You are currently viewing 9 Best Things To Do in Dallas [Top Tourist Attractions]

Experience the best things to do in Dallas, Texas by visiting these top tourist attractions in the city. Featured photo of downtown Dallas by Robert Hensley.

The commercial and cultural heart of the state of Texas, Dallas is full of amazing experiences that belie its reputation as a land of football and oil rigs. There’s plenty to see and do here, from lush gardens to admiring incredible art. But there are six sights that we consider absolute musts for any tourist.

Keep reading to find out which nine places every tourist needs to visit in Dallas!

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Discover the wonders of science in this energy-efficient museum! The Perot opened in 2012, and has since delighted families and solo travelers alike with its interactive exhibits. Learn about the incredible human body, be awed by enormous dinosaur skeletons, and gaze into the eye of a hurricane at the Perot! There are eleven permanent exhibits here, but there’s always some new event or program awaiting curious minds.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science | Photo by Joe Mabel under creative commons

Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

Standing 470 feet high, you’ll get the best panoramic view of the city and its surrounding sights from the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck! Watch out for seasonal events held to make the most of the breathtaking view at Reunion Tower, like enjoying live music, joining trivia competitions, or calligraphy lessons while you sip wine!

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

This museum honors the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy – a fitting site, as the building was used as Lee Harvey Oswald’s vantage point for the assassination of President Kennedy. The Sixth Floor Museum has many interpretative displays dedicated to telling the story of this momentous event.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (Texas School Book Depository) | Photo by Michael Barera under creative commons

Examine over 40,000 artifacts and stand at the precise window where Oswald stood to fire his shots – it’s an offbeat experience that will have you thinking about those second shooter theories!

Dallas Zoo

With over 100 acres to explore, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest zoo in the state and houses two incredible areas: the Wilds of Africa, and ZooNorth. The Wilds of Africa will transport tourists to a savannah-like environment, where tourists can gaze at lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes.

Zebras at Dallas Zoo | Photo by Kevin1086 under creative commons

ZooNorth is the oldest section of the zoo, and it contains an endangered tiger habitat, a children’s zoo, and the Pierre A. Fontaine Bird & Reptile Building, where tourists can learn about endangered reptiles and amphibians.

George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

A must-visit for those curious about American history and politics, this museum located in Southern Methodist University holds the archives of the George W. Bush presidency. Visit its replica Oval Office, or learn more about the local fauna at the Native Texas Park. There are also regular exhibits dedicated to exploring political issues and policy discussions, giving visitors an inside look into how American governance works.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

There are two recommended seasons for visiting the Dallas Arboretum: fall, when its leaves turn gold and red; and spring, when the Dallas Blooms Festival turns it into a giant bouquet of a hundred flowers, all bursting with brilliant colors. Enjoy a tranquil view of White Rock Lake, or visit the Women’s Garden – it’s a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Photo by Inuyas under creative commons

Dallas Museum of Art

Located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Arts is one of the largest museums in the US. It is situated along Woodall Rodgers Freeway and was moved to its current location in 1984. It features over 24,000 works of art.

Dallas Museum of Art | Photo by KeithJonsn under creative commons

Arts District

The Dallas Arts District is the city’s cultural and creative hub featuring arts for all senses. It boasts award-winning museums, bars and restaurants, performing arts venues, and more.

Dallas Arts District | Photo by Dallasborn&bred under creative commons

Nasher Sculpture Center

Situated in downtown Dallas, the Nasher Sculpture Center features some of the finest collections of contemporary and modern sculpture in America.

Nasher Sculpture Center | Photo by Michael Barera under creative commons

Location and Hours

2001 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
214.242.5100

Monday – Wednesday, Closed
Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission Fee

Adults: $10
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) riders: $8*
Seniors 65 and over: $7
Educators with ID: $5
Students with ID: $5
Children under 12: FREE
Military and First Responders with ID: FREE
Members: FREE

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