dallas skyline tour

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Skyline360 Tours

Come explore the dallas skyline in a brief survey tour..

Offered at both Klyde Warren Park and Main Street Garden, this brief “standing” tour gives participants a brief overview of the Dallas skyline and its iconic architecture.  In approximately 25 minutes, you’ll learn about the buildings that have made up Dallas’ architectural heritage for the last century.

Skyline360 Tours are free to the public; no registration is needed.

For a full schedule of our Skyline360 Tours, visit our calendar page .

The Skykine 360 Tour is not currently available. Check back soon for updates for when it will return!

Explore the dallas skyline., upcoming skyline360 tours.

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Dallas Architecture Tour

Steep yourself in great design spanning throughout the ages as you explore Dallas' collection of architecturally significant venues.

From newer marvels like the Perot Museum to Dallas skyline icons like Reunion Tower, the magnificent builds will keep you looking up for hours. And with several of these stops on the Dallas CityPASS admission program, your adventure got that much easier.

1 Breakfast at Yolk

Stop in Yolk for the most important meal of the day. Yolk offers a fresh approach to your breakfast experience from traditional comfort foods to innovative dishes, you won't leave here hungry. Start with the corned beef hash and eggs or the chicken and waffles. Either will leave you with plenty of energy to take in the Dallas Arts District , located just steps away.

2 Walking Among (Architectural) Giants

After breakfast, head over to the Dallas Arts District , 19 contiguous city blocks of ingenious design, bold color and soaring views. You're walking among impressive museums and unparalleled performing arts venues created by architecture masters, including I.M. Pei, Renzo Piano, Sir Norman Foster and Rem Koolhaas. Dive deep into details of these architectural marvels dating from the 1890s to present day with a 90-minute, docent-led tour by the Dallas Center for Architecture .

3 Lunch at Nasher Cafe by Wolfgang Puck

Stop for lunch at the elegant Nasher Café before finishing up the afternoon. Enjoy seasonal sandwiches and salads on the outdoor patio, then walk it off as you explore the Nasher Sculpture Center .

4 An Afternoon of Culture

Combine art with architecture at the Renzo Piano-designed Nasher Sculpture Center . The center houses one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. Step into the outdoor garden, filled with iconic pieces by internationally acclaimed artists including Alexander Calder, Picasso and Henry Moore. Continue to the boldly designed Perot Museum of Nature and Science , designed by Pritzker Laureate Thom Mayne, where you can access the galleries via the 150-foot glass-enclosed escalator jutting dramatically from the side of the building.

5 Dinner at Sloane’s Corner

Located inside the redeveloped Trammell Crow Center, Sloane's Corner is the perfect treat for dinner and cocktails. The restaurant is a New American bistro with international influences, serving a variety of dishes that are all made from scratch daily.

6 A Stroll After Dinner

Continue to enjoy the fresh air and the marvel of design and urban planning as you explore the Klyde Warren Park. The lush green space has changed the face of the city, creating a grass-carpeted community living room complete with a dog park, playground and venues for live music and yoga, all built over a busy interstate.

1 Breakfast at Garden Cafe

Rise and shine and indulge in a homemade breakfast made completely from scratch with fresh ingredients from the on-site garden at East Dallas favorite Garden Cafe. The cozy breakfast spot has a beautiful outdoor patio - take a seat there before heading out for an adventurous day.

2 Art Deco Adventure

Head over to Fair Park where you'll find the world's largest collection of Art Deco buildings, in addition to terrific examples of Modernism and Mid-Century Modern design. This was the site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition and continues to host the annual State Fair of Texas . Download a self-guided tour on your smartphone for highlights on more than 60 significant spots around the park.

3 See a Moment in History

Stand on the infamous grassy knoll before visiting the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Walk through the museum using the audio tour to experience the life, assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy through thoughtful exhibits and artifacts. After the museum, walk one block to the John F. Kennedy memorial, a simple and serene 50-foot square enclosure designed by famed American architect Philip Johnson.

1 Brunch at Ellen’s Southern Kitchen

Stop for brunch at Ellen's Southern Kitchen for some comfort classics. This stylish, southern diner has a homey feel which is the perfect setting to relax and get your grub on.

2 Afternoon Stroll

Cross the Trinity River on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, designed by internationally acclaimed architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava . The bridge's iconic arch – as much art as architecture – soars 400 feet and provides a gateway to West Dallas. This was Calatrava's first vehicular bridge in the U.S., and you can already see a second under construction. The 350-foot-high Margaret McDermott Bridge includes separate pedestrian and bike lanes.

3 Design Meets Science

It's a short drive to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, designed by Pritzker Laureate Thom Mayne, where you can access the galleries via the 150-foot glass-enclosed escalator jutting dramatically from the side of the building. Dine on quick classics at the Museum's café so you don't have to miss any time exploring. The Perot is one of five local attractions on the Dallas CityPASS.

4 Climb to the Top

Cap off your architecture tour with a visit to the GeO-Deck (another Dallas CityPASS attraction) at Reunion Tower . Nicknamed "The Ball," the sphere-topped tower is one of Dallas' most iconic structures, featured in the opening credits of the hit 1970s TV show Dallas.

