Things to do & places to visit in Dallas, Texas, United States

You may have all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, Dallas does its best to fulfill that promise. You'll find several museums with vast art collections and fascinating specialty museums like The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, which, though small in size, offers an immense amount of information about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And of course, visit a local steakhouse for a terrific (and enormous) meal.

Dallas city in Texas, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 23:18.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (716 reviews)
- Highlight of our Trip
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Symphonies • Architectural Buildings

Symphony center in Dallas. See more..
4.5 The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (9.265 reviews)
- Interesting History
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

One of Texas’ most visited historic sites, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum is in the former Texas School Book Depository building, where evidence of a sniper was found after the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Much of the exhibit space looks as it appeared in the 1960s. Highlights include a sniper’s perch, the FBI model used by the Warren Commission, an original teletype machine that first transmitted news of the president’s death, Oswald’s wedding ring, historic films, photos and more. An interactive display overlooks Dealey Plaza. Admission includes an audio guide, available in eight languages including ASL. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. RECOMMENDED: Buy timed-entry tickets in advance at jfk.org. The most convenient paid parking is adjacent to the building; stay in the far right lane of Elm Street to enter the parking lot. See more..
4.5 Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (5.854 reviews)
- A delightful day.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens

A nationally acclaimed 66 acre display garden features breathtaking floral displays all year long. Nestled on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum was named "One of the Most Breathtaking Gardens in the World" by Architectural Digest. Dallas Blooms festival boasts of over 500,000 spring blooming bulbs, 3,000 azaleas and hundreds of Cherry Blooms-February-April. Summer in the garden includes an outdoor concert series on Thursday evenings and numerous water features with breathtaking floral displays. Autumn at the Arboretum-September-November features a nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring over 90,000 pumpkins/gourds/squash and named one of America's Best Pumpkin festivals by Fodor's Travel. The 8 acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed to connect children with nature. Education is a central focus the gardens mission, which teach life and Earth science with 17 indoor/outdoor galleries and 150 interactive activities - Where science and fun become one. Open seven days a week and Wednesday nights until 8pm from March-October. Seasonal weekday discounts are available. The garden is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. See more..
4.5 The Dallas World Aquarium (4.784 reviews)
- Top notch aquarium
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Aquariums

The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the many conservation projects. The aquarium portion displays interesting marine life, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, Leafy, Weedy and Ribbon seadragons. Black-footed and Blue penguins can be seen swimming as guests enjoy the outdoor South Africa exhibit. Sharks, rays and sawfish are only a few of the fish living in the Mundo Maya cenote. Safe from Neotropical eagles, are euphonias, tanagers and hummingbirds. Reptiles and amphibians, both of significance to the Maya culture, can be seen throughout the exhibit. See more..
4.5 Reunion Tower (4.116 reviews) from $24.50
- Beautiful sights of Dallas
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 8:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers

Reunion Tower, an iconic Dallas landmark, offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline. Located next to the Hyatt Regency Dallas, the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck offers an indoor/outdoor observation deck and unique entertaining spaces. Visit with family, friends, a group or your sweetheart to create unforgettable memories at 470 feet in the air! * Restaurants are currently closed for renovations. See more..
4.5 The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum (3.852 reviews)
- Fascinating!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Get an in-depth, interactive look at eight years of presidential history at America's 13th presidential library and museum. Explore important issues and events of the administration of President George W. Bush as framed by four themes: freedom, opportunity, compassion and responsibility. NEW FOR 2016: Step into the candidates' shoes in "PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY," a special exhibit on the history of campaigns and elections in the United States. Extend your visit with a stroll through the 15-acre Native Texas Park, enjoy a meal at Café 43, and take home a piece of the presidency from the Museum Store. See more..
4.5 Perot Museum of Nature and Science (3.591 reviews)
- nice couple hours
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Everything from dinosaurs to DNA to diamonds are packed into five levels of hands-on discovery and adventure. Prepare to amaze your brain. See more..
4.5 Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District (2.522 reviews)
- Dealer plaza-historic marker
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

The site includes the former Texas School Book Depository and Dealey Plaza, two of the sights forever associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. See more..
4.5 Dallas Museum of Art (2.062 reviews)
- Great museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

Established in 1903, this prestigious art venue features a wide selection of art exhibits, from Ancient Mediterranean to Contemporary Art and Design. See more..
4.5 Klyde Warren Park (1.996 reviews)
- Small, but worth a visit if you're in the area!
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM Parks

