Best Things to Do in Dallas – Top 15 Attractions

Dallas is the eighth-largest city in the USA, with a population of more than 1,300,100. It is located in the state of Texas, most often associated with the Wild West, bad boys, and cowboy movies. Of course, Dallas isn’t just that. The city has a rich history, in which economic activities move from animal husbandry and agriculture to oil production. It quickly grew as a commercial center after the introduction of the railway in 1873.

The rise of the city in economic terms came after World War II when many insurance corporations and banks were opened. In terms of architecture, Dallas shows mostly modern and postmodern buildings. Generally, you will find many remarkable museums, restaurants and hotels, and countless fun things to do in Dallas.

The TOP 15 of Most Interesting Places to Visit in Dallas

Today, Dallas is an attractive tourist destination. You will be surprised how many things you can see there, as here we have selected only the 15 most famous. The tourist attractions in Dallas are definitely more, but let’s start with the top-rated ones:

1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The museum is dedicated to the memory of one of the darkest events in the country – the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Here you will learn a story that tells about the political climate from the early 60s of the 20th century and the last few days of President Kennedy’s life, until November 1963. Here is the sniper in the corner window, where the assassin Oswald fired the deadly shots from. The museum tour also includes an audio tour with a guide, as well as audio clips from actual radio broadcasts, eyewitness reports, and policy statements from the assassination of President Kennedy.

2. John F. Kennedy Memorial

The imposing monument to President Kennedy is about 30 feet high and 50 feet wide. It is located just a few blocks from Dealey Plaza, opposite the city courthouse. The memorial was designed by the famous architect Philip Johnson. Its construction was completed in 1970 after years of conflicting opinions as to whether it should exist at all. The monument is shaped by the concept of an open tomb, as according to the author, it expresses the free spirit of Kennedy. The two epitaphs made there also testify to the sculptor’s views, as their texts – according to some people – are even provocative.

3. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the must-see places in Dallas. It is set on 66 acres with 11 lush gardens. There is also the largest open-air flower festival in the Southwest, along with a romantic oasis where visitors are surrounded by the beauty of the four seasons. You will find a gift shop too, a dining terrace and more facilities available for rent. This unique tourist attraction has existed since 1984 and is also an ideal place for seminars and other events. In addition, you will enjoy the exquisite sculptures and fountains.

4. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The impressive museum is a place which you will want to spend so much time in. it is housed in a massive architectural masterpiece which makes it very suitable for families and curious visitors. The museum is divided into thematic areas with interactive educational stations, as well as games and high-tech displays. The themes include engineering and innovation, energy, earth sciences, and many more. It also features a 3D theater, the Moody Family Children’s Museum, and a playground. The building was designed to eco-friendly. The innovative design includes summer water conservation with the use of recaptured condensation from air conditioners and drip irrigation, solar-powered water heaters, and more.

Website: www.perotmuseum.org
Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

5. Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art has been is opened in 1903, and is one of the 10 largest museums in the USA. Visiting it is from the most exciting things to do in Dallas. The collections in it consists of more than 24,000 works from the Americas and around the world, from the ancient to nowadays art: classical art, things from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, paintings by Claude Monet in the European art gallery, and several contemporary creations made by Jackson Pollock. In addition to the permanent collections, there are also temporary exhibits of brilliant artists.

Website: dma.org
Address: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

6. Dallas World Aquarium

Visiting the Dallas World Aquarium is an unforgettable educational trip for children and adults. The place is from the must-have see venues, in case you miss others. It is housed in about 87,000 gallons of saltwater and many marine life, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea turtles, and many other creatures living in natural reef conditions. In fact, visitors enter a huge glass tunnel which is surrounded by ocean life. A particularly interesting highlight is the Orinoco Rainforest exhibition, where you can see many free-flying birds, such as toucans, along with wood sloths, aquatic species such as crocodiles, and poisonous frogs.

Website: dwazoo.com
Address: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

7. Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza

The Pioneer Park was designed as a major route for cattle in Texas in the 19th century. The place is filled with beautiful greenery in the central business district of Dallas. But its most notable attractions are the 49 bronze sculptures of cattle that run through the park and across the creek by three mounted cowboys. This composition was designed by artist Robert Summers, along with the landscaped park, to recreate the scene of the iconic industry, which was a priority in the early years of Texas. No observer can help but gasp at such a stunning sight – a truly admirable art.

Address: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

8. Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo covers 106 acres and houses more than 2,000 exotic animals of 406 species. It was established in 1888 and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo includes highlights such as Giants of the Savanna, Otter Outpost, a wildlife amphitheater with bird shows in flight. Another notable attraction there is the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail, which takes visitors on a wild journey through the Great Rift Valley and the habitats of African countries. Especially for children is the amusement park Zero Gravity Thrill, where you will find all kinds of activities.

