Location: Dallas
Top Things to do in Dallas
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Dallas That You Shouldn't Miss
You may have all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, Dallas does its best to fulfill that promise. You'll find several museums with vast art collections and fascinating specialty museums like The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, which, though small in size, offers an immense amount of information about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And of course, visit a local steakhouse for a terrific (and enormous) meal.
Restaurants in Dallas
1. Deep Ellum (Deep Elm)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
This former warehouse district is now a funky nightlife and shopping area.
Reviewed By jamesfF4291DZ - Dallas, United States
Go on a sunny weekday, just walk around and enjoy the amazing variety of murals. Then eat outside (covid you know) at Monkey King.
2. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,127 reviews
One of Texas’ most visited historic sites, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum is in the former Texas School Book Depository building, where evidence of a sniper was found after the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Much of the exhibit space looks as it appeared in the 1960s. Highlights include a sniper’s perch, the FBI model used by the Warren Commission, an original teletype machine that first transmitted news of the president’s death, Oswald’s wedding ring, historic films, photos and more. An interactive display overlooks Dealey Plaza. Admission includes an audio guide, available in eight languages including ASL. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. RECOMMENDED: Buy timed-entry tickets in advance at jfk.org. The most convenient paid parking is adjacent to the building; stay in the far right lane of Elm Street to enter the parking lot.
Reviewed By jennlovesfood - San Diego, United States
I have always, always wanted to visit Dealey Plaza. I was not alive when President Kennedy was assassinated, but I am a history teacher and I have studied the Kennedy Assassination extensively because it is one of the most fascinating turning points in American history. We arrived in Dealey Plaza very early (about 8:30am) which was absolutely fabulous because we had time to explore the ground before the crowds of visitors arrived and before our Sixth Floor Museum entrance time. As a matter of fact, we pretty much had the place to ourselves for awhile so we could explore every inch of this fascinating historical landmark. We had the first time slot into the museum that morning so we met our tour group ahead of time. The audio tour and visual historical accounts on the displays were phenomenal. It was creepy to walk through this building but also incredibly interesting. The spot where Oswald fired the fatal shots that killed JFK is behind glass but you can stand at the windows next to it and see what the shot looked like. Not much has changed in Dealey Plaza except for the trees growing taller so it was a good representation of what the area looked like in 1963. Standing in that spot answered the question I always wondered - could Oswald have made the shots from that window. Just BEING in Dealey Plaza and standing on the 6th floor of the former Texas School Book Depository answered all the questions I ever had about this mystery. The other coolest thing EVER was seeing the actual suit worn by the police officer who was handcuffed to Oswald when Jack Ruby shot him. And there was Jack Ruby's hat on display - gave me chills. I had seen the pictures so many times but to see the actual artifacts in person was just awesome. I highly recommend this spot to ANYONE - not just history teachers or die hard history buffs. American history changed in this spot back in 1963 and it is worth exploring.
3. Dallas Arts District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
The country's largest urban arts district.
Reviewed By 508jacquelinep
I traveled to Dallas on a business trip, I stood in the downtown area at the Crowne Plaza. I took a 5-7 minute drive to Deep Ellum where the art is very beautiful. There are murals painted all over the walls of the buildings, there is also pieces on a statue about a story of a traveling man which is amazing. The Deep Ellum part of downtown Dallas is very rich with art and beautiful.
4. Dallas Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,025 reviews
Established in 1903, this prestigious art venue features a wide selection of art exhibits, from Ancient Mediterranean to Contemporary Art and Design.
Reviewed By vanessaindallas - Dallas, United States
My husband and I recently attended the Dior Late Night event which was from 7pm-9(ish). It was our first time attending one of their Late Night showings. They have these often when great exhibitions are displayed. It was such a great Date Night, roaming the museum after hours. Before the museum we listened to jazz music in the lobby and sipped on some wine. You can definitely make an evening here at the museum with your loved one (or group of friends). Dress code for Late Night is up to you! I went semi-dressed while there was a mix of casual and dressed.
5. The Dallas World Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,706 reviews
The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects. The aquarium portion displays interesting marine life, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, Leafy, Weedy and Ribbon seadragons. Black-footed and Blue penguins can be seen swimming as guests enjoy the outdoor South Africa exhibit. Sharks, rays and sawfish are only a few of the fish living in the Mundo Maya cenote. Safe from Neotropical eagles, are euphonias, tanagers and hummingbirds. Reptiles and amphibians, both of significance to the Maya culture, can be seen throughout the exhibit.
Reviewed By 80emiw - Beitun, Taiwan
The Dallas world aquarium is essentially an indoor rainforest. With 3 floors spanning two warehouses you're transported to a whole different ecosystem. As you stroll along the path immersed in the jungle, free flight birds of all descriptions are playing, building their nests and calling out. All seats and floors are built to disappear into the background. Giant river otters have a multi floored home right at the center, flamingos and storks surround the shark tank and a big square glass temple houses 1 floor of a jaguar exhibit. If you can't see him here he's probably upstairs lounging in the sun, away from the bustle, so find the big screen showing a live feed of another floor of his home. During the height of summer or spring break it can get very, very crowded. It is in the middle of downtown after all. I would suggest going during the week, avoiding spring break and feel free to call them if you wish to avoid school tours! While the cost is higher than some zoological facilities bear in mind that this is a large facility, in the middle of downtown, filled with floor after floor of aquatic, birds, mammals, herps and insects. They have a little taste of everything all airconditioned! Ooh and they serve frozen alcoholic drinks... Get there early for parking or better yet ride the train! It is a quick 2-3minute walk from the dart. I love this place and I hope you do too
6. White Rock Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 655 reviews
Surrounding the jewel of Dallas, 1,015-acre White Rock Lake, the park is a prime spot for running, hiking, birdwatching, fishing and people-watching.
