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Top 14 Things to See and Fun Activities to Do in Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a city in the state of Texas in the United States of America. Some of the most fun things to do in Dallas, Texas include exploring history, art museums, amusement parks, theme parks, history museums, happening nightlife, delicious cuisine, and the incredible Texan culture.

The most popular places to visit in Dallas, Texas surround the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The site has several Dallas tourist attractions, most of which are associated with the assassination. You can visit the Sixth Floor Museum to see a collection of various artifacts, facts, and theories concerning the event.

If you want to explore history even further during Dallas sightseeing, you can go about checking out the various museums. Dallas, Texas attractions include museums dedicated to regional history, natural history, aviation, the holocaust, American Presidential history, sciences, sports, railway, and so on. There are also unusual and cool places to go in Dallas, Texas such as museums dedicated to toilet seats, Ripley’s believe it or not, illusions, rainbow vomit art, and so on.

You will also come across wonderful things to see in Dallas, Texas if you go about visiting art museums, galleries, and cultural centers. The city has an impressive range of art collections, especially from the modern and contemporary eras. Many art museums in Dallas tourist spots have artworks by greats such as Picasso, Matisse, Rodin, Dali, and so on. Aside from indoor galleries, you can explore sculpture gardens among downtown Dallas attractions.

If you looking for fun stuff to do in Dallas, Texas you have a whole lot of options to choose from. You can go visit zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, or theme parks. The city also has several parks with facilities for a variety of outdoor things to do in Dallas, Texas.

Although the best part of Dallas travel is living the Texan culture with foods, drinks, music, markets, clothes, and sports. You will see a blend of American and Latin American cultures in several aspects of life when you visit Dallas. The people are amazing to talk to and you will be welcome to experience Texan life for a while. It is one of the best things to do in Dallas, Texas. Although, it is important to remember that it’s nothing like you saw in films and television shows.

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Top Tourist Places to Visit in Dallas in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Dealey Plaza

This plaza is one of the most important historical places to visit in Dallas, Texas. It is a place where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. The entire area preserves several spots concerning the events. You can also see other historical places to see in Dallas, Texas at this plaza such as Dal-Tex Building, Dallas Country Records Building, Texas School Book Depository, and The Grassy Knoll. You need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this plaza.

Dealey Plaza

2. The Sixth Floor Museum

If you want to learn more about the assassination, you should head to the 6th-floor museum of the Texas School Book Depository. This is again one of the most significant downtown Dallas attractions. It is believed that the bullet that killed the president was fired from this spot. It is now converted into a museum dedicated to the event and its aftermath. You will need about an hour from Dallas sightseeing to tour this museum.

I suggest you should try a JFK Assassination and Museum Tour.

The Sixth Floor Museum

3. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

This museum focuses on the events concerning the Holocaust, the Nazi regime, and the second world war. It is one of the best things to do in downtown Dallas, Texas for those interested in the history of migration after the holocaust. The museum especially focuses on the survivors who came and settled in Texas. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum when you visit Dallas.

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

4. Reunion Tower

The tower, also known as “The Ball”, was built in 1978. It stands 168 meters tall and a high-speed elevator takes you to the observation deck in just 68 seconds. The sight of the city skyline from this tower is a must-see in Dallas, Texas. You can get a 360-degree view of the city. If you want a more engaging experience, you can download the tower’s experience to gamify your visit and learn more about the city. It is one of the most fun things to do in Dallas, Texas. You need about an hour for this tower.

I suggest you should get a Ticket to Reunion Tower Observation Deck in advance.

Reunion Tower

5. Dallas Museum of Art

Instead of merely exhibiting an art collection, this museum focuses on the importance of art in our lives and its impact on culture and history. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Dallas, Texas. Apart from this, the museum also has a collection of contemporary and ancient artworks and artifacts including paintings and sculptures. You will need about 2 hours from Dallas travel to tour this museum.

Dallas Museum of Art

6. Nasher Sculpture Center

This facility has a collection of sculptures and art installations created by modern and contemporary artists. If you are an artist, an aspiring artist, or an admirer looking for interesting stuff to do in Dallas, Texas then you will really enjoy this place. The facility has more than 300 art pieces distributed in indoor and outdoor galleries. You will see artworks by renowned creators such as Rodin, Picasso, Alexander Calder, Joan Miro, Henri Matisse, and so on. You will need an hour to tour this art gallery.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Day 2

1. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Spread over 66 acres, this facility has several gardens and two historical sites. It is one of the Dallas tourist attractions you can visit for some leisure time. Some of the most popular themed gardens in this complex include Colour Garden, Children’s Adventure Garden, Sunken Garden, Pecan Grove, Rose Garden, and Trial Garden. You can also visit historical sites Alex Camp House and DeGolyer House while exploring this place. This place is among the top things to do in Dallas, Texas for family tourists and couples. The complex has several wonderful spots to click memorable pictures. You will need about 2 hours to tour this garden.

