Texas has a reputation for being big and bold – sometimes even brash – but Dallas unveils the state in all its rich complexity. You’ll discover quirky, offbeat neighborhoods that capture the many facets of the city’s varied character.
Downtown delivers on top-flight museums and history (including, of course, the assassination of JFK in 1963), but it’s the lesser-known districts that show off the best of Dallas. From the historic blues hotbed of Deep Ellum to cosmopolitan, monied corners such as Highland Park, and from the hip quarter of Trinity Groves to the Hispanic heritage of Oak Cliff, there’s a lot to experience.
If you’re pondering which neighborhood serves as the right base for your trip to Dallas, here are the eight essential districts for foodies, history buffs, art lovers, antiquers, shoppers, and night owls alike.
Downtown
Best for museums and history
Downtown Dallas is rich in pioneer heritage, tragic mid-century history, contemporary architecture, and public art – a blend that offers visitors a snapshot of The Big D’s defining moments over the past century and a half. Bounded by the city’s sprawling freeways, this central hub is easy to explore.
Unlike Dallas’ sprawling reputation, this part of the city is easily manageable without the hassle of finding parking. Downtown spans about a mile square and is well-served by public transportation, including two main hubs – the DART Rail Convention Center Station and Union Station, which receives Amtrak, the Trinity Railway Express commuter rail, and DART – alongside the McKinney Ave trolley that connects museums.
Pioneer Plaza recalls Dallas’ days as a cattle trading hub, featuring 40 bronze steers marking the site of an old rail yard vital to Texas cattle drivers. Nearby, the Pioneer Cemetery dates back to the city’s foundation and includes graves of the first four mayors.
To learn more about this period of Dallas history, visit the Dallas Heritage Village, where early structures have been preserved, including an Indigenous tipi, a Civil War plantation house, slave dwellings, and Victorian homes. Many of these buildings were relocated from freeway construction projects and the DFW airport, showcasing the city’s history.
The site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most visited spots in downtown Dallas. Tourists gather at Dealey Plaza & the Grassy Knoll and the Sixth Floor Museum to learn more about this pivotal moment in American history.
Thanks-Giving Square serves as a gentle memorial – this public space opened a year after the Kennedy assassination in 1964, inviting visitors to meditate, reflect on gratitude, and connect with their community.
Part of downtown is the vibrant Arts District, an impressive area home to several museums. The Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Crow Collection of Asian Art are all clustered along the border of Klyde Warren Park, which caps the Woodall Rodgers Freeway.
Don’t forget to look up as you stroll downtown or you might miss Dallas’ iconic architecture. The famous neon Pegasus Sign flies by the Omni Dallas Hotel, while Reunion Tower connects to the Hyatt Regency Dallas and offers panoramic views from inside its iconic, glittering disco ball.
Oak Cliff and Bishop Arts
Best for Hispanic heritage
Musical and sporting legends like T-Bone Walker and Stevie Ray Vaughan hailed from Oak Cliff, a traditionally blue-collar neighborhood bound by I-30, Loop 12, I-45, and the Trinity River.
Parts of Oak Cliff, particularly the Tenth Street Historic District, trace back to communities founded by former slaves after emancipation, making it one of the few surviving Freedman’s towns in the US. Oak Cliff later became a turn-of-the-century streetcar suburb, showcasing architectural legacies in areas like Winnetka Heights.
The neighborhood’s history experienced challenges, but Oak Cliff is now more diverse than ever, home to a vibrant Hispanic community.
Experience some of the neighborhood’s Hispanic heritage at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, the Mercado369 gallery, and local restaurants like El Ranchito and La Palapa del Sabor. Jefferson Blvd is vibrant with shops full of quinceanera dresses, intricate piñatas, and classic Tejano albums.
Oak Cliff is undergoing gentrification, especially around the lively Bishop Arts District. This popular area is bustling with bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Grab a coffee at Oddfellows, browse books at Wild Detectives, or enjoy a meal at Ten Bells Tavern, Emporium Pies, and Boulevardier. You’ll also find unique antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and eclectic shops.
Deep Ellum
Best for music and nightlife
Deep Ellum, like Oak Cliff, emerged as a Freedman’s town, retaining its significance as Dallas’ Black community center well into the 20th century. By day, residents found work in local factories, while the nightclubs flourished, trailing only Bourbon Street and Beale Street in cultural prominence during the Jazz Age.
Renowned musicians, including Blind Willie Johnson and Lead Belly, made their mark here. The music scene thrives at venues such as Twilite Lounge, Double Wide, and Trees. This area is also full of fun eateries perfect for a pre-gig meal, with must-tries like Serious Pizza and Pecan Lodge.
Although the construction of Dallas’ freeways affected Deep Ellum, the music scene experienced a resurgence in the 1990s, emerging as a hotspot for punk, grunge, and alternative bands, inspiring events like the Deep Ellum Arts Festival.
