What is the Best Things to Do in Dallas, TX?

Are you planning a visit to Dallas and looking for some of the best things to do in the city? Dallas is a city that has a little bit of everything to offer its visitors – great food, music, attractions, and even outdoor adventures.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of all the best things to do in Dallas when you visit. We’ll give you some of the top picks from locals and tourists, as well as some off-the-beaten-path activities for those interested in something unique.

Attractions in Downtown Dallas

For many people, the downtown area of Dallas is the best place to start when exploring the city. This area is one of the most vibrant parts of the city, with many tourist attractions and entertainment options. Here are some of the most popular attractions downtown:

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza: This is the official memorial plaza dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, and it serves to preserve his legacy. The plaza features an eternal flame, a reflecting pool, and a granite plaque with a quote from Kennedy’s famous inaugural address. jfkmemorialplaza.net

AT&T Performing Arts Center: The AT&T Performing Arts Center is one of the most popular arts centers in the city. It hosts a wide range of theatrical productions, concerts, dance performances, films screenings and other exciting events. attpac.org

Reunion Tower: Reunion Tower is one of the most emblematic structures of downtown Dallas. This observation tower offers a stunning view of the city and it is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. reuniontower.com

Dealey Plaza Historic District: Dealey Plaza Historic District is a historic square in downtown Dallas that commemorates the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. The area has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and it offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about this important event in history. visitdallascityhall.com

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: A memorial dedicated to those who perished during the Holocaust and those who fought for civil rights in America, this museum is an important educational center for highlighting these atrocities of history. It includes exhibits about Nazi Germany and other genocides, as well as events about human rights activism around the world. dhhrm.org

Museums in Dallas

Besides visiting attractions downtown, there are also plenty of museums that are worth exploring while in Dallas. Here are some of the most popular:

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: While visiting Dealey Plaza Historic District, be sure to check out The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. This museum offers visitors an up-close look at the legacy of President John F. Kennedy through permanent and temporary exhibits. jfk.org

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science: Located close by Reunion Tower in downtown Dallas, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers visitors exciting experiences related to science and nature through its interactive exhibits. perotmuseum.org

Dallas Museum of Art: For art lovers visiting Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art provides a comprehensive look at art from diverse cultures around the world spanning from ancient times to contemporary creations. dma.org

The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum: The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum provides visitors with an inside look at George W. Bush’s presidency through historic artifacts, photos, video clips, and other items from his term in office. gwu.edu/~gelman/bushlibrary/

Nature and Outdoor Adventures in Dallas

Dallas is not just about urban attractions – there are also plenty of nature and outdoor adventures to explore here as well! Here are a few of our favorites:

Trinity River Audubon Center: The Trinity River Audubon Center is an excellent destination for those interested in exploring nature in Dallas and seeing some of its most interesting flora and fauna up close. It includes an urban forest, prairies, wetlands, and other native habitats that are home to diverse wildlife species like coyotes, river otters, bald eagles, and deer. trinityriver.audubon.org

Cedar Hill State Park: Located just outside of Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park is a great spot for camping, fishing, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking along scenic trails in fresh air with excellent views of nearby Joe Pool Lake and mountain ridges in the distance.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cedar-hill

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: At Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, visitors can enjoy 200 acres of rolling hills with various types of trees perfect for spotting migratory birds like hawks, owls, and falcons, as well as mammals like bats and squirrels.planoparks.org/facilities/facility/details/arb-hills-nature-preserve-6

“Off the Beaten Path” Experiences In Dallas

If you’re looking for something different from what you’ll find at major tourist sites in Dallas, here are some “off-the-beaten-path” experiences that are sure to make your visit unique:

Dallas Farmers Market: The Dallas Farmers Market is an excellent destination for foodies looking for unique tastes from vendors selling locally grown produce such as fruits, vegetables, meats, wild honey, cheeses and more! There are also charming shops selling handmade crafts from local makers.dallasfarmersmarket.org.

White Rock Lake: White Rock Lake is an impressive man-made lake located on the edge of Dallas that is ideal for recreational activities like fishing and kayaking on its calm waters with stunning views of the city skyline.dallaswhiterocklakeparkconservancy-fundraisingresourcesbeta2579f20086560ea72ce25cfee22e381c00f3ef3d3143bf6cwhiterocklakeconservancy1rvxe8mnokbwghe47fty2sz6lctsp6436065f36090ff1ac9b82d294ff247ea770c4bc4jwhdtfcg1m4an39temackmu8668218279de919e59.

Dallas Anime Festival: The Dallas Anime Festival is an excellent event designed for fans of anime and manga that takes place at special venues throughout the city several times each year with special events like costume contests, film screenings, panels, and more.dallasanimefest.net.

“My Take” on What To Do In Dallas

I have personally visited Dallas several times over the years, so I have seen many of these attractions firsthand myself as well as some hidden gems not mentioned here like Deep Ellum (the best place for live music!) and Klyde Warren Park for outdoor activities like yoga classes on Saturdays during the summer months etc… In my personal opinion based on those experiences I believe that If you’re looking for the best things to do in Dallas then it really depends on what your interests are but overall this city has something for everyone – from its amazing art museums and performing arts centers to its vibrant nightlife scene to its outdoor adventures like kayaking on White Rock Lake or spending a day exploring Cedar Hill State Park with amazing views! There’s also plenty of great food to be had both downtown at places like Reunion Tower or off the beaten path restaurants like “Fuel City” which is an old gas station turned Texas BBQ joint! So no matter what type of activities you’re into when visiting Dallas you’re sure to find something fun!