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Get ready to fall in love with Dallas!
This city is seriously amazing, it’s that perfect mix of big Texas charm and modern, super-chic vibes.
Think stunning skyscrapers, the absolute best Tex-Mex food, and tons of cool cultural spots.
When I visited, I quickly realized Dallas is way bigger than it looks, and there are so many fun things to do beyond the main spots.
That’s why I’m here to give you the scoop!
Having a list of the must-do places before you go is the best way to make sure you don’t miss any of the fun.
It’s time to plan your trip to the “Big D” like a total pro.
Here are 20 things to do in Dallas that you definitely need on your list!
1. The Sixth Floor Memorial
Okay, this museum is a must-see, but fair warning, it is a very emotional experience.
The Sixth Floor Museum is located inside the building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy.
I remember walking through and seeing how they preserved the actual corner where the shots were fired, it gives you chills.
The exhibits are incredibly detailed and totally respectful, telling the story of Kennedy’s life, the assassination, and its impact on the country.
It’s a really intense, important piece of American history that you need to see when you’re in Dallas.
2. Dallas Museum of Art
You know I love a good free activity, and the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is seriously one of the best!
I spent a couple of hours here wandering around, and it’s totally massive.
They have everything from ancient sculptures to super modern paintings, so there’s always something cool to look at.
The best part is just walking through the huge, open space and feeling all cultured without spending any money on admission.
It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries and see some amazing pieces from all over the world.
4. Nasher Sculpture Center
I am obsessed with the Nasher Sculpture Center because it is like an art museum and a beautiful park rolled into one!
When I visited, I loved how the giant sculptures were placed outside in the gardens, with the skyscrapers towering over them.
It’s such a peaceful vibe, and the architecture of the building is just as cool as the art inside.
You can grab a coffee, walk around the grounds, and take the best photos.
It’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy some incredible, modern artwork outdoors.
5. Geek Out at Perot Museum
You absolutely have to go to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
It is one of the coolest buildings in Dallas!
I loved that it’s just so much more interactive than a normal museum.
You can seriously geek out here, like racing a digital dinosaur or feeling what an earthquake is actually like in their simulator.
The whole place is designed to be super hands-on, and even though it’s great for kids, I had a blast checking out the gems and minerals and the massive dinosaur skeletons.
It’s science, but make it fun.
6. Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is totally unique because it feels less like a traditional aquarium and more like you walked right into a rainforest!
I remember going inside and being amazed because it’s set up to be a whole ecosystem, with animals running around above you.
You see everything from sharks and colorful fish to exotic birds and sloths.
It’s multi-level, and walking through the tunnel while sharks swam over my head was awesome.
It’s an immersive adventure that you absolutely need to check out!
7. Explore Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum is just stunning, especially if you visit in the spring when everything is blooming, it’s seriously my happy place!
It’s right on the water next to White Rock Lake, and the themed gardens are just gorgeous.
I took so many perfect pictures here because every corner is just overflowing with colorful flowers and beautiful landscaping.
It’s the best way to escape the city noise for a few hours.
Trust me, if you want a relaxing afternoon surrounded by beauty, this is where you go.
8. Hang Out with the Giraffes
I’m a huge fan of zoos, and the Dallas Zoo is awesome because it’s the oldest and biggest one in Texas!
My favorite part, hands down, was the Giants of the Savanna exhibit.
You can actually stand up on a deck and feed the giraffes.
They are so gentle, and getting that close to them is a total blast!
It’s really well laid out, so it feels like you’re walking through different continents, seeing everything from elephants to gorillas.
It’s a perfect day trip for when you want to feel a little more connected to nature.
9. See Dallas From the Sky
If you want the absolute best view of the Dallas skyline, you have to go up the Reunion Tower!
That giant glowing ball is like the city’s signature look.
I rode the elevator up to the GeO-Deck, and it was seriously breathtaking, you get a full 360-degree panoramic view of everything.
It’s awesome to watch the city spread out below you, and they have cool digital exhibits up there too.
Go right before sunset so you can see the city in daylight and then watch all the lights turn on!
10. The Park Over the Highway
Klyde Warren Park is the most genius piece of city planning I’ve ever seen, it’s literally a park built on a deck over a freeway!
It totally connects the downtown arts district to the rest of the city.
I love going here for lunch because you can grab food from one of the many great food trucks, chill on the lawn, and enjoy the free programming.
They have everything from yoga classes to free concerts and even chess tables.
It’s the ultimate urban hangout spot, bringing all the city energy together in one green, relaxing place.
Check out their events schedule to see what’s happening that day!
11. Walk Through a Bronze Cattle Drive
Pioneer Plaza is one of the coolest photo-ops in Dallas!
It’s an enormous, larger-than-life bronze sculpture installation that recreates a 19th-century cattle drive.
You have over 40 longhorn steers stampeding down a little hill and through a man-made stream, led by three cowboys on horseback.
What makes it so awesome is how immersive it is.
You can actually walk right in the middle of the bronze herd.
The detail on the longhorns is incredible, and the entire scene is set in this quiet green space downtown, right next to the Convention Center.
It’s a great way to appreciate Texas history and get some truly unforgettable photos.
