Top 50 Things To Do in Dallas And Places You Should Visit

Vacations are an important part of life.  A vacation is a time to relax, unwind, and take a break from your regular routine.

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Top 50 Things To Do in Dallas And Places You Should Visit

It can also be a great chance to see parts of the world that you have never seen before. However, traveling outside of the country can be expensive or completely unaffordable to many people.  

Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful places that you can visit without leaving the US. The country is full of so many beautiful states and cities that are just waiting to be explored by you.

One of those places is Dallas, Texas. This city is absolutely bursting with culture, attractions, and hidden gems that can easily pack a vacation, a weekend away, or even downtime on a business trip.

In this article, we will look at the top 50 things that you should do and places you should visit in Dallas. 

Free Things To Do And See In Dallas

Sometimes, even when you have done everything you can to keep the cost of travel down, you can find yourself with limited money to spend on sightseeing or visiting attractions with entry fees. 

Thankfully, there are so many great things that you can do and see in Dallas for free.  Below are some of the best things that you can do in Dallas that don’t require any money to visit or enter. 

1. John F. Kennedy Memorial And Dealey Plaza

The John F. Kennedy Memorial and Dealey plaza is one of the most interesting and beautiful places that you can visit for free in Dallas. 

The memorial was designed by architect Phillip Johnson. He chose an open tomb style for the memorial which is said to represent the freedom of JFK’s spirit.

The memorial provides visitors with a space where they can reflect and remember.  

Within walking distance of the memorial is the Dealey plaza, the site of JFK’s assassination.  One of the best things about the plaza is that it hasn’t changed much since 1963. 

It is still an area that is steeped in history that is significant to the whole country. 

This can be a great place to visit with the whole family and to teach younger generations about JFK.

2. Fair Park

Fair Park is an expansive place to visit that is suitable for all ages and interests. The park has over 2,000 acres of fairground that you can explore all year round.

The park boasts numerous venues, sites, attractions, landmarks, events, and activities. 

You can check out their events calendar online to see what types of events are going to happen during your visit.

The types of events that take place at Fair Park include musicals, fun runs, sports events, food festivals, and dance events. 

There is so much to do at Fair Park that you could easily spend a day or even two here to have fun without having to spend a lot of money. 

3. City Hall

Dallas city hall is one of the most beautiful structures in the city. The inverted wedge shape of the building is iconic and unmissable. The city hall also features a 7-acre plaza with stunning sculptures by Henry Moore.  

Visiting city hall can be a great way to spend an afternoon in Dallas on a budget.

You can spend your time walking around the plaza and taking in the art and culture of the area.  It is also a great place to do some people-watching, especially on a weekday.  

4. Free Admission Museums

If there is something that Dallas has plenty of it’s museums. Some of the museums in the city do have an entrance fee. 

However, there are many more that do not. It is possible to spend an entire day or more visiting various museums. Most of the museums that have free entry have exhibits and activities for people of all ages. 

Some of the museums with free entry in Dallas include the Dallas museum of art, the African American museum, the samurai collection, the Latino cultural center, and the NorthPark center. 

You can find a full list of the museums that offer free admission online when you are planning your trip. 

5. Dallas Arts District

The Dallas arts district is one of the most varied and interesting places that you can visit on a restricted budget in the city.

Not all of the things that you can do in the arts district are free, it is important to note this before you begin planning your trip to the arts district. There is a helpful section on the Dallas arts district website dedicated to free activities and attractions. 

Some of the free activities and attractions include the crow museum of Asian art, Klyde Warren park, Pegasus, Sammons park, and the Texas sculpture walk.

Most of the free attractions at the Dallas arts district are suitable for almost all ages. It is a great place to take the family for a cheap day out on your trip. 

6.  Tour of Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The Morton H. Meyerson symphony center is located inside the arts district. If you wish to see a show or a concert at the symphony center, which will cost money. 

