Dallas Must-Dos
Our experts recommend the top attractions in and around Dallas—with advice on how to get the most out of your visit.
Barry Whistler Gallery
“Recently renovated sparse space with consistently inspired installations.” —Allison V Smith. Barry Whistler represents established and emerging contemporary Texas artists. 2909-B Canton St. tel. +1 214 939 0242. www.barrywhistlergallery.com
Nasher Sculpture Center
“Explore Mr. Nasher’s stunning private collection in the peaceful sculpture garden in the heart of the city and enjoy lunch indoors or out.”—Allison V. Smith. A grand green space offers a “roofless museum,” where you can wander around to see one of the more magnificent collections of twentieth-century sculpture anywhere. 2001 Flora St. tel. +1 214 242 5100; fee. www.nashersculpturecenter.org
The Dallas Arboretum
“This is the city’s prettiest public setting, overlooking bucolic White Rock Lake.”—Mariana Greene, Home and Garden editor, Dallas Morning News. Vast gardens include a fern dell, hardy palms, natives, water-wise landscaping choices, and an expansive trial garden; walk, jog, or cycle around the adjacent lake. 8525 Garland Rd. tel. +1 214 515 6500; fee. www.dallasarboretum.org
Victory Park
“An example of the pure renaissance that has happened downtown, moving northward toward Uptown in a place that was just a brown field.”—Brian Sweany. Home to American Airlines Center (where the Dallas Mavericks play basketball and the Dallas Stars play hockey) and a vibrant urban collection of restaurants, hotels, shopping, dining, and nightlife spots. 2400 Victory Park Ln. www.victorypark.com
The Meadows Museum
“Home to the largest collection of Spanish art in the States.”—Eric Celeste. A hidden gem at Southern Methodist University. 5900 Bishop Blvd. tel. +1 214 768 2516; fee. www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum
Visiting Dallas means noting the tragedy of November 22, 1963. Stroll the green area at Dealey Plaza where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated; tour the museum in the Texas School Book Depository building, where assassin Lee Harvey Oswald took aim. Exhibits include a minute-by-minute account of events on the infamous day; more than 400 photographs, video footage, and an audio tour. 411 Elm St. tel. +1 214 747 6660 or 888 485 4854; fee. www.jfk.org
Dallas World Aquarium
Old West End Historic District warehouse building now blends miracles of the ocean with wonders of a rain forest. Step inside the Orinoco River region of the Amazon, where toucans fly free and monkeys swing through the trees; also crocodiles, spiders, vampire bats, sharks, stingrays, leafy sea dragons, jellyfish, penguins, and a giant Pacific octopus. 1801 North Griffin St. tel. +1 214 720 2224; fee. www.dwazoo.com
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Why Swedish children celebrate Easter by dressing up as witchesWhy Swedish children celebrate Easter by dressing up as witches
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Why you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, GreeceWhy you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece
- Mansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded AgeMansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded Age
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip