If you travel to Dallas, you expect southern hospitality, cowboy glam, and massive Texas sunsets. And you won’t be disappointed (although Fort Worth does Western culture better).
Dallas is one of the most open-minded and forward-thinking cities in the south, with a somewhat modern and entrepreneurial vibe, eclectic neighborhoods, cool day trips and tons to do.
Here’s how to travel to Dallas, Texas, through the eyes of a local- where to eat, stay, and explore!
When to Travel to Dallas, Texas
Spring
Spring in Texas means wildflowers, including our famous Bluebonnets and the Giant Sunflower Farm between Ennis and Waco.
Summer
If you can beat the heat, there is plenty to do indoors, especially in a huge city like Dallas. Since the Texas summer is sweltering, you can find good deals on flights and hotels.
Fall
The summer heat clings onto Texas as long as possible, often stretching as far as October and November. Late fall would have the best weather and the highest prices on flights and hotels.
Winter
Texas does get snow nearly every year in the panhandle, especially around Amarillo and the Palo Duro Canyon. Dallas and Fort Worth are less likely to get snow, but it does happen.
Where to Stay
Luxury
- The Statler: The star of The Statler is on the 19th floor: a bar with a panoramic view of downtown Dallas. Waterproof is The Statler’s indoor/outdoor space, an oasis for guests to lounge by the pool with cocktails and good food.
- The Adolphus: What city guide for Dallas would be complete without The Adolphus? The Adolphus is nestled comfortably between downtown and uptown and has major historical luxury vibes (with all the modern touches!).
Budget Stays
- Magnuson: Minutes from DFW Airport, Magnuson Extended Stay and Suites Airport Hotel has newly renovated rooms with tons of food options close by.
- Sonesta: has the largest space for value and is the most luxurious of the budget recommendations.
Getting Around Dallas
The first thing you learn when you travel to Dallas or anywhere in Texas is that you’ll need a car.
A rental car is the only way to see everything without spending an arm and leg on rideshare services. You may also consider trying the Dart, a train that travels through different areas of Dallas.
Things To Do
Dealey Plaza
Once called “The Front Door of Dallas,” Dealey Plaza was the largest entry to Dallas from the west.
In November of 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in the heart of the plaza.
Instantly, this piece of Dallas history became known as a presidential murder site.
The tragedy that occurred here has ensured that Dealey Plaza will never fade in notoriety- thousands flock to this site every year, plus The Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza, which covers the campaign, presidency, and death of JFK.
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park is a museum of architectural and cultural history located on 14 acres in south Dallas. 37 structures from 1849 to 1910 have been moved here from different areas in Texas.
You’ll find colorful murals, classic southern architecture, including the Millermore Mansion, and a small general store.
JFK Memorial Plaza
If you’re going to travel to Dallas, Texas, you must make room for Dealey Plaza. Located about a block from Dealey Plaza stands a cenotaph (open tomb) that was built to reflect the freedom of John F. Kennedy’s spirit.
The Memorial, a square, 30-foot-high roofless room, sits in the middle of the block with narrow openings facing the north and south sides.
Dallas Art Museum and District
The Museum
Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art is among the 10 largest art museums in the country. The pride and joy of the DMA is its culturally inclusive Global collection, which encompasses more than 5,000 years of history. General admission is free.
The Arts District
The Dallas Arts District is a sprawling urban area spanning 68 acres and 19 blocks. According to the city’s website, “This iconic neighborhood has more buildings designed by Pritzker award-winning architects than any location in the world.” Also home to the Dallas Museum of Art.
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is a 5-acre green oasis built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul streets in downtown Dallas.
This ultra-urban park hosts various events and limited art installations and has its own (free!) wi-fi, plus dozens of delicious food trucks.
Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is one of the largest entertainment districts in the great big state of Texas, with music venues, a seasonal art festival, and several boutique shops. The area is also very Instagram-friendly, with graffiti and art on nearly every building.
Pro-Tip
Deep Ellum is a parking nightmare– a series of narrow, one-way streets filled with pedestrians. There is limited free parking and a few pay-by-app lots.
Reunion Tower and Go Deck
Reunion Tower is a 571-foot observation tower and one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks. Its restaurant has a revolving floor for dinner with city scenery, or skip lunch and just grab some views from the Go Deck.
The GeO Deck includes an interactive digital exhibit with information about Dallas landmarks, the Reunion Tower itself, live cameras, and more.
Tip: Sunsets at Reunion Tower are legendary!
Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum is one giant photo opportunity. Breathtaking in every season, my absolute favorite time to visit is the fall, when the DA features thousands of pumpkins and other beautiful displays.
Bishop Arts District
Home to over 60 independent boutiques, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries, the Bishop Arts District is the jewel of south Dallas.
You’ve found your place if you’re looking for an art area with small-town charm, adorable boutique shops, and buildings. Like Deep Ellum, there is a fun art vibe and great food, but that’s where the similarity ends- you won’t find as much of a party scene here.
Also check out Bishop Cidercade.
Part arcade and part cidery for Bishop Cider, Bishop Cidercade has rotating hard cider flavors and other adult drinks, plus food.
Bonus: The price of admission grants you access to an unlimited number of arcade games!
Where to Hike and Nature in Dallas
Trinity River Audubon Center
Just 10 miles south of downtown Dallas, The Trinity River Audubon is your gateway to exploring the Great Trinity Forest. 5 miles of trails lead through hardwood forests and wetlands and along the Trinity River at the largest urban hardwood forest in the US, plus a butterfly garden!
White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is a massive lake and park area located 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. This park boasts hikes and the White Rock Lake Museum.
WRL is one of the most heavily trafficked parks in the Dallas Park system, so plan accordingly with lots of wiggle room in your schedule.
Cedar Hill State Park
Drive 20 from downtown and enter a different world: Lie by the lake, tour an old Texas farm, or explore Cedar Hill’s acres of limestone hills and prairies.
Where to Take Pictures in Dallas
Ronald Kirk Bridge
Ronald Kirk Bridge blends architecture with pretty views of Dallas. To find it, note that the parking lot is easy to miss. Head towards Trinity Groves, turn onto Gulden Lane, then make a right into the parking lot before it veers left.
Find it on Google.
The Fabricaiton Yard
This is a free and legal art park that anyone can edit. Usually crowded, the Fab Yard is a popular site for local music videos and iPhone photoshoots. Part of the FabYards appeal lies in its frivolous nature- this little slice of lawlessness won’t last forever.
*This area of Dallas isn’t the best, don’t linger after dark.*
Find it on Google.
The Dallas Eye
Yes, a 30-foot eyeball sits in Downtown Dallas. The Eye was created by artist Tony Tasset in two thousand seen as part of a temporary display in Chicago. Modeled after its creator’s own peepers, The Eye is fiberglass. This eye-catching art piece has lived outside the Joule Hotel since 2013.
How to Find the Dallas Eye
The easiest way to get there is to put the address for The Joule Hotel in GPS. The Eye is directly across from the hotel.
Unique Things To Do in Dallas Texas
Here are some of Dallas’ less-visited attractions.
Grave of Bonnie and Clyde
If you’ve been planning to travel to Dallas, Texas, for a while, you’ve likely run into these names in your research.
The Legend
The famous lovers and outlaws from the Great Depression era, Bonnie and Clyde, were icons of the early 30s and synonymous with the Flapper era. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were known to have committed robberies and murders across the southern US.
The couple’s over-romanticized relationship is a part of Southern history, and their known haunts are bucket list items for many Depression-era enthusiasts.
Most Dallas locals have no idea Bonnie and Clyde are buried in the area!
Pro-Tip
Clyde’s resting place is closed to the public, but a side gate is usually open during visiting hours.
Thanks-Giving Square
Thanks-Giving Square is a meditative and serene urban temple and garden 15 feet underground. The temple is supposed to encuorage gratitude and peace in the middle of a busy city.
Travel to Dallas: FAQ
You can absolutely visit Dallas on a budget. Here are some tips:
– If you want to visit the Arboretum, check out their discount page, including BOGO Wednesdays!
– Check the Dallas City Pass for discounts on most major city attractions.
– If you’re planning to travel to multiple Texas State parks outside of Dallas or have a larger group, consider buying a Texas State Parks pass.
As a local, I can confirm that the best time to visit Dallas, Texas, is during Spring (late March-May) when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the fall (late September-November). Spring and Fall in Dallas see the best temperatures are pretty much the only time you should go outside in any Texas city.
Traveling from Dallas to San Antonio is easy! A bus is the most cost-effective option. The route usually takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes and costs less than $50. Use Wanderu to easily search all available buses and trains from Dallas to San Antonio in one spot.
Pin it for later
Check-in
I hope you enjoyed my guide on how to travel to Dallas, Texas!
Comment below or tag me on social media to let me know what you did in the Big D!
