Photo: Matthew T Rader · CC BY-SA 4.0Travel guide
Discover the best things to do in Dallas, from the Sixth Floor Museum and Reunion Tower to the Arts District, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts and the State Fair.
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Dallas is a big, confident Texas city, and the best things to do in Dallas range from moving history and world-class museums to barbecue, live music and football.
You can spend a morning at the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza, an afternoon among the galleries and concert halls of the Arts District, and an evening listening to live music in Deep Ellum or eating your way through Bishop Arts.
The city's restaurants, shopping and sports culture are as much a part of its identity as its skyline.
What makes Dallas special is its mix of Texas tradition and modern ambition. Cowboys and cattle drives live on in bronze at Pioneer Plaza and in the Fort Worth Stockyards next door, while new parks, bridges and museums show a city reinventing itself.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is huge, with professional teams in every major sport, theme parks, lakes and some of the best Tex-Mex and barbecue in the country. Each fall, the State Fair of Texas turns Fair Park into one of the biggest parties in the state.
This guide is built to be comprehensive, whether you have a single afternoon, a family week or a long weekend with friends.
We organize Dallas by mood and traveler, with fun, free, family-friendly, adults-only, romantic, nighttime and indoor picks, then move through the seasons and the neighborhoods so you can build a trip that fits the way you like to travel.
📍 West End
In the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum tells the story of President Kennedy's life, assassination and legacy through photographs, films and artifacts. The corner window from which the shots were fired is preserved behind glass. Book timed tickets online and allow about two hours, including the audio guide.
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📍 West End
The plaza where President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 is a National Historic Landmark District, preserved much as it looked that day. A block east, Philip Johnson's cenotaph offers a quiet space for reflection. Both are free; stay on the sidewalks, as Elm Street is an active road.
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📍 Reunion District
The illuminated geodesic sphere atop Reunion Tower is a symbol of the Dallas skyline. Its GeO-Deck observation level offers 360-degree views over the city, especially beautiful at sunset and after dark, when the sphere lights up in changing colors.
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📍 Arts District
One of the largest art museums in the United States offers free general admission to collections spanning ancient, African, Asian, European, American and contemporary art. Special exhibitions require tickets. It is the anchor of the Arts District, close to other museums and Klyde Warren Park.
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📍 Arts District
Built on a deck over a freeway, this lively park connects downtown with Uptown and fills with food trucks, free events, families and dogs. It is the perfect place for a picnic lunch between museum visits.
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📍 Victory Park
This striking science museum, designed by Thom Mayne and opened in 2012, has hands-on exhibits on dinosaurs, space, energy, gems and the human body across several floors. It is one of the best family attractions in the city.
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📍 Arts District
A Renzo Piano-designed museum and garden displaying modern and contemporary sculpture by artists such as Rodin, Matisse, Picasso and Calder. Its peaceful garden is one of the loveliest spots downtown.
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📍 Fair Park
The site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition holds a remarkable collection of Art Deco buildings, the Cotton Bowl stadium and museums. Each fall, it hosts the State Fair of Texas, one of the largest state fairs in the country.
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📍 Deep Ellum
Dallas's music and nightlife district is known for its live music venues, colorful murals, bars and barbecue. Walk Elm and Main Streets in the evening to hear bands and see the street art.
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📍 Oak Cliff
A walkable district of independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants and coffee shops in restored historic buildings. It is a great place for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and eating.
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📍 White Rock Lake
Set on the shore of White Rock Lake, the arboretum's gardens are famous for seasonal displays, from spring tulips to autumn pumpkins and holiday decorations. It is one of the most popular attractions in Dallas.
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📍 East Dallas
A large urban lake with a trail of about nine miles around it, popular with cyclists, runners and walkers. Sailboats, paddleboarders and birdwatchers add to the scene, and the lakeside offers views of the downtown skyline.