Reviewed By charlesl501 - Dallas, United States
I lived just off Lanshire Rd, which is the northern boundary of White Rock Lake Park, for the past 5 years. My wife and I would walk through the park at least once a week on average and would have a picnic lunch down near the bathhouse theater at least once a month. There are lots of cyclists and runners on the trails in the morning and evening hours before and after work during the week and lost of family gatherings on the weekends.A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a few hours. the Dallas Arboretum occupies a beautiful space on the south side of the park and Flagpole Hill with picnic and playground facilities is on the north side. The Bath House Cultural Center and theater is on the east side and the dog park and trails are on the west side. A cycling and walking trail runs almost the entire length of the lake from the dam on the southwest side to Flagpole Hill on the north side to the Arboretum on the southeast side.
7. Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Located on the grounds of Dallas's first city park, Dallas Heritage Village is the perfect place to step back in time. You can immerse yourself in the lives of Texans during the pioneer and Victorian eras. The buildings are all part of North Texas history and give you the opportunity to see and experience nineteenth century life. As you stroll through the grounds, you'll discover how crops were grown, how animals were cared for, how family life progressed, and how the sense of community developed for ordinary Texans over 100 years ago. The Village hosts multiple family events throughout the year and visitors can participate in daily activities led by History Hosts.
Reviewed By patricialF2081TB - DeSoto, United States
Highly recommend. Bought groupon for 4 and there were guides in some of the buildings. It was an overcast day and very few visitors. Remember schools come there so be careful. Covers 1840 to 1899 in Texas history. Paid extra $5 for guided tour in Miller house. Covers log cabins to Victorian homes to shot gun houses. Walking necessary, if disabled would not recommend it.
8. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,787 reviews
A nationally acclaimed 66 acre display garden features breathtaking floral displays all year long. Nestled on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum was named "One of the Most Breathtaking Gardens in the World" by Architectural Digest. Dallas Blooms festival boasts of over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs, 3,000 azaleas and hundreds of Cherry Blooms-February-April. Summer in the garden includes an outdoor concert series on Thursday evenings and numerous water features with breathtaking floral displays. Autumn at the Arboretum-September-November features a nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring over 90,000 pumpkins/gourds/squash and named one of America's Best Pumpkin festivals by Fodor's Travel. The 8 acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed to connect children with nature. Education is a central focus the gardens mission, which teach life and Earth science with 17 indoor/outdoor galleries and 150 interactive activities - Where science and fun become one. Open seven days a week and Wednesday nights until 8pm from March-October. Seasonal weekday discounts are available. The garden is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
The Dallas Arboretum is a retreat within the City of Dallas. It is a big open expanse complete with varied and beautiful flowers, waterfalls, sculptures, picnic areas, and even koi fish. It offers a wonderful view of White Rock Lake. Dallas blooms in March-April is lovely time to visit with sunshine and thousands of tulips of every variety.
9. Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,484 reviews
The site includes the former Texas School Book Depository and Dealey Plaza, two of the sights forever associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Reviewed By FresnoTravelers - Fresno, United States
Easily walkable, and just across the street from the 6th Street Depository museum, this area has the grassy knoll, information on the origins of Dallas, and tribute to history.
10. Dallas Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,740 reviews
The largest zoological experience in Texas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo offers fun, educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family. The Zoo's mission is to inspire a passion for nature and conserve wildlife, and guests can see a number of endangered species and learn about a variety of conservation projects the Dallas Zoo supports. Opened in 2010, our award-winning Giants of the Savanna habitat is internationally known. The savanna features elephants, ostrich, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and guineafowl, often mingling together. The Dallas Zoo is home to a herd of five female elephants and 11 giraffes, which guests can feed by hand. Guests will see the fastest land mammal on Earth, the cheetah, as well as African lions who often spend their days sleeping just inches away from the viewing wall inside the Serengeti Grill restaurant. The Wilds of Africa area features rare animals such as gorillas, chimpanzees and okapi. Guests will enjoy getting eye-to-eye with African penguins as they swim effortlessly underwater. Highlights of the ZooNorth section include the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo, a top-rated reptile and amphibian complex featuring albino alligators, and the Koala Walkabout, featuring the only koalas in Texas, red kangaroo, wallabies, and a lorikeet feeding area for up-close adventures. For alternative transportation to the Dallas Zoo, consider the DART Red Line, which delivers guests to the Zoo's front entrance.
Reviewed By TiaJK - Dallas, United States
Having traveled extensively and spent time in South Africa on photo safari- I was particularly impressed by the award winning Giants of the Savanna habitat - The Dallas zoo is the first zoo in North America to combine African elephants with zebras, giraffes, impalas, ostriches and guinea fowl in the same habitat, where these majestic animals can explore this habitat side by side, just as they would in the wild. The 4 acre Dallas Zoo design is based on field research that supports that in the wild, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas all move around a lot because they are looking for food, water, and companionship. The addition of elephants has never been done before here in the U.S. and that makes this an absolute MUST SEE! Take it from world renowned animal expert Jack Hanna: director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, conservationist, television personality and author. “Over the last 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world to learn about many awe-inspiring creatures. I’ve been blessed to see animals in the wild, but I know many people will not have that opportunity. The good news is that if you can get to Dallas, you can see elephants, giraffes, and zebras all living together – just as you would on safari in Africa!”
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