Oil and cowboys are the two things that people most associate with Texas and with what is undoubtedly one of its most famous cities. But the truth is that Dallas has much more to offer a visitor. And since it also lends itself to being a good stop-over point during a road trip in this part of the States, it’s a good idea to delve into why you should choose to stop here for a night or two.
Almost as if it were the same, gigantic metropolis, Fort Worth is detached from Dallas. Although today they can really be considered a single huge urban agglomeration, the two cities have distinct historical centers and it was only the increase in population in recent decades to make them grow enough to join up. Let’s see now how to visit Dallas, delving into its main places of interest, with some advice on when to visit, where to eat and stay.
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Best Things to Do in Dallas
Although the capital of Texas is Austin, Dallas is its economic heart. Founded as a mercantile outpost in 1841 and developed since the two main railroads of the US Southwest joined up here, it has always been attractive to entrepreneurs, tycoons, and major traders. This commercial crossroads is also on the border between the eastern area of the state – characterized by the large oil fields, and the western area, where the wide prairies offer the perfect pastures for the herds governed by cowboys.
We find the cowboy monument, with about forty life-size bronze cows in the center (Pioneer Plaza, 1428 Young St.). As I was saying, however, Dallas is capable of going beyond the Hollywood stereotypes and of surprising the visitor with its many peculiarities and with its cultural and artistic life, perhaps unexpected in the eyes of a tourist. Let’s see what awaits us.
Kennedy’s location
An episode that has made Dallas sadly famous is the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, which occurred on November 22, 1963. This dark chapter in American history cannot go unnoticed by those who visit the Texan city, where a couple of places in particular bring it back to memory.
- JFK Memorial (646 Main St.). Erected on June 24, 1970, this monument in the center of the city is the official memorial that Dallas wanted to dedicate to the tragic death of the president. It is a very simple, square-shaped structure, 50 feet wide and 30 feet high, that invites you to contemplate.
- Sixth Floor Museum (411 Elm st.). The dramatic episode of 1963 is narrated in this particular museum, where one enters to become involved in a relevant chapter of the history of the twentieth century. The setting of the assassination is recreated in great detail, from the window from which the shots were fired, to the place where Kennedy was fatally wounded. The museum is not a macabre reconstruction, but a place of historical narration. The front page of the Dallas Times Herald from that day is on display here, but Kennedy’s life and ideas are also illustrated. Temporary exhibitions are also held in one wing of the museum. All updated hours and prices are available on the official website.
Tour of Kennedy’s places in Dallas
The most famous buildings
The center of Dallas is characterized by skyscrapers and modern buildings, like any great American city, but also by some buildings of historical value. During the visit, it is worth stopping in front of, or inside, some of these buildings. Let’s take a look at the main ones not to be missed.
- Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Blvd.). Lovers of futuristic architecture will not be disappointed by this 561-feet tower that supports a large sphere, called the GEO-Deck, overlooking the city. Inside it we find both a restaurant and a space dedicated to telescopes for stargazing. Different types of activities are organized in the large panoramic space that rotates, ranging from yoga classes to educational initiatives for children. Schedules and prices to go up to the panoramic area, as well as all the activities you can join, are updated on the official website.
- Old Red Courthouse (100 S. Houston st.). Anyone who has seen at least a few episodes of the TV series Walker Texas Ranger, starring Chuck Norris, will easily recognize this historic red building with its distinctive turrets. Built in 1892, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city and probably the best preserved of the ones from that era. Today it houses both the tourist office and the county museum: two more reasons, besides the aesthetic factor, to stop here.
- Union Station (400 S. Houston st.). Dallas’ main train station deserves special attention. From the outside it may not be as attractive as other stations, but the inside still retains a certain retro charm and in particular a large hall is set up by caterers for banquets and ceremonies.
- Hall of State (3939 Grand Avenue). Home to the Dallas Historical Society, this imposing building was built in 1936 for the Centennial Exposition. Over the years, it has hosted events honoring presidents, monarchs and heads of state from numerous nations. Although you’re unlikely to attend one of the large private events held in here, it’s worth lingering in front of the imposing semi-circular facade.
