Things to do in Dallas
Dallas, Texas, is a city with a little of everything, from world-class museums and sprawling parks to barbecue joints and late-night music venues.
Dallas, Texas, is a city with a little of everything, from world-class museums and sprawling parks to barbecue joints and late-night music venues. You can spend a day at the Dallas Arboretum, explore history at Dealey Plaza, or catch a show in Deep Ellum. Here’s a look at what stands out.
Start with the big attractions: the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium are great for families, while the Dallas Museum of Art covers centuries of work. For outdoor time, Klyde Warren Park sits right downtown with food trucks and lawns, and White Rock Lake Park offers trails and water views. Food is a highlight—Terry Black's Barbecue serves pit-smoked meats, and Kitchen + Kocktails brings soul food with a modern twist. At night, the House of Blues and Trees keep live music going, and spots like It'll Do Club offer dancing. Shopping ranges from NorthPark Center to the Dallas Farmers Market, so there’s plenty to fill a weekend.
Frequently asked questions about Dallas
What are the best outdoor places to visit in Dallas?▾
Klyde Warren Park is a popular urban park with food trucks and events, while White Rock Lake Park offers trails, boating, and bird-watching. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre space with seasonal exhibits, and Fair Park is a large complex with gardens and cultural sites. All are open to the public.
What can families do with kids in Dallas?▾
The Dallas Zoo houses 2,000 animals and has a children's area, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has hands-on exhibits. The Dallas World Aquarium and Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park both offer aquatic life. For a different kind of fun, Cidercade Dallas has over 170 arcade games, and escape rooms like Escapology are good for older kids.
Where can I get good barbecue in Dallas?▾
Terry Black's Barbecue is a well-known spot for pit-smoked meats and homemade sides. It's an Austin import run by fourth-generation pitmasters, and it serves lunch and dinner. For other options, many local restaurants in Dallas offer Texas-style barbecue, but Terry Black's is a solid choice.
What are some notable attractions in Dallas?▾
Dealey Plaza is a National Historic Landmark tied to President Kennedy, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza covers that history. The Giant Eyeball is a 30-foot sculpture that's a fun photo stop, and Thanks-Giving Square is an all-faiths park with a garden and chapel. Pioneer Plaza features large bronze longhorn sculptures.
Where can I hear live music in Dallas?▾
Deep Ellum is the main neighborhood for live music, with venues like Trees and Three Links Deep Ellum hosting a range of bands. House of Blues has a larger stage with rock and blues acts, and the Granada Theater is a historic art deco venue. For a bigger concert experience, Stereo Live has a 1,400-seat hall.
Things to do in Dallas
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via Google MapsMeso Maya Comida y Copas
Contemporary Mexican eatery serving Oaxaca- & Puebla-inspired recipes to a trendy crowd.
via Google MapsEl Fenix
Branch of a long-running chain serving Tex-Mex staples in a hacienda-style setting.
Giant Eyeball
30-ft. tall, realistically rendered fiberglass sculpture of a human eyeball in a fenced garden.
via Google MapsHG Sply Co.
American meals, craft beers & cocktails in a rustic-chic locale with a rooftop patio.
Museum of Illusions
Museum with interactive optical art & sets for photos with visual illusions, plus a gift shop.
Twin Peaks
Sports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.
Wynnewood Village
Outdoor plaza with clothing & electronics retailers, a Kroger store & an El Rancho Supermercado.
Dealey Plaza
City park & National Historic Landmark where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
via Google MapsPappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Cajun-style seafood, pastas & comfort fare served in a dark wood eatery with a full bar.
via Google Maps3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails
Vibrant West End space for scratch-made classic, premium-liquor cocktails & a chef-driven food menu.
Big Bend National Park
801,163 acres of river canyons, desert & mountains with abundant wildlife & outdoor activities.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Cajun-style seafood, pastas & comfort fare served in a dark wood eatery with a full bar.
Dave & Buster's Dallas
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
STK Steakhouse
Ida Claire
Genteel choice for updated/international takes on traditional Southern dishes & cocktails.
The Rustic
Down-home venue with locally sourced American eats, Texas brews & an outdoor patio with live music.
House of Blues
Rock- & blues-themed restaurant & bar serving Southern-inspired dishes, plus live music.
Uno Mas Tex Mex
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Audubon nature preserve offering 9 miles of hiking trails through 600 acres of hill country habitat.
The Original Pancake House DFW
Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.