Need a Ride?

Check the schedule for Dallas’ light rail system DART and the free M-Line Trolley for convenient rides through the Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.

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VIP Dallas Skyline Helicopter Tour

Allow us to roll out the red carpet. Let the beautiful Dallas skyline and Fair Park, home of the Cotton Bowl and the Texas Stair Fair, mesmerize you as you pause mid-air for the perfect photo opportunity. Prices start per couple with the options to add passengers. Total experience approx. 30 minutes, flight time 16 - 18 minutes.

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As it is affectionately known by locals, “The Ball” has been a staple of the Dallas skyline since 1978. It’s 259 exterior LED lights can be seen for miles, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. From 470 feet up you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views a free digital photo and an indoor/outdoor observation deck that lets you see for miles in any direction. Day or night, make the iconic Reunion Tower a must-see in Dallas.

ABOUT REUNION TOWER

Our history.

As it is affectionately known by locals, “The Ball” has been a staple of the Dallas skyline since 1978. It’s 259 exterior LED lights can be seen for miles, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. From 470 feet up you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, a free digital photo and an indoor/outdoor observation deck that lets you see for miles in any direction. Day or night, make the iconic Reunion Tower a must-see in Dallas.

WE ARE A PROUD MEMBER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF GREAT TOWERS

The World Federation of Great Towers (WFGT) is an international association of great monuments that includes some of the most famous buildings in the world. Each tower featured in the World Federation of Great Towers is a notable tourism attraction, has an observation deck and possesses unique attributes such as height, historical significance or other special features. Reunion Tower is proud to be a member of WFGT. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

An accessible icon.

Reunion Tower is fully and proudly ADA-compliant.

• Our entrance located at 300 Reunion Blvd. is handicap-accessible
• Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted
• A ramp to access the outer observation deck has beem implemented to make wheelchair use easier
• We have handicap-accessible restrooms on the GeO-Deck level
• Service dogs are allowed throughout the building

It is the policy of Reunion Tower Operations Company, LLC to provide an environment for everyone that is free from discrimination and harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, color, disability, age, pregnancy, child birth or any related condition, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Reunion Tower will comply with and strictly enforce federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race religion, color, disability, age, pregnancy, child birth or any related condition, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other unlawful basis. Associates who, by act or omission, discriminate against or harass anyone based upon such classification shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

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Arts & Entertainment

10 great spots to catch a view of the Dallas skyline

By Entertainment Staff

1:00 PM on May 22, 2014 CDT

It's a given that we have one of the most gorgeous skylines in Texas -- take that, Houston! -- if not the entire country. It's especially festive at night, what with the spectacular LED light shows on the side of the Omni Hotel; the changing colors of the ball atop Reunion Tower; the Jolly Green Giant, a.k.a. Bank of America building, outlined in bright colors (it's not always green anymore, which somehow seems wrong, but we're working to overcome the shock); and, of course, our beloved bright-red Pegasus. Our skyline is pretty awesome during daylight hours, too, and if you can catch it right before or after a storm with rolling black clouds overhead, it's dramatically moody.

Here's a primer on some of the best places to appreciate our postcard-perfect skyline and maybe get some Facebook- or frame-worthy pics. These are in alphabetical order; I love them all.

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Dallas Heritage Village

The 20-acre site of Dallas' first city park boasts a lovely collection of 38 vintage buildings (houses, stores, a blacksmith shop and more), feisty farm animals and other elements depicting the lives of Dallas' early settlers. From the village, you can get a terrific "double skyline" view, with both 19th-century structures and some of downtown's current dazzlers.

The jewel of South Dallas, this 277-acre urban park is renowned for its stunning collection of art deco buildings, and also features some great downtown vistas. On the second floor of the African American Museum (free admission) is a window that offers a great peek at downtown; you can also get a beautiful night look from the top of the lawn area at Gexa Energy Pavilion during concerts. During the State Fair, you can get breathtaking photos from the 500-foot-tall Top o' Texas Tower and the 212-foot-tall Texas Star Ferris wheel rides. The main vehicle entrance is at Grand and First avenues; the main pedestrian entrance is the DART Fair Park station (also great to get there via public transportation).

Klyde Warren Park

Our city's most unusual park, perched atop a busy freeway, gives you a 360-degree view of downtown's northern edge and also the good-looking buildings of Uptown. The Dallas Center for Architecture even offers free Skyline 360 tours at the park, where you basically stand in one place and make a circle as a guide talks about the fabulous architecture all around you (some of it as much as 100 years old): the Dallas Museum of Art, the Winspear Opera House, the Federal Reserve Bank and many other buildings.

Lake Cliff Park

This 44.5-acre park in north Oak Cliff, established in 1914, is usually uncrowded, so it's a perfect place to take your lunch, your dog, your toddler or just yourself and a camera to enjoy both the bucolic green surroundings and the exceptional views.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Just about everyone who's visited has seen that fantastic escalator on the building's south side; it's enclosed in glass but appears to hang off the edge of the building and transports visitors four floors up, with landings along the way for gawking or photo-taking.

