Dallas is such an exciting city, full of character and charm. When you think of Texas, it’s hard not to picture the energy and attractions Dallas has to offer.
From its rich history and vibrant arts scene to iconic spots like the Reunion Tower and Dealey Plaza, there’s always something that pulls you in.
If you’re planning a visit or just curious about what makes Dallas stand out, let me share some of the must-see spots that will make your trip unforgettable. You’ll see why this city has become a favorite for so many travelers.
1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Address: 8525 Garland Rd
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must-see spot for anyone who enjoys nature, art, or simply a peaceful day out. Nestled on the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre garden is bursting with color year-round, thanks to its vibrant seasonal flower displays and themed gardens.
The Arboretum is not just about plants, though; it’s a full sensory experience with gorgeous landscapes, water features, sculptures, and even seasonal events like the famous “Dallas Blooms” festival.
If you’re walking under the canopy of Crape Myrtle Allee or listening to the calming waterfalls at Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill, there’s a bit of magic around every corner.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- Dallas Blooms, held every spring, is the Southwest’s largest floral festival, featuring over 500,000 blooming bulbs.
- The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden offers hands-on science activities, making it a perfect stop for families with young kids.
- Each autumn, the Arboretum showcases over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash, creating whimsical pumpkin houses and displays.
- The A Tasteful Place garden lets you sample fresh produce from their edible garden, which is grown on-site.
- The DeGolyer House, a historic mansion within the Arboretum, offers afternoon tea and Sunday brunch with stunning garden views.
2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Address: 2201 N Field St
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas is a must-see spot for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of science and the natural world. The museum stands out for its highly interactive and hands-on exhibits, making learning both fun and immersive for visitors of all ages.
If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, gems, space, or the human body, there’s something to capture your imagination across its five levels. One of the highlights is the chance to race a T. rex, feel the shake of an earthquake, or even explore the science of sports through activities like racing against professional athletes.
It’s a place where science comes alive, allowing you to experience it in a tangible, unforgettable way.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- You can experience a simulated earthquake in the Dynamic Earth Hall, giving you a real sense of tectonic shifts.
- The museum features over 2,000 bird specimens in the Rose Hall of Birds, with interactive displays that let you “fly” like a bird in a simulation.
- The Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall showcases a giant amethyst geode and other sparkling treasures you can even touch.
- The T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall includes fossils of a new dinosaur species discovered by the museum’s own paleontologists.
- For the little ones, the Moody Family Children’s Museum includes a mini replica of Dallas, complete with a sandbox and farmer’s market.
3. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Address: 411 Elm St
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza brings you face-to-face with one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The museum is housed in the very building from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots that killed President John F. Kennedy.
Walking through the exhibits, you’ll see artifacts, photos, and films that explore JFK’s life, his tragic assassination, and the lasting impact he had on the country. It’s powerful to stand in the space that overlooks Dealey Plaza, adding a somber authenticity to the visit.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- You can still see the infamous sniper’s perch, where Oswald is said to have fired the fatal shots.
- A white “X” on Elm Street marks the exact spot where President Kennedy was shot.
- The museum has an original teletype machine that first transmitted the breaking news of JFK’s assassination to the world.
- The exhibits feature Oswald’s wedding ring and other personal items, offering an eerie glimpse into the life of the man accused of the assassination.
- It’s one of the most visited historic sites in Texas, drawing people from all over the world who are fascinated by JFK’s legacy.
4. Dallas Museum of Art
Address: 1717 N Harwood St
Situated in the heart of the Arts District, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 25,000 pieces, with works spanning centuries and cultures.
From ancient Mediterranean artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual visitor or an art enthusiast.
Admission is free, so you can explore everything from Monet and O’Keeffe to stunning African sculptures and ancient American art without breaking the bank.
The museum’s rotating exhibitions and lively community events also keep things fresh and engaging year-round, making it a perfect stop during your Dallas adventure.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- The DMA is one of the largest art museums in the U.S., covering 370,000 square feet.
- Admission is free for most exhibitions, but special exhibits might require a ticket.
- The museum’s contemporary art collection features works by big names like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
- You’ll find a stunning piece of ancient Greek art, a marble figure from 300 BC, among the museum’s Mediterranean collection.
- The Keir Collection of Islamic Art at the DMA is considered one of the most important Islamic art collections in the world.
5. Reunion Tower
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E
Reunion Tower is one of those iconic spots you simply can’t miss when visiting Dallas. Standing at 561 feet tall, it’s affectionately known as “The Ball” because of its unique, glowing spherical design.
But what makes it extra special is the 360-degree view you get from the observation deck, the GeO-Deck. From up there, you can see miles of the city’s skyline, including landmarks like AT&T Stadium and even the Trinity River.
The interactive touch screens let you zoom in on city attractions, while the telescopes offer close-up views of far-off spots. Plus, the tower’s LED lights put on a dazzling display that lights up the Dallas night sky.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- The tower’s top level used to house a revolving restaurant, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, which rotated completely every hour.
- It’s part of the World Federation of Great Towers, a group of the most famous observation towers in the world.
- The LED light shows on the tower can be seen from miles away and sometimes feature custom light patterns designed by visitors.
- The GeO-Deck has telescopes and high-powered cameras that offer detailed views of Dallas—and you can even take a digital tour through interactive displays.
- On a clear day, you can spot Fort Worth from the deck, about 32 miles away.
