15 Best Things to Do in Dallas, Texas
Dallas hits you differently than you expect. It is big, spread out, and frankly not the most walkable city on Earth, so you need a car and a little patience. But get past the freeways and glass towers, and the city has real character, a mix of cowboy heritage, oil money, great food and serious art. I spent a week crisscrossing the neighborhoods, and these are the experiences I would recommend to any first timer.
Visit Dealey Plaza and The Sixth Floor Museum
You cannot get Dallas history without reckoning with 1963. Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was assassinated, sits in the heart of the city, and the Sixth Floor Museum tells the story with restraint. Standing at the window where the shots were fired is a sobering, powerful moment. Book tickets in advance, because timed entry slots fill up, and give yourself at least two hours.
Explore the Dallas Arts District
The Arts District is one of the largest urban arts quarters in the country, and you could easily spend a full day here. The standout is the Dallas Museum of Art, with an impressively broad collection, all free to enter for the permanent galleries. Next door, the Nasher Sculpture Center shares a serene sculpture garden. I moved between galleries all afternoon and never felt rushed.
See the AT&T Performing Arts Center
Clustered in the same district, the AT&T Performing Arts Center brings together the Winspear Opera House, the Wyly Theatre and a scenic park. Even without a ticket, the architecture is worth a look, especially the Winspear’s curving glass facade that lights up at night. I caught a performance one evening, and the acoustics and views were superb. Check the schedule during your visit.
Wander the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff
Out in Oak Cliff, the Bishop Arts District is the creative soul of the city. Old storefronts now hold quirky boutiques, bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants with character you will not find downtown. I spent a happy Saturday here, poking into record stores, grabbing tacos from a taqueria and sitting on a porch with a coffee. It is the neighborhood feel people swear Dallas lacks.
Eat Your Way Through Texas Barbecue
Barbecue is a religion in Texas, and Dallas has some of the best in the state. The big names draw long lines, and for good reason. I tried several places over the week, working through brisket, ribs and sausage. Go early, order by the pound, and bring a big appetite.
Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Sitting on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum is a superb set of formal gardens. Coming in the fall is especially memorable, because the pumpkin house and autumnal displays draw huge numbers, but the spring tulips are just as dazzling. I wandered the beds, the rose garden and the lakeside promenade for hours. It is the best green escape inside the city.
Catch a Game in Victory Park
Victory Park, just north of downtown, is built around the American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks and the Stars. If there is a game on, the whole district fills with fans and the energy is electric. Even without tickets, the bars buzz on event nights. I caught a basketball game and loved the atmosphere. Sports culture is central enough to Dallas that it is worth experiencing once.
See the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
One of the most family friendly spots in the city, the Perot Museum is a striking building that houses dinosaurs, interactive science exhibits and an earthquake simulator. I spent a couple of hours here and found the permanent exhibits genuinely engaging. It sits in the Victory Park area, so you can combine it with a meal. Book tickets to avoid queues.
Stroll the Katy Trail
Built on a former railroad line, the Katy Trail is a ribbon of green running for miles through the heart of Dallas, best used by foot or bike. Cyclists, runners and dog walkers share the path. I rented a bike and followed it from downtown into Uptown, hopping off to eat on patios along the way. Early morning is the calmest time.
Taste Tex-Mex at a Local Institution
Dallas loves its Tex-Mex, a style of cheese, chili, enchiladas and margaritas that is its own proud cuisine. The city is full of storied spots that have served it for decades. I ordered a sizzling platter of enchiladas with a huge frozen margarita and understood why these rooms stay full every night. Come hungry, go early, and expect a line at dinner.
Enjoy the Rooftop Bars of Uptown and Deep Ellum
When the sun goes down, Dallas knows how to have a good time. Uptown has sleek rooftop lounges with skyline views, while Deep Ellum is the old music district where live bands play every night. I started with a cocktail and a view, then moved to a noisy club for live blues in Deep Ellum. The contrast is pure Dallas.
Take a Day Trip to Fort Worth’s Stockyards
For a concentrated dose of cowboy culture, drive to Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards district. Twice a day a cattle drive of longhorns walks through the main street, and the old exchange and western outfitters give it a film set feel that is nonetheless authentic. I caught the afternoon drive and stayed for dinner and live music. It is an easy half day that completes the Texas picture.
Dallas rewards the traveler who is willing to drive across its sprawl, eat twice as much as seems wise, and keep an open mind about what a modern Texas city is. Come for the barbecue and the museums, but leave a few days free to let the neighborhoods surprise you.
