9 Best Things to Do in Dallas
What is Dallas Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Dallas, Texas offer the perfect blend of the contemporary and the cultural. This metropolitan city in the north of the state has a huge art and music scene but is also a place of historical significance.
Those fascinated by Dallas’ history will find plenty to do here, as will anyone with a love of sports and the arts. Quirky, vibrant and trendy are just some of the words regularly used to describe the city, so if that sounds like somewhere you’d like to explore further, take a look at our top things to do in Dallas in a day.
What are the best things to do in Dallas?
1. Bishop Arts District
Dallas’ most independent neighborhood
Good for: Food, Photo, Shoppers
Just a short distance southwest of Downtown Dallas is the trendy shopping and entertainment neighborhood of Bishop Arts District. Take a walk around the area, admiring the colorful street art and bohemian vibe, while browsing all the unique fashion boutiques and independent shops, such as Opportunity Market.
There are loads of great places to eat and drink here too, with an emphasis on delicious farm-to-plate dining. Stop by for a quick bite to eat at the Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ or the Dallas Grilled Cheese Co, then soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a drink at one of the relaxing bars. Have your phone at the ready, as you’ll find countless Instagram opportunities in Bishop Art District.
Bishop Arts District
2. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
A place of reflection and remembrance
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is an artistic monument, offering a place for reflection and remembrance. A fitting place to begin your time in Dallas, the large, roofless square room was dedicated to the 35th president on 24th June 1970.
The 30-ft-high and 50-ft-wide white granite structure features only 3 words, ‘John Fitzgerald Kennedy’, painted in gold. To walk to The Grassy Knoll on Dealy Plaza where the president was assassinated in 1963, just cross the Main Street and Elm Street.
Location: 646 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
3. The Sixth Floor Museum
Above the world-renowned Dealey Plaza
Good for: History, Photo
Head to Dallas’ historic Dealey Plaza, the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and make your way up to The Sixth Floor Museum. The museum is found inside the former Texas School Book Depository, from where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that would take the life of the 35th president.
The life and legacy of JFK and the full breakdown of the fateful day of 22nd November 1963 are now documented inside the museum, including a sniper’s perch and Oswald’s wedding ring. Stand inside the exact window that he fired from and use an audio guide to make the most of your experience.
Location: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 214-747-6660
The Sixth Floor Museum
4. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
One of the top botanical gardens in America
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
Enjoy some respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets and while away your time in the breathtaking Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The 66 acres of beautiful green space are nestled on the banks of White Rock Lake and are nationally acclaimed as one of the best botanical gardens in the country.
Wander among arty sculptures and blankets of brightly-colored flowers, blossoming all year round. Visit during the summer and enjoy the regular outdoor concerts that take place here on Thursday evenings.
Location: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 214-515-6615
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
5. Six Flags Over Texas
White-knuckle rides and non-stop fun
Good for: Families, Adventure
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, travel 20 minutes out of Downtown Dallas and experience the rides, shows and attractions at Six Flags Over Texas. Known as the Thrill Capital of Texas, the theme park is home to over 100 rides, including 14 world-class roller coasters.
Thrill-seekers will love riding the twisted tracks of Titan and the mammoth New Texas Giant, but there’s plenty for kids and families to enjoy, too. They say everything’s bigger in Texas and it’s certainly true at Six Flags. Watch out for the world’s largest loop coaster, Lone Star Revolution.
Location: Arlington, TX 76011, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 817-640-8900
Six Flags Over Texas
6. AT&T Stadium
Home of the Dallas Cowboys
Good for: Families, Photo
It might not be the largest stadium in America, but the AT&T Stadium at Arlington is certainly one of the most impressive. Nicknamed ‘Jerry’s World’ after the Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, the stadium seats over 85,000 fans and is known for its spaceship-like innovative design.
By all means, try and catch a game there if the dates fall right for your visit. But if not, treat yourself to a VIP guided tour behind the scenes, where you’ll get to see everything from the 58 pieces of contemporary art featured all around the stadium, to the post-game interview room and even the locker room of the Cowboys themselves.
Location: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
Open: Hours vary by season and events
Phone: +1 817-892-4000
AT&T Stadium
7. Reunion Tower
Take in the sights of the city from up high
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
You can’t possibly head to Dallas without taking a trip up Reunion Tower and being rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the city from 470 ft up.
From the tower’s GeO-Deck, you’re treated to 360-degree panoramic views of the Dallas skyline and there’s no better time of day to see this than in the beautifully glowing light of sunset. Make the most of the high-definition zoom cameras and interactive touch screens and feel the breeze in your hair out on the observation deck. Check what’s on before you go, as they often hold events at the top, such as Sunset Sky High Yoga.
Location: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
Open: Hours vary by season and events
Phone: +1 214-296-9950
Reunion Tower
8. Stone Street Gardens
A charming strip of restaurants in the heart of Downtown
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Stone Street Gardens goes against the grain of Downtown Dallas, with its charming red brick architecture and bright bursts of greenery. It’s a welcome escape among the looming buildings and concrete as far as the eye can see, and offers a great choice of eating establishments, with seating spilling out onto the cobbled pedestrian alleyway running between Elm Street and Main Street.
Take your pick from a choice of different cuisines available, from bagel shops and Tex-Mex eateries to burger joints and sophisticated rooftop bars.
Location: 1520 Elm St #201, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Stone Street Gardens
9. Deep Ellum entertainment district
A sure-fire way to end the night on a high
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Deep Elm, Deep Ellum or whatever you call it, your experience will be an eclectic night full of bustling bars and some of the best live music in the city. The streets are lined with vibrant art and the area is home to unique art galleries, as well as more than 30 live music venues. Oh, and if you’re wondering, the area was originally called Deep Elm, but after years of mispronunciation, it became better known as Deep Ellum.
Fill your night with rooftop bars, traditional speakeasies, piano bars and salsa clubs. But, of course, be sure to catch some live jazz and blues while you’re there.
Deep Ellum entertainment district
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