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📍 Downtown
A dramatic bronze sculpture of a cattle drive, with dozens of longhorns and cowboys crossing a hillside, recalls Texas's frontier past. It is free and makes a great photo stop.
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📍 West End
This aquarium and zoo in the West End recreates rainforest and ocean habitats, with sharks, manatees, birds, monkeys and more. It is a favorite family outing and a good choice on hot days.
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📍 Oak Cliff
The largest zoological park in Texas is home to elephants, giraffes, gorillas and many other animals. The Giants of the Savanna habitat lets elephants and giraffes share a landscape. It is reachable by DART light rail.
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📍 Uptown
A popular paved trail along a former railroad line, running through Uptown and nearby neighborhoods. It is shaded in places and perfect for walking, running and cycling.
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📍 Trinity River
Santiago Calatrava's soaring white arch over the Trinity River is a modern Dallas icon. View it from the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge or Trinity Groves, especially at sunset.
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📍 University Park
On the campus of Southern Methodist University, this museum explores the presidency of George W. Bush, with exhibits on key decisions and a replica of the Oval Office.
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📍 Arlington
The home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL, known for its giant video board and retractable roof. Guided tours are offered on many days.
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📍 Fort Worth
About 45 minutes west, the Stockyards preserve Fort Worth's cowboy heritage, with a daily longhorn cattle drive, rodeos, Western shops and honky-tonks.
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📍 West Dallas
Across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, this cluster of restaurants and bars offers views of the downtown skyline, especially at sunset.
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📍 Arts District
A free museum in the Arts District displaying art from across Asia, including jade, sculpture and contemporary works. It is a calm, rewarding stop.
📍 View on Google Maps →The most fun things to do in Dallas combine Texas-sized entertainment with the city's love of sports, food and live music. Few places make it so easy to combine an afternoon at a ballgame or a theme park, an evening of barbecue and live music and a weekend at the State Fair.
These picks mix classic attractions with activities that locals actually enjoy, so you can sample the city's playful side whatever your budget and pace.
From late September through October, enjoy rides, fried foods, livestock shows and Big Tex at Fair Park.
Experience the scale of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Bar-hop between live music venues in the city's historic music district.
Watch the city light up from the GeO-Deck.
The original Six Flags park in Arlington offers roller coasters and family rides.
Watch baseball at Globe Life Field, an air-conditioned ballpark in Arlington.
Rent a bike and ride the popular trail through Uptown.
Watch longhorns parade down the street in Fort Worth.
Enjoy dinner with skyline views across the Trinity River.
Ride the vintage trolley between downtown and Uptown.
There are many free things to do in Dallas, from world-class museums to parks, trails and historic sites. The Dallas Museum of Art's free general admission, Klyde Warren Park's free events and the city's public art make it easy to enjoy Dallas on a budget.
These picks prove that some of the city's best experiences cost nothing at all.
Free general admission to a world-class collection.
Free events, lawns and people-watching.
Visit the historic site and memorial for free.
See the bronze cattle drive downtown.
A peaceful garden and chapel with a spiral stained-glass window.
Free admission to Asian art in the Arts District.
Walk or run the popular trail through Uptown.
Walk or bike the trail around the lake.
Explore the colorful street art.
Walk the bridge for views of the Calatrava arch and the skyline.
Browse the shops and galleries of Oak Cliff.
Walk the Art Deco Esplanade outside fair season.
The vintage trolley between downtown and Uptown has been free to ride.
Browse the market and food hall downtown.
Several museums offer free days; check their calendars.
Dallas is a great destination for families, with a science museum, a zoo, an aquarium, theme parks and plenty of parks. Many attractions are indoors or offer shade, which helps in the summer heat. These picks cover toddlers to teens, with options for every budget.
Dinosaurs, space and hands-on science exhibits.
Elephants, giraffes and gorillas, reachable by light rail.
Rainforest and ocean habitats with sharks and manatees.
