HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN DALLAS, TEXAS
I grew up in Dallas, Texas and am beyond lucky I get to call this city home! So, when I had the opportunity to re-discover my hometown with fresh eyes, I was immediately on board! After all, I had been eager to return and explore Dallas’s distinct neighborhoods!
And while you could certainly spend years fully experiencing everything Dallas has to offer, if you’re just passing through and only have one day to spare, you can still check out many of the city’s highlights and make the most of your time in the area. On my recent trip to Dallas, I uncovered so many unique spots and fell even more in love with the heartbeat of this city!
Whether you are visiting Dallas for the first time, or you’re looking for a new activity to try, there are so many exciting things to see, eat, and do!
Where To Get Coffee in Dallas, TX
Houndstooth Coffee [North Henderson / Sylvan Thirty / Walnut Hill]
Merit Coffee Co. [Deep Ellum]
Ascension Coffee [Design District]
La La Land Kind Cafe [Lower Greenville]
Magnolias Sous Le Pont [Design District / Crescent Court]
Best Things To See + Do In Dallas, TX
Flea Style: I had the best time designing the hat of my dreams at this unique Hat Bar! With locations in Deep Ellum, Galleria Dallas, or Frisco, you’ll get to hand pick from a range of vintage accessories (think: scarves, pins, feathers, and more!) to adorn your hat. Once you’ve made your selections, a stylist will assemble your hat for you! Each reservation ($20) includes a glass of champagne and assistance from a stylist. All hats & accessories are individually priced.
Klyde Warren Park: A beautiful urban green space atop Woodall Rodgers Freeway, built to bring people together, Klyde Warren Park is a must-see that includes a variety of food trucks, outdoor fitness activities, and so much more. Stroll through the park, grab a bite to eat & make a splash at the new, interactive fountains that illuminate at night!
Jade & Clover: Create your own succulent plant or terrarium at this Plant Bar in Deep Ellum! Pick out a planter, select your favorite succulents + cacti, and the team will help you put it together. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry — indoor succulents are super low maintenance & easy to grow for first time plant parents! I brought mine all the way back to Boston and love having a little piece of Dallas with me in my new home!
Dallas Arts District: Famed as the largest urban arts district in the country, you can discover a number of museums, galleries, sculptures, art exhibits, performances, and so much more!
Ronald Kirk Bridge in Trinity Groves: This pedestrian bridge connecting Downtown Dallas and West Dallas boasts amazing (and free!) views of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and the Dallas skyline. We caught a stunning sunset and watched as the city’s most iconic buildings brightly lit up the sky. What better way to end the day than to see the city come alive at night?!
Reunion Tower: This list would be incomplete without mention of this Dallas landmark (and my favorite piece of the city’s skyline). Perfect for a special occasion, the best panoramic views of Dallas can be found from the Reunion Tower’s indoor/outdoor GeO-Deck! And if you’re admiring it from afar, the lights on “The Ball” often change to honor holidays, sports team wins and other commemorations that define the energy of the city.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden: Located on White Rock Lake and spanning 66 acres, you can catch beautiful blooms, seasonal festivals and special events year-round at the Arboretum!
Attend a Sporting Event: Since the Dallas area is home to the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas and the Texas Rangers, the city has one of the most loyal fan bases for professional sports, and for good reason! Catch a game at one of the major sports arenas in the city and cheer on your favorite team!
Popular Places to Eat + Drink in Dallas, TX
Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery: One of my favorite classic weekend brunches in Dallas!
Casablanca: Vibes? Check. Craft cocktails? Check. Chic interior? Check. This trendy bar & adjoining Casanova Karaoke lounge located in Bishop Lane is a must-visit. Sip your cocktail and snap a gorgeous photo in any corner of the indoor / outdoor space, complete with beautiful boho lanterns, patterned tiles, lush plants and an impressive food & cocktail menu!
Las Palmas: Whenever I’m back in Texas, I have to satisfy my Tex-Mex craving, and this trip was no different. Las Palmas serves up all the Tex-Mex classics & craft cocktails, with a large indoor space and a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy your meal on a sunny day!
Terry Black’s BBQ: What’s a trip to Texas without indulging in some delicious Texas BBQ?! The brisket and beef ribs are tender, juicy and packed with flavor! Hot tip? Don’t skip the sides — we love the creamed corn, mac & cheese, cornbread and coleslaw!
Velvet Taco: One of my favorite taco spots in Texas, Velvet Taco uses fresh ingredients and takes tacos to the next level! My favorite is the spicy tikka chicken taco!
Bob’s Steak & Chop House: One of the best steaks I’ve ever had was at Bob’s (their pepper crusted filet mignon is to die for)! This place holds a special place in my heart, because the first time I dined here was before Prom with my [now] husband :) We actually visited again recently to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday, and it’s just as good as I remember it!
Planning to visit Dallas soon? Save this post and use Travel Texas’s Trip Builder Tool to help you personalize your trip! Whether you choose to hit up the iconic sights, explore the sprawling outdoor spaces, check out the art scene, visit a museum, attend a sporting event / concert, or just eat your way through the city’s top-rated restaurants before a night out on the town, your day in Dallas will be one to remember!
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