TOP 20 best attractions in Dallas

What is it?
A museum that chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy

Why should you go?
Dallas is best known for its association with the 1963 assassination of JFK, and one of the most famous places to visit here is the Sixth Floor Museum.

The main exhibit occupies the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, which was where Lee Harvey Oswald shot from. You'll get to see historic images, news footage, artifacts, and original evidentiary areas. The sniper's perch has been recreated from the crime scene photos and includes an Italian-made Mannlicher-Carcano rifle identical to the one used by the assassin. Artifacts related to Oswald and details of the investigation behind the Warren Commission Report are also on display.

Our walking tour of downtown Dallas, of course, includes this staple.

Specialization
Historic site and museum

Is good for
Fans of American history and conspiracy theories

What is it?
The cultural hub of downtown Dallas with numerous performing and visual arts venues

Why should you go?
The largest urban arts district in the US and a great place for sightseeing in Dallas, this walkable downtown neighborhood is spread across 20 square blocks and jam-packed with cultural venues and art.

Stroll along Flora Street, drop by one of the few art museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center, check out the modernist Meyerson Symphony Center and the lavish Winspear Opera House, and see Dallas' oldest Catholic church, the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. We love the sculpture of Pegasus by Stuart Kraft in front of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. The city is obsessed with the winged horse: check out another signature Pegasus with the self-guided tour of Downtown Dallas.

Specialization
Arts, culture, and urban walks

Perfect for
Culture vultures

What is it?
A large urban garden famous for its flowers and located on the shore of White Rock Lake

Why should you go?
Ranked among the top Dallas attractions, this is one of the finest display gardens in the country. Nineteen gardens occupy the 66-acre territory of this gorgeous urban park. These include the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, designed to help kids connect with nature, the Woman's Garden with a sculpture and a mesmerizing infinity pool, Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill with over 80 varieties of signature Japanese Maples, and a classic Rose Garden.

Events, from food and wine festivals and concerts to cooking classes and light shows, are frequently held here. Our favorite is the Autumn at the Arboretum, when a whole Pumpkin Village emerges, built of over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash.

Specialization
Urban garden

It is good for
A date, a stroll on your own, an afternoon with the kids — anything, really!

What is it?
A landmark observation tower with amazing 360-degree views

Why should you go?
The Reunion Tower is not the tallest building in town, but its silhouette is probably the most recognizable. This is the place to go to experience some truly awesome views of the city from the tower's GeO-Deck, which stands about 143 meters tall. The geodesic dome atop the tower is illuminated with LED lights at night, which often resonates with special events, holidays, and celebrations.

Various events are organized at the tower, from activities for families and science talks to dance performances and magic shows. There's also an opportunity to arrange an exceptional date night with wine and views of the nocturnal city — just imagine how romantic it might be!

Specialization
Observation deck + activities

Perfect for
A date — for those who are not afraid of heights

What is it?
Natural history and science museum located in a state-of-the-art contemporary facility

Why should you go?
Dating back to 1936, the Perot Museum opened in its current facility in 2012. It boasts bold and innovative design combined with an exceptional level of sustainability and eco-friendliness, with its energy-efficient cube-shaped structure floating over a landscaped plinth, wide use of recycled, biodegradable, and locally sourced materials, as well as renewable energy and natural light.


Permanent collections feature dinosaurs, birds, minerals, stuffed animals, and sections on human anatomy, robotics, planets, and galaxies. Lots of interactive experiences make it a great place for kids to learn about our universe — and for adults, well, to be happy that the children are occupied for a few hours.

Specialization
Natural history and science

Perfect for
Families with pre-teens

What is it?
One of the largest art museums in the US, located in the heart of the Arts District

Why should you go?
With more than 25,000 works spanning over 5,000 years, this spacious museum dates back to 1903, when Dallas Art Association was established.

There's art from all corners of the world: Asian, African, European, and American. Featuring Ancient Greece and post-WWII Japan, ritual masks and contemporary installations, Flemish masterpieces from the 15th to the 17th century, and Jean-Michel Basquiat's works — the vast and diverse collection includes permanent displays as well as a wide range of ever-changing temporary exhibitions.

Admission is free, which makes the DMA one of the greatest places to visit in Dallas for art lovers.

Specialization
Art

Perfect for
Art aficionados (and curious novices)

What is it?
The oldest and largest zoo in Texas with gorgeous giraffes

Why should you go?
The Dallas Zoo had rather humble beginnings: it started with two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest. Currently, it is a top-rated zoological park that houses over 2,000 animals representing over 400 species. The zoo is divided into regional sections: the original ZooNorth and the newer Wilds of Africa, including Giants of the Savanna. One of the local eateries overlooks the latter: you can look at lions and elephants while munching on your burger.

