy. This museum presents exhibits that document the social and political landscape of the 1960’s and relive Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 and following aftermath. Visitors can see in person the snipers perch and the area where the rifle was found, watch television broadcasts, and learn more about the facts and mystery surrounding the assassination of JFK.

11. Pioneer Plaza

Pioneer Plaza is a large public park located in the Convention Center District of downtown Dallas. This popular park and tourist destination holds a large sculpture commemorating the 19th century cattle drives that took place along the Shawnee Trail. The trail was the earliest and eastern-most route by which Texas longhorn cattle were taken to northern rail heads passing through Austin and Waco, Texas.

The forty-nine bronze steers and three trail riders were created by artist Robert Summers. Each steer is six feet high and all together the sculpture is the largest bronze monument of its kind in the world. Set along an artificial ridge, with the addition of a man-made limestone cliff and flowing stream help to create a realistic and dramatic depiction. The sculptures are a must see if you’re visiting Dallas.

12. Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is a former warehouse district which has since been transformed into a trendy neighborhood for hipsters with a happening night life. You can find plenty of cool bars here and live music venues to enjoy a night out.

Besides the night life, this lively entertainment district is also known for its striking street murals, off-beat art galleries, and the  Deep Ellum Brewing Company . Other drinking venues not to miss here include the Deep Ellum Distillery, a vodka distillery with unique flavors like strawberry-basil and Serrano pepper, and  Trinity Cider  who offer several different ciders on tap. Be sure to save room for some of the most amazing BBQ and Tex-Mex eateries!

13. Dallas Heritage Village

The  Dallas Heritage Village  in historic Old City Park is a living history museum with a collection of historic buildings representing the period between 1840 to 1910 in Texas. The mission of the Dallas Heritage Museum is to preserve and teach the history of Dallas and the North Central Texas area through exhibits, publications and educational programs.

The site of the museum and village itself is quite special having been the first city park of Dallas created in 1876. Browder Springs which now flows underground was the first water supply with a wooden water main carrying water to the then young city. There was even an upscale neighborhood here called ‘The Cedars’. However after World War II many residents moved out to the suburbs and highways were built to get them in to the city faster for work which left the area in a state of decline until a group of women decided to rescue and restore Old City Park.

Now visitors may tour the old park and see authentic buildings and other preserved artifacts related to life in Dallas from the frontier days beginning in 1840’s to the early 1900’s.

14. Dallas Zoo

Dallas Zoo  is a 106 acre attraction located only three miles from downtown Dallas. This zoo is one of the oldest parks in Texas having been established in 1888 and home to over 2,000 animals! The zoo offers giraffe feeding, bird landings, and even cheetah encounters. Other attractions that the children will love include an Adventure Safari monorail, endangered species carousel ride, and T-Rex mini train.

15. Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is a great place to put on your bucket list if you are traveling with kids or you are yourself a wildlife enthusiast. The aquarium has a diverse range of fish including birds and mammals such as penguins, sloths, and ocelots.

Begin your adventure at the top of the rainforest exhibit where you can view exotic birds such as toucans and cockatoo’s along with two-toed and three-towed sloths. Move on to see endangered species like the manatee and Orinoco crocodile and finish up at the South African display area.

16. Dallas Farmers Market

Nestled among the skyscrapers and the hustle of the city is the Dallas Farmers Market. The Farmers Market is a 26,000 square foot indoor food pavilion and vendor market featuring restaurants, local specialty foods, and artisanal food vendors. Patrons of the market can enjoy a quick bite to eat or sip on coffee while taking in the Dallas skyline views.

Next door to the Farmers Market is ‘The Shed’, an open-air pavilion where you can shop from regional vendors who grow, raise, make, and produce food. You’ll find a mix of farmers with seasonal produce grown in the Texas climate, and ranchers with naturally raised meats, cheese, eggs, honey, and other food artisans who make breads and canned foods. There are also has a handful of arts and crafts vendors throughout the year.

In the summer heat, misters and ceiling fans lower the temperature by fifteen degrees so it is a great place to relax and cool off.

17. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

One of the most beautiful places you can visit in Dallas is the  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens . This sixty-six acre park is one of the world’s premier botanical gardens and a top attraction for visitors to Dallas.

This urban oasis is acclaimed for it’s colorful year long floral display and gorgeous vista’s of White Rock Lake and the Dallas city skyline. The park features several annual events and festivals such as the Dallas Blooms Festival but most impressive would be their Pumpkin Village display during Autumn when over 90,000 pumpkins and gourds are featured.

18. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Attending a Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is probably one of the most fun things you could do in Dallas. The show offers an entertaining medieval themed battle involving jousting and sword fighting. This attraction may seem very touristy, and it might be so, but it doesn’t take away any of the fun! The combat features an impressive display of horsemanship and swordsmanship which can be enjoyed over an included four-course dinner.

Be aware that no eating utensils are supplied (it is the medieval times after all), so if you are not comfortable eating with your bare hands, this is probably not the destination for you.

19. Six Flags

If you’re looking for some thrills during your trip to Dallas head to Six Flags in Arlington. You can find some of the fastest, tallest, and most gut-wrenching rides in the country right here. Dare to free fall from one of the highest drop towers in the world at a staggering 325 feet in the sky on the Superman Tower of Terror or ride the Shock Wave which delivers a stunning 5.9 Gs on a record setting classic double loop ride. From pulse pounding roller coasters to much gentler options if you have the little ones in tow, Six Flags is fun for everyone. The theme park is open year round.

20. Travelling Man

The Traveling Man is an installation in Deep Ellum that serves as an ambassador for the neighborhood reminding visitors and locals of the area’s history with trains and it’s more recent history as a cradle for the arts.

There are in fact three Traveling Man’ sculptures on Good Latimer Expressway and each of the figures are made of polished metal sheets held together with rivets, all meant to evoke the railway history of the Deep Ellum neighborhood.

These installations are the work of artist Brad Oldham and Brandon Oldenburg and each figure stems from a different narrative the artists created. The story starts with a blues musician sitting underneath an elm tree who spills his can of gin which soaks down to the roots of the tree and touches a train car buried deep underground. The gin and the iron mix together and magically activate creating the Traveling Man.

The second installation is called ‘Waiting on a Train’ and can be found on the corner of Good Latimer and Gaston Avenue. Here, The Traveling Man is completely emerged from the ground and leans on a slab of concrete with a guitar in his hands sharing his art.

Finally, the third sculpture located at Good Latimer and Swiss Avenue is called ‘Walking Tall’. The Traveling Man now towers over Deep Ellum and he’s in the middle of taking big strides with a smile on his face, a bird on his arm, and a hole in the middle of his chest symbolizing where the spirit of art comes from and representing art take flight in the community.

21. The Rustic

If you’re looking for a place to dine al fresco, head to The Rustic. You can enjoy your meal and a cold beverage under twinkling string lights while listening to some Texas country. The Rustic offers a fun and lively atmosphere that is guaranteed to make your night special. The menu features seafood from the Gulf, steak from local ranchers, and other produce that is locally sourced. Live music is on every day of the week!

22. Fort Worth

While technically not in Dallas, Fort Worth is only a short twenty-five minute drive away and certainly should not be missed if you are visiting Dallas. The city of Fort Worth and particularly the Stockyards District attracts visitors from all over the world that come to experience the American West.

Nothing embodies Western heritage better than Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District. From the original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the history of Texas’s famous livestock industry. One of the highlights would have to be watching the drovers herd steer down the main street which happens twice daily.

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60 fun things to do in Dallas, Texas (the ULTIMATE list!)

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: November 3, 2022
• 18 minute read

Are you looking for the best fun things to do in Dallas? If so, this list should give you plenty of ideas!

If you’re visiting Dallas soon, you might be looking fun things to do in Dallas whilst you’re there.

If so, then we know you’ll find something you’ll enjoy on this epic list of 60 fun things to do in Dallas!

Dallas is a big city, and there are loads of great things to do there. From fascinating art museums and exhibits to delicious food tours, and cute neighborhoods and rooftops cocktails!

This city has a little bit of everything and there are so many options for the best fun things to do in Dallas for all kinds of budgets!

So, let’s get into it!

Here are our favorite fun things to do in Dallas!

Guided dallas cowboys stadium tour.

First on our list of the best fun things to do in Dallas, it’s a guided Dallas Cowboys stadium tour.

The Dallas Cowboys are a huge part of life in Dallas, and their stadium is a must-see, even if you’re not that interested in the sport itself!

On this particular tour (see below for a link for tickets) you’ll combine a city tour, with an epic stadium tour – meaning you get the best of both worlds!

It’s perfect for people who are only in Dallas for a short time too, because it’s a great overview of the city and a great option for fun things to do in Dallas!

Click here for tickets.

Dallas Museum of Art

Next on our list of the fun things to do in Dallas, it’s the Dallas Museum of Art.

This is one of the best art museums in this part of the country, so if you’re feeling inspired, arty or creative – it’s a great place to hit up!

You’ll find so many amazing artists here, and it’s such an interesting and educational choice for things to do in Dallas. Don’t miss it!

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is next up on our list of fun things to do in Dallas.

If you love spending time outdoors, or you’re into Botanical Gardens / landscaped gardens – then this is going to be a perfect choice for things to do in Dallas for you!

Head there on a sunny day, and enjoy wandering around the beautiful scenery and learning all about the flora and fauna that call this place their home!

It’s definitely one of the most peaceful and relaxing things to do in Dallas.

Read more about Dallas: 15 restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Dallas

JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour

We couldn’t write a list of fun things to do in Dallas, without mentioning the JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour.

It’s one of the most visited attractions in the city, because of how publicised the tragic moment itself was.

This is a really important and crucial part of the city’s history, and the museum and tour (whilst tragic) is highly educational and will give you loads of information about the conspiracies surrounding this awful moment of history. Click here to book tickets .

Welcome to Dallas 3-Hour Small Group Tour

If yoou just want to enjoy the city and explore everything it has to offer, then we recommend this ‘Welcome to Dallas’ 3-Hour Small Group Tour as our next option for fun things to do in Dallas.

You’ll get a thorough overview of Dallas on this great tour, hosted by a friendly guide, including visiting well-known landmarks (and a lot of the places we’ve included below on this list!).

If you want to get an idea and impression of the city in a short amount of time, this is a perfect choice for fun things to do in Dallas. Click here to book your tickets .

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Perot Museum of Nature and Science is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. It’s one of the best museums in the city, and it’s popular with both locals and tourists alike.

As you’d expect, this museum is super educational (and you’ll come out smarter than you went in!).

It’s similar to other nature and science museums around the country – so you should hopefully know what to expect!

Lots of interactive displays, plenty of fascinating displays and artefacts, etc. It’s a great choice for the best things to do in Dallas.

Next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas, it’s the Dallas Zoo! If you’re visiting Dallas with kids, then the Dallas Zoo is a no-brainer!

It’s a classic choice for fun things to do in Dallas with kids, and it’s a brilliant way to spend the day. Definitely stop by if you love this kind of family day trip!

Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas! How could we write a list of things to do in Dallas and not include it?

Six Flags is one of THE BEST theme parks in the USA, and it’s an absolutely brilliant day out if you’re stopping in Dallas.

Even if you’re not that into big rides or rollercoasters, just go for the experience and to soak in the great atmosphere!

Read more about Dallas: 17 fun things to do in Dallas for couples

Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas! This is a perfect choice for things to do in Dallas in the summertime, because (trust us!) in the heat of a Dallas summer, there’s nothing more appealing that visiting a water park and soaking up some rays!

Dallas Uptown Foodie Walk

Dallas Uptown Foodie Walk is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas! Make sure you arrive at this food tour with an empty stomach (the hungrier you are, the more you’ll enjoy it!).

This food tour takes you around the West Village and surrounding neighborhoods, and it’s such a wonderful way to spend the day, especially if you’re passionate about trying new food and discovering new places to eat. Click here to book your tickets.