Accidentally stumbled upon this gem when we saw the lit up arches and fountain show when we drove past at night, and it looked so nice we had to make it a point to go back and have a walk around. Ended up enjoying it so much we went back a second time during the day, to check out all the great food trucks ringing the park. What a great place to hang out in the neighborhood! It's not large, about 2 city blocks in length, but the lawns are really well maintained, plenty of clean seating, lots of fun free activities (giant connect-4 set, ping pong tables, foosball...), stocked hand sanitizer stations, totally yum food trucks, dancing fountain shows with good music at night - it's not a must see, but definitely nice to spend some time here if you're already in the area! See more..
4.5 Dallas Zoo (1.780 reviews)
- Great experierence - was nice getting up close the the lions
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

The largest zoological experience in Texas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo offers fun, educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family. The Zoo's mission is to inspire a passion for nature and conserve wildlife, and guests can see a number of endangered species and learn about a variety of conservation projects the Dallas Zoo supports. Opened in 2010, our award-winning Giants of the Savanna habitat is internationally known. The savanna features elephants, ostrich, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and guineafowl, often mingling together. The Dallas Zoo is home to a herd of five female elephants and 11 giraffes, which guests can feed by hand. Guests will see the fastest land mammal on Earth, the cheetah, as well as African lions who often spend their days sleeping just inches away from the viewing wall inside the Serengeti Grill restaurant. The Wilds of Africa area features rare animals such as gorillas, chimpanzees and okapi. Guests will enjoy getting eye-to-eye with African penguins as they swim effortlessly underwater. Highlights of the ZooNorth section include the Lacerte Family Children's Zoo, a top-rated reptile and amphibian complex featuring albino alligators, and the Koala Walkabout, featuring the only koalas in Texas, red kangaroo, wallabies, and a lorikeet feeding area for up-close adventures. For alternative transportation to the Dallas Zoo, consider the DART Red Line, which delivers guests to the Zoo's front entrance. See more..
4.5 American Airlines Center (1.388 reviews)
- Stars vs Hurricanes
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums

We went to watch the Dallas Stars play the Carolina Hurricanes on February 11th 2020. The game was fantastic as the Stars completed a 4-1 victory over a decent Hurricanes side. The venue itself was excellent as well, conveniently located and easy to access. Seating around the stadium is well placed, nowhere was too far away or had a blocked view etc. The seats are a bit tightly packed however this is the case at most venues. The seats for this particular game were very cheap as well; we figured we probably made a 'profit' on the night as the first 5000 fans received a free cap which I figured was worth more then the price we payed for the seats! The food and beverage service was quite expensive, more so than in Atlanta, but far less than other city stadiums. The stadium was also very clean which was good. I would definitely recommend going to watch an NHL or NBA game here if you have the opportunity. See more..
4.5 Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures (1.041 reviews)
- A must see
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of our favorite places in Dallas. We went early in the morning and it wasn’t crowded at all. Loved seeing the statues and the different brands on each steer. And seeing the difference in their appearance based on where they are located. A must see. See more..
4.5 Nasher Sculpture Center (859 reviews)
- Nasher - a must visit
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums

The Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection includes more than 300 sculptures by most of the 20th century's greatest talents, including Rodin, Calder, de Kooning, Giacometti, Matisse, Miró, Picasso and Serra. Admission Adults: $10 Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Riders: $8* Seniors 65 and over: $7 Students with ID: $5 Students under 12: FREE Members: FREE Military with ID: FREE First Responders: FREE *Valid proof of ticket required See more..
4.5 Bishop Arts District (792 reviews)
- Lots to eat!
Neighborhoods

Trendy neighborhood featuring galleries, shops, antique stores and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Pioneer Plaza (760 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of our favorite places in Dallas and also a free activity. We went early in the morning and it wasn’t crowded at all. Loved seeing the statues and the different brands on each steer. It was also cool to see the stones around explaining where the different brands come from. A must see See more..
4.5 White Rock Lake Park (666 reviews)
- Ten Mile Loop Trail
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water • Parks

Surrounding the jewel of Dallas, 1,015-acre White Rock Lake, the park is a prime spot for running, hiking, birdwatching, fishing and people-watching. See more..
4.5 Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum (528 reviews)
- A must see in Dallas for all age groups
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Get ready for an immersive, interactive journey unlike any other. The new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum features state-of-the-art technology and a permanent exhibition focused on Holocaust/Shoah, Human Rights, and Pivot to America. The Museum brings to life the tragic history and consequences of the Holocaust, other genocides, and our own country’s journey for civil and human rights. It’s also one of only two Museums in the world that offers Dimensions in Testimony where visitors can interact with holographic images of Holocaust Survivors. Make sure to book tickets online at dhhrm.org to ensure your requested time and date. See more..
4.5 Deep Ellum (Deep Elm) (500 reviews)
- Every Major City Should Have a Neighborhood Like This One
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