However, it is possible to take a tour of the center during the day when there are no shows.  

Taking a tour is free and will give you the chance to take in the stunning open spaces, the beautiful structures, amazing works of art, and the unmatched acoustics of the hall. 

This is a visually stunning free thing to do.  It may not be an activity that is suitable for younger family members who may get bored. 

7. Mary Kay Cosmetics

This one might sound a little unusual, but the Mary Kay Cosmetics headquarters in Dallas is much more than just a business. You can visit the headquarters building in Dallas and learn all about the story behind this hugely successful brand.  

At the headquarters building, you can visit a free museum that showcases all of the accomplishments of the company and its founder Mary Kay Ash. 

In the museum, you can see the ideas and dreams of Mary Kay.  There is also a theater and a hall of honor that can be visited. 

8. Neighborhood Sightseeing

Neighborhood sightseeing is probably something that you have done many times before without even realizing it. Neighborhood sightseeing is simply going around neighborhoods and looking at the sights and beautiful houses in the area.

This is something that can be done for free and can give you a great feel for the day-to-day life in the city you are visiting.  

Dallas is a particularly great place to indulge in some neighborhood sightseeing because it has so many stunning neighborhoods.

If you are looking for beautiful or historical houses there are some particular neighborhoods you should visit. These include Turtle Creek and Highland Park, the Munger Place Historic District, and Swiss Avenue.

These neighborhoods will offer a mix of impressive mansions and prairie-style homes. 

9. Historic West End

The historic west end of Dallas is technically another neighborhood, however, it has a lot more going on than your average residential neighborhood.

In the historic west end, you will find beautifully restored buildings, street festivals, and plenty of places to people-watch. There are also some shops and restaurants, although these are obviously not free if you wish to purchase anything. 

As the name suggests, the historic west end is steeped in Dallas’ history. You will be able to find the first trading post which signifies the birth of Dallas. The area is also changing as Dallas develops, being prepared as a smart district for future innovation. 

10. Pioneer Park Cemetery

This is a great free place to visit in Dallas if you are not easily spooked. Pioneer Park cemetery is a conglomeration of the remnants of 4 earlier graveyards, the Masonic Cemetery, the Odd Fellow’s Cemetery, the Jewish Cemetery, and the City Cemetery.

There hasn’t been a burial in the cemetery since 1921, but the surviving monuments on the graves are a testament to the history of the city. 

Within the cemetery, you can find the final resting place of 6 Dallas Mayors, 3 War of 1812 Veterans, 9 heroes of the Texas Revolution, and 29 (one Union and 28 Confederate) Civil War Veterans among others.

11. Model Trains At Children’s Medical Center Of Dallas

In the lobby at the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, you can find the largest permanent model train display in the country.

The display has changed slightly in recent years and has gone from a separate free exhibit to something that is incorporated into the lobby of the medical center.  

You are still able to go and see the model trains free of charge in the lobby area.  While you are there you can also make use of the courtyard area by the main entrance to the medical center. 

There are child-friendly musical instruments and a place to sit and relax for a while. 

12. Dallas Farmers Market

Farmers’ markets are always a great place to visit in any city. It is possible to spend money in these markets but it isn’t necessary.

You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the stalls and sampling some of the produce that the farmers have to offer.  

The Dallas farmers market is quite large and there are sometimes events that happen such as lunar New Year celebrations, free-range days, and happy hours.

The farmers market is open 7 days a week which makes it perfect for a last-minute outing. 

13. Free Admission Annual Festivals

The weather in Dallas is perfect for hosting festivals all year round. Because of this, there are so many annual festivals that you can attend for free throughout the year. 

Chances are, at least one of these festivals will coincide with your trip. 

Some of the annual festivals with free admission include the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Dallas Pride, St. Patrick’s Day festival and parade, the state fair of Texas, and the Riverfront Jazz Festival. 

