Top 55 Must-Do Activities in Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a dynamic city characterized by modern skyscrapers, a prominent arts district, world-class museums, and a vibrant nightlife, all situated on the plains of North Texas.

Numerous sections of Dallas have been revitalized recently, such as the Design District, which has transformed a former warehouse area into a vibrant neighborhood, as well as Klyde Warren Park, which has revitalized a former freeway route. However, if you seek traditional Texas experiences like substantial steaks, barbecue, and honky-tonks amidst the fine dining and cultural attractions, you will easily find them. Additionally, Dallas remains closely associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, offering insights into this historical event at Dealey Plaza.

Let us delve into the most engaging activities and attractions in Dallas:

1. Dealey Plaza

In Dallas, one can visit a location where history was irrevocably altered.

The key sites at Dealey Plaza, including the Texas School Book Depository, the Grassy Knoll, and Elm Street as it descends towards the railroad tracks, would hold minimal significance were it not for the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

The landscape at Dealey Plaza remains largely intact, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. It is hard not to feel a profound sense of history while gazing up at the corner sixth-floor window from which Lee Harvey Oswald discharged his three shots, observing the X marking the exact spot where JFK was struck by the fatal second bullet, and standing on the sidewalk where Abraham Zapruder recorded his iconic footage.

Suggestion

: initiate your exploration with the

Dallas City Highlights Tour

.

2. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

This comprehensive and objective museum, located in the former Texas School Book Depository and inaugurated in 1989, provides a wealth of context regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. As you ascend to Lee Harvey Oswald’s sixth-floor location, you will learn about JFK’s career and the socio-political landscape of the early 1960s, covering the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War.

The event itself is delineated in great detail, with a myriad of photographs from the scene and an analysis of the Zapruder film (donated by the Zapruder family to the museum in 1999). Furthermore, there is extensive background information on the various conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination, potentially yielding new insights even for avid researchers.

The preserved vantage point of Lee Harvey Oswald, now protected by glass, remains as it was at the time of the assassination in November 1963.

Recommended tour

:

JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour

.

3. Arts District

Dallas boasts the largest urban arts district in the United States, spread across 20 square blocks southeast of Uptown, featuring a rare concentration of cultural venues.

Many of the attractions in this area include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Klyde Warren Park, and the Winspear Opera House.

Renowned establishments and institutions coexist closely in the Arts District, from the reputable Dallas Black Dance Theatre in the east to the acclaimed Dallas Museum of Art in the west.

Moreover, the district offers remarkable architectural wonders, exemplified by the neo-Gothic Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe (1902), adorned with a 68-meter spire and 100 stained glass windows.

To truly engage with the arts district’s cityscape, consider participating in the 90-minute walking tours available on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 10:00 AM.

4. Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)

Recognized as one of the premier art museums in the nation, this institution takes visitors on a cultural journey spanning 5,000 years, from antiquity to contemporary expression.

Art enthusiasts can traverse different eras and cultures, examining artifacts such as a 1,700-year-old Buddha, a Greek funerary relief from 300 BCE, ancient American gold art, and a Nok terracotta bust originating from Nigeria dating back 2,000 years.

The collections of American and European art are substantial, showcasing works by artists like O’Keeffe, Hopper, Childe Hassam, and masters like Canaletto, Courbet, Monet, van Gogh, and Piet Mondrian.

Covering every post-war trend, the Contemporary galleries feature artworks by notable figures including Sigmar Polke, Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, and Franz Kline.

Founded in 1903, the museum ranks among the ten largest art institutions in the United States, continually hosting ten concurrent exhibitions and a diverse program of talks, tours, concerts, film screenings, and workshops.

5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

A remarkable attraction and an eye-catching landmark for Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature (2012) features 11 permanent exhibit halls spread across five floors.

This extraordinary structure is designed as a large cube set over a water garden, while the facade is inspired by the drought-resistant grasslands of North Texas.

Summarizing this multifaceted museum in a single paragraph is challenging; however, as is typical in modern science attractions, visitors will enjoy abundant interactivity and hands-on experiences.

