The city of Dallas is full of Dallas tourist attractions and traditions that date back centuries. It was initially a trading post for the area’s ranches, farms, and oil production. After the Manhattan Project, it became an economic and financial center, making it Hollywood’s perfect blueprint- Dallas.
There are countless reasons to visit Dallas, which has fantastic architecture, museums, and parks. It is easy to plan an itinerary of events with the things you can do there.
Tourist Attractions in Dallas Texas
Dallas Texas tourist attractions, the city center is a great place to start a trip, with an abundance of excellent museums, restaurants, and hotels. There are also attractions such as fun things to do and unique shops throughout Dallas’ districts.
For more sightseeing opportunities and places to visit in this Texas city, read through our guide to the top attractions and things to do in Dallas. One can plan a trip around many sights and activities, especially with a significant update on the city’s wealth of cultural spaces.
Here are some of most popular and top attractions in Dallas.
1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Forever etched in history, the former Texas School Book Depository, on Houston and Elm Streets in Dallas, is now home to a museum devoted to remembering one of the nation’s most tragic and defining moments: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
First, visitors are given a historical context and then are led to the section with multimedia exhibits where President Kennedy’s trip to Texas in November of 1963 is discussed. Next, you will see the sniper’s perch in the window from which Officer Lee Harvey Oswald took the deadly shots. After that, visitors can take an interactive recreation of the original photos from the crime scene.
Du Pont writes about the state of shock that took over after JFK was assassinated, the investigation following the shooting, and what his legacy would be.
The exhibits include historical artifacts like a replica of the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle. FBI investigators used this whole diorama during the inquiry, forensic evidence, and items such as Lee Harvey Oswald’s wedding ring and Jack Ruby’s hat.
To deepen your experience, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza offers a tour and audio tour that expands upon the information in the exhibits. The time includes narration by Pierce Allman and audio clips of actual radio broadcasts, eyewitness reports, and police statements from the event and days following the tragedy.
Take in the sights of Dealey Plaza and learn about the history portrayed on-site by walking or driving from the epicenter of the assassination to other significant locations like The Grassy Knoll.
Address: 411 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas
2. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden are just minutes from downtown Dallas. This 66-acre site features fourteen world-famous gardens with seasonal plants and displays, and it offers seasonal events such as outdoor concerts, art shows, educational programs, and guided tours.
It was the early 1930s before it was considered a fun tourist attraction, with construction on Toad’s Corner, Texas Towns, and Pecan Grove. Exquisite sculptures and fountains surround the park making each area unique.
You also want to explore the area around White Rock Lake Park, with miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is over 1,000 acres and is a favorite spot for birdwatchers, wildlife spotting, fishing, and sailing.
Address: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas
3. Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas World Aquarium is conveniently located within walking distance of the city’s historic downtown core. This fun and educational adventure can be enjoyed by young and old alike. A vast array of sea creatures are housed in 87,000 gallons of saltwater, including bonnethead sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, and giant groupers living in natural reef settings.
An exciting highlight is the Orinoco Rainforest exhibit. This fun attraction comes with numerous free-flying birds, such as toucans, sloths, and aquatic species, such as crocodiles and poison dart frogs. Be sure to check the feeding schedule before arrival for a chance to see the animals at their most animated and also for upcoming talks and lectures.
To add to your visit, we encourage you to eat at one of the three restaurants at the aquarium. These restaurants will serve everything from gourmet and international food to sandwiches and snacks with views of some of our friendly sea life.
Address: 1801 N. Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas
4. Reunion Tower
The Reunion Tower is not the tallest building in Dallas, but its ground-breaking design makes it the most recognizable and well-known for its unique appearance. Completed in 1978 and standing at 560 feet, the tower is lit at night, highlighting its unusual shape.
There’s an observation area near the top of the GeO-Deck Tower, which boasts a vertical boardwalk on a platform 470 feet in the air. Events like yoga, painting classes, and special activities are scheduled all day at the venue, where one can get an unparalleled 360-degree view of Dallas.
