Best 20 things to do in Dallas, United States

Welcome to Dallas, y'all! We've got more than just big hats and even bigger hairdos here. From exploring the mind-boggling creations at the art district to devouring mouthwatering Tex-Mex delights, this city knows how to show you a good time. Take a wild ride at the Texas State Fair, where you'll find not only "healthy" deep-fried treats but also roller coasters that make you question your life choices. Dallas has it all, folks - come on over and find your inner cowboy (or cowgirl)!

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1. Dallas Museum of Art

4.7 (9966)

1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Welcome to the Dallas Museum of Art, where art enthusiasts and bored tourists alike can marvel at an eclectic mix of artworks that’ll make your mind go "ooh" and your aunt go "I don't get it." The museum boasts a collection of over 24,000 pieces, ranging from ancient relics to contemporary masterpieces - basically, it's like a time-traveling TARDIS with paintbrushes. Whether you're a connoisseur or just seeking an air-conditioned sanctuary from the scorching Texas heat, you're sure to leave with a craving for both a newfound appreciation of art and a giant ice cream sundae.

www.dma.org

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2. White Rock Lake

4.7 (1150)

White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX, USA

Welcome to White Rock Lake, where the Dallas community comes to strut their jogging shorts and unleash their inner sailor. This urban oasis, lovingly referred to as the "Cruise Ship of Friendships," offers a glittering reservoir perfect for sailing, kayaking, or dramatically reenacting scenes from Titanic with inflatable pool floats. When you're not pretending to be the king or queen of the water, take a leisurely stroll around the lake and join the flock of birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of Dallas' most elusive creature—the parking spot.

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3. Dallas Heritage Village

4.6 (1016)

1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215, USA

Welcome to Dallas Heritage Village, a delightful time capsule located in the heart of Dallas, where you can experience history with a generous side of entertainment! Prepare yourself for a whimsical journey through the past as you wander amongst the beautifully preserved buildings from the 19th century. Get ready to step back in time and unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl - just make sure to leave your smartphones and self-driving cars outside the gate; trust me, horses may not appreciate the competition.

www.oldcityparkdallas.org

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4. Galleria Dallas

4.5 (19904)

13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240, USA

Welcome to Galleria Dallas, where shopaholics unite and knees tremble in excitement! This larger-than-life shopping extravaganza is a temple of consumerism that will make you question the feasibility of carrying all your bags without sprouting extra arms. From high-end boutiques that make your wallet cower in fear to food courts that could qualify as mini gastronomic countries, this place has it all – including a real ice rink for those brave enough to test their skating skills amidst fashion-savvy spectators.

galleriadallas.com

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5. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

4.4 (595)

2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205, USA

Welcome to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, where history and comedy find a surprisingly harmonious balance. This impressive architectural marvel embraces the essence of Texan grandeur, as if it were built to make your cameras swoon. Inside, immerse yourself in the world of Dubya, where you can virtually high-five the former president and finally discover the answer to the burning question: "Did White House pets secretly run the country?".

www.bushcenter.org

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6. Southfork Ranch

4.6 (741)

3700 Hogge Dr, Parker, TX 75002, USA

Welcome to Southfork Ranch, a Texan gem located just outside of Dallas! Prepare for a wild ride through lavish ranch life, where oil tycoons and drama converge. Take a stroll through the grounds, where the grass is greener, and the oil wells shimmer in the sun, echoing endless possibilities for bankrupting your enemies. Don't forget to snap a selfie by the famous Southfork swimming pool, where power moves are made and rivalries swim deeper than the shallow end.

www.southforkranch.com

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7. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

4.6 (1886)

300 N Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA

Welcome to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, where the past meets the present like a history professor and a trendy fashion influencer. Step into a world of intrigue, where the museum showcases the resilience of the human spirit, while also giving your senses a workout – it's like a mental jog with a side of emotional weightlifting! So, put on your adventure cap and prepare to be moved, educated, and probably in desperate need of a tissue box or two.

www.dhhrm.org

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8. Bishop Arts District

Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Welcome to the Bishop Arts District, where southern charm meets urban quirkiness! Nestled in the heart of Dallas, this funky little neighborhood is a delightful concoction of hip cafes, art galleries, and retro boutiques. Prepare yourself for a delightful assault on the senses as you waltz through streets adorned with colorful murals, where every turn presents a new opportunity to sample mouthwatering tacos and decadent desserts.