Read more about Texas: The best breakfast in Houston: 18 places to try!

Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. This is the city’s most famous observation deck, so if you want to get up high to enjoy some amazing skyline views – this is the place!

You definitely won’t be disappointed with this choice of the fun things to do in Dallas, especially as it’s one of the most popular things to do in the city with visitors!

Ride the McKinney Avenue Trolley

When it comes to finding fun things to do in Dallas, the McKinney Avenue Trolley had to make the list!

OK, this might not be the most glamorous or educational activity on this list of fun things to do in Dallas, but it’s definitely cute, fun and a must-do in the city!

This is just a lovely way to see the city, and experience a bit of Dallas history while you’re at it. Definitely one of the best fun things to do in Dallas.

Read more about Texas: 19 restaurants open on Christmas Day in Houston!

Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park is next up on this list of things to do in Dallas. If you’re looking for a way to get out of the city for a couple of hours, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life – then a trip to C edar Hill State Park might be the choice of fun things to do in Dallas, for you!

This expansive park is located about 10 miles south of the center of town, and with its rugged limestone hills and rare prairie pockets, it’s really worth spending some time exploring! It’s a great place to hike, bike, picnic, camp, and even nature watch! You’ll love it.

Meadows Museum or “Prado on the Prairie”

Meadows Museum is next on our list of the best things to do in Dallas. Also known as “Prado on the Prairie” – it is another of Dallas’ fantastic art museums.

Located on Bishop Blvd, make sure you pay this place a visit if you love exploring artists and learning more about the art history too.

Definitely add this to your list of the best fun things to do in Dallas!

Addison Improv Comedy Club

Addison Improv Comedy Club is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas. If you love comedy – then you’ll definitely want to book tickets to this place one night during your trip!

These guys have well-known comedians, alongside new and upcoming comedians performing every week – with a changing schedule, that guarantees fresh comedy and lots of laughs.

It’s the perfect choice for things to do in Dallas, especially if you’re looking for a laid back and fun even activity – or date idea!

Read more Dallas recommendations: 15 restaurants open on Christmas Day in Dallas!

Try paddleboarding

If you want to spend some time outdoors when visiting Dallas, then why not try Paddleboarding?

There are plenty of places to try paddleboarding in Dallas , which makes it such an easy choice for fun things to do in Dallas! If you need to hire equipment, then give White Rock Paddle Company a try.

This is such a lovely way to spend a day in Dallas, and even if you’ve never tried paddleboarding before – we promise you, it’s a lot of fun learning!

Tour of Southfork Ranch from the TV show Dallas

Next on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s a tour of the Southfork Ranch. This is something for people who love the TV show ‘Dallas’ and Southfork Ranch will definitely ring a bell if you’ve watched that show!

You’ll get to see the ranch that the Ewing family called “home” and relive all your favorite parts of the TV set and moments from the show. For fans of the show, this is a must when visiting Dallas! Click here to book tickets.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

OK, next on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s something a little unique and niche. This won’t be for everyone – but if you fancy doing something a little different, you’ll really enjoy this.

The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Dallas is basically a reenactment of the historical tournaments from medieval times.

You’ll see sword fights from top knights in the ‘kingdom’ and you’ll enjoy a medieval feast too whilst you enjoy the historic entertainment.

It’s a lot of fun, and it’s definitely something you should add to your list of fun things to do in Dallas.

Haunted Walking Tour with Dealey Plaza

Next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas, it’s a Haunted Walking Tour with Dealey Plaza. This spooky walking tour is a must in Dallas, especially if you’re a fan of scary movies or scary history.

This walking tour takes you through several different locations in the city, and you’ll find out historical stories, facts and paranormal tales. It’s such a great choice for fun things to do in Dallas – and it’s slightly different than normal city tours too! Click here to book tickets.

Things to do in Dallas: Frontiers of Flight Museum

Frontiers of Flight Museum is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. If you’re interested in flight and the science and history of flight, then you definitely need to visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum.

There are so many fascinating exhibits to explore at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, including; spacecrafts, missiles, aircrafts, powerplants and virtual flights. It’s great!

Grab a delicious breakfast

Of course, we had to include some breakfast places on our list of fun things to do in Dallas. Because you head out for the day checking off all these activities in Dallas, you’ll want to make sure you’ve fueled up on a great breakfast!

Here are some places in Dallas where you can definitely grab a delicious breakfast before a day of sightseeing and checking off these other fun things to do in Dallas!

• Bread Winners Café & Bakery
• Lucky’s Cafe
• Ellen’s Cafe
• Cindi’s NY Deli Bakery
• The Original Pancake House
• Bubba’s Cooks Country

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

Next on our list of the best things to do in Dallas, it’s the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. Another educational museum in Dallas, it’s the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. Another fantastic museum about flight, this is a must-visit for anyone who is passionate about flight or the science and history behind it.

This museum specializes in restoring, operating, maintaining and displaying historically significant aircraft – so it’s genuinely fascinating to wander around and explore the exhibits. Most people opt for the private tour that they offer (which we also recommend) because you’ll learn so much more!This is a great choice for fun things to do in Dallas.

Go to a Galaxy Drive-In movie

We couldn’t write a list of things to do in Dallas, without including the Galaxy Drive-In theater ! In the summertime, there’s nothing better than heading to a local drive-in theater and watching a movie! It’s a great activity for friends, but it’s also an amazing date night idea too!

Dealey Plaza

Next on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s Dealey Plaza. There are so many Dallas landmarks located in Dealey Plaza, including the Texas School Book Depository, the Grassy Knoll and Elm Street.

Dallas Arts District Scavenger Hunt

The Dallas Arts District Scavenger Hunt is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas. This is such a fun and unique choice for things to do in Dallas. Basically, this pre-arranged scavenger hunt is a great activity for groups of friends or couples, and it’s something a little different to enjoy in the city.

You’ll be able to discover hidden gems in Dallas along the way, and you’ll find places you never knew existed. Click here to book tickets .

Fun things to do in Dallas: Catch a movie

Next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas, it’s catching a movie! Of course, you can do this in any city, so to make it a little more interesting, we’ve found some of the best quirky or unique movie theaters in the city to catch a movie. Check them out below!

• Angelika Film Center
• Highland Park Theatre
• Inwood Theatre
• The Magnolia
• The Texas Theatre

Tex-Mex Food and Culture Walking Tour

Next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas, it’s a Tex-Mex Food and Culture Walking Tour. This is a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to experience some of the city’s best tex-mex food!

This is part of a guided tour too, so you know you’re getting the best recommendations and being taken to the best places! Click here to book your tickets .

Pioneer Plaza

Pioneer Plaza is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. You’ll want to head to Pioneer Plaza, mainly for the amazing sculptures running right through the middle of it. Crossing the plaza are 49 longhorn steers and three trail riders on horseback, it’s truly incredible and brings such a sense of awe and amazement to the plaza.

Dallas County Courthouse

Dallas County Courthouse is one of the best places to visit in Dallas for people who love architecture. This is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring buildings in the city, so if you’re into architecture then you’ll definitely want to stop by and check it out during your trip to Dallas. Another great choice for fun things to do in Dallas.

Explore using the Dallas Pass

Another great choice for things to do in Dallas, is purchasing the Dallas Pass and checking out all the main sights on offer using the pass.

It’s a great option for fun things to do in Dallas, because it’s an all-in-one pass that gives you access to many of the amazing attractions in the city. Click here to book your tickets .

LEGOLAND Dallas

LEGOLAND in Dallas is next on our list of things to do in Dallas! If you’re into theme parks, then this obviously ticks the boxes – but it’s also a fantastic day out for kids and families too (even if you’re not into riding the big rollercoasters).

LEGOLAND is so much more than just a theme park, and it’s one of the best fun things to do in Dallas with kids and teenagers! Click here to buy tickets .

Rooftop cocktails

Next on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s enjoying some rooftop cocktails! HG Sply Co is the bar we recommend visiting for rooftop cocktails in Dallas – and it’s the great vibes and the great atmosphere that swings it for us! It has one of the best rooftops in Dallas, hands down – so don’t miss it!

There’s just something great about enjoying cocktails on a rooftop, overlooking the city! It’s the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing in Dallas! Another perfect choice for fun things to do in Dallas.

Dallas Farmers Market

Dallas Farmers Market is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. Dallas Farmers Market is a must-visit if you love markets or food, and it’s a great place to soak in the local atmosphere too!

You’ll find so much amazing and fresh produce here, so if you’re stopping in an AirBnB or an apartment with a kitchen, it’s the perfect place to stock up the fridge with healthy food for your time in the city! There are also loads of great food vendors and stalls in Dallas Farmers Market too, so if you just want to grab lunch, it’s the perfect place for that too!

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Dallas is well known for the tragic events that happened with John F. Kennedy, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is a place for visitors and locals to visit to pay their respects and remember what happened on that sad day.

Dallas Arts District

Dallas Arts District is another great option for things to do in Dallas. Dallas actually has one of the largest urban arts districts in the USA – so it’s well worth check it out. You’ll find about 20 square blocks to the south-east of Uptown, full of amazing cultural attractions to explore and admire.

Genuinely, this is one of the most interesting parts of the city, and we know you’ll love it!

Thanks-Giving Square

Thanks-Giving Square is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. Thanks-Giving Square is a private park in Dallas, although it’s open for the public to enjoy. It’s free to enter, but donations are accepted if you wanted to leave something!

The aim of Thanks-Giving Square is to create a beautiful space for communities to come together, a place for community, and a place to create understanding and appreciation of the diversity among us. This is a really beautiful choice for things to do in Dallas.

Bahama Beach Waterpark

Bahama Beach Waterpark is definitely one of the best things to do in Dallas for families and kids! This waterpark is so much fun, and located only a short drive out of the city center. You’ll find all kinds of brilliant activities, games and rides at Bahama Beach Waterpark, including slides, pools and eateries.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dallas for families and kids, then this really is a perfect choice. It’s a great family day out! Just remember to pack your sunscreen!

Heritage Farmstead Museum

Heritage Farmstead Museum is our next suggestion for things to do in Dallas. It’s another brilliant choice for things to do in Dallas, especially if you want to learn more about local life and a little bit about Dallas history.

The Heritage Farmstead Museum (HFM) is a living history site, and they interpret the way of life back then. You can tour this huge 4.5 acre site, and learn all about what life was like back then!

Cocktails at Quarter Bar

We couldn’t write a list of fun things to do in Dallas, without mentioning cocktails! After a long day of sightseeing in Dallas, then an evening of cocktails in Dallas is the perfect end to your day!

For epic views, we recommend Quarter Bar ! This bar is packed full of character and has lots of beautiful and quirky furniture. Perfect for snapping some cute photos on your night out too!

African American Museum

Next on our list of the best things to do in Dallas, it’s the African American Museum . Taken from their website, the African American Museum is “the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials”.

It’s a hugely important museum, one that preserves and documents African American Folk Art, culture and many other things. The museum staff are hugely knowledgeable too – so feel free to ask loads of questions!

Museum of the American Railroad

Next up on our list of fun things to do in Dallas, it’s the Museum of the American Railroad . This is the ultimate museum for train enthusiasts, you’ll find so much to love in this museum! The exhibits are so varied, that you’ll find so much to entertain yourselves over the day!

Eat a steak!

Next on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s a steak restaurant! We had to include at least one restaurant recommendation on this list of things to do in Dallas! So, for an amazing steak – try visiting Knife Dallas .

This is a busy steakhouse with a great atmosphere and buzz… Oh, and amazing steak too! When you get there… Make sure you try the 240-day dry-aged rib-eye! It’s a must-try in Dallas and seriously delicious!

Museum of Illusions, Dallas

The Museum of Illusions is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas. It’s such a fun activity in Dallas, and it’s one of those day trips that is really unique and quirky too! The whole idea behind the Museum of Illusions is to warp your sense of reality. Sounds fun right?

