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Need help planning a trip to Dallas, Texas? This is the blog for you!
We’ve eaten BBQ, walked the historic streets, and pedaled through Deep Ellum’s incredible scenery—all in the name of research! Now, we’re sharing the absolute best experiences this city has to offer. Stand in Dealey Plaza and relive a moment that changed history, watch a real cattle drive in Fort Worth, or hop on a party bike and explore Dallas’ buzzing nightlife.
This guide covers unforgettable ways to experience the city, whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more. From iconic sights to hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump into the best things to do in Dallas!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Dallas experience was this JFK history tour! We learned all the facts about JFK’s assassination and visited key sites of that fateful day. It was fascinating and a great way to learn about Dallas!
Check out the 1,900+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Dallas, Texas
- 1. See Dallas’s top sights on a guided tour
- 2. Learn all about the JFK Assassination
- 3. Explore Fort Worth on a history tour
- 4. Discover Dallas’s haunted history on a ghost tour
- 5. Tour the Dallas Cowboys Stadium
- 6. Discover the best food spots in Dallas
- 7. See downtown Dallas on an e-bike tour
- 8. Go on a party bike pub crawl
- Where to Stay in Dallas, Texas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Dallas, Texas
1. See Dallas’s top sights on a guided tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: See Dallas’s city landmarks and highlights with a guide, learn about the city’s history and culture, a perfect introduction for first-time visitors
- Inclusions: Local guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, live commentary on board, small group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Covering Dallas’s top sights in just a few hours sounds impossible, but this small-group city tour made it effortless. With a local guide leading the way, we explored historic sites, modern attractions, and hidden gems while learning the stories that make Dallas so fascinating.
One of our most memorable stops was Dealey Plaza, where we stood at the site of JFK’s assassination and heard the details of that fateful day. Walking through the area and seeing the Texas School Book Depository up close made history feel more tangible than any documentary ever could.
From there, we visited Pioneer Plaza, home to the famous cattle drive sculptures. Standing among the towering bronze longhorns felt like stepping into a Wild West scene, and we couldn’t resist snapping a few fun photos.
Next, we explored the Dallas Arts District, where striking architecture and world-class museums highlighted the city’s creative side. It was the kind of place where you could wander for hours and still find something new to admire.
Our guide, Preston, was knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fun facts that kept the tour interesting from start to finish. Whether pointing out architectural highlights at Dallas City Hall or sharing the best local spots in Deep Ellum, he made sure we left with a deeper appreciation for the city.
We saw so much in so little time! This tour is a fantastic start for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to explore Dallas more deeply.
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
2. Learn all about the JFK Assassination
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am and 1:40 pm (not available Monday and Tuesday)
- Highlights: Historical tour to the JFK Memorial and Grassy Knoll, learn about the events leading up to the JFK assassination, the shooting itself, and the aftermath, separate fact from myth over the events of November 22, 1963
- Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House, Sixth Floor Museum, transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The JFK assassination is one of the most talked-about events in American history, and this guided tour was our favorite in Dallas for a reason. Covering key locations from that fateful day, it went beyond the usual tourist experience—giving us a deep dive into both the facts and the lingering mysteries.
We spent the first hour walking through Dealey Plaza, the Grassy Knoll, and the Kennedy Memorial, retracing the motorcade’s path while our guide, Tim, pieced together the timeline. His incredible historical knowledge made the story come alive with details and theories we had never considered.
Standing in the exact spots where history unfolded was surreal. It was impossible not to picture that moment in 1963 and wonder what really happened. It gave us chills to stand where witnesses once stood, realizing just how many questions remain.
Next, we visited the Sixth Floor Museum, where the exhibits took us even deeper into the events leading up to and following the assassination. Seeing the sniper’s perch from Oswald’s alleged vantage point was a haunting perspective that made history feel unnervingly real.
Then, we stopped at the Oswald Rooming House, a tiny, unassuming space that felt frozen in time, before heading to the Texas Theatre, where Oswald was arrested.
Each stop added another mysterious layer, leaving us questioning everything we thought we knew. If you want to examine every angle of the JFK assassination, this tour offers an eye-opening experience. Just read the glowing reviews here if you still need convincing!
Book this popular tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Explore Fort Worth on a history tour
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am and 1:10 pm
- Highlights: Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Worth on this half-day historical tour from Dallas, listen to your guide detail the history of the city’s birth to current day, 25-acre venue live stock exchange
- Inclusions: Professional historian guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan with driver, small group tour
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Fort Worth is where cowboy culture and Texas history collide, and this half-day tour made it easy to experience the best of it—all without the hassle of renting a car. From historic landmarks to the famous Stockyards, we got a real feel for what makes Fort Worth so unique.
First, we headed from Dallas to the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a peaceful urban oasis in the middle of the city. The waterfalls and quiet reflection pools felt like a hidden retreat. Designed by Philip Johnson, the gardens even made a famous movie appearance in Logan’s Run!
Our favorite part of the tour was the Fort Worth Stockyards, where we stepped straight into the Old West. We wandered past saloons and rodeo arenas, and just when we thought it couldn’t get more authentic, we watched real cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue. Seeing the cattle drive up close felt like stepping into a classic Western movie!
