Discover the very best things to do in Dallas and live it up!
What makes Dallas Dallas? What can you find here that you won’t be able to see anywhere else?
Here is an ultimate list with 15 top iconic and unique Dallas destinations and itineraries. Must-see attractions and must-visit places. Experiences you simply can’t miss out while in the DFW area and that will change your heart on the city.
Must-see attractions and must-visit places. Experiences you simply can’t miss out while in the DFW area and that will change your heart on the city.
Wander through Dallas’ best sightseeing spots. Explore top-rated tourist attractions and local favorites alike. Check it out bellow.
And when you’re ready to explore further, make sure to visit our Trips from Dallas page.
1. Forth Worth Stockyards
Where Dallas meets the Old West!
Get into the cowboy spirit and take a train ride through the Trinity River, see a real cattle drive (yes, big longhorn cows!), get lost in a maze and stroll thru authentic cowboy gear shops.
Watch the world’s only year-round rodeo on Fridays and Saturday’s night, the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.
Hit the dance floor at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk bar and music hall. Or have a beer at the White Elephant, a legendary old west saloon.
2. The Sixth Floor Museum & West End District
Relive the moment and context of the JFK assassination in a breathtaking way, right where it took place.
Built in the historic West End District around the exact spot from where the shot that killed JFK was fired, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a must. A time-travel capsule that will take you to the moment of one of the most important incidents of American history.
After visiting the museum, stroll through the historic landmarks on surroundings. See the “Xs” marking the JFK assassination spot. Stop by the JFK Memorial Plaza. Taste authentic southern comfort food at locals favorite Ellen’s Southern Kitchen.
Nearby attractions include the Dallas World Aquarium and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck.
3. Reunion Tower Sunset
Step on the top of the gigantic ball iconic to the Dallas Skyline.
Visit the Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck and get the best views of Dallas. Explore their interactive exhibition to learn more about the city.
Go up one floor and get baffled by watching a gorgeous 360 degrees view sunset from Cloud 9 Cafe – its floor rotates! Or head to the Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck restaurant at the very top of the tower for an upscale fine dining experience.
Nearby top attractions include the Sixty Floor Museum, Downtown Dallas and the Dallas World Aquarium. Combine any of them with a visit to the Reunion Tower and make it a full day itinerary.
4. Uptown, Dallas Arts District & Klyde Warren Park
Enjoy great restaurants, state-of-art museums and the trendiest urban green area in Dallas.
Explore the vibrant and walkable Uptown neighborhood and its top restaurants. The locals’ favorite Bread Winners, the trending Sixty Vines and The Henry and the laid-back over-the-counter Taqueria la Ventana are all solid restaurant options in the area, featuring charming outdoor patios.
Burn out the extra calories walking down Mckinney Avenue or take the free M-Line vintage trolley. Hop off at the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban Arts District in the US. Stroll through state-of-art exhibitions including free-admission museums, such as the Dallas Museum of Arts and the Crow Museum of Asian Arts.
Lounge at Klyde Warren Park, a pleasant urban green space connecting Uptown to the Arts District. It offers activities for all ages, year-round events and has food trucks parked around daily.
5. The Rustic, M-Trolley & West Village
Live music, free vintage trolley rides, shops, restaurants and a historic landmark make this a must-visit destination in Dallas.
Have brunch while listening to high-quality live music at one of the best outdoor patios in Dallas, The Rustic.
Head to the McKinney Avenue Trolley Uptown Station, just next door, and ride a vintage trolley for free. Hop off at the West Village and stroll around this lively area full of shops and restaurants. Indulge in a delicious and authentic Italian ice cream at Paciugo Gelato Caffé.
Wrap up with a movie at the landmark’s Magnolia Theater. Or have a drink at the stylish Magnolia Bar or in one of the several pubs along the adjoining Mckinney Avenue.
6. Dallas Cowboys Stadium or Sports Match
Five times Super Bowl winners, the Dallas Cowboys is an American national institution.
