Here’s how to spend one day in Dallas, Texas.
I’m sitting next to you, thinking about the skyline – the Dallas Skyline. I’m thinking about how bright it is: how the neon colors dance off the glass. I’m thinking about how club greens and blues silhouette dark-roomed buildings and how the kitschy hues should make me laugh but they are so lively, I just stare.
This is the Dallas I know and love.
So during my one day back in Dallas (after visiting Tennessee), I decided to re-visit all the top tourist attractions in the Big-D.
Disclosure: Heads up, this post contains affiliate links, which means Passport To Eden may get a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make an online purchase. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything. We still love that you’re here, reading our content (side note: we suggest getting a coffee or tea first because our blog posts tend to be long). You can read our full affiliate disclosure here to find out more.
One Day In Dallas Guide
About
Situated on one end of the DFW Metroplex, Dallas (occasionally known as the Big-D) is a giant city that stretches over 381 square miles. Its population soars over 1 million (and includes one friendly neighborhood travel blogger – if you see me around, say hi).
The city is split up into smaller districts: Uptown, Deep Ellum, Lowest Greenville (within Lower Greenville), Bishop Arts District (in Oak Cliff), Highland Park, Knox-Henderson, Dallas Arts District, amongst several others. Each district has its own vibe and style and set of well-loved local businesses.
Know Before You Go
As much as I love Dallas, I have to admit that parking in downtown is a nightmare (and if there’s a no parking sign and you decide to park for even five minutes, your car will get towed. I speak from one-too-many personal experiences).
Lyft is the easiest option for me since I live in the area. But if you’re visiting from out-of-town, I recommend parking in an Uptown parking garage and taking the free M-Line trolley into the Arts District.
Best Time To Visit
September and October are easily some of the best times to visit Dallas! The State Fair of Texas is in full-swing during fall (and all the other attractions, as a result, are void of crowds).
I always like to describe Dallas weather as a moody teenager. One day, it’s bright and fun and 70 degrees and the next day, there could be hail. So when you pack, bring a jacket and umbrella even if the weather forecast promises nothing but rainbows and sunshine.
Where To Stay
A luxury property in Uptown Dallas, with chic design and equally chic decor, Hotel Crescent Court has an air of France. The views are stunning and the property is near Stanley Korshak, a high-end clothing shop, and neighborhood-favorite Ascension Coffee (known for its pick-me-ups).
$$$
The Getaway Cabin Dallas outpost is roughly 2 hours away from the city center in the Piney Woods area of Texas, but it is hands-down one of my favorite places to stay over a weekend (the neighboring towns – Athens, New York – are laid-back and offer a cozy outdoorsy respite from the bustle of downtown).
$$
Saved By The 90s is all about throwback themes. This is one of the most adorable homestays in Texas (the vibe is amazing and it honestly feels more like a 90s theme park than an Airbnb). If you love Clueless, Saved By The Bell, and Friends, you’ll fall head over heels for this funky, colorful upstairs unit.
$
One Day In Dallas Itinerary
The Dallas sky is a bright blue today.
To make the most of my time outdoors, I decide to grab breakfast to-go (after much debate. Breadwinners was a HUGE contender) and drive towards Maple Leaf Diner, a Canadian breakfast spot (tucked within a strip mall) along Preston Road.
Breakfast At Maple Leaf Diner
Maple Leaf Diner is an unfussy eatery in Dallas. It’s always packed but service is usually quick regardless of the crowds.
I always visit for the Southern poutine, a marriage of hand-cut fries and chicken-fried-chicken (topped with gravy and cheese curds). It’s priced for one and sized for two.
And it is so good (while sorting some photos recently, I dug up a clip of me trying Maple Leaf Diner for the first time back in University, and my reaction was quite literally “it’s so good” repeated twenty times over whilst laughing about, but not regretting, having cheese curds all over my lips).
General Info
ADDRESS: 12817 Preston Rd #129, Dallas, TX 75230
COST: $
Dallas Arboretum
One of the most beautiful attractions in Dallas is the Arboretum.
As I stroll past the entrance, I land in a burst of color. Birds are chirping hum-worthy tunes. Squirrels and rabbits plod through the grass. It’s one of those moments that feels too perfect to be true.
The arboretum is over 60 acres and from certain vantage points, you can see stretches of White Rock Lake (one of my favorite parks in Dallas). The plot is split into sub-gardens, each with its own unique styling.
My favorite is Crape Myrtle Allee – shadowy hues of blacks and greys stretched out across a stone walkway.
Other spots to hit during your one day at the Dallas Arboretum:
- Lay Family Garden: Perennials and wooded plants encasing a 2.2-acre region (which includes a waterfall and a koi pond).
- Nancy’s Garden: a blanket of soft pink blooms
- Jonsson Color Garden: sweeping swaths of seasonal flowers (reds upon purples upon yellows)
General Info
ADDRESS: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
COST: $15 Per Person
TIME ALLOTTED: 2 Hours
Dallas Museum Of Art
The Dallas Museum Of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States.
