Whether you only have a few hours or days, a must-see list of the coolest places and incredibly fun things to do in Dallas will help you get started. Family-friendly attractions, historic landmarks, and picturesque outdoor settings are the most common ones. There’s cutting-edge culture and delicious cuisine to keep you coming back for more. Plan your adventure with this guide of things to do in Dallas to make your trip or weekend a fun one. You can also tour like a native, visiting some of Dallas’ most popular neighborhoods, like Uptown, Deep Ellum, and Downtown. From the famous Reunion Tower to the expansive Klyde Warren Park, Dallas combines urban excitement with natural beauty. Do not miss the world-class museums in the Arts District.
What To Do In Dallas?
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1. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Are you found of plants and flowers? Do you love to see the colorful natural beauty that nature offers? Then you are at the right place. Being in Dallas and not visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must thing to do.
Location: Located at the shore of White Rock Lake, the entire place is spread around 66 acres of landย ย
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this beautiful place is during the Springs. All the shrubs, plants, and trees become lively during this season. It’s a fantastic time to visit this place.ย
Visiting Hours:Daily 8.00.am to 5.00.pmย
About:
This Arboretum is amongst the top Botanical gardens around the world. This is a magical place that has a variety of plants and flowers to see. It was established in 1984. There are about 19 named gardens. Each garden has its own significance.ย You can easily spend around 2-4 hours or a half day at this garden. You can carry food, snacks and drinks along with you.ย Many events and activities take place around the year at the botanical garden. A minimum entry fee needs to be paid to get into it. However, entry is free for its members. The tickets are valid for a period of 4 hours. One can capture the natural beauty of the cherry blossoms and tulips during the springs. While visiting during summer, Pecan groves and verdant grass are major attraction points. It is one of the best places for photography.
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2. Dallas Museum Art
The city houses some of the best museums in Dallas in the world. Lovers of arts, antics, and artifacts are always on the hunt for these things. Even while traveling and visiting new places, they look out for the heritage and culture of the city. What better place than a museum can one visit to check out these things.
Location
You need to travel to North Harwood, in Dallas city, to get to this museum
Best time to visit
Around the year, various exhibitions, social events, and workshops keep happening at the museum. You can choose to visit them and you can meet around and get social with many other people.
Visiting Hours
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm. On Mondays & Tuesdays, it is closed.
About:
Established in 1903 and spread across 370,000 square feet, the Dallas Museum of Art(DMA) is huge. Dallas Museum of Art houses more than 25,000 artworks. It has creative arts which are as long as 5,000 years old. It has got a marvelous collection of galleries. One can definitely see artworks done by famous personalities like Pablo Picasso, Gustave Courbet, Joseph Mallord William Turner, Elisabeth Vigรฉe-Lebrun, and many more. An entire day is required to explore this museum properly. There is no ticket for entering the museum. Though during special workshops and exhibitions it is chargeable. To take memories of this museum, you can click them on your cameras, which is allowed. Carrying food and beverages inside the museum is prohibited.
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3. Dallas Zoo
What sets the Dallas Zoo apart from other wildlife centers and exhibits is its unique Giants of the Savanna habitat. Families searching for fun things to do in Dallas often enjoy a day at the Dallas Zoo. You can observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and other African wildlife interacting in a naturalistic setting.
Location: 3 miles South of downtown Dallas.
Best time to visit: Visiting during Spring is a good option as there is less crowd. During Holidays and vacations, it is crowded.
Visiting Hours: The Zoo is generally open on all days from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from March to September. And from October to February the timings change from 9 am to 4 pm.
About:
The largest and oldest, established in 1888, is spread across 106 acres of land. In the beginning, it had only two deer and two lions, and now it is a house for more than 2,000 animals of around 400 species. To get into the zoo, one needs to buy a ticket, which costs between $8 and $ 24, depending on the time of the year you visit. You may carry your own food along although few restaurants are available there. The experience this zoo gives you, you will not get it anywhere. Here, you can do Giraffe Feeding, birding viewing, have an encounter with wildlife animals, and so on. Here at the zoo is a conservation mini-train. The mini train has graphics of animals and is an electric train. Kids as well as adults can have a ride in it. You can completely see the zoo in around 2 hours or so. Over all you would have an educational and fun trip to this zoo.
