How to Spend TWO DAYS in Dallas, Texas: 2-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Dallas, Texas? You’re in for a fun couple of days!

This sprawling city might not always be the first place people think of visiting, but it actually has a lot going for it. You’ve got a rich history, a seriously good food scene, and lots of different neighborhoods to explore! We were surprised by how much we loved it here, and we made some great memories, from learning about American history to eating our body weight in BBQ.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Dallas, so we’ve put together the perfect 2-day itinerary to ensure you hit the highlights. Let’s get into it!

Itinerary Overview 

Dallas is a big, spread-out city, but with two days here, you can still cover a lot of ground if you’ve got the right itinerary—and that’s where we come in! This guide will take you through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods while mixing in a bit of everything. You’ll dive into Dallas’ history, spend time in its best green spaces and museums, and of course, eat some of the city’s famous BBQ along the way.

Because everything is quite spread out, you’ll need to hire a car or use Uber to get around here. We used Discover Cars to rent a vehicle, and it made life so much easier. Plus, it worked out cheaper than relying on ride-hailing apps all the time. 

Day 1: Today, we’ll focus on downtown Dallas with a deep dive into the JFK assassination, and then relax in Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Museum of Art. Finally, we’ll finish the day with BBQ and a fun night out in Deep Ellum.

Day 2: Start with a chilled morning at the Dallas Arboretum, then head back into the city for a food tour in Deep Ellum – yum! In the afternoon and evening, we’ll explore the chic Bishop Arts District before finishing your time in Dallas with epic skyline views from the Reunion Tower Observation Deck.

Day 1

Breakfast – Record Grill or Corner Bakery Cafe

Alright, we’ve got two excellent breakfast options for today. The choice is yours – it just depends on how much you want to eat. 

If you’re in the mood for a big breakfast, head to Record Grill. It’s a classic American diner that has been around forever, and it’s the ultimate place for an authentic Texan breakfast! I’m talking about chicken-fried steak, hotcakes, biscuits and gravy, and eggs, however you like them. And in true Texan style, the portions are pretty epic. 

Record Grill opens early at 6 am, although it’s just a five-minute walk from the tour starting point, so you don’t need to get here that early! We arrived just before 9 am because the JFK tour starts at 10. Just bear in mind that this place is cash only, so bring some bills with you.

If a big fried breakfast is too much for you first thing in the morning, no worries. Corner Bakery Cafe is just a 3-minute walk away and offers lighter options, like pastries and breakfast buns. It’s a chain, so it doesn’t have that same classic Texas feel, but it will still set you up well for the morning. Plus, it’s only a 4-minute walk to the tour meeting point, so it’s super convenient.

Morning – Learn all about the JFK Assassination

The JFK assassination is one of the most talked-about events in American history, and it happened right here in Dallas, so booking this guided tour is a total must while you’re in town! It was our favorite tour because it’s a fascinating deep dive that goes way beyond just the usual tourist experience. We were enthralled from start to finish, and we couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards! 

The tour starts at 10 am at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza downtown, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from either breakfast spot. You’ll spend the first hour walking through Dealey Plaza, the Grassy Knoll, and the Kennedy Memorial, retracing the motorcade’s path while your guide pieces together the timeline. We loved our guide, Tim, who had incredible historical knowledge and made the story come alive with details and theories we had never considered before.

It was actually pretty surreal to stand in the exact spots where this pivotal moment in American history unfolded. In fact, it gave us chills! 

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. This tour is a super eye-opening experience that examines every angle of the JFK assassination, so there’s really no better way to spend your first morning in Dallas!

Book this popular tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

Lunch – Enjoy the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park

Your tour will wrap up around 1 pm, which is perfect timing for lunch. From there, it’s just a quick 3-minute drive to Klyde Warren Park, or about a 20-minute walk if you feel like stretching your legs.

This is one of the most popular parks in Dallas, and it’s pretty unique, too. It was actually built over a freeway, turning what used to be a busy highway into a lively green space right in the middle of the city.

