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Dallas, Texas is an incredible city. Known as “The Big D”, Dallas provides oodles and oodles of fun things to do. And for all sorts of travelers! This travel guide will help you navigate all this city has to offer, and what you shouldn’t miss.
I’ve been to Dallas a few times and I’ve had a blast every single time. Heck, even before I moved to Texas, and only got to experience Dallas from inside the airport during long layovers, I’ve been impressed.
It’s easy to say I love this city.
I only have a few trips to Dallas, Texas under my belt, so needless to say I haven’t done it all! So every trip provides a new experience.
Whether that’s in a neighborhood I haven’t visited or just new “stuff” popping up all the time, Dallas is like the New York City of Texas. (That’s not official, just my opinion as a former small town gal)
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Why Visit Dallas?
Well if my little soapbox speech above didn’t convince you, here are two more reasons to plan a trip to Dallas, Texas (ASAP):
- Dallas is in North Texas, which offers so much. Called the Metroplex, you’re a jump away from Fort Worth, and there is a massive sprinkling of “small towns” surrounding the big city.
- Couples, families, and bachelor/bachelorette parties all will have a blast in Dallas. Captivating museums, glitzy cocktail bars, and all the delicious food you could eat… No matter how you’re traveling or what you like to do when you travel, Dallas has it for you.
Where to Stay in Dallas?
Dallas is a big city, not just population-wise, but area-wise! When it comes to where to stay in Dallas, you have a whole bunch of options. My favorite area to stay is near downtown where there are plenty of hotel options for all budgets.
And that way I can also be central to all the top Dallas sites. But you might want a different experience. Here are some other options on
- Uptown or Downtown Dallas are the top areas great for families or first time visitors to Dallas.
- Bishop Arts District neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a funky, local-feeling experience to the Big D.
- Deep Ellum Neighborhood is great for those looking to come to Dallas to have a wild time with friends!
Sheraton Dallas Hotel – My Top Recommendation
During a weekend in March, I was hosted by the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, which has a fantastic location downtown, close to the Deep Ellum neighborhood. Unfortunately, this hotel isn’t the most pet-friendly, as they don’t allow larger animals, but all of the amenities, super friendly staff, and central location definitely made up for it! Due to its setting near tons of local breweries, I think this hotel is perfect for beer lovers visiting Dallas.
Rooms and Suites
I had the privilege of staying in the presidential suite on the 22nd floor, which boasted incredible views of Dallas. While the rooms were pretty standard, the basic layout is great for those traveling on business.
This hotel’s 282 guest suites come equipped with white linens, chic decor, and LED TVs. You can choose between one king bed or two queens, and also upgrade to an extra sitting area, Club Lounge access, and city views.
Amenities
The Sheraton Dallas Hotel has an onsite fitness center with 6,000 square feet of space and five Peloton bikes. The rooftop pool is a fun place to relax in the sun and enjoy views of the city. While you’re here, you will have access to high-speed WiFi, event spaces, and onsite bars and restaurants.
I personally think the best amenity here is the fantastic location. Within walking distance to the new Pegasus Brewery, Deep Ellum, and the subway station, you can get anywhere you want to be in a matter of minutes. For those who are traveling with dogs, there are several parks nearby that are great for walking.
Dining
I always appreciate hotels that have onsite dining options, and especially when they have an attached bar or cafe, so this hotel did not disappoint! With four different dining options here, you will have plenty to choose from. The Open Market Grab n’ Go is perfect for those who want a quick, healthy snack before heading out on a day of sightseeing. At Open Palette, the adjoining restaurant, you can enjoy a sit-down meal of American staple foods.
If you’re in the mood for a sports bar atmosphere, the 4,000 square-foot Draft Sports Bar and Lounge makes for a great evening hangout. For an upscale cocktail bar atmosphere, Parlor is open for special events.
The Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Dallas
As mentioned earlier, this is no complete list of all the things to do in Dallas, but is one that covers my most five favorite things to do when I visit the “Big D”.
If you feel I left your favorite thing to do in Dallas off this list, let me know in the comments below. I’m always looking for recommendations for my next trip!
Spend an Afternoon at the Dallas Farmers Market
Open daily, the Dallas Farmers Market is a large public market near downtown with all sorts of local sellers and farmers. An afternoon here will be packed full of delicious and local eats. There are two areas at the Farmers Market: The Market Shops and The Shed.
The Market Shops (pictured above) is a 26,000 square foot food hall and artisanal vendor market with a mix of restaurants, local speciality foods, and artisanal food vendors.
The Shed is an outdoor and open-air pavilion where you can shop for locally grown fruits, fresh veggies, and farm-raised meats.
Go Shopping in Bishop Arts District
Bishop Arts District is another amazing Dallas neighborhood but with a slightly different feel from the Deep Ellum entertainment district. Bishop Arts has a diverse range of independent fashion and home goods stores, so come prepared to shop till you drop.
Once you have worked up an appetite, you’ll find many dining options to choose from, ranging from classic Texas BBQ to fine dining Italian dining.
Explore the Local Craft Beer Scene
Dallas is home to some of the best craft breweries in Texas. New breweries are popping up all the time here in the Big D, so if you like local beer, here are the spots you cannot miss:
- Deep Ellum Brewing (pictured above)
- Celestial Brewing
- Peticolas Brewing
- Oak Cliff Brewing
- Steam Theory Brewing
- Texas Ale Project
Read more about craft beer in Dallas with my guide here.
Visit the Colorful Deep Ellum Neighborhood
Dallas’s Deep Ellum Neighborhood is one of my favorite spots in the DFW Metroplex. Deep Ellum is a lively entertainment district with several blocks of colorful street murals, funky art galleries, and popular music venues. You’ll also find a few brewpubs and cocktail bars as well as many delicious eateries.
Feel Like a Kid Again at the Museums and Aquariums
There are so many incredible museums and similar attractions in Dallas it’s hard to list them all here! That being said, here are the top attractions in Dallas to visit during your next trip:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science (pictured above) is three museums in one: children’s, science, and natural history. You’ll experience a wide range of exhibits that feature massive dinosaur fossils, an earthquake simulator and a hands-on experience feeding terrarium animals.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is one of the state’s most visited historic sites. This is a museum that covers the life, legacy, and death of President Kennedy, as well as the history and culture of Dallas and the 1960s.
Dallas Museum of Art is one of the nation’s largest art museums and home to over 24,000 pieces of art that spans many centuries, countries, and mediums.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is home to the archives of the George W. Bush presidency and also includes a fun replica of the Oval Office in Washington D.C. [Note: This museum is temporarily closed because of Covid-19]
Crow Museum of Asian Art is a beautiful museum dedicated to the art and cultures of Asian countries. Right in the heart of Dallas, this museum is a peaceful and serene escape from the bustle of the city.
Jump Next Door to Dallas’s Little Brother City, Fort Worth
Ok, so maybe you’re looking for something a little more ‘Texan’…. No worries, I got ya!
In that case, head next door to Dallas’s little brother: Fort Worth.
It has nearly everything Dallas has, but just with a more ~small city vibe~. Oh, and not to mention the Stockyards. Which are a heavily touristy type trap… but a MUST for any first time visitors!
For more information about your trip to Fort Worth, check out my beer and BBQ guide here: Craft Beer and the Best BBQ in Fort Worth
Now it’s your turn! Time to start planning your trip to Dallas, Texas!
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