Visitors can simulate an earthquake, create music in a sound studio, build personal robots, smell beeswax from the Blackland Prairie, challenge world-class athletes, and embark on a miniature tour of Dallas.

No natural history museum would be complete without dinosaur skeletons; the “Life, Then and Now Hall” showcases imposing Alamosaurus and T. rex fossils along with a remarkable Paleo Lab where cutting-edge dinosaur research can be observed in real-time on screens.

6. Klyde Warren Park

A section of Downtown Dallas was completely revitalized in the early 2010s when the Woodall Rodgers Freeway was moved underground for three blocks to create this innovative public park along its route.

Envisioned as a central public gathering space for Dallas, Klyde Warren Park features a sizable lawn bordered by a tree-lined pedestrian promenade, complete with a restaurant, children’s park, botanical garden, reading room, dog park, performance pavilion, and urban games area.

Opened in 2012, the park is named in honor of the son of billionaire Kelcy Warren, who generously contributed $10 million to its development.

On any given day, ten or more licensed food trucks can be found here, and the park’s website provides information on what they are serving.

7. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Although Dallas has many attributes, lush greenery is not the first that comes to mind.

Still, a mesmerizing botanical garden awaits, spanning 66 acres on the southeast shore of White Rock Lake, just 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas.

More details will follow regarding this reservoir later.

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden features 19 distinct gardens, including the 6.5-acre Margaret Elisabeth Jonsson Color Garden, renowned for its vibrant seasonal displays featuring over 2,000 azalea varieties (one of the largest in the United States), alongside tulips and daffodils.

The Palmer Fern Dell, a serene area where a brook flows amid ferns, azaleas, camellias, and mature trees, offers relief during the sizzling summer months, with mist sprayers creating a cooler microclimate.

A highlight of the annual calendar is Dallas Blooms, held from early February until mid-April, showcasing more than 100 varieties of spring bulbs, including 500,000 individual tulips.

8. Reunion Tower

One of the iconic towers that define Dallas, Reunion Tower was established south of Dealey Plaza in 1978. Also referred to as The Ball, the 171-meter structure is composed of four slender shafts (one cylindrical and three rectangular) topped with a decorative geodesic dome illuminated by 259 LEDs at night.

Access to the observation deck takes place via elevators in the three rectangular shafts and during the 68-second ride, one can enjoy spectacular views of Dallas through the outer glass panels.

Upon reaching the GeO-Deck, visitors can delve into the city’s history and evolving skyline through interactive screens, use telescopes, and enjoy the fresh outdoors from the open-air platform.

Additionally, two rotating restaurants are available at this location: the Cloud Nine Cafe and Wolfgang Puck’s upscale Five Sixty, offering a menu infused with Asian flavors.

9. AT&T Stadium

For numerous sports enthusiasts, the name Dallas is frequently followed by “Cowboys,” considering that they are 24-time division champions and five-time Superbowl champions, regarded as the most valued team in the NFL as of 2019. The Cowboys are currently tied for second place in terms of most Superbowl appearances and have recorded an impressive streak of sold-out regular and post-season games since 2002. In 2009, the franchise relocated to the 80,000-seat (expandable to 105,000) AT&T Stadium, located approximately 20 minutes west in Arlington, and reputedly the largest domed structure globally.

Among the stadium’s impressive features is its public art program, which showcases museum-quality contemporary artwork by artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Doug Aitken.

It is not necessary to possess game tickets to explore the AT&T Stadium closely, as there are various tours available, ranging from self-guided visits to a specialized VIP Guided Tour which includes exclusive stops and field access, all accompanied by an expert guide.

10. Nasher Sculpture Center

Raymond Nasher (1921-2007), a notable real estate developer behind the NorthPark Center mall, was an avid art collector, and he and his wife Patsy curated an extraordinary sculpture collection.

This collection was, for many years, displayed in the mall (some pieces remain), until a more fitting permanent institution could be constructed.

