Best Things to Do in Dallas, Texas

Ready to land in Texas for your next vacation? Begin by checking out all the best things to do in Dallas, Texas. The state’s third-biggest city, Dallas is one of Texas’s must-see urban destinations and an obligatory stop on any road trip through the Lone Star State.

There’s plenty to see & do in the Big D, from outdoor activities to arts & culture. Among the top tourist attractions in Dallas, you’ll also filter through tasty local food shops, craft breweries, cafes, and fancy restaurants. And let’s not forget the city’s legendary nightlife, a must-do when traveling with friends or your partner.

Need an overview on what to do in Dallas? Carve out a flawless trip itinerary with this complete guide to the best places to visit in Dallas, TX.

Best places to visit in Dallas, TX

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Want a nature-filled start to your vacation? Pack your bags and head to The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. With 66 acres of land on the shore of White Rock Lake, this lovely garden will take away all your worries with its breathtaking views.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to a variety of gardens like the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check out all the interactive exhibits at the children’s garden. And in the spring, don’t miss the Dallas Blooms Festival, when over 500,000 tulips are in bloom.

Dallas Zoo

Love spending time with animals? Head over to the Dallas Zoo, where you can witness thousands of animals spanning 406 species.

The Dallas Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, first opening its doors back in 1888. Your kids will relish spending some time here gazing at giraffes, tigers, elephants, and gorillas.

Hop in for a Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari at Dallas Zoo. From great white pelicans to Goliath herons, you’ll appreciate all the zoo’s most exotic animals on a 20-minute guided tram ride.

Another interesting attraction at the Dallas Zoo is the Gorilla Research Centre. Create beautiful memories with your family at this beautiful replica of the Congo Rainforest.

Klyde Warren Park

Coming to Dallas on workcation? Grab your laptop and stop at Klyde Warren Park. Sitting over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, the 5.2-acre urban park is easy to miss. Keep an eye out as you wander towards the northern edge of the Dallas city center.

At Klyde Warren Park, you can complete your work in a calm environment by accessing free WiFi. Once you’re free to move about, explore the park’s food trucks. From Korean BBQ to wood-fired pizza, you’ll savor plenty of authentic tastes here.

Want to stay active on your Dallas trip? Play some ping pong or take your kids to the playground. Bring your pooches to the dog park or just watch cuteness playing around. If you’re lucky, you may get to see some occasional live music performances at Klyde Warren Park.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

For all the history buffs out there, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a Dallas sightseeing hotspot that can’t be missed. You’ll discover the museum on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository. The museum is dedicated to the life, assassination, and legacy of John F. Kennedy.

At The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, you’ll learn about J.F. Kennedy and that fateful day in 1963. The museum features exhibits on Kennedy’s presidency, his assassination, and the aftermath. You’ll also see a replica of the sniper’s perch and the rifle used in the shooting.

Dallas Museum of Art

Ready to get your art fix? Mark the Dallas Museum of Art as your next stop. One of the largest art museums in the United States, it’s the perfect spot for a rainy-day activity.

At the Dallas Museum of Art, you’ll witness over 23,000 pieces from 5,000 years of humanity’s cultural development. Gaze at some Renaissance works, Pre-Columbian pieces, and plenty of contemporary designs.

The best part? There’s free entry to the Dallas Museum of Art. You can also enjoy occasional concerts in the evenings and afternoons.

The Dallas Museum of Art opens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm. On Thursdays, you can explore the art museum from 11 am to 9 pm.

Reunion Tower

Not afraid of heights? Gaze out at the Dallas skyline at Reunion Tower. At the iconic tower, you’ll stand at the height of 560 feet in the sky for a glimpse of a scenic bird’s-eye view of the city.

Even if you only have one day in Dallas, don’t miss checking out the GeO-Deck at the observation deck level, where you’ll learn about the city landmarks and Reunion Tower itself.

While at the top of the tower, take some creative snapshots of the landscape and amaze your friends & family with your photo skills.

Sparked up an appetite? Don’t miss out on relishing Asian-infused delicacies at one of the two rotating eateries up here: Cloud Nine Cafe and Wolfgang Puck.

Highland Park Village

Is shopping more your thing? Spend some of your hard-earned money at Highland Park Village. The Spanish, Mexican, and Californian design mixture of this shopping center will allure you at every corner. You can shop for yourself or your loved ones at luxury brand stores like Chanel, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Dior, Cartier, etc.

If you’re an influencer, you’ll love creating content at this top Dallas tourist attraction. Every lane of the Highland Park Village provides an authentic feel that can provide drama to your photos and videos.

After you complete shopping and snapping, savor a refueling cup of joe at Bistro 31 and Café Pacific.

The Dallas World Aquarium

Fond of marine life? Witness it closely in action at The Dallas World Aquarium. One of the top points of interest in Dallas, the aquarium is home to sloths, piranhas, anacondas, stingrays, crocodiles, and plenty of other cool sea creatures.

At the Dallas World Aquarium, your kids can learn about life underwater through interactive exhibits and live shows. The huge aquarium shows information about a variety of colorful wild animals, including magnificent Japanese crabs, brilliant jellyfish, Ribbon and Weedy seadragons, and more. You can also take a walk on the attraction’s wild side, devoted to birds.

The Dallas World Aquarium is open to visitors every day from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission prices are $27 for adults and $19 for children ages three to 11.

