Unique Things To Do In Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas tells many unique stories about Texan history and culture. From its sculpture lined streets to the world-class array of museums, there are few cities in the US that can offer such a window to the past and future of the country at the same time.
A nighttime view over Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas has undergone a transformation over the past decade, with many of its once empty buildings and desolate sidewalks revamped into a major hub of culture and entertainment. Today the district continues to grow, and every week there seem to be new green spaces, arts institutions, fine dining venues and upscale shops added to the burgeoning landscape. As a consequence the area is now almost as busy at night as it is during the day.
Yet the gentrification that has taken place here is only one part of the story. In short, Downtown Dallas is so much more than the sum of its contemporary parts and it is also blessed with a wide array of perennially popular landmarks and attractions. Its museums explore the regions past and present, combining with a fantastic public arts programme to make Downtown Dallas a genuinely fascinating place to visit. Here are ten unique things to do in Downtown Dallas.
Discover what happened to JFK on that fateful day in US history
To have a look at some of the JFK tours available in Dallas, please click here.
Plaza: 646 Main St
Elm Street where JFK was assassinated
Explore the history of art at the DMA
1717 N Harwood St
Dallas Museum of Art
Find Dining Inspiration At Trinity Groves
Trinity GrovesCant decide what youre in the mood to eat? Check out the multitude of options available at Trinity Groves. Asian, Italian, Mexican, barbecue, vegan, pizza, poké, wings, even a restaurant focused solely on avocadosit can all be found just across the river from downtown. Still cant decide? Kick things off by hanging out in the new ArtPark beer garden, which sports its own menu of burgers and bar food, then patio hop from restaurant to restaurant or order bites to-go as you munch your way across the globe. Start by sharing a bowl from Hula Girl Poké before sitting down to stacked enchiladas from Beto & Son, a reconfigured New Mexico-style version of the classic. And for dessert, dont sleep on the hummingbird cake at Cake Bar.
Pedal Through The Streets While Drinking
Downtown Deep EllumIf youve been out on the town anytime recently, youve seen the Dallas Party Bike roll by with a bunch of happy people pedaling bylikely accompanied by screams of Woooooo! and Chug! Chug! Chug! Whats best about this particular people-powered pub-crawl service is that you can book a late-night excursion through Deep Ellum and Downtown starting at 9:30 pm and going until 11:30 pm, at which point you can keep the party going or catch a ride home to soak your leg muscles in a hot bath.
Recommended Reading: Indoor Things To Do In Orlando Fl
Stop For A Quick Brew At Deep Ellum Brewing Company
If you dont mind a craft beer now and then, not to mention live music in a cute garden, youre bound to fall in love with the Deep Ellum Brewing Company.
After tasting the Blind Lemon seltzer, Dallas Blonde American Blonde Ale, or Play Date American Sour Blonde Ale , definitely consider the behind-the-scenes brewery tour!
While a day drink can never go astray, locals say that the best time to visit this watering hole is at night, when the electric atmosphere really comes alive.
Whoazone On Grapevine Lake
WhoaZone is an over the water inflatable obstacle course that is sure to provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. Book online ahead of time and then be ready for an adventure unlike an other! This is a great way to keep cool on hot summer days!
If you have extra time, be sure not to miss these fun things to do in Grapevine!
Recommended Reading: Cheap Things To Do In Colorado Springs
Get A History Lesson Where Jfk Was Assassinated
Dealey PlazaWhen some folks think of Dallas, the first thing that comes to mind is JFKs assassination. And although no city should be defined by a single event that occurred almost 60 years ago, its historical significance is undisputed. Take a walk around Dealey Plaza and the infamous grassy knoll to spot where the former president was killed in 1963. When youre done dodging the conspiracy theorists hanging around the plaza, pop over to the Sixth Floor Museum to learn the full story of that pivotal day.
Check Out The Food Trucks At Klyde Warren Park
Located opposite the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Garden, you will find the Klyde Warren Park.
This urban park is the epicenter of the arts district and hosts a bunch of events including fitness classes, music concerts, childrens events, and more.
The park has stunning views of downtown Dallas and its a beautiful natural oasis.
It offers the perfect break between checking out all the surrounding museums and cultural attractions in the neighborhood.
The park is an excellent place to let the kids run free and even has a splash pad for the little ones to beat the summer heat.
But the best part about the park is the plenty of food trucks that are parked here!
You can buy meals from the food trucks and eat them at the picnic tables in the park.
Our favorites are the Serious Salad, Yummy Pizza, and Wuden Chopsticks.
We also love buying fresh fruits from the Fruit Lady Truck.
The park is especially stunning during the holiday season.
It is home to a beautiful Christmas tree and looks very festive.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Naperville
Tour One Of The Only Two Money Printing Facilities In The United States
The U.S. Treasury has only 2 money printing and engraving facilities in the country and one of them is right in DFW!
