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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Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- The Sixth Floor Museum
- Nasher Sculpture Center
- George W. Bush Presidential Center
- Crow Museum of Asian Art
- Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Meadows Museum
- Dealey Plaza
- African American Museum of Dallas
- John F. Kennedy Memorial
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad
- Dallas Contemporary Art Museum
- Cavanaugh Flight Museum
- Heritage Farmstead Museum
- Museum of Biblical Art
- Irving Arts Center
- International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
- Train Topia Museum of the American Railroad
- Interurban Railway Museum
- The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
- Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden
- Dallas Art Fair
- Visit Plano Museum
- Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum
- Museum of Illusions
- Jurassic World the Exhibition
- The Hall of State
- Rainbow Vomit Museum
- Farmer’s Branch Historical Park
- Bath House Cultural Center
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Dallas
- White Rock Lake
- Cedar Ridge Preserve
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Joe Pool Lake
- Dogwood Canyon
- Bachman Lake
- Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
- Rockledge Park
- Fort Worth Nature Center
- Eagle Mountain Park
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Dallas
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- Dallas Zoo
- Six Flags Over Texas
- Klyde Warden Park
- The Dallas World Aquarium
- AT&T Stadium
- Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
- Cedar Hill State Park
- Old City Park
- Texas Discovery Gardens
- Trinity River Audubon Center
- Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
- Children’s Aquarium Dallas
- Winspear Opera House
- New Texas Giant Roller Coaster
- Fair Park
- Legoland Discovery Center
- White Rock lake Park
- Mr. Freeze Roller Coaster
- Bahama Beach Waterpark
- Dark Hour Haunted House
- Titan Roller Coaster
- Hawaiian Falls Garland Waterpark
- Trinity Forest Adventure Park
- Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden
- Crayola Experience
- Vitruvian Park
- McKinney Avenue Transit Authority Trolley Ride
- Lone Star Park
- Runaway Mine Train
- Lakeside Park
- Messina Hof Grapevine Winery
- Turtle Creek Park
- Jade Waters Resort Waterpark
- Lynn Creek Park
- Cross Timbers Winery
- White Rock Lake Dog Park
- Cowboys Golf Club
Shopping in Dallas
- Dallas Farmers Market
- West Village
- Wild Bill’s Western Store
- Highland Park Village
- White Rock Market
- Mockingbird Station
- North Park Center
- Frisco Fresh Market
- The Plaza at Priston Center
- Galleria Dallas
- Coppell Farmers Market
- Allen Premium Outlets
- Georgia’s Farmers Market
- RH Dallas
- Bishop Arts District
- NRH Farmers Market
- The Shops at Park Lane
- Grand Prairie Farmers Market
- Knox Henderson Shops
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Dallas
- Hiking
- Camping
- Mountain Biking
- Zipline
- Horseback Ride
- Boating
Sightseeing in Dallas
- Reunion Tower
- Pioneer Plaza
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
- Katy Tail
- Dallas County Courthouse
- Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
- Thanks Giving Square
- Big Tex Statue
- The Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture
- Giant Eyeball Sculpture
- Historic Downtown Grapevine
- Downtown Plano
- Mandalay Canal Walk
- Pacific Plaza
- Arts District
- Klyde Warren Park
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Dallas
- Halcyon
- Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ
- All Good Cafe
- Pecan Lodge
- Dubliner
- Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ
- Babe’s Chicken Dinner
- Terry Black’s BBQ
- The Libertine Bar
- Cattleack BBQ
- Ozona Grill and Bar
- Slow Bone BBQ
- Truck Yard
- Smokey John’s
- Ellen’s
- Hutchins BBQ
- Single Wide
- Oak’s BBQ
- Oddfellows
- Off the Bone BBQ
- HG Sply Co.
- Heim BBQ
- Whistle Britches
- El Fenix
- Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
- E Bar Tex Mex
- Jonathon’s Diner
- El Ranchito
- Barcadia Dallas
- Uptown Haywire
- Dodie’s
- Celebration
- The Old Crow
- Toms Burgers & Grill
- Lower Greenville
- Intrinsic Smokehouse
- 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
- Fairmont Dallas
- Omni Dallas Hotel
- The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
- Hotel ZaZa Dallas
- Warwick Melrose – Dallas
- The Joule
- Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Canvas Hotel Dallas
- W Dallas – Victory
Mid-Range Hotels
- The Beeman Hotel
- The Westin Dallas Park Central
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown, TX
- Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas
- Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
- Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- AC Hotel Dallas Downtown
- Hyatt Place Dallas-North/By The Galleria
- Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown
- Renaissance Dallas North Hotel
Budget Hotels
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas West / I-30
- IBAN Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria
- Best Western Plus Dallas Love Field North Hotel
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Dallas North Park
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Park Central
- Baymont by Wyndham Dallas/ Love Field
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Love Field
- Hyatt Place Dallas Park Central
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas East – Fair Park, an IHG Hotel
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.
Image Reference
- Dealey Plaza – Steve Grant / Flickr
- The Sixth Floor Museum – Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum – MacTheWikiman / Wikimedia Commons
- Reunion Tower – Daxis / Flickr
- Dallas Museum of Art – jpellgen (@1179_jp) / Flickr
- Nasher Sculpture Center – Thomas Hawk / Flickr
- Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden – Inuyas / Wikimedia Commons
- African American Museum – Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
- Meadows Museum of Art – Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
- George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum – Shannon McGee / Flickr
- The Dallas World Aquarium – Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Jonathan Cutrer / Flickr
- Dallas Zoo – Jenny / Flickr
- Frontiers of Flight and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum – Alan Wilson / Flickr