Reunion Tower

The grande dame of Dallas skyline views reopened as the GeO-Deck in fall 2013, after the original, frankly uncharming observation deck had been closed for several years for renovations. Inside the big sparkly ball, you'll now discover a delightful space with great interactive activities to acquaint you with the city (it's a perfect first stop for visitors), cameras (hooked into interactive screens) that let you zoom in on downtown streets, and the best overall view of Dealey Plaza, among other vistas. On a clear day, you can even see AT&T Stadium, 18 miles to the west.

Trinity Groves

This hip area in West Dallas, full of fun restaurants and a few nearby shops, sits at the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge -- you'll get gorgeous, close-up views -- designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The bridge opened in 2012, and construction will begin in August on another Calatrava-designed bridge, at the Interstate 30 overpass. Free for wandering and photographing; take money for eating and shopping.

Trinity Overlook

This riverside park offers access to the Dallas Floodway, if you want a "looking up at it" glimpse of the skyline, or a straight-on view from the top of the levees, and also a close perspective of the arch of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. It's spectacular for watching the Fair Park fireworks on July Fourth, and when we get a rare winter snow, you'll find folks sledding down the levee hills. 110 W. Commerce St., Dallas. Free.

White Rock Lake Park

You get a slightly faraway but picturesque view of downtown at places all along the lakefront of this East Dallas 757.2-acre urban park, founded in 1929. Especially good spots await at the Dallas Arboretum, where you can take photos of downtown with the arboretum's trees or flowers in the foreground, and the historic Bath House Culural Center. Catch some of the arboretum's concerts for nighttime pics.

Editor's note: This was originally published in 2014 and has been updated.

Entertainment Staff

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Dallas Helicopter Tours | Unforgettable Epic & SKY Rides

$ 197.00

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• Reviews (4)

Located along the Trinity River, Dallas  is a treasure of architectural splendor and a captivating tourist attraction.

Also known as the Silicon Prairie, Dallas has made a name for itself as the main commercial hub of the Southern region.

Despite what countless films would lead you to believe, Dallas is far from a rural desert city. From the Reunion Tower to the Perot Museum, Dallas is a fast-paced, technology-driven metropolis.

With a vast quantity of landmarks to explore, a helicopter tour is the perfect way to traverse this broad city. In this article we have listed some of the best Dallas helicopter tours. Let us help you plan the perfect flight!

Table of Contents: (Jump to)

Best Helicopter Rides in Dallas

As a booming tourism hot-spot, you will be sure to find fantastical sites to behold here.

A helicopter ride over Dallas, Texas, offers you a birds-eye view of this bustling city.

Whether you are a tourist looking for adventure or a Dallas resident looking for a new perspective, an aerial tour of this Texas city is not to be missed!

Epic Helicopters

This locally-owned aerial tourism company boasts an excellent safety record. Promising friendly, professional service, Epic Helicopters is a reputable contender in air tourism. This company also offers a range of exciting Dallas helicopter tours.

Epic Helicopter air tours range between USD $400 and $500 depending on the chosen tour. Furthermore, their Sizzling Summer specials offer large discounts on certain flights, so don’t miss out on this deal.

Sunset Tour | Sizzling Summer Special

This sunset helicopter tour takes you 700 feet into the air over the downtown Dallas skyline. Enjoy a true Texas summer from the comfort of an Epic helicopter. Watch the sinking sun light up the sky in a dazzling show of pink, purple and gold.

Take in the picturesque view of the last rays of sunlight reflecting off the tallest buildings. Watch in awe as the last light of day gives way to the first glimmers of nightlife as the city of Dallas lights up beneath you.

As one of the most popular Epic Helicopter specials, this journey begins just before sundown and lasts about twenty minutes. With the rich tones of the transforming skyline, this Dallas helicopter tour is perfect for practicing photographers looking to take the perfect shot!

Fireworks Tour | Sizzling Summer Special

Available every Friday, all summer long, this tour will take you whizzing over downtown Dallas and the bustle of night life below.

Spanning approximately 50 minutes, this tour allows you to spectate the annual Dallas fireworks show from a safe distance up in the sky. From your spot up in the air, gaze down over the eccentric city lights of Dallas after dark. Witness the serene night sky explode in showers of light and color as the first fireworks begin.

This tour is perfect for a surprise adventure with a loved one and a staggering spectacle to enjoy as a family.

Downtown Dallas Helicopter Tour

Lasting 25 minutes, this aerial tour offers views of some of downtown Dallas’s major monuments and tourist attractions.

During this Dallas helicopter tour, your pilot will provide informative commentary as you fly over unique landmarks of the Silicon Prairie. Along your flight path up in the sky you will pass over incredible architectural and natural exhibits such as the Perot Museum, Cotton Bowl Stadium, and White Rock Lake.

This is an informative tour of this ornate landscape that is perfect for both Dallas residents and curious tourists alike. With so many beautiful views, be sure to bring along your camera!

SKY Helicopters

SKY Helicopters is a long-standing aerial tourism company with well-maintained aircrafts and a friendly crew.

This company offers some of the best Dallas helicopter tours, flight training, and even aerial video services for major TV networks. SKY Helicopters strives to be professional and accommodating in terms of aerial activity.

