Dallas, TX Travel & Vacation Guide

What to Know

As a city built primarily on its oil and convention business, Dallas has a reputation for being less of a true cowboy town than some of its neighbors, like Houston and San Antonio. However, Dallas natives will tell you that there are plenty of authentic cowboy experiences to be had in this mecca of shiny buildings and shopping malls. Not only is Dallas home to the month-long State Fair held in early fall season, but this city's Western heritage can be seen in everything from its art to its downtown nightlife (don’t miss Poor David’s Pub, where many Texas tunesmiths honed their craft). And while Dallas boasts plenty of authentic cowboy experiences, it’s also home to a thriving art and cultural scene, fine restaurants and much more.

Slower paced than its neighbor, Fort Worth offers a diverse array of attractions, from the Fort Worth Stockyards with its historic rodeos and Western shops to a great zoo and museums in the Cultural District. Between Dallas and Fort Worth is Arlington, home of the American League's Texas Rangers baseball team and the region's theme parks like Six Flags Over Texas, which is why people call it "Fun Central."

Everyone knows Texas is legendary for its barbecue, and Dallas has its fair share of finger-lickin’-good BBQ joints. But it also boasts a vibrant restaurant scene with diverse selections ranging from Asian fusion to Southwestern to French. Sample the fusion called "New Millennium Southwestern Cuisine" at Stephan Plyes, the first eatery named for the notable chef. And for authentic Texas barbecued brisket and sausage, check out the popular Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse.

Where to Go

You'll find plenty of culture in Dallas, starting with the Dallas Arts District. With institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Arts District is among the largest in the United States. Don’t miss the famous Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, which honors President John F. Kennedy’s life and legacy through artifacts, films, interpretive displays and photographs. If you were a fan of the TV show "Dallas", don’t miss getting a tour of the famous Southfork Ranch in the nearby city of Plano.

For gorgeous views, ascend to the top of the soaring Reunion Tower-a 68-second ride takes you up to the top of this famous Dallas architectural landmark: a spherical glass dome with an observation tower, restaurant and lounge.

Shopping is not just a pastime, it’s part of the culture in the "Big D." Dallas attracts both consumers and retailers thanks to the Dallas Market Center-the world’s largest wholesale merchandise market-which hosts more than 50 markets a year featuring home furnishings, fashion and more. Highland Park Village offers a truly upscale shopping experience. With swanky shops like Chanel, Anne Fonane and Hermès, who needs Beverly Hills? Other trendy shopping areas include West Village in Uptown Dallas and the Knox-Henderson District.

Ft. Worth offers a handful of must-see attractions as well, from the West Texas Music Hall of Fame (which traces the history of Texas' influence on music) to the Sundance Square Entertainment District, an area named for the famous "Sundance Kid." The area boasts charming redbrick streets and turn-of-the-century buildings as well as trendy shopping and dining. And don’t miss Billy Bob’s Texas, the venue offers bull-riding exhibitions and live country music and dancing.

When to Go

Dallas has a humid, subtropical climate. Winters are generally mild, with typical daytime highs between 50 and 65. However, strong cold fronts known as "Blue Northers" do occasionally pass through bringing colder weather and snow. Summers are generally very hot and humid, with temps frequently in the 80s and 90s. The most pleasant weather seasons are spring and fall.

Because of mild weather, spring and fall are the top months for festivals that range from the Asian Festival to the Diwali Festival. Areas such as DFW Chinatown and the Asia Trade District offer visitors cultural performances, shopping and dining options with an Asian flavor.