Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
With top-notch art galleries, historical sites, and family fun, narrowing down the attractions in Dallas can be tough. To help guide your itinerary, here are some of the top things to do in Dallas for first-timers.
The Dallas Arts District
You can’t visit Dallas without spending time in the largest urban arts district in the nation. Spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks, the Dallas Arts District houses some of the best museums and performing arts centers in Texas. Must-see attractions in the district include the Nasher Sculpture Center with rotating exhibits from Rodin and de Kooning. The Crow Collection of Asian Art has treasures from all regions of Asia. For musical theater lovers, the Winspear Opera House is a stunning performing arts venue. You’ll also find the Meyerson Symphony Center, home of the renowned Dallas Symphony Orchestra and a world-class concert hall. During the day, take in the vibrant outdoor sculptures and architecture. At night, watch the glowing buildings light up the Dallas skyline.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
One of the most visited attractions in Dallas, the Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Located inside the former Texas School Book Depository building, the museum examines Kennedy’s presidency, assassination, legacy, and the building’s history. See authentic films, photos, and artifacts from the assassination. Then step outside to visit the infamous Dealey Plaza, the Grassy Knoll, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. For history buffs, this moving museum is a must-see.
Klyde Warren Park
Urban green spaces are one of the best parts of Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre public park built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, connecting downtown Dallas and Uptown. Have a picnic under the trees, let the kids play in the interactive fountain, and enjoy free programming like fitness classes, live music, outdoor games, and food truck festivals. With so much to do steps from the city center, Klyde Warren Park is a favorite local hangout. Stroll through after visiting the Dallas Museum of Art across the street.
Reunion Tower Observation Deck
For amazing 360-degree views spanning 50 miles, head to Reunion Tower’s observation deck. Perched 470 feet in the air, the tower’s GeO-Deck offers stunning panoramas of the Dallas skyline. Look out over landmarks like the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Trinity River, and Fair Park, home of the State Fair of Texas. Visit during the day to explore downtown Dallas and spot landmarks. Return at night to watch the city glitter beneath you. Tickets include interactive guides to help identify key points of interest below.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
With 11 exhibit halls spanning natural science, the Perot Museum is a top attraction for families and science lovers. Get up close with skeletons in the Life Then and Now Hall and brush up on your Texas dinosaurs. Kids can dig for fossils, program robots, and conduct lab experiments in the Moody Family Children’s Museum. Glimpse wildlife in Texas and far beyond as you wander through vivid ecosystem dioramas. From gems and minerals to space exploration, the Perot Museum brings science to life.
Dallas World Aquarium
Another family favorite, the Dallas World Aquarium brings visitors face-to-face with exotic animals from around the globe. Walk through replicated ecosystems like a lush Orinoco rainforest and the coast of southern Japan. See colorful birds, playful monkeys, fascinating lizards, and over 2,000 aquatic animals as you explore the aquarium’s three levels. Unique exhibits house endangered animals like Orinoco crocodiles, Antillean manatees, and golden lion tamarins. It’s an up-close adventure for animal lovers of all ages.
How to Get Around Dallas
With so many things to do spread across Dallas, you’ll want to know the best ways to get around. Here’s an overview of public transportation, taxis and rideshares, and group transportation by charter bus.
Public Transportation
Dallas has a decent public transportation system of buses and light rail lines called Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The DART light rail system includes four lines that serve popular areas like downtown Dallas, Uptown, Cedars, Deep Ellum, and Fair Park. Use the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail to reach Fort Worth and DFW Airport. Public transit in Dallas reaches many key sites, but it may not always be the most direct route. Have a backup rideshare app or taxi company number ready in case you need to get somewhere quicker.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for curbside hails or pre-arranged pickups in Dallas, but limited availability makes them unreliable for timely airport transfers or trips across the sprawling metroplex. Prices also add up quickly. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft tend to be cheaper and more convenient in Dallas. Fares vary based on location and demand. During rush hours, concerts, and major events, increased rates and surges are common.
Charter Buses
For group travel or events with 10 or more people, charter buses offer comfortable, customizable transportation across Dallas. Prices are charged by the overall time duration rather than per mile. The more people in your group, the more affordable the per person cost becomes. Charter buses allow door-to-door service between multiple destinations on your own schedule. Have the bus pick you up from the airport or hotels and take you directly to events around Dallas stress-free. No navigating traffic or finding parking! Luxury buses come equipped with amenities like leather seats, TVs, WiFi, and restrooms for convenient, enjoyable transportation. No gridlocked freeways or metro delays – just direct service across Dallas in comfort.
Ready to Get Started?
From world-class museums and green spaces to historical sites and family fun, Dallas offers an array of attractions for first-time visitors. Getting around this sprawling metroplex is easier when you use public transportation, rideshares, or for larger groups, charter bus rentals. Ready to start planning your Dallas getaway? Contact Dallas Party Bus Company at (214) 540-6746 for personalized charter bus trip planning services. Our team handles all transportation so you can focus on enjoying the wonderful attractions this dynamic Texas city has to offer!