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9. Reunion Tower

4.6 (12139)

300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, USA

Behold the magnificent Reunion Tower! Rising above the Dallas skyline like a futuristic doughnut on stilts, this iconic structure offers panoramic views that will leave you questioning if you're still standing on Earth or on the set of a sci-fi movie. As you ascend to the observation deck, be prepared for an elevator experience like no other – it's like being in a compact disco club that somehow reaches new heights (literally). Once at the top, feast your eyes on the city's beauty, and don't be surprised if you spot a Texan cowboy attempting to lasso an airborne Texas-sized steak. It's just another day at Reunion Tower, where even the view comes with a side of entertainment.

www.reuniontower.com

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10. Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX 75226, USA

Welcome to Deep Ellum, where the streets are as vibrant as a unicorn on roller skates! Bursting with an infectious energy, this eclectic neighborhood is as unique as your Aunt Ethel's collection of porcelain clowns. Wandering through its graffiti-covered alleys feels like entering a chameleon's wardrobe, as it seamlessly transforms from a hipster haven to a music lover's paradise, leaving you questioning if you accidentally stumbled into a portal to Narnia.

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11. Klyde Warren Park

4.7 (15165)

2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Welcome to Klyde Warren Park, the hilarious heart of Dallas where urban oasis meets an eccentric circus! Prepare to get lost in a whirlwind of greenery, gourmet food trucks, and an endless parade of people-watching enthusiasts. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely stroll, a delightful picnic, or accidentally joining an impromptu yoga class, this quirky park has it all. So come on down and embrace the joyful madness that is Klyde Warren Park, where it's practically impossible not to have a good time!

klydewarrenpark.org

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12. AT&T Stadium

4.7 (35421)

1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, USA

Welcome to AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where the Cowboys roam and football fans gather like a herd of rowdy cowpokes. This extravagant arena is so grand, it gives even the Texas-sized egos a run for their money. With its colossal retractable roof that opens like a giant clamshell, it's the perfect place to watch a game and pray that the football gods shine down on your team.

attstadium.com

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13. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

4.8 (2930)

2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Dallas lies the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, a marvelous architectural wonder that makes you momentarily forget about the smattering of cowboy boots and big hair around town. With its glittering exterior, it's like the symphony came across a genie and wished for a building that could easily double as a disco ball on weekends, transporting you to a world where cellos and violins make your hips sway. Once inside, prepare for your eyes to meet their match as the concert hall's exquisite acoustics and elegant interiors make you feel fancy, yet slightly concerned about accidentally breaking a priceless chandelier with an over-enthusiastic clap.

www.dallassymphony.org

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14. Dallas Zoo

4.5 (19261)

650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, USA

Welcome to the wild and wacky world of the Dallas Zoo, where animal adventures await! Prepare to embark on a roaring romp through this urban oasis, filled with critters both cuddly and crazy. From the magnificent elephants, who never forget to entertain with their playful antics, to the mischievous monkeys swinging from tree to tree, the Dallas Zoo promises to tickle your funny bone and leave you howling for more. So grab your binoculars, put on your best safari hat, and get ready to experience a zoo like no udder in the heart of Dallas!

www.dallaszoo.com

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15. Dallas Farmers Market

4.5 (7398)

920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Welcome to the Dallas Farmers Market, where hipsters and farmers unite in a harmonious celebration of kale and man-buns! Stroll through this culinary playground packed with stalls overloaded with fresh produce that could turn even the biggest carnivore into a veggie enthusiast. Get ready to embrace your inner foodie, and don't be surprised if you catch a whiff of freshly baked pastries followed by an overwhelming urge to buy everything in sight - even if you can barely boil water without setting off the smoke alarm.