4. Klyde Warren Park
Being in Dallas city, one can definitely explore the urban parks in and around the city. One of them is the very famous Klyde Warren Park. Want to see the new era park built lately by the new generation, do visit Klyde Warren Park to see its engineering specialty.
Location: Downtown Dallas
Visiting Hours: It is open daily between 6 am to 11 pm.
Best Time to Visit: The park is open 365 days a year. The best time to visit would be during the spring.
About:
Klyde Warren Park was opened to the public in the year 2012. It is spread across 5.2 acres of land.ย It has 37 native plant species and 247 trees around it. It is a marvelous combination of engineering and design. There is no entry fee for the park. The park is so big that around 10,000 people can be accommodated at a single time. The main attraction of this park is its Fountain Play. It is scheduled daily in the evening between 6 am to 10 pm. People specifically visit this park in the evening to watch this. One can take away good memories from this park in the form of photographs. You can find loads of food options along with good music inside the park.
5. The Dallas World Aquarium
Kids love to see the various underwater species and aquatic life. They do get fascinated by the underwater life. The same things Dallas has to offer at it’s the Dallas World Aquarium.
Location: North Griffin, Dallas
Best Time to Visit: The aquarium is open year around, so you can plan to go any time. Specifically, avoid weekends, holidays, or vacations, as these can be too crowded.ย
Visiting Hours: Open on all days between 8.30 am to 5 pm.
About:
32 years old, opened to the public in the year 1992, come along with friends, families, and relatives to this wonderful underwater world and spend min 2-3 hours watching the habitat of the sea world. You can see exotic birds, endangered animals, two or three-toed sloths, crocodiles, a variety of fishes, and explicit marine life. The upper level of the aquarium is an artificial reproduction of a rainforest canopy. You can also have a cloud forest trek at the aquarium. You can find aquatic life from different parts of the world like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Fiji, Southern Australia etc.
6. Visit Reunion Tower
Want to experience a 360 view of Dallas? The Reunion Tower is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Dallas. It is a 171-meter-high sky-touch tower.
Location: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas
Visiting Hours: Open all days between 2:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Best Time to Visit: The tower is open year-round, but for the best experience, try to visit on a clear day. To avoid crowds, plan your visit on weekdays or during non-peak hours.
About:
Standing tall since 1978, the Reunion Tower has been a staple of the Dallas skyline for over 40 years. Bring family, friends, or someone special to enjoy spectacular city views from 470 feet up. Spend at least an hour exploring the GeO-Deck observation level, where high-definition zoom cameras and interactive touch screens bring the city to life. You can see up to 32 miles away on a clear day. The tower features a rotating restaurant, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, where you can dine while enjoying the revolving view. At night, the tower’s LED light show illuminates the Dallas sky.
7. Dallas Arts District
Art lovers in the city can walk through the Dallas Arts District to experience its cultural offerings. You can take a 90-minute walkable architecture tour of the district.
Location: Downtown Dallas
Visiting Hours: All days, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Best Time to Visit: The Art District is open all year round. You can check for events as they can make it a little crowded.
About:
Spanning 68 acres, this cultural hub has flourished since the 1970s, transforming into a vibrant center for creativity and expression. The Arts District in Dallas is home to dozens of museums, restaurants, performing arts centers, and a great park right in the middle. You can easily spend an entire day exploring everything this vibrant area offers. You can start by visiting world-class museums like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. Then, grab a bite at one of the many delicious restaurants. Afterward, enjoy a show at a performing arts center or simply relax in the park. Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out, Among the many things to do in Dallas, exploring the Dallas Arts District should be high on your list.
