Dallas is a modern metropolis in north Texas that has a rich history rooted in ranching, farming, and oil production.
It grew rapidly as a trade centre after the introduction of the railroad in 1873.
Tourists can enjoy a wide variety of architecture, several excellent museums, as well as top-rated attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium and Reunion Tower.
There are also plenty of things to do outdoors, including a visit to the lovely Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the impressive sculptures in Pioneer Plaza.
Downtown’s Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza commemorates the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
With a humid subtropical climate and great attractions, Dallas a spectacular city well worth visiting!
Things To Do In Dallas
1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Most people will make this poignant visit when they visit Dallas, Texas.
The Sixth Floor Museum, located at Dealey plaza downtown Dallas, is housed in the former Texas Schools Book Depository.
This national historic landmark documents President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and houses many facts about the tragic day as well as covering the President’s early life and career.
Even more poignant is to be able to stand at the corner window where Lee Harvey Oswald fired those fateful shots.
The deed itself is covered in great detail, with hundreds of photographs from the scene and analysis.
All the context you could want about the assassination of John F. Kennedy is available at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Each admission comes with a self-guided audio tour, which makes the visit much more educational.
Address: Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm St, Dallas, Texas 75202
2. Dallas Zoo
One of the best things to do in Dallas for families is a visit to Dallas Zoo.
The attraction is a 106-acre zoo located 3 miles south of downtown Dallas.
This world-class Zoo is the largest in Texas and features many rare and endangered species.
Full of family fun, it’s home to more than 2,000 animals.
Dallas zoo is thriving with new exhibits such as the Koala Walkabout, Wonders of the Wild and the Giants of the Savanna to name a few.
Other key exhibits include the Tiger Habitat, Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, with interactive, educational exhibits for children, Penguin Cove and Gorilla Conservation Research Centre.
There are several snack stands throughout the Zoo as well as cafes and restaurants.
It also has a well stocked gift shop.
Address: Dallas zoo, 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75203
3. Dallas Reunion Tower
An icon of the Dallas Skyline since 1978, the Reunion Tower offers visitors a 360-degree view of the city as the Tower’s platform revolves.
Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, this indoor/outdoor observation deck lets you explore the city unlike anywhere else.
Step up to the interactive touch screen and with just one swipe, you’ll be able to discover local hidden gems, historic landmarks, museums, parks, and more.
Head outside for a lap around the exterior deck and feel the wind as you stand 470 feet in the air.
Take a look through one of the telescopes and you’ll be able to see for miles in any direction.
The Dallas skyline is known for this glowing orb, that has plenty of activities for families with many special events running throughout the year.
Address: Dallas Reunion Tower, 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, Texas 75207
4. Dallas Museum of Art
Located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art is home to over 24,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years.
It is one of the 10 largest art museums in the country and is a must see for art lovers.
The museum is has a permanent collection of masterpieces which include Picasso, Rodin, Monet, and many more,
As well as constantly changing art collections which showcase the many areas of art, the museum is particularly strong in African sculpture, decorative works, and contemporary art.
General admission to the Museum is free and includes viewing the Museum’s collection galleries and most exhibitions however selected special exhibitions and programs require an admission ticket.
The DMA Cafe is located near the Museum’s north entrance and features a menu of selections made from locally grown products.
There is also a well stocked gift shop that has an extensive collection of art-related gifts.
Address: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, Texas 75201
5. Dallas World Aquarium
One of the best things to do in Dallas for families is a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium.
There is more to this aquarium than fish, visitors can explore a South American rain forest, learn about Mayan culture and watch birds and animals under a leafy canopy.
The Dallas World Aquarium explores multiple natural environments under one roof.
There are a number of impressive exhibits and the aquarium allows you to see everything from giant pacific octopuses to seahorses in realistic recreations of their natural habitat.
One of the highlights is a tunnel that gives you an unusual perspective on the fish and marine creatures of the Indo-Pacific.
Located in the West End Historic District of Dallas it makes a great day out full of family fun.
Address: Dallas World Aquarium, 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, Texas 75202
6. White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is a 1,015 acre city lake located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas.
It is very much loved by locals and visitors for offering a natural area with plenty of wildlife right in the middle of an urban setting.
The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
White Rock Lake is one of the most heavily used parks in Dallas and is the location of many special events and runs.
It is also a wonderful day out for all the family as there is so much you can do here.
The lake is great for kayaking and canoeing.
There are also 9.33 miles of hiking and bike trails, along with picnic areas, wetlands, dog park, and plenty of space for kids to play, it makes an excellent day out.
Address: White Rock Lake, 8300 Garland Rd. Dallas, Texas, 75218
7. Nasher Sculpture Center
Opened in 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center houses the Patsy and Raymond Nasher collection of modern and contemporary sculpture.
It is located on a 2.4-acre site adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art.
The main exhibits are modern sculptures with several hundred works.
The collection is easy to navigate, with a tranquil sculpture garden that’s well worth a visit.
On display in the Galleries and Garden are rotating exhibitions of works from the Nasher Collection as well as special exhibitions drawn from other museums and private collections.
Visitor Hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m and general Admission tickets are available 1 month in advance.
