Best Things To Do In Dallas: How To Spend One Day Downtown

Dallas Texas is a top city to see on any trip to Texas. It’s filled with a bustling downtown, historical centre, local shopping, and mouth watering eats!

But if you only have a limited time in the city, like just one day, these are the best things to do in Dallas Texas.

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Is One Day Even Enough In Dallas Texas?

Dallas Texas is not a big city at all, so you can easily see all the main downtown Dallas things to do in one day!

We did a day trip to Dallas from Fort Worth and had more than enough time to see everything we wanted to (and more!).

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ProTip: Try To Spend The Weekend In Dallas

It seemed that the best time to visit Dallas Texas was one of the weekend days.

You want to avoid Mondays at all costs because some of the best things to do in Dallas are closed (and some might even be closed on Tuesdays too…) For example the Sixth Floor Museum is closed on both Monday and Tuesday… so watch out!

Dallas Texas is also clearly the business district of Texas. Because of that, it’s a lot busier during the week in downtown Dallas compare to the weekends. Now, this is a blessing, and a curse, for the weekends.

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, downtown Dallas might be EMPTY on the weekends. But, this can also make touring easier, and you won’t have to scramble through crowds of people just to enjoy it.

We also noticed that parking was actually cheaper on the weekend in Dallas, and all the lots were empty!

The weekend in Dallas also brings extra farmers markets and night time food trucks in the park! Their famous farmers market is definitely a must see and is perfect for Texas souvenir shopping and lunch! 

Is A Day Trip In Dallas Texas Worth It?

Dallas is a very interesting city that I wasn’t expecting all that much from, I was actually concerned I’d be bored and have nothing to do…

I thought it would be like any other downtown area, tall buildings, the hustle and bustle of city life… you know, the usual downtown vibes.

But Dallas was a breath of fresh air compared to other downtown areas. The architecture was beautiful with stark contrasts in design between buildings.

Dallas is also home to a unique part of history you don’t have anywhere else, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States. I wasn’t expecting to be interested in this aspect (as a Canadian) but it gave me chills just being there!

Do You Need A Car In Dallas?

We drove to Dallas from Fort Worth for a day trip, and I was happy to have the car. On the weekend in Dallas, it was easy enough to find parking downtown, and some attractions are a bit too far to walk.

Not that it isn’t a walkable city, but some of the best things to do in Dallas are about a 30 minute walk from each other. Let’s just say, your feet might be happier with you if you have a car…

For example, the historic district is about a 30 minute walk from both the Farmers Market and Deep Ellum neighbourhood.

We did walk to the Farmers Market, and I’m happy we did, because I think parking there might have been an issue.

But, then we walked back to the car to drive to Deep Ellum – at this point we were really tired!

Klyde Warren Park is another attraction that is a bit out of the way. Although it’s closer than the Farmer’s market (under a 20 minute walk).

If you are interested in doing all the downtown Dallas things to do, try to find a parking lot that’s more central between everything, or just commit to driving everywhere if you have a car!

Alternatively, you can book an organized tour that picks you p

What To Do In Dallas Downtown

These are the best things to do in Dallas to make the most of a day trip in Dallas.

Before Arriving In The City: Stop At Trinity Skyline Trail

If you’re driving in to Dallas, before even entering the city, stop at the Trinity skyline trail.

This is the perfect spot to get a quick skyline view of Dallas Texas!

Plus, if you’re up for it, you can walk along the trail for a morning walk (although I warn you, you might be doing a lot of walking today!).

Historic Downtown Dallas Things To Do: Self Guided Tour

Immediately when entering downtown Dallas you’re greeted by Old Red (the red brick building). It was once a courthouse, then a museum, and now the city is working on turning it into the courthouse once again.

Don’t worry, the museum is being transferred to another building, so you will be able to visit… one day. It’s still not open to the public, but check for an update before you visit!

In the meantime, you can admire the beautiful outside of the Old Red Courthouse and tour the historic district. There are a few key points of interest in this area.

You’ll want to see the Founders Plaza, Dealy Plaza, and the JFK memorial.

The city used to offer a free audio guide of the historic centre, but it seems they don’t have it online anymore. You can try to check out the front of Old Red Courthouse for a QR code, or you can buy this audio guide from Viator.

You can also read about the unique aspects of the Old Red Courthouse online.

Best Things To Do In Dallas: Visit The Sixth Floor Museum

Even if you aren’t American and don’t know that much about JFK, the Sixth Floor Museum is a must-do in Dallas.

I’m Canadian, and still got chills learning about the events that took place here. The Sixth Floor Museum isn’t just a museum, you’re literally standing where the shooter stood to take the fatal shots on November 22, 1963.

P.S. Tips For Buying Tickets For The Sixth Floor Museum…

You have to buy a timed ticket to the museum. I recommend buying your tickets in advance if you’re traveling during high season, as I’m not sure how quickly they’ll sell out!

They charge a very small fee for buying online, but it’s worth it. Otherwise you risk wasting time waiting in three long lines; first to buy tickets, then for your timed entry, and then finally for the elevator!