14. Fountain Place

Fountain place is a wonderful attraction to visit if you are on a budget and you enjoy beautiful architecture. These two stunning buildings are comprised of office space and residential units.  It is a defining feature of the Dallas skyline. 

The tower has been designed with beauty and functionality in mind. From the outside, the structure is striking and on a sunny day, the glass can create an illuminating effect on the other buildings around it.

There are benches and fountains out the front of the building, a great place for a picnic lunch.  

15. Hiking And Biking Trails

There are multiple hiking and biking trails around Dallas. If you are looking for something that is free and will get you moving and raise your heart rate, hiking and biking trails are a great choice. 

The best thing about having so many different hiking trails and biking trails is that there are different kinds, intensities, and lengths of trails to suit your fitness or your time constraints.

Some of the trails available in Dallas include Dogwood canyon, Katy trail, Oak Cliff nature reserve, Spring Creek forest trail, and Windmill Hill among many others.

16. Haunted Dallas

As with many old cities, there are plenty of buildings and sites around Dallas that are purported to be haunted. If you enjoy all things that are spooky or have always wanted to hunt some ghosts, this is something that you will enjoy. 

Booking a guided ghost tour of Dallas will cost you money.  However, it is possible to visit haunted sites free of charge.

There are plenty of haunted buildings to choose from such as River Legacy Park, White Rock Lake, The Majestic Theater, and even Six Flags.

If you are on less of a budget when you visit Dallas, there are plenty of things that you can do that require paid admission or purchases. 

The attractions and places to visit below range from low-cost to high-cost activities. Most of the activities below do not require a reservation. 

However, if you want to have greater peace of mind, especially if you have young children, it can be sensible to book ahead to guarantee them.  You can book most attractions and activities online prior to your trip.  

17. Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is one of the most iconic structures on the Dallas skyline. There are multiple events that take place in the tower and some restaurants with stunning views of the city.

There is even an outdoor viewing platform to get an even better view and a feel for how high up it is. 

There are also plenty of educational activities available to do in the tower that are suitable for all ages so you can take the whole family with you. Best of all, you can book tickets in advance online to take the stress out of your trip. 

18. Dallas World Aquarium

This is another great attraction that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy on your vacation. The cost of getting into the aquarium for a family of 4 is going to be mid-range in terms of dollar value. 

However, it can be a great way to keep the kids entertained for an entire afternoon. 

You can also stay in the aquarium for dinner at one of the many restaurants on site. This is a great way to mix fun and education for yourself and your younger family members.  

19. Another Round

This is an activity that is less family-friendly but is still packed with great fun and can be reminiscent of your own childhood. Another Round is mini golf and bar all wrapped into one.

This is a great place to visit with friends or colleagues to relax and unwind after a day exploring the city or attending business meetings. 

The best thing about Another Round is that you can book or simply turn up spontaneously. Although, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance if you have a large group or if you plan to visit at a busy time such as a Friday or Saturday night. 

20. Dallas Bites And Sights Tour

This is another great activity to do during your trip. It isn’t particularly family-friendly unless you have children with incredible patience and varied pallets.  However, it makes a great activity with friends or for a couple. 

The tour takes you around the city, taking in beautiful and iconic sites and visiting incredible restaurants and food vendors.

Food is an important part of any culture and visiting some of the best food vendors in the city gives you a wonderful insight into Dallas culture.

The best thing about this activity is that it takes the cost of extra meals and travel out of the day by incorporating it into your activity for the day.  

21. Dick’s Last Resort

Dick’s Last Resort is a chain of bars that are perfect for a fun date night or a night out with friends. Dick’s isn’t like a regular bar, it isn’t even like a regular dive bar.  Dick’s specializes in customer service with a difference.  

The tagline for this bar is Food and drinks served with a side of sarcasm. This makes for a really fun and entertaining evening where you can enjoy food and drink with your friends while experiencing what many servers actually want to say to customers.

