Sunday, February 15, 2026

20 Finest Issues to Do in Dallas

Dallas is a type of cities that tends to be unfairly judged by vacationers who’ve by no means been earlier than—or by those that have solely skilled a sliver of its choices. If they appear past the warmth and visitors, although, they’ll uncover an extended record of causes to go to this Texan metropolis. Lily Cabatu Weiss, the manager director of the Dallas Arts District Basis, describes it as a vacation spot that’s “numerous with an vitality, synergy, and an financial engine,” partially fueled by its thrilling arts scene, standard sports activities groups, and an intensive record of first-rate museums. In her phrases—and as evidenced beneath—there’s “a lot to do, see, discover, and luxuriate in” in Dallas. 

That stated, to realize a complete understanding of all issues Dallas, you’ll wish to both lease a automotive or be open to utilizing a rideshare service all through your journey. “Vacationers don’t understand how a lot of a giant metropolis Dallas is and what number of completely different neighborhoods are inside a five-minute drive of the downtown core. You’ll be able to go to these neighborhoods and get a genuinely completely different model of Dallas in each,” says Gabe Sanchez, beverage guide for Midnight Rambler, a cocktail bar at The Joule. 

Able to plan a visit to the Lone Star State? Learn on to find the 20 greatest issues to do in Dallas, with suggestions from native specialists.

Discover the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Backyard.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


“The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Backyard is an beautiful, world-class botanical exhibition with rotating seasonal reveals in east Dallas on White Rock Lake,” says Weiss. If you happen to’re visiting between mid-February and mid-April, you should definitely purchase tickets for Dallas Blooms, ​​the Southwest’s largest annual floral competition. 

Don a pair of cowboy boots.

It’s not a visit to Texas with out making an attempt on—and perhaps shopping for—not less than one pair of cowboy boots. Wild Invoice’s Western Retailer, Cavender’s, or Boot Barn are nice choices for individuals who simply need the expertise (and may not put on their boots all that usually). In case your funds is on the upper finish of the spectrum, although, head to one of many Lucchese places or the Miron Crosby storefront in Highland Park Village.

Style the flavors of a Thai road meals market.

Culinary choices in Dallas transcend tacos and barbecue, and Sanchez has the within scoop on the place to go: the Thai meals market held on Sundays on the Buddhist Temple of Dallas. “The meals is wonderful, and the costs are exhausting to beat,” he says. Simply bear in mind to convey money and sunscreen—the market takes place outdoors the temple within the north of the town.

Cheer on a neighborhood skilled sports activities staff.

Skilled sports activities are king in Dallas, the house of the Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks, Wings, and FC Dallas, amongst others. Relying on the staff and the season, you may have the ability to snag tickets for a recreation—if not, you possibly can at all times root for the house staff from one of many metropolis’s sports activities bars.

Go to The Sixth Ground Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Getty Pictures


Weiss recommends spending a while at The Sixth Ground Museum at Dealey Plaza. Situated on the positioning the place the deadly bullet is assumed to have been fired, the principle exhibit, “John F. Kennedy and the Reminiscence of a Nation,” explores the thirty fifth president’s assassination and legacy. Timed-entry tickets will be bought on-line.

Attend the State Truthful of Texas.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


All the pieces’s larger in Texas, and that features the annual state honest. The State Truthful of Texas is held from late September by October, and also you’ll wish to come hungry. It’s an occasion recognized for its wide selection of mouthwatering, deep-fried treats—from deep-fried Texas Oatmeal Pies and deep-fried praline cheesecake egg rolls to fried stuffed wings and fried mac and cheese.

Uncover Dallas’ completely different neighborhoods.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


Whenever you come to Dallas, you possibly can’t simply stick to 1 neighborhood. “Go to Uptown, the Design District, Oak Cliff/Bishop Arts, and Henderson Avenue,” says Sanchez. This map is a good begin for understanding what chances are you’ll discover in every a part of the town.

Keep at a history-steeped resort.

