Discovering Dallas: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Let’s Whisk Away in The Scintillating Arts And Culture Of Big-D!

Situated in North Texas, Dallas stands as the central hub of the expansive metropolitan area in the southern United States, claiming the title of the largest metropolitan inland region. Beyond its culinary delights and unique districts, Dallas has much more to offer. As you're captivated by the laid-back cowboy atmosphere and the energetic city skyline, rest assured that your quest for a city brimming with fashion and arts will be truly rewarding!

Boasting a plethora of family-friendly attractions, this lively city truly earns its nickname, Big D, by providing an impressive variety of things to do in Dallas.

If you are planning a vacation somewhere in the heart of Texas, Dallas is the place to be. From history enthusiasts to backpackers, Dallas is always ready to draw you in with its energetic beauty. So, here we are! To guide you and ease your hunt so that you can make the most out of your trip! Without beating around the bush, let’s find out more about this city:

Dallas Neighborhoods:

The neighborhoods of Dallas never cease to flaunt their immersive beauty. Below are the top Dallas neighborhoods that are overfilled with architectural wonders, music, shopping spots, and contemporary bars.

• Dallas Arts District:

Dallas Arts District is a great place for art aficionados. Sprawling to nineteen blocks and 68 square miles, this district is overfilled with an array of places to go such as the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The school named “Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School” is also situated here where Norah Jones and Erykah Badu had studied.

• Bishop Arts District Dallas:

Home to entertainment and shopping areas, Bishop Arts District Dallas is settled in the neighborhood of Northern Oak Cliff, close to downtown Dallas in the southwest section. In the 1920s, it used to be a warehouse district and had the busiest trolley stop in Dallas. Voguish fashion stores, colorful art of streets, and a distinctive nightlife are all available at Bishop Arts District.

• Uptown Dallas:

Experience the luxurious side of Dallas by heading to Uptown Dallas. This specific area of Big D is famous for its elite restaurants and high-class boutique shopping, specifically McKinney Avenue, being among the best places to visit in Dallas. Set off from the main drag and you will be introduced to the leafy residential side of Uptown. Most of all, you will be a stone throw’s away from other neighborhood areas.

Top Dallas Tourist Attractions:

Whether you are visiting family, solely, or with a loved one, you will never run low on choices. The below Dallas tourist attractions will sure to keep you hooked!

• Klyde Warren Park:

Get in the McKinney Avenue Trolley, the cost-free street line car, and head to Klyde Warren Park. This urban space is set in the heart of Dallas where you can attend events that stir up your interest from concerts and yoga to holiday celebrations and outdoor films such as trick or treating and tree lightning. A performance pavilion, weekly events, walking trails, a food truck, a children’s park, and internet services are all that you get at this amazing park.

• Dallas Museum of Art:

If you are a history buff, head to the Dallas Museum of Art which is home to a collection of artistic continents and eras. Placed among the tenth largest US art museums, this museum boasts the ancient works of Latin America, the latest artists' works like Roy Lichtenstein and Mark Rothko, Africa, European Arts from the 14th to 21st century, and Asia that adorn the display cases behind glass and gallery walls. Pair up your visit by dropping by Nasher Sculpture Center, set in the Dallas Arts District.

• Perot Museum of Nature and Science:

Commonly goes by the name of The Perot Museum is a hub of science and natural history. If you are with your kids, save some time for a visit to this museum which covers almost 180,000 sq. ft. and is full to overflowing with educational displays and hands-on exhibits that emphasize energy and anatomy. Pay a visit to T. Boone Picken's Life Then and Now Hall to experience an educational scavenger hunt and feast your eyes on the tallest skeletons of dinosaurs. Get captivated by the stunning Ross Hall of Birds and take part in an interactive display focusing on how birds socialize and fly.

• Nasher Sculpture Center:

Engage yourself in the astounding collection of contemporary and modern sculpture by touring around the Nasher Sculpture Center, perched in downtown Dallas. Opened in 2003, this museum spans over the ground of 2.4 acres and features outdoor and indoor galleries.  

Outdoor Activities Dallas Texas:

If outdoor adventures tickle your interest, Dallas has got your back. From green spaces and parks to biking and hiking trails, numerous ways are there to spend your time outdoors.

• Hike Through the Trinity River Forest:

If you are a nature enthusiast or traveling with family, drop by Trinity River Forest. For a rush of adrenaline, hike through the trails, or you can visit the Children's Discovery Garden and enjoy hands-on exhibits.

• Wander Through Main Street Garden:

Visit the Main Street Garden, which features public art installations, a great lawn, a toddler play area, fountains, and City Café Park. Make sure to watch an al fresco movie while on the lawn and don’t forget to bring a blanket.

• Hit The Adrenaline-Pumping Trails:

If you are an adrenaline junkie, head to the Katy Trail which serves as a local hotspot. Whether you wish to do walking, cycling, jogging, or inline skating, this is the best spot that leads to the Oak Lawn and Uptown Dallas areas.

Shopping in Dallas

If you are looking for some peaceful shopping in Dallas, head to one of the three best shopping outlets we’ve listed below. Let’s hit the shop!

• Galleria Dallas:

Located at 13350 Dallas Parkway, TX 75420, Dallas

House of restaurants, an ice rink, a hotel, and over 200 stores, Galleria Dallas is itself a place to explore on a day trip. As the holidays begin, the tallest indoor tree in the country slides into place right in the middle of the ice rink of the mall. This tree is 4-storey high, towering 95 feet over the rink.