At the dawn of the 21st century, the Nasher Foundation financed the creation of a Renzo Piano-designed museum complete with a two-acre garden, making this notable collection accessible to the public.

The Nasher Sculpture Center stands out magnificently against the downtown Dallas skyline.

The center’s collection features a remarkable array of modern sculptures, with iconic works by Alexander Calder, Giacometti, Hepworth, Henry Moore, Matisse, Gauguin, Joan Miró, Picasso, Claes Oldenburg, Richard Serra, and Rodin.

Due to the extensive size of the foundation’s holdings, only a fraction can be displayed at any given time, resulting in the center’s exhibitions being updated every few months.

11. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

The subtle yet poignant John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza was unveiled in June 1970, conveniently located adjacent to the red sandstone towers of the Dallas County Courthouse.

The monument at its core was created by architect Philip Johnson, a close friend of the Kennedy family, and received personal approval from Jacqueline Kennedy.

Described as a representation of the “freedom of John F. Kennedy’s spirit,” the memorial comprises a square room with no roof, featuring concrete walls measuring 15 x 15 meters, standing 9 meters high.

The structure’s walls consist of 72 concrete columns, elevated by two legs at each corner, with the effect that the monument appears to hover above the ground when illuminated at night.

A granite square bearing JFK’s name, inscribed in gold, is located inside the memorial, reflecting light from the walls.

12. Meadows Museum

The oil tycoon Algur Meadows (1899–1978) made numerous trips to Madrid in the 1950s, during which time he developed a passion for Spanish art at the Museo del Prado. He resolved to create his own “Prado on the prairie” back in Dallas.

This ambition resulted in the establishment of the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University, which houses one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.

The collection includes works dating from the 900s to contemporary pieces, encompassing Renaissance altarpieces, grand Baroque canvases, liturgical polychrome images, graphic art, Impressionist landscapes, abstract paintings, sketches, and sculptures.

Highlights include exceptional works by Velázquez, El Greco, Murillo, Ribera, Zurbarán, Goya (six pieces), Sorolla, Rodin, Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Henry Moore, and Giacometti.

Short-term exhibitions featuring influential artists such as Sorolla and the great Spanish Renaissance sculptor Alonso Berruguete were showcased in 2019-20.

13. Deep Ellum

If you are in search of live music, exceptional dining, vibrant bars, or unique shops, then Deep Ellum is the ideal destination situated just across I-345 from Downtown Dallas.

This area has served as an entertainment district since the 1880s, with blues legends such as Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, and Blind Lemon Jefferson captivating audiences during the 1910s and 1920s.

The name is derived from the neighborhood’s main artery, Elm Street, and is referenced in the traditional blues song “Take a Whiff on Me” as well as in “Deep Elm Blues,” which gained popularity through the Grateful Dead.

The list of clubs and live music venues here is extensive; notable names include Trees Dallas, which has hosted performances by Radiohead, Nirvana, Arcade Fire, and Pearl Jam.

For concept bars, you’ll discover an array of craft breweries/distilleries, along with the trailer park-themed establishment, Double Wide.

During the day, visitors can explore street art and enjoy lunch options ranging from ramen (Oni), tacos (Tiki Loco), sushi (Nori), to southern comfort food (Brick & Bones, Get Fried).

14. Dallas Zoo

Located across the Trinity River from Downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo is a fantastic option for a family outing, even apart from its most significant attraction.

The Giants of the Savanna habitat, however, is a truly unique feature, showcasing a $32.5 million ecosystem where reticulated giraffes, zebras, impala, ostriches, and guinea fowl inhabit a shared expansive area.

Within the same zone, you’ll also encounter the zoo’s herd of African elephants, as well as African lions, South African cheetahs, warthogs, and African wild dogs.

A significant achievement of the Dallas Zoo is the Gorilla Research Center, inaugurated in 1990, which replicates the lush Congo Rainforest and provides ample space for two troops of gorillas, separated by a wall for comfort.

The Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari offers a 20-minute narrated monorail ride past hippos, okapis, Grévy’s zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, and various enormous birds, such as great white pelicans and Goliath herons.