There's also a kid-sized mini-train, a carousel, and a whole lot of experiences and talks targeted at younger visitors — we're sure they're gonna enjoy it! We, for one, love the giraffe feeding sessions.

Specialization
Zoo

Perfect for
Families

What is it?
Home to the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection of modern and contemporary sculpture

Why should you go?
Another cultural institution in the Dallas Arts District is the Nasher Sculpture Center opened in 2003. The architect of the building is none other than Renzo Piano, who collaborated with landscape architect Peter Walker: the end result is a sleek modern structure that sits in the middle of a serene sculpture garden with cedar elms and fountains and houses some impressive masterpieces in its airy galleries.

The exhibitions feature works by de Kooning, Brâncuși, Giacometti, Matisse, Miró, Moore, Picasso, and Rodin, among other artists. There are also education and research facilities, a store, and a lovely cafe overlooking the garden.

Specialization
Sculpture

Perfect for
Modern art lovers

What is it?
A popular public park with an iconic cattle sculpture and an adjacent cemetery

Why should you go?
Pioneer Plaza is another extremely recognizable and heavily visited Dallas attraction. If you're interested in a deeper park exploration, our walking tour covers the plaza and its background.

This large public space commemorates Dallas' beginnings by celebrating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle drives along the Shawnee Trail, by which Texas longhorn cattle were taken to northern railheads. The most iconic object here is the huge bronze sculpture featuring three mounted cowboys and a herd of 49 steers, crossing the terrain with artificial cliffs and a water feature.

Check out the Pioneer Park Cemetery that is located next to the plaza: some of the local historical figures are buried here.

Specialization
Historic site and public art

Perfect for
First-timers in Dallas

What is it?
Aerospace museum affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute and highlighting the role of the Dallas/Fort Worth area in the aviation industry

Why should you go?
Located at Love Field airport, northwest of downtown Dallas, this neat and informative museum was founded in 1988 and is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution.

The exhibition tells stories of air and space flight via more than 35,000 historic artifacts and more than 40 air and space vehicles spread across 20 thematic galleries and displays. Aircraft includes the 1903 Wright Flyer model, the 1916 Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny," kids' favorite 1940 de Havilland DH.82 "Tiger Moth," the unique WWII Chance Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake," and Apollo 7 Command Module. There are also models, uniforms, photos, and memorabilia representing the major periods of aircraft development.

Specialization
History of air and space flight

Perfect for
Aircraft geeks

What is it?
An excellent aquarium whose residents include not only underwater creatures but also various birds, mammals, and reptiles

Why should you go?
Enjoyed the Zoo and looking for similar places to go in Dallas? Head over to the Aquarium. It occupies a former 1924 warehouse in the historic West End District: the interior was demolished, and the whole place rebuilt to house the aquarium.

You'll come across various species of colorful fish, crustaceans, corals, and anemones, but not just these sea creatures. Meet ocelots, flamingoes, and axolotls in the Mundo Maya exhibit, toucans, sloths, tamarins, and crocodiles in the Orinoco section, geckos and chameleons in the South Africa part, and penguins and cockatoos in the Borneo.

Our tour of downtown Dallas takes place just around the corner — and the aquarium is a great place to relax after seeing all those landmarks!

Specialization
Aquarium and zoo

Perfect for
Families with kids (and anyone who likes sea creatures)

What is it?
Downtown farmers market with fresh local produce, artisanal shops, and great views

Why should you go?
Located in the southeastern part of downtown Dallas, this sprawling market dates back to 1941. It operates daily, with an open-air pavilion called the Shed working over the weekends.
Fresh herbs and veggies, artisanal cheeses, Italian coffee, French macarons, fine steaks that can be grilled for you right next to the butcher's shop — or would you prefer seafood? There are also Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and other joints. Local vendors also sell homeware, gifts, pet accessories, artwork, furniture, jewelry, clothes, and whatnot.

Also, Ruibal's Plants of Texas across the street is a large garden center totally worth checking out.

Specialization
Farmer's market

Perfect for
Shopaholics, self-professed chefs, and hipsters

What is it?
A public park and recreation space built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Why should you go?
Opened in 2012, Klyde Warren Park bridges Dallas' Uptown neighborhood with the Arts District and downtown business center and is much loved by the locals. The structure includes a deck made of more than 300 concrete beams and an urban garden with 37 native plant species and 322 trees.

Walk around, jog, or just stretch out on a blanket, let the kids play in the Nancy Best Fountain, or wait for the choreographed light and music show when the water feature gets illuminated to ABBA songs (you can continue splashing at the same time, by the way). Feeling peckish? Grab a bite in one of the famous food trucks! Italian or Greek, pizza or corn dogs, pastrami sandwiches or vegan grub — you choose!