www.dallasfarmersmarket.org

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16. Nasher Sculpture Center

4.5 (1471)

2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Welcome to the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, where art lovers and pigeons alike gather in perfect harmony. This whimsical haven offers a variety of sculptures that will make you want to reach out and touch (but please don't, or you might become a permanent exhibit). While strolling through the center's impeccably manicured gardens, you might ponder the countless hours spent by the museum staff in their eternal quest to keep statues pigeon poop-free.

www.nashersculpturecenter.org

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17. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

4.7 (20566)

8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, USA

Nestled in the heart of Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a vibrant oasis where nature throws a classy soiree. With its stunning collection of plants, this garden makes even the greenest of thumbs feel envious. Stroll amidst the perfectly manicured lawns and be prepared to feel like royalty in a fantasy world where tulips seem to curtsy as you pass by.

www.dallasarboretum.org

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18. Dallas World Aquarium

4.4 (22560)

1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA

In the heart of Dallas, where skyscrapers tower over the streets, lies a hidden gem known as the Dallas World Aquarium. Step inside and prepare to be dazzled by a collection of aquatic wonders that would make Poseidon himself green with envy. From stingrays that glide through the water like bored teenagers to penguins that waddle with enough swag to put a runway model to shame, this place is a wild blend of underwater beauty and animal shenanigans.

www.dwazoo.com

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19. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

4.7 (15820)

2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

Step into a world of wonder and discovery at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, where the nerds and the curious unite. Be prepared to have your mind blown as you traverse the eight floors of sheer knowledge, because who needs cardio when you can climb stairs to enlightenment? Marvel at the stunning exhibits that showcase dinosaur fossils and prehistoric remains, but don't get too close, or you might end up with a new pet T-Rex.

www.perotmuseum.org

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20. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

4.6 (8774)

411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA

Nestled within the heart of Dallas, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza holds the secrets of the past like a tightly clasped treasure chest—but fear not, the museum won't lock you in like a character in an escape room! Step into the world of history and intrigue as you explore the very spot where JFK may or may not have asked his chauffeur for good Mexican food recommendations. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey, as you wander through exhibits that are more riveting than an episode of your favorite true crime podcast, minus the ads for meal kits.

www.jfk.org

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Dallas, United States by plane is to fly to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which is located 24 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines have regular flights to this airport from major cities around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Dallas, United States by car is to drive on Interstate 35, which runs north-south through the city. If you are coming from the north, you can take Interstate 10 west to Interstate 35 north. If you are coming from the east or west, you can take Interstate 20 to Interstate 35. If you are coming from the south, you can take Interstate 45 north to Interstate 35.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct way to get to Dallas, United States by train as there are no train stations in the city. The nearest train station is in Fort Worth, which is approximately 30 miles away from Dallas. However, you can take an Amtrak train to Fort Worth and then take a taxi or a bus to Dallas.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no way to get to Dallas, United States by boat as it is a landlocked city and is not accessible by sea or a major river. However, there are several lakes near Dallas where you can enjoy recreational boating activities.

Bus

The best way to get to Dallas, United States by bus is to take a Greyhound bus to the Dallas Greyhound Bus Station, which is located in downtown Dallas. Greyhound has multiple daily routes to Dallas from major cities across the United States.

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Discover Dallas: A 3-Day Romantic Getaway

Dallas is a buzzing urban hub that promises to indulge couples in vibrant nightlife, world-class dining experiences, and endless shopping opportunities. The city's famous art and cultural attractions, including the Dallas Museum of Art, make for a perfect romantic getaway. Couples can also explore the city's picturesque parks and outdoor spaces, such as the Klyde Warren Park or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, for a relaxing afternoon together.

Budget-Friendly Delights: Dallas Day Trip

A trip to Dallas on a limited budget can still offer a wealth of experiences. Explore the city's art museums and cultural institutions, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. Dine at local food trucks and markets for delicious, affordable meals.