15. Dallas World Aquarium

Located in the West End Historic District, this aquarium, housed in a transformed 1924 warehouse, presents an impressive collection that extends beyond marine life.

Mundo Maya showcases ocelots, American flamingos, and various vivid passerine birds and owls, in addition to its vibrant angelfish and axolotls.

The upper level features a meticulous reproduction of the Orinoco Rainforest, home to sloths, giant river otters, and primates such as pygmy marmosets and red howler monkeys, alongside dwarf caimans, poison dart frogs, toucans, mata mata turtles, and electric eels.

On the lower level, ten major aquariums allow close encounters with diverse aquatic life from around the globe, from giant Japanese spider crabs to brilliant Percula clownfish, tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, and moon jellyfish.

Outside, the South Africa exhibit features a playful colony of black-footed penguins, with an estimated global population of only 50,000.

16. Pioneer Plaza

This park, established in 1994 in front of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center just south of downtown, pays homage to the city’s rugged early history.

The remarkable sculpture ensemble, crafted in bronze by artist Robert Summers, captures a scene from the historic Shawnee Trail. This installation is recognized as the largest bronze monument globally, featuring 49 longhorn steers and three trail riders on horseback, all set against a backdrop of ridges and cliffs adorned with native North Texas trees and plants, a flowing stream, and a waterfall.

Each steer stands slightly over two meters tall, surpassing life-size proportions.

17. Fair Park

This expansive 277-acre outdoor complex, located near Downtown Dallas, has a history as a fairground dating back to 1886. In response to the Great Depression, Fair Park experienced significant transformations during the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, under the guidance of architects George Dahl and Paul Cret, who turned it into a showcase of Art Deco design.

Many attractions from this list can be found within the park, which hosts over 1,200 events each year, including concerts and sporting events.

For a period of 24 days, commencing from the last Friday in September, the space serves as the venue for the Texas State Fair, drawing over two million attendees annually and featuring the iconic Big Tex.

One of the highlight events is the annual college football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns at the 92,100-capacity Cotton Bowl.

The Texas Star Ferris wheel, reaching 65.8 meters in height with 44 gondolas, is a centerpiece during the fair.

18. Hall of State

Fair Park’s prominent feature, the Art Deco Hall of State, serves as a significant landmark, despite the exterior displaying signs of aging.

As one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Texas, it is remarkable to consider that this grand structure was constructed during the depths of the Great Depression.

The entrance is characterized by a semicircular recess, elevated by 23-meter limestone pillars that separate bands of blue tiles representing the state flower, the bluebonnet.

On the frieze are the names of 60 historical figures who played crucial roles in Texas history.

The monument has been under the stewardship of the Dallas Historical Society since 1938, and its exquisite interior includes the Hall of Heroes, showcasing bronze statues of significant figures including Stephen F. Austin, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, Mirabeau B. Lamar, Sam Houston, James Fannin, and William B. Travis.

During the Texas State Fair in 2019, a captivating exhibition on the history of cinema in the state was also presented.

19. Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

This compact yet beloved aquarium, which opened alongside the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, underwent a modern transformation in 2009. It features six primary exhibits, including the Freshwater Zone, home to red-bellied piranhas and Australian rainbows; the Intertidal Zone, showcasing sea stars and sea urchins; and the Shore Zone, that hosts seahorses, batfish, and a Caribbean reef. The Near Shore Zone features Moray eels, clownfish, and porcupinefish, while the Offshore Zone is home to imposing Queensland groupers and zebra sharks.

The greenhouse at Stingray Bay is a favorite attraction, allowing visitors to touch and feed cownose rays while watching the swift movements of blacktip reef sharks in a spacious outdoor tank.

20. Texas Discovery Gardens

Also situated at Fair Park, the Texas Discovery Gardens is a 7.5-acre botanical garden cultivating native and exotic plants from all over the globe, adapted to the unique soils and climate of North Texas.

This garden is recognized as the first public garden to achieve certification as 100% organic from the Texas Organic Research Center and implements sustainable water conservation practices.