Dick’s Last Resort will often have special theme nights or events.

22. The Echo Lounge And Music Hall

If you are looking for an activity that is a little more sophisticated than Dick’s, the Echo Lounge and Music Hall is a great option.

This is a legendary venue that hosts epic events on a regular basis. You will be able to check out the upcoming events online before your trip to see what coincides with your dates. 

Some events at this venue include private dining, private concerts, social events, and holiday parties. You can even book the venue out for your own event if you want to.  

23. Remembering Black Dallas Inc.

Remembering Black Dallas Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving the black history of Dallas and educating locals and tourists about the black history of the city. 

A trip to this organization will be eye-opening and especially interesting to anyone who has an interest in American history. 

Because Remembering Black Dallas Inc. is a non-profit organization they rely on donations and income from tourists to continue their important work.

This can make a great afternoon out to really understand the history and culture of Dallas.

24. Wild Bill’s Western Store

If you are excited about the Western style that Texas is renowned for, then this is the only place you need to visit in Dallas.

Wild Bill’s Western Store is free to enter, but you won’t be able to leave empty-handed thanks to the incredible range of authentic Western apparel and accessories.  

There is clothing and accessories for both men and women in the store and it can be great fun to try on their cowboy hats and boots. 

The products are made to an incredibly high standard so you know you are getting a product that is going to last for many years to come. 

25. Wildcatter Ranch And Resort

If you are looking for something more on the expensive side but also incorporating your accommodation into an attraction, Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is for you.

Wildcatter Ranch and Resort promises to offer a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This can be a great way to end your trip to ensure that you are relaxed and ready to get back to real life. 

There are plenty of activities and events offered at the ranch and resort, including horseback riding, clay shooting, archery, jeep tours, and roping.

During your trip, you can stay in a regular hotel room, cabin suites, the homestead, or even the ranch house.  

26. Dallas Cowboys At AT&T Stadium

If you or someone you are traveling with is a huge fan of Football or sport in general, this could be a great thing to do during your trip to Dallas.

Tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game are the cheapest, however, it can be a memorable experience to add to your vacation. 

If this is an activity that is important to you or someone on your trip, you should check the team’s schedule for their home games before you plan your trip.

If you get lucky, you might be able to catch a game between the Cowboys and your own home team. 

27. Highland Park Village

Some people enjoy indulging in a bit of retail therapy while they are on a trip or vacation.  Paying a visit to Highland Park Village is a great option for the shopaholics out there.

The type of shopping that is available at Highland Park Village is more high-end than your average mall. 

At Highland Park Village, you can employ the services of a personal shopper to help you get exactly what you are looking for from your trip.

The retail village also hosts events throughout the year including clothing line launches, collection launches, and trunk shows. There are also plenty of stunning restaurants to help you refuel after a day of shopping. 

28. Stockyards Championship Rodeo

If you are willing to travel a little bit outside of Dallas for your entertainment on your trip, Stockyards Championship Rodeo could be for you. The championship rodeo is held in Fort Worth, at Cowtown Coliseum.  

If you aren’t sure about watching an actual rodeo championship, you can also have a tour of the venue with the history of rodeo as a sport.  There is also a shop where you can purchase some unique souvenirs.

You can eat and stay at the rodeo too if you are really into the sport and want to be immersed in the culture of rodeo. 

29. Bonnie And Clyde Tour

Bonnie and Clyde are an infamous duo with an incredibly interesting history.

When you visit Dallas, you will be able to embark on the Bonnie and Clyde tour to help you better understand the famous couple and what led to their life of crime and untimely deaths. 

The tour lasts for between 3 and 4 hours and requires a minimum of 6 people. You can make up these numbers with your own group if there are enough of you, or it can be made up of you and other people who want to take the tour. 

During peak times, there should be no issues with the number of people on a tour.  You can even get a complimentary glass of wine and lunch on the tour. 

