36 Best Places and Things To Do in Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts scene, and a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, arts, sports, or shopping, Dallas has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Dallas:

1. Dallas Museum of Art

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A must-visit for art enthusiasts, the Dallas Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection spanning thousands of years and various cultures. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum offers a diverse range of artistic expressions.

2. The Dallas Zoo

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One of the largest zoos in Texas, the Dallas Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. From majestic lions and playful elephants to colorful birds and reptiles, visitors of all ages can enjoy an up-close encounter with wildlife.

3. Klyde Warren Park

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This urban oasis spans over five acres and sits atop a freeway, connecting downtown Dallas with the vibrant Uptown district. The park offers various activities such as yoga classes, live concerts, food trucks, and a children’s playground, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

4. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

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Situated on 66 acres in East Dallas, the Dallas Botanical Garden is a stunning oasis featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, seasonal flower displays, and serene walking paths. From the vibrant tulips in spring to the festive holiday lights in winter, there’s always something beautiful to see.

5. Reunion Tower

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Located at the top of Reunion Tower, Five Sixty is a renowned restaurant led by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Indulge in a memorable dining experience as you savor delectable Asian-inspired cuisine while enjoying stunning views from the revolving dining room. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to see the entire cityscape during your meal.

6. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

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The museum boasts multiple floors filled with captivating exhibits covering various scientific disciplines. From paleontology and geology to biology, physics, and engineering, each exhibit provides an immersive and educational experience. Explore the prehistoric world, discover the wonders of Earth and space, delve into human anatomy, and even simulate a dinosaur dig.

7. The Dallas World Aquarium

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The aquarium boasts a multitude of exhibits that showcase marine ecosystems from around the world. From the expansive Mundo Maya exhibit, featuring creatures from the rainforests of Central and South America, to the South Africa Gallery, home to African penguins and other fascinating species, each habitat is meticulously designed to mimic the animals’ natural environments.

8. Klyde Warren Park

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Klyde Warren Park features a dedicated off-leash dog park where furry friends can play and socialize. This area includes separate sections for small and large dogs, water fountains, and shaded seating for pet owners.

9. White Rock Lake Park

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White Rock Lake Park is crisscrossed by miles of scenic trails, making it a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. The 9.33-mile loop trail around the lake offers beautiful views of the water and ample opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. The park is also connected to the larger Dallas trail system, allowing for extended outdoor adventures.

10. NorthPark Center

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NorthPark Center boasts a wide range of luxury and high-end retail stores, as well as popular mainstream brands. From designer fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada to department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, you’ll find an extensive selection of fashion, accessories, beauty products, and more.

11. Frontiers of Flight Museum

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The museum houses a vast collection of aviation artifacts, aircraft, and interactive exhibits that chronicle the evolution of flight. Explore the timeline of aviation history, from the early days of pioneers like the Wright Brothers to modern commercial and military aircraft. Get up close to iconic planes, including vintage warbirds, commercial airliners, and space-exploration vehicles.

12. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

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The heart of the museum is the Holocaust exhibit, which chronicles the history and atrocities of the Holocaust. Through powerful artifacts, photographs, and personal testimonies, the exhibit provides a deeply moving and educational experience that sheds light on the Holocaust’s impact on individuals, families, and communities.

13. Museum of Biblical Art

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MOBIA curated and displayed a diverse range of artwork inspired by biblical stories. These exhibits showcased paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and other artistic mediums that depicted biblical narratives, themes, and figures. Visitors could engage with the artworks and explore their interpretations of the Bible through visual art.

14. Meadows Museum

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The Meadows Museum boasts an exceptional collection of Spanish art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by renowned artists such as El Greco, Francisco de Goya, Diego Velázquez, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and many others. The museum’s collection offers a comprehensive overview of Spanish art history and its various artistic movements.

15. Old Red Museum

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The Old Red Museum provides a comprehensive overview of Dallas County’s history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its growth and development into a vibrant urban center. Through engaging exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, visitors can explore the various eras and significant events that have shaped the county’s past.

16. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

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The bridge was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, known for his innovative and striking designs. Completed in 2012, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge showcases Calatrava’s signature style, characterized by graceful curves, soaring arches, and a blend of artistic and functional elements.

17. Fair Park

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Fair Park is home to one of Dallas’ premier art institutions, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). The museum features a vast collection spanning thousands of years, with artworks from different cultures and periods. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the DMA offers a diverse and enriching art experience.

18. Old City Park

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The museum features over 30 historic structures that have been meticulously restored and preserved. These buildings include homes, schools, churches, businesses, and other structures that reflect the architectural styles and way of life during the pioneer era of Dallas. Visitors can explore the interiors of these structures and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked in them.

19. Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

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The Children’s Aquarium features a variety of aquatic exhibits that showcase a wide range of marine species. From colorful tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish, visitors can observe and learn about different aquatic ecosystems and the diverse creatures that inhabit them.

20. Texas Discovery Gardens

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One of the main attractions at Texas Discovery Gardens is the Butterfly House, a serene and captivating space where you can observe hundreds of native and tropical butterflies in a natural setting. Walking through the Butterfly House is a magical experience as butterflies flutter around you, landing on vibrant flowers and foliage. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about butterfly lifecycles, migration

21. Turtle Creek Park

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Turtle Creek Park features expansive lawns, meandering walking paths, and beautiful tree-lined areas. The park’s well-maintained green spaces provide a tranquil environment for relaxation, picnics, and leisurely strolls. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

22. African American Museum

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The museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans. From historical artifacts and photographs to contemporary artworks and multimedia presentations, the exhibits provide a comprehensive narrative of African American history, culture, and experiences. Topics covered may include slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, African American art, music, literature, and notable figures in African American history.

23. Dragon Park

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The park is home to a collection of large dragon sculptures that are the main attraction. These colorful and intricately designed dragons bring a touch of fantasy and playfulness to the park. Each dragon has its own distinct personality and adds a sense of magic and wonder to the surroundings.

24. Bahama Beach Waterpark

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The waterpark features a variety of water slides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. From high-speed slides for adrenaline seekers to gentle slides for younger children, there is something for everyone. The slides may include thrilling twists, turns, and drops, providing exhilarating experiences for waterpark enthusiasts.

25. Reverchon Park

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Reverchon Park features vast green spaces, expansive lawns, and scenic walking trails. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, go for a jog, or have a picnic with family and friends. The park’s well-maintained paths wind through the lush landscape, providing a pleasant and serene environment for outdoor activities.

26. Turtle Creek Park

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The park offers a network of paved walking and jogging paths that wind their way through the park’s green spaces. These paths provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors to engage in outdoor exercise, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an invigorating run. As you walk or jog along the paths, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, creating a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

27. Ronald Kirk pedestrian bridge

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Architecture and Design: The bridge was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and is considered a masterpiece of modern engineering and design. It features a striking cable-stayed structure with a 400-foot central arch, which creates a visually captivating silhouette against the Dallas skyline. The bridge’s elegant design and

28. Freedman’s Memorial

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The Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Dallas, the Trinity River, and the surrounding landscape. As you walk or cycle across the bridge, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas in every direction, providing an excellent opportunity to capture memorable photos or simply admire the city’s skyline.

29. Bachman Lake Park

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Bachman Lake Park features a paved walking and jogging trail that encircles the lake. The trail offers a scenic route for leisurely walks, jogs, or bike rides, with beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. It’s a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and a great way to enjoy nature while getting some exercise.

30. Texas Fire Museum

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The museum offers interactive displays that engage visitors and provide hands-on learning experiences. You may have the opportunity to try on firefighting gear, operate a fire hose, or participate in simulated rescue scenarios. These interactive elements make the museum experience both informative and entertaining, especially for younger visitors.

31. Laurel Land Funeral Home and Laurel Land Memorial Park – Dallas

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The memorial park offers a variety of burial options, including traditional ground burials, mausoleums, and cremation gardens. Families can choose the option that best suits their preferences and cultural traditions.

32. Renaissance Tower

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The tower primarily serves as a commercial office building, housing various businesses, corporations, and organizations. It is home to numerous offices, including those of prominent companies and professional firms. The tower’s convenient location in the heart of downtown Dallas makes it an attractive business address.

33. Harry Moss Park

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The park offers a network of hiking and biking trails that wind through the natural landscape. These trails are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, making them ideal for leisurely walks, invigorating runs, or bike rides with family and friends. You can explore the park’s picturesque surroundings while staying active and enjoying the fresh air.

34. Belo Garden Park

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Belo Garden Park features a contemporary design with clean lines and well-manicured landscapes. The park incorporates a mix of native plants, trees, and vibrant flower beds, creating a visually appealing environment. Its thoughtful layout provides open spaces, winding paths, and seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure.

35. Trammell Crow Park

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The park features several miles of paved trails and pathways that are ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. These trails wind through the park’s picturesque landscapes, offering opportunities for exercise and outdoor recreation. You can explore the park at your own pace while enjoying views of the river and the surrounding greenery.

36. Kidd Springs Park

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Kidd Springs Park offers paved walking trails that wind through the park’s landscapes, making it an excellent location for leisurely strolls, jogging, or walking your dog. The trails provide opportunities to enjoy the park’s natural surroundings and get some exercise in a peaceful setting.

From art and culture to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, Dallas offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic city and discover its unique charms.