Dallas, TX

Travel Guide

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Check out the blend of entertainment, diverse neighborhoods, and engaging outdoor spaces that make Dallas a unique getaway.

Dallas is an ideal destination for family and city travelers. You can visit the American Airlines Center for various events, explore the expansive Fair Park, or take in the views from the modern Reunion Tower. For entertainment, enjoy live music at the House of Blues Dallas, catch a performance at the Music Hall at Fair Park, or experience a concert at the South Side Ballroom. If you prefer outdoor activities, the Turtle Creek Greenbelt offers hiking opportunities, while the scenic Texas Lakes Trail nearby is perfect for those who appreciate beautiful drives and outdoor scenery.

Spend some time exploring the distinct neighborhoods of Dallas. Uptown is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring McKinney Avenue and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Downtown Dallas offers historical experiences, with attractions like The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and the Dallas Farmer's Market. Likewise, Deep Ellum is recognized for its community spaces, including the Barry Annino Bark Park, making it a great spot for dog owners and families alike.

The best time to visit Dallas is during the hot months of July to August, when temperatures are around 87°F and the weather is mostly dry and sunny. This period tends to attract more visitors, so you may encounter larger crowds at popular attractions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider planning your trip for the cooler months when the city is less busy.

The best areas for accommodation in Dallas

The Dallas Arts District is one of the best places to stay in Dallas for first-timers seeking a mix of art, culture and convenience. This downtown area is filled with museums, galleries and performance venues, including the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Go for a sunset stroll through Klyde Warren Park, then enjoy a wide array of dining options, from food trucks and casual bistros to upscale restaurants.

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Knox-Henderson is one of the best places to stay in Dallas. Shop for stylish outfits in hip boutiques and treat each other to something special from a vintage store. In the evening, kick back in a wine bar or swanky cocktail lounge before dining in restaurants serving a range of cuisines, including Spanish, Japanese and classic American fare.

One of the best places for families to stay in Dallas is Uptown. This vibrant, walkable neighborhood has plenty of dining options and is close to kid-friendly attractions like Eye, a huge replica of a human eye. Alternatively, stay in or near upscale Highland Park. With numerous parks and trails along Turtle Creek, it’s perfect for outdoor family fun.

Dallas Travel Guide Video

Best time to visit Dallas

  • Winter (December to February): Enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and great deals on accommodations. Winter is a great time to catch a Dallas Mavericks basketball game or Dallas Stars hockey game.
  • Spring (February to April): Mild weather for outdoor activities makes this one of the best times to visit Dallas. Get outside in green spaces such as Trammell Crow Park.
  • Summer (June to August): High season brings hot temperatures, but the city is in full swing with al fresco bars and restaurants buzzing with life.
  • Fall (September to November): Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and events like the State Fair of Texas make this another great time to visit Dallas.

How many days to spend in Dallas

A two- or three-day Dallas vacation provides a great introduction to must-see spots, including Downtown and Reunion Tower. Extend your trip to around five to seven days to explore the Bishop Arts District or hike through the Great Trinity Forest. Short on time? One day is enough for key attractions.

The vibe of Dallas

Visit Dallas, and you’ll discover easygoing Southern hospitality mixed with fast-paced living. The city never stands still, from the busy streets of the skyscraper-dotted downtown to lively nightlife hot spots like Greenville Avenue. But Dallas also knows how to slow down. Find tranquility in laid-back neighborhoods like Lakewood, with its lakeside trails, or Oak Cliff, known for its tree-lined streets and parks. Sports are a passion here and locals rally behind their hometown heroes with unwavering pride, from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys to the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

What is Dallas famous for?

Famous for its cowboy roots and oil wealth, Dallas is more than big hats and rodeos; it’s a thriving hub of culture, history and entertainment. Arguably, the city’s darkest day was November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The book depository where the fatal shots were fired from is now a museum. In popular culture, the T.V. show Dallas gave the world a taste of the city’s glamor, and the fictional Ewing family’s ranch remains a popular stop for fans. The city is also a big draw for the Dallas Arts District, one of the largest in the country, with 19 blocks of museums, galleries and theaters.

Events in Dallas

Events in Dallas deliver year-round excitement. Springtime visitors can enjoy the scents and colors of around 500,000 flowers at Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (February to April). The Riverfront Jazz Festival takes center stage in late summer with a roster of national and international legends. The State Fair of Texas takes over in September and October with 24 days of rides, exhibits and entertainment. In December, the Dallas Holiday Parade kicks off the holiday season with floats, marching bands and plenty of festive cheer. Other popular Dallas events include the Taste of Dallas (June), showcasing the city’s cuisine, and the Dallas International Film Festival (April to May).

