Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a cultural hot spot and growing tourist destination. Arlington, Fort Worth, Garland, Irving and Plano encircle the city of Dallas creating thriving sisterhood of cities that are all commonly tied by the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, yet culturally diverse with their own blend of tourist attractions and restaurants. It is simple to book lodging in Dallas and then branch out to the suburbs for additional activities, should you have time. Most tourists divide their time between the sister cities Dallas and Fort Worth because the cities are so closely linked. You will quickly find that both cities require days to explore. Dallas is packed with shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and other important attractions that keep you busy day and night.
For many, Dallas's sheer size, more than 380 square miles, can seem overwhelming. The mix of tourism and business functions finds many coming to the city year after year. In fact, Dallas receives more yearly visitors than any other city in Texas. The Dallas Convention Center is busy and many area hotels are situated within walking distance making it easy for business travelers to relax in between meetings. Tourists will find hotels range from affordable, family-friendly hotels to upscale boutique hotels that pamper the senses. Reaching Dallas is easy—both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airports serve the city.
Dallas Hotels:
Dallas hotels vary greatly in both price and amenities. The closer you are to the convention center, the more upscale the offerings tend to be. Regardless of where you stay, you'll find that many restaurants, shops and sightseeing attractions are within the area.
• Hotel Indigo: As one of the least expensive hotels in Dallas, Hotel Indigo is located in a historic building. Rooms are small and comfortable, and the hotel is within a mile of the convention center and is a couple minutes walk from the business district.
• Hotel Lawrence: Hotel Lawrence is a short walk from the Dallas Convention Center and the Kennedy Museum. The inexpensive prices and business friendly amenities make it a top choice for business travelers.
• Hotel Lumen: Another small, boutique hotel, Hotel Lumen is across the street from the SMU campus and within a short walk of many trendy cafes and restaurants. Prices are extremely reasonable and amenities are outstanding.
• Hotel Palomar: Guests rave over the friendly, attentive staff at Hotel Palomar. One of the best amenities at this hotel is that pets are allowed for no additional charge.
• Marriott Suites Market Center Dallas: Located in the heart of the city, Marriott Suites offers comfort and quality amenities at a price most families can afford.
• Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: This is an upscale boutique hotel located in the former home of one of Texas's wealthiest cotton moguls. Room rates are high, but service and accommodations are impeccable.
Dining In Dallas:
Regardless of your favored cuisine, you will find many excellent diners, cafes and restaurants within Dallas. Restaurants are plentiful and offer varying price ranges making it easy for those on a tight budget to find excellent meals.
• Cuba Libre Café: With low prices, Cuba Libre offers excellent Caribbean fare for an average of $20 per person. Many diners will find the prices and food at Cuba Libre are both extremely satisfying!
• The French Room: The classic French restaurant is definitely upscale, but multiple magazine awards demonstrate how impressive the restaurant truly is. A romantic meal for two generally costs upwards of $90 per person with beverages—try a bottle of French sherry or an imported French wine.
• Gloria's Restaurant: It is believed that the frozen margarita machine was developed in Dallas. Gloria's is a favorite with many locals and tourists because of the inexpensive fajita and margarita specials.
• Medieval Times: Children love Medieval Times. The chain restaurant offers a satisfying four-course meal that is highlighted by the medieval entertainment—jousting, falconry and even magic shows.
• Sweet Georgia Brown: Diners come to Sweet Georgia Brown's BBQ buffet looking for traditional soul food and barbecued fare, and they are never disappointed. Do be prepared to leave feeling twenty pounds heavier!
• Quarter at Bread Winners: Patrons rave over the tremendous bakery offerings. Sandwiches are typical lunch fare, but the huge breakfasts keep diners returning time and time again.
Key Attractions in Dallas:
Regardless of your interests, you will find activities in Dallas that suit your budget. From the zoo to art museums, Dallas offers a wide array of attractions suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Cutting Edge: Situated in a former warehouse, Cutting Edge is the world's largest haunted house suitable to older children and their parents. More than 230,000 square feet of haunted space is open to exploration. Children must be twelve or older to enter. The haunted house only runs at Halloween time.
• Dallas Arboretum: Adults pay only $8, seniors pay $7, children aged three to twelve pay $5 and younger children are free for all of the arboretum's gardens. Located along the White Rock Lake's shoreline, Dallas Arboretum is packed with colorful, fragrant gardens and quiet locations for picnics.
• Dallas Museum of Art: The works of Cézanne, Monet, Pollock, Renoir, Van Gogh and Warhol are all featured within this impressive art museum. Dallas Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to close.
