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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Cowboys Red River | Dancehall & Saloon
Outpost of a honky-tonk/dance hall chain with live country music, dance lessons & a mechanical bull.
Walmart Supercenter
Wheatland Towne Crossing
Truck Yard
Complex housing food trucks in an expansive, retro outdoor space with treehouse & trailer bars.
Kenny's Wood Fired Grill
Buzzy American bistro/bar with a focus on wood-fired meats & seafood in a clubby chophouse setting.
Yard House
High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & an extensive list of draft beers.
via Google MapsBachman Lake Park
Public park near Love Field with a paved 3-mile trail for biking, running & walking around a lake.
Pioneer Plaza
Public park with Texan plant life & large bronze sculptures of 3 cowboys driving longhorn cattle.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
Concrete JFK monument by influential postmodern architect Philip Johnson, a Kennedy family friend.
Fitness Connection
Music Hall at Fair Park
Spanish Baroque-style home to cultural arts from opera & Broadway shows to Dallas Summer Musicals.
White Rock Lake Park
Green space circling an artificial lake offering trails, boating, picnicking & bird-watching.
Paradiso
Coastal Mediterranean fare in multi-venue culinary concept space surrounding a central courtyard.
via Google MapsThe Magic Time Machine
Theme restaurant with costumed staff serving an American menu, including kids' options.
Maple Leaf Diner
Poutine & other Canadian staples are prepared at this comfy, warm outpost with a bakery & dairy bar.
via Google MapsThe Shops at Park Lane
Urban complex with brand-name fashion retailers, restaurants, a grocery store & bowling alley.
via Google MapsGrand Lux Cafe
Upmarket chain offering a wide-ranging American menu in sophisticated surroundings.
The Hampton Social - Dallas
Breezy hangout serving seafood & beach-themed cocktails in stylish, nautical surroundings.
Garibaldi Bazaar
Indoor bazaar selling wares from furniture to dresses to toys plus a modest bar with TVs.
Happiest Hour
Stylish bar offering choice bites, cocktails & a large deck with city views in a bustling ambiance.