The illusions are mostly visual illusions, and they range from tiny handheld illusions to larger illusions as big as a room! It’s amazing and so unique! This is a great choice for the best things to do in Dallas.

Downtown Plano

Downtown Plano is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. It’s not necessarily an attraction or activity, but it’s a great neighborhood to explore and discover. If you love art, independent stores and cafes, then you’ll love Downtown Plano. So be sure to take a visit!

Swimming at The Joule

Swimming at The Joule Hotel is next on our list of fun things to do in Dallas. This luxurious hotel in the heart of Dallas has one of the most amazing pools in the city – so if you have the budget to stay here for the night (to use the pool) or book yourself a spa treatment there, it’s well worth it!

What makes this pool so special? Well, it’s located on the rooftop, and it partially hangs off one side. It’s pretty incredible and you’ll have to see it believe it!

Super H Mart

Super H Mart is our next suggestion for fun things to do in Dallas. This is a slightly different suggestion, but we LOVE Korean food, so we had to include it! If you love Korean food too – then you need to check out this brilliant Korean supermarket in Dallas! It’s so much fun to explore!

Nasher Sculpture Center

Nasher Sculpture Center is another great choice for things to do in Dallas. This incredible collection of sculptures in Dallas is a must-see for any art-lovers. The collection includes pieces by Alexander Calder, Picasso, Henry Moore, Matisse, Claes Oldenburg, Gauguin, Joan Miró, Giacometti, Hepworth, Richa, Richard Serra and Rodin.

It’s quite something – so if you’re into sculpture (or just art in general) this is a must-visit and definitely deserves a place on your schedule of fun things to do in Dallas.

Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas

Located a little drive from central Dallas, is the Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas. It’s a beautiful canal walk in one of the city’s most scenic suburbs.

It’s a gorgeous place to enjoy a morning stroll on a sunny morning, and maybe grab a coffee from one of the local coffee shops too along the way! A gorgeous choice for things to do in Dallas!

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is next on our list of things to do in Dallas. This one is, ummm, a little different. But if you’ve got a good sense of humor, and a good sense of curiosity – we think this place might be up your street.

It’s exactly what it sounds like… a museum of toilet seats. Yes, it may not be the most riveting subject for a museum, but it’s strangely fascinating and absolutely charming!

Texas Star Ferris Wheel

The Texas Star Ferris Wheel is next on our list of the best fun things to do in Dallas. This epic addition to the Dallas skyline stands at a whopping 212 ft tall, so you can imagine the brilliant views on offer once you get to the top! If you’re looking for a cute date idea, then this is a really nice idea for fun things to do in Dallas.

Experience some fine dining

Next up on our list of the best things to do in Dallas, it’s to get dressed up and enjoy some fine dining. There are actually lots of beautiful fine dining locations in Dallas (a city well known for its food!) but the restaurant we’ll be recommending to you is Town Hearth .

Town Hearth is really something else – it’s quite something! You’ll find more than 60 chandeliers hanging in their amazing dining room, and (as if that wasn’t enough) an MG Roadster parked in front of the kitchen. It’s whacky and random, but the vibe here is cosy, sophisticated and cool. A must-visit for your list of fun things to do in Dallas.

The Dallas Giant Eyeball

You can’t visit Dallas without paying a visit to the weird and whacky Giant Eyeball . There’s not really much to do at the Giant Eyeball, other than admire its weirdness – but it’s well worth stopping by for a photo! It’s a weird choice for fun things to do in Dallas, but don’t miss it!

Messina Hof Grapevine Winery

Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is our next idea for things to do in Dallas. If you love wine, and discovering new flavors and combinations, then you’ll absolutely adore visiting the Messina Hof Grapevine Winery.

Obviously, this isn’t the best option for fun things to do in Dallas with kids (they’d be missing out on the fun!) but if you’re a couple, or in an adults-only group, this is a great choice.

Dallas Hall of State

Next up on our list of things to do in Dallas, it’s the Dallas Hall of State. The Hall of State is a striking Art Deco building and is considered by many to be one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in this part of the country. It’s truly something, and if you love Art Deco architecture, you’ll love this place.

There are few better examples of Art Deco architecture in Texas, so definitely add it to your list of the best things to do in Dallas!

The Spa at the Crescent

We couldn’t write a list of fun things to do in Dallas, without including a spa day! Listen, when you’ve spent days on your feet sightseeing in Dallas – you deserve to book yourself a spa day! The spa we recommend visiting in Dallas, is the Spa at the Crescent .

In terms of scale, this place is HUGE. It is 22,000 sqft of spa amazingness – and you’ll feel absolutely pampered and relaxed whilst you’re there. We recommend ‘The Texas Spa Day’ – which comprises 150 minutes of indulging treatments (including massages, manicures, pedicures, and lunch!). Sounds amazing right? A perfect choice for things to do in Dallas.

Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is our next suggestion for fun things to do in Dallas. This is actually the largest ensemble of historic buildings in Dallas, so it’s quite something to see, and it makes for a fantastic day out in Dallas.

The properties that form the historic village are dated between 1840 and 1910 and you can walk around them, enjoy them and explore them. Definitely a great choice for things to do in Dallas.

Crow Museum of Asian Art

Another amazing choice for fun things to do in Dallas, is the Crow Museum of Asian Art . This museum is a really beautiful collection of Asain Art and artefacts, and it’s unlike any other museum in Dallas.

It’s so unique, and so beautifully put together, and there are so many wonderful exhibits – so make sure you check it out. It’s definitely one of our favorite things to do in Dallas, especially if you love admiring beautiful art!

Tierra Verde Golf Club Arlington, Texas

Of course, we had to include a fantastic gold course on our list of things to do in Dallas! If you want a break from sightseeing in Dallas, and you fancy switching off by enjoying some golf – then this is a great option for you!

Tierra Verde Golf Club is located in Arlington, Texas – so it’s a great choice for fun things to do in Dallas as it’s only a 25-20 minute drive from central Dallas.

Trinity River Audubon Center

Next on our list of the best things to do in Dallas, it’s Trinity River Audubon Center. The Trinity River Audubon Center is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors with family or friends.

If you’re into hiking, you can enjoy the trails together, or if you fancy taking it easy – then there are plenty of hands-on exhibits and the Children’s Discovery Garden.

We hope this list of fun things to do in Dallas has been helpful and given you loads of ideas!

As you can see, there are so many amazing and fun things to do in Dallas, for all budgets and interests! Hopefully, you’ve found some great ideas and inspiration on our list of the best things to do in Dallas!

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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Must-Visit Attractions in Dallas Ft. Worth

The saying “Everything is bigger in Texas” rings true when it comes to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) attractions. The metroplex’s attractions are loud, large, big, and exciting, keeping visitors entertained and engaged. Whether it’s enjoying the luscious outdoors, flying fast on thrilling rides, or getting your two-step on, here are the top 20 things to do in the DFW.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas is the event of the year in Dallas, a major festivity with a long tradition that goes as far back as 1886. The fair is held in Fair Park, a larger-than-life venue featuring an impressive number of entertainment venues, amusement rides, museums, gardens, landmarks and more. For about three weeks every year, Fair Park is swept over with visitors enjoying the most diverse forms of entertainment, from food tastings to art exhibitions, and live music shows to livestock competitions. Unique highlights are a grand, full-fledged car show, and the so-called Red River Shootout, a football game played by the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas. All of this is overseen by Big Tex, the event’s 55-feet-tall iconic mascot installed in the park.

Located near the Convention Center on the south end of downtown, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is a unique urban oasis surrounded by high walls and shade-providing trees. The urban plaza was designed by Philip Johnson and includes 4.3 acres of three pools, waterfalls, and fountains. Though there are three separately designed pools, the best known is the active pool featured in the 1976 sci-fi film Logan’s Run . As you descend the terraced steps, you can feel the force of falling water all around you. Be sure to check out the gardens at night; they are illuminated until 10 p.m.

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Dallas Museum of Art

Founded in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the biggest and most reputable places to see art in the Texan city. Next to its program of rotating exhibitions, the museum offers its visitors a varied and international range of permanent art collections. The African Art collection focuses on artwork from the Sub-Saharan region, and the Contemporary Art collection showcases an impressive selection of paintings and sculptures from contemporary artistic movements such as abstract expressionism and minimalism; the Pacific Islands Art collection consists of sculptures and textiles made in Indonesian islands. A number of other collections, both permanent and temporary, are on display, demonstrating an impressive grasp on international — and American — art.

The Fort Worth Stockyards

An authentic Texas cowboy experience can be found in nearby Fort Worth, approximately an hour’s drive from downtown Dallas. The Fort Worth Stock Yards are situated in a national historic district, which retains the feel of a Western movie set and even hosts a twice-daily cattle drive. Complete with brick walkways and wooden corrals, this is the place to visit if you’re looking to step back in time. Daily rodeos, horse-and-cart rides, the world’s largest honky-tonk, and a choice of BBQ joints make this the Texan experience many tourists are looking for.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Thom Mayne, a winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate designed the astoundingly beautiful Perot Museum of Nature and Science. There’s 11 permanent exhibit halls at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science that offer hands-on science experiences for kids, the likes of which include activities that focus on minerals, geology, energy, fossils, and technology. Architecture tours, speakers, and family experiments are other ways the Perot Museum engages visitors.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

On the fateful day of November 22, 1963, 35th president John F. Kennedy was assassinated at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Now, Dealey Plaza has been converted into a memorial for the late president and houses the Sixth Floor Museum, a place to learn all about that historic day, and the life and death of the president. Watch short films, see photographs, hear first-hand testimonies, discover artifacts, and more. The museum also has a full library and reading room for more literature on the subject in addition to information about other Dallas history. Be sure to check out the educational, youth, and teaching programs that are available.

Cedar Ridge Preserve

Cedar Ridge Preserve is a place that is dedicated to the land and wildlife. It’s maintained by the Dallas Audubon and is free to the public. There is a lot of hiking going on here, and many people come and let their dogs get in on the challenge with their trails. With nine miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, there is something for everyone. It’s quiet and cool from the shade of the trees. Many people also come to bird-watch year-round. It’s a great attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Kimbell Art Museum

Even casual art fans will appreciate the breadth of the Kimbell. From ancient art to 20th-century pieces, the Kimbell’s display is world-class. It contains Michelangelo’s first painting as well as works from Rembrandt, Picasso, and Monet, making it one of the country’s best small museums. Recognized as a prime example of modern architecture, the building itself has an open-floor plan and is filled with natural light. The Kimbell’s permanent collection is manageable in one visit, while high-profile traveling exhibits are worth returning for. Enjoy lunch at the museum’s well-prepared buffet of sandwiches, salads, and quiches, and sit in the manicured courtyard of one of the city’s best museums.

Six Flags Over Texas

A classic theme park, but an ultimate goody. Located in Arlington, about 15 miles outside of Dallas, Six Flags Over Texas offers thrilling roller coasters, great entertainment shows, carnival-style games and plenty of restaurants. From rides like the Titan and the Texas Giant for teens and adults to softer rides like Daffy Duck Bucket Blasters and Bugs Bunny Boomtown for toddlers and small children, there is something for everyone. With over 45 rides, including five water rides, be sure to grab an all-access THE FLASH pass to enjoy all of Six Flags Over Texas has to offer.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden features 66 acres of gardens, from the ornamental to the sunken and colorful. This beautiful serene place is a year-round attraction that’s fun for all ages. Children are sure to enjoy over 150 activities in the 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden that features The Texas Skywalk, The Moody Oasis, a Walk in the Clouds, and much more. Grab lunch to-go from one of the many restaurants and have a picnic on the lawn while soaking in the sun, or sit back and relax at a summer evening concert. With plenty of family activities including indoor and outdoor learning galleries, a scavenger hunt, and tons of interactive exhibits, find out why the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Dallas. Don’t forget the camera, as there are plenty of photo ops.