30. iFLY Dallas Skydiving Center

If you want to catch a bit of a thrill on your trip to Dallas, the iFLY skydiving center is a must-visit location.

The center is open 7 days a week which makes it really easy to fit into your vacation schedule. 

If there is a large group of you and you want to plan ahead, you can book a private party to ensure that you all get enough time in the skydiving tunnel. 

One of the best things about iFLY is that they have specially trained instructors to allow people of all abilities to get involved in the fun.  The trip can also be educational for everyone in your group.

You can learn about the physics of skydiving before having a go at flying yourself.  This is great if you have children with a strong interest in STEM subjects. 

31. Fearing’s Restaurant

Fearing’s restaurant is owned by the author of the Texas Food Bible. Dean Fearing is known as the godfather of Southwestern cuisine and has spent his life cooking food that people love.

If you want a taste of truly authentic Texan food during your trip, this is the only restaurant for you. 

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. There is also the Rattlesnake bar to check out while you are there.  All of the food on the menu is bursting with the flavors of locally acquired ingredients and seasonings.

The restaurant also offers an extensive vegetarian menu.  To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance. 

32. Pecan Lodge

If food makes up a huge portion of your reason for traveling to different states, Pecan Lodge is a location that you won’t want to miss during your stay in Dallas. Pecan Lodge is known for its incredible smoked meats and genuine Texan BBQ.  

If you and your family or friends are into grilling and smoking, this is a must-visit location. The lodge is open 7 days a week, however, it is best to get there as early as you can as once they have sold out, that is it for the day.

The lodge also runs special events such as live music from local musicians and bands, as well as other truly Texan entertainment. You can also have their smoked meat shipped home anywhere in the nation.  

33. Rainbow Vomit

Rainbow Vomit already sounds intriguing from the name without even knowing what it is. This is an experiential art exhibit in the heart of Dallas.

When people think of Dallas and Texas, they often think of smoked meats, cowboys, and ranches.  However, there is plenty of art and creativity in the state as this attraction proves. 

Rainbow Vomit isn’t open every day so it is worth checking out their calendar to see if any of the dates coincide with your trip. 

The exhibit is described as being a comic book that has come to life and is suitable for all ages. This, combined with the relatively low prices for tickets makes it the perfect family day out during your trip. 

34. Deep Ellum Brewing Co. 

If you are looking for something that is more adult-friendly than family-friendly, Deep Ellum Brewing Co. is the place for you. Deep Ellum Brewing Co. is the first craft brewery in Dallas.

Coming from the notorious Ellum neighborhood, the beer that this company produces is unapologetically different.  

There is a lot of history behind the brewing company that you can gain an insight into at one of the brewery tours that happen every Saturday.

You can also visit one of the brewing company’s taprooms to thoroughly sample their products.  hey also serve food in the taprooms to help line your stomach.

If you are lucky enough, your trip will coincide with one of the many events that the brewery hosts throughout the year. 

35. George W. Bush Presidential Center

If you have an interest in politics, history, and past presidents, the George W. Bush Presidential Center could be just what you are looking for to complete your trip.

At the George W. Bush Presidential Center, there is a Bush museum which is a great place to take family members of all ages. 

You can take part in a guided tour to help you make your way around the museum and gain a deeper insight into the exhibits. You can also visit the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park.

Sited on what was once a stunning Texas prairie, the park is once more planted with native habitat for the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in the area.  

36. Dallas Zoo

For a trip that is completely family-friendly, Dallas zoo is a great choice. There are always plenty of amazing and interesting animals at the zoo for you and your family to see and learn about.

This can be incredibly educational for all members of the family.  It is necessary to reserve your tickets online before you visit the zoo.

The best thing about the Dallas zoo is that there are always plenty of events going on throughout the year that may coincide with your trip.

Some of the events include behind-the-scenes insight into animal nutrition, backstage safari tours, and even wild adventures camps for children. 