8. White Rock Lake and Park
A brilliant slice of nature in northeast Dallas, White Rock Lake covers 1,015 acres and is home to sea life like white crappie, largemouth bass, and Channel catfish. Rent a kayak, have a picnic, or just enjoy the serenity!
Location: Dallas,Tx
Best Time to Visit: Summer Season
Visiting Hours: All days, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
About:
Just 5 miles northeast of downtown, this natural oasis offers something for everyone. The park offers a diverse range of activities, including a 9.33-mile hike and bike trail circling the lake, fishing piers, and kayak/canoe launches. Bird watchers can spot over 217 species in the park’s natural areas. The historic Bath House Cultural Center, built in 1930, now hosts art exhibitions and performances.
Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and the Dog Park for four-legged friends. The park is home to various events throughout the year, including marathons and rowing regattas. While swimming is prohibited, the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Nearby attractions like the White Rock Lake Museum and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden are also worth a visit.
9. Highland Park Village
Highland Park Village in Dallas offers a luxurious shopping experience with swanky stores and beautiful Spanish-style buildings. The shopping experience is not just about shopping but also includes a chance to grab a fancy coffee, people-watch, and spot celebrities.
Location: 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas
Visiting Hours: All days, 10 am to 6 pm.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime throughout the year is the best time to visit.
About:
Another excellent option for maxing out your credit card on your Dallas vacation is Highland Park Village, a shopper’s paradise located at the southwest corner of Preston Road and Mockingbird Lane.
This premium mall is famous for being the first self-contained retail center in the United States, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000.
After shopping at Highland Park Village, you can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the upscale dining options. The dining scene here perfectly complements the luxury shopping experience.
10. Nightlife In Deep Ellum
Are you a night owl? Dallas can make you experience the most vibrant nightlife you’ve ever encountered. When the sun dips below the horizon, the city transforms into a glittering playground of neon lights with pulsing energy.
Location: Deep Ellum, Dallas
About:
Known for its vibrant music scene, Deep Ellum is the place to be for live performances, eclectic bars, and unique street art. The area is buzzing with energy and creativity. Walk through Deep Ellum, where live music pulses from every doorway. Bright murals glow under the street lamps, showing off Dallas’s culture.
If you want the best music in Dallas, hit up Club Dada for rock, rap, and punk. For a mix of sounds and swing dancing, try Sons of Hermann Hall. Or, if you’re up for some fun and games with tasty snacks, Electric Shuffle’s got you covered.
11. Plan a Trip from Dallas
The more vibrant city Dallas is, the more amazing the nearby places it is surrounded by. When confused on what to do in Dallas on a long weekend, start your car and explore the diverse attractions within reach. Road trips from Dallas take you on a journey of serene lakes, historic small towns, sprawling state parks, or lively urban scenes. You could be hiking through lush forests, wandering charming main streets, cooling off in refreshing swimming holes, or experiencing the rich culture of neighboring cities. From the rolling hills of East Texas to the expansive prairies of the West, Dallas is filled with excellent spots for weekend adventures.
12. Enjoy Local Food
There is no shortage of local food restaurants and cafes in Dallas. Enjoying local meals from downtown to uptown, you’ll find authentic American cuisine alongside international flavors. For the best BBQ in Dallas, head to Pecan Lodge or Lockhart Smokehouse for mouthwatering brisket and ribs. For spicy food lovers, try out Indian restaurants in Dallas where you can savor aromatic curries and tandoori dishes at Mughlai Fine Indian Cuisine or Chennai Cafe. Just a random coffee addict beware – heading to coffee shops in Dallas can make you feel the Texan vibes and colors.
Conclusion:
Apart from this, you can visit the George Presidential Center, which is a museum depicting the life of the 43rd President of the USA that is George W. Bush. Another place to visit is the Nasher Sculpture Center. If you wish to see contemporary and modern sculptural pieces, this is the apt place to visit. Here, you can find work done by renowned artists across the world, like Rodin, Picasso, etc. Being a modern city, it has ample malls, restaurants, play parks, theatres, and shopping streets to shop from. Hope you all have got all the information required to roam about in Dallas.