Dallas Cowboy Stadium

You don’t have to be a Cowboys fan to tour the Dallas Cowboy Stadium. The AT&T Stadium is full of endless fun and facts as the world’s largest domed structure. Tour the locker rooms, walk through the tunnel, or simply admire its contemporary art. Guests have the option of choosing from four daily tours: Self-Guided, VIP-Guided, Art Tour, or an Educational Tour. Enjoy a quick bite at the café, shop the Official Dallas Cowboys Gift Shop, or toss the football around (bring your own) on the actual field for as long as you want. The AT&T Stadium located in Arlington is an experience sure to appeal to everyone.

Texas Theatre

The Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff is a gem and stands as the location that Lee Harvey Oswald sought out for a hiding place after murdering Officer J.D. Tippit. He was then arrested. Oswald would later assassinate JFK. It has survived the times and has become a charming and renowned theater for the avid filmgoer. A director’s hall of fame shines beautifully in the lobby of the theater, of distinguished directors both old and new. In fact, it’s almost a mini film museum, showcasing old cameras and classic relics. The theater shows independent movies, film festivals, independent screenings, documentaries, old classics and 35mm films. Any movie buff would feel understood here. They also have a full-service bar that serves smaller batch boutique products, offers cheap Texas and Mexican beers, and a slew of homemade cocktails inspired by films that you can take into the theater with you.

Reunion Tower

At 561 feet (170 meters) tall, the Reunion Tower is an observation tower with 360-degree views of the city of Dallas. The observation deck level features interactive and digital experiences, including information about Dallas history, the Reunion Tower itself, and more, and there are also numerous telescopes to get a close-up view of the skyline. Pop into the Cloud Nine Café for a snack or refreshing drink or eat at Five Sixty, a Wolfgang Puck fine dining restaurant located on the top, rotating floor. Eat a delicious gourmet meal while enjoying incredible views that overlook the city. The tower is also connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, so it’s perfect for visitors who want to stay close by to this Dallas attraction.

Klyde Warren Park

Most parks are just open green spaces for people to stroll around for fresh air, but not Klyde Warren Park! This public space is located on top of Woodall Rodgers Freeway and hosts a hub of activities and events all year long. For the body, enjoy Sunday morning yoga, Wednesday night Zumba, or Saturday afternoon Tai Chi and boot camp. For your mind, attend a pleasant outdoor meditation or take a guided tour of the city skyline, while learning historical facts about Dallas. For your appetite, there are a variety of food trucks at the park nearly every day, including an ice cream truck! You can also take a free art class or listen to a concert, and if you want a more traditional park experience, you can relax in the sun, play chess, bring your dog to the dog park, or participate in a group sport.

Toyota Music Factory

Toyota Music Factory is set to be one of the most thriving entertainment concepts in Dallas Fort Worth. The Pavilion is the centerpiece, a concert stage that has hosted big name acts and speakers like Ringo Starr, Hillary Clinton, and Trevor Noah. There’s also 25 restaurants and an Alamo Drafthouse. Big Beat Dallas will be a major aspect of the Toyota Music Factory, offering live music daily, a morning farmer’s market, an open container beverage policy between Big Beat Dallas restaurants, and late-night hours.

White Rock Lake

Once a privately owned reservoir located on over 1,000 acres of land, the lake (and adjacent park) is an amazing place to spend the day. The lake is a popular site for mild water activities, such as kayaking and sailing, and the park has a 10-mile hiking and biking trail, in addition to it being a great site for bird watching. This spot features both a dog park and picnic areas, and the lake is in very close proximity to the White Rock Lake Museum, Bath House Cultural Center, and Dallas Arboretum. Rent a pavilion to have a private family event or stay active by taking a stroll around the scenic waterfront.

Pioneer Plaza

Pioneer Plaza is a park that’s home to trees and man-made cliffs, but the centerpiece of the park is the life-size sculpture that recreates a cattle drive, complete with bronze longhorn cattle and three cowboys on horses. Visitors often hike around the cliffs, take photos with the longhorn sculptures, and marvel at the waterfall.

Trinity River Audubon Center

Opened in 2008 along the banks of the Trinity River, this center is at the entry of the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. The Trinity River Audubon Center offers each of its visitors a chance to discover miles of trails that feature local birds, vegetation, and wildlife and features public programs like guided hikes, bird watching classes, and the chance to learn more about the four breeds of owls that are native to Dallas. In addition, there is an indoor exhibit hall that showcases native animals like fish, snakes, lizards, and more. Visitors also have the option to tour the architecture of the eco-friendly buildings, taste local honey from the six beehives, and watch a movie about the Trinity River and its history. The center also offers school field trips, like the four-hour eco-investigations that feature a pond study, guided hike, and nature study. There is a two-hour guided float trip down the Trinity River, which is perfect for a short weekend adventure. The Trinity River Audubon Center serves to educate Dallas residents about the natural environment and the fragility of the ecosystem of the largest urban forest in the United States. With the educational opportunities, scenic wooded trails, and extensive visitor activities, the Trinity River Audubon Center is a great place for field trips, volunteering, and fun.

Lone Star Park

While casinos are illegal in Texas, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie offers some gambling fun with a Class 1 horse track. It receives 800,000 visitors per year and offers horse races on weekends during the season, a sports bar, and year-round events like concerts, weddings, and meetings. With seating for 8,000 people and a one-mile track, the odds are good that you’ll have a great time here.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Seeing a bison up close and personal is possible at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, a fantastic area that offers 3,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairies full of wildlife, including a fenced-off section for bison. Hike for hours, launch a canoe in the river, or spy a herd of bison — at a safe distance, of course. It’s well-worth the price.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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50+ Must-Do Things To Do in Downtown Dallas, Texas, USA

From world-class museums to bustling markets, from stunning architecture to mouthwatering cuisine, Downtown Dallas has it all.

Tired of the same old tourist traps? Look no further. This list is curated with the modern traveller in mind, offering a refreshing and exciting perspective on what Downtown Dallas has to offer.

You won’t find any run-of-the-mill recommendations here – only the most captivating, exhilarating, and Instagram-worthy experiences that’ll leave you wanting more.

If you’re ready for an adventure like no other , buckle up and let us be your guide through the top 10 must-visit attractions in Downtown Dallas.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie on the hunt for the best bites, or an art enthusiast seeking inspiration, we’ve got you covered.

But wait, there’s more! Not only will we reveal the hidden gems and popular hotspots, but we’ll also let you in on some local secrets and insider tips to make your visit truly extraordinary.

So, whether you’re first-time visitors or have just moved to Dallas looking to rediscover the magic of Downtown Dallas, get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden treasures that make Downtown Dallas an experience like no other.

At A Glance

1. Dallas Museum of Art

2. winspear opera house, 3. nasher sculpture center, 4. the crow museum of asian art, 5. deep ellum, 6. dallas contemporary, 7. klyde warren park, 1. toussaint downtown brasserie, 2. common club, 3. sassetta, 4. meso maya downtown, 5. the exchange food hall, 1. trinity overlook park, 2. reunion tower, 3. lake cliff park, 4. fort worth water gardens, 5. upside west village, 1. northpark center, 2. highland park village, 3. the dallas farmers market, 4. west village, 5. galleria dallas, 1. the idle rich lounge, 2. west end historic district, 3. dallas county records building complex, 4. harwood street, 5. old red museum, 1. house of blues dallas, 2. the balcony club, 3. adair’s saloon, 4. the rustic, 1. white rock lake, 2. trinity forest adventure park, 3. klyde warren park, 4. katy trail, 5. heard natural science museum & wildlife sanctuary, 1. dallas zoo, 2. perot museum of nature and science, 3. rory meyers children’s adventure garden, 4. frontiers of flight museum, 5. play street museum, 1. at&t stadium, 2. american airlines center, 3. belo garden, 4. texas live, 1. eye sculpture, 2. museum of illusions, 3. deep ellum, 4. national videogame museum, what to do in downtown dallas, texas.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or simply someone looking to experience something extraordinary, Downtown Dallas has something to offer everyone.

So, grab your walking shoes and let’s dive into a whirlwind tour of the must-visit destinations that will leave you craving for more.

Start your artistic adventure at the renowned Dallas Museum of Art, a true gem in the city. With over 22,000 works spanning various periods and cultures, this Dallas arts district promises to transport you to different corners of the globe.

Pro tip : Visit on a Thursday evening to enjoy free general admission and immerse yourself in special events and live performances.

Step into the Winspear Opera House, a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the best of performing arts in Dallas.

From captivating ballet performances to breathtaking operas, this venue is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Pro tip : Check out their website for discounted tickets and matinee shows.

Prepare to be mesmerised by the exquisite sculptures on display at the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens while admiring the works of renowned artists such as Rodin, Calder, and Picasso.

Don’t forget to stop by the on-site café for a refreshing break and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant art of Asia at The Crow Museum, one of the best of Dallas arts district. Discover a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and artefacts that showcase the diverse cultures of China, Japan , India, and beyond.

Pro tip : Visit on the first Saturday of the month for free general admission and participate in their interactive workshops and cultural events.

For a taste of the local art scene, head to Deep Ellum, a dynamic neighbourhood filled with colourful murals, eclectic galleries, and trendy boutiques.

Explore the streets lined with vibrant street art and dive into the thriving music scene that has put this neighbourhood on the map.

Pro tip : Take a self-guided history tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the neighbourhood’s fascinating history.

Get ready for a contemporary art extravaganza at the Dallas Contemporary. This non-collecting institution showcases bold and thought-provoking works by both established and emerging artists.

From immersive installations to boundary-pushing exhibitions, this gallery offers a fresh perspective on modern art.

Pro tip : Check their website for special events and artist talks for a deeper insight into the exhibits.

Indulge in a cultural oasis right in the heart of Downtown Dallas at Klyde Warren Park. This urban green space hosts a variety of cultural events, from outdoor concerts to open-air art exhibitions.

Pack a picnic, soak in the sun, and experience the vibrant energy of this lively park.

Pro tip: Check their calendar for yoga classes and food truck festivals.

No matter where your artistic journey takes you, Downtown Dallas promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

5 Things To Eat in Downtown Dallas, Texas

From international cuisines to mouthwatering local delicacies, get ready to tantalise your taste buds with a wide array of flavours.

Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply someone looking to savour the best of what Downtown Dallas has to offer, this guide is your ticket to a gastronomic adventure like no other.

So, let’s dive into the foodie delights that await you.

Start your day off right with a scrumptious brunch at Toussaint Downtown Brasserie. This French/Asian fusion restaurant offers a unique twist on classic dishes, making it a top choice for brunch enthusiasts.

Pro tip : Try their Eggs Benedict with a flavourful Asian-inspired twist and pair it with a refreshing mimosa.

For those seeking a swanky dining experience, head to Common Club, located near the Virgin Hotel. This trendy spot offers a modern and stylish ambience, perfect for a special night out.

Pro tip : Don’t miss their signature craft cocktails and be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Prepare to be transported to Italy at Sassetta, a charming Italian eatery that serves up a delectable menu of handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The cosy atmosphere and rustic decor make it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.

Pro tip : Try their Burrata Pizza, topped with creamy burrata cheese, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine at Meso Maya Downtown.

This lively restaurant offers an extensive menu of traditional dishes bursting with authentic flavours. From sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas, there’s something for everyone.

Pro tip : Don’t miss their signature margaritas and indulge in their creamy flan for dessert.

For a diverse culinary experience, head to The Exchange Food Hall, a bustling hub of 11 different dining choices. From comforting burgers to tantalising sushi rolls, this food hall satisfies every craving.

Pro tip: Grab a group of friends and sample a variety of dishes from different vendors for a fun and interactive dining experience.

No matter where your taste buds lead you in Downtown Dallas, be prepared for a gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving for more.

These foodie delights offer a glimpse into the vibrant culinary scene of the city. If you got extra time to kill, try going on the Dallas Secret Food Tour to explore diverse flavours and indulge in unforgettable dining experiences.

