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Visit Dallas for Incredible Barbecue, Cool Neighborhoods, and an Over-the-top State Fair

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

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Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Lots of things are bigger in Texas. Dallas is one of them. The North Texas city covers nearly 400 square miles and anchors the largest metropolitan area in the Southern U.S.

Dallas is a city that gave birth to Meat Loaf, Morgan Fairchild, and Luke and Owen Wilson. It raised Erykah Badu, Norah Jones, and Jessica and Ashlee Simpson. Mark Cuban, Jerry Jones, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, George W. and Laura Bush are among those who call the city home.

Dallas is both a sports aficionado's and an art connoissour's paradise. The city is home to the legendary Dallas Cowboys, the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Stars, who left the Minnesota cold behind two decades ago. The Texas Rangers baseball team plays in nearby Arlington. The city also houses a number of world-class museums and intimate art galleries.

Prefer to catch a show? You'll find concerts and live performances galore.

Tex-Mex and barbecue are staples, but chances are you can find whatever cuisine you're looking for here in Texas' third-largest city. And if you're looking to shop until you drop, Dallas is going to feel like paradise. And while you'll find both in the Big D, there really is a lot more to Dallas than cowboys and rodeos.

Central Standard Time. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally)

Unless you're looking to melt, you'll want to avoid summer, when thermometers push into the 90s and 100s. Late September through late October offer not only cooler temperatures, but also a chance to check out the larger than life Texas State Fair , where you'll find Big Tex, a 55-foot cowboy who's become a Texas icon. March brings a Pinball festival while April and May are studded with arts festivals across the greater Dallas area. Dallas has a thriving LGBTQ community and hosts one of the best Pride celebrations in the South. Dallas Pride is in June, but it's an event that's worth braving the summer heat for.

Dallas is part of a sprawling area known as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex covers 13 counties and includes Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington. The area is commonly referred to as DFW.

Dallas is criss-crossed by a number of highways, and getting around the city no joke. Dallas is one of the most congested cities in the U.S., and traffic can be fierce with rush hour lasting from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6:3 p.m. on weekdays.

Public transit has improved in recent years, but many people still drive most places.

Dallas can be hot, hot, hot in the summer. Use a windshield cover to cool down your car during the summer and carry a water bottle wherever you go.

Trains: Dallas Area Rapid Transit, known as DART, operates local buses and trains from 5 a.m. to midnight. Bus fares start at $2.50 per ride. Train fares start at $3.00 per ride.

Taxis: Several taxi companies serve the Dallas area. Dallas Yellow Cab allows for online bookings.

Rideshare: Both Uber and Lyft operate in Dallas. A members only rideshare service, Alto, launched in Dallas in early 2019.

Hotel Indigo

Address: 1933 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 741-7700 Book Now

If purple is your color, you're going to love this place. Hotel Indigo is a pet-friendly, downtown Dallas hotel that's a registered historic landmark property. Rooms are modern, trendy, and feature historic quotes from the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The boutique hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to Downtown and Uptown Dallas.

The Guild Uptown

Address: 2500 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (512) 856-6303 Website

The Guild is a boutique hotel that offers giant suites with fully equipped kitchens in Uptown Dallas, a true walkable neighborhood with ample restaurants, bars, and epic people-watching. Grocery delivery is available. Rooms are Texas-themed and the service is about as friendly as it gets. If you're planning to stay a while, this is the place to do it.

The Westin Galleria Dallas

Address: 13340 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240 Phone: (972) 934-9494 Book Now

If you're looking to shop until you drop on your Dallas vacation, there's no better place to stay than the Westin Galleria. This award-winning hotel is located inside a shopping mall, making it easy to drop off heavy shopping bags between stores. Private in-room spa treatments are available, fine art is on view at the hotel gallery, and rooms feature Westin Heavenly beds.

The Hilton Anatole Hotel

Address: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207 Phone Number: (214) 748-1200 Book Now

The Hilton Anatole is an art lover's paradise. It has comfortable rooms, expansive outdoor spaces, and a collection of Asian art that could rival a museum's. It's also home to a chunk of the Berlin Wall. The hotel features an exclusive fireworks show during the summer and a pool with water slides, cabanas, a swim-up bar, and a lazy river for tubing.

Magnolia Hotel

Address: 1401 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 915-6500 Book Now

The Magnolia Hotel is a luxurious historic hotel in downtown Dallas. It is housed in the former Magnolia Petroleum Company Building, the first U.S. highrise to feature air conditioning and Dallas' first skyscraper. It's one hotel you won't have a problem finding. Pegasus, the flying red horse, still sits atop the 29-story structure.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219 Phone: (214) 559-2100 Book Now

Rosewood Mansion is a Texas icon tucked into an exclusive oasis in Uptown Dallas. It was once an opulent private residence, but nowadays it's one of Dallas' most luxurious hotels. The property was constructed in the 1920s and its parties have hosted guests including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and author Tennessee Williams. It became a hotel in 1979, but each of its generously sized rooms are sure to feel like home from the second you walk in.