Dallas Museums
In addition to the aforementioned Sixth Floor Museum dedicated to Kennedy and unique in its kind, Dallas is proud of some of its other places dedicated to art and the spread of culture. There are probably other U.S. cities that you are used to associating with famous museums, but even in Texas you can discover some beauty hidden in the museum halls.
- Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N. Harwood st.). More than 22,000 works of art from around the world are concentrated in this gallery, which houses ancient and modern pieces representing numerous artistic currents. One of the museum’s iconic paintings is Edward Hopper’s Lighthouse Hill, while among the sculptures we can’t fail to mention Auguste Rodin’s Sculptor and his muse. But you’ll also find an entire wing dedicated to Spanish colonial art, a section dedicated to children and much more. Updated hours and prices are available on the official website.
- Nasher Sculpture Center (2001 Flora st.). For modern art lovers, this is a must-see in the city. Iron and glass are the main materials of the works exhibited in this art center built by the Nasher family from their private collection. Among the artists on display are Rodin and Miro, Koning and Calder, as well as many other representatives of international art. Updated hours and prices are available on the official website.
- Women’s Museum (205 S. Whiting st.). Which women have made history and what history have women made in the world? At this museum you’ll find some of the many answers to these questions. You don’t have to be an avid feminist to appreciate the exhibits set up in these rooms and learn something really interesting about world history. Updated hours and prices are available on the official website.
- African American Museum (3536 Grand Ave.). Exhibitions and initiatives follow one another in this exhibition space where the main theme is the history of African Americans. A permanent exhibit is dedicated to African and African American folk art. Up-to-date hours and prices, as well as details on current exhibitions, are available on the official website.
- Perot Museum (2201 N. Field st.). A well-rounded natural science museum, ranging from minerals to engineering, from world history to the study of energy. If you have children, you won’t be disappointed by the section created especially for them, but as adults you’ll also have a lot to discover in the various thematic areas, starting with the very special one dedicated to sports. Prices and updated schedules are available on the official website.
- Dallas World Aquarium(1801 N. Griffin st.). This enormous aquarium is dedicated to nature, but it also extends its sphere to the mainland like a real zoo. On the official website, you’ll find the different sections you can visit, as well as updated prices and hours.
Dallas neighborhoods
Dallas is a very diverse city, and the different neighborhoods that make up the city each have their own peculiarities. In order to both to organize your visit to the city, and to decide where to look for your accommodation if you want to stay overnight here, you may find it useful to understand what makes each area different from the surrounding ones. Let’s take a look at the most interesting neighborhoods.
West End Historic District
The historic district of West End is one of the essential stops when visiting Dallas: it recalls its origins and represents its history and the evolution it has had over the years. If you have a rental car you can get there on your own, but it is well connected to the rest of the city by public transport and once there, you can move around comfortably on foot, as well as by alternative means that you can rent locally, such as bicycles or segway.
You will find yourself in a district composed mostly of old warehouses and red brick buildings. While in the mid-nineteenth century these streets were mainly full of workers, today the old structures have found new life as restaurants, stores and private homes. In short, it has become the trendy district where you can go out to eat something, perpetually animated by a lively atmosphere.
Arts District
From the museums listed above (which aren’t even all the ones in town!) you’ll have gathered that art is taken seriously in Dallas. the arts district is, of course, one of the areas of the city where some of the major museums are located. This is the largest arts district in the United States. Even if you’re not interested in entering one of the museums, the monuments that adorn the streets, the murals that color the walls and the art-inspired restaurants will amaze you.
A stone’s throw from the main museums, we also find the beautiful green area of Klyde Warren Park. To escape the city traffic, there is no better place in downtown Dallas. It’s the perfect place to rest in the shade in the summer, or maybe grab something to eat from one of the many hawkers if you don’t want to spend much or don’t have time to sit down at a restaurant.
Bishop Arts District
Not to be confused with the previous one, this is a neighborhood where street art, alternative nightlife and independent fashion stores are the protagonists. It’s no coincidence that the Texas Theater, a cinema specializing in cult films, is located here. If you are looking for an unusual place to go out at night in Dallas, take a walk around this area.
Deep Ellum
This is the neighborhood of fun and alternative nightlife. Perfect for those who love to go out in the evening and enjoy nightlife, but also for those looking for historic jazz and blues clubs. Unfortunately, in past years it had a reputation as a bad area, as during the prohibition period there were nightclubs where you could consume alcohol illegally here.