The selected plants have been chosen for their capability to provide habitats for wildlife, including birds and butterflies.

Visitors can explore the Native Butterfly Habitat, Shakespeare Garden (featuring plants mentioned in the Bard’s works), and the Master Gardener’s Garden, demonstrating how to maximize water conservation with drought-resistant plants.

Children will find delight in the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium, where they can observe butterflies emerging from their chrysalises at the Emergence Chamber on the lower level.

Additionally, the Snakes of Texas exhibit showcases 20 species of native venomous and non-venomous snakes.

21. American Airlines Center

This multipurpose arena, located in the Victory Park neighborhood, hosts two major sports teams.

Most notably, the Dallas Mavericks, who secured the NBA Championship in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki, who retired in 2019 after 21 years with the team.

The Mavericks are celebrated for their enthusiastic fan base, and they have maintained a home game sell-out streak since 2001. Owner Mark Cuban’s strategy aims to sell unsold tickets at substantial discounts or offer them as charity donations.

Simultaneously, the arena serves as the home ice for the Dallas Stars, who last won the Stanley Cup in 1999. Since its opening in 2001, the American Airlines Center has hosted numerous major concerts, with top artists such as Elton John, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Eagles, and Celine Dion performing in the venue.

For dining options, several establishments offering Tex-Mex (Mesero), southern cuisine (House of Blues), pizza (Olivella’s), and sushi (Imoto) are within a five-minute walking distance, along with ample concessions inside, from tacos to hot dogs.

22. Design District

Northwest of Downtown Dallas, the Design District has flourished on the revitalized floodplain of the Trinity River.

Previously occupied by old showrooms and warehouses from the 1950s, it has transformed into a chic neighborhood featuring art galleries, boutiques for men’s and women’s fashion, upscale interior design shops, an array of fine dining options, and newly constructed high-end residences.

One delightful feature of the Design District is its organic development, blending low-key historic warehouses with striking contemporary architecture.

There have been no major mixed-use developments, chains, or extensive demolitions to disrupt the character of the area.

23. Crow Museum of Asian Art

The eminent real estate magnate Trammell Crow (1914-2009) was an active collector of East and Southeast Asian art, even employing his son to acquire pieces in Tokyo, which culminated in a collection of 7,000 items.

In 1998, nearly 600 pieces were donated as a gift to the people and visitors of Dallas, resulting in the establishment of this museum within the Dallas Arts District.

The museum is structured into three main galleries: Gallery I features Japanese works by master ceramic artists, exquisite prints, and samurai armor.

Gallery II showcases Chinese art, boasting one of the most extensive jade collections in the United States, as well as Qing Dynasty snuff bottles from the 1700s.

Gallery III presents items from across India and Southeast Asia, including two Mughal baradari gazebos and highly elaborate pieces like the gilded Nepalese Seated Manjushri Dharmadhatsuvajisvara Buddha from 1823. Connecting Gallery II and III is the glass Skybridge, which provides a stunning view of the Trammell Crow Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

24. African American Museum

The Hall of Negro Life at the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936 marked a significant acknowledgment of African-American culture during a world’s fair.

The African American Museum located in Fair Park was constructed on the same site as that hall, opening its doors in 1993, although its institution dates back to 1974. The museum has cultivated a vital collection of African and African-American art, historical artifacts, and decorative arts across four vaulted galleries.

Among the collection are noteworthy pieces by celebrated artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Clementine Hunter, and Larry D. Alexander, alongside a robust program of music performances, dance, lectures, and book fairs.

A notable ongoing exhibition, “Facing the Rising Sun,” explores North Dallas (now Uptown), featuring found objects, historical documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts through interactive kiosks.

25. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

This educational institution, recounting one of the defining events of the 20th century and its impacts, opened in 2019 within a striking modern building adjacent to Dealey Plaza in the West End Historic District.

The museum’s origins trace back to an organization established by 125 Holocaust survivors in 1977. The Holocaust/Shoah Wing narrates the 3,000-year history of the Jewish People, addressing their long history of persecution prior to Hitler’s ascendance and the subsequent death of six million Jews during World War II.

