What to do, what to do, so much, when you are in Dallas. From animals to flowers to history and more, they are all things you can experience in Dallas. Dallas is proud of its history and has even put aside 13 acres in Old City Park for an interactive museum to celebrate its history. But while it looks back with pride, it has moved forward as well, with world class attractions in the arts and entertainment. And in fact, in some cases, such as the New Dallas Cowboys Stadium it is cutting edge with things never seen before in the NFL. So in Dallas make sure you take advantage of all it has to offer.
Make sure you see our conditions of use for the smart-tourist.org website
When you're in Dallas, there is no reason to be bored because there is plenty to do and see, as there is with any Texas vacation. Most people think of cowboys when they think of Dallas, well you can catch a rodeo here. From the spring to the fall every weekend, the cowboys saddle up in Mesquite. If its nature you like then places like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on the shores of White Rock Lake might be for you. Or perhaps the Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden. You can even find hotels that are nearby. And don't forget the farmers market or the panoramic view from Reunion Tower. So get out and have some fun, there's plenty to do here in Dallas. We've got some more information below on some of the main attractions in and around Dallas.
Fair Park
Fair Park was built to celebrate the centennial of the Texas Republic in 1936. The 277 acres is filled with many of the original building built that year to host the World's Fair. The Art Deco style building houses a number of museums and performance facilities. Murals and sculptures on the buildings reflect the economy, flora and fauna of Texas. Fair Park is the location of the Cotton Bowl Stadium. It also hosts the annual Texas State Fair. Some of the attractions in Fair Park include the African-American Museum, Museum of the American Railroad, Museum of Nature & Science, Texas! Music Center, The Women’s Museum, the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, The Hall of State and Texas Discovery Gardens. Fair Park is located 2 miles east of downtown Dallas off Interstate 30.
Six Flags over Texas
To the west of Dallas, in Arlington, you'll find the amusement park, Six Flags over Texas. Six Flags over Texas has over 50 rides including Superman: Tower of Power and Tony Hawk's Big Spin. In all, there are 13 roller coasters to thrill you at Six Flags over Texas. Just across the street, you'll find a water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Enough to keep the kids busy on a hot summer day.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on White Rock Lake northeast of downtown. It is over 66 acres flowers and gardens, including two historic mansions, the DeGolyer House and the Camp Estate House. There are more than a dozen separate gardens on the property. The women's Garden features an enclosed sanctuary, wind chimes and a reflective pool. Each of the other gardens has its own personality as well. Picnicking is allowed on the grounds. They are also rented out as sites for weddings.
Dallas Zoo
As you approach the 95-acre Dallas Zoo, you're bound to notice the giraffe. There is one that stands over 67 feet tall at the entrance. It's a sculpture of course. But inside there are thousands of animals. The Dallas Zoo is located south of town along Interstate-35E. You can explore the 25-acre Wilds of Africa exhibit on foot via the nature trail of take the monorail through the six habitats. The zoo is open daily from 9AM.
Pioneer Plaza
Pioneer Plaza sits on the edge of downtown in the shadow of the convention center. It is really cool because of the cattle. Yes, the cattle. Dallas celebrates its past as a place where cattle were brought to be shipped out on the railroads with full size bronze cattle and three cowboys on horseback driving them. The park has native vegetation and a stream running through it.
Dealey Plaza
A few blocks away you'll find Dealey Plaza. This is the site of the 1963 assassination of President John Kennedy. Nearby is the Kennedy memorial, which is located on market Street between Mai and Commerce Streets. Also on the edge of Dealey Plaza is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Depository Building. This is the location, from which, Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots.
Reunion Tower
There are two things that stand out about Reunion Tower. One is it's 560 feet tall so it's going to stand out. The second is that the restaurant at the top revolves, giving you a view of all the Dallas area every 55 minutes. The tower has recently undergone renovations and has been spruced up. The elevator ride to the top is an experience in itself. The shafts that support the tower house the elevators on the outside, so you enjoy the view on the way up. The trip only lasts a little over a minute. Reunion Tower is part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, one of the many hotels in the downtown area.
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
Just beyond the Interstate from the farmers market, you'll find Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park. Heritage Village is located on 13 wooded acres. It is designed to recreate what life was like in Dallas between 1840 and 1910. There are 38 buildings from that time period that have been moved to the park. There's a Civil War era working farm, a conservative Jewish household from the turn of the 20th century, elegant Victorian homes, a school, a church and businesses.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is a world-class museum with collections that include African Art, American artists such as O'Keefe and Wyeth, Impressionists such as Cezanne, Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh, Contemporary artists such as Warhol and Pollock, Decorative Arts, Asian Art and much more. The Dallas Museum of Art is located to the north and east of downtown in the Dallas arts District. It is very close to the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Collection of Asian Art.
Please be sure to read our smart-tourist.org terms of use and privacy policy
Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden
You can find penguins in Dallas, at the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Garden. The aquarium is in a pair of old warehouses in the Dallas West End Historic District. Since it first opened in 1992, the aquarium has expanded and now boasts both salt and fresh water exhibits. One of the most impressive exhibits involves a forty-foot long tunnel that passes through a 22,000-gallon tank with string rays and sharks. There are also exhibits that include otters crocodiles and monkeys, and oh yes, those penguins.
Farmers Market
Open seven days a week from 8am to 6PM, the Dallas Farmers Market is a great place to pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and more, or even just do some people watching. The market is located to the south east of downtown just off Interstate 30 near the junction with 75. You can park inside many of the sheds at the farmers market. There is also other parking nearby, including an underground garage, which is free.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo
To the east of Dallas, from April to the end of September you can experience a real rodeo. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo operates every Friday and Saturday evening. Expect to see bucking broncos and bulls, Barrel Racing and team roping. For over 50 years, the rodeo has entertained families in the Dallas area.
