Dallas Travel Guide [2024]

Dallas, the ninth-largest city in the United States, is a vibrant city hub that blends Southern hospitality with cosmopolitan flair. It boasts a food culture so famous that visitors arrive with a BBQ bucket list, shopping opportunities so grand you’ll be checking extra bags and a thriving museum and art scene so alive you’ll want to extend your stay another week to cover them all.

This culturally diverse city is also not short of experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you're exploring the stunning Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, indulging in some retail therapy at its high concentration of shopping centers, or immersing yourself in its abundant green spaces, Dallas is a city with a distinct character that truly deserves a place on your travel bucket list this year. Read on through our Dallas Travel Guide to learn about tips and tricks for navigating the city.

Time Zone

Central Standard Time

Language

English

Currency

American Dollar

How to Get to Dallas

Thanks to its well-connected local and international transportation infrastructure, getting to Dallas is relatively straightforward. Its accessibility is a key feature, supported by a well-maintained transportation network, ensuring that individuals can travel to the city effortlessly, enhancing the overall convenience for commuters and tourists.

By Air

Two major airports serve the city: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and the smaller regional Love Field Airport. DFW is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering flights to and from numerous domestic and international destinations. From the international airport, it’s just a 30 to 40-minute drive to the center of the city. If you are able to fly out of Love Field Airport and are staying near downtown Dallas, it is much closer, only 12-20 minutes depending on traffic.

By Train

Amtrak's Texas Eagle service provides a scenic train route to the city. Opened in 1916, the Beaux-Arts Union Station is a historical transportation hub that connects to the DART light rail, TRE commuter trains and local buses.

How to Get Around Dallas

Dallas has a grid-like layout, making it easier to navigate. Several major highways traverse, allowing for smooth access to its different neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.

Driving

If you’ve opted for a rental car, the city's iconic North Central Expressway (US 75) and the Dallas North Tollway are key routes for getting around. Like any major city, traffic can make getting between attractions difficult if you don’t plan accordingly. If you have a flexible schedule, adopting a local transit plan may be the better option.

Local Transit

Public transportation options within the city, such as DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), provide easy access to various parts of Dallas. The DART operates buses, light rail and a commuter train to offer extensive coverage across the city. The DART light rail is particularly popular as it provides access to many of the city's main attractions.

Walking

Dallas’ broad expanse is not necessarily known for its walkability. Some neighborhoods, like the bustling downtown area and Oak Lawn are lovely to traverse, while others are car-dependent.

Biking

For shorter distances, the Dallas Bike Share program offers an excellent way to explore the unique charm of neighborhoods like Uptown, Deep Ellum and the Bishop Arts District.

Best Time to Visit Dallas

Dallas is a city that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to visit largely depends on the activities you're interested in.

Fall

Fall in Dallas brings relief from the humid summer months, giving way to milder weather in the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Comfortable enough for outdoor activities and not too cool for coats to take up room in your carry-on.

The State Fair of Texas, one of the biggest and longest-running state fairs in the United States, is a must-visit event. It usually runs for about three weeks, from late September to October, featuring everything from live music and food to amusement rides and livestock exhibitions. For nature lovers, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts Autumn at the Arboretum, where you can enjoy stunning displays of fall foliage.

Winter

Winter in Dallas is typically mild, with average daily high temperatures hovering around mid-50s and 60s Fahrenheit. It’s warm enough to stroll the sites of Bishop Arts District but cool enough to take hot cocoa with you.

The lack of snow doesn’t hold back the festive spirit, though, with spectacular light displays at the Dallas Zoo and the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade through downtown.

Spring

Dallas is in full bloom by springtime. Average daytime temperatures rise from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. You can plan a picnic at Klyde Warren Park, go kayaking in White Rock Lake, or stroll the over half a million spring-blooming bulbs at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Don’t miss the quintessential spring event here– the Dallas Blooms Flower Festival, which runs from February to April each year.

Summer

Summer in Dallas is known for its hot, sunny days with average daytime temperatures in the high 80s to 90s Fahrenheit. Fortunately, Dallas is a city that prepares and offers many museums and other inside attractions to buffer the heat. Alternatively, you can embrace it by visiting one of the many water parks like Hurricane Harbor or the city-run NRH2O which offers endless rivers and a massive wave pool.

Outdoor concerts are also popular this time of year with many music festivals and outdoor concert series in full swing.

