Top 30 Things to Do in Dallas

Whether you’re looking to delve into history, art, and culture at a museum, explore the great outdoors, or immerse yourself in charming and diverse neighborhoods — each brimming with must-visit restaurants and entertaining nightlife options — Dallas is home to a captivating collection of attractions and experiences that are sure to delight any interest. Here are a few of our favorite activities to help you plan a memorable Dallas trip.

1. Dallas Arts District

Art aficionados will love exploring this walkable, vibrant cultural enclave, which spans 20 city blocks and is filled with a diverse mix of acclaimed museums, theaters, and galleries — many of which are also listed below. Not to be missed are the restaurants and food trucks serving up international culinary creations that are artistic in their own right.

2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Ignite your curiosity through hands-on exhibits and immersive displays at this family-friendly museum that invites visitors to explore natural wonders, prehistoric beasts, scientific breakthroughs, and technological innovations throughout world history. Catch a show in their 3D theater to experience otherworldly experiences, like walking among dinosaurs and swimming through the depths of the ocean.

TIP: For a complete museum experience, ride their exterior “T. Rexcalator” to the top floor then work your way down to street level, passing through each exhibit along the way.

3. Deep Ellum

Concert venues, cocktail bars, boutique shops, and some of Dallas’ most popular restaurants call this hip neighborhood home. Once a warehouse district, this cultural corridor now beckons with colorful murals as live music reverberates into the streets from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, creating one of the city’s most lively and diverse communities.

4. Dallas World Aquarium

This popular, family-friendly attraction has been educating visitors on global wildlife and the world’s precious ecosystems for over three decades. Travel the world as you pass through distinct habitats buzzing, chirping and squawking with wildly diverse animal species, including a rainforest that spans three levels and a South African exhibit home to frogs, chameleons, and the fan favorite penguins.

5. Dallas Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in a journey spanning 5,000 years of art as you wander through the captivating collections of this museum. Traverse several floors and galleries, discovering the art pieces of legendary artists such as Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Georgia O’Keefe. Delight in the creativity of local artists, showcasing their creativity alongside renowned names. Revel in the museum’s cutting-edge and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the chance to take Instagram-worthy pictures of the museum’s modernist architecture, capturing the expansiveness of its atmosphere.

6. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Step into an Alice-in-Wonderland retreat away from city life, where you’ll picnic in a tranquil sanctuary that gives way into the embrace of lush greenery. The 66-acre grounds boast vivid floral displays and bright waterfront vistas, making a serene ambience that creates a soothing experience for every visitor. Enjoy the arboretum’s diverse plant collections and themed gardens, which showcase native Texas plants and extraordinary species from around the globe.

7. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository was converted into this museum, focusing on the legacy of JFK. American history aficionados will discover a detailed and engaging experience walking through innovative multimedia displays and artifacts that focus on the life, assassination, and lasting impact of the late U.S. president’s legacy. Dive into the history and culture of the 1960s and attend educational programs that center around an in-depth exploration of this era.

8. Neiman Marcus

Embark on a sweeping and grand shopping experience across nine stories in this historic department store. Discover renowned designer brands and find stylish luxuries that are boasted on every floor of the building. Find items from world-famous designers such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. Feeling peckish between shopping trips? Head over to the Zodiac, a refined lunch spot that’s famous for its rich flavors and its scrumptious dessert, the Mandarin Orange Soufflé.

9. AT&T Stadium

Watch the Dallas Cowboys play at this stadium which is famous for experiences such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, world class soccer matches, and live music concerts. You don’t want to miss hearing the roar of the crowd during a thrilling game at this stadium. Get tickets and don your sports jersey while walking through this spacious, modern marvel. See the modern art that lives inside the walls of the stadium, displaying geometric and innovative works that capture the eye.

10. American Airlines Center

Hockey and basketball fans will love catching a game at this arena which is home to the NHL’s Dallas Stars and NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Sporting events and live entertainment concerts offer thrilling memories in this arena. Grab a comfortable seat that gives sweeping views of a game or concert. Groove to a song with immersive and state-of-the-art audio systems. Discover why this arena attracts concerts from performers such as Bruce Springstein, Post Malone and Kevin Hart, and enjoy an energetic atmosphere during a sporting game.

11. Dallas Zoo

Discover an array of animal species from around the globe and capture family memories from the zoo’s attractions. The zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including elephants, gorillas, penguins and other wildlife. Feed the giraffes and meet a diverse range of critters up close. Walk through engaging exhibits and interactives about wildlife conservation. Feeling hungry while strolling through the zoo’s grounds? Grab a bite to eat at multiple dining locations with mouthwatering meal options.

12. Dallas Farmers Market

Munch on sweet and savory bites with a diverse range of food options at the farmers market. Satisfy cravings at the Mediterranean shawarma bar Laili and the Mexican restaurant Taqueria La Ventana. Inhale fragrant aromas at Abundantly Aromatic and gift friends Texas-themed items from Bullzerk. Explore a wine-tasting adventure from Eden Hill Vineyard and enjoy a happy-hour deal at Rex’s Seafood and Market.

13. Klyde Warren Park

Explore an expansive lush green area in the middle of Downtown Dallas, enjoying the playgrounds, restaurants, live music, and dog-friendly spaces. Have a picnic among well-manicured trees or grab lunch from Mi Cocina or one of the 20+ food trucks at the park. Take a social media-worthy picture in the middle of the park’s arched lamps. Dance at a concert in the Muse Family Performance Pavilion or challenge your friends to a friendly game of chess, ping pong, connect four and more. Discover the “Nancy Best Fountain,” the world’s tallest interactive fountain or get your daily dose of play in at the Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park.

14. Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

Marvel at the phenomenal Dallas skyline and capture pictures with panoramic views. The observation deck offers awe-inspiring views of Dallas’s iconic landmarks and sweeping urban scenes. Peer through telescopes to find famous Dallas architecture and discover engaging informational tools that dives into fascinating details about the city. Have a special date at the Reunion Tower’s fine dining spots, eating decadent meals and gazing at a stunning cityscape.

15. Winspear Opera House

Immerse yourself into the world of live music, ballet, and breathtaking modern architecture in this opera house. Opera aficionados will discover rich acoustics that reverberate throughout the space and bring each member of the audience into the scene. Take pictures in front of the extensive glass face of the opera house and fall in love with classic opera scores in this opulent space.

16. Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza

Experience this historical tribute to the past of the cattle industry in Texas. Marvel at mammoth-sized sculptures that depict trail bosses, Black cowboys, vaqueros, and Texas longhorns. Stroll through 49 bronze sculptures that seem to capture a scene from the past, showing longhorn cattle being directed by cowboys on horseback. Western film fans will discover a part of Texas culture at this iconic landmark in a sprawling open area.

17. George W. Bush Presidential Center

Visit the lasting impacts of the 43rd President of the United States with a stately atmosphere. Explore the journey of a transformative time through interactive exhibits, an intricately made museum, and a presidential library filled with special archives. Enter the replicated Oval Office and receive insights into the important decisions made during President Bush’s tenure.

18. Bishop Arts District

Explore this Oak Cliff neighborhood of Southern Dallas and peruse through hip restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries. Find eclectic music at a record shop and buy new decor at an antique shop. Walk through Bishop Street, meeting local businesses and discovering an array of crafted items such as candles and clocks. Sip your morning coffee at Oddfellows, have lunch at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, and end the day by savoring Japanese meals at Zen Sushi.

19. Nasher Sculpture Center

Immerse yourself in an array of modern and contemporary sculptural masterpieces. Stroll an open green oasis with modern sculptures that greet you in all directions of this space. Discover the works of legendary artists such as Picasso, Rodin, and de Kooning. Soothe the senses at the center’s calming water fountains and explore year-round exhibitions featured from other museums and private collections.