SKY Helicopter tours range from USD $400 to $800 for two passengers and offer tours from 30-60 minutes long.

Stadium and Globe Life Park Tour

This  45-minute flight in a SKY helicopter includes an extensive tour of downtown Dallas. Not only will you be flying over the downtown area, but you will be flown over the AT&T Stadium and the heart of Dallas itself.

Enjoy views from above of famous Dallas landmarks and attractions like the Six Flags Over Texas theme park, Addison Galleria, and the overlapping roads of the High Five interchange.

SKY helicopters will provide you with exceptional views and lasting memories as you peer down over wonders like the Globe Life Park and more. This is an exciting Dallas helicopter tour over a vast urban landscape.  Perfect for anyone with an appreciation of culture and architectural achievement.

Dallas / Fort Worth Tour

SKY Helicopters also offers an extended, hour-long tour over downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. You can spot the AT&T Stadium, as well as a number of extra novel attractions here.

This tour will fly you over gorgeous architectural feats such as Sundance Square. You will also be able to see the tranquil, intricate oasis known as the Water Gardens.

Marvel at the Texas Motor Speedway – a shrine among motocross fans – and enjoy a glimpse of the famous historic district that is the Fort Worth Stockyards.

This tour is perfect for anyone with time to spare and a keen interest in all things Dallas and Fort Worth.

Some Final Thoughts on Helicopter Tours in Dallas Fort Worth

A Dallas helicopter tour is a perfect addition to your dream vacation. With so many memorable monuments and things to see, don’t hesitate in booking your ticket.

Since you’ve had a taste of what air tourism has to offer, you might want to explore a few more helicopter tours around the US. If you’re looking for more tours, check out these helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon!

But for now, from the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to the nodding fields of tulips, Dallas is a city of spectacular surprises around every corner. This cultural hub is calling to be explored. Will you listen?

4 reviews for Dallas Helicopter Tours | Unforgettable Epic & SKY Rides

Sherri_R – June 7, 2022

This experience was romantic and more personable than riding an airplane. Our personal tour guide gave an elaborate tour of the surrounding area and made our experience more engaging.

Juvonna_C – June 5, 2022

Best experience by far. My husband and I are not fond of heights, but our pilot made it very pleasant for us and assured our safety. Very informative of the tour and he took his time for us to enjoy the ride.

MaryGrace_D – September 12, 2021

It was a good experience, my little one enjoy the ride.It’s a indeed happy birthday for her..Thanks to our Pilot..

Diana_L – July 4, 2021

De las mejores experiencias que puedes vivir en San Antonio ,muy satisfecha y contenta , desde la atención, el precio, el recorrido, el tiempo de espera , la vista hermosisima, muy amable el piloto y el de la recepción!!!! Sin duda volvería a tomar este recorrido , en mi próxima visita !!

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UponArriving

Best Places to View and Photograph the Dallas Skyline

I recently completed a two-week stay in Dallas and had the chance to get out on multiple occasions and explore some of the best places to view the downtown Dallas skyline. After doing a little bit of research and some experimenting of my own, here are some of the best places I found to view and photograph the downtown Dallas skyline.

(Keep in mind I’m not a local so there are likely tons of other spots you could find. Check out the links at the bottom of the article for more photo spots.

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out!   

My favorite spot: bridge at N Edgefield Ave

My favorite place to photograph the skyline is from the N Edgefield Ave bridge . This is a perfect spot to photograph for a few reasons. There’s parking right next to the bridge and there’s a wide sidewalk on the bridge so you have plenty of room to set up your tripod and you don’t have to worry about traffic (which is pretty minimal in any event).

See the Google Image screenshot below to see the type of room you’ll have to roam.

The view is spectacular for photographing light trails of the highway traffic in the foreground and skyline in the background. You can play around with a lot of different perspectives but I don’t think you can really go wrong with any of them. Luckily, it looks like some of the street lights are out (and have been out for a long time), so you shouldn’t have to worry about them ruining your photos.

An easy way to find this bridge is to enter “ First Quality Fabricating Inc ” into your GPS. Their address is:

1529 N Edgefield Ave, Dallas, TX 75208

Once you arrive to it, you’ll see N Edgefield Ave bridge right next to the shop. If you arrive in the evening, there should be plenty of open parking spots there that you can park at. I didn’t see any “no parking” signs anywhere nearby and I’d be shocked if you were to ever encounter an issue parking there.

Views from the Trinity River Spillway

There are several different points along the Trinity River Spillway to choose from. I first tried two popular spots:

• The Continental Bridge Gateway Plaza West and
• Trinity Overlook Park

While the views aren’t necessarily bad, they just weren’t quite what I was looking for. For example, below is a shot from the official overlook point at Trinity Overlook Park that is for the most part obscured by what I think is a jail. It probably doesn’t look bad at night but it’s just not the best spot to take in the entire skyline in my opinion.

However, if you walk south along the Trinity River Spillway, you will come across seemingly infinite perspectives to capture the skyline.