Ritz-Carlton

Address: 2121 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 922-0200 Book Now

The Ritz-Carlton is located in the heart of the action on downtown Dallas' McKinney Avenue. This hotel offers all of the luxury and elegance you expect from a Ritz Carlton property but with a Texas twist. The renovated five-star property may well be the only Dallas hotel where you can sample guacamole with a Guacamologist. It's also home to Texas' celebrity chef Dean Fearing's namesake restaurant.

Joule Hotel

Address: 1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 748-1300 Book Now

If you like your hotels quirky and luxurious, head straight to the Joule Hotel. The hotel is located in a 1920s neo-Gothic landmark building in the heart of Dallas' Central Business District. It's close to both the Dallas Arts District and the flagship Neiman Marcus location. It's also where you'll find the Eye, a giant 30-foot fiberglass eyeball sculpture. The hotel includes 160 rooms, each with the most creative minibars in Dallas.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Address: 10477 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220 Phone: (214) 366-2000 Website

Pappas Bros. is a family-run steakhouse that's been serving up some of Texas' best steaks since 1976. This is where to go for that perfect, mouth-watering Texas steak. The restaurant employs more full-time chefs than the average steakhouse and is a perfectionist when it comes to food. The restaurant only uses corn-fed beef and USDA Prime graded cuts. Meat is dry aged in-house. Several sommeliers also wander the restaurant, ensuring perfect pairings whatever your meal.

Fearing's Restaurant

Address: 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 922-4848 Website

Fearing's is the brainchild of celebrity chef, country singer, and cookbook author Dean Fearing. Located inside the Ritz Carlton hotel, the restaurant's specialty is finding the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It's known for its tortilla soup, Southwestern barbecue shrimp, and ice-cole margaritas. Don't miss the Rattlesnake Bar, whose menu items include East Texas smoked rattlesnake and corn fritters with venom sauce.

Address: 2323 N Henderson Ave #109, Dallas, TX 75206 Phone: (214) 370-9426 Website

Gemma is a chic oasis owned by the husband-and-wife team Stephen Rogers and Allison Yoder. Rogers, a Dallas native, is the restaurant's chef. The pair moved to Dallas after spending several years running a restaurant in Napa Valley. The menu is small and the dishes straightforward. Fried Texas Quail, braised rabbit pappardelle, and a pork chop with jalapeno peach relish are a sampling of what you'll find on Gemma's dinner menu. Gemma is closed on Mondays.

Smokey John's Bar-B-Que and home Cooking

Address: 1820 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235 Phone: (214) 352-2752 Website

Smokey John's has been serving up barbecue in Dallas since 1976. It used to be called Big John's until the smell of its hickory smoke became so ubiquitous in the neighborhood that customer's nicknamed owner John Reaves Smokey John. Many menu items are under $10. A 1/2 pound rib sandwich will set you back $8.50. Don't forget to order a side of mac & cheese or collard greens.

Mia's Tex-Mex

Address: 4322 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219 Phone: (214) 526-1020 Website

Mia's is a cozy Tex-Mex spot that's been serving local celebrities, athletes, and a whole lot of other hungry Texans since 1981. The restaurant's menu is based on the founder's family recipes. Mia's specialties include grilled chicken quesadillas, ribeye steaks, homemade rellenos, and brisket tacos. Don't miss out on the Big Red-rita, a margarita unlike anything you've ever sipped.

Lockhart Smokehouse

Address: 400 West Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208 Phone: (214) 944-5521 Website

Just because you can't make it to small town Texas on a trip doesn't mean you can't experience some of the best small town barbecue in Texas. Lockhart Smokehouse aims to bring central Texas barbecue north to the big city of Dallas with three area locations. Lockhart smokes its brisket, sausage, ribs, and other meats over Texas post oak, serving them up with classic southern sides like smoked baked beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese.

Pecan Lodge

Address: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226 Phone: (214) 748-8900 Website

Pecan Lodge got its start as a stall in the Dallas Farmers Market and has since become one of Dallas' most popular barbecue spots. Its BBQ pit burns 24 hours a day, and anything that can be made from scratch is made from scratch. Come for the brisket, but don't leave without trying the Hot Mess, a jumbo sea salt-crusted sweet potato topped with South Texas barbacoa, chipotle cream, cheese, butter & green onions.

Torchy's Tacos

Address: Multiple locations Website

Torchy's is a Texas establishment with outposts across the state. It's a casual spot where you can get breakfast tacos all day and sample excellent versions of a couple of Texas staples: guacamole and queso. Torchy's has a variety of vegetarian tacos in addition to several meat-filled options. Do try the fried avocado tacos or one of the rotating tacos of the month.

Revolver Taco Lounge

Address: 2701 Main St #120, Dallas, TX 75226 Phone: (214) 272-7163 Website

If you're looking for a truly unique taco, look here. Revolver Taco Lounge stuffs its corn tortillas with fillings like wagyu beef, aged pork, and goat birria. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Try the lengua (beef tongue) or the langosta (lobster with pineapple pico).