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, Texas
5. George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum has a detailed look at America’s 43rd president and the history of the Bush family’s public service. The museum is located in a 23-acre area of Southern Methodist University and features more than 43,000 artifacts collected during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Some of the items housed in the permanent collection include diplomatic gifts and articles from the September 11th terrorist attacks, as well as a fun exhibit showcasing the life of Miss Beazley and Barney, the First Pets, that became popular in the Bush Whitehouse. Wrap up your museum visit with coffee or a bite to eat at the museum’s Cafe 43 or outdoor dining at Courtyard Cafe.
Address: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, Texas
6. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is the most visited Dallas attraction, designed by Thom Mayne. The museum is very family friendly since it houses objects for all ages to explore and educates visitors about the basics of science and nature.
This building has been designed with sustainability to conserve water and make it a greener environment. Solar-powered water heaters and eco-friendly design features like local materials and summer conservation from water condensation make this building environmentally friendly.
The museum comprises thematic areas with interactive educational stations, games, and high-tech displays. These themes include engineering and innovation, energy, evolution, earth sciences, and more. The Moody Family Children’s Museum and playground are also found at the museum. Visitors can reach their destination on a 54-foot escalator that overlooks the property from within a glass enclosure.
Address: 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, Texas
7. Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art (DMFA) is a longstanding institution with an artwork collection of over 24,000 pieces created in the Americas and worldwide.
The Museum of Modern Art features a permanent exhibition of Classical art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as exciting paintings from famous artists in the European art gallery. It also features several temporary exhibitions annually that showcase some of the world’s most prominent contemporary artists, such as Jackson Pollock.
Catch one of the most famous art exhibits: The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection. With items such as glasses, boxes, porcelain, and furniture, this collection is more than worth visiting.
Address: 1717 N Harwood Street, Dallas, Texas
8. Klyde Warren Park
When making your way through the crowded downtown Dallas or needing some downtime and a rest stop, head to Klyde Warren Park. A beautiful public park is where people can introduce themselves, get acquainted with other folks, have a picnic lunch near live music, and enjoy the natural greenery around them.
With outdoor cafés and rooftops, the park is a great place to eat, entertain, and find rest away from the hustle and bustle. There are always public events going on at Dallas Park by the fountains. While it’s fun to view the city life around you while you’re here, you can also relax on a blanket and enjoy your picnic in a local attraction or nearby park.
Address: 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, Texas
9. Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is a 106-acre park housing more than 2,000 exotic animals from 406 species in various habitats, with fun attractions just three miles away from the city center. The Dallas Zoo was established in 1888 and is one of the oldest zoos in the United States.
The zoo is divided into segments, like ZooNorth and the Wilds of Africa. Some exciting experiences are on offers at the zoo, like daily giraffe feedings, programs on the Wild Encounters Stage, and a bird-filled aviary called Birds Landing.
There are also several restaurants at the Zoo North, including a picnic area to take a break from your zoo adventure. Those interested in a more active meal can take the T-Rex Express Min Train, which is small-sized and runs inside the zoo, so you can still have fun with your children on this trip.
Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas
10. American Airlines Center
It’s no wonder that top entertainment acts come to Dallas, and many of them perform at the American Airlines Center arena. The American Airlines Center is one of the premier arenas in the United States for concerts, live entertainment, and sporting events. That is also the home base for the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks and National Hockey League’s NHL Dallas Stars.
In addition to hosting home games for the Mavericks and Stars, you will find a nearly nightly lineup of entertainment, so you can easily plan a night out at the venue. Before or after your event, walk the PNC Plaza around the arena to enjoy the restaurants and social scene accompanying many of the events.
Address: 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, Texas
11. The Nasher Sculpture Center
Opened in 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center has a collection of modern and contemporary sculptures It is located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, just steps from the Dallas Museum of Art, and offers exhibits that explore the history of sculpture. several large outdoor sculptures on display throughout the tree-lined grounds.
Highlights of the museum include works by Edgar de Gas, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, and Andy Warhol. They also regularly host events such as lectures and concerts. The University of Texas at Dallas has an art museum dedicated to the arts and cultures of China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.