The map below shows paths leading south from Trinity Overlook Park. It likely depends on the season, but the condition of those paths can vary. Right now, the path called “Perimeter Road” on the top of the hill (that you’d want to take photographs from) is a path made up of two thin tire trails with waist-high weeds on either side. If there’s been rain, it will probably be muddy.

Here’s a photo I got along the way as I travelled south in the red oval above:

You can follow that path in the red oval above all the way to the I-30 bridge/Tom Landry Freeway. At that point, you’ll encounter a construction zone that I believe you can pass through. There are just two issues with crossing through this way. First, the area looked very muddy when I was there so unless you have shoes you’re willing to get really dirty you may not want to cross. The second issue is that parking at the Trinity Overlook is limited to one hour and they claim violators will be towed. I have no idea if that’s enforced or not (probably not at night), but that’s something that I didn’t want to take a chance on.

The solution is to do this.

Park at Trinity Overlook Park. Then walk along the path towards the I-30 bridge/Tom Landry Freeway and get some shots that you’d like. Then head back to your car and drive over to another area (with no limit on parking) and then explore the other side of the Trinity River Spillway.

Check out the Google Map below to see where this “other area” is.

The red oval located on E Greenbriar Lane is a great place to park on the street. You don’t need a permit or anything. From there, it’s a very short walk to where “Perimeter Road” meets N Zang Blvd. There’s a small trail (located at the red arrow below) that you’ll see and you’ll need to hop over a small barrier to get on the trail. That trail will then give you some great views of the Dallas skyline as you move north along the Spillway.

Here are a couple of photos I got along the way at this location:

The first photo is from my first day of scouting and shows that a clear-sky sunset looks like as it reflects off of the buildings downtown. I caught the below image at the sunset’s strongest reflection point of the evening.

This next photo was taken probably about an hour before sunset on a different day.

There are plenty of ways to play around with the foreground along the way on the trail. This photo below was taken as I approached the construction zone of the I-30 bridge/Tom Landry Freeway. Notice how the position of Reunion Tower has changed being on the far left to being back in the middle of the skyline.

One thing I liked about this area of the Spillway was that it was longer and presented more options for different compositions, such as the “lake” you see below. I’m pretty sure the “lakes” are the temporal product of rainwater and output from the sewage plant, but nobody has to know that when they view your photos!

After a few hours, a giant thundercloud began to develop behind the skyline. This cloud would later produce a furry of thunder and lightning and knock the power out for a lot of people.

There are only two issues when photographing along these trails that I encountered: the power lines and the weeds.

The two issues go together because you’ll need to venture into the weeds on the hillside to get below the power lines (a few of the photos above had power lines removed in processing).

Thus, my suggestion is to wear pants and shoes that you wouldn’t mind to get a little dirty. While it’s not 100% necessary, you’ll find it much easier to shoot the skyline if you’re willing to get down in the weeds a little bit, below the power lines.

Reunion Tower

This spot is pretty much a given. I was tempted to not go up in Reunion Tower because I wasn’t sure how impressed I would be with the views and I was kind of let down to find out I’d have to pay like $250 just to bring a tripod up there. However, I’m really happy that I decided to make the trip even without a tripod.

As soon as the sunset begins, you’re given some beautiful shots of downtown Dallas. Sometimes the Sun’s reflection is a little too bright and will over-expose your shots but you’ll just have to try to work around it.

The views only get better as the sky darkens and blue hour produces a stunning backdrop to capture the city lights of the skyline. The bright oranges and pinks from the sunset will likely still be shimmering off the glass towers for some time after sunset, allowing for a lot of different lighting options that continue to change.

The spherical network of frames on which the lights of Reunion Tower are placed, give you ample opportunities to put unique touches on your shots. Play around with different compositions and you’ll be sure to come out with a shot of the city that hasn’t been done a million times.

I’d try to go on a Friday or Saturday during the summer, however. The reason is that the tower closes at 9pm during the week, so you won’t be able to photograph the buildings with a truly dark sky because blue hour will likely be in effect. Still, I went on a weekday and I came away very happy with the views I had so it’s not like you can really go wrong.

Keep in mind that I’m not a local so I don’t know all the best parking garages and pull-out spots all over the city to take in the skyline. However, below are a few links you can check out to find out more places to view and photograph the Dallas skyline.

• http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/arts/columnists/joy-tipping/20140522-10-great-spots-to-catch-a-view-of-the-dallas-skyline.ece
• https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/comments/20wumm/dallas_photographers_where_is_the_best_spot_to/
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g55711-i141-k6259214-Best_spot_to_get_a_photo_of_the_Dallas_Skyline-Dallas_Texas.html

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

13 comments

thanks for sharing! love your photos going Friday to spend the day practicing with camera

No problem! Good luck with your photos — should be a beautiful day out there!

Going to Dallas on next february, wanted to know where to go for the best shots. Now i know. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work. Stephane (France)

Mind sharing your settings on the bridge photo? I love how that one turned out!

Here you go: ƒ/13.0, 105mm, 20 sec, 100 ISO.

the bridge shot is beautiful Daniel i love it, please can you tell me what type of lens and camera you used for all your shot there awesome, i have lived here my whole life,never found a spot that sweet to take a picture thank you man

Thanks! I used a Canon 6D with 24-105mm f/4 L Series.