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 747-6660 Website

This is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shot that killed President John F. Kennedy. Back then, it was the Texas School Book Depository. It's since been turned into a museum exploring the impact of Kennedy's assassination on the world. An open-air memorial to Kennedy with an eternal flame is a short walk away.

Reunion Tower

Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207 Phone: (214) 712-7040 Website

If you want a bird's eye view of this sprawling city, Reunion Tower is the place to get it. The revolving restaurant is an icon of the city's skyline. At 561 feet tall, the tower defines the Dallas skyline and is among its tallest buildings. The tower has been home to a number of fine dining establishments over the years and has made appearances in the CBS series Dallas as well as in the 1987 movie "Robocop."

Dallas Museum of Art

Address: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 922-1200 Website

The Dallas Museum of Art is among the 10 largest art museums in the U.S. It includes more than 24,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of history. The museum's nearly 160,000 square feet of exhibition space showcases pieces from around the world that date back to the third century B.C. The museum is part of the Dallas Arts District.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 428-5555 Website

The Perot Museum, as it's commonly known, is a natural history and science museum. The museum is split between two properties with the bulk of its exhibits being housed in Dallas' Victory Park neighborhood. The museum's Victory Park campus includes 180,000 square feet, five floors of publicly accessible exhibitions, and a half dozen learning labs. It's collection includes an interactive video exhibit that allows visitors to race a Dallas Cowboys football player.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Address: 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 242-5100 Website

The Nasher Sculpture Center offers a collection of modern and contemporary sculpture in the heart of downtown Dallas. The museum opened in 2003 and its grounds span 2.4 acres of indoor and outdoor galleries.

Southfork Ranch

Address: 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker, TX 75002 Phone: (972) 442-7800 Website

Southfork Ranch provided the setting for the TV show Dallas . Nowadays, it's a special events venue that also offers tours. Visitors can see the gun that shot J.R., eat at Miss Ellie's Deli, and relax on the grounds of the ranch that housed the fictional Ewing family.

AT&T Stadium

Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 Phone: (817) 892-4000 Website

Located just outside of Dallas in Irving, AT&T Stadium is the home of the Dallas Cowboys, but you don't have to pony up for a game day ticket to take a peek inside. AT&T Stadium offers tours allowing visitors the chance to stand inside the world's largest domed structure, check out a variety of art, and pay homage to "America's Team." Just be sure to book in advance.

Globe Life Field in Arlington

Address: 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 76011 Website

If you're a baseball fan, this stadium is for you. Globe Life Field is the new home of the Texas Rangers baseball team. Can't catch a game? No problem. Stadium tours are available.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209 Phone: (214) 350-3600 Website

This museum is an aviation geek's paradise. It's original location was inside a terminal at Dallas Love Field, but the museum has since moved to its own 100,000 square foot space on airport grounds. The museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and houses a collection of aviation history artifacts, including the Apollo 7 Command Module, artifacts from the German airship Hindenburg, and more than 200 World War II aircraft models.

Address: 1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 Website

Many cities have public art, but only Dallas is home to a 30-foot tall fiberglass sculpture of a human eyeball. The giant eyeball is part of the Joule Hotel, a chain known for its art collection. It was created by a Chicago artist who used a photo of his own eyeball as his inspiration. The eyeball had been collecting dust in storage before the hotel bought it. Do stop for a photo, but don't be surprised if you feel like the eyeball is staring at you.

Galleria Dallas

13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75420 Phone: (972) 702-7100 Website

The Galleria Dallas is home to more than 200 stores and restaurants, a hotel, and an ice rink. The building is modeled after Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. During the holidays, the country's largest indoor tree takes its place in the center of the mall's ice rink. The four-story tree towers 95 feet above the rink.

Neiman Marcus

1618 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 741-6911 Website

The upscale department store Neiman Marcus got its start in Dallas in 1907. Nowadays, Its flagship store is the last original department store still operating in downtown Dallas. Neiman Marcus is known for its high-end designer clothing and accessories, personal shopping services and unusual and extravagant holiday gifts. The flagship location is decked out in lights and Christmas cheer during the holidays that shouldn't be missed on a winter trip to Dallas.

Highland Park Village

47 Highland Park Village Phone: (214) 443-9898 Website

If there's a Rodeo Drive of Texas, Highland Park Village is it. HIghland Park Village is a collection of walkable upscale shops that create an idyllic little shopping village in one of Dallas' ritziest neighborhoods. This is where you'll find retailers Christian Louboutin, Hermes, Harry Winston, Alexander McQueen, and more.

Allen Premium Outlets

Address: 820 W Stacy Rd, Allen, TX 75013 Phone: (972) 678-7000 Website

If you're looking for high-end shopping at outlet prices, make the 30-mile drive north to Allen, Texas. This is where you'll find the BCBG Max Azria, and Brooks Brothers factory stores, the Movado Company Store, and a 7 for All Mankind outlet.