Our guide, Preston, took this tour to the next level. His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling made every stop more exciting, turning Fort Worth’s history into something we could truly feel and imagine. No question went unanswered, and his passion for the city was contagious.
This tour delivered the ultimate blend of history and Western culture, bringing Fort Worth’s cowboy spirit to life. Experience the true Texas frontier as you explore historic stockyards, watch an authentic cattle drive, and walk the same streets as legendary outlaws and lawmen!
Secure your Fort Worth adventure here and enjoy the flexibility to pay later!
4. Discover Dallas’s haunted history on a ghost tour
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 6 pm and 8 pm
- Highlights: Discover downtown Dallas at night, visit lesser-known sites with a guide, stop at Dealey Plaza where JFK was assassinated, upgrade for an extended tour and visit four extra sites
- Inclusions: Professional and courteous tour guide, intensely researched true stories of haunted history, documented accounts of historic hauntings, all fees
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Dallas may be a thriving modern city, but its past is filled with eerie tales, tragic events, and lingering spirits. This after-hours walking tour took us deep into the city’s haunted history, blending ghost stories and dark legends into one chilling experience.
Our guide, Jesse, immediately set the tone for the night, proving he was as much a storyteller as a historian. His deep knowledge of Dallas’s past brought every stop to life in the creepiest way possible, with stories so vivid they had us glancing over our shoulders long after the tour ended.
We started at an old hotel with a violent past, where Jesse shared unsettling tales of guests who checked in but never checked out. From there, we made our way to the Dallas County Courthouse, a well-known haunted hotspot where prisoners once met their fate. Standing outside its massive stone walls, we couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.
One of the most haunting stops was Dealey Plaza, where JFK’s assassination left a permanent mark on history. Visiting at night, without the usual crowds, made the whole experience even more intense.
Jesse kept us hooked with wild theories and firsthand accounts—shadowy figures slipping through the trees, ghostly whispers on the wind, and even the phantom sound of gunshots ringing through the plaza.
This tour was creepy, fun, and one of the most unique ways to experience Dallas. If you love haunted history, don’t miss this tour—you never know what (or who) you might encounter!
Reserve this walking tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Tour the Dallas Cowboys Stadium
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small-group combo tour of Dallas and Cowboys Stadium, visit Dealey Plaza and other top sites, learn about Texas history from your guide, explore the inner workings of the Dallas Cowboys stadium
- Inclusions: Guided tour of the Dallas and Cowboys’ football stadium, driver/guide, live commentary on board
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
This small-group combo tour gave us the best of both worlds—an in-depth look at Dallas’s top landmarks and an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary AT&T Stadium. From history to sports, it was the ultimate way to experience the city in a single day.
We started with a guided city tour, stopping at key sites like Dealey Plaza, where history changed forever, and Pioneer Plaza, home to the impressive bronze cattle drive sculptures. Walking through the West End Historic District, we soaked in Dallas’s rich past, from its frontier days to its modern skyline. We couldn’t believe how much history was packed into just a few blocks!
Then came the most epic part of the tour—AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys! Walking into this enormous arena felt like stepping onto the biggest stage in football. From the giant jumbotron to the pristinely manicured field, every inch of the stadium was built to impress.
We got a peek inside the press box, locker rooms, and even the exclusive private suites! Standing on the field itself was a surreal moment, and of course, we couldn’t resist tossing around a football right there on the green.
Our guide, William, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and full of fun stories that made every stop engaging, whether we were walking through downtown or exploring the Cowboys’ home turf.
Even if you’re not a Cowboys fan, this stadium tour just might convert you. It’s an unforgettable experience for any sports fan visiting Dallas!
Check out all the incredible stops and book your Dallas combo tour here!
6. Discover the best food spots in Dallas
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 11 am to 3 pm
- Highlights: Explore the art and music-filled streets that make up the foodie paradise in Deep Ellum, sample BBQ brisket, award-winning Texas chili, buttery handmade biscuits, and lots more
- Inclusions: Guide, “cowboy style” BBQ brisket, chili with meat, street taco, drunken pecan pie, secret dish, handmade biscuit with local honey, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Dallas may be famous for its cowboy culture and sports scene, but its food deserves just as much hype. This food tour took us to the heart of Deep Ellum, a neighborhood packed with street art, live music, and some of the best eats in the city.
We kicked things off with slow-smoked BBQ brisket—smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. Then came a bold, hearty chili with just the right amount of spice.
As we strolled between stops, Deep Ellum’s energy pulled us in. Vibrant murals covered every corner, and the echoes of jazz and blues legends lingered in the air! Our guide, Morgan, made the experience even more exciting, weaving in stories of Prohibition-era speakeasies and legendary musicians who once played here.
And the food just kept coming! We had biscuits drizzled with local honey, followed by street tacos so full of flavor they might have been the best we’ve ever had. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, out came the boozy pecan pie. One bite in, and it was clear this was Texas dessert at its finest!
Then came the secret dish, which we won’t spoil, but let’s just say we’d return for that alone!
