Dallas, Texas Travel Guide
Also see: Arlington-Grand Prairie , Granbury, Grapevine, Ft. Worth, Irving, Plano

Region: Prairies & Lakes

For many visitors, this is the land of icons that symbolize Texas---from J.R. to the Dallas Cowboys.

But Dallas is also rich with culture, offering a cornucopia of more than 160 museums, galleries and artistic attractions. Much of that culture is found in the Dallas Arts District, 60 acres on the north edge of downtown. The largest urban arts district in the country, the complex includes the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the Arts District Theater, and the Dallas Museum of Art.

The latter includes the Museum of the Americas, the first museum in the nation to survey the art of the Western Hemisphere---it holds a strong collection of pre-Columbian art as well as works by European masters, French Impressionists, and American masters.

Dallas also offers visitors a look at history, albeit a painful one. Travelers from around the world visit the Dallas site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. That fateful event is remembered at The Sixth Floor Museum, housed in the former Texas School Book Depository where alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was located. Today the tasteful museum remembers this important time in Dallas history with exhibits and film clips.

Dallas is also noted for its fine dining: it boasts more restaurants per capita than New York City.

Attractions

Dallas Museum of Art. Established in 1903, this extensive museum was the first to survey the art of the western hemisphere. This collection is found in the 140,000-square-foot addition called Museum of the Americas. These exhibits trace the lost civilizations of the Americas through sculpture, ceramics, and sacred objects; the collection also looks at American artists including O'Keefe and Wyeth. One of the largest collections is The Reves Collection, showcasing works by Renoir, van Gogh, Pissaro, Cézanne, Redon and others. The Contemporary Art exhibit is considered one of the largest collections of post-1945 artwork in the Southwest. Located at 1717 N. Harwood St.

Meadows School of the Arts. Considered one of the top collections of Spanish art found outside Spain. Exhibits Spanish works dating from the 10th to the 20th centures. Sculpture, paintings, and other work by Miró, Goya, Picasso, Velázquez, and others are featured. On campus of Southern Methodist University.

Old City Park. This is a collection of historic homes and structures that represent Dallas in the 1840-1910 period. The 1860s Living Farmstead has costumed docents who also reenact farm chores. Located at 1717 Gano St. at the junction of I-30, Gano and Harwood Streets.

White Rock Lake Park. This park offers opportunities for all sorts of activities, including sailing, fishing, horseback riding, and birdwatching. There are also hike and bike trails, as well as picnic areas. Located 5 miles northeast on Garland Road.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. In Dallas County Historical Plaza. Memorial to president slain in motorcade in front of the former Texas School Book Depository, which now houses The Sixth Floor Museum. Located at Main and Market Sts.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum is devoted to the life, career, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Biblical Arts Center. Housed in a building with a limestone entrance modeled after Paul's Gate in Damascus, this gallery contains all types of Biblical art. Among the items are a reproduction of a site in Jerusalem many believe to be the garden tomb of Christ. The "Miracle at Pentecost" mural is 124-foot-long and includes more than 200 Biblical characters. The mural is unveiled with a 30-minute sound and light presentation several times daily. Located at 7500 Park Lane (at Boedeker, 1 block west of Central Expressway).

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This expansive arboretum blooms with year-around flowers and is especially known for its annual "Dallas Blooms" show in the spring. Located at 8525 Garland Rd. on White Rock Lake.

Dallas World Aquarium. This aquarium features a South American rainforest, the world's largest freshwater aquarium filled with giant catfish, and a 22,000-gallon walk-through tunnel. The aquarium contains two restaurants. 1801 N. Griffin St.

Dallas Zoo. Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo includes the modern Wilds of Africa section, which visitors can tour by hopping on the narrated Monorail Safari tour. The Bird and Reptile Building is home to 130 reptile and amphibian species. Located at 650 R.L. Thornton Freeway.

West End Historic District. Dallas's busiest entertainment district is housed in former brick warehouses that have been converted to trendy nightclubs, restaurants and unique shops. Along with a multi-screen movie theater, the entertainment area is home to nightclubs and the Artisans' Gallery filled with one-of-a-kind items. Located at Market Street, Pacific Avenue, and Woodall Rodgers freeways.

In Fair Park:

African American Museum. This museum is the only major facility in the Southwest devoted to African American history, art and culture.In the two-story structure centering around a rotunda with a 60-foot dome. permanent exhibits include the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection, considered one of the best in the nation. The collection displays works by Clementine Hunter, David Butler, and Johnny Banks. Located in Fair Park at 3536 Grand Avenue.

Age of Steam Railroad Museum. This collection recalls the grand days of rail travel with Pullman cars, large locomotives and a 1905 depot.

Hall of State. Built in the shape of an inverted T, the includes exhibits on all areas of Texas as well as statues of Texas heroes. www.hallofstate.com

Dallas Museum of Natural History. Opened in 1936; it offers many dioramas of Texas animals as well as the first mounted Texas dinosaur.

Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. Home to 5,000 aquatic animals in fresh and saltwater displays, the is active in conservation efforts with Texas species such as the Texas blind salamander.

Science Place. This is a hands-on museum that portrays scientific principles in concepts for children. The museum includes the TI Founders Imax ® Theater with a 79-foot dome screen.

Texas Discovery Gardens (formerly the Dallas Horticulture Center). The William Douglas Blanchly Conservatory, the first conservatory built in the Southwest, contains African plants and was developed in coordination with the Dallas Zoo.

Where to Stay

Review: Hotel St. Germain

More Dallas hotels

Festivals & Special Events

January: Cotton Bowl
March-April: Dallas Blooms
March: North Texas Irish Festival
April: Dallas International Guitar Festival & Musicfest
September-October: State Fair of Texas
November: Texas Stampede

In-Depth Travel Articles

Deep Ellum

For More Information: visit Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitdallas.com

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