Tour the Dallas Cowboys official home, AT&T Stadium, the largest dome structure of its kind in the world. Walk through the tunnel leading to the fields as an athlete. Throw a football at the ‘America’s Team’ official field. Visit the famous football players’ locker rooms and another behind the scenes areas.
If you are lucky to be in town in season, watch an NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball live match, a once in a lifetime experience very true to the American culture. The NFL Football season goes from Sep-Dec. The NBA season from Oct-Apr. And the Major League Baseball season from Mar-Sept.
7. Lower Greenville & Texas Truck Yard
An unbeatable destination on a nice weather day and the place where locals hang out.
Listen to high-quality live music at one of the most unusual and authentic beer gardens in Dallas, the Texas Truck Yard. Grab a bite in one of their food trucks, a beer and sit on their lounge chairs to enjoy the music. The eclectic decor and amazing vibe make this place pretty unique.
Walk then towards the liveliest part of Greenville Ave – the stretch between Bell and Alta Avenues. Check on shops, pubs, restaurants and roof patios that make the Lower Greenville one of the main Dallas destinations for entertainment, day and night.
8. Gospel Brunch House of Blues Dallas
One of the southernmost experiences you can have in Dallas.
Held once a month at The House of Blues Dallas, the Gospel Brunch combines the best of the southern culture.
Watch a majestic and uplifting gospel concert, that will get you on your feet and make you dance and sing along, while sampling delicious southern and creole cuisine at the buffet style brunch. Pair that with a mimosa drink, another Dallas institution, and voila, you have the very best the south can offer in a fun and unforgettable morning.
The House of Blues Dallas is near the Perot Museum, Dallas Arts District and Klyde Warren Park, making those perfect places to visit after the show.
9. George W. Bush Presidential Center & Bushes' Home
Explore the grounds the 43rd American President’s presidential center and the Bushes' neighborhood.
Feel like a President through interactive activities. Visit the Presidential Library and Museum, the George W. Bush Institute and a 15-acre Native Texas Park, all part of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Step into a perfect replica of the oval office. See real World Trade Center beams from the September 11 events. Try Cafe 43, a farm-to-table stylish restaurant on-site.
Taking advantage of the ‘presidential vibe’, head to Dallas’ Preston Hollow neighborhood after living the Presidential Center, to drive around and check on the Bushes and other famous billionaires mansions.
10. Dallas Farmer's Market & Main Street District
Must-visit Dallas landmarks, a local-sourced farmers' market, great food and hi-end shopping meccas.
Visit the Dallas Farmers Market and try the best farm-to-table restaurant in Dallas, Mudhen Meat and Greens. On weekends, experience their vibrant brunch. Wander afterwards through the market for local-sourced produce and products.
Head to nearby Main Street District portion of Downtown Dallas and stroll down Main Street. Shop at the Neiman Marcus flagship store. Take a snapshot of one of the quirkiest Dallas landmarks: the Giant Eyeball sculpture. And maybe have a drink at The Woolworth restaurant terrace, overlooking it.
Last but not least, stop by Pioneer Plaza and walk through a larger-than-life sized cattle drive bronze sculpture. It is much cooler than it sounds and will make you feel as you were in the middle of real huge longhorn bulls!
11. Deep Ellum
The quirkiest and liveliest neighborhood in Dallas and one of the city's top entertainment districts.
Deep Ellum is one of Dallas trendiest neighborhoods. A revitalized industrial area full of unique shops, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, live music and spectacle venues, buoyant day and night.
Eat at the Pecan Lodge, one of the best barbecue joints in Dallas. Tour the Deep Ellum Brewing Company and taste local beer. Take a self-guided street art tour through the more than 40 Deep Ellum graffiti murals. Visit cool and unique shops.
Get bold at the famous Elm Street Tatoo Studio – if you are spirited enough, you might consider checking on their ‘Friday the 13th’ deal. Once a month, on the 3rd Saturday, enjoy the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market.
