Dallas is most definitely a multidimensional attraction of a city. Here, for example, you can visit the biggest urban arts district in the country, take a bike ride along a lovely greenway or go stand-up paddleboarding and then round things out by tracking down some world-class barbecue.
The city is home to fabulous museums and profound historic sites, it’s home to the gridiron of the Dallas Cowboys, known as “America’s Team” and boasts an epic lineup of shopping and dining.
As it happens, this city lays claim to some knockout vistas, from postcard-perfect perspectives of the skyline to serene natural tableaus. Here’s a roundup of some of the very best views in Dallas.
- Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
- Best for: Unobstructed views of the city, day or night
There may be no more iconic view in Dallas than that enjoyed from the GeO-Deck of the Reunion Tower, that soaring downtown landmark nicknamed “The Ball.” From some 470 feet above street level, the miles-long sightline unfurls in 360-degree glory. You can even indulge in nighttime sightseeing here, with a glittery sea of skyscraper lights providing its own dazzling spectacle. These views can also be enjoyed at the Crown Block restaurant within the tower, which offers steak, seafood and other high-quality options.
- Address: 542 E. Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, TX 75203
- Best for: Natural vistas and scenery
Only five miles from downtown, White Rock Lake is one of the go-to outdoor escapes for locals and visitors alike. The vistas here are some of the most tranquil to be had in the city, whether they’re viewed from the encircling multi-use recreational path or out on the water via kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
- Address: 110 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75205
- Best for: Views of the skyline, bridge, lake and nearby parks
This pocket park off West Commerce Street provides sweeping vistas of the Downtown Dallas skyline, the Margaret McDermott Bridge spanning the Trinity River and the Dallas Floodway, a partnership between the City of Dallas and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aimed at mitigating against floods while boosting recreational opportunities. Relax under the eye-catching architectural shade structures, study the interpretive signage detailing the Trinity Lakes corridor and use the park as a jumping-off point for enjoying the Trinity Skyline Trail.
- Address: 1914 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Best for: Downtown views, skyline
The Statler Dallas on Commerce Street is home to one of the city’s hidden gems for views at Waterproof, its rooftop bar and pool complex. Plus, while soaking in the amazing views, you can kick back in a private poolside cabana and toast to the stirring sights with a refreshing cocktail. From this elevated vantage point, you can take in sweeping views of the Downtown skyline, especially striking at sunset and after dark when the city lights come alive.
- Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
- Best for: Natural scenery, flowers, ponds
Beautifying nearly 70 acres on the southeastern shores of White Rock Lake and encompassing the National Register of Historic Places-listed DeGolyer House, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden ranks among the finest institutions of its kind in the world. It’s a surefire destination for swoon-worthy views, with springtime cherry blossoms, fall-fired canopies and different flowers blooming throughout the year. Take a stroll along the central walkway of the Paseo to access multiple floral and arboreal dreamscapes, from the Jonsson Color Garden and McCasland Sunken Garden to the Magnolia Glade and Crape Myrtle Allee.
- Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Best for: Architectural views, downtown Dallas
The Perot Museum of Nature & Science isn’t only one of the top attractions in Dallas for its exhibits and programming: It’s also a head-turning landmark in and of itself, featuring a striking (and sustainability-focused) floating-cube design schemed up by architect Thom Mayne. One of its standout features is the glass-wrapped escalator, which extends to the building exterior to deliver passengers views of Downtown Dallas en route.
- Address: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249
- Best for: Natural lake views, surrounding hills, trees and landscape
Just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, you can find yourself immersed in what feels like a slice of transplanted Texas Hill Country when you enter the 600 acres of Cedar Ridge Preserve. Managed by Dallas Audubon in partnership with the City of Dallas Park & Recreation Department and laced with nearly 10 miles of trails, this natural area rises to 755 feet along the White Rock Escarpment. It features rolling limestone juniper-oak hills and Blackland Prairie habitat. Views range from streambeds and yucca gardens to far-reaching hilltops that are abundant throughout the preserve. At the observation platform, guests can gaze from Joe Pool Lake to the distant profile of AT&T Stadium.
- Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
- Best for: Downtown views, light and music shows
Framing this popular hangout are views of downtown, which include handsome landscaping, recreation areas and the inviting expanse of the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn. The roughly five-acre Klyde Warren Park also happens to be host to one of downtown Dallas’s most impressive daily spectacles: the choreographed light and music show of the interactive Nancy Best Fountain.
9. Nasher Sculpture Center
- Address: 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Best for: Architecture, art, sculptures
Set on 2.4 acres beside the Dallas Museum of Art within the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center maintains a wide collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. The views down the corridors of its outdoor sculpture garden, nestled amid the downtown cityscape, are simply unforgettable.
10. Titan at Six Flags Over Texas
- Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011
- Best for: Thrill-seekers
Some views are memorable for their incredible scenery or the iconic landmarks they include. Other views are memorable for their sheer intensity and awe. That’s what you’ll experience when you’re at the 245-foot apex of the loftiest (and speediest) roller coaster in the Lone Star State: Titan, Six Flags Over Texas’s legendary hypercoaster. The view from the top of Titan’s 85-mile-per-hour drop is a memory worth adding to the trip of any thrill seeker.
- Address: 3700 Sylvan Ave, Dallas, TX 75207
- Best for: Scenic landscape and city views
Not far from the Sylvan Avenue Bridge, Trammell Crow Park treats you to front-row seats along the Dallas Floodway for a stellar view of downtown Dallas. While there, take advantage of the park’s boat launch or enjoy a walk on the Trinity Levee Top Loop or Trinity Skyline trails.
12. The Crescent Club at Hotel Crescent Court
- Address: 400 Crescent Ct, Dallas, TX 75201
- Best for: City skyline, surrounding suburbs
Known for its luxury accommodations and a lavish 22,000-square-foot spa and fitness complex, Hotel Crescent Court also lays claim to one of the most elegant dining areas in the city with its Crescent Club, set up on the 17th floor. The Crescent Club’s ambience gets a major boost from the cityscape views through the windows as well.
- Address: 1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
- Best for: Lake views, surrounding natural landscapes
Not far from Cedar Ridge Preserve, Cedar Hill State Park sprawls across 2,000 acres and ranks among the most-visited state parks in Texas. Along with the sprawling Joe Pool Lake, it hosts a landscape of limestone shores and vast prairie glades. Also worth seeing are the trails into the cedar ridges, which boast lovely vistas and viewpoints such as the Talala Overlook.
14. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
- Address: Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Dallas, TX 75207
- Best for: Seeing Trinity River, downtown skyline, sunrise and sunset
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is an iconic bridge in its own right, with its towering arches and cables that illuminate beautifully at night and it’s also the perfect place to catch one of Dallas’ best skyline views.
You can choose to drive over the bridge, take a scenic walk or bike ride or go on a Dallas Highlights Tour to get sightseeing opportunities. Sunrise and sunset are especially dramatic with reflections along the Trinity River, but it’s nighttime where the bridge’s views truly shine.
As the sun sets and the city’s lights come on, you’ll find amazing views of the skyline as the skyscrapers begin to glow colorfully. Plus, you can’t beat the location for nearby attractions before or after your visit.
15. Griggs Park
- Address: 2200 Hugo St, Dallas, TX 75204
- Best for: Views of Uptown Dallas, trees and fauna
Griggs Park is a scenic and tranquil park offering incredible side views of Uptown Dallas. While you won’t get the full skyline view found in other parks, you will get a unique and cozy view of the city that’s perfect for a picture at any time.
Plus, the park itself is beautifully maintained with cozy trails and benches alongside large stretches of lawn and trees. As a quiet getaway from the bustle of downtown, Griggs Park is the perfect place to get some quality photos as well as relax during your Dallas vacation.
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