When it comes to food, you’ll have plenty of options. There’s usually a lineup of food trucks parked here, especially toward the southern end of the park. You’ll find everything from Greek food and pizza to Cuban sandwiches and lobster rolls, plus plenty of vegetarian-friendly options to boot. Basically, whatever you’re craving, you’ll probably find it here!

Once you’ve grabbed something to eat, I suggest taking some time to hang out for a bit. There are plenty of seating areas, and the park offers great views of the Dallas skyline. We found shade easily, but you might not want to linger too long if it’s a hot day – the Dallas summer can be sweltering!

Afternoon – Check out the Dallas Museum of Art

Once you’re done at the park, head straight over to the Dallas Museum of Art. It’s right next door, so it’s a convenient next stop, but, more importantly, it’s one of the largest art museums in the entire country. Oh, and admission is free! 

Inside, you’ll find a really wide mix of collections, from ancient artifacts to modern and contemporary pieces, so there’s a bit of everything as you wander through. We spent about 2 hours here, and it was enough time to see the highlights without feeling museum-ed out – we’ve all been there! It’s also a nice way to escape the Dallas heat for a while and take things slow after a busy morning. 

It should be around 4 pm by the time you’ve finished browsing, so use this time to head back to your hotel and enjoy a bit of downtime. Then, freshen up and get ready for a fun evening!

Dinner – Terry Black’s Barbecue

Alright, it’s time for BBQ! You can’t come to Dallas without eating BBQ, and if you’re going to do it, you need to do it properly. 

That’s why we recommend heading over to Terry Black’s Barbecue around 6 pm. This is one of the most famous BBQ spots in Texas, and it definitely lives up to the hype! You can indulge in all the classics here, like brisket, ribs, and sausage, plus tons of indulgent side dishes. 

We also ordered the signature black margaritas, which are super smoky and made with mezcal. They’re actually pretty famous in their own right, so I definitely recommend trying one while you’re here.

The restaurant has a pretty casual setup, so you line up and order at the counter. It does get busy around dinner time, so expect a line—but it moves quickly, and I promise it’s worth it!

Evening – Explore Deep Ellum

After dinner, it’s time to experience one of the coolest neighborhoods in Dallas. Once you’ve finished eating, head over to Deep Ellum for a true Texan night out! 

This area is known for its street art and live music scene, and it really comes alive at night. There’s a great mix of casual bars and music venues here, and you can easily bar hop on foot! We recommend just taking a walk and seeing what catches your eye.

Still, if you’d rather have a plan in place, we’ve got some personal favorites to share! The Dallas Comedy Club is always a fun option if you’re in the mood for a standup show, or for live music, take a look at what’s on at Trees or Deep Ellum Art Co. 

However, I think my favorite bar in Deep Ellum has to be Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar! There are usually two or more pianists on the stage who play at the same time and take audience requests, with lots of sing-alongs involved. It’s so much fun!

Day 2 

Morning – The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

After last night, you probably won’t want a crazy early start this morning, so head over to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for around 9 am. This is when the gardens open, so arriving now helps you beat both the crowds and the heat, which can get pretty intense later in the day.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from the city center, and we suggest grabbing a quick breakfast at or near your hotel before heading out so you can make the most of your time here.

Once inside, you’ll find beautifully landscaped gardens and gorgeous views over White Rock Lake. It’s a peaceful spot and a great contrast to the city, especially first thing in the morning. We suggest spending around 1.5 hours here, which is plenty of time to see the highlights and enjoy a gentle stroll. Then, after your visit, grab an Uber over to Deep Ellum. It’s only about a 10-minute drive, so you’ll be there in no time, ready for your food tour!

Mid-day – Deep Ellum Food tour 

Instead of lunch at a restaurant today, we’re taking a deep dive into Dallas’ epic food scene with this food tour! It takes you to the heart of Deep Ellum, a neighborhood packed with street art, live music, and some of the best eats in the city. Plus, it’s a great way to explore this trendy neighborhood by day and check out the top landmarks rather than the bars.

