Things to do in Dallas
A one day itinerary to Dallas's must see attractions
Big D – with its rich and diverse culture mix of cowboy and haute couture – is a hip and happening city. The surrounding area’s natural beauty is perfect for kayaking, fishing, hiking and golfing – but if you only have one day in town we suggest you spend it exploring the city centre’s main attractions.The Sixth Floor Museum
After breakfast at your hotel, head for The Sixth Floor Museum. Dedicated to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, it is located downtown in the same building from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots. The museum’s exhibition area uses historic films, photographs, artifacts and interpretive displays to document the events of the assassination, the findings of the official investigations that followed and the historical legacy of the national tragedy.
Dallas Museum of Art
Move on to another remarkable museum where you’ll find great works of art from eastern and western cultures. Wander around for an hour or so, before sitting down somewhere nearby for a quick cup of coffee and perhaps a small slice of cake.
Dallas World Aquarium
Head for downtown’s west end district and the fascinating Dallas World Aquarium. Offering a unique zoo tour which starts at the canopy level of a rain forest and winds its way down past many types of animals and into the aquarium below, this establishment aids conservation and education by housing many animals that are threatened or endangered.
Shopping
It’s time to move uptown for some lunch and a bit of shopping. West Village on McKinney Avenue is a trendy shopping mall for the 20/30-somethings, while Highland Park Village houses a variety of upscale brands - including Jimmy Choo, Escada, Ralph Lauren and Hermes.
ZaSpa
If you are in the mood for a body massage by now, pop in to the ZaSpa located in Hotel ZaZa Dallas on Leonard Avenue. Using Eastern holistic practices they provide facials, body massages and bath treatments. You are sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after spending an hour or so in one of their six treatment rooms. It’s now time to head back to your hotel to get ready for a night on town or rodeo entertainment.
Uptown or Downtown Evening
If you feel like savouring a big Texan steak, pop into Bob’s Steak & Chop house on Lemmon Avenue. After dinner go explore fashionable venues on McKinney Avenue – as this is where Dallas’ beautiful people go to see and be seen. For something completely different head for Hector’s on Henderson - offering a ‘Naughty but Nice’ happy hour, tasty American cuisine and live jazz music every night. If you still feel like you haven’t got enough Texan culture, however, have dinner somewhere downtown before going to see a rodeo show at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Performances start at 8pm, but the gates open at 6.30pm, so get there as early as you can and be sure to pose for bull photos and browse the shops for tacky rodeo souvenirs.