What To See In Dallas, Texas

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a curious explorer, this guide will unveil the best of Downtown Dallas, providing you with practical tips and insider knowledge.

From parks and observation decks to tranquil lakeshores, these locations are suitable for anyone seeking memorable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

So, let’s dive into the magic of this vibrant cityscape and uncover its most captivating hidden gems.

Located just 4.7 miles from downtown, Trinity Overlook Park offers a panoramic view of the Dallas skyline that will take your breath away.

This easily accessible park is perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking that perfect shot.

Pro tip : Visit during sunset for a mesmerising display of colours and light.

Standing tall at 561 feet, Reunion Tower is an iconic landmark that provides a 360-degree view of the city.

Take a ride up to the observation deck and be prepared to be dazzled by the breathtaking vistas below.

Pro tip : Time your visit to coincide with the nightly light show for a truly magical experience.

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and head south to Lake Cliff Park. This hidden gem offers stunning skyline views from its serene surroundings.

Pack a picnic, stroll along the trails, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Suitable for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.

Just a short distance from downtown Dallas, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is a mesmerising oasis that delights the senses.

Allow yourself to get lost in the beauty of the water structures, where cascading falls and serene pools create a serene ambiance.

Pro tip : Visit during off-peak hours for a more intimate experience.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a jaw-dropping skyline view, head to Upside West Village. Situated on the eighth floor of the Canopy Hotel, this rooftop bar offers dramatic panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.

Enjoy delicious cocktails and delectable bites while soaking in the mesmerising cityscape.

Pro tip : Make a reservation in advance to secure the best spot for a romantic date night or a gathering with friends.

No matter where your adventure takes you in Downtown Dallas, be prepared to be captivated by its skyline views and hidden gems.

So, grab your camera, explore the city’s best-kept secrets, and let the magic of Downtown Dallas unfold before your eyes.

Where to Shop in Downtown Dallas, Texas

From luxury brands to local gems, this guide will take you on a shopping adventure like no other, providing insider tips and essential information to make your experience unforgettable.

As one of the top shopping destinations in Dallas, NorthPark Center is a haven for fashion-forward individuals seeking high-end brands and luxury boutiques.

This upscale mall boasts an impressive collection of designer stores, including Neiman Marcus, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Pro tip : Don’t miss the stunning art installations scattered throughout the mall, combining culture and shopping in a unique way.

Step into the birthplace of the American shopping centre at Highland Park Village. This historic destination offers a mix of luxury boutiques, upscale dining options, and charming outdoor spaces.

From fashion giants like Chanel and Hermès to local gems like Hadleigh’s and Royal Blue Grocery, this is the place to indulge in a sophisticated shopping experience.

Pro tip : Take a break from shopping and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mi Cocina or Café Pacific.

For a unique and local shopping experience, head to the Dallas Farmers Market. This farmers market is a treasure trove of artisanal goods, fresh produce, and specialty foods.

From organic produce to handmade crafts, you’ll find a wide range of items to explore. Suitable for food lovers, home cooks, and those seeking a taste of local flavours.

Pro tip : Visit early in the morning for the freshest produce and a quieter shopping experience.

Nestled in Uptown Dallas, West Village is a trendy shopping district known for its eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and eateries.

From unique fashion finds at Anthropologie and Free People to trendy home decor at West Elm, this lively neighbourhood has something for everyone. Suitable for fashion enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking a vibrant atmosphere.

Pro tip : Check out the local events and sidewalk sales for fabulous deals and a lively shopping experience.

Prepare to be dazzled at Galleria Dallas, a premier shopping destination with over 200 stores and a distinctive ice-skating rink in the centre.

From high-street brands like Zara and H&M to upscale retailers such as Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co., this mall caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Pro tip : Take advantage of the mall’s Shop and Dine packages, offering exclusive discounts and dining vouchers.

From luxury brands to local treasures, these destinations offer an array of choices to satisfy your retail cravings.

So, grab your shopping bags, put on your most comfortable shoes, and immerse yourself in the retail therapy that awaits you in downtown Dallas.

5 Historical Sights To Visit In Downtown Dallas, Texas

In the heart of downtown Dallas, a revival is taking place as historic buildings once again find their place in the bustling cityscape.

From revitalised neighbourhoods to iconic landmarks, the preservation and restoration efforts are breathing new life into the rich history of downtown Dallas.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Idle Rich Lounge stands as a testament to Spanish Revival architecture.

Originally constructed by Desco Tile, this eclectic gem is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique bar experience.

Take a step back in time as you soak in the intricate details and ambiance of this architectural marvel.

Experience the revival of Dallas’ West End Historic District, a thriving urban environment that intertwines the past with the present. Explore the streets lined with historic buildings, now home to trendy shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Suitable for history buffs and urban explorers, this district offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past and promising future.

Witness the transformation of the Dallas County Records Building Complex as it undergoes a renewal project. This unique intersection of historic buildings is being revived to preserve their architectural significance while incorporating modern functionality.

Keep an eye out for updates on this exciting restoration project, which will serve as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

Step into a commercial district that represents the cross-section of Dallas commercial architecture from the 1880s to the 1950s.

Harwood Street, located on the east end of downtown Dallas, is a treasure trove of historical buildings that have been lovingly preserved.

Take a leisurely stroll and admire the architectural diversity that tells the story of Dallas’s growth and evolution.

Immerse yourself in Dallas County history by visiting the iconic Old Red Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored Romanesque Revival courthouse, this museum showcases the city’s past through exhibits and interactive displays.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Clock Tower for panoramic views of downtown Dallas.

As you explore the revival of history in downtown Dallas, keep in mind a few tips: Check the opening and closing hours of each location, as they may vary.

Take advantage of self-guided tours or other historical tours to delve deeper into the stories behind these architectural treasures.

Keep an eye out for special events and exhibitions that celebrate the city’s history and cultural heritage.

Downtown Dallas is undergoing a transformation, breathing new life into its historic buildings and preserving its architectural legacy.

Let the stories of the past inspire and guide you as you uncover the hidden gems of downtown Dallas.

Nightlife in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Whether you’re a die-hard music lover or simply looking for a great night out, downtown Dallas has something for everyone.

So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the rhythm of Dallas’ live music venues.

Step inside the iconic House of Blues Dallas and prepare to be blown away by the electric atmosphere and incredible live performances. This legendary venue features a variety of musical acts, from renowned artists to up-and-coming bands.

Don’t miss their famous Gospel Brunch on Sundays for a unique and soulful experience.

Pro tip : Arrive early to grab a spot close to the stage and make the most of your night.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Balcony Club is a hidden gem that offers an intimate and jazzy atmosphere.

This cosy venue features live music ranging from jazz to blues, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxed evening. Suitable for those seeking a more laid-back and sophisticated night out.

Pro tip : Check their schedule in advance to catch your favourite local jazz artists.

If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned Texas country music, look no further than Adair’s Saloon. This iconic honky-tonk bar has been a staple in the Dallas music scene for decades.

With its rustic charm and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to kick up your boots and dance the night away. Suitable for country music enthusiasts and those looking for an authentic Texas experience.

Pro tip : Arrive early to grab a table close to the stage and enjoy their delicious burgers.

Combining live music, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere, The Rustic is a must-visit destination in downtown Dallas.

This expansive venue features a large outdoor patio where you can enjoy live performances by local and national artists. Suitable for those who appreciate a relaxed and casual setting with a touch of Southern charm.

Pro tip : Check their calendar for special events and themed nights for a unique experience.

Get ready to rock out at Trees, a legendary venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in alternative and rock music.

With its intimate setting, powerful sound system, and energetic crowd, Trees offers an electrifying experience for music enthusiasts. Suitable for rock and alternative music lovers who crave an unforgettable live performance.

Pro tip : Grab a spot near the stage for an up-close and personal experience with your favourite bands.

Downtown Dallas is alive with the sound of music, offering a diverse range of live music venues that cater to every taste.

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a country music fan, or a lover of alternative rock, there’s a spot for you to dance, sing, and connect with the rich musical heritage of the city.

5 Outdoor Adventures in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Looking to escape the urban hustle and bustle of downtown Dallas? Look no further! The city offers a surprising array of outdoor adventures right in the heart of the action. From serene nature escapes to thrilling things to do in downtown dallas, here are some exciting options to satisfy your adventurous spirit.

Experience an oasis in the middle of the city at White Rock Lake. This picturesque destination features a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic trails, rent a paddleboard, or simply relax by the lakeside. Suitable for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil outdoor escape.

Pro tip : Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning sunset views. Admission: Free

Located within the Great Trinity Forest, this park offers thrilling zip lines, aerial obstacle courses, and treetop adventures.

Challenge yourself on various levels of difficulty and soar through the treetops for a unique perspective of downtown Dallas. Suitable for adventure seekers and those looking to conquer their fears.

Pro tip : Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes for maximum mobility. Price: Varies based on activities.

Discover the vibrant green oasis that is Klyde Warren Park, an urban park that seamlessly blends nature and city life.

Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from yoga classes and fitness sessions to live music performances and food truck festivals. Suitable for families, couples, and individuals looking for a lively outdoor experience with a touch of culture.

Pro tip : Check the park’s website for the schedule of events to plan your visit accordingly. Admission: Free

Lace up your running shoes or hop on your bike for an adventure along the Katy Trail. This popular urban trail stretches for 3.5 miles and offers a scenic route through the heart of Dallas.

Enjoy breathtaking views, green spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere as you connect with nature and explore the city on foot or wheels. Suitable for joggers, cyclists, and anyone looking to stay active while enjoying the outdoors .

Pro tip : Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a quieter and more serene experience. Admission: Free

Located just outside downtown Dallas, this 289-acre preserve is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Explore the extensive hiking trails , encounter native wildlife, and learn about the natural history of the region. Suitable for nature enthusiasts, families, and those seeking an educational outdoor experience.

Pro tip : Visit the museum’s website for information on special events and guided nature walks.

Price: Adults USD 12, Children (3-12) USD 9.

Downtown Dallas may be known for its skyscrapers and bustling streets, but it also offers incredible outdoor adventures for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

From tranquil lakeside retreats to exhilarating treetop challenges, these outdoor destinations provide the perfect escape from the city grind.

5 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Looking for some family-friendly fun things to do in downtown Dallas to enjoy? Look no further! The city offers many options that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

From exploring animal habitats to hands-on learning experiences, here are some top picks for family adventures in downtown Dallas.

Embark on an exciting journey to the Dallas Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals across 106 acres of land. Explore the various exhibits and learn about wildlife conservation efforts while immersing yourself in a zoo adventure.

Pro tip : Check out special events such as feeding sessions and educational talks to enhance your visit.

With interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities, this museum offers a captivating experience for all ages. Discover the mysteries of the universe, explore the human body, and engage in mind-boggling experiments.

Pro tip : Plan your visit on weekdays or non-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.

At the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden , wander through trails, observe wetlands, and participate in an educational program that features an understanding of the natural world. Suitable for curious young minds and families seeking outdoor exploration.

Pro tip : Pack a picnic and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings for a relaxed family lunch.

Take flight at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, where you can explore the fascinating world of aviation and space exploration.

Engage with interactive exhibits, sit in cockpits, and learn about the history of flight. Suitable for aviation enthusiasts and families interested in the wonders of the sky.

Pro tip : Check the museum’s website for special events and workshops that provide hands-on experiences.

Let your little ones’ imaginations run wild at Play Street Museum, a unique and interactive play area for children.

Featuring various imaginative play areas, this museum allows kids to explore different professions, engage in creative activities, and build their social and cognitive skills.

Pro tip : Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a quieter and more relaxed playtime.

Downtown Dallas, TX, offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that blend entertainment, education, and adventure.

From encounters with exotic animals to immersions in science and nature, these attractions are sure to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.