Top attractions in Dallas

One of the top things for first-timers to do in Dallas is view the city from Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck, 470 feet (143 meters) up. Afterward, reflect on a dark chapter in U.S. history at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. For outdoor activities, White Rock Lake offers hiking, canoeing and bird-watching. And don’t miss Pioneer Plaza’s cattle sculptures celebrating the city’s cowboy heritage.

There are lots of fun and romantic things for couples to do in Dallas. Spend a fun day at Trinity Forest Adventure Park, tackling obstacle courses and zip lines. Then relax with a couple’s massage at luxurious spots like The Spa at the Joule or Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Picnic amid the scenic beauty of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and end your evening with a performance at Winspear Opera House.

Dallas is packed with exciting things for families to do. Six Flags Over Texas amusement park delivers high-energy fun with rides for all ages. Continue the excitement at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, North Texas’ largest indoor waterpark. Explore 19th-century pioneer homes at the Dallas Heritage Village, then travel back further in time at the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Cheer on jousting knights while enjoying a royal feast in an 11th-century-style castle.

Where to stay in Dallas

Find the best Dallas areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dallas
Learn more about Dallas
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Downtown Dallas

Travelers love Downtown Dallas for its popular shops, and you can see more of Dallas by jumping on the metro at Akard Station or Saint Paul & Federal Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Renaissance Tower and Dallas City Hall.

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Uptown

Consider a visit to American Airlines Center and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Uptown. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at McKinney & Routh Stop or McKinney & Fairmount Stop.

A brick building with neon signs for 'Deep Ellum' and 'The Free Man'.

Deep Ellum

Well-liked for its restaurants and live music, Deep Ellum is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Old Deep Ellum Historic District and The Bomb Factory, and jump on the metro at Baylor Station to get around the city.

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Dallas Design District

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Dallas Design District. A stop by Dallas Contemporary or Echo Lounge & Music Hall might round out your trip.

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Victory Park

Visitors often come to Victory Park for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like American Airlines Center and Katy Trail. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Victory Station.

Kozy Hotel Dallas DFW Airport Area West

Kozy Hotel Dallas DFW Airport Area West

3 out of 5
3005 Airport Fwy Bedford TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $65 total per night from Nov 30 to Dec 1
$65 total
per night
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bedford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
Kozy Hotel Dallas DFW Airport Area West
Omni Dallas Hotel

Omni Dallas Hotel

4 out of 5
555 S Lamar St Dallas TX
The price is $217 total per night from Nov 27 to Nov 28
$217 total
per night
Nov 27 - Nov 28
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Dallas. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Omni Dallas Hotel
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

4 out of 5
1401 Commerce St Dallas TX
The price is $106 total per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
$106 total
per night
Nov 26 - Nov 27
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,170 reviews)
"This was my first hotel with valet parking only, which wasn't bad and the parking staff were very helpful and quick. While the rooms were clean, but I wouldn't call them maintained at all; tiles in the bathroom were missing, the bath faucet was practically falling off and the tub would get clogged, ..."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel ZaZa Dallas

Hotel ZaZa Dallas

4.5 out of 5
2332 Leonard St Dallas TX
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Hotel ZaZa Dallas
1902 Studios

1902 Studios

3 out of 5
1902 Houston St Grand Prairie TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Grand Prairie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Six Flags Over Texas and AT&T Stadium ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (188 reviews)
"New studio room and property"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

1902 Studios
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

5 out of 5
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd Dallas TX
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Dallas. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Dallas attractions

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AT&T Stadium

9.2/10 (6,602 reviews)
Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you watch the Dallas Cowboys in their stunning stadium, one of the largest in the NFL.
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Things to do

Dallas Reunion Tower Observation Deck Admission Tickets

Dallas Reunion Tower Observation Deck Admission Tickets

$23
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Dallas Reunion Tower Observation Deck Admission Tickets
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas

$24
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Dallas
City of Dallas Trolley Tour

Hop On Hop Off Dallas Tour

$32
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Hop On Hop Off Dallas Tour
Dig World Grapevine: Construction Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Dig World Grapevine: Construction Adventure Park Admission Ticket

$38
per adult
Dig World Grapevine: Construction Adventure Park Admission Ticket
Museum of Money Dallas Admission

Museum of Money Dallas Admission

$29
per adult
Museum of Money Dallas Admission
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum All Day Ticket

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum All Day Ticket

$19
per adult
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum All Day Ticket
See all activities in Dallas

Food in Dallas

Dallas dishes up the best of Texas comfort food, from slow-cooked barbecue brisket to Tex-Mex favorites like tacos and enchiladas oozing with cheese. For hickory-smoked meats and classic Southern sides like candied sweet potatoes, head to Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Home Cooking, a Dallas institution that’s been going since 1976. And there’s more to the dining scene than the classics. Dallas’ diverse population means you’ll find restaurants from all over the globe, from Deep Ellum’s Lebanese mezze and Japanese sushi joints to Lower Greenville’s Afghan kebabs and Indian curry houses. The daily Dallas Farmers Market is a go-to for local, seasonal produce, artisanal food stalls and up-and-coming restaurants.