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

2. African American Museum

This museum is almost entirely built using natural materials and is dedicated to the history and culture of African American People as well as different African tribes. The themes, motifs, and design of this museum reflect native African cultures. It is one of the most beautiful Dallas tourist spots. You can see historical artifacts, photographs, folk art, multimedia exhibits, and so on. You need about 2 hours from Dallas sightseeing to tour this museum.

African American Museum

3. Meadows Museum of Art

This museum specifically focuses on Spanish artworks and artifacts. It is one of the top Dallas, Texas attractions to see artworks by historically renowned artists such as Picasso, Joan Miro, Henry Moore, Salvador Dali, El Greco, and many more. You will need an hour and a half to tour this museum when you visit Dallas.

Meadows Museum of Art

4. George W. Bush President Library and Museum

This is the 13th presidential library and houses books, documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, email messages, and several other artifacts. It is one of the coolest places to go in Dallas, Texas if you are interested in American presidential history. The museum has a full-size replica of the Oval Office, the White House Situation Room, Pieces from the Twin Towers, and many other exhibits. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

George W. Bush President Library and Museum

Day 3

1. The Dallas World Aquarium

This aquarium has different sections dedicated to different parts of the world such as South Africa, Borneo, Orinoco Rainforest, Mundo Maya, and so on. It is one of the coolest things to do in Dallas, Texas for family tourists. Each section has animals and birds native to the region. You will see fishes of different species, octopuses, corals, rays, sharks, eels, crocodiles, flamingoes, manatees, penguins, cockatoos, toucans, jaguars, monkeys, whales, sloths, dolphins, bats, snakes, and more. You need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the place.

The Dallas World Aquarium

2. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science

This museum has 11 exhibit halls, each dedicated to a branch of science such as zoology, botany, ornithology, mineralogy, Energy Science, and more. The museum also has a few immersive experiences and indoor activities to do in Dallas, Texas for children such as 3D films, interactive exhibits, experiments, and so on. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum.

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science

3. Dallas Zoo

The zoo has a variety of animals brought in from different parts of the world. It is one of the most fun places in Dallas, Texas for people of all ages. You will see hippos, okapi, deers, gorillas, flamingoes, crocodiles, penguins, lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebra, giraffes, tortoises, tigers, leopards, and many more. The animals are housed in enclosures that recreate their natural environment. The zoo is also known for fun activities in Dallas including animal encounters, train ride, themed dining, and more. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this zoo.

Dallas Zoo

4. Frontiers of Flight and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum

This aviation museum is spread over 100,000 square foot area. You will see more than 30 aircrafts including fighter planes, helicopters, bombers, and more. People can also learn about the history of flight and legendary pilots from history. You will need about an hour from Dallas sightseeing to tour this museum.

Frontiers of Flight and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum

If you are looking for more places to visit in Dallas, Texas check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and outdoor activities to do in Dallas that you can enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Dallas

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Dallas

  1. Dallas Museum of Art
  2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
  3. The Sixth Floor Museum
  4. Nasher Sculpture Center
  5. George W. Bush Presidential Center
  6. Crow Museum of Asian Art
  7. Frontiers of Flight Museum
  8. Meadows Museum
  9. Dealey Plaza
  10. African American Museum of Dallas
  11. John F. Kennedy Memorial
  12. Grapevine Vintage Railroad
  13. Dallas Contemporary Art Museum
  14. Cavanaugh Flight Museum
  15. Heritage Farmstead Museum
  16. Museum of Biblical Art
  17. Irving Arts Center
  18. International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
  19. Train Topia Museum of the American Railroad
  20. Interurban Railway Museum
  21. The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum
  22. Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
  23. Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden
  24. Dallas Art Fair
  25. Visit Plano Museum
  26. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
  27. Museum of Illusions
  28. Jurassic World the Exhibition
  29. The Hall of State
  30. Rainbow Vomit Museum
  31. Farmer’s Branch Historical Park
  32. Bath House Cultural Center

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dallas

  1. White Rock Lake
  2. Cedar Ridge Preserve
  3. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
  4. Joe Pool Lake
  5. Dogwood Canyon
  6. Bachman Lake
  7. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
  8. Rockledge Park
  9. Fort Worth Nature Center
  10. Eagle Mountain Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dallas

  1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
  2. Dallas Zoo
  3. Six Flags Over Texas
  4. Klyde Warden Park
  5. The Dallas World Aquarium
  6. AT&T Stadium
  7. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
  8. Cedar Hill State Park
  9. Old City Park
  10. Texas Discovery Gardens
  11. Trinity River Audubon Center
  12. Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
  13. Children’s Aquarium Dallas
  14. Winspear Opera House
  15. New Texas Giant Roller Coaster
  16. Fair Park
  17. Legoland Discovery Center
  18. White Rock lake Park
  19. Mr. Freeze Roller Coaster
  20. Bahama Beach Waterpark
  21. Dark Hour Haunted House
  22. Titan Roller Coaster
  23. Hawaiian Falls Garland Waterpark
  24. Trinity Forest Adventure Park
  25. Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden
  26. Crayola Experience
  27. Vitruvian Park
  28. McKinney Avenue Transit Authority Trolley Ride
  29. Lone Star Park
  30. Runaway Mine Train
  31. Lakeside Park
  32. Messina Hof Grapevine Winery
  33. Turtle Creek Park
  34. Jade Waters Resort Waterpark
  35. Lynn Creek Park
  36. Cross Timbers Winery
  37. White Rock Lake Dog Park
  38. Cowboys Golf Club

