Just because Dallas isn’t a coastal city doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to spend a few days. Quite the contrary, in fact. With professional sports teams out the wazoo and plenty of museums, green spaces, amusements parks, cool events to check out and more, there’s always something going on in Dallas. If you live in DFW, think of this as your ultimate Dallas bucket list. If you’re visiting Dallas for a weekend or thinking about it, use this list to plan your stay. Here are all the things to do in our fair city that you can't miss -- some of which are totally free.
France's Fête des Lumières Is a Light Festival Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen
Sidle up to the biggest state fair in the damn country
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Fair Park
The State Fair of Texas has it all -- a huge, multi-storey mascot named Big Tex, delicious fried food, giant pigs, and acres upon acres of events and rides and concerts and attractions. It's the largest state fair in the country and visitors from all over flock to it to experience a month-long distillation of Texas in its biggest, boldest, truest, and most diverse form. It runs from late September through October, and if you go, plan to spend at least a little bit of cash. Be sure to check out our full guide to the State Fair of Texas before you go.
Take a walk in the city's coolest new urban green space
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Klyde Warren Park
This 5.2-acre public park sits over a major freeway -- yes, you read that correctly. If you’re from New York, this is basically Dallas’ version of the High Line. There’s always something to do here. Check out one of the several food trucks lined up along the street, grab a book from the library, or just soak in the sun. If you plan ahead, take a look at the things going on this weekend to see if there are any special events happening there beyond the usual dancing, yoga or workout classes you'll find.
Snap gorgeous photos from the bridge
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Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
If you’re dying to get the perfect picture of the Dallas skyline, this is where you need to go. The bridge’s steel arches also make for some great photos. When you’re done, walk to Trinity Groves for some great food.
Go on your own progressive dinner in Trinity Groves
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Trinity Groves
Whatever your favorite type of food is, you can probably find it at Trinity Groves. Mexican, Asian, Italian, barbecue, vegan, seafood, Mediterranean, tapas? It’s all there in our downtown business district's restaurant hub. Make a night out of it by having an appetizer at Tapas Castile, dinner at Souk Mediterranean Bistro & Bar, and dessert someplace else like Saint Rocco’s New York Italian -- with drinks along the way, of course.
Get cultured on the cheap
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Dallas Museum of Art
Across the street from Klyde Warren Park, you’ll find the Dallas Museum of Art. General admission here is free, but the special exhibits will cost you. While you roam the halls of the museum, you’ll feel like you’re traveling the globe as it takes you across continents and time periods.
See Dallas from 470 feet up with a panoramic view at Reunion Tower
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Reunion Tower
Dallas law requires that all residents of Dallas must see Dallas from the observation deck of Reunion Tower at least once in their lives. That’s not actually true, but it might as well be. The view from up there is incredible, and if you go on a clear day, you can see the city for miles.
... Or see stunning views -- for free! -- at Chase Tower
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Chase Tower
If you don’t feel like paying to see Dallas from above at Reunion Tower, head over to the Chase Tower Sky Lobby. It’s not as high as the view you get from Reunion Tower, but it’s free. You’ll get to see Dallas from 40 stories up through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Ride a bike around White Rock Lake
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White Rock Lake
From runners to bikers to casual park-goers, more than 1 million people visit this lake every year. It’s 9 miles all the way around, and you’ll always find something to do here. If biking isn’t your thing, go for a walk. Or rent a paddleboard and paddle around the lake.
Walk the beautiful grounds of the Nasher Sculpture Center
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Nasher Sculpture Center
With sculptures inside and outside, you will: 1) Learn a lot about art. 2) Run into great opportunities for the ’Gram. This is also an insanely gorgeous as a wedding venue and was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano (see also: the Whitney Museum in NYC; the Shard in London; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art). The Nasher features more than 300 features made by the hands of Picasso, Matisse, Rodin, and more.
Shop 'til you drop at the No. 2 mall in Texas
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NorthPark Center
"Going to the mall" may not be everyone's definition of a great time, but if you want to consume, the NorthPark Center is an impressive venue for it. It's the second-largest mass of stores in the entire state of Texas and it ranks No. 21 in the US. You’ll find anything you need here from an Apple Store to Nike to North Face to a Tesla store and everything in between. When you wear out, take a break with a movie or head out to the courtyard for some fresh air and art curated by Ray Nasher (of the Nasher Sculpture Center fame).
Enjoy some drinks on Lower Greenville
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Lower Greenville
If you’re looking something that’s not too much of a party scene but also not completely dull either, Lower Greenville is the perfect balance of the two. Some fun places here include: Sundown at Granada, HG Supply Co, Blind Butcher, and Beauty Bar.
... Or spend a varied night of music and drinking in Deep Ellum
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Deep Ellum
This area is one of the coolest places to spend a weekend. Why? Because we said so. You never know what you’ll end up doing here. Go from a rooftop bar like Stirr with a great view of the skyline to a speakeasy like Truth & Alibi to dancing to salsa music at Cafe Salsera and end up at a Louie Louie's piano bar all in one night. Anything goes in Deep Ellum.
Take in a history lesson and see where JFK was assassinated
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Dealey Plaza
For some people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Dallas is: That’s the place JFK was shot. It’s not the first thing Dallasites identify their city with, but it’s an important part of history. Walk around Dealey Plaza and see where the former president was assassinated. When you’re done, tour the Sixth Floor Museum -- which has numerous historical exhibits pertaining to the assassination.