Specialization
Urban park

Perfect for
Singles, couples, and families

What is it?
A museum dedicated to Spanish art and nicknamed 'Prado on the Prairie'

Why should you go?
The Meadows Museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, and it's totally worth a trip from downtown, especially when you've already visited all the best places in the city center. Established in 1965, it features one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, with works dating from the 10th to the 21st centuries.

The art on display includes some real masterpieces, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Goya, Miró, Dalí, and Picasso. There's also a collection of modern sculptures by major non-Spanish artists, including Rodin, Maillol, and Giacometti.

Specialization
Spanish art

Perfect for
Art connoisseurs

What is it?
An art museum in downtown Dallas focused on Asian arts and cultures

Why should you go?
One more cultural establishment in the Arts District, this museum is dedicated to the cultures of Asia, covering a range of regions and embracing their diversity.
The collection includes pieces from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeastern Asia, spanning from historical to contemporary. Individual exhibitions feature weapons and ceremonial objects, Japanese ceramics created by female artists, Hindu gods and their visual representations, and a very fine selection of Chinese jade. Outside, you can find the Seated Daoist Deity fountain and two Indian gazebos called baradari, used for meditation and relaxation.

Specialization
Asian art museum

Perfect for
Fans of all things related to Asia

What is it?
Gravestones of America's notorious criminal couple in two different cemeteries

Why should you go?
Dallas was where Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow met in 1930; soon, the couple became well-known outlaws. They committed robberies, killed people, and were eventually ambushed by police and shot to death in 1934.

But did you know the romanticized criminal couple is actually buried in different cemeteries in the city? These are not your obvious tourist attractions in Dallas! Barrow's gravestone is at the Western Heights Cemetery, and Parker is interred at Crown Hill Memorial Park (Parker's mother insisted that they be buried separately).

The graves were not accessible to the public until 2014. Now, you can visit both of them freely, and you're not likely to get lost: the tombs receive their fair share of visitors who leave mementos, from flowers to bullets.

Specialization
Crime history and cemetery tourism

Perfect for
Fans of American crime stories

What is it?
Multi-venue center in the heart of the Arts District, hosting opera, theater, and dance performances

Why should you go?
The AT&T Performing Arts Center is a public gathering space with a focus on creativity. It operates three of the nation's finest performance venues: the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theatre, and Strauss Square, as well as the green space, Sammons Park — a lively outdoor performance space with a splash pool and a picnic area.

The Center is home to five resident companies: Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Dallas Black Dance Theater, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, and Texas Ballet Theater. So if you're looking for places to see a great show in the city center, look no further: the Centre ticks all the boxes. Zumba in the park? South African dance theater? Fiddler on the Roof? Some Mozart, perhaps?

Specialization
Performance venue

Perfect for
Performing arts fans

What is it?
Art museum devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural, and historical heritage

Why should you go?
Founded in 1974, this museum has been concentrating on preserving and exhibiting the history and culture of African-Americans ever since. The museum's ivory-colored building in the shape of a cross has been designed to remind of traditional African structures.

The Museum has a permanent collection and hosts temporary exhibitions. There's a local focus on the history of Dallas' Black community. One of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the country is on display, including hundreds of items, some of which date back to the 18th century. Be it the history of Black cowboys, or pieces created by some outstanding African American artists, you'll surely come across something new and exciting.

Specialization
Art museum

Perfect for
Black culture and history buffs

What is it?
Entertainment district with music, street art, cafes, and bars

Why should you go?
Feel like going out for a couple of drinks and some jazz after all that sightseeing? Deep Ellum is Dallas' hippest neighborhood with a buzzing nightlife scene. Its history as the center of jazz and blues goes back to the 1920s when Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, and Bessie Smith were among those who played in the local clubs.

Gaze at some of the hundreds of colorful murals and the trio of Traveling Man sculptures. Check out the local barbecue joints, Pecan Lodge or Terry Black's Barbecue. Go to the Deep Ellum Brewing Company Taproom for craft beer. Finally, head over to the Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge, Adair's Saloon, or Dada Dallas for the live music!

Specialization
Hip neighborhood, music, food, and drinks

Perfect for
Late-night entertainment

What is it?
The cinema where Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended

Why should you go?
The Texas Theatre was opened in 1931 as the largest suburban movie theater in Dallas and a state-of-the-art facility. It's most famous for being the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald, JFK's assassin, was arrested. The seat that he allegedly occupied was later inscribed with the words' Lee Harvey Oswald, November 22, 1963,' although the original chair was removed.

After falling into disrepair, the theater was acquired by the Oak Cliff Foundation in 2001 and renovated. Currently, it shows primarily classic and cult horror movies and has a rather fancy retro bar with film-inspired cocktails, film literature, and a vinyl record player. Drop by for a screening of Rashomon or Blade Runner.

Specialization
Historic site & cinema

Perfect for
History buffs and cult movie fans