Shopping in Dallas

  1. Dallas Farmers Market
  2. West Village
  3. Wild Bill’s Western Store
  4. Highland Park Village
  5. White Rock Market
  6. Mockingbird Station
  7. North Park Center
  8. Frisco Fresh Market
  9. The Plaza at Priston Center
  10. Galleria Dallas
  11. Coppell Farmers Market
  12. Allen Premium Outlets
  13. Georgia’s Farmers Market
  14. RH Dallas
  15. Bishop Arts District
  16. NRH Farmers Market
  17. The Shops at Park Lane
  18. Grand Prairie Farmers Market
  19. Knox Henderson Shops

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Dallas

  1. Hiking
  2. Camping
  3. Mountain Biking
  4. Zipline
  5. Horseback Ride
  6. Boating

Sightseeing in Dallas

  1. Reunion Tower
  2. Pioneer Plaza
  3. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
  4. Katy Tail
  5. Dallas County Courthouse
  6. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
  7. Thanks Giving Square
  8. Big Tex Statue
  9. The Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture
  10. Giant Eyeball Sculpture
  11. Historic Downtown Grapevine
  12. Downtown Plano
  13. Mandalay Canal Walk
  14. Pacific Plaza
  15. Arts District
  16. Klyde Warren Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dallas

  1. Halcyon
  2. Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ
  3. All Good Cafe
  4. Pecan Lodge
  5. Dubliner
  6. Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
  7. Babe’s Chicken Dinner
  8. Terry Black’s BBQ
  9. The Libertine Bar
  10. Cattleack BBQ
  11. Ozona Grill and Bar
  12. Slow Bone BBQ
  13. Truck Yard
  14. Smokey John’s
  15. Ellen’s
  16. Hutchins BBQ
  17. Single Wide
  18. Oak’s BBQ
  19. Oddfellows
  20. Off the Bone BBQ
  21. HG Sply Co.
  22. Heim BBQ
  23. Whistle Britches
  24. El Fenix
  25. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
  26. E Bar Tex Mex
  27. Jonathon’s Diner
  28. El Ranchito
  29. Barcadia Dallas
  30. Uptown Haywire
  31. Dodie’s
  32. Celebration
  33. The Old Crow
  34. Toms Burgers & Grill
  35. Lower Greenville
  36. Intrinsic Smokehouse
  37. The Ugly Heifer Grill

Where to Stay in Dallas?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Dallas. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Dallas.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Fairmont Dallas
  2. Omni Dallas Hotel
  3. The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
  4. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
  5. Hotel ZaZa Dallas
  6. Warwick Melrose – Dallas
  7. The Joule
  8. Hyatt Regency Dallas
  9. Canvas Hotel Dallas
  10. W Dallas – Victory

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. The Beeman Hotel
  2. The Westin Dallas Park Central
  3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown, TX
  4. Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas
  5. Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
  6. Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel
  7. AC Hotel Dallas Downtown
  8. Hyatt Place Dallas-North/By The Galleria
  9. Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown
  10. Renaissance Dallas North Hotel

Budget Hotels

  1. Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas West / I-30
  2. IBAN Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
  3. Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria
  4. Best Western Plus Dallas Love Field North Hotel
  5. Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas North Park
  6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Park Central
  7. Baymont by Wyndham Dallas/ Love Field
  8. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Love Field
  9. Hyatt Place Dallas Park Central
  10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East – Fair Park, an IHG Hotel

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Dallas

How to Reach Dallas?

By Air

The city is served by Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Addison Airport, and Dallas Love Field. If you are flying to Dallas from abroad, you will most likely reach Dallas via DFW. You can get direct flights to visit Dallas from Mexico City, Toronto, Montreal, Paris, Portland, San Salvador, London, Dubai, Helsinki, Madrid, Tokyo, Seoul, Frankfurt, Sydney, Melbourne, and several other cities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

All three airports serve domestic flights for Dallas travel. You can get direct flights for Dallas travel from several American cities such as Houston, Denver, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, and many more. You can get buses and cabs to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

You can reach Dallas by train through Amtrak routes Texas Eagle and Heartland Flyer. These routes connect the city to Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, San Antonio, Tucson, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and Fort Worth. You can get buses to visit Dallas from several cities in the USA.

If you are planning to reach Dallas by road through routes I-35, US 75, I-45, I-20,  I-635, and US75.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to get to Dallas.


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Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making