Planning a trip and wondering What To Do In Dallas? Forget the stereotypes of just BBQ and cowboys – although Dallas does those exceptionally well! Prepare to discover a vibrant metropolis brimming with arts, culture, incredible food, and that famous Texas hospitality.
As a content creator for what.edu.vn and a former Dallas resident of over two years, I’ve explored every corner of this dynamic city. This guide is your insider’s look at the best things to do in Dallas, crafted to help you experience the city like a local, even if you only have a weekend. This isn’t just a list of tourist traps; it’s a curated itinerary based on my personal experiences, designed to show you the true heart of Dallas.
Your 48-Hour Dallas Adventure: A Detailed Itinerary
To help you make the most of your time, here’s a detailed 48-hour itinerary packed with Dallas attractions and local favorites.
Friday Evening: Diving into Deep Ellum’s Electric Vibe
Settle into your hotel and immediately head to Deep Ellum, Dallas’s undisputed hub for cool. This neighborhood pulses with a gritty yet undeniably trendy energy. For anyone wondering what to do in Dallas at night, Deep Ellum is your answer.
Start by wandering through the streets and soaking in the incredible Deep Ellum murals. Every corner turned reveals a new explosion of color and artistic expression, making it a perfect introduction to Dallas’s creative spirit.
When hunger strikes, Deep Ellum offers a smorgasbord of dining options. For an authentic Texas BBQ experience, brave the lines at Pecan Lodge (2702 Main St). Trust me, it’s worth the wait for some of the best BBQ in Dallas.
If you’re seeking a more upscale vibe with stunning city views, Stirr (2803 Main St) is your spot. Head to the rooftop for cocktails and panoramic Dallas vistas. For a unique and interactive dinner, Niwa Japanese Barbecue (2939 Main St) offers yakiniku-style dining where you cook your own meats at the table – perfect for groups. Craving Tex-Mex? Pepe’s and Mito’s (2911 Elm St) is a local favorite for classic, no-frills dishes.
As night deepens, Deep Ellum truly comes alive. For a taste of honky-tonk and live music, Adair’s Saloon (2624 Commerce St) is a Dallas institution where you can dance the night away. Alternatively, explore the diverse bar scene. Ruins (2653 Commerce St) and Armoury D.E. (2714 Elm St) are two personal favorites for expertly crafted cocktails in unique atmospheres.
Saturday Morning: Brunch and the Dallas Arts District
Kick off your Saturday with a Dallas tradition: brunch. Dallas elevates brunch to an art form, and you’ll find endless options.
Overeasy (1914 Commerce St), nestled in the chic Statler Hotel downtown, is a retro diner dream. Their pancakes are legendary – genuinely the fluffiest you might ever encounter.
If Overeasy doesn’t fit your location or taste, explore more brunch spots in my Dallas brunch guide.
Brunch at Overeasy Dallas
After fueling up, immerse yourself in culture at the Dallas Arts District. Surprisingly, Dallas boasts the largest contiguous urban arts district in the entire United States. Spanning 19 blocks, it’s packed with world-class museums and cultural institutions.
Choose a museum or two to explore. The Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N Harwood St) offers a vast collection spanning various eras and cultures. For families or the young at heart, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (2201 N Field St) is an interactive wonderland.
My personal recommendation is the Nasher Sculpture Center (2001 Flora St). Here, art seamlessly blends with nature as impressive sculptures are displayed both indoors and in the beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
Pro-tip for saving money: Consider the Dallas CityPASS for discounted entry to multiple attractions, including the Perot Museum.
Saturday Afternoon: Parks, History, and Reflection
For lunch, head to Klyde Warren Park, an innovative 5.2-acre park ingeniously built over a freeway. This vibrant green space is lined with diverse food trucks offering everything from Vietnamese cuisine to BBQ, Cajun specialties, and even lobster rolls.
Klyde Warren Park is more than just a lunch spot; it’s an urban oasis perfect for relaxing and people-watching amidst your busy Dallas sightseeing.
Next, prepare for a somber but essential Dallas experience: Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum (https://www.jfk.org/). Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum meticulously chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Take a self-guided tour through the exhibits, which detail the Kennedy visit to Texas, the events leading up to the assassination, and its aftermath. Allow around 90 minutes for a comprehensive visit.
Outside the museum in Dealey Plaza, a simple white cross marks the exact spot where President Kennedy was tragically killed. This site remains a powerful and reflective place, drawing visitors from around the world.
For a deeper dive into this historical event, consider booking a JFK Assassination and Museum Tour that includes a visit to Lee Harvey Oswald’s rooming house.
Saturday Evening: Bishop Arts District Charm and BBQ Delights
As evening approaches, venture to the Bishop Arts District, a rapidly evolving neighborhood retaining a charming, local feel. This is the perfect place to experience a different side of Dallas.
Bishop Arts is a haven for unique boutiques and shops. Bookworms will love Wild Detectives (314 W Eighth St), a bookstore that also serves coffee and cocktails. Society by Jackson Vaughn (403 N Bishop Ave) is a must-visit for beautifully scented candles, and We Are 1976 (313 N Bishop Ave) offers a curated selection of stationery, homewares, and art prints.
Dinner in Bishop Arts means BBQ – specifically, Lockhart Smokehouse (400 W Davis St), renowned for its authentic Texas BBQ.
For BBQ aficionados seeking a true local gem, Cattleack BBQ (https://cattleackbbq.com/) in North Dallas is unparalleled. However, note their limited hours: Wednesday to Friday and the first Saturday of each month. It’s a favorite among Dallas residents for a reason!
Alternatively, Oddfellows (316 W 7th St) offers a diner-style setting with a surprisingly sophisticated menu. From shrimp ceviche to seared scallops, alongside diner classics like fried chicken and waffles, there’s something for everyone.
