The 2020 census establishes Dallas, TX, as the ninth most populous city in the United States. The metro area is home to 22 Fortune 500 companies. The NFL’s Cowboys, NBA’s Mavericks and MLB’s Rangers all play in greater Dallas.
Why is Dallas, TX Such a Great Travel Destination?
Thanks to the DFW International Airport, visitors from across the country and around the world find it easy to get to Dallas. The area delivers ample doses of art, culture and history. Music lovers head to prominent entertainment districts and popular concert venues. Residents and visitors also enjoy watersports on the area’s rivers and reservoirs. The zoo and botanical gardens are also popular outdoor destinations.
Top 15 Things to do in Dallas, TX
There are so many things to do in Dallas! Consider classic destinations like Reunion Tower and the Dallas Museum of Art. Or, head to trending places like the Design District and Trinity Groves.
1. Reunion Tower
The 561-foot Reunion Tower is instantly recognized as an iconic Dallas landmark. At night, 259 LEDs illuminate the geodesic dome. Take a 68-second elevator ride to the Geo-Deck for a panoramic view of the Dallas skyline.
2. George W. Bush Presidential Library
Relive the eight years of the Bush presidency at the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Visit a full-size replica of the Oval Office. Take in the drama of the Situation Room Experience.
3. Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art dates to 1903. Today, it is one of America’s largest art museums. Explore five millennia of humanity’s artistic expression. See the work of European Masters like Monet and Van Gogh. Contemplate contributions by American luminaries like Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
4. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science consists of campuses in Victory Park and Fair Park. The 14-story Victory Park structure features 11 permanent exhibit halls.
5. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is beautifully situated on White Rock Lake. It is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens.
6. Texas Discovery Gardens
The multi-story Butterfly House is a must-see attraction at Texas Discovery Gardens. The Honeybee Tree and Insectarium is another highlight of any visit.
7. Dallas Zoo
The 106-acre Dallas Zoo dates to 1888. Today, it is the largest zoo in Texas, with 2,000 animals representing 400 species. The Gorilla Research Center includes a re-creation of a Congo rain forest.
8. African-American Museum
The African-American Museum is the only one of its kind in the southwestern United States. It is home to one of the nation’s largest African-American folk art collections.
9. Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum is the live music capital of North Texas. The Blues have filled the air here since 1873. Trees Dallas is a club played by Radiohead, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The Grateful Dead pays homage to Elm Street, the iconic artery, in “Deep Elem Blues.”
10. Design District
The Design District hosts an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and interior design shops. Post-WWII warehouses coexist with eye-catching modern architecture.
11. Frontiers of Flight Museum
Check out more than 30 historic aircraft at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. You’ll find the only remaining Texas-Temple Sportsman monoplane here. View the Apollo VII space capsule as well.
12. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge spans the Trinity River. Santiago Calatrava designed this cable-stayed bridge and its 400-foot central arch pylon. Hike or bike the Trinity Skyline Trail below.
13. Trinity Groves
Just across the bridge is the 15-acre Trinity Groves shopping and entertainment complex. Enjoy upscale shopping, live music, food, art and more.
14. Giant Eyeball
Tony Tasset’s Giant Eyeball is a one-of-a-kind fiberglass sculpture on Main Street in downtown Dallas. It measures a whopping 30-feet in diameter.
15. White Rock Lake Park
Five miles northeast of downtown Dallas is the 1,015-acre White Rock Lake Park. It is one of the city’s most scenic green spaces. Try your hand at kayaking, sailing, fishing and more. A nine-mile hiking/biking trail circumvents the lake.
Best Hotels in Dallas, TX
Since Dallas is a regional powerhouse and major transportation hub, it should come as no surprise that the city is rich with lodging possibilities. Here are Dallas hotels we recommend.
Lorenzo Hotel
1011 South Akard Street
The four-star Lorenzo Hotel is a whimsical art-centric boutique hotel. Generous displays of colorful art contrast with striking black and white decor. Guests have access to an outdoor pool and fitness center. The Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas Arts District and Farmers Market are all less than a mile away.
Warwick Melrose Hotel
3015 Oak Lawn Avenue
The stately Warwick Melrose Hotel is a AAA four-diamond hotel built in 1924. Many of the luxurious rooms offer dramatic city views. The Landmark Restaurant ranks among the best in the city. Guests are near the West End and McKinney Avenue entertainment areas.
The Fairmont Dallas
1717 North Akard Street
The Fairmont is an amenity-rich hotel with an outdoor pool, health center, concierge services and 24-hour room service. It is a short walk to the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas World Aquarium.
Hyatt House Dallas Uptown
2914 Harry Hines Boulevard
The 141-room Hyatt House offers a full complement of amenities. Guests enjoy concierge services, outdoor pool, spa tub and fitness center. The hotel is close to the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Dallas World Aquarium.
Omni Dallas Hotel
555 South Lamar Street
Guests at the 4.5-star Omni Dallas Hotel enjoy pillowtop beds, a fitness center, spa tub and sauna. Dine at any of the hotel’s seven restaurants. The Omni is near Pioneer Plaza, the Dallas World Aquarium and the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Grand Hotel DFW
2337 South International Parkway
The four-star Grand Hotel offers upscale accommodations with pillowtop beds and down comforters. Guests enjoy the benefit of concierge services, a 24-hour fitness center, sauna and outdoor pool. The hotel is near McCormick Park, Bear Creek Golf Club and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Hotel Zaza Dallas
2332 Leonard Street
The four-star Hotel Zaza offers desirable amenities like concierge services, an outdoor pool, spa tub, and steam room. It is minutes from American Airlines Center, Klyde Warren Park and Dallas World Aquarium.
The Statler
1914 Commerce Street
The Statler’s elegant rooms feature retro-forward décor. Modern room amenities include concierge iPads and Nespresso coffee makers. The hotel’s social club offers bowling, billiards, ping pong and even cornhole. You'll find both a pool and a lounge on the roof.
Hyatt House Dallas Lincoln Park
8221 North Central Expressway
The Hyatt House Dallas Lincoln Park is near the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Meadows Museum. There's an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Guests receive a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Plan Your Trip to Dallas, TX, Today
Guest Reservations is an independent travel network offering more than 100,000 hotels around the world. Check out the recommended hotels above, or browse all our hotels in Dallas, TX.