Wild Bill's Western Store

311 N Market St #101, Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 954-1050 Website

You can't come to Dallas and not shop for cowboy boots, jeans, and snap shirts. There's no better place to outfit yourself for Texas than Wild Bill's Western Store in the West End Historic District. Wild Bill's has been around for more than 50 years. It outfitted the cast of Dallas and sells some of the top brands in western wear, including Justin and Luccese. The best part of shopping at Wild Bill's? You can sip on free beer while you shop.

Forty Five Ten

Address: 1615 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201 Website

Forty Five Ten is a Dallas boutique with an international reputation. The store aims to merge art and fashion to create a shopping experience that's unconventional, eclectic, and inspired. Forty Five Ten's flagship store opened in downtown Dallas in 2016. It includes 37,000 square feet of upscale shopping for men and women looking for clothing and stylish accessories.

NorthPark Center

Address: 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225 Website

Sometimes, there's no better place to shop than a mall, and Dallas' NorthPark Center is one of America's best. NorthPark Center is home to 235 stores and restaurants and is among the country's 20 largest shopping malls. Stores include BVLGARI, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Neiman Marcus. There's also an Eataly.

Dallas Arts District : The Dallas Arts District is a Texas-sized area dedicated to the arts. It covers 68-square miles and 19 city blocks. It's home to the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Nasher Sculpture Center. It's also where Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School, where Erykah Badu and Norah Jones studied, is located.

Bishop Arts District : This intimate shopping and entertainment district is located in the northern section of the Oak Cliff neighborhood, just southwest of downtown Dallas. This was a warehouse district in the 1920s, home of Dallas busiest trolley stop in the 1930s, and struggled from the 1960s to the 1980s before it was transformed into the independent artists haven it is today.

Deep Ellum : This eclectic neighborhood was a hotspot for jazz and blues in the 1920s. It's an area that's since reinvented itself multiple times. Today you can find live music, good feer, and plenty of local beer.

Uptown : Uptown is a hip neighborhood known for its bars, restaurants, and high-end shops. A free vintage trolly runs up and down McKinney Avenue, the center of Uptown's action. This upscale neighborhood is among Texas' most walkable areas.

Summers can be hot and sticky, but winters are mild and snow is rare. Below are average temperatures in farenheit for each month.

January: 30 to 57 February: 35 to 61 March: 42 to 69 April: 51 to 77 May: 60 to 84 June: 67 to 91 July: 71 to 95 August: 71 to 96 September: 64 to 89 October: 52 to 80 November: 43 to 68 December: 32 to 58

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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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Dallas Travel Guide

If Dallas does one thing right, it’s the high-low. The cinderblock, eat-in-your-car taco and BBQ counters are just as good as the rightfully hyped, celebrity-chef run restaurants. The shiny, new over-the-highway park in the middle of downtown’s skyscrapers is as worth a visit as the thousand lakeside acres at White Rock. And the Lone Star-slinging, perfectly grime-y hole-in-the-wall is as important to Dallasites as the glamorous craft cocktail speakeasy. Speaking of glamour, this is home to the OG Neiman Marcus and shopping galore—which goes head to head with the artisan-driven boutiques cropping up all over town. Mix and match ‘em all, and you’ve got the perfect Texas experience. (Remember: the cowboys—the real ones—live next door in Fort Worth.)

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Your Trip to Dallas: The Complete Guide

Courtesy of Visit Dallas / Dibrova

There's more to Dallas than JR. This Texas boomtown has transformed into a thriving metropolitan city that is slowly becoming a destination in its own right. If you've never considered Dallas as a leisure spot, it's time to reconsider—you're sure to be surprised by the variety of outdoor activities, worldly cuisine, Fifth Avenue-worthy shopping, and award-winning arts scene.

Thanks to a sprawling international airport, an abundance of luxurious and welcoming hotels, and activities for visitors young and old, there's never been a better time to book a ticket to the Big D.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Fall is the best time to visit Dallas . Summertime heat has subsided, football season is in full swing, and Texas State Fair, one of the largest in the country, is held.

Language: You'll mostly hear English, but the city's growing Latino influence means that Spanish is common, too. Dallas also has large pockets of Vietnamese and Chinese speakers.

Currency: U.S. dollar

Getting Around: You'll need a car—while public transit has improved in recent years, the Metroplex is sprawling (Dallas city alone covers 340 square miles)  . Pockets of downtown are serviced by a quaint trolley line, while North Dallas is connected to downtown by DART , Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

Travel Tip: Did we mention Dallas is big? Plan your days wisely around specific neighborhoods or parts of town; otherwise, you'll spend time sitting in traffic instead of exploring.

Things to Do

Whether you're a football fan or foodie, a shopaholic or a sage, Dallas has something for you. The city is home to world-class museums (don't miss Southern Methodist University's Meadows Museum, home to one of the largest Spanish art collection outside of Spain), department stores (it's the birthplace of Neiman Marcus, after all), and arguably, Tex-Mex. Like to get outdoors? Go horseback riding along the Trinity River or run the trails around White Rock Lake.