Address: Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St, Dallas, Texas 75201
8. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
For a lovely family day out in the fresh air, drop into Dallas’s gorgeous Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
The 66 acre gardens offer lots of interest, especially for the younger family members.
They include the amazing 8 acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden with its fun play and exploration area as well as the Children’s Garden Café.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden also presents Dallas Blooms, which is the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest.
The Dallas Arboretum is conveniently located in East Dallas, along Garland Road just north of Highway 30.
Address: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, Texas 75218
9. Deep Ellum
The lively Deep Ellum entertainment and arts district is known for its vibrant street murals, quirky art museums and concert venues.
Deep Ellum is seen as the live music capital of North Texas as well as a hub for the performing arts from theater to comedy.
If you love live music this is a great place to walk around and have your pick of clubs and bars to choose from.
Located in the arts and entertainment district near downtown in the east Dallas area, visitors flock in for the good restaurants and some of the city’s best street art.
The best way to discover the area of Deep Ellum is to tour the district on foot.
Address: Deep Ellum, 501-585 N Malcolm X Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75226
10. Texas Discovery Gardens
Located in Dallas historic Fair Park, the Texas Discovery Gardens are a year round organically maintained 7.5-acre urban oasis.
There is the two-story Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium that transports visitors to a tropical rainforest, complete with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
The gardens are maintained using sustainable methods that conserve water and help to protect the environment.
The Texas Discovery Gardens is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm.
Address: Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75210
11. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a amazing natural history and science museum.
Consisting of two campuses: the primary campus located in Victory Park, and a secondary campus in Fair Park.
The Perot Museum opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District.
The 180,000-square-foot facility boasts 11 interactive exhibit halls complete with towering dinosaurs, giant gems and a children’s museum.
There are plenty of interactive exhibits for kids and adults.
With five floors and 11 main exhibits full of hands-on activities and 3D animation, this exciting attraction is sure to keep you interested for hours.
Food and drinks, other than water bottles, are not allowed inside the Museum.
Address: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N Field St, Dallas, Texas 75201
12. Fort Worth
Dallas and Fort Worth have been joined by urban sprawl and are now connected by 30 miles of suburbs, so they technically form one city.
Fort Worth is home to the oldest stock show and rodeo in the country and holds fast to its historical Wild West identity
Fort Worth is nicknamed Cowtown for its deep roots in the cattle ranching industry.
Visiting Fort Worth takes you back to the days of the great cattle roundups, with all kinds of related entertainment and fun things to see and do.
From rodeos to live music shows, entertainment and western-themed shopping.
Fort Worth has several museums dedicated to the old ranches that give tourists a feel for the authentic cowboy life.
Address: Fort Worth, 200 Texas St. Fort Worth, TX 76102
13. Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre public park that opened in 2012.
It is unusual in that it sits over a freeway and acts as a bridge connecting uptown to downtown Dallas.
It offers a mix of active and relaxing spaces, which include a children’s park, reading room, grassed area, restaurant, performance pavilion, fountain plaza, games area, urban dog park, and a botanical garden that sweeps around a pedestrian promenade.
This great Dallas park provides green space and respite from the city’s bustle.
Klyde Warren Park hosts food trucks every Saturday and several pop ups during the week for anyone who feels peckish.
Address: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75201
14. African American Museum
The African American Museum was founded in 1974 and is located in historic Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
A rich heritage of African American culture, art and history is housed in four vaulted galleries.
The African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials.
The museum also hosts a variety of functions, including special exhibits, lectures, workshops, music festivals and other events.
The African American Museum is a great place to visit for families of all ages and admission is free.
Open all week but closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, Texas 75210
FAQ
What 3 things is Dallas Texas known for?
Dallas, Texas is known for its cotton and oil production.
Being the assassination site of President John F. Kennedy.
The JFK Memorial is situated a block away from Dealey Plaza in John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.
Dallas is recognized for the Dallas Cowboys football team.
How many sculptures are in Pioneer Plaza Dallas?
The sculptures in Pioneer Plaza represent the longhorn cattle drives that took place along the Shawnee Trail in the nineteenth century.
All together, there are 49 bronze steers standing six feet high and 3 trail riders, consisting of cowboys on horses who guide the steers across a stream with a waterfall included.
Developed on what was once a 4.2 acre parking lot, Pioneer Plaza is one of the most-visited landmarks in downtown Dallas.
What is the Bishop Arts District in Dallas?
The Bishop Arts District is home to boutiques, independent shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, theaters and art galleries.
This historic district is located 10 minutes south of downtown Dallas.
Bishop Street Market is one of the oldest businesses in the Bishop Arts District and is the go-to place for a unique gift.
Where does the Dallas symphony orchestra perform?
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Dallas, Texas.
Its principal performing venue is the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the Arts District of downtown Dallas.
What are the best places for shopping in Dallas?
NorthPark Center has an extraordinary array of designer stores mixed with retail favourites and luxury boutiques.
Highland Park Village is an up-market shopping area with over 74 stores and a handful of restaurants offering quality over quantity.
Galleria Dallas is a shopping mall that is home to over 200 retail shops spread out over four levels.