Nightlife in Dallas

Dallas, Texas, knows how to entertain once the sun goes down. For the cocktail connoisseur, check out Uptown’s rooftop bars and lounges. Or grab a local brew in the taprooms and breweries of the Design District and Lakewood. Want to catch some great bands? Deep Ellum has been the heart and soul of the Dallas live music scene for decades, featuring rock, blues, indie and more. Oak Lawn is another popular nightlife hub. Also known as the “Gayborhood,” it’s home to many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, including sprawling dancehalls and Texan-style gay bars complete with Southwestern-inspired decor.

Shopping in Dallas

From upscale shopping to bargain hunting, Dallas covers all the retail bases. Begin at Neiman Marcus, the renowned luxury retailer founded in Dallas in 1907. For even more designer names like Dior and Ralph Lauren, visit Highland Park Village, a historic mall known for its upscale boutiques. Looking for budget-friendly options during your Dallas trip? Galleria Dallas, home to over 200 popular retailers, is a great stop. Hunt for vintage finds, locally crafted goods and unique art pieces in the independent stores and galleries of the Bishop Arts District. Then test your bargaining skills at Traders Village in Grand Prairie, a sprawling outdoor flea market.

Getting around Dallas

With trains, buses, streetcars and trolleys, the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) system is a cheap and convenient way of getting around Dallas. Several neighborhoods, like Downtown Dallas, are easily explored on foot. Alternatively, use the scooter and e-bike share program to travel short distances. To reach more distant attractions like Southfork Ranch from the T.V. show Dallas, rent a car.

Dallas currency and budget

A daily budget of $150-$200 should cover food, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing on a mid-range vacation. To cut costs during your Dallas travels, look for happy hour lunch specials and visit free attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art. Remember to tip around 20% in restaurants and 10% for cab drivers. Here’s a snapshot of some everyday expenses:

  • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant = $20.00 USD
  • A regular cappuccino = $5.50 USD
  • A pint of domestic beer = $6.00 USD
  • A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant = $80.00 USD

*Prices are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dallas worth visiting?
Dallas is worth visiting for its major sports and entertainment venues, including AT&T Stadium and American Airlines Center. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining, with options ranging from Latin American to North American cuisine. Getting around is convenient thanks to the city's bus and metro systems.
When is the best time to visit Dallas?
The best time to visit Dallas is from March through May, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Dallas?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Dallas depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Dallas features major attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, and The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
  • South Dallas offers entertainment at the Cotton Bowl, Fair Park, and South Side Ballroom.
  • Old East Dallas is known for spots like TX Tea Room, Trees Dallas, and The Bomb Factory.
  • Las Colinas includes the Mustangs of Las Colinas, Las Colinas Golf Course, and Toyota Music Factory.
  • Historic Downtown Grapevine provides cultural experiences at the Palace Arts Center Theatre, Grapevine Historic Main Street District, and Messina Hof Grapevine Winery.

What is Dallas known for?
Dallas is known for its major sports and entertainment venues like AT&T Stadium and American Airlines Center. Travelers can also enjoy the thrills at Six Flags Over Texas. The city, with neighborhoods such as Downtown Dallas and South Dallas, also offers a strong Latin American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Dallas?
For an extended trip of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy Six Flags Over Texas, try the Ropes Course and Zip Line Adventure, or experience a Walking Food Tour. See Dallas Activities.
How do you get around Dallas?
In Dallas, travelers can use the metro and train services, with stops like Dallas Union Station, Mockingbird Station, and DFW Airport North Station. Bus services are also available throughout the city. For more flexibility, rental cars can be picked up in areas such as Downtown Dallas, Love Field, and Far North Dallas.
What are the top things to do in and around Dallas?
Dallas offers a mix of historical insights, thrilling entertainment, and active adventures:


How do I plan a trip to Dallas?
To plan your trip to Dallas, book flights and hotels in advance, perhaps in Downtown Dallas or South Dallas. For outdoor plans, aim for early morning or late afternoon. You can also book a rental car to explore the area.
What cuisines can you find in Dallas?
In Dallas you can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. Travelers also get to enjoy Tex Mex and Southern soul food. A variety of Asian options, including Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Korean, are available, alongside Italian and other European cuisines.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Dallas?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Dallas by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Dallas with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Dallas trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Dallas?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Dallas can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Dallas trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Dallas trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Dallas trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Dallas trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Dallas?
If it's your first trip to Dallas, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Dallas hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Dallas hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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