• Go catch a show at Granada Theater. Originally a cinema, the 1940s venue now hosts the top touring acts when they pass through the Big D.
• The Dallas Museum of Art became the first museum in the country to offer free admission and free membership in 2013.   The collection includes by Rothko, Monet, Pollock, and other artistic visionaries.
• While many think of barbecue when they think of Texas, few foods are more symbolic of Dallas than fajitas and frozen margaritas . Try the former at El Fenix, a Tex-Mex stalwart, and the latter at Mi Cocina.

Of course, there's no shortage of things to do in this worldly city , whether you're with kids or traveling on a budget .

What to Eat and Drink

Befitting of a city its size, Dallas' culinary scene goes well beyond the Tex-Mex and barbecue mentioned above. While you'd be remiss to skip margaritas, brisket, or enchiladas on your visit, focusing solely on those foods mean you'd miss out on the other cuisines the city excels at. From Vietnamese to Italian, there's truly a restaurant in Dallas for every taste—literally.

Don't forget about beverages, either. While the summertime heat can make it tempting to just crack open a cold one, the craft cocktail and wine scene in Dallas is buzzy. Some of the country's best bartenders are slinging drinks in Dallas, riffing on everything from high-end classics to wild and wacky tiki creations. (Of course, if you do need that beer, the Dallas brewery scene has expanded massively in the past decade.)

Whatever you do, there are some foods you just can't miss in Dallas.

Where to Stay

Most visitors to Dallas are coming for business, and thus stay downtown—but it's not a bad idea. Once a ghost town outside of the 9-5 office crowd, downtown is hip and happening. It's home to top museums, great restaurants, and the city's landmark Klyde Warren Park. For old-school luxury, check out The Adolphus , while younger partygoers will love the Joule , a chic hideaway made Insta-famous for its cantilevered pool.

For a quieter, more suburban feel, check out the Oak Lawn/Turtle Creek area—it's home to the iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , the grassy Turtle Creek Park, and a thriving LGBTQ nightlife scene.

Learn more about the varied neighborhoods of Dallas and check out the best hotels in town.

Getting There

Dallas is home to two major airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). The former is among the largest airports in the country, welcoming as many as 65 million passengers annually,   and is served by all major carriers. In addition to connections to smaller cities throughout the Midwest and Southwest, DFW also has abundant flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Dallas Love Field is a much smaller, city-owned airport that is primarily served by Southwest Airlines.

Money-Saving Tips

• Car rentals are inexpensive in Texas and will prove to be the best way to get around, especially if you're planning on taking a day trip or two.
• The Texas State Fair is a rite of passage for most Texans, and luckily, it also makes for an inexpensive outing for the entire family. Just don't overload on the fried Twinkies!
• If you're out barhopping in Uptown, save money on Ubers by taking the McKinney Avenue Trolley instead. It operates 365 days a year and connects some of the city's most popular tourist sites.

Go beyond this list and check out more free and fun things to do in Dallas !

U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Dallas city, Texas."

The Dallas Morning News. "Dallas Museum of Art to Offer Free Admission, Memberships." November 27, 2012.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. "Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Info Sheet - 2015." 2015.

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Dallas   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Pgiam | Getty Images

Why Go To Dallas

All eyes were on Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his motorcade drove through Dealey Plaza . While a visit to this famous site, which also serves as the birthplace of Dallas, should be at the top of every traveler's must-see list, that's not all the Big D has to offer visitors. Those in search of family-friendly to-dos should add the Dallas World Aquarium , the Dallas Zoo and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to their itineraries, while culture hounds explore the Dallas Art Museum , Deep Ellum and the Crow Museum of Asian Art .

If you're looking for a quintessentially Texan experience, Dallas offers that too. Whether you're in town for a Dallas Cowboys home game at AT&T Stadium , the annual State Fair of Texas, or simply hoping to enjoy some tasty barbecue or Tex-Mex, you'll find it all in Dallas.

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• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Texas
• # 11 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit

Best of Dallas

Best hotels in dallas.

• # 1 in Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
• # 2 in The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
• # 3 in HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Best Things to Do in Dallas

• # 1 in Klyde Warren Park
• # 2 in Dallas Museum of Art
• # 3 in The Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza

Popular Tours

JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House

(1474 reviews)

from $ 76.92

John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas

(292 reviews)

from $ 22.00

Sightseeing Tour of Dallas

(635 reviews)

from $ 62.99

Dallas Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Dallas is between September and November, when the temperatures aren't overwhelmingly hot, the tourist traffic has died down and the State Fair of Texas is in full swing. Keep in mind: The Cowboys football season can drive hotel prices up, especially in the Metroplex areas (neighborhoods around Dallas and Fort Worth). Avoid inflated prices by taking a look at the team's home game schedule. The months between March and May are equally comfortable temperature-wise, and blooming flowers further sweeten the season. Despite temperatures in the 90s and high humidity levels, summer marks the high season in Dallas, so expect hotel costs to climb. You will find deals between December and February, but don't expect exceptionally warm weather. The DFW area experiences all four seasons, with wintertime highs resting in the 50s.