37. The Rustic

If you are looking for a relaxing venue for you and your friends or family to relax, there are few places better than The Rustic. The point of The Rustic is to keep things simple and facilitate a fun and relaxing vibe.  

The Rustic prides itself on providing food with farm-to-table ingredients that are packed with health benefits as well as amazing flavors.  The setting of The Rustic is a backyard which keeps things very casual.

You can enjoy live music and great food under the Dallas stars for the perfect way to wind down. 

38. Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Gardens

For the nature lovers out there, the Dallas arboretum and botanical gardens are something that cannot be missed on your trip to the city.

A visit to the arboretum and botanical gardens is a relatively low-cost day out that the whole family can enjoy.

While the younger members of your family might not be interested in the different species of plants, there is plenty of space for them to run around and burn off some energy. 

It is also worth checking out the Dallas arboretum and botanical gardens events calendar to find out if there are any events that coincide with your trip.

Some events include a food and wine festival, a concert series, cooking classes, and a memory garden program. 

39. Galleria Ice Skating Center

The Galleria Dallas is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy and some lunch with your friends and family.

However, it also has a stunning ice skating center that provides a fun and active way to pass an afternoon on your trip. 

The ice rink is operated on a first come first serve basis so it is best to arrive near the start of a public session during busy periods. 

The rates for hiring skates and having a go on the ice are really reasonable for groups of skaters which are available at certain times of the year. 

If you are interested in improving your skating skills or those of your children, it is possible to take part in skating classes during your trip. 

40. Nasher Sculpture Center

If you are a lover of the arts industry, the Nasher Sculpture Center is a must-see when you are in Dallas.

The sculpture center is open Wednesday through Sunday every week and is closed on certain public holidays. 

Admission to the center is incredibly reasonable and there are discounts available for the first Saturday of every month, and for ‘til Midnight at the Nasher.  

In addition to all of the beautiful sculptures that you can see at the center all year round, there are also a number of events that take place throughout the year.

The events held at the Nasher Sculpture Center are designed to shine a spotlight on certain artists or styles of art. You can check out the events calendar to see if any events coincide with your trip. 

41. Adventure Landing Dallas Arcade

The Adventure Landing Dallas Arcade is the ultimate family-friendly entertainment. There are so many different things that the whole family can get involved in at the arcade.

From mini golf to laser tag to go-karts.  Best of all, the arcade games are half-price from 4 pm until close every Thursday. 

If your trip to Dallas lines up with a birthday, Adventure Landing Dallas Arcade can cater to your needs and put on a memorable birthday party.

There is a wide variety of food and beverages available at the arcade to keep you and your family full and hydrated throughout the day. Throughout the year there are some special events at the arcade including easter egg hunts and Winterfest parties.  

42. Crayola Experience Plano

The Crayola Experience in Plano is a great activity to do for the whole family.

Inside the experience, you can visit the activity studio, the adventure lab, and the be a star feature.  In these sections, you can cut, color, and create themed projects, solve colorful puzzles and riddles, and even make a coloring page with your own photographs.  

It is best to buy your tickets for the Crayola Experience Plano online in advance. Not only will this help to guarantee entrance to the experience, but you can also get a discount when purchasing your tickets in advance. 

43. Lower Greenville

Lower Greenville Avenue is a neighborhood in Dallas that is home to some of the city’s most incredible bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a bit of nightlife during your trip, this is the place to go.

Lower Greenville is a great place to head to after catching a show at the Granada Theater which is located just up the road. 

There are so many bars to choose from on Lower Greenville Avenue. You can have a big night out with your friends and family and visit as many as you can.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to have to deal with a heavy hangover, you can stay nearby and visit a few bars and restaurants over the course of your trip. 

44. Butterfly House At Texas Discovery Gardens

There are plenty of animals and plants that you can see at the Texas Discovery Gardens, however, one of the most beautiful places you can visit is the butterfly house.