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, in Fort Worth, is open to the public and can be toured for free . Take advantage of your visit and check on other Forth Worth must-see attractions .
Get Wet And Wild At A Waterpark
Various locationsKicking back in a pool may be fine and good for people looking to beat the soon-to-be hellish Texas heat, but if you want to add an adrenaline rush to your chlorine-scented day, the waterpark possibilities in town are quite abundant. Get wet year-round at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie , or head a few miles down the road to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for more than 20 rides and attractions. If you prefer a resort-style experience, book a room at the beautiful Hilton Anatole and get free access for two to their JadeWaters pools, including the adults-only leisure cove. And for a more local experience, head to one of the five Hawaiian Falls neighborhood locations throughout the metroplex.
Read Also: Things To Do In Westminster Md
John F Kennedy Memorial Plaza
The understated John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza was inaugurated in June 1970, beside the red sandstone towers of the Dallas County Courthouse.
The monument at its core was designed by architect Philip Johnson, a friend of the Kennedy family, and was personally approved by Jacqueline Kennedy.
Conceived to represent the freedom of John F. Kennedys spirit, the memorial comprises a square room without a roof, with concrete walls 15 x 15 meters long and 9 meters high.
These walls are composed of 72 concrete columns, supported by two legs at each corner and so appearing to hover over the ground when illuminated at night.
In the room is a granite square carved with JFKs name, painted in gold to catch the light from the walls.
The oil baron Algur Meadows made repeated trips to Madrid in the 1950s, and in that time he fell in love with Spanish art at the Museo del Prado, resolving to create his own Prado on the prairie back in Dallas.
This became the Meadows Museum at the Southern Methodist University campus, home to one of the largest assemblages of Spanish art outside of Spain.
The art here dates from the 900s to the present, comprising Renaissance altarpieces, massive Baroque canvases, liturgical polychrome images, graphic art, Impressionist landscapes, abstract painting, sketches and sculpture.
Among the many great artists featured are Velázquez, El Greco, Murillo, Ribera, Zurbarán, Goya , Sorolla, Rodin, Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Henry Moore and Giacometti.
Indulge In Lowest Greenvilles Vibrant Dining Scene
Lowest GreenvilleThe buzzy nightlife vibes that once characterized this popular section of town have slowly but surely started to come back, but you can also plan your Lowest Greenville adventure around some of the citys best eats . For starters, Wabi House boasts some of the best ramen in the city, Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen puts out a mean duck curry, and HG Supply Co. has been a neighborhood staple for years with an emphasis on healthy and sustainably produced meals. Make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop or sundae from Botolino Gelato Artigianale, offering some of the best in the city. For more al fresco calorie consumption, hit up Truck Yard across the street with plenty of seating options, a treehouse bar, and regular live music.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Kansas State
Get Jumping At Urban Air Trampoline And Adventure Park
This popular North Dallas attraction is far more than just your run-of-the-mill trampoline park Urban Air offers a state-of-the-art Warrior Course, a ropes course, battle beams, Climbing Walls and so much more, perfect for visitors of all ages.
Whether youre thinking of taking part in one of the fitness classes, playing dodgeball, or just jumping for fun, calories are sure to be burned so bring a water bottle!
Best Things To Do In Dallas
A well-rounded city growing out of the stark North Texas prairie, Dallas has a jumble of ultramodern skyscrapers, the largest arts district in the United States, museums of the highest quality and pulsating nightlife.
Whole swathes of the city have been reinvented in recent times, like the Design District breathing new life into an austere neighborhood of warehouses, or Klyde Warren Park, on the former route of a freeway.
But if youre hunting for old-time Texas trademarks like big steaks, BBQ and honkytonks among the upscale restaurants and high-culture, youll find them with little trouble.
Dallas will also forever be tied to the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, and at Dealey Plaza youll discover how the city has come to terms with this tragedy.
Lets explore the best things to do in Dallas:
You May Like: Things To Do In Kerrville Tx This Weekend
Fort Worths Molly The Trolley
Hop on the vintage-looking Molly the Trolley for easy transport around downtown Fort Worth, Texas, including Main Street and the Fort Worth Sundance Square area.
Molly the Trolley is a fun vintage-looking trolley that makes several stops along its route, making Molly the Trolley a great way to get around.
Molly the Trolley travels between Sundance Square and the Convention Center on Main Street for quick access to the places you want to visit, and its free! Molly the Trolley runs 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Average wait times for Molly the Trolley are about 15 minutes.
Catch The Texas Rangers In Action At Globe Life Park
The modern and enormous Globe Life Park is located in Arlington, halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, and primarily serves as the home of the Texas Rangers of the MLB .
Whether a preseason or regular season fixture, very few places can dish up a more exciting atmosphere than here, when the stadium is packed, the drinks are flowing, and the crowd is in full swing.
Check out the next matches of the Texas Rangers.