Today, Deep Ellum remains a top neighborhood for a night out, showcasing a variety of local and regional acts, including talent from the University of North Texas College of Music.
By day, enjoy a pint while exploring vinyl at Off the Record, catch a comedy show at Dallas Comedy House, or experience the creativity scattered among colorful murals. Don’t miss the chance to pick up a souvenir tattoo at Elm Street Tattoo. For convenience, consider staying at Deep Ellum Hostel for a nearby night’s rest.
Before leaving the neighborhood, admire the Traveling Man sculptures by local artists Brad Oldham and Brandon Oldenburg, located near the DART Light Rail station.
Greenville
Best for street food
Stretching along Greenville Avenue between Mockingbird and Belmont is one of Dallas’ trendiest spots to eat, shop, and unwind. Approximately 10,000 Dallas residents call this neighborhood home, splitting it into Upper and Lower Greenville.
This district blends luxury condos, historic homes, and modern developer deals, offering great hotel options like the Highland Dallas and Beeman Hotel. It’s a great place for shopping, whether you’re after vintage finds or reliable chains like Buffalo Exchange.
The Granada Theater has anchored the neighborhood’s entertainment scene since the 1940s, while more modern venues like ramen shops and a local-favorite beer garden ringed by food trucks called the Truck Yard are also popular.
For a refreshing drink, check out Single Wide, a cozy sibling of Deep Ellum’s Double Wide, or head to Balcony Club for a stellar jazz experience. If you feel adventurous, explore the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in neighboring Lakewood.
Highland Park
Best for living the high life
Highland Park has been renowned as one of the city’s poshest neighborhoods since the 1980s, featured prominently in the soap opera Dallas. This affluent area remains a shopping haven, especially at the chic Highland Park Village mall.
However, Highland Park also offers a whimsical side – enjoy a picnic with giant teddy bear sculptures at Lakeside Park, an ideal photo spot. Dine at Javier’s, a classic Mexican steakhouse, or visit Abacus for upscale dining, often presenting special menus.
To reconnect with nature, take a stroll or run along the Katy Trail, a scenic 3.5-mile pedestrian route connecting Highland Park to Uptown.
Uptown
Best for a hipster vibe
Uptown is a walkable gem in this car-centric city, boasting an inviting atmosphere. While not as luxurious as Highland Park, Uptown emerged as a Freedman’s town after the Civil War and has transformed into a trendy district for young professionals who cherish urban amenities right at their doorstep.
This area features juice bars, restaurants focusing on “clean eating,” coworking hubs, and lively adult arcades like Kung Fu Saloon. In addition to modern apartment buildings, you’ll find boutique hotels such as the eclectic Hotel ZaZa and the stylish Crescent Hotel Dallas.
Uptown caters to dog-lovers with places like Mutt’s Canine Cantina, a bar, restaurant, and dog park combo. When the temperature rises, enjoy a refreshing drink at the Katy Trail Icehouse, a favorite locals’ spot for giant margaritas under mist fans at the end of the eponymous trail starting in Highland Park.
A variety of shopping opportunities await along Knox Street and in the West Village. Between Uptown and Downtown, catch a Dallas Mavericks or Dallas Stars game at the American Airlines Center.
Design District
Best for an arty attitude
Just west of Uptown, the Design District features a vibrant mix of art galleries, vintage shops, and diverse entertainment options such as old-style bowling and the Medieval Times experience. The area has also welcomed condos and breweries, enhancing its cultural offerings.
The Design District is promoting pedestrian projects like the Trinity Strand Trail, a 2.5-mile path for walking and biking, which follows the Trinity River’s original bed. While still evolving, the neighborhood offers plenty of treasures yet to uncover.
Besides enjoying the local art scene, refuel with a burger at Rodeo Goat or dine at the classic Mama’s Daughter’s Diner, a beloved establishment since the 1950s. Recharge with an Aussie-style flat white at Ascension before embarking on your treasure hunt through this eclectic district.
Trinity Groves
Best for discovering the reinvented Dallas
Trinity Groves represents a strategic development rather than an organically-grown neighborhood, yet remains a trendy spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Nestled along a curve of the Trinity River just south of the Design District, Trinity Groves is positioned at the foot of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, which connects it to downtown.
Once a fickle floodplain, this 15-acre area has been transformed into a hub for restaurants, studios, and a sculpture park with walking trails. The nearby Tin District once served as a melting pot for immigrant communities and is now home to various entrepreneurial concepts, from trapeze studios to art galleries.
Enjoy stunning views of the Dallas skyline, featuring landmarks like the Bank of America Plaza and Reunion Tower. Indulge in a delightful blend of culinary trends and beloved Texas staples, from barbecue meats to burritos as you savor the freshest flavors in the area.
This article was first published on April 22, 2021, and updated on May 24, 2022.