Top Things to Do in Dallas

Dallas is a city that could fill your travel itinerary many times over. From the vibrant art district to trolley rides and haunted tours, there’s never a shortage of unique experiences to be had in the heart of Texas.

Tour the Dallas Art District

In the heart of downtown, you’ll find the Dallas Art District, one of the largest art museums in America. Tour a collection that spans over 5,000 years and features over 24,000 works. The space is also home to the Nasher Sculpture Center, one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world.

Take the Kids to a Medieval Times Dinner and Show

Looking for unique dinner plans? The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament transports you back to the Middle Ages with a two-hour live show. Watch as knights on horseback compete in games of skill, like jousting and sword fighting, while enjoying a four-course meal. It’s the perfect night out if you are traveling with a young family or a group of friends.

Take a Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Tour

The best way to combine after-dinner drinks with a walk through Dallas’ neighborhoods? Get paranormal with a Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Tour. This unique 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through the Historic District of downtown Dallas, stopping at up to four bars, each with its bespoke ghosts and stories. Along the way, you’ll pass haunted hotels, parks and theatres with a historical narrative from your guide.

Immerse Yourself in American History at the Sixth Floor Museum

Dallas is perhaps most historically synonymous with the place where JFK’s living legacy ended. The Sixth Floor Museum offers an in-depth exploration of JFK's life, assassination and his impact on society and culture. It houses over 90,000 artifacts that provide insights into his presidency.

One of the key exhibits is the window from where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have fired his fatal shot. After you've explored the museum, visit the Grassy Knoll to see the marked 'X' on the street, indicating the spot where JFK was tragically shot in 1963.

Get a Bird’s Eye View from Reunion Tower

Dallas has a sprawling cityscape, best viewed from above. Built in 1976, the Reunion Tower provides a stunning bird's eye view of the city from over 560 feet up. The tower's observation deck, known as the GeO-Deck provides great views of the Margaret McDermott Bridge, Dealey Plaza and the Dallas skyline – especially magnificent at night.

Take a Ride on the McKinney Avenue Trolley

Black and white edits will pay homage to the trolley's history – it's been around since the 1980s and uses beautifully restored cars to cover a five-mile loop from Uptown to the Arts District and back.

The McKinney Avenue Trolley, also known as the M-Line, has been a beloved part of Dallas's urban landscape since the 1980s. This 4.6-mile heritage streetcar will take you through Uptown and downtown Dallas with stops at the Dallas Arts District, the West Village and Klyde Warren Park with pickups every 15-20 minutes. It runs every day of the week making this a perfect way to get a tour of the city.

Top Outdoor Activities in Dallas

Dallas boasts some excellent green spaces, including Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Belo Garden, the Trinity River Audobon Center and the spectacular Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Amongst them, you’ll find plentiful hiking and biking trails, kayaking and even fishing opportunities.

Hike the Katy Trail

There are miles of excellent trails to explore around the city, whose difficulty is made relatively easy by the flat terrain. If you only have time for one, head just north of downtown for a 3.5-mile paved stroll through Dallas’ treelined neighborhoods as well as Reverchon and Turtle Creek Parks. It’s great terrain for strollers and bikes and offers plenty of refuel stops along the way. The trail begins near American Airlines Center and ends at Mockingbird Station.

Bike Around White Rock Lake

One of the quintessential outdoor activities in the city is biking the path that circumnavigates White Rock Lake. This 9-mile trail is a popular way to explore the scenic shores while checking out the urban wildlife, which includes foxes, minks, rabbits and squirrels. The lake is also a popular place to cast a line for trout and bass.

Explore Old City Park

Just south of downtown, you’ll find Old City Park (also known as Dallas Heritage Park) and a collection of historic pioneer and Victorian-era log cabins and restored buildings from across North Texas. The park has some excellent paths for exploring the green spaces and buildings and frequent interactive programs.

Where to Stay in Dallas

As a metropolis, Dallas has a wealth of accommodation types to choose from, spread across bustling city hubs and more tranquil neighborhoods.

The Warwick Melrose Dallas

• Address: 3015 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Four Diamond
• Rates: $160
• Parking: Valet Only
• Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, valet laundry, area transportation.

The Warwick offers a class charm with contemporary amenities. The actual building in which it is housed has a designation on the National Register of Historic Places. Bolstered by the excellent Landmark Restaurant and Liberty Bar, it also serves as a popular dining hub. Its location in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood means you are not far from shopping and entertainment options or the airport.