Weather in Dallas

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Texas on display The  State Fair of Texas draws millions of attendees each year with the promise of the best barbecues, best rodeos and best displays of Texan pride. Plan your trip for late September or October to join in.

Beat the heat along the Margarita Mile Did you know the frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas? Sample some of the city's best along the Margarita Mile, a seasonal, self-guided tour featuring a variety of margaritas at restaurants all over Dallas. Start your journey with this guide from Visit Dallas.

Shop till you drop Dallas is considered a shopper's paradise. Head to Highland Park Village , NorthPark Center or the Galleria Dallas if you're on the hunt for luxury goods. If you'd rather peruse small local shops, head to neighborhoods like the Design District or Deep Ellum .

How to Save Money in Dallas

Purchase a CityPASS Save some money on admission fees by investing in a Dallas CityPASS. For one price, you'll gain entrance to some of the city's top attractions , including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum , among others.

Make the most of the city's free activities Several of the top things to do in Dallas do not charge an entrance fee, including the Dallas Arts Museum , the Crow Museum of Asian Art , Pioneer Plaza and Klyde Warren Park , among others.

Take advantage of deals and discounts Visit Dallas compiles a list of deals and discounts on its website for everything from happy hour specials to admission tickets.

What to Eat

One thing is for sure: You definitely won't go hungry in Dallas. With big business comes big appetites, and this city knows how to satisfy them.

The DFW Metroplex is known for red meat and Tex-Mex. For a prime cut, head to  Al Biernat's  on the northeast edge of Dallas' Oak Lawn district. You'll spend a pretty penny to eat here, but avid foodies swear the steak is worth the price. Town Hearth , another popular steakhouse, also receives rave reviews. For authentic Mexican flavors, heed the advice of locals and head to Beto & Son , El Fenix or El Come Taco . For even more Tex-Mex, sign up for one of the best food tours in Dallas .

If you want to expand your palette beyond steak and tacos, Dallas has you covered there, too. Thanks to the metro area's large immigrant population (the city estimates that about 25% of its residents are immigrants), Dallas offers a varied roster of dining styles reflective of its multicultural residents. You can find most everything your stomach desires, from Mediterranean cuisine (try Baboush ) to Jamaican favorites (locals recommend The Island Spot ). Armoury D.E. , which is known for its Hungarian menu and live music, and Boulevardier , a French spot in the Bishop Arts District that's serves a popular brunch, are also recommended by locals.

To sink your teeth into some authentic barbecue, try Pecan Lodge , Off the Bone Barbeque or Lockhart Smokehouse .

Although Dallas is a safe places for tourists, you should exercise caution as you would in any other large metro area. Don't walk alone at night and avoid dimly lit areas. Although gun control laws are less strict in Texas than they are in other parts of the country, tourists are generally not the targets of gun-related violence.

Those who are not used to Texas' climate should take precautions against heat stroke, the symptoms of which generally include headache, dizziness, fatigue and sometimes nausea. Drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly. A hat is another good idea.

Getting Around Dallas

The best way to get around Dallas is by car. Though many of the city's top things to do , such as The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza , the Dallas Museum of Art and Reunion Tower , are located within the downtown area and easily accessible via public transit, a few attractions, such as the Dallas Arboretum , are best reached by car. Just be prepared for heavy traffic during rush hour and limited parking no matter the hour.

There are two airports in Dallas: Dallas Love Field (DAL), which is located about 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which is about 20 miles northwest of downtown. Dallas Love Field only services three airlines: Alaska, Delta and Southwest, so you may find more flight options by flying into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which welcomes flights from United, American, JetBlue and others. Taxi fares from Dallas Love Field cost between $18 and $21, while fares from DFW cost between $37 and $45. Both airports are also serviced by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

Pioneer Plaza in Dallas depicts a cattle drive in bronze, with longhorn steers being driven by three cowboys on horses. 

Explore More of Dallas

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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# 14 in  Best Places to Visit in Texas

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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.

With a Dallas City Pass , you can experience the best of Dallas at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#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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DFW Visitor & Living Guide

It’s no accident that Dallas is known as Big D. As the ninth-largest city in the country, Dallas is all about BIG fun, BIG events, and BIG attractions. Home to exclusive shopping, world-renowned museums, five-star dining, lush green spaces, and vibrant nightlife, in Dallas, a visitor can do it all. And, in no small way. Check out our list of must-sees, in no order of importance.

Dallas Attractions

Dallas is justifiably proud of its big city vibe. For instance, at 68 acres in size, the Dallas Arts District is the largest self-contained urban arts district in the USA. This area includes the Museum of Art , Crow Collection of Asian Art, Nasher Sculpture Center , Morton H. Meyerson Symphony center and the AT&T; Performing Arts Center.

Popular Dallas attractions also include the Dallas Zoo , the Dallas Arboretum , the Texas Discovery Gardens , several historical sites and a bunch of top-rated restaurants.

Fort Worth Attractions

Fort Worth sights are an interesting combination of sophistication and earthiness. Locals often brag that Fort Worth is, “Where the West begins,” and rightfully so. This city was founded on wealth from cattle and hardworking cowboys. Even now, the city’s own herd of handsome longhorn cows strut through the Fort Worth Stockyards twice a day!

