Location: Dallas
Top Things to do in Dallas
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Dallas, Texas (TX)
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. Big Cedar Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Santa Fe Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Santa Fe Trail is a 4.5 mile long paved path on the East side of Dallas. The 12 foot wide path connects White Rock Lake on the Northeast side of the trail to historic Deep Ellum and Fair Park on the Southwest side of the trail. The trail runs through some of the most historically significant neighborhoods in East Dallas and touches 4 local parks along the way. There are water fountains, benches to take a rest, a bike repair station and incredible views to be found along this trail. If you are looking for a place to walk, jog, or bike, but wanting to avoid the congestion of other Dallas area trails, the Santa Fe Trail is for you. Come experience a more laid-back East Dallas attitude.
3. Trammell Crow Sculpture Garden
4. 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
5. Harry Moss Park
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 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.
8. Cedar Ridge Preserve managed by Audubon Dallas.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Nature reserve that covers 633 acres with 10 miles of scenic hiking trails.
Reviewed By famonthego6 - Dallas, United States
From the moment we began researching the Preserve’s website, we were impressed. Posting the trails’ elevation changes and descriptions helped us decide which trails to hit with our 4 kids, aged 6-14. Some rigorous climbs were a bit tough on our 2 Littles, but those were at the start of the hike so it was pretty smooth sailing for the second half. We chose Cattail Pond with the Fossil Trail added on. The trails were cleared well and even though they were covered up with our increasingly outdoor-healthy Dallasites, people were patient, kind, and full of sweaty smiles. My kids are begging to return—spectacular views and great family bonding.
9. 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!”
10. Nasher Sculpture Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 844 reviews
The Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection includes more than 300 sculptures by most of the 20th century's greatest talents, including Rodin, Calder, de Kooning, Giacometti, Matisse, Miró, Picasso and Serra. Admission Adults: $10 Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Riders: $8* Seniors 65 and over: $7 Students with ID: $5 Students under 12: FREE Members: FREE Military with ID: FREE First Responders: FREE *Valid proof of ticket required
Reviewed By lahlahlo - Singapore, Singapore
Small museum that punches above its weight. Clever art that challenges you, which good art should always do! The gift-shop is quite good, curated and worth a pop-in on your way out.