Throughout this wing are testimonies from survivors and liberators, alongside poignant artifacts, including an original boxcar from a concentration camp train.

The Human Rights Wing explores progress made since the Holocaust, while the Pivot to America Wing is optimistic and interactive, celebrating diversity and encouraging introspection concerning personal biases while elegantly recreating a Civil Rights-era sit-in.

26. Welcome to Dallas 3-Hour Small Group Tour by Van

If your time in Dallas is limited or if you seek a comprehensive introduction to the city, this three-hour tour on

GetYourGuide.com

is an ideal option.

This is especially enjoyable during the summer as the tour is conducted in an air-conditioned van, covering all essential landmarks and districts.

This concise journey encompasses Dealey Plaza, Old Red, Founder’s Plaza, Pioneer Plaza, the Dallas Arts District, Deep Ellum, Swiss Avenue, and Klyde Warren Park, all within three short hours.

27. Magnolia Hotel

The Magnolia Petroleum Company (later merged to form Mobil in 1959) established an impressive Beaux-Arts headquarters in the early 1920s.

This tower, standing 122 meters tall, briefly held the title of the tallest building in the state prior to the construction of its neighbor, the Adolphus Hotel (1911).

The structure consists of 29 stories, with two wings joined by an arch approximately three-quarters of the way up.

In 1934, the Magnolia Building became iconic with the addition of a rotating neon Pegasus, which remains a symbol of Dallas, even after the tower was overshadowed in the skyline and has been recreated for the new millennium.

The best view can be obtained when approaching Downtown Dallas from the south.

After Mobil departed in the 1970s, the tower was sold to the city and subsequently transformed into a luxury hotel.

28. Dallas County Courthouse

Situated on the southeast side of Dealey Plaza, the Dallas County Courthouse is an impressive Romanesque Revival building, constructed using a warm, rustic red sandstone with a rusticated marble first floor and window openings.

Affectionately known as Old Red, this landmark, unmistakable for its turrets and towering center, was completed in 1892 and ceased its governmental functions following the completion of a nearby courthouse in 1966. Since 2007, this grand structure has hosted the Old Red Museum.

On the second floor, the permanent exhibition chronicles the city’s history, from prehistory to present, showcasing fossils, artifacts related to 19th-century trade, military weapons, sports memorabilia, and the notable individuals who have shaped Dallas’s cultural identity.

29. Giant Eyeball

As you stroll along Main Street on the edge of the Dallas Arts District, you will be confronted by a colossal blue eyeball.

This impressive 9.1-meter fiberglass sculpture, crafted by multimedia artist Tony Tasset, was initially completed in 2007 for an exhibit in Chicago before finding a new home in Dallas.

The surrounding astro-turf lawn is owned by the artistic Joule Hotel located across the street, and it is typically fenced off from the public; however, a clear sightline to this piece, which has become a modern symbol for Dallas, remains intact.

30. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

World-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava designed this stunning cable-stayed bridge, spanning the Trinity River and named after philanthropist and oil heiress Margaret Hunt Hill.

Recognized for its distinctive 120-meter central arch pylon, the bridge opened in 2012 as part of a comprehensive initiative to redevelop the Trinity River.

Interconnected by a network of cables, the arch’s unique design provides different perspectives when viewed from various angles.

Visible from a distance, the arch defines the riverbanks, which have remained relatively undeveloped.

The Trinity Skyline Trail runs alongside the river, providing an excellent vantage point at Trinity Overlook Park, located just south of N Beckley Ave.

31. Trinity Groves

As part of the same revitalization project, a new 15-acre shopping, dining, and entertainment destination has emerged along the western bank of the Trinity River, known as Trinity Groves.

This location has gained fame for its innovative dining options, facilitated by a Restaurant Concept Incubation Program that allows entrepreneurs to pilot restaurant ideas and assess their viability for growth.

This dynamic process ensures that no two visits will be identical.