• Neiman Marcus Dallas:

Located at 1618 Main St, TX 75201, Dallas

Started in 1907, Neiman Marcus is an exclusive department store whose flagship store is the only remaining original store and still operates in Downtown Dallas. Whether you want to buy top-scale designer clothes, accessories, extravagant and unusual holiday gifts, or personal shopping services, Neiman Marcus Dallas has got your back. Lights and Christmas cheer decks out this flagship location as holidays start that you won’t want to miss out on.

• Allen Premium Outlets:

Located on 820 W Stacy Rd, TX 75013, Allen.

Don’t miss out on high-end shopping at great prices at Allen Premium Outlets. Find Allen Premium Outlet by driving 30 miles north side to Allen. Check out the Brooks Brothers, then BCBG Max Azria factory stores, head to 7 for All Mankind outlet, and finish off by stopping by the Movado Company Store.

• Forty-Five Ten:

An amazing Dallas boutique standing tall with an International reputation, Forty-Five Ten, offers the best blend of fashion and arts that sows the seed for an unforgettable shopping experience that is more inspired, unconventional, and eclectic. The flagship store of Forty-Five Ten is in downtown Dallas and covers 37,000 sq. ft. It includes high-end shopping for women and men searching for stylish accessories and nice clothes.

Dining and Culinary Scene: Dallas Restaurants

You won’t wander around hungry in Dallas and there’s no denying it. Along with mighty businesses comes a hearty appetite and without a doubt, Dallas knows how to quench your cravings! So, let’s take a look below at the best restaurants in Dallas!

• Fearing's Restaurant Dallas:

Fearing’s, considered the brainchild of Dean Fearing’s cookbook, celebrity chef, and country singer, is located at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Serving a perfect blend of savory and sweet is the specialty of Fearing's Restaurant Dallas. Sink your teeth in Southwestern shrimp, and ice-cold margaritas, and enjoy delicious soup. And of course, who would want to miss out on rattlesnake smoked and corn fritters served with venom sauce, so make sure to try them!

• Smokey John's Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking:

Snack on the mouth-watering Bar-B-Que at Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que, previously known as the Big John. When the hickory smoke smell became pervasive in the beautiful neighborhood area, the customers gave a nickname to the owner which is, “Smokey John.” Also, make sure to savor a side of collard greens or mouth-watering mac & cheese, you’re going to love it!

• Lockhart Smokehouse:

Head to Lockhart Smokehouse which focuses on bringing the flavorsome barbecue of central Texas to the north side of Dallas with 3 locations in the area. Whether you are craving smoked sausages, ribs, or briskets, Lockhart Smokehouse aims to deliver it with a classical southern punch such as potato salad, mac & cheese, and smoked baked beans. 

Entertainment and Nightlife in Dallas:

As the sun sets, there is no shortage of adventure to enjoy in Dallas. From having a whale of time at rooftops to music and cocktails, Dallas has got you covered with things to do for a night out so let's get in!

• Enjoy a Cocktail Sip With Views:

Get a stock for jaw-dropping downtown night views by heading to Gallery Rooftop Lounge located in the Southside/ Cedars neighborhoods. Art-themed cocktails and rooftop infinity pools together make this a picture-perfect hotspot. Cherish the immaculate views at attention-grabbing HG Sply Co. set in Lower Greenville. Try out the nutritious and delicious vegan options, taste their inventive cocktails, and enjoy their upstairs patio which serves as the best hangout spot.

• Work It Out On The Dance Floor:

Lace-up your shoes for dance and sweat it all out on the dance floor at Café Salsera set in Deep Ellum. Show your moves at the dance party every weekend and expect the best Latin hits to be played on repeat. And if line dancing suits your style the most, drop at Cowboys Red River, a West Dallas point popular for its large dance floor and live music.

• Immerse In The Night Bursting With waves of laughter:

Dancing and drinking are not the only way to make your night out a memorable experience, opting for a comedy club also takes center stage. Make your way to the Dallas Comedy Club set in Deep Ellum, where you will get a chance to attend a stand-up comedy show, improv, and sketch. Laugh till your eyes start dropping happy tears at the Hyena’s Comedy Club or drop at restaurants and shops at Mockingbird Station.

Day Trips from Dallas

This fast-paced and fun-filled Big-D is a dream place for history buffs and food lovers. The days in Dallas are in full swing, drawing visitors in to explore the historical towns and get away in nature!

• Forth-Worth:

If you plan to dive deeper into a more urban low-key vibe, add Forth-Worth to your itinerary list. This hotspot of North Texas lets you get saturated in the culture of Texan cowboys while showcasing its roots in the West with top attractions such as Sundance Square and the National Cowgirl Museum. Take a quick glimpse of American history by heading to Stockyards National Historic District.

• Glen Rose:

If you are seeking the allure of a small town, pay a visit to Glen Rose. Refuel yourself for the day at Blackie’s on the Square or Crave Bakery, travel back in time at Somervell County Museum, or hit Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum. If you love nature, wrap up your day with a visit to the Inn on The River, a hundred-year-old river, and enjoy riverside scenes at Synder’s Tavern.

• Dinosaur Valley State Park:

Walk over the prehistoric giant footsteps at Dinosaur Valley State Park and get yourself the hiking gear before beating a path to this park. This park housed 6-ton predators for more than 120 million years.

Wrapping it up, Dallas is a colossal metropolitan area in the southern side of the United States of America. From an array of awe-inspiring neighborhoods to electrifying nightlife and entertainment, Dallas has everything for you in store.  So, these were the best things to do and Dallas activities, let yourself whisk away in the Southern hospitality!