• Dallas Zoo: Children love Dallas Zoo. The 95-acre park is home to tigers, crocodiles, gorillas, penguins, elephants and more. A children's petting zoo, reptile building, aquarium and bird-friendly gardens round out the spacious zoo's attractions. Currently, ticket prices are $8.75 for adults and $5.75 for children over two. Admission into the aquarium costs extra.
• Fair Park: Football lovers flock to Fair Park every year for the cherished Cotton Bowl. Throughout the year, Fair Park hosts music concerts, festivals, musical theater and the world's largest state fair.
• Farmer's Market: Looking for a bargain? The Farmer's Market is open year round and features local goods and produce. Having opened in the 1940s, the Dallas Farmer's Market is the largest open-air market in the United States.
• Galleria Dallas: Galleria Dallas is a huge shopping mall complete with an indoor ice rink. Anchored by Banana Republic, Gap, Macy's, Nordstrom, Old Navy and Saks Fifth Avenue, there are hundreds of stores on each of the three levels.
• Heritage Village: This thirteen-acre park tributes the history of Dallas's founding residents. Historic homes are open to visitors and guides share stories of how people lived in previous centuries. Ticket prices range from $4 to $7.
• Highland Park: Highland Park's claim to fame lies in the fact that it is the oldest shopping center in the United States. Top fashion design stores—Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Escada, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Winston—all have stores in this complex.
• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: This Six-Flags theme park offers breathtaking rides for all ages. Located on almost fifty-acres, Hurricane Harbor is a favorite attraction with 'tweens and teens.
• Sixth Floor Museum: The bullet that ended President John F. Kennedy's life came from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Since that day, the building became a museum dedicated to the life of this esteemed former president. Sixth Floor Museum is open seven days a week.
• Southfork Ranch: Even if you never watched the nighttime soap, Dallas, you probably can hum the theme song. The showcase for the popular television show, Southfork Ranch, is located in Dallas. Attractions within the grounds include Miss Ellie's Deli, the Dallas Legends museum exhibit and the Ewing mansion.
• White Rock Lake Park: Over 1,000 acres await singles, couples and families. White Rock Lake Park is open to the public year round and offers fishing, hiking, biking, jogging paths, picnic areas and quiet spots for bird watching.
At night, Dallas becomes a haven for anyone seeking live music of all genres. There are honky-tonks in the area, jazz bars, blues joints and rock and roll nightclubs. If you enjoy kicking up your heels after the sun sets, Dallas is packed with enjoyable options.
Once you've visited Dallas, you'll find it hard to leave. With so much to experience, you will be making arrangements to return in the near future.
Texas Tourist Guide - Dallas, Texas
For many, Dallas's sheer size, more than 380 square miles, can seem overwhelming. The mix of tourism and business functions finds many coming to the city year after year. In fact, Dallas receives more yearly visitors than any other city in Texas. The Dallas Convention Center is busy and many area hotels are situated within walking distance making it easy for business travelers to relax in between meetings. Tourists will find hotels range from affordable, family-friendly hotels to upscale boutique hotels that pamper the senses. Reaching Dallas is easy—both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airports serve the city.
Dallas Hotels:
Dallas hotels vary greatly in both price and amenities. The closer you are to the convention center, the more upscale the offerings tend to be. Regardless of where you stay, you'll find that many restaurants, shops and sightseeing attractions are within the area.
• Hotel Indigo: As one of the least expensive hotels in Dallas, Hotel Indigo is located in a historic building. Rooms are small and comfortable, and the hotel is within a mile of the convention center and is a couple minutes walk from the business district.
• Hotel Lawrence: Hotel Lawrence is a short walk from the Dallas Convention Center and the Kennedy Museum. The inexpensive prices and business friendly amenities make it a top choice for business travelers.
• Hotel Lumen: Another small, boutique hotel, Hotel Lumen is across the street from the SMU campus and within a short walk of many trendy cafes and restaurants. Prices are extremely reasonable and amenities are outstanding.
• Hotel Palomar: Guests rave over the friendly, attentive staff at Hotel Palomar. One of the best amenities at this hotel is that pets are allowed for no additional charge.
• Marriott Suites Market Center Dallas: Located in the heart of the city, Marriott Suites offers comfort and quality amenities at a price most families can afford.
• Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: This is an upscale boutique hotel located in the former home of one of Texas's wealthiest cotton moguls. Room rates are high, but service and accommodations are impeccable.
Dining In Dallas:
Regardless of your favored cuisine, you will find many excellent diners, cafes and restaurants within Dallas. Restaurants are plentiful and offer varying price ranges making it easy for those on a tight budget to find excellent meals.