32. The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum

This museum, commonly referred to as the Samurai Collection, is entirely free to enter and is located in the Harwood District. It showcases hundreds of years of Japanese craftsmanship within the former St. Ann’s School.

The collection has been meticulously developed by real estate developers Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, his wife Ann, and their family.

Exhibits encompass artifacts ranging from the 600s to the 1800s, including suits of armor, horse armor, masks, helmets, and katanas.

The exhibition is refreshed biannually, and the museum also features a traveling exhibition that has toured internationally.

33. Museum of Biblical Art

Located adjacent to the extensive NorthPark Center, this museum has successfully resumed its operations following a fire in 2005 that destroyed its previous building along with over 2,500 art pieces.

True to its name, the Museum of Biblical Art curates works inspired by the Bible, featuring a prestigious list of artists.

Artists represented include Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, John Singer Sargent, and Ben Shahn, among others.

Since 2014, one wing of the building has been dedicated to the National Center for Jewish Art, showcasing an excellent range of Judaica (Jewish ceremonial art).

34. Mia’s Tex-Mex

Located on Oak Lawn’s Lemmon Avenue (4334), this esteemed Tex-Mex restaurant has been serving customers since 1981, a considerable tenure by Dallas standards.

Founded by the couple Butch and Mia (affectionately known as Mama Mia) Enriquez, Mia’s Tex-Mex has garnered a loyal following among movie and television stars, Dallas Cowboys, and almost anyone who calls the city home.

Specialties include Butch’s Original Brisket Tacos, served with Monterrey Jack cheese, poblano peppers, grilled onions, brisket gravy, rice, and beans. Other popular dishes comprise the Homemade Rellenos (stuffed poblano), Mama’s Quesadillas, and Mama’s Chicken Lemon (a breaded chicken breast with lemon butter sauce). Don’t forget to order chips and guacamole or indulge in one of Mia’s renowned margaritas.

35. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), completed in 1989, is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics.

This project resulted from a partnership between the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and Artec Consultants, under the direction of acoustical expert Russell Johnson, which brilliantly created a shoebox design with a “reverse fan” configuration at the back of the auditorium.

Every seat in the venue provides a clear view and superb sound quality.

Consult the DSO’s schedule for performances that may catch your interest, including symphonies (Prokofiev’s sixth at the time of writing in November 2019), movie and musical soundtracks, reinterpretations of classic rock and pop, performances by world-renowned soloists, and various family-friendly shows around Christmas.

36. Wilson Building

Adjoining the Giant Eyeball, located around Main Street, N Ervay Street, and Elm Street, is a beautifully designed remnant of old Dallas.

Built in 1904 in a Beaux-Arts style, the Wilson Building was designed for cattle magnate John B. Wilson.

Originally, the main tenant was the Titche-Goettinger Department Store, occupying the basement and first two levels of the building.

Due to its success, a new wing was added on Elm Street in 1911; the initial structure only occupied Main and Ervay Streets. The building featured telegraph offices and an artesian well of more than 450 meters in depth.

The Wilson Building has since been repurposed into residential spaces; however, as you pass by, take a moment to admire its elegant rounded corners and the exquisite detailing of the cornice and window arches on the fifth floor.

37. NorthPark Center

Ranked among the top 20 largest shopping malls in the United States, NorthPark Center is also noted as a leading premium shopping destination in the Southwest.

When it first opened in 1965, it was already recognized as the world’s largest climate-controlled building. Subsequently, its size more than doubled in the mid-2000s, following an expansion that resulted in the creation of CenterPark, a beautiful landscape of lawns and mature trees along crushed granite pathways.

It features over 230 stores, including luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Bulgari, Cartier, and Versace, alongside everyday retailers like Sephora, H&M, Gap, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.

A branch of the popular Italian market chain Eataly has been scheduled to open at NorthPark Center in 2020. Since its inception, world-class sculptures created by artists like Antony Gormley, Andy Warhol, and Frank Stella have been integrated into the NorthPark Center, offering complimentary maps for guided tours.