View from south of Trinity Overlook Park Will this be a good location to have a photo shoot with a car or is there no way you could get in there?

Nice article and pointers. Those weeds you mentions are sometimes actually very nice native wildflowers and I did get into some recently and shot this picture.

https://www.facebook.com/TheLadyBugFarm/photos/rpp.1611396749141468/1877338392547301/?type=3&theater

Stunning photo — thanks for sharing!

Daniel, thanks so much for your insight. I find this very helpful in my planning this evening.

Loved your shots Dan, they all look so cool !

I’ll be in transit through Dallas this Thursday on my way to Atlanta and planning to get a nice skyline shot.

There’s apparently a good view from top of the City Place tower. I did write to them seeking permission, haven’t got a response yet.

Would you know of an alternate way to get that kind of a view with the freeways leading into the skyline ????

Hi, thanks! As a non-Dallas native, I’m not aware of other views with freeways in the foreground. If you end up making it to the top of City Place Tower feel free to report back and let us know how the views are!

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Flights from Dallas Executive Airport

Live it up- experience life, about your flight.

BOOKINGS: Until further notice, bookings are for private flights only accommodating up to 5 passengers in the cabin. The additional co-pilot seat up in the cockpit, is temporarily paused. Booking options vary depending upon the tour selected.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Please click the "BOOK NOW" button above to explore additional options or seasonal tours.

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FEATURES: All tours include photo and video opportunities with the helicopter utilizing your devices at no additional cost. Optional enhanced photo and video packages are available. Experience duration includes safety briefings, passenger photo opportunities, loading, possible rotor start and shut down time as well as flight time. Flight time is considered from lift off and does not include rotor start or shut down time. Departure locations and flight tour opportunities can vary.

THE HELICOPTER: We operate the Bell 206 Long Ranger for several reasons. It is a spacious, comfortable and extremely smooth aircraft. In fact, many of our passengers have compared it to a Cadillac in the sky, due to a Bell Noda-Matic anti-vibration system. The helicopter is also often referred to a limousine, which makes it very comfortable for executive transportation. The air-conditioned Private Cabin features seating for up to 5 passengers. This allows for maximum space and privacy, as the pilot and co-pilot seats are positioned in the separated cockpit. It is often a workhorse in critical mission profiles such as air ambulance and law enforcement as the reliability and power of a jet turbine engine is considered a safety feature.

Dallas Skyline Joy Flight - Private Flight - Enjoy this budget friendly way to top off your day as you scan the beautiful Dallas skyline. Flat rate price up to 4 passengers so bring your friends or family. Total experience approx. 20 minutes, flight time approx. 12 - 14 minutes.  

VIP Dallas Skyline Tour - Private Flight - Allow us to roll out the red carpet. Let the beautiful Dallas skyline and Fair Park, home of the Cotton Bowl and the Texas Stair Fair, mesmerize you as you pause mid-air for the perfect photo opportunity. Prices start per couple with the options to add passengers. Total experience approx. 30 minutes, flight time 16 - 18 minutes.

VIP Skyline and Stadium Tour- Private Flight - This tour is the best of both worlds as the routing includes the Dallas Skyline, Fair Park, home of the Cotton Bowl and State Fair, Mountain Creek Lake, as well as six flags, Globe Life Park and ATT stadium.

Dallas Executive Terminal

5303 Challenger Drive, 75237 Dallas, TX USA

Call Kelley Phone: 817 224 2266 Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm

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FIREWORKS TOUR Sizzling Summer Specials

The Fireworks Tour is offered all summer long every Friday night between Jun 3 - Aug 12. It is the most spectacular tour we offer where you are practically eye-to-eye with fireworks bursting in the night sky.

NIGHT LIGHTS TOUR SIZZLING SUMMER SPECIALS

The Night Lights Tour is our only night tour outside of our Holiday Lights Tours and is on special every Friday night between Jun 3 - Aug 12.

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The Sunset Tour is featured during the Sizzling Summer Specials every Friday this summer between Jun 3 - Aug 12. Don't miss an opportunity to see Fort Worth or Dallas skylines like never before.

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Voted best tour attraction in dallas & fort worth, that was amazing and i would do it again.

Francis L., California

My husband surprised me and our son with a Christmas light helicopter tour last night. It was so cool!! We had never been up in a helicopter before and I have to say that was the best part. I loved seeing all the city lights. We could see the Dallas and Fort Worth skylines all lit up at the same time and everything in between. It was beautiful! Our pilot, Michael, was fantastic, professional and friendly! He took us to see Christmas lights in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie plus we saw Cowboys stadium and the ballpark, Sundance Square and Cook's Children's Hospital lights. It was a very comfortable ride and we felt very safe. We all loved it and will be recommending them to friends. We definitely want to do this again!! Fourth of July is next!!! Jackie H.

Experience was better than expected! It's like being in a glass elevator with a birds-eye view of the city. We highly recommend Michael as your pilot. Worth every penny for a gift with an experience that will never be forgotten. We got some great pics so be sure and TAKE YOUR CAMERA! Trip Advisor User

Our pilot was very informative and friendly. We had an awesome experience. I am afraid of height and a little motion anxiety, however I did not experience any on this flight. Note: I emailed other companies for the same flight, Epic was the only tour service that responded to my initial email. Thank you Epic Tours for a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. Craig A.