If you’re traveling during low season though, you can get away with buying your tickets on the spot (still online though!). We literally bought our tickets while standing in the first line and saved ourselves an hour by doing this!

They continue to sell tickets for the current time slot until the time passes, or tickets sell out.

We got in line to buy tickets at 11:25 in person. While we were waiting, we bought tickets online for the 11:30 time slot.

We skipped an entire line, walking straight to wait for the elevator. The people who were ahead of us in line to buy tickets only made it into the 12:00 o’clock entry…

Buy tickets on their website in advance.

This was one of the busiest places in the city, so expect it to be packed whenever you visit. 

Visit Dealy Plaza

Dealy Plaza is across the street from the Sixth Floor Museum, and I recommend coming here after your visit.

As you’ll learn, there’s quite a bit of significance to Dealy Plaza now, after the events in 1963.

While standing in Dealy Plaza, you can spot the infamous grassy knoll, you can also walk there if you want to stand on it.

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Optional: Check Out The Observatory At Reunion Tower

Reunion Tower used to be a revolving restaurant, now it’s just an observation deck to see Dallas Texas from above.

We opted to skip the Reunion Tower because we didn’t think the view from up there was worth the ticket price. There were just other (better) things we preferred to do in Dallas.

If you’re interested though, you can buy tickets through their website, or with Viator. They offer a neat full day ticket that lets you visit during both the day and at night for a different view.

Walk Along Commerce Street Downtown & Admire The Architecture

I won’t lie, downtown Dallas is simply a city downtown. But I found it beautiful.

The contrast between colours, size, and architecture of every building was unlike any other downtown area I’d seen.

You’ll want to try to find the giant eyeball off of Main Street while you’re walking around. Although, be aware you can’t get up close to it, it is on private property so please be respectful!

I love the architecture along Commerce street. And you’ll want to see the AT&T Discovery District on your route as well, a relaxing pedestrian zone which makes a good spot for lunch too!

Klyde Warren Park

Kyle Warren Park is one of the main city parks in Dallas, and for good reason. You have tall buildings surrounding this narrow park in the middle.

You can stroll through the park, maybe stumble on one of the free fitness classes, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks.

On the weekend in Dallas, the food trucks even stay for dinner, and you might be able to catch a movie night in the park!

See all the activities at Klyde Warren Park.

Check Out The Farmers Market – Weekend In Dallas

The Dallas Farmers Market is probably one of my favourite farmers markets.

They have a permanent indoor market with shops and foo, but that part was more skippable.

The real showstopper is on the weekend in Dallas when they invite local artisans to set up under The Shed! You have even better food and shops here! I swear, I wanted to buy it all!

It makes the perfect location to buy that ultimate Texas souvenir!

Pop By Deep Ellum: The Trendy Dallas Neighbourhood

Deep Ellum is the trendy Dallas neighbourhood. If you don’t want the business vibes of downtown Dallas, then head to Deep Ellum right away.

Deep Ellum is the place for all your instagram photos of food, city streets, and art. (P.S. Book a guided foodie tour in Deep Ellum with Viator to go to all the best spots!).

Filled with graffiti, you can walk through the alleys admiring more artwork than you can even imagine in Deep Ellum (p.s. a must see is Blues Alley!).

They have tons of restaurants and shops to choose from. A fun option is Upstairs Circus, where you can create a fun DIY souvenir while hanging out with a drink and travel buddy!

Best Places To Eat In Downtown Dallas

Like I mentioned, there are a few good spots to eat around Dallas.

For starters, Deep Ellum has no shortage of restaurants. In fact, some were actually featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, like Pepe’s & Mito’s and Pecan Lodge.

If you’re traveling with picky eaters, a good option is The Exchange Hall in the AT&T District. It’s like a fancy food court with every cuisine imaginable. P.S. If you’re a liege waffle fan like we are, the waffle shop here isn’t up to standard!

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Similarly, there are a lot of food truck options at Klyde Warren Park.

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food in Texas, go to Chimalma Taco Bar Co. in the historic district. A woman opened up this restaurant based on her mothers recipes from Mexico. Plus you get a great view of the historic district on their patio!

Everyone also needs coffee while on a day trip in Dallas. So, for the best coffee in the city, head to Weekend Coffee at the Joule hotel.

Need A Place To Stay In Dallas? Hotel Recommendations

We actually didn’t stay in the city centre in Dallas, but stayed at the DFW airport in Irving because our flight arrived quite late at night. We stayed at Hyatt Place DFW – and it was perfectly convenient for what we needed!

For the rest of our stay we booked the Homewood Suites in Fort Worth. But, if you’re interested in staying in Dallas, here are a few recommendations that I found.

A very reasonably priced place to stay in Dallas is the Homewood Suites Downtown (with breakfast included!). I always love staying at Homewood Suites because they also have a kitchen in case I don’t want to eat out one night. Plus they also tend to be a bit larger in space. See room rates & availability, on Booking.com.

If you’re looking for a bit more of an upscale stay in a contemporary hotel in Dallas, check out the Joule hotel. It’s within walking distance to all the main sites, and a unique to Dallas stay! See room rates & availability, on Booking.com.

See more hotels in Dallas Texas, on Booking.com.

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Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API