Y’all… I figured it was about time to finally make a city guide for the city that I live in: DALLAS, TEXAS! The saying “everything is bigger in Texas” is the complete truth. There is so much to do and see (and eat) in Dallas that it is definitely a challenge to compile into one list, but I did it! So here is your official Dallas City Guide. See what made my list!
Whether you are a local, visiting for the first time or coming for a fun weekend getaway, Dallas has so much to offer! Did you know that Dallas is the Number 1 tourist destination in Texas? We also have the largest urban arts district in the country as well as the best shopping in the southwest. “Big D,” as we like to call it, is even the subject of a famous TV show – Dallas. Heck, everyone knows about Southfork Ranch!
Flying here is a breeze because we have two airports – DFW and Lovefield. Even though we don’t have mountains or an ocean, we are a short two hour flight from the beach and/or the magnificent mountains! We are home to both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines so traveling will always be easy.
If you like sports, you’re in luck! Not only do we have the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers, we also have incredible college sports in town. SMU (Dallas) and TCU (Ft. Worth) are both excellent schools with incredible sports teams who happen to play each other. And don’t forget that we host the annual Red River Shoot Out at the Cotton Bowl each fall where UT and OU duke it out. That game happens to occur during the three-week run of the State Fair of Texas. Be sure to check out my blog post about what to do at the annual fair.
Everything that made the list is linked for you. Also, Visit Dallas is an excellent site to check out before you book any plans. They have detailed information so that you can plan accordingly. If you are looking for another great local guide, I subscribe to Culturemap Dallas. This gives me daily insights into my city with the latest on restaurants, events and happenings. Teresa Gubbins does such a great job reporting on restaurants (she’s a former pastry chef) and I love all the contributions that Diana Oates makes. Even Taylor & Jeff’s wedding was featured in Culturemap Dallas!
DISCLAIMER: I am only covering Dallas proper. We know that there are amazing places in Ft. Worth and the surrounding cities. We’ll let someone else write those city guides.
What are some of your favorite places? Be sure to list them in the comments and I might find a new hot spot to add to my list.
xoxo – Tanya
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DALLAS CITY GUIDE
Photo Courtesy The Joule Hotel
Where to Stay
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
The Lumen (great hotel if you have a student at SMU)
The Adolphus Hotel if you like downtown Dallas. Be sure to have tea at The French Room!
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Photo Courtesy Mercat Bistro
Where to Eat
Montlake Cut or Yo Lobster (same company)
Hillstone, Cafe R & D and Honor Bar (all part of the Hillstone restaurant group)
Lunch at the Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus Northpark Center or Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus downtown
If you’re looking for some great coffee places, check out La La Land Kind Cafe, Fiction Coffee, Houndstooth Coffee and Ascension (which also serves wine and food). Wild Detectives is a place to go for a unique experience where you can get coffee, food and drinks while browsing their library or enjoying live music. Check out Bishop Arts District or Trinity Groves for many great dining options with an ambiance.
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Photo Courtesy Highland Park Village Theatre
Where to Shop
Highland Park Village (I often shoot content while strolling around in HPV)
Neiman Marcus downtown (this is the original, flagship store)
Local shops in Snider Plaza, The Plaza at Preston Center and Inwood Village
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Photo Courtesy Omni Hotel
What to Do
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
State Fair of Texas – Three week run each fall starting in late September
Dallas also has one of the largest arts districts in the country, so check and see if there are any shows happening at their various theaters through AT&T Performing Arts Center. Music Hall at Fair Park is another place you can look to see the latest touring Broadway show. You can also check out American Airlines Center, House of Blues Dallas or South Side Ballroom to see if your favorite band is in concert.
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Tags: City Guide, Dallas, Texas
Dallas looks like a fabulous place. My family and I moved to The Woodlands from Southern California…we need to venture north – thanks for the recommendations.
I live in Dallas, and I second SO many of your recommendations!! Especially Bistro 31!