A FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE
Dallas is the third largest city in Texas and the ninth largest in the US. Lovingly referred to as the “Big D”, Dallas has a modern metropolis, strong ties to its ranching history, the biggest arts district in the country and beautiful neighbourhoods and parks to explore.
QUICK LINKS
FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
Approximately 40 minutes outside of Dallas, in the city of Fort Worth, are the Fort Worth Stockyards. This area was once an important trading post for cowboys, located at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Nowadays, that old west heritage has been preserved in this historic district. The most popular event of the Stockyards is the Longhorn Cattle Drive, but besides this, you can also shop for cowboy boots and hats, eat Texas BBQ, visit the Exchange Building, the Stockyards Museum and the Cowboy Hall of Fame, watch a rodeo or ride a mechanical bull.
The cattle drive happens daily, at 11:30 am and 4 pm, down East Exchange Avenue.
KATY TRAIL & KATY TRAIL ICEHOUSE
There is no shortage of parks and outdoor recreation areas in Dallas. Our favourite was the Katy Trail; a 5.6 km (3.5 mi) track developed on a former railroad corridor. It offers a walking, running and cycling trail, along with access to many neighbourhoods and beautiful views of the city.
Along the trail, within Uptown Dallas, you’ll find the Katy Trail Ice House. This very popular beer garden is a great place to relax in the afternoon sun or under the fairy lights in the evening, with a cold beer or one of their famous frozen margaritas.
DEALY PLAZA & THE JFK MEMORIAL
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated at a place called Dealey Plaza in Dallas. The moment was captured on camera as the motorcade made its way down Elm Street. This place is now one of the top things to do in the city, along with the infamous grassy knoll and the Sixth Floor Museum at the Dallas County Administration Building.
A short walk up Main Street, past the impressive Old Red Museum, is the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. The memorial was designed by architect Philip Johnson.
DEEP ELLUM
Looking for live music and buzzing nightlife, then follow the bright neon signs into Deep Ellum. This neighbourhood is rich in history, art and culture. It was one of the first commercial districts for African-Americans and European Immigrants. It has seen the early careers of many bands, jazz and blues musicians and is home to over 30 live music venues. It has been a space where artists can showcase their work, and today, that is shared through street murals, tattoo parlours, galleries, recording studios, theatres and comedy houses.
GIANT EYEBALL
Sitting within a gated green courtyard in Downtown Dallas is a 9 m (30 ft) sculpture of an eyeball. This giant art installation was created by artist Tony Tasset. The Joule Hotel purchased the artwork for its collection in 2013 after it was originally commissioned for Chicago’s Art Loop program. It now sits in the hotel’s private event space, which is a courtyard not accessible to the general public but easily visible from the street over the hedges or through the fences.
DALLAS FARMERS MARKET
The Dallas Farmers Market is located in Downtown Dallas. The food market and shops are open daily, offering delicious food from a range of cuisines and goods from local businesses.
This building opens from 10 am – 7 pm, but some stalls open a little later, around midday.
The Shed has an open-air farmers market every weekend, with seasonal fresh produce and locally made handicrafts.
BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT
The Bishop Arts District is a charming neighbourhood only a 10-minute drive from Downtown Dallas. It is packed with independent boutiques selling clothes, gifts, furniture, homewares, jewellery and more. Among the boutiques are cute cafes, popular restaurants, hip bars and beautiful street art.
OUR GOOGLE MAPS
When planning our travel destinations, we pin our bucket list of sites to see and recommended places to eat and drink on Google Maps. We are then never lost for ideas when travelling, and can easily share these lists for our friends and family to use too.
Click here to see our Google Maps for Things To Do in Dallas.
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