A Curated Local Guide to the Best Things to Do, Eat, Shop & Explore in Dallas, Texas
Whether you’re visiting Dallas for the first time or returning to explore it more deeply, this city offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, creativity, and Southern sophistication. From world-class dining and iconic attractions to vibrant neighborhoods and nightlife, Dallas is a destination that surprises and delights at every turn. As local hosts, we’ve curated our favorite Dallas restaurants, coffee spots, nightlife, shopping districts, and must-see attractions—the places we truly love and recommend to our guests staying in our short-term rentals. We offer travelers the comfort and convenience of having their own space, as well as the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the local scene. If you're planning a trip, consider staying in a short-term rental for a more authentic and convenient experience. With a wide range of options available, you can find the perfect rental for your needs and budget and create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Dallas
There’s no shortage of things to do in Dallas, making it a perfect destination for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike. The city is home to world-class museums, cultural landmarks, outdoor parks, live entertainment venues, and major sporting events. From iconic attractions like Reunion Tower and the Dallas Arboretum to neighborhoods like Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum, Dallas offers endless opportunities for sightseeing, exploration, and unforgettable experiences for couples, families, and solo travelers. Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Blvd E) – An iconic Dallas landmark offering a 360-degree observation deck with breathtaking skyline views, especially at sunset. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza (646 Main St) – A historic downtown Dallas site honoring President JFK, located near Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum. Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N Harwood St) – A world-class art museum in the Dallas Arts District featuring global collections and free general admission. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Rd) – A stunning lakeside garden attraction known for seasonal festivals, flowers, and family-friendly events. Dallas World Aquarium (1801 N Griffin St) – A unique indoor rainforest experience showcasing exotic animals, marine life, and interactive exhibits. American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Ave) – Dallas’s premier sports and entertainment arena, home to the Mavericks, Stars, and major concerts. White Rock Lake (8300 Garland Rd) – A scenic urban lake perfect for walking, biking, kayaking, and enjoying nature just minutes from downtown Dallas. Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy) – A vibrant downtown park built over a freeway, featuring food trucks, events, playgrounds, and green space. AT&T Stadium – Arlington – The massive home of the Dallas Cowboys offering stadium tours, major sporting events, and headline concerts. Fort Worth Stockyards & Billy Bob’s Texas – A classic Texas destination with historic cattle drives, Western shopping, live music, and authentic cowboy culture. House of Blues Dallas & The Bomb Factory – Popular Dallas music venues hosting live concerts, touring artists, and local performances year-round. Topgolf, Six Flags Over Texas, Bahama Beach Waterpark – Family-friendly attractions near Dallas offering golf games, thrill rides, and water park fun. Winspear Opera House & Meyerson Symphony Center – Elegant performance venues in the Arts District showcasing opera, symphony, and Broadway-level productions. Meow Wolf: The Real Unreal & Rainbow Vomit Museum – Immersive, interactive art experiences perfect for photos, creativity, and unique Dallas memories. Fair Park (Texas State Fair) – A historic cultural complex best known for hosting the annual Texas State Fair and year-round museums and events. Dallas Zoo & George W. Bush Presidential Library – Two major Dallas attractions offering family fun, educational exhibits, and presidential history. Spa Adolphus, King Spa, Spa Castle – Popular Dallas spas known for luxury treatments, relaxation, and full-day wellness experiences. Bishop Arts District, Deep Ellum, Dallas Farmers Market – Trendy Dallas neighborhoods featuring local restaurants, live music, shopping, art, and walkable streets.