20. African American Museum of Dallas

Explore intricately curated halls of African art, black renaissance paintings, and contemporary art. Discover the only museum in the Southwestern area of the United States that preserves and focuses on African American art, cultural, and historical works. Peruse one of the biggest African American Folk Art collections in the country.

21. Frontiers of Flight Museum

Aviation and space enthusiasts will find planes from past wars and rockets of the modern age. Walk through nearly one hundred years of history, discovering places from the 1920s and fighter aviary models from World War II. Explore rockets and items from Apollo 7 in pristine condition and items in pristine condition. Discover aircraft from wars such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

22. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Discover detailed events and engaging exhibits on the Holocaust and the beginnings of international human rights after World War II. Walk through an open glass entrance and traverse on cool concrete floors that will lead you to significant artifacts from the Holocaust. Travel back in time during a solo-trip and explore the voices of the past, solidifying new ideas for human rights.

23. White Rock Lake Park

Reconnect with nature in this quiet spot that’s filled with lush greenery and a vast expanse of a lake. Find a cozy spot under the shade of a tree, making a picnic area that overlooks the serene atmosphere of the park. Run, hike and bike along the lake, traveling on the long stretch of glimmering blue waters. Kayak, canoe, and paddle board across a sweeping swathe of the lake. Fish on the pier and discover exciting finds from the calm waters.

24. The Eye at The Joule Hotel

They say “everything is bigger in Texas,” and this “eye-grabbing” sculpture at the base of The Joule Hotel is certainly no exception to the rule. Discover the Midnight Rambler in the basement of the hotel, lounging on luxurious leather furniture and sipping on speakeasy-like drinks.

25. Meadows Museum

Explore one of the largest and most extensive curations of Spanish art outside of Spain, traveling to another culture on the Southern Methodist University campus. Stroll through sprawling halls that are filled with modern abstract pieces, meticulously painted Renaissance works, and epic Baroque displays. Find artworks from legendary artists such as Picasso, Goya, and El Greco. Dive into hundreds of years of Spanish culture and delight in captivating exhibitions.

26. Wild Bill’s Western Store

Embrace a Texan lifestyle with a new pair of cowboy boots and a western-style hat, finding a rare gem of a souvenir store. Enter a new stylish frontier with this shop’s extensive collection of western buckles and Texan apparel. Marvel at a seemingly endless array of western, pointy-toe-heeled boots that exude cowboy vibes. Peruse through rugged and leather-made items that encourage onlookers to embark on their western adventures with a horse and a new hat.

27. Crow Museum of Asian Art

Explore vast collections of Asian art and travel to the past with breathtaking displays of diverse cultures. Escape to a tranquil space, discovering artifacts from areas such as China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Marvel at this museum’s jade collection and showcases of samurai armor. Escape to a soothing atmosphere with a sculpture garden that is filled with maples, bamboo, and pine trees.

28. Galleria Dallas

Discover brands such as Apple, H&M, Gap, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and many more at this expansive mall. Glide through its popular ice skating center and relive nostalgic memories at North Texas’ only American Girl Boutique. Discover mouthwatering meals from popular spots such as Luciano Pizza and Pasta, and Raising Cane’s.

29. NorthPark Center

Experience an array of popular retail brands, finding stylish items from stores such as Balenciaga, Burberry, J.Crew, and other shops. Immerse yourself in a sprawling space with over 200 stores and dining options. Enter an engaging entertainment venue with immersive spaces from AMC NorthPark 15 and marvel at the free art that is placed throughout the mall.

30. Katy Trail

Explore this historic trail that follows an antiquated railroad line, running along 3.5 miles of lush nature and verdant trees. Bike through winding roads, noticing seasonal blooms with bright and vivid colors. Feeling hungry on the trail? Grab a meal and a drink with your furry friend at Katy Trail Ice House.