Dallas Texas Travel Guide (25 Things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth)

Looking for the best Things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth this weekend? This Dallas Texas Travel Guide has you covered!

Wondering how to visit Dallas? This Dallas Texas Travel Guide will show you everything there is to do in the city, from the hip streets of Deep Ellum to the iconic cityscape of downtown!

Plus, you’ll see the best things to do in nearby Arlington and Fort Worth, as well as some great nearby destinations and weekend getaways from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Also, you’ll find ways to make your visit to the city a little more affordable as well.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find some good things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth, and start planning your Texas adventure today…

Things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth

#1: Reunion Tower

Dallas’ iconic landmark tower can’t be missed on a trip to Dallas. The tower is home to an observation deck with sweeping views over the city. There’s even a restaurant, too!

#2: Deep Ellum

Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood is packed with delicious restaurants, shops, and more. Pecan Lodge in particular (below) is especially worth a visit!

#3: Pecan Lodge

Right in the middle of Dallas’ Deep Ellum district, you’ll be hard pressed to find tastier bbq in Dallas. Pecan Lodge has excellent brisket and ribs in particular, as well as classic sides and desserts. You simply can’t miss this excellent restaurant when you’re in Dallas!

#4: Dallas Art Museum

Everything from ancient to modern art awaits at the Dallas Art Museum! No matter which genre of art you enjoy most, there’s an exhibit waiting for you.

#5: Dealey Plaza

Witness where history was made at the site of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Don’t miss the Sixth Floor Museum, which showcases what went down on the fateful day of November 22, 1963.

#6: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Want a lovely place to spend the afternoon? You can’t miss a visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens! Rotating exhibits and fun activities occur throughout the year, so plan accordingly.

#7: Topgolf Dallas

Skip the mini golf or the mundane golf courses, and give Topgolf a try instead! With cutting edge technology at hand, you can track your ball, compete with friends, and enjoy an all-around epic evening out!

Arlington Texas Things to do:

#8: Six Flags Over Texas

Who wouldn’t want to go to Six Flags? Adventure awaits in Arlington at Six Flags. As the largest theme park in the state of Texas, you simply can’t miss an opportunity to visit. Whether you want to experience the thrill of the Texas Screamer, or enjoy a more family oriented ride such as Chaparral Antique Cars, there’s something for everyone.

#9: AT&T Stadium Tour

Are you a Dallas Cowboys fan? Then you can’t miss a tour of the stadium! It’s the next best things to actually going to a Cowboys home game – which, by the way, is an excellent thing to do in Dallas.

#10: Globe Life Field Stadium Tour

You can also take a tour around the brand new Texas Rangers stadium, which is adjacent to the At&T Stadium. If you’re a baseball enthusiast, you can’t miss the tour. Otherwise, you could also catch a game!

#11: Hurricane Harbor Arlington

Need a way to beat the heat while in Dallas? Look no further that Hurricane Harbor! This fun water park is a great place to take the whole family.

Fort Worth Texas Things to do:

#12: Fort Worth Stockyards

If daily cattle drives, rodeos, and staged gunfights excite you, add the Fort Worth Stockyards to your itinerary! With so much to see and do, plan on spending several hours at the stockyards at least. There’s plenty of bbq restaurants in and around the vicinity, too!

#13: Sundance Square

As Fort Worth sort of downtown district, there’s no shortage of western stores, restaurants, and more. Be sure to check out the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a beautiful and lovely park with some fountains.

#14: Bureau of Printing and Engraving

The Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Fort Worth is sort of like the Denver Mint, only its for paper currency. You can take a tour and see sheets of paper being printed, designed, and cut, ultimately becoming the currency we use in our day to day lives. All around, it’s a pretty interesting spot!

#15: Longoria’s

This barbecue restaurant in Fort Worth has excellent meat sandwiches, and above-average sides. Which can be often be lacking in barbecue restaurants. The restaurant is also famous for it’s brisket sausage which is a must-try when you visit.

#16: Fort Worth Zoo

Want a day of fun for the whole family? You can’t beat the Fort Worth Zoo! A wide variety of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles await.

#17: Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

If you want to get out of the city without leaving the city, there’s no better place then the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Miles of trails through grasslands and around ponds will take you up close to lovely vegetation and wildlife.