The Marriot Dallas Uptown

• Address: 3033 Fairmount St, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Four Diamond
• Rates: $220+
• Parking: Valet Only
• Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, valet laundry, pet friendly.

Another great Uptown hotel option, the Marriot brings stylish sophistication to city accommodations. The property is home to the Central 214 restaurant, which serves American cuisine and the Cedar Springs Tap House for lighter fare. This location offers great working spaces as well as a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the city skyline.

AAA Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

• Address: 1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Four Diamond
• Rates: $199+
• Parking: Valet Only
• Amenities: Pool cabanas, exercise room, pet friendly.

Launched in 1912 by the renowned beer magnate Adolphus Busch, this urban landmark seamlessly blends history with modernity. The location is so special; there are daily historical tours each day at 5 pm to highlight its storied roots in Dallas’ history.

A premium location in downtown Dallas means you’ll have upscale and luxurious accommodations with great access to the city's fine dining and internment scene.

AAA Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates.

Where to Eat in Dallas

The culinary scene in Dallas is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, offering everything from upscale fine dining to authentic Tex-Mex. You’ll also find settings as luxurious as a rooftop and as lowkey as streetside dining outside the neighborhood bistro. These are our AAA-approved dining recommendations.

Meso Maya

• Address: 1611 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Approved
• Cuisine: Mexican, Latin American

Meso Maya offers an authentic Mexican dining experience with a modern twist. The menu travels through the diverse regional cuisine of Mexico featuring a variety of dishes made from scratch. Their signature dish is the Budin Azteca, a type of Mexican lasagna.

Don’t leave Meso Maya without sampling their renowned and extensive drink menu. They are particularly known for their margaritas, which are often cited as some of the best in Dallas.

Zodiac Restaurant

• Address: 1618 Main Street, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Approved
• Cuisine: Contemporary American

The Zodiac Room gives a luxurious ambiance, set within the shopping center of the universe of Neiman Marcus. They’re known for their upscale trendy menu featuring dishes like salmon tacos, braised pot roast, robust salads and artisan sandwiches of the moment. A standout favorite among regulars is their signature popovers served with strawberry butter. While it may not be the hotspot for the latest culinary fads, the eatery's meticulous attention to detail never fails to impress.

CBD Provisions

• Address: 1530 Main St, Dallas, TX
• Rating: AAA Approved
• Cuisine: Local inspired contemporary American

Nestled within the sleek and modern Joule Hotel, this restaurant embraces a curated aesthetic through its rustic wooden floors, vintage Edison bulb lighting, brick walls and smoked mirrors. A seasonal emphasizes local fresh ingredients that capture the essence of Texan cuisine shining through in dishes like gulf shrimp and grits, pan-roasted catch from the gulf and crispy carnitas. CBD is also a must-visit spot for an epic Dallas brunch.

Top Dallas Photo Spots

Dallas is a very photogenic city with its unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, lush parks and vibrant art spots. There's a picture-perfect scene around every corner.

Nasher Sculpture Center

The Nasher Sculpture Center, a creation of the globally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, is a fantastic place to capture the artistic beauty of the city from many angles. The sculpture museum is set within a serene garden worth a few hours of strolling and posing.

Atop Reunion Tower

Possibly the most iconic shot you can get in Dallas is from 450 feet in the air. The Reunion Tower, known as the "The Ball" by locals, gives breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck. Whether you're looking to capture the skyline during the day or want to photograph the city lights at night, you’ll have a unique vantage point for vacation photos.

Teddy Bear Statues in Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park, also known as Teddy Bear Park, is a hidden gem in Dallas, Texas. This park is well-known for its adorable teddy bear statues, which are a favorite among visiting photographers. The infamous teddy bear statues are not the only prominent feature of the park, visitors can also enjoy the scenic views from the bridge atop Turtle Creek Dam.

Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge

Head over to Mockingbird Station, which serves as a link between the Katy Trail in Uptown and the Ridgewood Trail in East Dallas, for a great backdrop on the Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge, picturesque in its own right, provides gorgeous views of the surrounding green belt and skyline.

In Front of the Deep Ellum Street Murals

Stoll over to Commerce Street in the Deep Ellum neighborhood for one of Dallas’ iconic pieces of street art. Renowned for its eclectic and artistic flair, its streets are adorned with bold and colorful murals. These murals have become an integral part of Deep Ellum's cultural identity. One of The "42 Murals Project” involves 42 murals painted by local and international artists, each telling a unique story about Deep Ellum's rich history and culture.