Website: www.dallaszoo.com
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States

9. Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower is undoubtedly the most prominent building in Dallas, although it is not the tallest. It simply stands out for its unique architecture. Completed in 1978, it looks like a geodesic ball perched on top of five cylindrical concrete pillars. Its total length is 560 feet and is uniquely illuminated at night, further emphasizing its outline, so you can most fully enjoy it at night. After further improvements, Reunion Tower now has a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of Dallas. Other highlights include GeO-Deck or the home of the informative interactive display which provides you with details about the building and interesting facts related to it.

Website: reuniontower.com
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, United States

10. The Nasher Sculpture Center

The Nasher Sculpture Center opened in 2003 and has a collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. In it you can see up close exhibits exploring the history of sculptural art. Quite thematically, the center is located in the Dallas Arts District itself and also has a large number of large, open sculptures on display, in a tree-lined area. Among the most remarkable interior exhibits of the center, you will see works by Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Max Ernst. This venue hosts regular events, including lectures, talks, and concerts.

Website: www.nashersculpturecenter.org
Address: 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

11. Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum houses more than 30 aircraft, and that makes it one of the very interesting places to visit in Dallas. It also has rich exhibits that tell everything about aviation, incl. space research. Among the museum’s most impressive collections is the full-size Wright Flyer model, Hindenburg, and World War I plus World War II artifacts. As for the aircraft, the aircraft selection on display includes a fully restored Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Biplane, and the Apollo VII spacecraft. The museum houses the Braniff Gallery, as well as the Virgin America exhibition which show important moments and facts from the commercial aviation history.

Website: www.flightmuseum.com
Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209, United States

12. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum

This is another interesting aviation museum. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum has a breathtaking collection of retro aircraft stored in a massive hangar, along with a number of accompanying artifacts and exhibits. The most important highlights of the museum are the exhibits of aircraft from the First World War, as well as related artifacts and works of art. If we have to point out the most attractive exhibit there, it is the rare B-29-Superfortress nicknamed Fifi, a World War II bomber. And if you can, don’t miss the museum’s annual air show, which takes place every May.

Website: cavflight.org
Address: 4572 Claire Chennault Dr, Addison, TX 75001, United States

13. African American Museum

One of the things to do in Dallas is visiting this museum. Founded in 1974, the African American Museum has African American art, cultural and historical exhibits that are worth seeing. You will come close to traditional African motifs, as the museum’s collection includes a variety of works of art, a library, and a historical archive. The theater which houses the museum regularly hosts educational and entertainment programs. Every visitor can touch the living African American culture experienced through entertaining and educational shows, as well as via studio arts area and even classrooms.

Website: aamdallas.org
Address: 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210, United States

14. Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

If you want to go back in time, the village of Dallas Heritage is the perfect place to do so. In it you will immerse yourself in the life of Texas during the pioneer and Victorian era. There, each building is part of the history of North Texas and gives you a real opportunity to see and even experience the way of life of local people in the XIX century. The charm of rural life is in front of you: you can see how crops are grown, how they care for animals, how the sense of inclusion developed for ordinary Texans more than 100 years ago.

Address: 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215, United States
Website: dallasheritagevillage.org

15. Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District of North Oak Cliff, Dallas, has many shopping, dining and entertainment options. It includes over sixty self-owned and managed enterprises. The paradise of shopping is here to complete your trip to Dallas properly. Here you will find chic boutiques, art galleries, cozy restaurants, and stylish cafes to feel the friendly atmosphere around. In addition to world-famous brands, here you will find souvenirs made by local artists and designers. Family street festivals and public entertainment are often held in this neighborhood.

Website: www.bishopartsdistrict.com

Easy Day Trips from Dallas

Excursions complement the charm of Dallas and enrich your impressions and knowledge. You don’t have to limit yourself to the city, as day trips will help you see what’s around, and it’s no less interesting …

Southfork Ranch

If you were old enough in the 1980s, and television and newspapers were the main means of information, you’re unlikely to miss the great Dallas series. If you are aware of the saga, you now have the opportunity to visit Southfork Ranch in person – the place where the series was created. Located nearly 25 miles north of Dallas, the ranch is open to tour guides. And since the food is not unimportant, after a tour of the mansion you can enjoy an authentic Texas dinner.

The Museum of the American Railroad

Texas is known for its large railroad engines, and the American Railroad Museum is the place to see them in person. Here is one of the oldest and largest collections of passenger cars, rolling stock, and railway-related artifacts in the United States. The museum offers you to see the largest steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, just 29 miles north of Dallas in Frisco. Even if you are not directly involved in this area, you will be interested to see the exhibits in this museum, typical of Dallas and around.

Wichita Falls and Kell House

Another interesting excursion is the Wichita Falls, made by human hands, to reach a town with its own symphony orchestra, ballet company, professional theater, museums, art galleries, and festivals. In case you are fond of history, then the Museum of Kell’s house is worth seeing. The museum was built in 1909 for Frank Kell and his family and testifies to the history of Wichita Falls. If you then continue your journey north, be sure to visit Lake Meredith to enjoy the Lake Aquatic and Wildlife Museum.