Courtesy of Mansion on Turtle Creek


You’ll be able to definitely rely on Dallas to excel within the luxurious hospitality division. The greatest motels in Dallas embody Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, set in an opulent former property, and The Joule, an art-filled resort in a transformed Nineteen Twenties financial institution constructing with a rooftop pool and several other eating places and bars.

Spend a day within the Dallas Arts District.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


Vacationers keen on structure and concrete design must spend not less than a day—if not a full day—within the Dallas Arts District, which reportedly homes probably the most buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects wherever on the earth. “Standouts to not be missed are the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, an interactive expertise; Klyde Warren Park, the game-changing deck park constructed over a freeway that connects Downtown Dallas to Uptown; and the Dallas Museum of Artwork, proudly owning a powerful assortment of artwork,” explains Weiss.

Buy groceries in Highland Park Village.

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Whether or not you’re on the hunt for one thing particular or simply get pleasure from window buying, you’ll be dazzled by the shops and types inside Highland Park Village. The high-end roster consists of the likes of Carolina Herrera, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Moncler, and Loewe. 

See a film on the historic Texas Theatre.

In a world of on-demand films, it may be refreshing to catch a movie at a movie show. “[The Texas Theatre] has been totally restored to its authentic glory. If you’re a JFK buff, you possibly can see the seat Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested in,” says Sanchez, who provides it’s a good suggestion to first “go to Bishop Arts District, seize a espresso, and make the brief stroll to Jefferson Blvd.”

Stroll the Katy Path.

Dallas may not be probably the most walkable metropolis, however there are positively locations the place you will get your each day steps in. Take the Katy Path, for instance. Constructed on an deserted railroad line, the path spans 3.5 miles, with markers at each quarter mile. Walkers, joggers, and bikers can benefit from its paved, well-lit path by greenery and blooming flowers.

Eat some Texas barbecue.

If you happen to’re in Texas, there’s a great probability barbecue is on the menu. “I at all times counsel making an attempt two or three locations and evaluating apples to apples,” says Sanchez. “Go to Terry Black’s and Pecan Lodge (they’re a block from one another), get the brisket at every, then make your choice on who ought to have bragging rights.”

Deliver the entire household to the Dallas Zoo.

The Dallas Zoo holds the title of the most important zoo in Texas, with greater than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species throughout 106 acres. It’s situated simply three miles south of downtown Dallas, and company can see the whole lot from a Galápagos tortoise to giraffes, elephants, and penguins.

Get some tradition in Truthful Park.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


It may be house to the State Truthful of Texas, however the 277-acre Truthful Park advanced has causes to go to all 12 months spherical. Weiss recommends “experiencing the artwork deco structure [and] seeing a Broadway present on the Music Corridor,” however there’s additionally the African American Museum of Dallas and The Ladies’s Museum to find.

Take pleasure in a sky-high meal at Monarch.

On the high of The Nationwide, the constructing that homes Thompson Dallas, sits Monarch, a culinary marvel from Michelin-recognized chef Danny Grant. The meals—handmade pasta, steak, and seafood—will be the star of the present, however the breathtaking place on the forty ninth flooring additionally performs a essential function within the total expertise, with skyline views for days.

Cross over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

Thomas Faull / Getty Pictures


“The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge (designed by Santiago Calatrava), with a pedestrian bridge operating parallel, is a must-do,” says Weiss. The practically 450-foot-tall bridge, one of many vehicular bridges within the Trinity River Hall Undertaking, connects downtown Dallas to West Dallas and traverses the Trinity River.

Step again in time at Previous Metropolis Park.

You probably have a big stretch of time to fill in your day, Sanchez suggests spending a couple of hours in Previous Metropolis Park, Dallas’ first and oldest park. “[It] has a set of totally restored houses and companies from the founding of Dallas,” he says, and guided excursions can be found to be taught extra in regards to the park’s historical past.

Polish off a couple of tacos.

Final, however definitely not least, you need to discover a great place for tacos if you’re on the town. Sanchez recommends Taco Y Vino, El Come Taco, and Pepe’s and Mito’s. On the latter, he particularly calls out the tacos nortenos.



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