The tour begins at 11 am, and the start point is just a 10-minute drive from the Botanical Garden. It lasts for about 3.5 hours, so you’ll be finished by around 2:30 pm, with a full belly and ready to walk off all of the food in the Bishop Arts District.

When we did this tour, we kicked things off with slow-smoked BBQ brisket and a hearty bowl of chilli. I’m getting hungry just remembering how good it all was! 

We saw tons of street art murals as we explored Deep Ellum and even heard lots of jazz and blues drifting out onto the street as we walked around. Our guide, Morgan, made the experience even more exciting by 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 some of the best street tacos we’ve ever had. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, out came the boozy pecan pie. It’s the ultimate Texas dessert, and a total must-try.

Reserve this popular food tour here and get ready to eat your way through Deep Ellum!

Afternoon – Explore the Bishop Arts District 

After your food tour, it’s time to chill and explore by yourself for a while. Head over to the Bishop Arts District, which is about a 15-minute drive from Deep Ellum.

This is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Dallas, and it has a completely different feel from anywhere else you’ve been so far! It’s full of independent shops and tons of colorful street art murals, so it’s always a fun place to wander around. The vibe here is also more laid-back compared to Deep Ellum, so this is a good time to slow down for a bit and just explore at your own pace.

You probably won’t be hungry after the tour, but there are plenty of vintage stores to pop into, as well as plant shops and quirky souvenir spots. Bishop Street Market is a great place to start, and if you feel like taking a break, we loved Jaquval Brewery or La Reunion for a quick coffee or beer. And if you do end up feeling peckish again, head to The Salty Donut to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Explore until around 5 pm, and then head over to Round Two. It’s a retro arcade bar with tons of games, from Pac-Man to Wii Sports, so it’s an awesome place to hang out until you’re ready for dinner.

Dinner – Veracruz Cafe

Once you’ve had your fill of video games, it’s time for dinner – and luckily, you won’t have to go far! Head over to Veracruz Cafe around 6 pm. It’s a 13-minute walk or 2-minute drive from Round Two, so it doesn’t take long to get there. 

We love this spot because it has a cozy, local feel, and it serves delicious Mexican food! The enchiladas are my favorite, but the tacos and fajitas are also really good, and the margaritas are amazing. They’re strong, though, so I’d only suggest indulging in one if you’re not driving.

This place is (rightfully) popular, and it gets busy in the evening, so you might have to wait for a table. The Bishops Ave branch is walk-in only, but if you arrive at 6 pm, you shouldn’t have to wait for too long. And I promise, the food is worth it!

Evening – See Dallas from above at the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

There’s only one way to end your trip to Dallas, and that’s with epic skyline views from the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck! It’s an observation deck that offers sweeping 360-degree views over Dallas. From here, you’ll be able to admire the downtown skyline and the Trinity River, plus some of the neighborhoods you’ve explored over the past couple of days. 

You can book your tickets here, and we suggest choosing the 7:30 or 8 pm timeslot. This means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy dinner beforehand, and then be at the top to enjoy the views at golden hour and sunset. We loved seeing the city light up from here!

There’s also an interactive touch screen display, which you can play with and learn more about Dallas’ most historic parks and buildings. It’s a nice way to learn a bit more about the city as you end your time here. We also loved the Zoom cameras, as you can peer through them and see your favorite Dallas landmarks up close. 

Related Read: Planning more time in the city? Check out our full guide on the best things to do in Dallas for even more tours, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences.

Where to Stay in Dallas

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!

Thanks for reading!

Dallas might not always be the first city people think of, but after spending a couple of days here, we can confidently say it’s well worth the trip. This 2-day itinerary gives you a little bit of everything—from diving into fascinating history and exploring unique neighborhoods to eating some seriously good BBQ along the way.

Before you go, be sure to check out more of our USA travel blogs here for extra tips, where to stay guides, and more detailed itineraries to help you plan your trip. Or keep the inspiration going with some of our related posts below!

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