At night, don’t miss out on one of the most authentic live music venues in Dallas, Adair’s Saloon, with Elvis Presley among its famous former customers. Or stroll thru the best Deep Ellum nightlife spots and discover your own favorites.
12. Trinity Groves & Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge
Spoil your inner foodie, walk across the Trinity river and breath in the best Dallas skyline views.
Visit the Trinity Groves, a former warehouse converted into a gastronomic destination with new restaurants from prominent chefs, selected by the innovative and unique Restaurant Concept Incubator Program.
Savor a drink at their pleasant and laid-back outdoor patio, overlooking the Dallas Skyline and Trinity river. Have a gourmet burger at Off-Site Kitchen. Indulge yourself at Cake Bar.
Cross the street and take a leisure walk through the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge – a.k.a Continental Bridge. Enjoy one of the several events offered year-round. Take in the views of the Dallas Skyline, Trinity River and Margaret’s Hunt Hill Bridge. The last one, a state-of-art Dallas landmark and award-wining bridge designed by the famous and controversial Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
13. Bishop Arts District
Independent vibe, street-art, unique shops and amazing restaurants make this walkable Dallas area a must-visit destination.
Stroll through exclusive boutiques, antique shops and design stores.
Take a self-guided tour through the Bishop Arts District’s graffiti murals – the Black and White Cactex, Love Equation, and Stevie Ray Vaughn murals are the most Insta-worthy ones and are not to be missed.
Eat at iconic Dallas restaurants. Best options in the Bishop Arts Districts include Hattie’s, Lockhart Smokehouse and Eno’s Pizza Tavern, you can’t go wrong with any of them. For a treat, head to top-rated Emporium Pies.
Top off touring the nearby Texas Theater, a historic landmark were the supposed JFK murderer, Lee Harvey Oswald, hid after the incident.
14. Kate Trail, Kate Trail Ice House & Knox District
Explore the iconic Kate Trail surroundings, featuring one of the best beer gardens in Dallas, shops and restaurants.
Once an historic abandoned railroad line now converted into one of the top-rated urban trails in Dallas, Kate Trail is a local’s fav for walking, jogging and cycling.
At the north end of the trail, you’ll find the Knox District, a walkable and pleasant area full of shops and restaurants – Taverna and Cafe Madrid are good options if you decide to eat there.
About 2 miles into the trail, after a pleasant leisure walk, you’ll stumble upon one of Dallas most iconic beer gardens: the Katy Trail Ice House. Their lively patio overlooks the trail and is perfect for cooling off and people-watching.
If you have kids in tow, you might want to check the nearby Reverchon Park, just off the trail, a pleasant green space where you can relax and kids can play before heading back.
15. Southfork Ranch: ‘Dallas’ TV show filming location
Featured in almost 100 countries, "Dallas" became an icon for an entire generation.
‘Dallas’, the most-watched TV show in the world of its time, aired for 13 seasons from the late 70’s to the early 90’s. The ranch where it was filmed, Southfork Ranch, became a pilgrimage destination for fans worldwide.
It is located about 40 minutes away from Downtown Dallas and it is currently opened to the public. Visiting the dude ranch grounds is free.
But if you are a big JR fan and wants a more immersive experience, daily guided tours depart every 30-45 minutes from the Visitors’ Center. They take you inside the famous ranch house that is preserved exactly the way it could be seen on TV. Can be a neat experience for JR fans or for those looking to expand on the Texan culture.
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A penny for your thoughts : )
If you had to recommend a single place to visit in Dallas, which it would be?
Do you know of any must-visit attraction around that you think that deserve to be on this list and it’s not?
Comment bellow and help other Dallas Wanderer readers to make the most of Dallas and enjoy the city to the fullest!
Wonderful list, and a great start even for this local. One quick edit suggestion. *Katy trail.
I am glad you enjoyed it! Means a lot coming from a local. And thank you for the edit!