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Epic Helicopters provides helicopter tours, charters, flight instruction and more to Fort Worth, Dallas, and the southwestern region. Based at Fort Worth, Texas at Meacham Airport and in Dallas, Texas at Addison Airport. Are you looking for something more custom such as a fly-in dinner date or an outrageously adventurous engagement idea, or perhaps a helicopter hunting trip? Tell us how we can best serve you.

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VIP Dallas Skyline Tour - Premium Flight Times - Private Flight for 2- $578. (Total experience approx. 30 minutes; Flight time, 18 minutes). - WEBSITE SPECIAL: Fly up to 4 for $544 -

Our most popular tour. WEBSITE SPECIAL: Fly up to 4 for $544. (regularly $578 for 2).

• Duration: 17 Minutes (approx.)

VIP Stadiums & Skyline Tour - Private Flight for 2. $944 - (Total experience, approx. 40 minutes; Flight time 30 minutes ). WEBSITE SPECIAL $924 for up to 4. CALL FOR SCHEDULING.

This magical tour includes the skyline, Baptist University, Mtn Creek Lake, Fair Park, with the Cotton Bowl Stadium, Cowboy, Ranger Stadiums, and Six Flags.

• Duration: 30 Minutes (approx.)

VIP All Star Tour for 2 - (Total experience approx. 50 minutes; Flight Time, 40 minutes). CALL FOR SCHEDULING OPTIONS..

This tour combines the first three VIP tours; including the beautiful Dallas skyline, Fair Park, where you can see the Cotton Bowl Stadium, Baptist University, Mtn Creek Lake, Cowboy's Stadium, Ranger Stadium, & the Joe Pool lake & marina.

• Duration: 40 Minutes (approx.)

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Flights from Dallas Executive Airport

Live it up- experience life, about your flight.

BOOKINGS: Until further notice, bookings are for private flights only accommodating up to 5 passengers in the cabin. The additional co-pilot seat up in the cockpit, is temporarily paused. Booking options vary depending upon the tour selected.

FEATURES: All tours include photo and video opportunities with the helicopter utilizing your devices at no additional cost. Optional enhanced photo and video packages are available. Experience duration includes safety briefings, passenger photo opportunities, loading, possible rotor start and shut down time as well as flight time. Flight time is considered from lift off and does not include rotor start or shut down time. Departure locations and flight tour opportunities can vary.

THE HELICOPTER: We operate the Bell 206 Long Ranger for several reasons. It is a spacious, comfortable and extremely smooth aircraft. In fact, many of our passengers have compared it to a Cadillac in the sky, due to a Bell Noda-Matic anti-vibration system. The helicopter is also often referred to a limousine, which makes it very comfortable for executive transportation. The air-conditioned Private Cabin features seating for up to 5 passengers. This allows for maximum space and privacy, as the pilot and co-pilot seats are positioned in the separated cockpit. It is often a workhorse in critical mission profiles such as air ambulance and law enforcement as the reliability and power of a jet turbine engine is considered a safety feature.

Dallas Skyline Joy Flight - Private Flight - Enjoy this budget friendly way to top off your day as you scan the beautiful Dallas skyline. Flat rate price up to 4 passengers so bring your friends or family. Total experience approx. 20 minutes, flight time approx. 12 - 14 minutes.  

VIP Dallas Skyline Tour - Private Flight - Allow us to roll out the red carpet. Let the beautiful Dallas skyline and Fair Park, home of the Cotton Bowl and the Texas Stair Fair, mesmerize you as you pause mid-air for the perfect photo opportunity. Prices start per couple with the options to add passengers. Total experience approx. 30 minutes, flight time 16 - 18 minutes.

VIP Skyline and Stadium Tour- Private Flight - This tour is the best of both worlds as the routing includes the Dallas Skyline, Fair Park, home of the Cotton Bowl and State Fair, Mountain Creek Lake, as well as six flags, Globe Life Park and ATT stadium.

Dallas Executive Terminal

5303 Challenger Drive, 75237 Dallas, TX USA

Dallas Downtown Heliport

801 South Lamar Street Dallas, TX USA

Call Kelley Phone: 817 224 2266 Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00-5:00pm

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USA TODAY 10Best

Readers Vote Dallas Skyline Tops

Best International Skyline (2014) September 10, 2014

Our readers have proven once again they are a passionate lot, by voting the Dallas skyline into first place in our USA TODAY Readers' Choice contest for Best International Skyline.   The highly recognizable cityscape - regularly featured in the 1980s hit series   'Dallas' and other more recent reality shows - took a strong majority of votes, despite stiff competition from #2 finisher Chicago.   

In recent years, Dallas has added colorful interactive lighting to its skyline, giving it 8 extra hours per day to impress travelers.   Nighttime flights into DFW - one of the nation's busiest airports - often give passengers a memorable view of what has become an extravaganza.  (An early adapter to colorful nighttime lighting of a downtown was Albuquerque, New Mexico).   All 20 nominations were made by a panel of practicing architects, and readers were given four weeks to vote.   This is not the first win for the Lone Star State.   Texas also took #1 for its 'Big Tex' statue in our Best Quirky Landmark contest.    Readers ensured all but one of the American nominees made the winners' list, shutting out many respected overseas metros.  

