Think Dallas is just cowboys, big steaks, and a flashy skyline? Well, you’re in for a surprise! This city is packed with hidden gems, from top-tier museums and scenic green spaces to quirky public art and a buzzing culinary scene. Whether you’re here for history, adventure, or just the perfect Instagram shot, there’s no shortage of things to do.
With so many incredible spots to explore, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up the absolute best things to do in Dallas, covering everything from iconic landmarks to local favorites. Let’s jump in and discover what makes this city so unforgettable!
Historical & Cultural Attractions
Step into Dallas’ rich history and explore its vibrant arts scene with museums, cultural landmarks, and presidential libraries that bring history and culture to life.
1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
📍 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
Step into history as you explore the life, presidency, and assassination of John F. Kennedy through powerful exhibits filled with photographs, films, and personal artifacts. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum gives you an in-depth look at the events of November 22, 1963, and their lasting impact.
2. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
📍 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205
Walk through a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and experience the decisions that shaped a presidency. You can test your leadership skills in the interactive Decision Points Theater, where you’re challenged to make tough calls on real-world crises.
3. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
📍 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
Ignite your curiosity with hands-on exhibits that take you from the age of dinosaurs to the wonders of space exploration. Feel the power of an earthquake simulator, marvel at sparkling gemstones, and dive into human anatomy in this engaging science hub.
4. Dallas Museum of Art
📍 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
Discover over 5,000 years of creativity as you wander through galleries featuring masterpieces from Van Gogh, Picasso, O’Keeffe, and more. With free general admission, you can immerse yourself in world-class art without spending a dime.
5. Nasher Sculpture Center
📍 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Experience modern and contemporary sculpture up close, with works by artists like Rodin, Calder, and Giacometti. Stroll through the serene outdoor sculpture garden, where art and nature blend seamlessly.
6. Frontiers of Flight Museum
📍 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
Explore the history of aviation as you stand beneath historic aircraft from World War II, the Apollo program, and beyond. Get an up-close look at a full-size Apollo 7 command module and uncover the innovations that shaped air and space travel.
Outdoor & Scenic Attractions
Experience the natural beauty and vibrant outdoor spaces of Dallas, where lush gardens, scenic lakes, and urban parks provide the perfect setting for relaxation and adventure.
7. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
📍 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Spread across 66 acres, this botanical garden showcases breathtaking seasonal floral displays, themed gardens, and tranquil walking paths. Whether you visit the spring tulip festival or the pumpkin village in the fall, there’s always something stunning to see.
8. Klyde Warren Park
📍 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Built over a freeway, this innovative green space connects downtown with the arts district and offers everything from food trucks to yoga classes. You can enjoy live music, open-air fitness sessions, or simply relax with a book in the shade.
9. White Rock Lake Park
📍 8300 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
This peaceful lakeside park spans over 1,000 acres, making it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts who love jogging, biking, kayaking, or bird-watching. With scenic trails and picnic areas, it’s an ideal place to escape the city’s hustle and unwind in nature.
10. Pioneer Plaza
📍 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202
Home to one of the largest bronze monument collections in the world, this park features a dramatic sculpture of a cattle drive, paying tribute to Texas’ cowboy heritage. As you walk among the life-size longhorns and cowboys, you’ll get a glimpse into the state’s rich ranching history.
Entertainment & Sports
Dallas offers a dynamic mix of sports, live music, and breathtaking city views, making it a great destination for entertainment lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
11. AT&T Stadium
📍 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Home to the Dallas Cowboys, this state-of-the-art stadium is one of the largest in the NFL and features a retractable roof and massive high-definition video board. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the locker rooms, VIP suites, and even step onto the field where history is made.
12. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
📍 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, this world-class concert hall is celebrated for its near-perfect acoustics and elegant design. It hosts performances by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists, offering an unforgettable musical experience.
13. Reunion Tower
📍 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
One of Dallas’ most recognizable landmarks, this 561-foot tower features a GeO-Deck with stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline. Interactive displays and telescopes let you explore the city from above, making it a must-visit for first-time visitors.
Neighborhoods & Shopping
Dallas is home to diverse neighborhoods and shopping districts, each offering a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and retail experiences. Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques, local artisan markets, or vibrant nightlife, there’s a place for you to explore.
14. Bishop Arts District
📍 Bishop Ave & Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208
This charming neighborhood is known for its independent boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and locally-owned cafes. As you stroll its tree-lined streets, you’ll find everything from vintage shops to artisanal bakeries, making it a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
15. Deep Ellum
📍 Main St & Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Once a hotspot for jazz and blues legends, Deep Ellum remains the city’s go-to district for live music, street art, and energetic nightlife. Colorful murals decorate the walls, while bars, breweries, and concert venues keep the neighborhood buzzing after dark.
16. Highland Park Village
📍 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
As the first planned shopping center in the U.S., this historic district offers a luxurious shopping experience with designer brands like Chanel, Hermès, and Valentino. Upscale restaurants and a classic theater add to the elegant atmosphere, making it a prime destination for a stylish day out.
17. Dallas Farmers Market
📍 920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
A must-visit for food lovers, this bustling market features fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, and a diverse selection of international cuisine. Whether you’re picking up farm-fresh ingredients or enjoying a meal from one of the many vendors, the market offers an authentic taste of Dallas.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Dallas offers a mix of natural wonders and quirky landmarks, from immersive wildlife experiences to one-of-a-kind sights that make the city truly unforgettable.
18. Dallas World Aquarium
📍 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
Step into a lush rainforest setting where exotic birds, sloths, and monkeys live alongside vibrant marine life. This immersive aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the world, featuring everything from coral reefs to a walk-through tunnel filled with sharks.
19. Dallas Zoo
📍 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
As the largest zoo in Texas, this 106-acre park is home to over 2,000 animals, including elephants, lions, and endangered species. Highlights include the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs coexisting in a shared habitat.
20. Fair Park
📍 1121 1st Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
Known for its stunning Art Deco architecture, this 277-acre cultural district hosts museums, theaters, and the famous State Fair of Texas. Whether you visit for a concert, an art exhibit, or the thrilling rides of the fair, there’s always something happening at Fair Park.
21. Giant Eyeball
📍 1601 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
This quirky 30-foot-tall fiberglass eyeball is one of the city’s most unexpected photo ops. Created by artist Tony Tasset, it adds a surreal touch to downtown Dallas and is a fun stop for visitors looking for something unusual.
Your Dallas Adventure Awaits
Dallas is a city rich with culture, history, and entertainment, offering something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re admiring world-class museums, exploring scenic parks, or diving into the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, every corner of Dallas has a story to tell.
For a truly immersive experience, discover the city’s diverse culinary scene with Incloodie Food Tour. Book a tour now and taste your way through Dallas while learning about its rich cultural influences!