Everywhere you turn, there are interesting Fort Worth attractions to explore: Cowtown boasts an award-winning zoo, a world class opera house, and is home to the only Michelangelo painting in the western hemisphere.

Dallas & Fort Worth Blog

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Dallas-Fort Worth Outdoors Guide

Dallas is the ultimate playground. Klyde Warren Park is a new, modern 5.2-acre green space above Woodall Rodgers Freeways that connects Uptown neighborhood to downtown. The innovative park features a concert stage, children’s playground, dog park, food trucks, free Wi-Fi, and free exercise classes. Two other outdoor venues are the $17.4 million Main Street Garden Park, a 1.75-acre public park located in downtown Dallas, and the 120-acre Trinity River Audubon Center, a beautiful renovation project.

Dallas-Fort Worth Sports

Attention Sports Nuts: Dallas is the ideal city for you. AT&T Stadium is home to “America’s Favorite team,” the NFL Dallas Cowboys. The stadium covers 73-acres is 900-feet in length and features an end-zone to end zone, convertible-like retractable stadium ceiling. Visitors can also see the Texas Rangers play baseball at the Globe Life Park and the American Airlines Center see the Dallas Mavericks shoot basketball hoops, and the Dallas Stars take hockey to battle on the ice. If you want to watch one of Dallas’ amazing sports teams, but not at an actual game, the Owner’s Box at Omni Dallas Hotel is a sports lover’s dream with state-of-the-art features and the latest technology including a 16-foot screen for viewing the game.

Dallas-Fort Worth Restaurant Guide

There are nearly 4,000 dining options in Dallas and 12,000 in DFW. Opened by Macaroni Grill founder Phil Romano, Trinity Groves is one of the first incubator concepts in the nation helping small businesses get started. Located in the center of Klyde Warren Park, Savor Gastropub is a modern gastropub run by veteran chef John Coleman.

Dallas-Fort Worth Nightlife Guide

When the sun sets, Dallas comes to life. For live music, head to Deep Ellum , one of Dallas’ oldest districts. In the early 1900s, it was best known for Jazz and Blues, and today it’s still rocking. The Cedars Social is a cocktail den and kitchen featuring handcrafted drinks by one of the nation’s leading barmen, Michael Martensen, and modern comfort food by award-winning chef John Tesar. With live music on the weekends, an outdoor patio, a cozy fireplace, and a killer menu, Lee Harvey’s lives up to its legendary name.

Dallas-Fort Worth Spas & Hotels

If you are worn out and need a little R&R, Dallas is the place to unwind. Four great options are all located in hotels : Exhale Spa at the Highland Hotel; The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Spa; ESPA at the Joule Hotel; and Mokara Spa at the Omni Dallas Hotel. While Exhale Spa offers traditional services, it’s in unique ones, such as barre and yoga classes and acupuncture, in which it shines. For classics like massage and facials, visit one of Dallas’ most timeless hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, or Omni Dallas Hotel’s Mokara Spa. And, ESPA Spa at the Joule houses the first ESPA branded spa in Texas.

Dallas-Ft. Worth Art Guide

Dallas has an arts district made up of 20 square blocks of artistic and cultural destinations, with five cultural venues designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects. Spanning three blocks and 19 acres, the district is home to four buildings designed by Pritzker prize-winning architects. Within walking distance of one another, visitors will find the Dallas Museum of Art , Nasher Sculpture Center, Trammel Crow Center, and Crow Collection of Asian Art , Belo Mansion, the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art boasts an encyclopedic collection of more than 23,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history.

Located adjacent to the DMA, the 55-000-square-foot Nasher Sculpture Center features more than 300 pieces. Music lovers adore the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the AT&T Performing Arts Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, which is considered as the most significant new performing arts complex to be built since New York City’s Lincoln Center. The Trammell Crow Center exhibits works of art from Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia, dating from 3500 B.C. to the early 20th century; while One Arts Plaza is a multi-use structure that offers living space and five extraordinary restaurants: Yolk, Proof + Pantry, Fedora, Tei An and Jorge’s.

Dallas-Fort Worth Shopping Guide

Dallas takes shopping seriously. It boasts the original flagship Neiman Marcus opened in 1907. Highland Park Village, the first planned shopping center, is home to the most exclusive stores, including Chanel, Hermes, and Dior. NorthPark Center , known as the country’s first indoor, climate-controlled mall, marries shopping with award-winning art. Galleria Dallas , another premier shopping mall, boasts an ice rink, plus 200 of the most celebrated shops in the world, including American Girl Boutique and a brand new Belk Department Store. The hip area known as Uptown features the happening West Village Shopping Center, which is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and the ever-popular Magnolia movie theater.