For a truly special occasion, and if you’ve planned ahead with a reservation, Lucia (287 North Bishop Ave) is one of Dallas’s best restaurants, offering an intimate Italian dining experience reminiscent of a family dining room.
No visit to Bishop Arts is complete without dessert from Emporium Pies (314 N Bishop Ave). With a rotating selection of pie flavors, choosing just one slice will be your biggest challenge of the day.
To round out your evening, enjoy live music at Revelers Hall (412 North Bishop Ave), a lively venue in the heart of Bishop Arts.
Sunday Morning: Coffee, Cowboys, and Stadium Spectacle
Start Sunday with a caffeine kick at LDU (https://www.lducoffee.com/) (2650 N Fitzhugh Ave). This Australian-run coffee shop serves what many consider the best coffee in Dallas. Their toasted banana bread and grilled sandwiches are also worth indulging in. With multiple locations, find the LDU closest to you.
Next, it’s time to experience Texas-sized grandeur at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Located in Arlington, west of Dallas, it’s easily accessible by car.
No car? Book a Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour with Transport for a hassle-free experience.
While you can do a self-guided tour, the VIP tour is highly recommended. This immersive two-hour experience takes you behind the scenes, including the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ locker room, onto the field itself, and past Dak Prescott’s locker. It’s a truly impressive and unforgettable experience, even for non-football fans.
Sunday Afternoon: Stepping Back in Time in Fort Worth Stockyards
After the modern marvel of AT&T Stadium, journey further west to Fort Worth, a city with a distinct Western identity within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Your first stop in Fort Worth must be the Stockyards National Historic District. Here, you’ll feel transported to the era of cowboys and cattle drives.
The Stockyards are famous for the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive (11:30 am and 4:00 pm). Witness real cowhands herding longhorn cattle through the streets – a truly unique spectacle.
Explore the shops, restaurants, and live music venues lining the historic district, all steeped in Western charm.
For an authentic honky-tonk experience, step into Billy Bob’s Texas, “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.” While the nightlife is legendary, daytime visitors can enjoy a meal, play pool, or even pose for a photo on a mechanical bull.
Sunday Evening: Lower Greenville Farewell
Return to Dallas and conclude your weekend in Lower Greenville, a vibrant neighborhood I once called home. Greenville Avenue is packed with restaurants and bars, buzzing with energy, especially on weekends.
Start with drinks at Truck Yard (5624 Sears St), a sprawling outdoor bar with communal tables and quirky décor, perfect for socializing. For a more refined pre-dinner drink, Leela’s Wine Bar (1914 Greenville Ave) offers an elegant setting and excellent charcuterie boards (though save room for dinner!).
Dinner options abound on Greenville Avenue. Via Triozzi offers upscale Italian dining in a stylish setting. For rooftop views and a lively atmosphere, HG Sply Co (2008 Greenville Ave) is a fantastic choice, offering both bar snacks and healthy protein-focused dishes downstairs. HG Sply Co was actually the first place I visited in Dallas and a major reason I fell in love with the Lower Greenville neighborhood.
Sunset view from HG Sply Co rooftop
End your Dallas weekend on a sweet note with gelato from Botolino Gelato Artigianale (2116 Greenville Ave). Their unique flavors, like olive oil, dulce de leche, and mascarpone and figs, are the perfect ending to your Dallas adventure.
This itinerary just scratches the surface of what Dallas has to offer. I guarantee you’ll leave wanting to return and explore even more!
Have More Time? Consider taking a day trip from Dallas to discover dinosaur sites, natural beauty, and more Texan charm.
Dallas Travel Essentials: Planning Your Trip
Getting to Dallas
Dallas is incredibly accessible, boasting two major airports served by all major airlines.
Dallas Love Field (DAL) is my preferred airport – smaller, quicker through security, and closer to downtown. Southwest, Delta, and Alaska Airlines operate here.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), a massive international hub, is located between Dallas and Fort Worth. American Airlines’ hub, it also hosts Delta, Spirit, United, JetBlue, and international carriers like Qantas. DFW is about a 35-45 minute taxi/ride-share to downtown Dallas, depending on traffic.
SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS TO DALLAS
Best Time to Visit Dallas
The ideal times to visit Dallas are March to May and September to November. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is milder. The Texas State Fair in September is a major event worth planning your trip around.
Summers in Dallas are HOT (May to September). Expect sweltering heat, although humidity is less intense than in Houston.
Dallas winters are generally mild compared to other US cities, though occasional cold snaps and even a bit of snow are possible.
Getting Around Dallas
Dallas is a sprawling city, making a rental car highly recommended for exploring efficiently. Both airports offer easy car rentals, and parking is generally plentiful throughout the city, with valet services common at restaurants.
If you prefer public transport, DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) offers a light rail system reaching many parts of the city, including both airports. A day pass is an affordable $6.
RENT A CAR IN DALLAS
Where to Stay in Dallas: Hotel Recommendations
Dallas offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget. Here are some top hotel picks:
Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown: Central location, friendly staff, and spacious rooms. Booking.com | Expedia
Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown: Excellent value in a good location, with complimentary breakfast. Booking.com | Expedia
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Downtown: Walkable to the JFK Museum, spacious rooms, and great location. Booking.com | Expedia
Hyatt Regency Dallas: Located at Reunion Tower, offering stunning city views. Booking.com | Expedia
Hilton Anatole: Unique amenities including a lazy river and a world-class Asian art collection. Booking.com | Expedia
The Joule: Luxury hotel with stunning artwork, a rooftop pool overlooking the city. Booking.com | Expedia
I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect trip and discover all the amazing things to do in Dallas!
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What are your favorite things to do in Dallas? Share your tips in the comments below!
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