6. Dallas Zoo
Address: 650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy
Spanning 106 acres, this is the largest zoo in Texas and offers an incredible range of exhibits featuring over 2,000 animals from around the world. You can explore habitats that transport you to the African savannas, Australian outback, and beyond.
The “Giants of the Savanna” exhibit is a crowd favorite, allowing visitors to get close to elephants, giraffes, and lions in an expansive, immersive environment.
Plus, the Simmons Hippo Outpost offers a unique underwater view of hippos, something that always wows both kids and adults alike.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- The zoo opened in 1888, making it the oldest zoo in Texas.
- The Giraffe Feeding Station lets you get up close and personal with these majestic animals.
- The Dallas Zoo participates in global conservation efforts, including a Species Survival Plan for endangered animals like whooping cranes.
- A baby elephant named Okubili was born here in 2023, making it one of the zoo’s most popular attractions.
7. Klyde Warren Park
Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy
Klyde Warren Park is an urban oasis perched right over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. This park does an amazing job of blending city life with nature, offering a peaceful retreat in the middle of downtown while connecting the vibrant Uptown neighborhood with the cultural district.
It’s perfect for all ages with its open lawns, botanical gardens, a kid-friendly playground, and even a designated dog park. Plus, there’s always something happening, from fitness classes to live music and food trucks galore.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- It was ingeniously built over a freeway, so it is an engineering wonder worth seeing.
- Since its opening in 2012, it’s welcomed over six million visitors.
- The park is home to a butterfly garden and one of the tallest interactive fountains in the world, which can shoot water 55 feet high.
- You can catch free concerts, outdoor movies, and fitness classes year-round.
- The park features a diverse lineup of food trucks, offering everything from Cuban sandwiches to gourmet ice cream.
8. Deep Ellum
Address: 2022 Elm Street Dallas
Deep Ellum in Dallas is one of those neighborhoods that instantly grabs you with its energy and charm. It’s got everything—art, music, food, and history.
Known for its street art, this place is like an open-air gallery, with vibrant murals brightening up the brick buildings at every corner. But the creativity doesn’t stop there.
Deep Ellum is a hub for live music, with its roots in blues and jazz dating back to the 1920s, making it a must-visit for music lovers. The area is packed with unique bars, rooftop spots, and late-night venues that keep the party going long after the sun goes down.
Plus, you can’t leave without trying some killer BBQ from spots like Pecan Lodge or grabbing a massive slice at Serious Pizza. You can grab a pizza for a price between 10 and 20 bucks.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- Deep Ellum got its name from the local pronunciation of Elm Street and was once a hotspot for blues and jazz greats like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Bessie Smith, which is why every music lover should check it out.
- The neighborhood is covered in colorful murals, perfect for an artsy stroll. One of the most famous is the Traveling Man sculpture series.
- Every Friday the 13th, Elm Street Tattoo offers $13 tattoos—a long-standing tradition that draws massive crowds.
- Known as the live music capital of Dallas, Deep Ellum hosts shows in venues like The Factory, where big-name artists have performed.
- Deep Ellum Brewing Company, the city’s first craft brewery, offers tours and tastings, making it a great stop for beer lovers.
9. Bishop Arts District
Address: 403 N Bishop Ave
Nestled in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, the area is a quirky mix of indie boutiques, vintage stores, and charming cafes. The streets are lined with colorful murals, retro vibes, and a local charm that feels like a cozy small town.
It doesn’t matter if you’re grabbing a slice at Eno’s Pizza Tavern, trying delicious pies at Emporium Pies, or browsing local art galleries, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for both locals and tourists.
What makes it even more exciting is the district’s rich history—it started as a major streetcar stop in the 1920s and has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub today.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- Bonnie and Clyde are rumored to have frequented a soda shop in the area during the 1930s.
- The Texas Theatre, located nearby, is famous for being where Lee Harvey Oswald was captured.
- It’s a foodie haven, with everything from Southern comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine.
- The district is full of street art, with murals that add pops of color and creativity to the streets.
- There’s a strong focus on local businesses and sustainability, with many shops offering handmade or eco-friendly goods.
10. AT&T Stadium
Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington
When visiting Dallas, AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington is a must-see, even if you’re not a hardcore Cowboys fan. It’s an architectural wonder and one of the largest domed structures in the world.
Walking into the stadium feels like stepping into another world, blending sports, technology, and art in a way that few places do. Beyond hosting NFL games, the stadium is a hotspot for concerts, major events like the Super Bowl, and even boasts a curated art collection by Gene Jones.
The experience of standing beneath the largest HDTV in the world or walking onto the same field where legends play is something you won’t forget.
Why You Should Check Out This Place
- The retractable roof is the largest single-span operable roof in the world, with arches that soar over 300 feet above the ground. It’s something you must see if you’re visiting.
- The stadium’s massive video board, nicknamed “Jerrytron,” is 160 feet wide and weighs a whopping 600 tons.
- It’s not just for football—AT&T Stadium hosts everything from concerts to professional wrestling and even international soccer matches, so make sure to check out what’s going on to get the full experience.
- A public art collection with pieces from acclaimed artists adds a unique cultural touch to the stadium experience.
Final Thoughts
Dallas is a city full of surprises, from its rich history and cultural landmarks to modern attractions that are perfect for all kinds of travelers.
When you visit, you’ll find everything from impressive museums to vibrant art districts and incredible food. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and there’s always something new to discover.
So, if you’re looking for a destination that blends Texas charm with a big-city vibe, Dallas is where you need to be! Make sure to soak in the unique experiences the city has to offer.