Read Also: Things To Do In Portland Ct
Glide Through Colorful Streets On A Segway Tour
Forget walking! One of the most efficient ways to explore the city is on two wheels, Segway style!
Led by knowledgable locals, segway tours which run 5-6 times per day zip past popular sites like Dealey Plaza, Thanksgiving Square, the location of JFKs assassination, and a plethora of historical landmarks.
Tour A Replica Of The Mansion Herman Lily And Grandpa Called Home
WaxahachieOne of the most unlikely tourist attractions in the area is this lovingly recreated replica of the mansion from the 1960s TV series, The Munsters. Private tours make it one of the safest ways to witness a part of pop culture history with a room-by-room journey filled with actual artifacts from the series, recreated elements, and fascinating stories from the owners interactions with the stars over the years.
Read Also: Fun Things To Do In Fort Wayne For Adults
Explore Bishop Arts District
If you love cute neighborhoods, then you have to visit the Bishop Arts District in Dallas. This rapidly changing area is home to a ton of delicious restaurants and eclectic shops.
Some highlights are Wild Detectives for books, Society for amazing handmade candles, and We are 1976 for quirky prints. One of the top places to visit in Dallas Texas!
You also cant leave Bishop Arts without trying a piece of pie from Emporium Pies, trust me!
Be Intrigued At The Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza
All history nerds must visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas.
The museum also provides an educational and informative history lesson for the kids.
The Dealey Plaza was where JFK was assassinated and his shooter Oswald was on the 6th floor of the museum building, which was the Texas School Book Depository back in the day.
That very spot has been converted into a museum and is full on amazing exhibits.
You can even see the window from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shot that killed the president.
Out on the plaza, you can see the two X marking the spots where the bullets hit the President.
The Museum explores the life and death of President John F Kennedy and has plenty of historical exhibits and artifacts related to him.
There is also an excellent narration of the assassination events in the context of the national and international political events happening in the 1960s.
This is a really cool museum that provides an amazing experience for the entire family.
Visitors often find that the museum is an emotional experience too especially for those who have heard about the incident firsthand.
We recommend keeping aside at least 2 hours for a self-guided tour of the museum.
Also Check: Fun Things To Do In Grapevine
Frontiers Of Flight Museum
Source: Neuwieser / Flickr
Head to Dallas Love Field Airport to be awed by this Smithsonian Affiliate museum in the airports south-east corner.
The Frontiers of Flight Museum has more than 30 aircraft and space vehicles on show, a portion of which were built in the North Texas area.
There are also 13 galleries and exhibits to ponder, including artifacts from the Hindenburg, lots of detail about aviators like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, and a full-size model of the Wright Brothers 1903 Wright Flyer.
As for preserved aircraft, make sure to see Apollo VII, used for the first manned flight of the Apollo Space Program in 1968. Also indispensible is the last surviving Texas-Temple Sportsman monoplane , a de Havilland Tiger Moth , a Bell 47 and jet fighters and bombers including an F-16b , an LTV A-7 Corsair II , a Republic F-105D and a Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star .
Best Airbnb In Dallas: Sweet Condo In The The Middle Of Dt
This apartment will exceed your expectations immensely! You will find yourself mesmerized by the views from the rooftop, with panoramic views of the city lights and all of downtown. You may even end up staying there, sunbathing in the pool for most of your trip. Yeah, thats right the pool has lounge chairs in the water! Yet, you did come here to see the city, and this location is centrally located. Meaning, you dont need to move your car once you arrive. Huge perk!
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Florida Indoors
Go For A Swim At The Texas Pool
You can find the most unique public swimming pool in the United States in Plano. The legendary Texas Pool is a 168,000-gallon saltwater pool shaped like the state of Texas.
Its unique architecture and long history as a community gathering place are what make this pool so fascinating. In fact, pool-goers have been swimming across Texas since 1961 and, in that same year, Miss Plano Pageant was held there!
In 2013, the Texas Pool Foundation was established for the purpose of preserving the Texas Pool facility, which was left unrepaired and unattended for several years. The pool is open to tourists and visitors for just $10 a day. You can also take a mesmerizing mermaid lesson on your visit.
Go Behind The Scenes At The Cowboys Stadium
Also known as the AT& T Stadium, this stadium is more than just a home for Dak Prescott and the Dallas cowboys: its the worlds largest dome-shaped stadium, home to an interactive classroom, a colorful art museum, and plenty more.
Depending on your tour package, you might even get the chance to run out into the actual field!
Recommended Reading: Nice Things To Do In Atlanta
Catch A Nascar Race At The Texas Motor Speedway
If youre someone with an insatiable need for speed, cancel all your other plans and make a beeline for the Texas Motor Speedway!
The petrolhead paradise hosts regular NASCAR events, drag racing, dirt track competitions, the lesser-known yet high-octane Formula Drift, and plenty more.
Youll find it just a half-hour drive down the road, located north of Fort Worth.