Our Favorite Dallas Restaurants
Dallas is one of the top food destinations in Texas, offering an impressive dining scene that ranges from award-winning steakhouses and fine dining to international cuisine and trendy neighborhood favorites. Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Dallas, romantic dinner spots, upscale dining experiences, or must-try local favorites, the city delivers exceptional flavor and style. From legendary Dallas steakhouses and fresh seafood to Italian, Latin, and sushi restaurants, dining in Dallas is an experience in itself—perfect for food lovers, special occasions, and memorable nights out. Here are our personal favorites: Yama Sushi (8989 Forest Ln Ste 112) – A longtime local favorite for high-quality sushi and authentic Japanese dishes in a refined, low-key setting. Al Biernat’s (North Dallas & Oak Lawn) – One of Dallas’s most iconic steakhouses, known for USDA Prime steaks, exceptional service, and a classic upscale atmosphere. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (10477 Lombardy Ln) – A nationally acclaimed Dallas steakhouse offering dry-aged beef, an award-winning wine list, and elevated fine dining. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (4023 Oak Lawn Ave) – An upscale seafood restaurant featuring fresh oysters, prime steaks, live jazz, and a sophisticated cocktail scene. rise nº1 Salon de Soufflé (5360 W Lovers Ln) – A charming French bistro specializing in sweet and savory soufflés, perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner. Terilli’s (2815 Greenville Ave) – A beloved Dallas institution serving Italian classics with a rooftop patio and lively Lower Greenville energy. Gloria’s Latin Cuisine (Uptown & surrounding areas) – A vibrant Latin restaurant known for bold Salvadoran flavors, margaritas, and a festive Dallas dining experience. Saint Martin’s Wine Bistro (4223 Bryan St) – A romantic French bistro offering classic cuisine, an extensive wine list, and elegant European charm. Blue Sushi Sake Grill (7859 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 180) – A modern sushi spot blending creative rolls, vegan options, and a stylish, upbeat atmosphere. The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion (2821 Turtle Creek Blvd) – A legendary fine-dining destination showcasing refined Texas cuisine in a historic, luxury setting. The Capital Grille (500 Crescent Ct) – An upscale steakhouse favorite for dry-aged steaks, fine wines, and polished dining in the heart of Uptown Dallas. Café Madrid (4501 Travis St) – A sophisticated Spanish restaurant specializing in authentic tapas, paella, and an elegant Old World dining experience. Trinity Groves (3011 Gulden Ln) – A chef-driven dining destination featuring multiple restaurant concepts and skyline views of downtown Dallas. XOXO Dining Room (3121 Ross Ave) – A glamorous Dallas hotspot known for its Instagram-worthy décor, cocktails, and perfect girls’ night out vibe. Paradiso (308 N Bishop Ave) – A stylish Bishop Arts restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and a chic neighborhood atmosphere.
Bars & Dallas Nightlife
Dallas nightlife is vibrant, diverse, and full of personality. From upscale cocktail lounges and rooftop bars with skyline views to energetic clubs and late-night hotspots, there’s something for every mood. Visitors searching for Dallas bars, best nightlife in Dallas, or places to go out in Dallas will love the city’s mix of speakeasies, live music venues, and stylish social scenes. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends or a relaxed evening cocktail, Dallas offers unforgettable nightlife experiences. Below are some of the spots we particularly dig, and so do our guests: The Woolworth (1520 Elm St Ste 201) – A stylish downtown Dallas cocktail lounge serving craft drinks and elevated comfort food in a historic setting. Midnight Rambler (1530 Main St) – An award-winning underground cocktail bar known for expertly crafted drinks and a chic, intimate vibe in the Joule Hotel. CANVAS Hotel Rooftop Bar (1325 Botham Jean Blvd) – A popular rooftop bar offering skyline views of downtown Dallas, creative cocktails, and sunset-worthy ambiance. Parliament (2418 Allen St) – A refined Uptown cocktail lounge specializing in classic and bespoke drinks with a moody, upscale atmosphere. Armoury D.E. (2714 Elm St) – A Deep Ellum hotspot combining craft cocktails, DJs, and late-night energy in a stylish industrial space. The Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Rd Ste B) – A hidden gem jazz lounge featuring live music, martinis, and an old-school Dallas vibe. Concrete Cowboy (2512 Cedar Springs Rd) – A high-energy nightlife destination in Oak Lawn known for DJs, dancing, and a lively late-night crowd. Moxie’s Grill & Bar (100 Crescent Ct) – A chic Uptown bar and restaurant popular for happy hour, cocktails, and social dining near the Crescent. Station 4 (3911 Cedar Springs Rd) – A well-known Dallas LGBTQ+ bar offering drag shows, dancing, and a welcoming, high-energy nightlife scene. Mermaid Bar at NorthPark Center (400 NorthPark, Neiman Marcus Level 1) – An iconic upscale bar inside Neiman Marcus, perfect for champagne, martinis, and luxury shopping breaks.