Winspear Opera House

Prefer culture over clubs? Pick up your car keys and head straight to Winspear Opera House. The 2,200-seat performance hall will give you the experience of a lifetime. The opera house’s horseshoe design creates a certain intimacy, leaving you you pause and stare.

The 18-meter-high Annette and Harold Simmons Signature Glass Facade will greet you on arrival, as you marvel at the slatted Sky Canopy, providing shade to over three acres of Sammons Park.

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From pop and rock concerts to ballets and operas, there’s always something going on at the Winspear Opera House. You can also enjoy pre-show talks, educational programs, and other events.

Dallas Heritage Village

Are heritage and history your thing? Stop by Dallas Heritage Village. A part of Old City Park, the historic village offers a glimpse of historic homes with Victorian and pioneer designs. You, your family, or your friends can learn the Victorian history of Dallas in a cool way.

At the Dallas Heritage Village, you’ll stroll through lanes full of old buildings such as churches, banks, and schools. Be sure to bring along your camera to get snapshots of all the wonderful memories.

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The Dallas Heritage Village is open every day from 9 am to 2 pm, except for Thursdays when it’s open for only two hours, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Admission to the village is free for children under the age of 13 and $8 for adults.

Southfork Ranch

A big fan of the Dallas TV series and looking for the answer to who shot J.R.? Discover the mystery in person at Southfork Ranch, one of the state’s most popular pop-culture gathering places. On your Dallas itinerary, it’s a must to book a tour of this ranch, famously known as Ewing Mansion. The tour will take you through all the rooms—even J.R.’s bedroom!

If you want to recreate one of your favorite scenes from the series, feel free to do it: You’re allowed to shoot videos at various locations of Southfork Ranch and live in the moment. (Except by the poolside.)

Deep Ellum

Looking to experience Dallas’s lively nightlife? Take a walk down to Deep Ellum, an entertainment district located east of Downtown Dallas. In Deep Ellum, you’ll find art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, and a barrage of bars.

While strolling the streets of Deep Ellum, you’ll spot street performances, including singers and dancers. Enjoy the show and have a little tangy dance of yours—if you so wish.

In Deep Ellum, you can also enjoy mouth-watering Tex-Mex food, washed down with a few drinks. Or relish in tasty smoked meat in North Texas at Pecan Lodge. The long waiting line outside Pecan Lodge will help you locate on busy Main Street.

Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District can fulfill your craving for fun. The 60-plus restaurants, bars, and boutiques will astound you with something new on every visit. The urban arts district is located in Dallas’s North Oak Cliff area.

You’ll find food from all around the world in the Bishop Arts District. Finish off your night by dining at Eno’s Pizza Tavern and enjoying a slice of Emporium Pies‘ delicious sweets.

There are also numerous unique shops to visit around Bishop Arts District, including Spinster Records and Wild Detectives bookshop bar. At some spots, you’ll find artistic murals surrounded by tourist crowds waiting to take some cool photos.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Want to satisfy your science cravings? Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a popular natural history & science museum housing 11 exhibit halls. The unusual edifice appears as a huge cube resting above a water garden, with features reminiscent of North Texas’ drought-tolerant grassland.

Among the interactive exhibits at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, you can feel as if you’re in the middle of an earthquake. Or you can create music in a sound studio, smell Blackland Prairie beeswax, and construct a robot. If you have extra time, you can compete against top-tier athletes and see the city of Dallas in the form of a miniature.

Pioneer Plaza

Want to learn more about the early days of the old Shawnee Trail? Heading to Pioneer Plaza to witness the city’s rugged early days is one of the best things to do in Dallas.

At Pioneer Plaza, you can see life-size bronze steers and Longhorn cattle that once traveled along the Shawnee Trail. Bring your children and let them learn the origins of man in this virtual museum.

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Crossing the Pioneer Plaza, you’ll have a sight of 49 longhorn steers and three trail riders on horseback, all in an environment of ridges and cliffs. You’ll notice the trees and plants native to North Texas, a flowing stream, and a waterfall to make the scenes more true-to-life.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Interested in aviation? Head towards the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The museum is located at the Love Field Airport, just north of downtown Dallas. The exhibits cover the history of aviation, from early balloons to today’s jetliners.

At the Frontiers of Flight Museum, you can explore more than 30 vintage aircraft and spacecraft. When traveling with children, take them to the Apollo VII spacecraft to learn about humans’ first attempt to reach Moon.

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You’ll get an opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest airplanes and most outstanding aviation achievements. Make some space in your schedule to explore 13 galleries and displays, including relics from the Hindenburg.

Meyerson Symphony Center

Want to add some sophistication to your Dallas trip? Take a seat at the Meyerson Symphony Center, one of the most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world.

At the Meyerson Symphony Center, you’ll see a musical ensemble from the city’s long-standing culture, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. You can attend any of their performances or take a tour of the facility.

On a tour of the venue, you’ll see the stage area and get to know how it works. You can also explore the exquisite Nancy B. Hamon Hall and Eugene McDermott Concert Hall. The tour will give you an idea of how the Meyerson Symphony Center became one of the world’s finest concert halls.

Where to stay in Dallas for sightseeing

For most travelers, the top choices for where to stay in Dallas fall in & around Downtown, including the Main Street District. Other areas and neighborhoods to consider outside the downtown core include Uptown, Deep Ellum, and the Bishop Arts District.