Dallas, TX

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).

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.