A children's park, splash areas and food trucks.
Gardens and a children's adventure garden.
Roller coasters and family rides in Arlington.
Rides, animals and food in the fall.
Longhorn cattle drives and Western fun.
City views from the GeO-Deck.
Aircraft and space exhibits near Love Field.
Family-friendly sports in Arlington.
Dallas offers plenty for grown-up travelers, from fine dining and cocktail bars to live music, theater, shopping and sports. Deep Ellum, Uptown, Lower Greenville and Bishop Arts each offer a different kind of night out.
These picks focus on the experiences adults will appreciate most.
Venues and bars for blues, rock, hip-hop and more.
Symphony, opera, theater and dance in architectural landmarks.
Michelin-starred restaurants include Tatsu Dallas and Mamani.
Stylish bars and rooftops along McKinney Avenue.
A lively strip of bars and restaurants.
Sample brisket at legendary barbecue spots.
A large shopping center with art on display.
Taste local beer in Deep Ellum and other neighborhoods.
Catch stand-up at the city's comedy clubs.
Two-step at a Western dance hall in the Stockyards.
Dallas offers romantic experiences from sunset views over the skyline to candlelit dinners, garden strolls and performances in elegant concert halls. These picks highlight the city's most romantic settings for couples.
Watch the city lights come on from the GeO-Deck.
Stroll among seasonal flowers by White Rock Lake.
Choose an intimate restaurant in the historic district.
Hear the Dallas Symphony in I. M. Pei's concert hall.
A peaceful sculpture garden downtown.
Views of the Calatrava bridge and skyline.
A lakeside picnic with skyline views.
Cocktails with a view at a downtown or Uptown rooftop.
Celebrate with a tasting menu at a top restaurant.
Book a night at a grand hotel such as The Adolphus.
Dallas comes alive after dark, with live music in Deep Ellum, sports at the American Airlines Center, performances in the Arts District and rooftop bars in Uptown. These picks will help you plan evenings that suit your style.
Live music, bars and late-night food.
Basketball or hockey at the American Airlines Center.
Night views over the illuminated city.
Opera, symphony and theater.
Cocktail bars and patios along McKinney Avenue.
A lively mix of bars and restaurants.
Dinner with skyline views.
Honky-tonks and dancing.
Stand-up shows around the city.
Taquerias and diners open late.
With hot summers and occasional storms, Dallas visitors often look for indoor attractions. Fortunately, the city has excellent museums, an aquarium, sports venues and shopping centers. These picks will keep you busy whatever the weather.
History of the Kennedy assassination.
Free general admission to a vast collection.
Hands-on science for all ages.
Rainforest and ocean habitats indoors.
Indoor galleries and garden.
Free Asian art collection.
Exhibits on a recent presidency.
Aviation history near Love Field.
A behind-the-scenes look at the stadium.
Shopping with art on display.
Shopping and an indoor ice rink.
Art and history at Fair Park.
Dallas has hot summers, mild winters and pleasant spring and fall seasons, when outdoor festivals and patios are at their best. Summer temperatures often climb above 100°F (38°C), so plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.
Spring brings wildflowers and occasional severe storms, fall brings the State Fair and football season, and winter is generally mild, with occasional cold snaps and ice. Here's how to make the most of Dallas whenever you visit.
December is festive and usually mild, with occasional cold spells. The Dallas Arboretum decorates its gardens for the holidays, NorthPark Center hosts its long-running holiday train display, and ice skaters glide under a giant tree at the Galleria Dallas. The Dallas Marathon also takes place in December. Dress in layers, as temperatures can swing from warm to cold quickly.
January is the coolest month, with crisp days and occasional freezes. The Cotton Bowl Classic college football game often takes place around New Year's at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and the Mavericks and Stars play at the American Airlines Center. It is a good month for museums and indoor attractions, and hotel prices are often lower.
