Monday, February 16, 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 checklist of causes to go to this Texan metropolis. Lily Cabatu Weiss, the chief director of the Dallas Arts District Basis, describes it as a vacation spot that’s “various with an vitality, synergy, and an financial engine,” partially fueled by its thrilling arts scene, well-liked sports activities groups, and an intensive checklist of first-rate museums. In her phrases—and as evidenced under—there’s “a lot to do, see, discover, and luxuriate in” in Dallas. 

That stated, to achieve a complete understanding of all issues Dallas, you’ll wish to both hire a automobile or be open to utilizing a rideshare service all through your journey. “Vacationers don’t notice how a lot of a giant metropolis Dallas is and what number of totally different neighborhoods are inside a five-minute drive of the downtown core. You possibly can go to these neighborhoods and get a genuinely totally different model of Dallas in every one,” says Gabe Sanchez, beverage advisor 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 finest 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. In the event you’re visiting between mid-February and mid-April, be sure you purchase tickets for Dallas Blooms, ​​the Southwest’s largest annual floral pageant. 

Don a pair of cowboy boots.

It’s not a visit to Texas with out attempting on—and possibly shopping for—at the very least one pair of cowboy boots. Wild Invoice’s Western Retailer, Cavender’s, or Boot Barn are nice choices for many who simply need the expertise (and may not put on their boots all that always). 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 superb, and the costs are onerous to beat,” he says. Simply keep in mind to deliver money and sunscreen—the market takes place exterior the temple within the north of town.

Cheer on an area 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 all the time root for the house staff from one of many metropolis’s sports activities bars.

Go to The Sixth Flooring Museum at Dealey Plaza.

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

Attend the State Truthful of Texas.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


Every part’s greater in Texas, and that features the annual state honest. The State Truthful of Texas is held from late September via 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’ totally different neighborhoods.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


Once 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 it’s possible you’ll discover in every a part of town.

Keep at a history-steeped resort.

Courtesy of Mansion on Turtle Creek


You possibly can definitely depend on Dallas to excel within the luxurious hospitality division. The finest inns in Dallas embody Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, set in an opulent former property, and The Joule, an art-filled resort in a transformed Twenties financial institution constructing with a rooftop pool and a number of other eating places and bars.

Spend a day within the Dallas Arts District.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


Vacationers enthusiastic about structure and concrete design should spend at the very least 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 planet. “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 procuring, you’ll be dazzled by the shops and types inside Highland Park Village. The high-end roster contains 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 unique 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 undoubtedly locations the place you may get your every 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 make the most of its paved, well-lit path via greenery and blooming flowers.

Eat some Texas barbecue.

In the event you’re in Texas, there’s an excellent likelihood barbecue is on the menu. “I all the time recommend attempting 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 determination on who ought to have bragging rights.”

Deliver the entire household to the Dallas Zoo.

The Dallas Zoo holds the title of the biggest 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 friends can see all the pieces from a Galápagos tortoise to giraffes, elephants, and penguins.

Get some tradition in Truthful Park.

Courtesy of VisitDallas.com


It is likely to be residence 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 Girls’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 surprise from Michelin-recognized chef Danny Grant. The meals—handmade pasta, steak, and seafood—would 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 Photos


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

Step again in time at Outdated Metropolis Park.

When you have a big stretch of time to fill in your day, Sanchez suggests spending just a few hours in Outdated Metropolis Park, Dallas’ first and oldest park. “[It] has a set of totally restored properties 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 just a few tacos.

Final, however definitely not least, you need to discover a great spot for tacos while 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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