Big Things Happen in Dallas – The 11 Hidden Gems in This Big City

Dallas is home to many acclaimed museums, including a unique commemoration to the fateful former US president. Here are the 11 sights you shouldn’t miss.

Dallas is one of the biggest cities in Texas and a popular place for tourists. People often visit it along with the neighboring city of Fort Worth. But if you’re only here for a day or two, you may want to focus your sightseeing in Dallas so as to not miss anything.

Starting with the following hidden gems in Dallas, the city will undoubtedly meet your need to learn more about history and culture with its museums and landmarks. You’ll also have a chance to get some rest in the parks and districts where you can get to know the spirit of Dallas and Texas.

1. Dealey Plaza

You can find many important buildings at Dealey Plaza. But there’s one incident that dramatically increased the popularity of this square in 1963. It’s where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy.

Thirty years after the assassination, the state declared the square a National History Landmark. That’s one of the reasons why the Plaza has stayed almost the same for all these years.

2. The Sixth Floor Museum

While at the Dealey Plaza, make sure you stop by the Sixth Floor Museum. It’s located in a beautiful red building and the whole museum features the life and death of JFK.

By the time you reach the sixth floor that chronicle the details of the fateful day, you’ll have learned a lot about Kennedy’s career and the political climate of the 60s. You may even feel compelled to take the audio tour once you’re there.

3. Meadows Museum

Another cultural oasis in Dallas is the Meadows Museum. For those who appreciate European art, it’ll become one of your favorite places in Dallas city.

This museum’s collection includes many pieces by Spanish artists, such as Velázquez, Picasso, Dalí, and Zurbarán. In fact, Dallas has the second-largest collection of Spanish paintings next to only Spain itself. Their impressive collection includes famous examples from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods.

4. Arts District

Downtown Dallas is the most impressive part of the city. That’s where you’ll find the most significant urban arts district of the state and many interesting sites within. It covers 19 blocks, so you can walk, dine, and get your dose of architectural and cultural wonders in one go.

When you get tired of the urban atmosphere, the Arts District also has the lovely Klyde Warren Park for you to take a break or have a picnic.

5. Klyde Warren Park

Even if you don’t want to check out the whole Arts District, you should visit this public park. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon with your family.

There’s a children’s park, a restaurant, and even a reading room for those who need quiet time. You can also organize a visit to the botanical garden, let your pet run free in the dog park, or check out the urban games area.

6. World Aquarium

Would you like to see some spectacular aquatic creatures? All types of fish, mammals, and reptiles live in the Dallas World Aquarium. It’s where you can see octopuses, stingrays, flamingos, crocodiles, penguins, and more. The organized tour also educates you on all the wildlife living in this fantastic resort.

Many tourists recommend the Aquarium as an excellent replacement for a visit to the Zoo. This can be a relief if you’re traveling to Dallas in the summer.

7. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Here’s another museum that’s worth your while. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science receives visitors every day from 10 am to 5 pm, except starting at 11 am on Sundays.

Not only do you have plenty to see in this fantastic museum, but it also offers several interactive exhibits. It’s also kid-friendly because of all the dinosaurs and learning activities it offers.

8. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

If you have two to three hours to spare, make a stop at the Dallas Botanical Garden. This green space is a perfect little hideaway from the traffic and will amaze you with the number of flower species that adorn the garden. There’s even a lake in the middle and a few historic houses and surrounding sculptures.

If you’re going with children, make sure to visit the Children’s Adventure Garden where you can all enjoy games and experiments.

9. Dallas Heritage Village

The Old City Park is home to the Dallas Heritage Village. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Dallas, Texas for the historic architecture that you can find there.

The place actually serves as an outdoor museum, with the oldest property here dating back to 1840. There are even actors that role-play and guide you through the periods of these buildings.

10. Reunion Tower

To enjoy a panoramic view of Dallas and take photos, your next stop should be the Reunion Tower. The narrow tower glows at night, so it’s also lovely to look at from the ground. It’s 561 feet tall and you need only 68 seconds to reach the top.

The Reunion Tower also has two cafés where you can grab a bite. And one of them is aptly named Cloud Nine.

11. Nasher Sculpture Center

Circling back to the Arts District, there’s another tourist location in Dallas that you’ve got to see before you leave.

The Nasher Sculpture Center, named after the art collector Raymond Nasher, displays a new exhibit a few times a year. Some of the sculptures in the Nasher center’s collection include pieces by Matisse, Henry Moore, Picasso, and Joan Miró.

Daily Dose of Culture in Dallas

Almost all of the hidden gems in Dallas are within walking distance of the city center. Whether you choose to walk or drive, the cultural offering of Dallas will leave you speechless.

If you don’t get to see everything in one visit, you’re going to want to come back for more of this beautiful city. Check out the discount options and the Dallas City Pass if you’re planning to see as many attractions as you can.