A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Dallas

Welcome to our guide on some of the best things to do in Dallas! If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant Texas city, you’ll find no shortage of activities and attractions to keep you entertained. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in Dallas. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the top things to do in Dallas, including popular sights and lesser-known spots that are worth a visit. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories in this dynamic city. So, let’s dive in and explore the best things to do in Dallas!

First up, no trip to Dallas would be complete without a visit to the iconic Reunion Tower. This towering structure offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and is the perfect spot to snap some Instagram-worthy photos. Plus, the recently renovated observation deck now includes interactive displays that give visitors a unique perspective on Dallas’ history and culture.

Five Fun Facts about the Reunion Tower

1. The Reunion Tower stands at a height of 561 feet (171 meters), making it one of the tallest structures in the city of Dallas.
2. The tower features an observation deck called the GeO-Deck, which offers 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline from 470 feet (143 meters) above ground level.
3. The Reunion Tower was completed in 1978 as part of the original Hyatt Regency Dallas hotel complex and was designed by architect Welton Becket and Associates.
4. The tower was originally named the “Dallas Tower” but was later renamed to the “Reunion Tower” in honor of the nearby Reunion Arena, which has since been demolished.
5. The Reunion Tower’s distinctive shape, with its glowing orb at the top, has made it a recognizable landmark in the Dallas skyline and a popular tourist attraction since its opening.

Next, head over to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This 66-acre garden features stunning flora and fauna, as well as several seasonal exhibits throughout the year. Be sure to check out the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden for a fun and educational experience for the little ones. If you’re visiting late September – October, don’t miss their Dallas Pumpkin Patch – it’s one of the best! 

Five Fun Facts about the Dallas Arboretum

1. The Dallas Arboretum spans over 66 acres along the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake and features 19 different gardens, each with its own unique theme and design.
2. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, which opened in 2013, is a 8-acre children’s garden that features over 150 interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage children with nature and science.
3. The Dallas Arboretum hosts several seasonal events throughout the year, including the Dallas Blooms spring festival, which features over 500,000 blooming bulbs and is one of the largest floral festivals in the Southwest.
4. The Arboretum’s DeGolyer House, which was built in 1940, is a 21,000-square-foot mansion that serves as a museum of early Texas art and features a collection of paintings and sculptures by notable Texas artists.
5. The Arboretum also offers several educational programs and classes for all ages, including horticulture, cooking, and art classes, as well as guided tours of the gardens and special workshops on topics like floral design and photography. 

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, then look no further than the legendary NorthPark Center. This upscale mall is home to over 235 stores, including high-end luxury brands like Chanel and Gucci, as well as more affordable options like H&M and Zara. But NorthPark isn’t just a shopping destination – it also features world-class art and architecture, including works by Andy Warhol and Frank Stella. If you love coffee, don’t miss the Nespresso Northpark store and enjoy a special made drink while taking in the views of the mall. 

Five Fun Facts about NorthPark Center

1. NorthPark Center Mall opened in 1965 as the largest climate-controlled retail center in the world at that time, covering 1.4 million square feet of space.
2. The mall features over 235 stores and restaurants, including luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as popular retailers like Apple and H&M.
3. NorthPark Center Mall is also home to one of the largest collections of art in any retail space in the world, featuring over 50 pieces of art from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, and Joel Shapiro.
4. The mall’s design incorporates natural light and outdoor landscaping, with several gardens and water features throughout the complex, including a 1.4-acre garden designed by acclaimed landscape architect Peter Walker.
5. NorthPark Center Mall hosts several events throughout the year, including the NorthPark Auto Show, the NorthPark Christmas Book, and the Dallas Art Fair, which is held annually in April and features modern and contemporary art from galleries around the world.

For a taste of Dallas’ thriving arts and culture scene, head to the Dallas Museum of Art. This museum boasts a vast collection of over 24,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history, from ancient Greece to contemporary times. Plus, admission is free for all visitors, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon without breaking the bank. Dallas Museum of Art is one of our favorite Free Date Night Ideas in Dallas.

Fun Facts about Dallas Museum of Art

1. The Dallas Museum of Art, which opened in 1903, is one of the largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history.
2. The museum’s collection includes art from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on ancient Mediterranean art, African art, and contemporary art.
3. One of the museum’s most famous works is “The Icebergs” by Frederic Edwin Church, a massive oil painting that depicts an Arctic landscape and measures over 6 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
4. The museum offers several educational programs and events, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops for all ages, as well as family programs and special exhibitions throughout the year.
5. The Dallas Museum of Art also has a free general admission policy, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum’s collection and exhibitions without paying an entrance fee.

That’s just a taste of what Dallas has to offer. Dallas is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty of things to do and see for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re exploring the Dallas Arboretum’s gardens and seasonal events, enjoying the panoramic views from the Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck, or admiring the world-class art collections at the Dallas Museum of Art, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. With popular destinations like NorthPark Center Mall and Klyde Warren Park adding to the mix, Dallas is truly a city that has it all. So if you’re looking for things to do in Dallas, be sure to add these destinations to your itinerary and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Texas.