Beer, BBQ & Casual Favorites
Texas is known for its barbecue and laid-back beer culture, and Dallas proudly delivers both. From legendary BBQ joints serving slow-smoked brisket to casual beer gardens and local hangouts, this category highlights the best spots for classic Texas flavor. If you’re searching for Dallas BBQ, best barbecue in Dallas, or casual places to eat and drink, these locations are perfect for relaxed meals, outdoor patios, and authentic local vibes. We have personally tested each one of them and can attest - you're in for some good ole Texas fun here: The Rustic (3656 Howell St) – A laid-back Texas restaurant and live music venue offering comfort food, local beer, and one of the best patios in Uptown Dallas. Katy Trail Ice House (4700 W Park Blvd) – A beloved Dallas beer garden known for cold drinks, picnic tables, trail access, and a relaxed outdoor sports-watching vibe. Truck Yard (5624 Sears St) – A fun, casual beer garden featuring rotating food trucks, live music, yard games, and a lively Dallas crowd. HG Sply Co. (2008 Greenville Ave) – A popular Lower Greenville spot serving elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and rooftop views perfect for brunch or game day. Pecan Lodge (2702 Main St) – One of the most famous BBQ restaurants in Dallas, known for slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and authentic Texas barbecue. Village Burger Bar (12300 Inwood Rd #210) – A casual neighborhood favorite serving gourmet burgers, shakes, and classic comfort food in a relaxed setting. The Ginger Man (Dallas locations) – A longtime Dallas pub staple offering an extensive beer selection, cozy interiors, and a classic place to catch a game. Cattleack Barbeque (13628 Gamma Rd) – A must-visit for BBQ lovers, serving some of the best brisket and smoked meats in North Texas (worth the trip).
Shopping in Dallas
Dallas is one of the premier shopping destinations in the country, offering everything from luxury boutiques to iconic shopping centers. Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping in Dallas, designer brands, high-end malls, or unique local stores, the city has it all. From Highland Park Village and NorthPark Center to walkable lifestyle districts, shopping in Dallas combines style, variety, and world-class retail experiences for every taste. Here are some of Diana's favorite retail therapy spots in the city: Highland Park Village (47 Highland Park Village) – An iconic open-air shopping destination featuring luxury designer boutiques, upscale dining, and timeless Dallas elegance. The Plaza at Preston Center (8383 Preston Center) – A convenient North Dallas shopping hub with a mix of national retailers, local boutiques, and everyday essentials. NorthPark Center (8687 N Central Expy) – One of the most famous shopping malls in the country, blending luxury and mainstream retailers with art installations and dining. Galleria Dallas (13350 Dallas Pkwy) – A spacious indoor shopping center known for its year-round ice skating rink, restaurants, and wide range of stores. Mockingbird Station (5307 E Mockingbird Ln) – A walkable mixed-use destination offering shopping, dining, a movie theater, and easy access via the DART rail. West Village (3699 McKinney Ave) – A vibrant Uptown Dallas shopping district featuring trendy boutiques, cafes, fitness studios, and stylish urban energy.
Sample Itineraries
Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a guys’ weekend, a family trip, or a corporate retreat, these curated Dallas sample itineraries make it easy to experience the city at its best.
Girls Trip
Brunch at rise nº1 Salon de Soufflé Shopping at Highland Park Village Cocktails at XOXO Dining Room Immersive art at Meow Wolf or Rainbow Vomit Dinner in Bishop Arts District Rooftop drinks at CANVAS Hotel Bar Late night at Parliament or Concrete Cowboy
Guys Trip
Golf at Duck Creek or Top Golf BBQ lunch at Pecan Lodge or Cattleack Barbeque Game day at American Airlines Center or AT&T Stadium Beers at Katy Trail Ice House Dinner at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Night out in Deep Ellum Late drinks at Armoury D.E. or The Rustic
Family-Friendly
Morning at Dallas Zoo or Dallas World Aquarium Lunch at Dallas Farmers Market Outdoor fun at White Rock Lake Visit Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden Afternoon at Klyde Warren Park Shopping & dinner at NorthPark Center Seasonal fun at Fair Park - home of the State Fair
Corporate Retreat
Breakfast meeting at Saint Martin’s Wine Bistro Team outing at Topgolf Lunch in Uptown or Trinity Groves Afternoon culture at Dallas Museum of Art Dinner at The Capital Grille or The Mansion Restaurant Cocktails at Midnight Rambler Evening skyline views at Reunion Tower
Where to Stay in Dallas
Finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of any Dallas getaway. Our Dallas vacation rentals are thoughtfully designed for travelers who value style, comfort, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape, a business trip, a concert, or a longer stay, our homes offer an elevated alternative to hotels - beautiful interiors, premium amenities, and locations close to the best things to do in Dallas. If you’re wondering where to stay in Dallas, book directly with us for a seamless experience, exclusive savings, and a stay that feels personal, polished, and unforgettable.