This former warehouse district is now a funky nightlife and shopping area. See more..
4.5 NorthPark Center (437 reviews)
- A world class museum hiding itself as a high end mall
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

NorthPark Center is the preeminent shopping center in the Southwest and one of the finest shopping experiences in the world with more than 200 stores and restaurants, including more than 60 market exclusives. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, NorthPark offers an unparalleled collection of luxury boutiques set amid internationally acclaimed 20th and 21st century art, award-winning architecture, and extraordinary landscaping—as well as a 1.4-acre garden, CenterPark, and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, AMC NorthPark 15. NorthPark consistently ranks as one of the top five performing shopping centers in the United States and is North Texas’ number one visitor destination. NorthPark is conveniently located 7 miles from downtown Dallas and 35 miles from Fort Worth. See more..
4.5 Highland Park Village (426 reviews)
- Bourgeois Southern Charm
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Landmark open-air center with more than 50 world-class boutiques and a dozen restaurants. Complimentary car service, personal shopping and valet. TaxFree Shopping Refund Center. See more..
4.5 Frontiers of Flight Museum (417 reviews)
- Good for a couple of hours!
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

This museum memorializes the pioneers of flight, from the 1920s and 30s, through World War II and up to the jet and rocket age of today. The museum also showcases the Dallas/Fort Worth area, known today as the Aviation Capital of the World, played in aviation history. See more..
4.5 Southern Methodist University (359 reviews)
- Walking around before Homecoming
Educational sites

A private local coeducational university located in Dallas, Texas. See more..
4.5 Katy Trail (324 reviews)
- Two day trip to Dallas
Hiking Trails

While in Dallas October of 2022, we visited the ICR Discovery Museum. We spent 6 hours there and found the exhibits very interesting and informative. The oceanography film on the planetarium screen was fantastic. We were not bored at any time. We also visited the Biblical Art Museum and found the art work extremely interesting. Loved the silver pieces of==for the Jewish holiday - goblets, candlesticks, bread trays. The holocaust exhibit was very informative. The Christian art was impressive - especially the cast-copies of Michelangelo's work. We didn't get to hike the Katy Trail but did hike by a lake near our Holiday Inn Express Hotel. See more..
4.5 Dallas Arts District (222 reviews)
- Beautiful Sites
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

The country's largest urban arts district. See more..
4.5 Deep Ellum Brewing Company (199 reviews)
- A can't miss Dallas stop
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

Based in the legendary blues-born and rock-raised urban district known as Deep Ellum, this trend setting Dallas brewery creates smooth and assertive craft beers worthy of the area's electric heritage. Since the company's founding in 2011, Deep Ellum Brewing Co. has crafted an award-winning roster of year-round, seasonal and limited-release brews, including Deep Ellum IPA, Dallas Blonde, Local Legend, Dreamcrusher, Four Swords Belgian Quad, Easy Peasy IPA, Neato Bandito and many more. Join us in the Taproom and enjoy 16 taps of magically bad assness...but not all at once please. Cheers! See more..
4.5 Museum of Biblical Art (166 reviews)
- A Must
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

wow! What a museum! We went as a family and it was a very good opportunity to explain to my children about the Holocaust, since there is a Museum dedicated to this inside. We also really liked the sculptures outside in Via Dolorosa, recreating the Viacrusis. The jewish museum was very interesting and above all we loved discovering the Argentine artist in front of the Mural of the Resurrection that stole all our admiration. See more..
4.5 Rainbow Vomit (128 reviews)
- A whimsical experience
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums • Children's Museums

Escape to the Sanctuary and enjoy a fun and relaxing experience with your close friends or family at Dallas' #1 rated immersive art exhibit! Rainbow Vomit is now open for both public and private tours for an immersive experience unlike any before. Ranked one of the top fun things to do in Dallas, the beautiful photographic installations include over 9000 LEDs, 5000 balloons, 250 pounds of cotton, 4 miles of ribbon and a unicorn! Our new setup has been designed with your safety and comfort in mind. We are limiting groups to 15 or less per reservation, including multiple hand-washing and sanitizer stations, making tweaks to the exhibit for fewer points of guest contact, providing gloves upon requests, and sanitizer in between groups. Advance reservations are required to guarantee entry, please visit our website to book both public and private tours or to learn more about our health and safety policies. See more..
4.0 John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza (984 reviews)
- JFK Memorial Plaza
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This simple monument to the slain president was built on a plaza adjacent to the Texas School Book Depository building. See more..
4.0 Galleria Dallas (499 reviews)
- If you like a mall, this one is for you
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

From the moment you arrive at Galleria Dallas, you'll know you're in for an experience unlike any other. Our unequalled shopping environment includes a unique collection of boutiques, restaurants and other extravagant experiences. See more..