So pack your sense of wonder, grab the kids, and embark on a journey of discovery through the heart of downtown Dallas.

Catching a Game or Event in Downtown Dallas

From thrilling games to exciting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a basketball fanatic, or just love the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, downtown Dallas has it all.

So grab your jerseys, rally your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable sports experience right in the heart of the city.

Home to the famous Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is a must-visit destination for football lovers. Just a short distance from downtown Dallas, this iconic stadium offers an immersive game-day experience like no other.

Get ready to cheer on America’s Team as they battle it out on the field. Suitable for football enthusiasts and anyone looking to witness the spectacle of NFL games.

Pro tip : Arrive early to soak up the pre-game excitement and explore the stadium’s impressive amenities.

Basketball and hockey fans, rejoice! The American Airlines Center is where the action happens in downtown Dallas. This state-of-the-art arena hosts the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) and the Dallas Stars (NHL), providing thrilling sporting events throughout the year.

Get your game face on and join the roaring crowd as you support your favourite team. Suitable for basketball and hockey enthusiasts, as well as anyone seeking a high-energy sports experience.

Pro tip : Check the schedule in advance and book tickets early to secure the best seats.

For outdoor sports enthusiasts looking for a more relaxed experience, head to Belo Garden.

This charming urban park located in downtown Dallas is the perfect spot for a friendly game of frisbee, soccer, or a leisurely picnic with friends and family. Kids can run and play on the spacious grassy knoll areas or let their imagination soar on the park’s charming playground.

Pro tip : Bring your own sports equipment, sunscreen, and snacks for a fun-filled day at the park.

Sports fans who love a vibrant and lively atmosphere should visit Texas Live! This entertainment district, located just outside of downtown Dallas, offers an immersive experience for sports lovers.

With multiple big screens, live music, and a variety of restaurants and bars, it’s the perfect place to catch a game with fellow enthusiasts. Suitable for sports lovers looking for a social and energetic environment.

Pro tip : Arrive early to secure a good spot and take advantage of happy hour deals.

Downtown Dallas is a sports lover’s paradise, offering a range of options for fans of all ages and interests.

Whether you’re cheering for the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, catching a Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center, enjoying outdoor activities at Belo Garden, or soaking up the lively atmosphere at Texas Live!, there’s something to suit every sports enthusiast.

4 Other Offbeat Attractions and Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss In Downtown Dallas, Texas

The city is filled with hidden gems and unusual activities that will add a touch of adventure to your travel itinerary. From quirky sculptures to immersive museums, here are some offbeat attractions you can’t miss.

Prepare to be mesmerised by the Eye Sculpture, an intriguing art installation located in downtown Dallas. This giant eyeball, created by artist Tony Tasset, stands at 30 feet tall and captures the attention of passersby. Suitable for art enthusiasts and anyone looking for a unique photo opportunity.

Pro tip : Visit during different times of the day to see how the lighting affects the sculpture.

Step into a world of optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits at the Museum of Illusions in downtown Dallas. Challenge your perception of reality as you explore rooms filled with interactive displays and mind-boggling illusions. Suitable for all ages and perfect for those who enjoy puzzles and visual trickery.

Pro tip : Bring your camera and capture some amazing perspective-defying photos.

Dive into the vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood of Deep Ellum, known for its street art, live music venues, and unique shops. Take a stroll along the streets adorned with colourful murals, catch a live performance at one of the many music venues, or browse through the unique boutiques. Suitable for artsy souls and anyone seeking a lively and alternative atmosphere.

Pro tip : Check the event calendar for live performances and art events happening in the area.

Explore exhibits showcasing vintage consoles, rare collectibles, and interactive installations that allow you to rediscover the magic of gaming. Suitable for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.

Pro tip : Participate in the retro gaming competitions and experience the nostalgia of classic games.

Downtown Dallas is brimming with offbeat attractions and unique experiences that will add a touch of adventure to your visit.

From giant sculptures to mind-bending museums, these hidden gems are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So venture off the beaten path, explore the lesser-known corners of the city, and let downtown Dallas surprise you with its offbeat charm.

From exploring world-class museums, to taking in breathtaking views from iconic landmarks such as Reunion Tower, there’s never a dull moment in this dynamic city.

Dallas, Texas, considered to be one of the best places to visit in the USA , continues to evolve, new attractions emerge, ensuring that there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover.

Whether you’re planning to stroll around museums, looking for the perfect place to practice water sports , immersing yourself in history, or embarking on a culinary journey through downtown’s top restaurants, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting to be enjoyed.

So pack your bags and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime as downtown Dallas promises an unforgettable experience.

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali . Pulling from my own world travel adventures and blogging lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and play MORE!

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Dallas has so many things to do for your next getaway.

From the classics like Reunion Tower and Perot Museum of Nature and Science , to new experiences in must-see spots like Trinity Groves and the Design District . Throughout Dallas, you'll find plenty of ways to fill a one, two, or even three-day trip to Dallas with performances, restaurants, and adventures.

Start planning now! Find out how to get anywhere in town, enjoying the nation's longest light rail system, and the free trolley system, among other things. Check our calendar of events for fun activities happening during your stay. And always take a look at our Dallas Now blog for the latest on new places to explore, the best new restaurants to check out and all the fun stuff happening in the city every season!

Dallas Seasonal Fun

Sunny days galore! Plan ahead for family activities, solo adventures and annual events for your next Dallas getaway, no matter the season.

Dallas - the Official Home of the Frozen Margarita - invites you to explore the Margarita Mile, the city's collection of the most colorful margaritas.

Planning Essentials

Get started on planning your Dallas getaway!

Getting Here & Getting Around

With two major airports providing daily direct flights from 250 destinations, Dallas is four hours by air from almost anywhere in the country. Plus, the robust number of non-stop flights originating in…

Weather & Average Temperatures

Year-round sunny weather in Dallas offers predictably pleasant experiences! Come fall or spring, summer or winter - an outdoor adventure is waiting for you in Dallas no matter when you arrive.

Once the sun sets, there’s no shortage of adventures in Dallas. From live music to cocktails on the rooftops, make sure your Dallas plans include a night out.

Sports & Recreation

Dallas is home to seven professional sports teams including, the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Dallas Jackals, Dallas Wings and FC Dallas. We're also host to several major sporting events like…

Welcome to the official Dallas calendar of events! Thanks to our partners across the city, we’ve included everything happening in town now and in the coming months, including concerts, festivals, fairs, sports…

Travel Accessibility and Inclusion

Dallas is happy to welcome visitors of all abilities. We believe all visitors should explore our city confidently knowing they are welcomed by the local community.

First Time Guides

First Timer’s Guide to the Dallas Museum of Art

The Ultimate Guide to the State Fair of Texas

The First Timer’s Guide to Visiting George W. Bush Library

First Timer’s Guide to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Crow Museum of Asian Art

Selfie Guide

Where to Stay

Dallas has more than 35,000 hotel rooms, ranging from budget and boutique to luxurious, and you'll find one that's perfect for your stay in town, no matter which neighborhood you settle in.

FAQs About Dallas

Contrary to popular belief, we're not all cowboy hats and horses. We're a cosmopolitan city boasting the diverse and distinct neighborhoods and the largest contiguous arts district in the nation. What else is there to know about this great city? Find out with our most frequently asked questions.

Where is Dallas located?

Dallas, Texas is located in North Texas and is the ninth most populated city in the United States.

What's the weather like?

The spring and fall seasons bring great weather to Dallas - expect warm days and some chilly nights. Summer (June - August) brings the warmest days to the area, and 100+ degree days are common. November through February brings mild to cold weather. Snow is not likely, but we get lucky sometimes!

How do I get to Dallas?

Thanks to its central location, getting to Dallas is easy! We have two major airports (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport) and more domestic nonstop flights than any other U.S. city.

Do I need a car to get around Dallas?

While it’s not a requirement, having a car will certainly help. Rideshare programs are available everywhere, and free transportation options like the McKinney Avenue Trolley help get you around the city center. You can also take advantage of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), the city’s bus and light rail service that will transport you all over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

What is Dallas famous for?

Contrary to popular belief, we’re not all Cowboy boots, hats and horses. We’re the city where Texan meets modern and legacy meets luxury - and we like to say it’s the most Texas city in Texas. It’s also the birthplace of the frozen margarita machine, so the Margarita Mile, a colorful collection of the city’s best margaritas, is a must during your visit.

What should I see and do in Dallas?

You can do it all in Dallas. From world class arts and cultural experiences to spectacular dining - there’s something for everyone. Take advantage of the Dallas CityPASS to visit must-see attractions or wander on your own into our best neighborhoods.

What sort of events does Dallas host?

The big ones include the State Fair of Texas in the fall, Dallas Pride in June, and various cultural festivities throughout the year. Of course, many people visit each year for Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys games - some of the biggest events Dallas hosts each year! Check out our list of annual events for more ideas.

What kind of food is there in Dallas?

Taste the unique culture of Dallas firsthand, with incredible dining options spread throughout the city. Sample the finest in chef-driven cuisine - from internationally-inspired dishes like Laotian boat noodles, ceviche and sashimi, to Texan mainstays like tacos, steak and barbecue. No matter your tastes, or your budget, there's an unforgettable meal waiting for you in Dallas.

Is Downtown Dallas walkable?

Yes! You can easily explore Downtown Dallas’ restaurants, museums and parks on foot. You can also rent bikes or scooters to get around, or jump on a Segway for a guided tour!

What can I do in Dallas for free?

There’s plenty to do when you’re on a budget! Check out our events calendar for free activities, and check out our collection of guides to free things to see and do in Dallas.

Is Dallas a good city for a solo trip?

Absolutely. That Texas hospitality will welcome you right in and make you feel at home. Check out our list of solo activities, as well as this list of restaurants best suited for a solo meal in the city.

Where is the best place to stay in Dallas?

There’s no wrong answer here, but we’ll give it a shot: most hotels are in the Downtown area, and that’s a good fit for those without their own transportation so you can easily get to your next stop. If you have a car and want a more budget-friendly option, hotels in the North Dallas area near NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas are fantastic options - and you’re closer to some great shopping options too!

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Dallas?

You can’t visit Dallas without spending at least a few hours in Deep Ellum. It’s one of the city’s oldest and historic neighborhoods and is the bedrock for the area’s live music scene. Today, the neighborhood is full of bars and restaurants, live music venues and plenty of other activities. Uptown and Downtown are both extremely walkable and are great family-friendly options. Get to know other neighborhoods like Lower Greenville, Oak Lawn and the Bishop Arts District for a distinctively local vibe. Check out our neighborhoods list for more ideas!

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• 15 Places to Eat the Finest Fried Chicken in Dallas
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The 38 Essential Dallas Restaurants, Spring 2024

Simply the best restaurants in the Metroplex

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The Dallas-Fort Worth is a sprawling Metroplex of 9,286 square miles. And in that land mass, there are a lot of great restaurants. This list aims to guide visitors and locals alike to great new locations, up-and-coming eateries, and established restaurants at the top of the food game, all at various price points and featuring the numerous cuisines that shine in DFW.

Eater Dallas’s list of the 38 Essential Restaurants in fair North Texas is updated quarterly. This spring’s update includes our new favorite the Saint, the James Beard nominated chef at Petra and the Beast, longtime local favorite Royal China, new local favorite Via Triozzi, Slow Bone BBQ, Green Point Seafood and Oyster Bar, lunch at Fond, a Texas experience at the Ranch, and a Fort Worth seafood spot that knocked us out.

Check out the Eater Dallas Heatmap for the newest restaurant openings any given month.

For all the latest Dallas dining intel, subscribe to Eater Dallas’ newsletter.

Harvest at the Masonic

Harvest has been a favorite on the Square in McKinney for quite some time, and has been a leader in the Metroplex for serving hyper local food from North Texas farmers. It moved to a new, bigger location that is a must-visit. Owner Rick Wells oversaw the renovation of a former Masonic Lodge and created a three-floor experience at Harvest that must be enjoyed to be believed.