February brings milder days and the start of spring blooms. The Dallas Arboretum's spring festival usually begins in late February, filling the gardens with tulips and other flowers. It is a good time for walks around White Rock Lake and on the Katy Trail before the heat arrives.
Spring is one of the best seasons, with warm days and wildflowers along the highways, including the famous Texas bluebonnets. The St. Patrick's Day parade on Greenville Avenue is a major party, the Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair celebrates music and art, and the Texas Rangers open their baseball season in Arlington. Spring can also bring severe thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Summer is hot, with temperatures often above 100°F (38°C), so plan outdoor activities early and spend afternoons indoors or in the water. Museums, the Dallas World Aquarium and air-conditioned sports venues are popular, and water parks and lakes help locals cool off. Fourth of July fireworks light up the sky in several locations.
Fall is the season Dallas loves most. The State Fair of Texas runs from late September through October at Fair Park, with Big Tex, fried foods and the annual Texas-Oklahoma football rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. The Dallas Arboretum's autumn festival fills the gardens with pumpkins, and football season is in full swing. Pleasant temperatures return by October.
Dallas is a city of distinct neighborhoods spread across a large, flat landscape. Downtown and the Arts District hold the museums and historic sites, while Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts and Uptown each have their own personality for dining and nightlife. Most neighborhoods are best reached by car, rideshare or DART light rail. Here are six areas worth exploring.
Neighborhood
The heart of the city holds Dealey Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum, Pioneer Plaza, Thanks-Giving Square and Reunion Tower, along with historic buildings and modern towers. The West End has restaurants and is easy to reach by DART light rail.
Neighborhood
The Arts District gathers museums and performance halls on the northern edge of downtown, and Klyde Warren Park links it to Uptown, a walkable neighborhood of restaurants, bars and shops along McKinney Avenue, served by the vintage McKinney Avenue Trolley.
Neighborhood
East of downtown, Deep Ellum is the city's music and nightlife district, known for its live music venues, murals, barbecue and bars. It has deep roots in blues and jazz history and remains one of the liveliest neighborhoods at night.
Neighborhood
In the Oak Cliff area south of downtown, Bishop Arts is a walkable district of independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants and coffee shops in restored early 20th-century buildings. It has a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
Neighborhood
Greenville Avenue is known for its bars, restaurants and the annual St. Patrick's Day parade, while nearby Lakewood and White Rock Lake offer leafy streets, a large lake with trails and the Dallas Arboretum.
Neighborhood
Across the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Trinity Groves is a cluster of restaurants and bars with views of the downtown skyline, next to the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge.
See our full Best Hotels in Dallas guide for the best areas, and plan smoothly with our Dallas travel tips.
Some neighborhoods are walkable, including downtown, the Arts District, Uptown, Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts, but the city as a whole is spread out. Most visitors rely on a car, rideshare or DART light rail to move between areas.
Three days cover the highlights: the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza, the Arts District, Reunion Tower, Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts. With five days or more, add a day in Fort Worth, a game at AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field, or the State Fair in season.
Dallas is known for the Kennedy assassination site, its skyline, the Dallas Cowboys, its shopping, Tex-Mex and barbecue, and the State Fair of Texas. It is also a major center of business and the arts in the Southwest.
Many of the best experiences are free: the Dallas Museum of Art's general admission, Klyde Warren Park, Dealey Plaza and the JFK Memorial, Pioneer Plaza, Thanks-Giving Square, the Katy Trail, White Rock Lake and the murals of Deep Ellum.
Downtown and Uptown are the most convenient for first-time visitors, with easy access to the main sights, restaurants and DART light rail. Deep Ellum suits nightlife lovers, while hotels near Love Field or DFW Airport are practical for short stays.
Yes. About 30 to 45 minutes west of Dallas, Fort Worth offers the Stockyards, with a daily longhorn cattle drive, the Cultural District's excellent museums and Sundance Square. Trains and buses connect the two cities, though driving is easier.