It’s the second-most visited spot downtown, and it’s totally free to check out!
12. The Epic “Jerry World”
AT&T Stadium in Arlington is the colossal, state-of-the-art home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
It’s known to fans as “Jerry World” (after owner Jerry Jones) and is famous for its sheer size, retractable roof, and the world’s largest high-definition video screen
Even if there’s no game, you can experience it!
The stadium offers several types of tours:
Self-Guided Tours and VIP Guided Tours allow you to access exclusive areas.
The tours often include the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders locker rooms, the post-game interview room, and, best of all, field access where you can play catch on the turf.
They also offer an Art Tour to showcase the stadium’s impressive collection of contemporary art.
It’s located in the heart of Arlington’s Entertainment District, near Six Flags Over Texas, Globe Life Field.
13. Get Loud at the AAC!
Okay, seriously, if you want a quintessential Dallas experience, you HAVE to catch a game or a show at the American Airlines Center.
Forget just seeing the Dallas Mavericks (Go Mavs!) or the Stars, this place is an event in itself!
The whole vibe starts the minute you step into Victory Park.
It’s super walkable and packed with cute pre-game spots.
I always grab a quick drink at one of the bars right nearby so I can soak up the electric energy before the doors even open.
Once you’re inside “The Hangar,” you’ll notice how nice it is.
The seating is great, the screens are huge, and the sound system for concerts is seriously chef’s kiss.
I’ve seen everything from huge pop stars to nail-biting hockey games here, and the atmosphere is always next-level.
14. Explore The Bishop Arts District
Just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Bishop Arts District is a charming, historic, and incredibly walkable neighborhood with a Bohemian energy.
It’s famous for being a hub of independent businesses, featuring over 60 local boutiques, art galleries, and colorful murals.
Forget the chains, this is the place for unique gifts, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind local art.
Foodies rejoice!
The district is a culinary hotspot with an amazing variety of dining, from Southern comfort food and Central Texas BBQ to upscale Italian and innovative Asian.
You absolutely must grab a slice of pie from the iconic Emporium Pies
15. Stroll Around Deep Elum
If you’re checking out Dallas, you have to hit up Deep Ellum.
It’s seriously the most colorful, artsy neighborhood.
My absolute favorite part is walking around and seeing all the insane murals and graffiti.
You can take a million pictures for your feed without spending a dime!
It makes the whole place feel like a giant, open-air gallery.
For food, you totally need to go to Pecan Lodge for BBQ.
But, girl, there will be a line, so be prepared!
16. White Rock Lake & Park
If you’re looking for a total chill-out day with amazing views (which, hello, who doesn’t need a break from the city chaos?),
White Rock Lake is seriously the place to go!
My favorite thing is grabbing a cheap rental and getting on the water.
You can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and it gives you these gorgeous Dallas skyline views that are totally worth it.
The main attraction is the 9-mile trail loop around the entire lake which is perfect for a bike ride or a long run.
And honestly, just hitting up Winfrey Point for a picnic at sunset is a totally perfect, free photo op.
You can have a super fun day without leaving Dallas!
17. George W. Bush Library and Museum
If you’re into American history (which, hello, who isn’t?), the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is seriously a fascinating and modern place to visit!
My favorite part is the replica Oval Office because it’s full-scale, and you can actually sit behind the famous Resolute Desk for a totally awesome photo op.
You have to go inside and see the 9/11 exhibit.
It’s super moving and has a huge, raw piece of steel from the World Trade Center and the bullhorn President Bush used at Ground Zero.
And of course, take a stroll in the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park that surrounds the center, it’s totally free and gorgeous.
You can have a super fun day learning about modern American history!
18. Attend an Event at Fair Park Collosum
The Fair Park Coliseum is an 8,500-seat multi-purpose arena located within the historic Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
Built in 1955, this iconic facility features a large, flexible floor space that has hosted a wide range of events.
It remains an important venue for mid-level productions and entertainment within the city’s cultural and recreational complex.
19. Trinity Groves (restaurants & skyline views)
When I talk about Dallas, I always tell people to check out Trinity Groves.
It is seriously the perfect spot to hang out.
Imagine a whole street of unique restaurantsright at the foot of that crazy cool, white-arched Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.
My favorite thing to do is grab some amazing Mexican food or New York-style pizza and then find a seat on a patio facing the skyline.
The view of downtown from here, especially at sunset when all the buildings start to glow, is unreal.
It’s a super young and fun vibe, plus it’s great for photos.
You can easily spend hours trying new things and just soaking up the city energy without feeling rushed.
20. Highland Park Village
You know how every big city has that one spot where everyone goes to feel fancy?
In Dallas, that’s Highland Park Village.
It’s actually the oldest shopping center in the whole country, so you get some cool historical vibes mixed with all the newest designer stuff.
Even if your student budget only allows for window shopping (which, let’s be real, is most of us), it’s totally worth the trip.
The Spanish-style architecture is gorgeous, especially the old movie theater, and walking around feels like you’ve been transported to Europe.
For a splurge, check out Bird Bakery for the best cupcake ever, or hit up Mi Cocina for some next-level Tex-Mex.
It’s also the perfect place to people-watch, especially on a sunny day.