Look at art, eat great food, and shop in the arts district
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Bishop Arts District
Over the past few years, Bishop Arts District has undergone rapid transformation and, frankly, gentrification. While the neighborhood isn't the same as it was 10 years ago, new artist shops, restaurants, and bars have distinguished themselves in its place and made it a corner of Dallas certainly worth exploring and spending time in. You’ll find amazing places to eat like Dallas Grilled Cheese Co and Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ, neat places to shop like Opportunity Market, and tons of places to take pictures.
Watch baseball and pig out on ballpark food under the Texas sky
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Globe Life Park in Arlington
If you touch down in Texas between April and September, there’s a good chance the Texas Rangers will be in town. Once you’re at the ballpark, take in a baseball game with one the Rangers’ new food options like the Dilly Dog -- a hot dog inside a deep-fried pickle. Or try the 2-foot-long Boomstick, a hot dog covered in chili, cheese, and onions. (We recommend tackling the Boomstick with a friend.)
See where the Cowboys practice, eat, and play
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The Star in Frisco
You don’t have to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys to enjoy a tour of their new state-of-the-art training facility. When you’re finished there, walk around the rest of the entertainment district and shop and eat like the pros do.
Become one with nature at the Arboretum
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Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll through one of the prettiest parts of Dallas. The arboretum is open all year, and it regularly features new art, flowers, and plants. If you want to make your Instagram followers jealous, this is the perfect place to start.
Travel back in time to the Middle Ages
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Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
At Medieval Times you'll feast on an 11th century–style meal (which you can eat with your hands!) and watch knights joust to earn the right to be the queen’s champion. There’s only eight Medieval Times locations in the US, so you have to take advantage when you can.
Touch (almost) everything at the interactive Perot Museum
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Perot Museum of Nature and Science
There’s something for everyone, no matter how old you are, at the Perot Museum. The museum has 11 permanent exhibit halls that feature sports, animals, gems and minerals, birds, dinosaurs, and more. Unlike most museums, this is one where you’re actually allowed to touch most of the exhibits (but not everything, of course).
Relive your childhood at Legoland
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center
You don’t have to be a child to enjoy Legoland. What’s billed as the “ultimate indoor Lego playground” features three rides, 10 build and play areas, and a 4-D cinema. You can also go on a factory tour to see the behind-the-scenes of how Legos get their colors and shapes.
Pose like a president at this replica Oval Office
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George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Political differences aside, it's never a bad idea to visit a presidential library if and when you get the opportunity. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, next to Southern Methodist University, features thousands of artifacts from the former president’s administration. Some key exhibits include "Nation Under Attack," which honors the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks, and a full-size replica of the Oval Office.
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The Dallas BBQ Bucket List
Throw your hands in the air and scream at Six Flags
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Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Dallas is a destination all its own. Ride the classic roller coasters like the Texas Giant and the Titan. Then work your way over to the new Harley Quinn Spinsanity and The Joker -- if you have the stomach for it.
Kick back while watching pro soccer players kick a ball
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Toyota Stadium
Over the years, MLS has grown into a strong and quickly growing soccer league. FC Dallas has been part of the MLS since the beginning, then-called the Dallas Burn. They play through the months of March through October, so if you find yourself in Dallas during that time frame, check to see if they’re playing.
Take a walk through an indoor rainforest
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Dallas World Aquarium
From birds to fish to turtles, you’ll find all sorts of creatures at the Dallas World Aquarium. The exhibits here will take you to see animals from different parts of the world. When you’re done, go for a walk through the historic West End District.
Get out for the night in Uptown Dallas
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Uptown
Hands down, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas when it come to nightlife. Some of the go-to places here include pub grub–slinging Black Friar, the sports bar and nightclub Concrete Cowboy, and the gastropub The Social House. If the nightlife isn’t your scene, come back in the morning for some of the city's A+ brunch spots.
Tour one of the most impressive stadiums in North America
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AT&T Stadium
It’s not the largest stadium in North America, but it’s definitely one of the most impressive. The home of the Dallas Cowboys, also unofficially known as Jerry World, offers tours that take you through the dressing rooms and onto the field. How fast is your 40-yard dash?
Explore the largest zoological experience in Texas
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Dallas Zoo
With 106 acres of zoo, you could spend all day here and probably not see all of it. The zoo was founded in 1888, making it the first zoo in the Southwest. The zoo features about 430 species, and that’s not including fish. Be sure to check out the Wilds of Africa which was named the “Best African Exhibit in US” by The Zoo Book: A Guide to America’s Best.
Watch the Dallas Stars hit the hockey puck
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American Airlines Center
We can’t guarantee you’ll see a fight when you watch the Dallas Stars play, but at any hockey game, there’s always a decent chance of it. If you’re in Dallas between the months of October through April, you’ll find yourself in hockey season. Wear green and get ready to yell “STARS” really loud during the National Anthem.
Take in a musical and sing your heart out
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Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park
Just because we’re not New York, doesn’t mean incredible shows don’t come to Dallas. The great people at Dallas Summer Musicals bring amazing acts to Dallas year around. Some of those include: Les Misérables, Elf, The Lion King, and (coming in 2019) the hot-ticket Hamilton.
Cheer on America's Team in person
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AT&T Stadium
If you’re in Dallas on a Sunday during football season, there’s a pretty solid chance the Dallas Cowboys are playing. Some people hate them, some people love them, but no matter where you stand, watching the Cowboys play at home at AT&T Stadium is something you’ll never forget. Who knows, maybe you’ll even become a fan.
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