What made this tour special was its emphasis on incredible food, Deep Ellum’s history, and its lively atmosphere. It felt like experiencing the neighborhood like a local. Upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience, but no matter what, come hungry and ready to explore!
Reserve this popular food tour here and eat your way through Deep Ellum!
7. See downtown Dallas on an e-bike tour
- Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Time: 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm (not available Monday and Tuesday)
- Highlights: Discover downtown Dallas on this scenic e-bike tour, see the JFK Memorial, Dealy Plaza, Winspear Opera House, and Klyde Warren Park, explore the Dallas Arts District, the Deep Ellum neighborhood, and the AT&T Discovery District, learn about Dallas’ history and heritage from your guide
- Inclusions: Guide, use of bicycle and helmet, bottled water, small group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Seeing Dallas on an e-bike was easily the most fun way to explore the city without getting stuck in traffic or wearing ourselves out. This small-group tour gave us a front-row seat to some of the city’s most iconic sights while covering more ground than we ever could on foot.
We started by cruising through Deep Ellum, where bold street murals and historic buildings tell the story of Dallas’ creative spirit.
From there, we zipped over to the Dallas Arts District, passing stunning landmarks like the Winspear Opera House and the Meyerson Symphony Center. Riding through the area felt like a backstage pass to the city’s cultural heartbeat!
The tour also took us to the AT&T Discovery District, a futuristic downtown space with massive digital displays and interactive art. It was a remarkable contrast to the historic sites we had seen earlier and made for some great photo ops.
But our favorite part? Cruising through Klyde Warren Park! This urban oasis was buzzing with food trucks, live music, and locals enjoying the sunshine. The smooth ride and electric boost made it easy to take it all in without even breaking a sweat.
With multiple stops and plenty of photo opportunities, this e-bike tour was the ideal way to experience Dallas up close. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the city, it’s an adventure that is definitely worth taking!
Check out all the 5-star reviews and book this tour in advance here!
8. Go on a party bike pub crawl
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times from 10:25 am and 9:30 pm
- Highlights: Hop aboard the Party Bike for a pub crawl, pedal your way around Deep Ellum, stop at three bars or pubs, enjoy VIP special offers on drinks and BYO drinks on board
- Inclusions: Driver/guide, drink specials, coolers, ice, cups, use of helmet, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s bar hopping, and then there’s bar hopping on a party bike—this small-group pub crawl took the experience to a whole new level. Pedaling through Deep Ellum with music pumping and drinks in hand, we hit some of the neighborhood’s best bars while soaking in the electric energy of Dallas’ nightlife scene.
We kicked things off at Electric Shuffle, where the craft cocktails were as fun as the lively shuffleboard tables. From there, we made our way to Trinity Cider, home to some of the best local ciders and the infamous cider sake bombs.
By the time we hit Punch Bowl Social, the whole group was in full party mode, taking over the arcade games and laughing like old friends.
One of the best parts? VIP drink specials at every stop, so we scored great deals without waiting around. And if that wasn’t enough, we could even bring our own drinks on board. The bike was stocked with coolers, ice, and cups, making it easy to sip between stops without missing a beat.
Our guide, Angelo, was excellent! He kept the energy high, made sure we hit the best spots, and had us all wishing the ride could last another two hours.
This was easily one of our favorite tours in Dallas! If you’re looking for an extraordinary night out, this is the way to go. But don’t just take our word for it—read rave reviews here to see why travelers say this tour is a blast!
For an unforgettable adventure, book this party on wheels here!
Where to Stay in Dallas, Texas
Dallas is a sprawling metropolis, but the most convenient area to stay is right downtown! This will put you close to the best restaurants, bars, attractions, and most of the things on our list here. To help narrow down your options, here are three excellent hotel options for a luxury, mid-range, or budget traveler.
Luxury – $$$
Omni Dallas Hotel is located in the heart of downtown and is my top choice for a luxury traveler. This hotel is massive, with 10 restaurants on-site, a heated infinity pool, a luxury spa and fitness center, and upscale rooms. They offer a range of rooms, including standard hotel or suite styles, all with great city views and amenities for a comfortable stay!
Prices start around $275 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a comfortable hotel that won’t blow your budget! Located in downtown Dallas, you’re close to the top city sights. The Hampton Inn is always clean, comfortable, and provides excellent service. You can choose between king or queen rooms starting at $150 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Budget travelers will love the SOVA Micro-Room & Social Hotel! This hotel offers micro rooms, so think of it as a step up from a hostel. It has the same social feel, and the rooms are modern, very clean, and offer everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can book a double or queen bed with an ensuite bathroom starting at $90 USD per night.
See all the options and book this unique hotel on Booking.com.
Check out all of the hotels in Dallas here for even more options!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Exploring Dallas gave us a glimpse of the best of Texas—amazing BBQ, history, southern hospitality, football, and even Texas Longhorns! We had so much fun exploring this iconic city. If you follow this list of the top things to do, I’m sure you will, too!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other USA blogs. We’ve visited every corner of the country and have lots of resources to help you plan your next adventure! Here are a few related blogs that might be helpful:
8 Best Things to do in San Antonio, Texas