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

February 12, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1832 Views

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

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

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