Best Day Trips in Dallas

You’ll have a hard time running out of fun things to do in the Big D, but it’s nice to step out of the city for a little Texas countryside. Day trips from Dallas will allow you to explore charming historical towns, connect with nature and channel your inner cowboy spirit.

Fort Worth, TX

Drive time from Dallas: 40 minutes

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth will transport you to the Old West in under an hour. From original brick walkways to wooden corrals, every corner of the Stockyards tells the story of Texas's famous livestock industry and the cowboys who ran the show.

The district offers a variety of events and attractions, including the world's only twice-daily cattle drive, live rodeo shows and historical tours.

Terrell, TX

Drive time from Dallas: 40 minutes

At first thought Texas may be the last place you’d expect to find scuba diving, however the Scuba Ranch in Terrell will show you otherwise. A short drive into the Texas country will take you to this unique excursion in a freshwater quarry lake. The 22-acre spring-fed lake offers one of the most beautiful natural habitats in Texas. The Scuba Ranch also offers camping facilities, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. And don't forget to meet Sisco the Shark, a popular underwater attraction among divers.

Grapevine, TX

Drive time from Dallas: One hour

Less than an hour outside of Dallas, you’ll find yourself in some of Texas’ finest wine country. Grapevine, Texas, is a haven for wine lovers, boasting a vibrant and growing urban wine trail that offers daily wine tastings and special events throughout the year. Known for its restored 19th- and 20th-century buildings, the city makes a great place to soak history and a few glasses of local vino.

Dallas on a Budget

Dallas is full of great all-in-one tour opportunities, low-cost museums and attractions and plenty of green spaces that won’t cost a thing. Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling on a budget in Dallas.

AAA Member Discounts

Did you know that AAA members are offered numerous benefits and discounts during their travels? Members can access many exclusive travel benefits, including lower-price attraction tickets, discounts on rental cars and even massive savings on accommodations with local hotel partners.

Avoid High Season

The high season in Dallas typically falls during the spring and fall months, specifically from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the city experiences mild weather, making it a prime booking time for visitors. Beyond inflated accommodation pricing, you may also see longer waits for attractions.

Look for the Free Experiences

Many of the museums offer free admission or discounted tickets on certain days or times, so be sure to check their websites for up-to-date information. In addition, Dallas hosts many historical sites open to the public for free, like those found in the Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District.

Travel Tips for Dallas

Get Cultured with Dallas CityPASS

If you’re short on time, the Dallas CityPASS is a great travel tool that gives discounted access to numerous top locations around the city. Some of these include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, where you can race against a virtual T. Rex, the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Dallas from 470 feet up, the Dallas Zoo for a quick haunt on an urban safari, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum for a peek into presidential history and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, a space dedicated to advancing human rights.

CityPASS tickets are valid for nine days, providing ample time to experience as many of these attractions as you please.

Avoid the Heat

The hottest months in Dallas are typically from June to September. These months bring humidity that may not be as comfortable if you have an active itinerary with many outside destinations.

Bring Extra Luggage

Dallas is a shoppers' paradise. Retail meccas like NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas will have you over your luggage weight limit in no time. Pack a bag inside your luggage for any extra treasures you accumulate on your travels.

What to Pack for Dallas

Thankfully, the weather in Dallas is relatively forgiving and more or less consistent, unlike other destinations that will have you packing different attire for day and night to temperature changes.

Basic Items to Pack for Your Dallas Getaway

No matter what your Dallas itinerary has in store, there are certain items that you’ll want to make sure to make your suitcase packing list:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Backpack
• Hat
• Camera
• Travel Documents/ID/Health Insurance Card
• Medication
• On-the-go toiletries
• Phone/Computer/Chargers
• Sports gear for hiking and kayaking
• Clothing for layering by the season.
• Light Rain Jacket
• Swimsuit (many of the hotels have indoor pools.)
• Extra luggage for shopping

Plan Your Ultimate Dallas Vacation with AAA

Book your Dallas trip with a AAA agent today. Our travel agents make planning a trip easy, with access to vacation packages and a la carte planning options for every budget. Use your AAA membership to access exclusive travel benefits and use Trip Canvas for travel inspiration.