17 Things to Do in the Big D (Dallas, Duh… Get Your Mind Out of the Gutter)

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You know what they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, and Dallas is no exception. It’s one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, the top leisure destination in Texas, cosmopolitan, yet approachable. Here’s everything to do, see, and eat once you arrive.

• I tell anyone looking for the best photos to head to the local botanical garden, and the Dallas Arboretum is no exception. Explore the Texas Skywalk bridge, waterfalls, and children’s garden for spectacular foliage landscapes.

• See where President John F. Kennedy, Jr. was murdered at the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza. A favorite of historians and conspiracy theorists alike, see where and how the crime played out and try to piece together a probable explanation.  

• A staple of the skyline, Reunion Tower’s 50^th-floor observation deck is the place for views.

• Any sports fan knows that Cowboy’s Stadium is mecca. Once the largest and most expensive facility in the country, you can tour the home of America’s team to see where they practice off the gridiron and the stadium’s coveted art collection.

• Cowboy up at Texas Horse Park. Once owned by Davy Crockett, Texas Horse Park celebrates the Lone Star State’s equestrian history with horseback riding lessons and rides.

• Mariano’s Hacienda is credited with inventing the frozen margarita, but don’t get salty because you can try quite a few of them on the Margarita Mile (15+ to be exact).

• Tour by Trolley. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley or M-Line, is a whimsical way to get around or make your own Uptown bar crawl. A vintage streetcar, they’ve been running for over 30 years.

• See where namesake show Dallas was filmed. The most famous white house west of DC, Southfork Ranch, is a functioning ranch you can tour, see the props, and even go for a trail ride.

• Dine at the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine’s” restaurant. Dean Fearing’s namesake restaurant, Fearing, is the chef and author of the “Texas Food Bible.” Devote culinary enthusiasts travel from far and wide to try signature dishes like Dr. Pepper-braised short ribs.

• Get to two-stepping. Dallas’ signature dance is an experience all in itself. Head to a saloon like Cowboys Red River for line dancing and lessons and shake your honky-tonk, badonkadonk.

• Try Texas’s award-winning barbecue. Ask any local who has the best smoked meats, and you’ll be directed to Pecan Lodge, which is on many a foodie bucket list. If you can stomach the line, their jalapeño sausages, ribs, and brisket are worth the wait.

• Take the Bonnie and Clyde tour. The infamous outlaws hailed from Dallas and wreaked havoc on the city. Tours take you to their hideouts, childhood homes, and burial site.

• Admire the arts at the largest Arts District in the country. 19-blocks of museums, galleries, and theaters, the centerpiece is The Dallas Museum of Art, one of the biggest in the country, and completely free.

• Take a day trip to the Stockyards in Fort Worth. See the twice-daily Longhorn cattle drive and weekly rodeo for a kitschy, quintessential Texas experience.

• Dress the part. Wild Bill’s Western Store has been a Dallas staple for over 50 years, outfitting everyone from Mick Jagger to Bon Jovi. Snag a souvenir or play dress up with an authentic 10-gallon hat and belt buckle.

• There are nationally acclaimed, James Beard-nominated and Bravo “Top Chef-testant restaurants like Knife by Chef John Tesar where bacon tastings are on the menu.

• Get lost in Deep Ellum. Arguably Dalla’s coolest neighborhood, Deep Ellum, is a vibrant entertainment district with 100+ murals, 50+ bars, and 30+ boutiques.

• Looking to get out of town? Plan a weekend trip to the hauntingly beautiful Caddo Lake, the largest natural inland lake in Texas and the largest bald cypress forest in the world.

Where to Stay in Dallas

With more than 30,000 hotel rooms, Dallas has a plethora of accommodation options for visitors. Deep Ellum is a great base for trendy millennials seeking nightlife, while the Bishop Arts District is also cool and quirky. Uptown is an excellent area for families, and you can’t go wrong being centrally located downtown.

Note: as travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. If you are comfortable hitting the road, please be responsible as any travel is at your own risk. It’s recommended to wear a face mask, bring hand sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, know the local guidelines, and book a hotel with flexible cancellation policies in case you need to change your plans last minute.

More Texas Travel:

• 75+ Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Texas
• 14 Surprising Road Trips You Need to Take in the Lonestar State
• An Austin foodie and photo guide.
• Houston: We don’t have a problem. Everything to do in Space City.
• Instagram Spots and Must-dos for First-Timers in Fort Worth.

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