Address: 2001 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas
12. Bishop Arts District
If you are in the area, Bishop Arts is a Dallas neighborhood with an array of businesses like eclectic stores and cafes. If you’re looking for these alternatives to trendy shopping centers, this is the place to find them.
There are many shops to choose from in Folsom, which range from specialty stores that cater primarily to men, like M’antiques and many women’s vintage clothing boutiques, to shops that carry items designed by local artists. The neighborhood also often hosts family-friendly street festivals and public events.
Location: North Bishop Ave, Dallas, Texas
13. Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza
Pioneer Park was built adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center and is an appealing green space in Dallas. The park features a stream that cascades over limestone cliffs and provides a charming place for individuals to stroll or relax.
But the most remarkable features of this park are the 49 bronze sculptures of Texas Longhorn cattle, which mounted cowboys across the creek herd. The ranching industry has shaped early Texas history, and Summers’s designs capture its distinctive image.
Location: Young Street, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas, Texas
14. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding performing arts experience that has been a fixture in the community since 1946. This organization runs concerts included in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. They perform classical and modern music that is both liked and loved by many people worldwide.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra often performs in different venues throughout the city, offering educational programs to give back to its community. If you visit during the summer, you can attend one of the free outdoor concerts that are part of the Symphony in the Parks series, where there are several Dallas parks where performances will take place.
Address: 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas
15. Frontiers of Flight Museum
The Frontiers of Flight Museum is home to more than 30 aircraft, including a full-size replica of the Wright Flyer, Hindenburg artifacts, and numerous WWI and WWII planes. This fantastic collection includes exhibits that recall aviation’s journey from Leonardo da Vinci through space exploration.
Vintage aircraft on display include the fully restored Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Biplane and the Apollo VII spacecraft. The Braniff Gallery and Virginia Aviation’s Love Field exhibit feature commercial aviation history artifacts.
Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, Texas
16. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
Renowned architect Philip Johnson designed this imposing yet understated and iconic monument to President Kennedy. The monument’s construction was completed in 1970 after years of controversy.
Johnson designed a cenotaph to commemorate Kennedy’s courage and spirit. The monument stands some 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide in size, made up of large white marble slabs. The site is impressive, with two epitaphs found near the entrances to pay respect to the President.
Address: 646 Main Street, Dallas, Texas
17. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum
One excellent aviation museum is the Cavanaugh Air Museum. Located in Addison, just north of Dallas, the museum’s impressive collection of vintage aircraft is kept in a massive hangar, along with various artifacts and exhibits.
The museum has displays of military planes used in the Vietnam War, during the Korean War, World War I and II, and civilian aircraft. There are also military trucks on display and armored vehicles, including an M50 Super Sherman tank.
Address: 4572 Claire Chennault Street, Addison, Texas
18. African American Museum
Founded in 1974, the African American Museum is filled with various displays of African American works of art and cultural materials. With traditional African motifs and cultural icons mixed in, as well as a library and historical archive, the museum’s collection includes numerous pieces of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and collages.
The center features over 300 artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and the most extensive collection of African-American Folk Art in the United States. Education and entertainment programs are also hosted in the on-site theater.
Address: 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas, Texas
19. Spend a Day in Deep Ellum
To experience one of Dallas’ revitalized neighborhoods, you can spend a day in the Deep Ellum District. It is an old jazz district with a mix of historic 1800s essence and trendy grunge–evidenced by vintage signs, artsy murals, and a funky vibe–on the streets.
The Ellum District is a one-stop place to experience entertainment, dining, arts, and an excellent shopping scene. You can also find ample parking at small pay lots throughout the district. If you walk around the neighborhood, you are free to do so without worrying about traffic.
20. Soap Opera Superstar: Southfork Ranch
If you were around in the 1980s and owned a television, read newspapers, or worked in an office, there is no way you could escape the wave of exciting television shows when “Dallas” was airing on our screens.
Now that you know who shot JR, you can visit Southfork Ranch. The ranch is 25 miles north of Dallas and welcomes visitors for guided tours of the mansion. Afterward, you can enjoy an authentic Texan chuckwagon dinner on the grounds.
Address: 3700 Hogge Drive, Parker, Texas