Today the situation is very different and music is the protagonist of the neighborhood. Each place has its own notes and you can go from a restaurant that performs country groups to a disco , passing through jazz and Latin American.
Fair Park
Fair Park is an area that has as its centerpiece the park of over one hundred acres where fairs, festivals, art exhibitions, shows, concerts and sporting events take place. An area where art and culture are the focus of attention and where it is easy to come across art deco buildings. It is worth coming here both to visit some of the city’s museums, which are located in this area, and to enjoy the vast green area where it is pleasant to walk.
Best time to visit and main events
In general, the city can be enjoyed year-round, however the high summer temperatures and winter precipitation mean that the best times to visit are in the spring and fall. The months of July and August are very hot, while those of January and February are usually the rainiest (not to exclude some possible snowfall). From September to November the climate is certainly more clement, although it is from March to May that the most favorable temperatures are recorded, with the possibility of admiring the bluebonnets, typical wild flowers of the region.
When deciding when to visit Dallas, you might be influenced by the dates of an event, and there is no shortage of opportunities in the Texas metropolis. Here are a few examples.
- Savor Dallas Festival. It takes place in May and is a culinary event where food takes center stage in various initiatives organized throughout the city. Along with the culinary experience, there is no shortage of live entertainment.
- International Guitar Festival. Also in May, this historic music festival is held at the Dallas Market Hall, featuring both renowned guitarists and budding young talents. Are you a fan of good music and guitars in particular? This is the event for you!
- Rodeo Mesquite. Have you always dreamed of seeing a live rodeo? If you come to Dallas in the summer, find out the dates of this event that takes place in the small town of Mesquite, just a few minutes from Dallas. Numerous events alternate for the occasion and are obviously based on bull riding and lasso catching. You will be amazed at the skills of the cowboys.
- State Fair of Texas. Between the end of September and the end of October, this grandiose fair takes place where you will be immersed in a riot of colors, sounds, smells and tastes. From amusement parks to craft booths, live music to livestock sales, you won’t be disappointed by the Texas-style setting.
Places to eat in Dallas
Here are some culinary recommendations:
- Maple Leaf Diner: this is a diner that, in addition to serving traditional American dishes, also offers Canadian specialties, opened in 2015 by current Canadian owner Michael Delaurier, who couldn’t find dishes from his homeland in his wife’s city. Good choice for breakfast as well.
- Mike’s Chicken: Chicken wings that melt like butter in your mouth? This, along with Mike’s buffalo sauce, is the main boast of this place that has made fried chicken a true art. In Mike’s kitchen, everything is cooked instantly, nothing is pre-cooked.
- The Porch: a pleasant place with a varied menu and excellent burgers. Great variety of salads and soups; one of the place’s popular desserts is the Gooey Butter Cake, a traditional dessert from Saint Louis in Missouri.
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: a refined place, with a wide selection of cuts of meat and an encyclopedic wine list. If you want to eat a good steak, it’s the best choice in town.
Where to stay in Dallas
In a large metropolis like Dallas, there is no shortage of accommodation options. There are accommodations for all tastes and all budgets. Below we recommend some hotels of different types, but you can also look at all the available hotels (link just below) to find the one that suits you best.
- The Ritz-Carlton. A classy four-star, right in the center. Suitable for those seeking comfort within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. A restaurant, bar and wellness center are some of the services offered by the hotel, where you will be accommodated in rooms with attention to detail.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Dallas at The Canyon. Close to the Bishop Arts District, this three-star hotel also offers rooms equipped with a kitchen for those who want to be independent on meals, but also the best services such as a swimming pool and fitness center. In addition, there are regular evenings of entertainment for guests.
- Spacious Poolside Apartment Downtown. Do you prefer a large apartment, perhaps with a swimming pool? Here is the ideal solution in the center to have the full freedom of an apartment with some services of a hotel.
American Football in Dallas
You are in the home of one of the most famous and followed American football teams, the Dallas Cowboys. So if you’re a football fan or just curious, don’t miss a guided tour of the majestic Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during the regular season, why not take the opportunity to see a live game?
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