When you enter the house, you are transported to the tropical habitat of the many butterfly species in the house. 

This is a great way to connect with nature even on a rainy day. The house is spread across two stories which give you access to 51 species of butterflies.

Admission to the butterfly house is extremely reasonable and can provide an affordable, fun, and educational day out for any age group.  

45. Museum Of Illusions

No matter how old you are, the museum of illusions is a great place to visit while you are in Dallas. You can bring your children, your friends, or your grandparents to the museum and they are bound to have a great time.

The museum can even be educational for all attendees. 

The illusions in the museum are both visual and sensory which means that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Museum of Illusions can provide you with an afternoon packed with interesting activities. You can also purchase small illusions to take home with you so that you can continue to enjoy them and even give them to friends to enjoy. 

46. Dallas Heritage Village At Old City Park

If you are a history buff, the Dallas Heritage Village At Old City Park should definitely make it onto your to-do list while you are in Dallas. The aim of the park is to allow people to connect to the past through recreational activities.  

Old City Park is the oldest park in the city and still maintains some historic buildings and furnishings to provide a clear window into the past.

You can opt to go on a tour of the park and some of the buildings to get more insight into the history of the park and Dallas. Every Thursday in the park there is storytelling, food demonstrations, and free grounds for picnics. 

47. Hilton Anatole Hotel Fight Night

For those of you who want to indulge in a bit of sport and an evening out, you might be lucky enough to catch a fight night at the Hilton Anatole hotel. These fight nights are few and far between but it is something worth looking into when you are planning your trip.  

If your trip doesn’t coincide with a fight night at the hotel, you can still enjoy the other features that are offered such as the spa, the pool, and the arcade. This can be a great place to visit to relax and unwind with or without a fight night scheduled. 

48. Dallas Symphony Orchestra

If you are a lover of the arts and want to experience as much culture as possible during your trip, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is a great place to visit.

There are concerts all year round at the symphony orchestra and you will be able to indulge in sophisticated music in a stunning setting. 

If you have your heart set on seeing a concert by the Dallas symphony orchestra, it is best to book tickets for your preferred show in advance to ensure that you get to visit and avoid disappointment.

There are multiple different types of shows throughout the year so if you are not constrained to a certain time of year for your trip, you can plan it around the show you want to see. 

49. The Wild Detectives Bookstore

Another great place to visit during your time in Dallas is the Wild Detectives bookstore. This is much more than your average bookstore. 

While there is a huge array of books available in the bookstore, there are also plenty of different and exciting events that happen throughout the year. 

The best thing is that the events are always different because they are tied to different books that are launching. 

Some of the events that have taken place at the Wild Detectives Bookstore include book presentations, backyard concerts, a book club, and even food tastings for cookbooks.

The Wild Detectives Bookstore is also great for people who aren’t huge bookworms because the bookstore is also a bar venue to help you relax and unwind.  

50. The Truck Yard

If you want to experience some hipster culture in the heart of Dallas, the Truck Yard is a must-visit venue. The easiest way to explain what the Truck Yard is would be by describing it as a dive bar garden.

There is booze, live music, and food trucks, and your four-legged friends are always welcome. This can be a great place to unwind with friends and family or to meet new friends on your travels. 

The aesthetic of the Truck Yard is based on the idea of a treehouse that the owner had when he was a child.

Now, there are Truck Yards in multiple locations across Texas.  One of the best things about the Truck Yard, aside from the whole concept, is that they are family-friendly up until 9 pm.

There is a caveat that if you are already at the Truck Yard with your little ones, you are allowed to stay with them rather than being kicked out.

You don’t have to reserve a table at Truck Yard, however, if you have a large group, you can reserve an event area to guarantee seating. 

Getting Around Dallas

Like everything in Texas, Dallas is a big place, and something to consider when taking a trip anywhere is transportation. 