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14 Essential McKinney Restaurants

The Heritage Table

If sustainability in food is important to you, then owner and chef Rich Vana’s menu is one that must be experienced. Order the Whole Beast, a dish he created to move towards a minimal waste kitchen. It incorporates leftover pieces of proteins, noodles, and produce to make sure every part of the animal gets used, along with as much of everything else that works.

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Ari Korean BBQ

The fun of Korean barbecue is all in cooking it yourself. But the craft of it is in the meat the restaurant uses. Ari Korean BBQ has locations in Carrollton and Plano, both worth traveling to eat at, and has some of the best cuts around. Try the bulgogi, marinated short rib, and thin-sliced prime brisket. And in Carrollton, there’s a new upstairs lounge with cocktails and DJs.

14 Essential Carrollton Restaurants

Kirin Court

If dim sum is what you crave, Kirin Court is the classic go-to for DFW. Get the full experience here, with banquet-sized tables, push carts of dim sum, and white tablecloths. Go for the all-you-can-eat style grab a basket dim sum or order from the lunch and dinner menus for entrees. It’s a blast.

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Partenope Ristorante

Looking for N eapolitan-style pizza in Dallas? This is option No. 1, at it’s new location in Richardson or in Downtown. Its hearty, it folds, and its topped with some of the best Italian ingredients. It’s also an excellent spot for Italian dishes, from amazing meatballs to fettuccine alla bolognese that will spoil you for other bolognese sauces.

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Roots Southern Table

At chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant, prepare to be tempted by the cast iron cornbread and pimento cheese toast, staples in any Southern kitchen. Then, dive into some inventive main courses, including jerk swordfish, a lamb curry named for her mentor Bobby Flay, and grilled hen of the woods mushroom. And the duck fat fried chicken and gumbo are longtime signature dishes that are great items to start with.

The Best Dishes Eater Dallas Ate in 2022, Mapped

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Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

Just inside the loop on Greenville Avenue is a family-style Ethiopian restaurant. Head in for traditional dishes including tibs (beef or lamb cooked with sauteed vegetables), doro wot (chicken legs in berbere hot sauce), and firfir (injera — an Ethiopian flatbread — in tomato sauce).

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Royal China

Dumplings, egg foo young, dry stirred beef, and a host of Chinese restaurant favorites are beloved dishes at this north Dallas restaurant, which celebrates it’s 50th anniversary this year. Owners George and April Kao are the second generation to run it, and it remains a local favorite — even after all these years.

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The Ranch at Las Colinas

This restaurant in the northern ‘burbs is celebrating it’s 15th anniversary and if you’re looking for somewhere with a strong Texas vibe to try, it is the move. It’s packed in this joint at all times, and the menu has a whole lot of everything but don’t miss the Gulf Coast ceviche, chicken fried steak, or the double cut pork chop for which it’s known.

There are few dining experiences in Dallas as beautiful as the one at Jose. The unique facade, the indoor/outdoor patio, and the light in the dining room paired with rich color palette of Mexican-style decor are all eye-catching. The menu absolutely rivals the setting. Featuring Jalisco-style cuisine, diners can enjoy an array of tacos, seafood dishes, and enchiladas with a cocktail menu that is not just “The Usual.”

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Green Point Seafood and Oyster Bar

Looking for a little bit of the North East in Dallas? This spot absolutely nails the drop-in for an excellent oyster and seafood raw bar, fun cocktails, and sharable bites. It’s also got excellent seafood lunch and dinner options — for those who are always looking for a new seafood spot, pop by.

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Georgie has undergone a shift in direction this year, following the departure of Curtis Stone. It got a new chef, RJ Yoakum, who came to Dallas from a position at the French Laundry under Thomas Keller. And the restaurant’s menu has transitioned from steakhouse to what is best described as incredible American cuisine. Of late, Yoakum’s style seems to veer towards taking the idea of a dish, deconstructing it, and creating all the elements in a new style that is evocative of the flavors while boggling the mind with unusual textures and construction. Want to know what that means? Go in and order the French onion soup.

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Gemma Restaurant

If it’s been a minute since you were in Gemma, it’s time to go back. The dining room has had a style overhaul, turning it into a dark and sexy neighborhood bistro with European vibes. The menu has changed too, and now touts an entire section devoted to proteins paired with frites, an incredibly juicy chicken breast, a butcher’s corner of huge cuts of beef and pork, and an assortment of remarkable pasta dishes.

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Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen

Soups with rich broth and delicious noodles. Shaking tofu rice. Rice paper rolls. Vietnamese coffee. Sangria with a kick of Hennessey. These are a few delights waiting in Nong Vietnamese Kitchen on Lowest Greenville. Owner Carol Nguyen named the place for her mother and intends to introduce Dallasites to the best of Vietnam. 

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Petra and the Beast

Yes, chef and owner Misti Norris is a James Beard nominee this year and that’s a good reason to visit. But this spot is also one of the great food adventure restaurant in Texas, and that’s an even better reason to visit. Norris continues to do her thing, smoking and pickling and generally getting creative with presentation, ingredients, and flavor profiles. Go in with an open mind and enjoy.

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Via triozzi.

When it opened last year, Via Triozzi quickly became arguably the best Italian food restaurant in Dallas. The must-try menu item is the lasagne el forno, with layers on layers on layers of noodles, bolognese, and cheese. And if it’s a splurge-y moment, order the bisstecca alla Fiorentina — a Florentine-breed of cow served in traditional style.

Chef Peja Krstic has one of the most interesting culinary minds in Dallas. His Lakewood restaurant serves French-Vietnamese fusion, ostensibly, with some dishes that are more obviously one of the other, but even that fusion feels like a limited way to describe the dishes. It also features a heavy Texan influence and features a good amount of seafood from the Northeast. Even the dining room is something between an intimate French bistro (by way of New Orleans) and a homey, family-owned restaurant. It’s Krstic and his particular version of coloring outside the lines more than it’s any one thing.

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Street's Fine Chicken

Fine fried chicken is quite the find to make. Street’s chicken is brined for 24-hours and fried to a golden crisp. the biscuits with honey butter are a must to add-on, and among its sides the collard greens combine savory broth and a vinegar tang, and the brie mac and cheese is baked with a nice crisp layer of cheese on top while it’s melty, and cheesy, inside.

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Namo in the West Village sources most of its products from Japan, encompassing sushi, sake, and whiskies — and they’re excellent. But the warm vibes of the tiny sushi bar inside make it memorable. It feels unpretentious and cozy and is built in a way that guarantees the crowds are small (it holds 12) and that eating is a shared experience. Drop by for its special events, including a monthly omakase service. 

12 Stellar Sushi Restaurants Around DFW

Slow Bone BBQ

Smoked turkey has become a thing in barbecue, and this spot serves some of the best in town. No need to stop there, though. It has top notch brisket, sausages, and pork ribs. This isn’t a spot that gets overhyped and you might not even have to wait in line to get a plate. It’s for the real ones who know.

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Kalachandji's

This spot is the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in Dallas, going strong since 1982, and among the best Indian food in the city. Food is served buffet style and the prices are very reasonable, at just shy of $15 for lunch and $18 for dinner. Feast on black-eyed pea curry, mixed vegetable sabzi in a gravy loaded with spices, or pakora (fried vegetable fritters).

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Stillwell's

Folks come to Dallas expecting to eat great steak. One of the city’s new steakhouses, Stillwell’s in the Hotel Swexan, is that great steak. It serves cuts from the in-house, proprietary Harwood Beef program , which are remarkable. It has one of the city’s most extensive wine lists. And it’s a tiny, luxurious room — which lends the experience of eating there an air of quiet luxury.

The Peak Inn

Looking for the perfect burger? It’s at the Peak Inn in East Dallas. This dive bar grinds its meat in house and serves up the actual platonic ideal of a burger. It’s so good you’ll cry, guaranteed. Best consumed with a beer or a whiskey, water back.

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El Carlos Elegante

This Mexican fine dining spot draws inspiration from Indigenous cultures, Mexico City street foods, and the family recipes of its kitchen staff, who hail from all over Mexico. Pro-tip: tell the server your budget and if you have any preferences, and let them curate your plates and drinks. They’re well-trained and fully capable.

Billy Can Can

If you’re looking for a taste of Dallas, it’s hard to hit the mark better than this Victory Park spot. It’s fine dining in a saloon environment and a menu loaded with wild game. No need to dress up fancy, but you can if you like. The menu will be packed with seasonal dishes that start with the idea of a traditional Southern dish but have the flair of culinary brilliance. The assorted deviled eggs, a half dozen in different styles, and Texas venison tartare are must-orders — and that’s just from the appetizers menu. It only gets better from there. 

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Tatsu Dallas

Chef Tatsu is a master of simple treatments of nigiri that highlight both the quality of the fish (almost everything he serves is flown in from Japan) and his culinary skill as a sushi chef. The small dining room at this restaurant makes it challenging to land a reservation, but it’s worth the effort. And worth the price tag to enjoy an  omakase service  here.

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This restaurant went from not on our radar at all to the spot we love to go for oyster happy hour (daily from 5 to 6 p.m. with $1.50 Murder Point oysters and $10 cocktails) on the regular. It’s a fun hang. It’s also a solid menu — order the gorganzola tortellini, confit duck leg piccata, or the Texas redfish, or go for any of the numerous steaks.

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AllGood Cafe

Visit a piece of Deep Ellum history and see some live music while you’re at it. Dallasites of a certain age know that not only is this a great spot to get a chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, but it’s home to a wonderful community that’s seen the neighborhood, and the local music scene, through 20 years of history.

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Revolver Taco Lounge

Revolver has expanded its offerings with a gastro taco lounge next to the Deep Ellum taqueria. But the wonderful tacos here haven’t changed a bit. Stop in for fresh-made wagyu steak, duck breast, and whatever tacos the Rojas family cooks on any given day. And the Sunday brunch served buffet style is not to be missed.

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Looking for lunch near Downtown? It’s hard to beat Fond — the Tower Club is a five star sandwich, and if you can indulge in a glass of $7 lunch wine, you’ll be offered a few options from the restaurant’s natural wine selection. It also does a mean aperativo service (a twist on happy hour) from 4 to 8 p.m. during the week and 9 on Fridays.

Starship Bagel

The lines are often long, but the wait is worth it. A morning (or mid-morning or lunch) bagel from the Starship stand downtown will perk up any day. Don’t expect to get eggs and bacon or any other breakfast style bagel, however — it’s strictly lox, veggies, and schmear for these purists. With the wide array of flavors, of both bagels and schmear, it’ll take ages before any bagel lover worth their salt (bagel) will even miss ‘em.

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Crown Block

Crown Block took up residence in  Reunion Tower  in April of this year, sliding into an iconic space that Dallasites and folks visiting this town have frequented for special events and great views since it opened in 1978. It is led by James Beard Award nominees Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla, featuring  steak and seafood  with one of the city’s top raw bars. Don’t miss out on ordering Society Cake for dinner, a signature dish loaded with rich layers of chocolate. It has added a splashy brunch service as well, that is part extravagant buffet and part table service.

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Restaurant Beatrice

Eater Dallas’s best restaurant for 2022 was also one of the best new restaurant  finalists in the James Beard Awards for 2023. Go there for shrimp and grits, fried chicken, vegan gumbo — all the Cajun staples. In a kitchen helmed by Michelle Carpenter of Zen Sushi and chef Terance Jenkins, who worked in New Orleans kitchens including Commander’s Palace, Louisiana favorites are a step above newspaper-on-the-table casual but never stuffy. 

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Taco Y Vino

On the outskirts of Bishop Arts lies Taco Y Vino, a spot for clever tacos, Mexican-inspired dishes, and a great deal. The chile relleno taco and the tuna crudo tostada will impress. But it’s hard to do better than the deal of the century: six tacos with proteins of the diner’s choice and a bottle of wine for $40.

