Dallas is one of those cities that tends to be unfairly judged by travelers who have never been before — or by those who have only experienced a sliver of its offerings. If they look beyond the heat and traffic, though, they’ll discover a long list of reasons to visit this Texan metropolis. Lily Cabatu Weiss, the executive director of the Dallas Arts District Foundation, describes it as a destination that’s “diverse with an energy, synergy, and an economic engine,” partially fueled by its exciting arts scene, popular sports teams, and an extensive list of first-rate museums. In her words — and as evidenced below — there’s “so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy” in Dallas.
That said, to gain a comprehensive understanding of all things Dallas, you’ll want to either rent a car or be open to using a rideshare service throughout your trip. “Travelers don’t realize how much of a big city Dallas is and how many different neighborhoods are within a 5-minute drive of the downtown core. You can visit these neighborhoods and get a genuinely different version of Dallas in each one,” says Gabe Sanchez, beverage consultant for Midnight Rambler, a cocktail bar at The Joule.
Meet the Expert
Lily Cabatu Weiss is the executive director of the Dallas Arts District Foundation.
Gabe Sanchez is a beverage consultant for Midnight Rambler, a cocktail bar at luxury hotel The Joule.
Ready to plan a trip to the Lone Star State? Read on to discover the 20 best things to do in Dallas, with recommendations from local experts.
Related: Travel + Leisure’s Guide to Dallas