The full list of winners in the 'Best International Skyline' contest category for 10Best Readers' Choice is as follows:

No. 10: Seattle

Mt Rainier appears in the distance, looming behind the cosmopolitan Seattle skyline, giving this city a connection with the outdoors that's as refreshing as a cool breeze," says our expert Preston Kissman.  The Space Needle adds to the list of reasons this USA skyline is beloved and identifiable.  

No. 9: San Francisco

"San Francisco’s skyline does not disappoint. Iconic buildings and dramatic bridges, old and new, combine with theatrical topography and reflective water views from all angles, making San Francisco the crown jewel of the west coast," says architect Joyce Owens.    

No. 8: Hong Kong

"The Hong Kong has two key elements which make it special." explains architect Joyce Owens.  "A silhouette provided by unique and identifiable skyscrapers, but also water and interesting topography; the combo creates a dramatic setting."  Expert Preston Kissman concurs. "This city provides a dramatic sight from any angle," he says.  

No. 7: St. Louis

"Similar to the distinctive skyline of Sydney on the other side of the globe, St. Louis - with its iconic arch - enjoys a look that can’t be confused with any other city," says expert Joyce Owens. 

No. 6: Washington, D.C.

"Washington D.C. evokes an American nostalgia that's been captured in pictures and on film throughout the twentieth century," says expert James Adams.  "The neoclassical and Georgian architectural styles that are key elements in this planned city are recognizable the world over."  It's also brimming with iconic landmarks.

No. 5: New York

"New York City is easily one of the world's most instantly identifiable skylines," says expert Preston Kissman.  Manhattan has had a compelling skyline for generations. "New additions, including the New York Times Tower, Frank Gehry’s recently completed 12 Spruce Street and the elegant One World Trade Center have made a positive contribution to NYC’s tradition of exciting and appealing architecture, adds architect Joyce Owens.Kissman adds that from the south,"it portrays a bold prominence in the bay, not unlike the prow of a grand transatlantic ship."    

No. 4: Toronto

"Toronto's skyline is a typical North American twentieth century construct of considerable handsome structures," says architect James Adams.  "What sets this skyline apart, however, is the shear height of the CN Tower ," he says.  It was the tallest structure in the world for over thirty years, until recently succumbing to the shiny Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. 

No. 3: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has an almost unnatural looking topography, giving it a most memorable setting for architecture.  Rio's skyline undulates with the landscape, offering the eye visual variety which complements the city's geographic advantages.

No. 2: Chicago

"Chicago exudes the modern American spirit of a city destroyed by fire and rebuilt into a hotbed of progressive architecture," says expert James Adams.  "A wealth of iconic skyscrapers that are timeless in their design make this skyline one of the best to gaze upon."  Architect Joyce Owens says, "Chicago has a world renowned mix of modern skyscrapers and early 'high-rise buildings' (load-bearing masonry buildings – the precursor to skyscrapers). Its spectacular location directly along Lake Michigan provides the perfect opportunity for breathtaking views."  

No. 1: Dallas

"Dallas became initially identifiable by the opening credits of an infamous '80s TV show," says expert Preston Kissman. "The contemporary Dallas skyline tells a story of big banking, big oil, big money, and the occasional big bust." James Adams add, "Dallas has continued to stay flashy. Controversially, it has done this not with the height or style of its newest architecture, but rather through an internal race to adorn its existing and new icons with colorful interactive lighting that cannot be ignored."  

Other nominees in the contest included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur,   Las Vegas ,  London ,  Paris , Shanghai, Sydney,  Toronto and Vancouver .  

Congratulations to all the winners!     

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

James adams, aia.

Passionate for dense urban environments and the...   Read More

Passionate for dense urban environments and the people and places that make them thrive, James proudly walks to work in the West End of Dallas daily from his loft Downtown.   A Senior Associate at Corgan, he has worked as an architect on a multitude of office, mixed-use and residential projects projects over the past 10 years.An aspiring writer always looking for good stories, he is the associate editor of content for Columns, an AIA Dallas publication .James has a zest for traveling the world which he hopes to instill in his daughter.

Joyce Owens, AIA

While living in London for 15 years, Owens...   Read More

While living in London for 15 years, Owens designed and built numerous award-winning projects as partner of her globally-recognized architectural practice.  Joyce returned to the USA to share her international and forward-thinking approach toward architecture, travel and style: she's an advocate of good design at all levels.  As an architectural columnist, including for USA TODAY, Joyce shares her expertise about buildings and places with the public.  She's currently working on architectural projects in the USA, the U.K. and Italy.  Read more here .   

Preston Kissman

Preston earned his Masters in Architectural Design...   Read More

Preston earned his Masters in Architectural Design from Texas A&M University. Since 2008, he's been living and working in Dallas where he serves on the Corporate, Aviation and Mission Critical teams for Corgan Associates.

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