20 Best Things To Do In Downtown Dallas

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden downtown offers activities for all ages. It has seasonal festivals, exhibits, and venues for events like weddings. They also have cooking classes, demos, and concerts on Thursdays. Kids can enjoy the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden with fun and educational activities.

The garden is dedicated to environmental education and conservation, spread across 66 acres of beautiful grounds, ensuring a vibrant experience for all visitors.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is housed within the former Texas School Book Depository building. It delves into the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

The main exhibit, "John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation," is located on the sixth floor. Accessible to wheelchair users and individuals with special needs, the museum also offers limited weekday school tours. Admission fees contribute to its operation as a nonprofit organization.

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) in Downtown Dallas offers an extensive art collection spanning 5,000 years. With over 25,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and more, it highlights art from the 18th to 20th centuries and modern pieces.

Additionally, special exhibitions like "Movement: The Legacy of Kineticism" showcase its depth. Virtual experiences allow exploration from anywhere. With its impressive architecture and serene outdoor spaces, the DMA is a must-visit cultural destination.

Paddleboarding is a popular water sport in Dallas with many places to enjoy it. Trinity River is perfect for paddleboarding with beautiful scenery and opportunities for bird spotting and Lake Texoma offers great experiences, while White Rock Lake is perfect for beginners.

You can rent paddleboards at places like Dallas Paddle or try paddleboarding with companies like Stand Up Paddle North Texas-SUP NTX, DFW Surf, Just Be Well Yoga, and Lonestar Adventure Sports.

Klyde Warren Park, one of the best parks in Dallas spans 5.2 acres and offers various activities. Families can delight in the children's park, equipped with interactive fountains, playgrounds, and a storytelling tree. Open lawn areas beckon for picnics, while a botanical garden showcases native plants.

Also, you can take a stroll along the walkway. With its central location and diverse amenities, the park promises an enjoyable experience for all ages and is one of the attractions in Dallas Downtown.

Pioneer Plaza is a 2.8-acre park featuring 49 bronze sculptures depicting steers and cowboys, celebrating Dallas's history. The park offers a children's playground, water fountains, and a native plant garden, and is perfect for taking photos or having a picnic

Conveniently located near other attractions, visitors can also explore the adjoining Pioneer Park Cemetery and the Confederate War Memorial. Moreover, the park is free to visit and sits next to the Dallas Convention Center.

The Dallas World Aquarium offers a unique experience for exploring wildlife and exhibits. Open daily except on special days, it features attractions like the Cloud Forest Trek and Mundo Maya. Additionally, educational sessions and field trips are also available.

Highlights include a rainforest exhibit with free-flying birds and a 20,000-gallon walk-through tank. On-site dining, a bookstore, and a gift shop enhance the visitor experience, making it a great destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures, near the Dallas Convention Center, depict a large herd of cattle and recreate a cattle migration scene. A significant attraction in Downtown Dallas, they consist of around 50 bronze steers and three riders, each standing 6 feet tall.

The sculptures have become a beloved destination, attracting both residents and tourists. Located at Pioneer Plaza, and serving as a tribute to the Texas spirit, they offer a striking and quintessentially Texan photo opportunity.

White Rock Lake Park, one of the most popular parks in the city offers diverse activities such as walking, running, biking, birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking. Visiting this place is the best thing to do for couples and individuals looking for peace.

The park is also home to the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden as well as the Bath House Cultural Center and the White Rock Lake Museum which makes it an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors.

The Museum of Illusions in Downtown Dallas provides a remarkable opportunity to encounter mind-bending illusions and interactive displays. Guests of any age can delight in exploring an array of visual and sensory illusions, creating an enthralling experience.

Situated conveniently in central Dallas, it offers easy access to dining options and nearby attractions such as the JFK Memorial. For an exceptional and immersive visual journey, the Museum of Illusions Dallas is an essential destination to explore.

The Dallas Farmers Market offers a lively experience with fresh produce, local goods, and year-round events. The farmers market is one of the main attractions in Dallas Downtown and perfect for weekend outings and shopping.

Visitors can enjoy a taste of Dallas flavors, support local vendors, and gather with family and friends. With diverse dining, shopping, and event options, it's a must-visit for an authentic Dallas experience.

The Reunion Tower offers a captivating experience with a 360-degree panoramic view from 470 feet above the city. The observation deck provides breathtaking views and visitors receive a free digital photo. With both indoor and outdoor observation areas, it's a must-see attraction in Dallas, offering stunning views day and night.

Additionally, the tower features dining options with remarkable city views and is conveniently located near other downtown attractions. Hosting special events like Valentine's Day activities, it's an ideal spot for a memorable and romantic experience.

The McKinney Avenue Trolley, or M-Line, is a free and dog-friendly public transport service in Downtown Dallas, running daily. Restored vintage trolleys provide comfortable rides through the Dallas Arts District, stopping at attractions like the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center.

Passengers can catch the trolley at designated stops marked with "M-LINE" signs or flag it down. It's a fun and unique way to explore the city if you are on a budget-friendly vacation.

The Bishop Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood known for the best Downtown Dallas restaurants, unique shops, and galleries. With over 60 independent boutiques, it's one of Dallas' most distinct and must-visit areas in the city. 

Here, visitors can explore colorful streets, enjoy diverse dining options, and experience lively nightlife. Its rich history and tight-knit community make it a must-visit for an authentic Dallas experience.

Dallas Heritage Village is a living history museum offering a glimpse into life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Restored and replicated homes, businesses, and churches from the mid-1800s are open for exploration, and various events, like theater performances and craft fairs, are available throughout the year.

Additionally, docent-led tours provide insights into Victorian living and local history. The village is one of the Dallas Downtown attractions and a must-visit for history enthusiasts keen on learning about Dallas's past.

The Trinity River Audubon Center, ten miles south of downtown Dallas, offers a chance to explore the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the U.S. Activities include hiking and birdwatching along five miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Additionally, educational programs focus on nature and conservation. Visitors can enjoy views of wetlands and birds in their natural habitat. It's an ideal place to escape the city and learn about nature.

The African American Museum in downtown Dallas at Historic Fair Park preserves and presents the African American experience through art and documents. It houses artifacts, folk art, and ongoing exhibits like Facing the Rising Sun and the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection.

Additionally, special exhibits, lectures, and festivals educate about African American life and achievements. It's a valuable resource for exploring the rich history and culture of the region.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in downtown Dallas offers an immersive and interactive experience. Visitors can witness incredible stories of struggle, resilience, and hope in the Dimensions in Testimony℠ Theater.

Additionally, group tours can be reserved two weeks in advance for 15 or more guests, and student group reservations are also available for in-person and virtual tours. It's a valuable opportunity to learn about the Holocaust and human rights history, offering a meaningful and educational experience.

Visiting the Nasher Sculpture Center is one of the best things to do in Downtown Dallas TX if you want to observe a diverse collection of modern and contemporary sculptures. Here, visitors can explore indoor galleries and a spacious sculpture garden with around 25 large-scale sculptures.

Moreover, exhibitions change regularly, featuring works from renowned artists like Calder and Matisse. The center is committed to initiatives like Blue Star Museums and Museums for All and is a must-see for art lovers.

The Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas, designed by Norman Foster, is a modern venue for opera, theater, ballet, and dance. The main Margaret McDermott Performance Hall seats 2,200 patrons and features retractable screens and variable acoustics.

Additionally, there's also a smaller performance space, the PNC Members Lounge, and Nancy B. Hamon Hall. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and iconic architecture, the Winspear Opera House is a premier destination for world-class performances.