Dallas-Fort Worth Family Fun

If you’re visiting Dallas with the kids in tow, don’t fret. Enjoy a meal with 360 views of Dallas at Cloud Nine at Reunion Tower. To introduce culture to your kid, take in a Broadway-style performance at the Dallas Children’s Theatre, where shows include everything from Skippy John Jones to Miracle on 34th Street. For the adventuresome kid, visit Perot Museum of Nature and Science where you’ll find interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, visit the 8-acre, interactive Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which features 17 indoor and outdoor galleries, located in the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden . Another outdoor favorite is the Dallas Zoo , where patrons can feed giraffes and view the groundbreaking 11-acre Giants of the Savanna exhibit, which mixes African animals such as elephants, zebras, and ostriches in the same habitat.

Dallas-Fort Worth History

Perhaps the most talked-about attraction is the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and Library, which opened in 2013 to a warm welcome from all five living presidents. The Center offers visitors a chance to experience the American Presidency with interactive exhibits, a full-sized replica of the Oval Office, thousands of photographs, and a theater. To learn more about politics and history in Texas, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and the John F. Kennedy Memorial are as stirring as they are innovative; and Southfork Ranch shows a side of Dallas that was once featured on the small screen, as the homestead of the Ewing family in the long-running TV show Dallas.

Dallas-Fort Worth Summer Fun

Whether it’s the triple-digit degrees of summer or the brisk chills of winter, Dallas has a pool for you. As one of the newer infinity pools in the Dallas hotel scene, NYLO South Side, with its rooftop bar and restaurant, offers an ideal view of the city’s skyline. The Omni Dallas also features an infinity pool and is heated in the wintertime, making it ideal year-round. On the 16th floor of the W Hotel, this rooftop glass-enclosed pool awaits, with drink service available poolside. And families adore The Fairmont Dallas’ terrace pool, a junior Olympic-sized pool on the hotel’s terrace level, where visitors are treated to the summertime Dive-In Movie series.

Exploring Dallas: 10 Sights and Experiences Dallas, TX is Known For

Carson sperry.

April 26, 2024

Dallas is a city that people from all over the country dream of calling home one day. As one of the largest cities in the Lone Star State, Dallas offers a range of experiences from professional sports and pristine nature to beautiful neighborhoods filled with stunning Dallas homes . 

Whether you're visiting for the first time or just looking to lock down the perfect apartment in the Lone Star State , you'll find something that captures your interest. 

From the legendary Dallas Cowboys to the serene Katy Trail, the city is home to tons of attractions. So, put on your cowboy boots and dawn your ten-gallon hat, we’re answering the question, “what is Dallas known for?”

1. The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry World

Known as “America’s Team” Dallas is undeniably known for their NFL squad, the Dallas Cowboys . Playing out of the massive AT&T Stadium, affectionately known as Jerry World after the team's owner Jerry Jones, this venue isn't just a stadium—it's a modern coliseum that hosts football games as well as massive concerts and events. 

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2. katy trail.

Katy Trail is a cherished greenway that runs through the heart of Dallas. This former railroad line has been transformed into a linear park that stretches for 3.5 miles, linking neighborhoods and arts districts within walking distance. 

3. Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum , just east of downtown Dallas, is a neighborhood steeped in music history. Known for its roots in jazz and blues, today the city buzzes with live music, bars, and galleries. This district has managed to maintain its edgy, artistic vibe, attracting musicians and artists in droves. 

4. Sixth Floor Museum

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza provides a solemn look into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which took place right in the heart of Dallas in 1963. Located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, the museum features photographs, historical documents, and multimedia displays, providing a comprehensive insight into the circumstances and events surrounding that fateful day.

5. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a breathtaking nature retreat. Spanning 66 acres alongside White Rock Lake, the Arboretum is famed for its meticulously landscaped gardens, seasonal floral festivals, and educational programs. The beauty of this place changes with the seasons, providing a colorful palette of blooms in spring and a cooler canopy of leaves in the fall, making it a year-round attraction for families, photographers, and outdoorsy types alike.

6. Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is one of Dallas' most recognizable landmarks, known for its distinctive glowing ball that lights up the skyline. The tower offers a 360-degree view of the city from its observation deck and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists to get a bird’s eye view of Dallas. 

7. The State Fair of Texas

Held annually at Fair Park, the State Fair of Texas is an event that embodies the spirit and culture of the entire state. Known for its giant Ferris wheel, football games, and auto show, the fair also serves up tons of different foods (fried and not) that are as inventive as they are tasty. 

8. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science stands out with its strikingly modern architecture and hands-on approach to science education. Visitors can explore everything from dinosaur fossils to the mysteries of space across five floors of interactive exhibits.

9. The Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff is another must-visit neighborhood, renowned for its boutique shopping, exceptional restaurants, and upbeat atmosphere. This small enclave is packed with over 60 independent shops, restaurants, and galleries, all contributing to its friendly, small-town vibe within the larger city.

10. White Rock Lake

White Rock Lake , located northeast of downtown Dallas, offers an urban oasis with over 1,000 acres of parkland surrounding a tranquil lake. Popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, the lake is surrounded by picnic areas and scenic hiking and biking trails.

About The Author

A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent.com team as a content marketing coordinator. When he's off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.

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