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To believe in the raves that Lucia consistently gets is to eat there, and this year the  James Beard Awards took notice  and put it in the finalists for Best Restaurant. The cozy atmosphere, the personable staff, and most significantly, the inventive twists on Italian food, which are not too far from the original but just different enough to make it an experience, are worth putting your name on the reservations waitlist to experience. 

Written by the Seasons

Bishop Arts has quickly become a favorite neighborhood for Dallasites to explore, and Written by the Seasons is one of the best people-watching restaurants in the area. This spring and summer, take advantage of its menu of sharable bite-sized dishes, an impeccable wine list, and as many cocktails as you can handle while watching the crowds amble by in the indoor/outdoor dining area that’s set back from Davis Street.

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Pacific Table

At it’s locations in Fort Worth and Las Colinas, this Far Out Hospitality Group spot serves up excellent seafood. Classic dishes, such as trout almondine and miso salmon sit next to an array of sushi rolls and American plates including roast chicken and braised short ribs. It’s all fresh, good, and such a treat.

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Smoke'N Ash BBQ

This Ethiopian smokehouse has been racking up accolades, from Texas Monthly to the New York Times, as a great fusion. Since it opened in 2018, owners Patrick and Fasicka Hicks have really hit a groove by incorporating traditional Ethiopian dishes into traditional Texas barbecue. The Tex-Ethiopian options include a huge platter with injera, injera nachos, awaze meats, and firfir migas.

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

When to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Dallas

T he moon will begin to darken the sun in Dallas starting at 1:40 p.m. and hit its peak at 1:42 p.m. Since Dallas is the largest city in the eclipse’s path, folks are flocking there to witness the show. For a real Dallas experience, head to Southfork Ranch, where the Ewings lived on the television series Dallas . The ranch will be hosting an “eclipse and sip” shindig where folks can sit on the storied grounds, buy lunch and cocktails, and enjoy the open skies. The Dallas Museum of Art will be open and visitors will have a chance to check out works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Salvador Dali, and others in its permanent collection for free. Come eclipse time, folks can head to the museum’s outdoor patio to see nature’s own art show.

Families may prefer a visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , where scientists will be on hand to answer questions. Exhibitions from the NHL’s Dallas Stars and FC Dallas, live music, and activities are sure to keep everyone entertained. Visitors to the Dallas Zoo can find out how hippos, gorillas, goats, and more react to the eclipse.

Those wanting to head out of town should aim for Mesquite, which is hosting a free street and dance party with a solar roller disco and a claim to having the longest totality in Texas, clocking in at four minutes and eight seconds.

Note: The times in this simulation might differ from other sources of eclipse data by a minute or two. The discrepancy is most likely a small difference in the precise location of the calculation or a slightly different way of accounting for the time it takes the speed of light to travel from the sun to the Earth. Read more about our interactive here .

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Write to Chris Wilson at [email protected]

The total solar eclipse is Monday: Here's everything to know, including time, path, safety

On Monday, a total solar eclipse will cross North America – a phenomenon that has not taken place in the United States in seven years, and astronomers say will not take place again in the U.S. for another two decades.

Millions will likely gaze into the sky on April 8 for the rare experience to witness three celestial spheres − the sun, moon and Earth − line up partially or fully depending on where you are viewing it.

What time will the total solar eclipse begin? What path will it take across the nation? How do I safely watch it without damaging my eyes?

Here's a list of important things you should know about Monday's potential once-in-a-lifetime event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears as the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk from Earth, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," whereby observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere known as the corona, confuses animals – causing nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent.

A recent study even found that clouds activity is altered by eclipses as shallow cumulus clouds were observed vanishing when the moon obscured the sun.

A driving no no during the eclipse: The one thing you'll want to do is the only thing not to do while driving during solar eclipse

What states are on the path of totality?

The total solar eclipse will chart a 115-mile-wide path of totality across portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

In the U.S. alone, hundreds of cities and smaller towns in 13 states  lie along the path . An estimated 31 million Americans already live on the path, while millions more tourists are already making travel plans – sure to snarl traffic – to catch a glimpse of what is sure to be a spectacular sight, according to eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

Additionally, small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also expected to experience the eclipse,  NASA says .

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality in the United States (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

What time is the solar eclipse?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow travels northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas. From there, the path will cut diagonally across the country before ending its time in the U.S. around 3:35 p.m. EDT in Lee, Maine, and entering Canada's maritime provinces, according to  nationaleclipse.com .

Decoding the sky: A definitive solar eclipse guide for kids (adults also welcome)

How long will the total solar eclipse last?

Along the way, periods of darkness could last a mere few seconds or, in some cities, could surpass four minutes.

If you want to see the time and duration for when totality would occur near you, enter your zip code below to find out. You can also search for specifics on your location using this interactive map .

How to safely view the solar eclipse

Unlike partial solar eclipses, a total eclipse offers spectators a unique opportunity to gaze upon it with the naked eye, but only when the moon completely blocks out the sun and darkness falls – referred to as totality.

While you're unlikely to go blind , gazing directly at the sun's rays can do some serious damage to your retinas. So until the moment that totality occurs,  proper safety eyewear  is still a must, according to  NASA .

While some welding goggles may work, the best option for eclipse viewing remains certified eyewear, which is held to an international safety standard and is 100,000 times darker than most sunglasses to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light.

Solar eclipse glasses are readily available from plenty of vendors across the internet, but if you want to save some cash, there's a good chance your local library or another public institution is giving them away for free.

Just watch out for cheap imitations. To make it easy while you're shopping online, the American Astronomical Society maintains  a curated list of approved vendors .

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up as well.

When was the last solar eclipse?

The last solar eclipse took place on Aug. 21, 2017 . In October, skygazers were delighted by a rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse , where the moon slides in front of the sun but doesn't totally obscure it, creating a halo effect.

When is the next total solar eclipse after 2024?

Whether you live on the path of totality or need to find the nearest city that will be enveloped in daytime darkness, one thing is for sure: Now is the time to make your plans to see it.

For North America,  the next total solar eclipse  won't be until Aug. 23, 2044,  according to NASA .

Unfortunately, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy, says that during the 2044 eclipse, the path of totality will only touch three states.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Contributing: Gabe Hauari

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund. Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

• The Woodlands

"The Idea of You" starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine is showing at Dallas International Film Festival.

Written and directed by Viggo Mortensen, "The Dead Don't Hurt" is a Western drama set in the 1860s.

"Sing Sing" is the Closing Night film of this year's Dallas International Film Festival.

5 Must-See Movies at The 2024 Dallas International Film Festival

Star-studded narrative and documentary films.

T aking place from April 25 through May 2, the 18th annual Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) returns to Violent Crown Cinema in West Village for its 17th year. Over eight days, film lovers can catch some of the best narrative, documentary, and short films from across the globe without having to jet off to Sundance or Telluride. Past festivals have included early screenings of notable films like Dallas Buyers Club, The Hurt Locker , Eighth Grade , and  The Kings of Summer .

This year, there will be screenings of more than 100 films, Q&A sessions/panels with filmmakers and actors, nightly red carpets, and special events. A few opening weekend screenings will also take place at Majestic Theater and Texas Theatre.

Ahead, we highlight some of the films we’re most looking forward to at the festival . From a documentary about the biggest sports comedy group in the world to Anne Hathaway’s latest romantic comedy, these are five must-see films at the Dallas International Film Festival 2024.

Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot

Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 pm at Majestic Theater

The Opening Night film of the Dallas International Film Festival, this documentary follows six young men from Texas A&M University who formed a sports comedy group, Dude Perfect, in 2009 — right when YouTube took off. After more than a decade, Ty, Cory, Coby, Garrett, and Cody have reached a level of fame they couldn’t have imagined. The group attempts to set the world record for the highest basketball shot more than 800 feet over the Las Vegas strip.

Friday, April 26 at 6:45 pm at Violet Crown

Outdoor Dining with Bering's

Featuring a star-studded cast including Robert Di Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, and more, this film follows a stand-up comedian living (Max) with his father while struggling to co-parent his autistic son, Ezra, with his ex-wife. Max and Ezra must embark on a cross-country road trip that impacts both of their lives.

The Dead Don’t Hurt

Saturday, April 27 at 4:30 pm at Violet Crown

Written and directed by Viggo Mortensen, this Western drama follows an independent French-Canadian woman (played by Vicky Krieps) as she embarks on a journey with Danish immigrant Holger Olsen (Mortensen). The two attempt to create a life together in a small town in Nevada during the 1860s until Olsen decides to fight for the Union when the Civil War breaks out. When he returns from the war, the couple must confront the new people that each of them has become.

The Idea of You

Saturday, April 27 at 7 pm at Violet Crown

This highly anticipated rom-com stars Anne Hathaway as a 40-year-old single mother who begins a romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (played by Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of the hottest boy band in the world. Based on the 2017 book of the same name by Robinne Lee, the film chronicles the love affair between the unexpected couple.

Scheduled to be released on Amazon Prime Video on May 2, you can see it at Dallas International Film Festival first.

Thursday, May 2 at 7 pm and 9:30 pm at Violet Crown

The Closing Night film of the festival, this drama stars Colman Domingo (nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role this year for  Rustin ), as a man incarcerated at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit. Based on The Sing Sing Follies  by John H. Richardson and  Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code by Brent Buell, the film follows Divine G (Domingo) as he tries to find purpose in his time by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men.

You can find the entire schedule for the Dallas International Film Festival 2024 here .

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Dallas Cowboys 'Secret' 30 Visit with 6-8, 350-Pound Canadian Lineman: 'Freak' in The Draft

University of British Columbia offensive lineman Giovanni Manu could be an under-the-radar option for the Dallas Cowboys.

• Author: Jon Alfano

In this story:

The NFL Draft may be less than three weeks away, but there are still some under-the-radar prospects looking to make a name for themselves.

Enter Giovanni Manu, a 6-8, 352-pound little-known offensive lineman from the University of British Columbia who has managed to turn some heads during the pre-draft process. According to 3 Down Nation , 16 of 32 NFL teams reportedly attended Manu's pro day on March 29, and seven of them have scheduled visits with him.

The Dallas Cowboys got in front of the pack with a 30 Visit to The Star, though, as they were the first of those teams to have a visit with Manu, as our colleague Jordan Schultz is first to note ... and one can see why maybe the Cowboys will want to keep on Manu as the draft approaches.

"Here’s a fun one: The best kept secret in the NFL Draft is Tongan OT Giovanni Manu, who checks in at a freakish 6.073, 352lbs. Manu ran 4.96 at his Pro Day, which featured half the league in attendance. He also verted [vertical jump] 33.5 inches," Schultz wrote on X .

Even though other teams have visits with Manu lined up, the Cowboys being first should give them an advantage over the competition. Additionally, the Cowboys place heavy emphasis on their top-30 visits, which shows how much Manu has caught their eye.

It's also worth noting that the Cowboys have the only active NFL player from UBC, that being offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley.

Here’s a fun one: The best kept secret in the NFL Draft is Tongan OT Giovanni Manu, who checks in at a freakish 6.073, 352lbs. Manu ran 4.96 at his Pro Day, which featured half the league in attendance. He also verted 33.5 inches. Manu just concluded his first 30 visit, with… pic.twitter.com/cnVzwD35F5 — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2024

Over his five years with the Thunderbirds, Manu put together quite the prolific career. He earned All-Canadian honors in each of his last two seasons while playing both left tackle and left guard.

The Tongan-born tackle is aiming to become the first player in U Sports football, the highest amateur level of amateur Canadian football, to be drafted since 2016. Two players, Deane Leonard and Tavius Robinson, played U Sports football, but both players transferred to Ole Miss before entering the draft.

The interst in Manu suggests that he could break that drought, and if the Cowboys are lucky and proactive enough, perhaps he could suit up for them down the line.

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