The transportation options that are available to you will depend on how you traveled to the city and what your budget is.  

The easiest way to get around Dallas as a whole is by car.  However, hiring a car or taking Ubers everywhere can be incredibly expensive and out of budget for a lot of people.

When you are traveling to the wider city, taxis, Uber, and car-sharing services are the easiest and most convenient options.  Public transportation is available on the outskirts of the city but it is not very regular. 

The main attractions of the city and things to do are all located within the downtown area of the city. 

Because of this location, all of the attractions in this area are easily accessible by public transportation. There are bus and rail services that serve the downtown area of Dallas.  

There are a couple of popular attractions, such as the Dallas Arboretum, that are best accessed by car due to a lack of alternative transportation.  Car-sharing services or taxis are a great way to access these attractions. 

It is important to factor the cost of daily travel around the city into your budget for your trip.

While it is possible to keep traveling costs to a minimum during your trip, it will cost money to travel around the city and you don’t want to risk missing out on some of your favorite attractions by miscalculating your budget for travel.  

Final Thoughts

There are so many wonderful things to do and see in Dallas. Whether you are staying for a short business trip with some downtime or planning a full vacation to the city, there is no shortage of entertainment or places to visit.

It is also incredibly easy to tailor your trip to be romantic, family-friendly, or the ideal break with your old college friends.  

Dallas is a large city and there is so much to see and do that you are unlikely to be able to do everything that you want to do in a single visit.

However, the majority of attractions and things to do in the city tend to last a long time and are likely to be there when you get to visit the city again. There are so many different sides to Dallas that each time you visit, it can feel like a brand-new city. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Expensive To Travel In Dallas?

The average cost of travel throughout the city is around $100 dollars per day. However, this can be significantly decreased if you choose to stay in the downtown area of the city and visit the vast array of attractions in the main hub of the city. 
 
You can also keep costs lower by using public transportation whenever possible or bringing your own car with you if possible. You can also bring or hire bicycles to make travel around the city cheap, fun, and environmentally friendly.  

Is Dallas A Safe City To Visit?

This is an incredibly important question to ask before traveling anywhere.  Safety can be a huge concern when you are traveling somewhere new and unfamiliar.

This is true whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, with a group, or even with your whole family.  

As far as North American cities go, Dallas is an overall safe city. As with all cities in all countries, there are going to be areas that are less safe than others.

However, if you stick to the more touristy areas of the city, you are likely to be perfectly safe.  

The trend in regard to crime in Dallas is that crime is dropping year after year. The city is managing to actively crack down on the crime that occurs within city limits.

While crime is on a downward trend in Dallas, it is sensible to always be aware of your surroundings when you are out and about in the city. Keep an eye on your possessions when outside at all times and generally be reasonably vigilant.  

Is Dallas Suitable To Visit With Children?

Dallas is a suitable city to visit with your children. Not only are there plenty of main attractions and things to do that are family-friendly or tailored toward children completely. 

It is also a city that is safe enough to easily travel with your children without worrying too much. Best of all, the majority of family-friendly and child-oriented activities and things to do are located in the downtown area of the city so it is easy and cheap to get around.

They are also mostly focused on being educational and fun. There are plenty of activities that are interactive that can help your little ones learn about the history of the city. 

Is Dallas Good For A Romantic Getaway?

If you are looking for a city to stage a romantic getaway with your partner or spouse, Dallas makes a great destination.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts in the city that offer great romantic getaway packages to ensure that you are sufficiently loved up with your other half.  

If you are looking for an extra special romantic getaway in Dallas, then the Wildcatter Ranch and Resort we mentioned above is perfect. 

Not only is the setting super romantic, but the activities that are offered at the resort are perfect for spending quality time with each other while creating timeless memories.  

It is also very easy to plan a trip to Dallas around the specific interests of you or your partner. This is particularly true if either of you has a strong interest in the arts, history, or culture.  

Alex Kallen
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