• Cuba Libre Café: With low prices, Cuba Libre offers excellent Caribbean fare for an average of $20 per person. Many diners will find the prices and food at Cuba Libre are both extremely satisfying!
• The French Room: The classic French restaurant is definitely upscale, but multiple magazine awards demonstrate how impressive the restaurant truly is. A romantic meal for two generally costs upwards of $90 per person with beverages—try a bottle of French sherry or an imported French wine.
• Gloria's Restaurant: It is believed that the frozen margarita machine was developed in Dallas. Gloria's is a favorite with many locals and tourists because of the inexpensive fajita and margarita specials.
• Medieval Times: Children love Medieval Times. The chain restaurant offers a satisfying four-course meal that is highlighted by the medieval entertainment—jousting, falconry and even magic shows.
• Sweet Georgia Brown: Diners come to Sweet Georgia Brown's BBQ buffet looking for traditional soul food and barbecued fare, and they are never disappointed. Do be prepared to leave feeling twenty pounds heavier!
• Quarter at Bread Winners: Patrons rave over the tremendous bakery offerings. Sandwiches are typical lunch fare, but the huge breakfasts keep diners returning time and time again.
Key Attractions in Dallas:
Regardless of your interests, you will find activities in Dallas that suit your budget. From the zoo to art museums, Dallas offers a wide array of attractions suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Cutting Edge: Situated in a former warehouse, Cutting Edge is the world's largest haunted house suitable to older children and their parents. More than 230,000 square feet of haunted space is open to exploration. Children must be twelve or older to enter. The haunted house only runs at Halloween time.
• Dallas Arboretum: Adults pay only $8, seniors pay $7, children aged three to twelve pay $5 and younger children are free for all of the arboretum's gardens. Located along the White Rock Lake's shoreline, Dallas Arboretum is packed with colorful, fragrant gardens and quiet locations for picnics.
• Dallas Museum of Art: The works of Cézanne, Monet, Pollock, Renoir, Van Gogh and Warhol are all featured within this impressive art museum. Dallas Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to close.
• Dallas Zoo: Children love Dallas Zoo. The 95-acre park is home to tigers, crocodiles, gorillas, penguins, elephants and more. A children's petting zoo, reptile building, aquarium and bird-friendly gardens round out the spacious zoo's attractions. Currently, ticket prices are $8.75 for adults and $5.75 for children over two. Admission into the aquarium costs extra.
• Fair Park: Football lovers flock to Fair Park every year for the cherished Cotton Bowl. Throughout the year, Fair Park hosts music concerts, festivals, musical theater and the world's largest state fair.
• Farmer's Market: Looking for a bargain? The Farmer's Market is open year round and features local goods and produce. Having opened in the 1940s, the Dallas Farmer's Market is the largest open-air market in the United States.
• Galleria Dallas: Galleria Dallas is a huge shopping mall complete with an indoor ice rink. Anchored by Banana Republic, Gap, Macy's, Nordstrom, Old Navy and Saks Fifth Avenue, there are hundreds of stores on each of the three levels.
• Heritage Village: This thirteen-acre park tributes the history of Dallas's founding residents. Historic homes are open to visitors and guides share stories of how people lived in previous centuries. Ticket prices range from $4 to $7.
• Highland Park: Highland Park's claim to fame lies in the fact that it is the oldest shopping center in the United States. Top fashion design stores—Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Escada, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Winston—all have stores in this complex.
• Six Flags Hurricane Harbor: This Six-Flags theme park offers breathtaking rides for all ages. Located on almost fifty-acres, Hurricane Harbor is a favorite attraction with 'tweens and teens.
• Sixth Floor Museum: The bullet that ended President John F. Kennedy's life came from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Since that day, the building became a museum dedicated to the life of this esteemed former president. Sixth Floor Museum is open seven days a week.
• Southfork Ranch: Even if you never watched the nighttime soap, Dallas, you probably can hum the theme song. The showcase for the popular television show, Southfork Ranch, is located in Dallas. Attractions within the grounds include Miss Ellie's Deli, the Dallas Legends museum exhibit and the Ewing mansion.
• White Rock Lake Park: Over 1,000 acres await singles, couples and families. White Rock Lake Park is open to the public year round and offers fishing, hiking, biking, jogging paths, picnic areas and quiet spots for bird watching.
At night, Dallas becomes a haven for anyone seeking live music of all genres. There are honky-tonks in the area, jazz bars, blues joints and rock and roll nightclubs. If you enjoy kicking up your heels after the sun sets, Dallas is packed with enjoyable options.
Once you've visited Dallas, you'll find it hard to leave. With so much to experience, you will be making arrangements to return in the near future.
Texas Tourist Guide - Dallas, Texas