Nearby Destinations and Weekend Getaways From Dallas

Here, you’ll find some of the best weekend getaways from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. If you have a regular or even long weekend, these bustling cities, quaint towns, and tranquil state parks are loaded with epic opportunities for fun, adventure, and relaxation!

#18: Lake Texoma (1 hour 40 minutes)

Just north of Dallas along the Texas/Oklahoma state line is Lake Texoma, a great getaway near to the city. And if you need to beat the summertime heat, look no further – rent a boat or go swimming on the shore!

#19: West (1 hour 20 minutes)

Just south of Dallas is the tiny town of West, which is home to a few restaurants which sell kolaches, a sweet, tasty Czech dessert that found its way here over 100 years ago.

#20: Waco (2 hours)

Waco is quite a bit closer than San Antonio, which makes it all the more easier of a getaway! Soda fans will enjoy the Dr Pepper museum, which originated in Waco. Home decor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a try to the

#21: Austin (3 hours)

If live country music, abundant bbq, and a variety of fun activities and neighborhoods to explore interest you, then Austin might just be the weekend getaway for you!

#22: Oklahoma City (3 hours)

Being a fairly major city not too far away, Oklahoma City is another great weekend getaway from Dallas! Western enthusiasts will enjoy the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Native American cultures, see exhibits for western films, and more. Also, don’t miss the Rattlesnake museum and Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

#23: Houston (3 1/2 hours)

In Houston, you can’t miss the Museum of Natural Science, the Johnson Space Center, and the Houston Zoo.

#24: San Antonio (4 hours)

San Antonio is another great getaway about 4 hours from Dallas. BBQ, Tex-Mex, historic missions, and oh – the Alamo – await. Better yet, go check out my comprehensive San Antonio Texas Travel Guide before you go!

#25: Colorado Bend State Park (3 1/2 Hours)

Home to plentiful hiking trails, a portion of the other Colorado River, and of course – the epic Gorman Falls – there’s no shortage of things to do for the outdoors enthusiast.

How to Get Free Airfare to Dallas:

Flying to Dallas?  Why pay, when you can score FREE airfare?!?  When you use Swagbucks, you can get free gift cards for Southwest Airlines, which flies into Love Field, and Delta, which flies into DFW.

Overall, this is the the best way to reduce the cost of your airfare to Dallas.  I’ve been a member of Swagbucks for about 10 years now, and it’s still one of my favorite ways to earn free airline gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up with Swagbucks
• Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points.  There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks!  You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc.  I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
• Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Southwest Airlines Gift Cards and Free Delta Gift Cards!

How to Get Free Uber Rides in Dallas:

If you’re flying into Dallas for a quick city break; or you have an extended layover and you don’t plan on renting a car, you can simply call an Uber to come pick you up from the airport and take you into the city.  My favorite trick is to cash in Swagbucks points for Free Uber gift cards!

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up with Swagbucks
• Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points.  There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks!  You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc.  I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
• Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Uber Gift Cards!
• Sign up with Swagbucks
• Then start earning Swagbucks SB Points.  There are so many EASY ways to earn Swagbucks!  You can earn by Searching the Web {just like you would using Google}, Taking Surveys, Using Coupons, Shopping Online, Watching Videos, etc.  I typically earn an easy $25 each month on Swagbucks!
• Cash in your Swagbucks SB Points for Free Uber Gift Cards!

Renting a Car in Dallas:

Getting around Dallas and Fort Worth without a car is challenging task for sure! There are plenty of rental car companies at both DFW and Love Field, so reserving a car ahead of time is not an issue. If you’re visiting just one of the two cities, though, you could consider taking Ubers.

Road Tripping to Dallas

If you’re planning a road trip to Dallas, there’s many great ways to save money along the way. From getting cheaper food to saving money on accommodation, go check out all of these tips for how to save money on a road trip!

How to Plan a Road Trip on a Budget

So, now that you’ve seen this comprehensive Dallas Texas Travel Guide and know what to see and do in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth, go check out even more city guides below…

San Antonio Travel Guide Things to do

Phoenix Arizona Travel Guide

Las Vegas Budget Travel Guide

Washington DC Travel Guide

Bucket List Trips

Now that you’ve read this Dallas Texas Travel Guide, don’t miss out any more!  Follow along with Never Ending Journeys for more fun Travel Tips, Easy Recipes, and Decor Hacks!

What was YOUR favorite part of this Dallas Texas Travel Guide??  And what are your favorite things to do in the Dallas and Fort Worth area?

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