But today (since I’m strapped on time), I’m simply visiting their American Art collection, which includes local-favorite Frederic Church’s The Iceberg.
P.S. Church’s Iceberg is not far from another piece housed in the DMA that I absolutely love – a three-framed oil work by Benjamin West titled Conversion Of Saint Paul.
General Info
ADDRESS: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
COST: Free
TIME ALLOTTED: 2 Hours
Crow Collection
Less than a five-minute walk from the Dallas Museum Of Art is the Crow Collection.
The Crow Collection is dedicated to Asian art and it’s hands-down one of my favorite museums in Dallas. The building is two and a half floors (just a few steps away from the Nasher Sculpture Garden) and each of the pieces really shines.
General Info
ADDRESS: 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
COST: Free
TIME ALLOTTED: 1.5 Hours
Perot Museum
The Perot Museum is easily one of the most interactive museums in Texas.
The building will catch your eye first. It’s a Pritzker Prize winner – sloping roofs, crinkled walls.
I first visited the Perot Museum on my senior prom night many, many years ago (the museum was free that day, a deal too good to refuse and I really wanted an excuse to skip prom).
And I fell in love with it immediately (no regrets). From the Human Hall to the BioLab to the Discovering Life exhibit to Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals, the museum makes a bang (a big bang).
General Info
ADDRESS: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
COST: $20 Per Adult
Reunion Tower
Sunset at Reunion Tower is stunning (but it’s also the most packed). Candyfloss skies. Pink clouds. 360-degree views.
Reunion Tower is best visited after a romp through Dallas (I spent most of my time there whispering excitedly we just went there and there and there).
The tower is also home to Cloud 9, a rotating restaurant spinning scenes of the Dallas skyline (the floor makes one complete rotation every hour so you’ll want to stay for a while).
The food is nothing to write home about (especially for the prices charged) but fortunately, the views are unparalleled.
After leaving Reunion Tower, I’m not quite ready to stop exploring Dallas yet. So I head on over to Bishop Arts District for the night (BBBop, here I come).
Did you enjoy this one day in Dallas itinerary? What are your favorite touristy things to do in Dallas? Let me know in the comments below!
If I ever find myself in Dallas, I’ll have to check out some of these places!
skinstuffbykaty.blogspot.com
Yes! They really are must-sees! xx – Anshula
Very nice place in all senses 🙂 I would Like more such places in other cities!
Yes! I love the Big D! It has such a lovely mix of arts, museum, shopping and nightlife! xx – Anshula
Haven’t been to Dallas yet but planning to visit soon.So thanks for sharing
I’m glad you found this helpful! xx – Anshula
I live in DFW now and love that you created this article. I absolutely love how artsy the city is. Be sure to check out Deep Ellum!
Courtney | thirty30courtney.com
I love Deep Ellum! All the street art and quirky museums are so much fun! xx – Anshula
I love interactive museums. Can’t wait to check this one out. Thanks for sharing
Yes! Me too! Let me know how your experience goes! xx – Anshula
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed it! xx – Anshula
I totally agree that interactive museums should not be reserved for children. This museum sounds like a ton of fun! The expanding universe hall sounds especially cool.
Jenni // The Beautiful Fool
Yes! The Expanding Universe Hall is one of my favorites (so incredibly hands-on and I love geeking out over space). xx – Anshula
?? I can’t believe it! It looks awsome! I wish I could visit one day.
Thank you! I hope you get to visit (it is such a fun experience)! xx – Anshula
Looks like a beautiful place to escape the bustle of city life, what a hidden gem! Loved your fairytale theme too, makes for a great read!
Thank you so much! It definitely is my go-to to escape all the bustle! 🙂 xx – Anshula
OMG these are stunning photos and I must go here! Great job on your writing, as always 🙂
Awww….thank you! I’m so glad you liked the photos and my writing! xx – Anshula
Looks like a really beautiful and peaceful place to go for a walk and a picnic!
Yes, Jenny! It is the perfect place to just find a quiet spot and watch the birds while snacking on a picnic lunch! xx – Anshula
Stunning pictures! I am going to follow you immediately 😀 Congrats on such a blast.
Thank you (I’m blushing)! I’m glad you like my Instagram 🙂 xx – Anshula
Looks Gorgeous! I will check it out if I am ever in Dallas!
Yes! If you ever get the chance, it is a great place to check out! xx – Anshula
That looks like a dream 🙂 Thank you for sharing – I really like your style!
Thank you! I definitely agree that the arboretum seems to be straight out of a dream! 🙂 xx – Anshula
Your pictures look brilliant! Do you take them yourself?
Thank you! I took some of them myself, but most were taken by my wonderful photographer 🙂 xx – Anshula
Wow Dallas is beautiful, it looks like something out of a fairytale which I love. Perfect escape.
Yes! A lot of Dallas is mostly a juxtaposition of buildings, but there are some wonderful pockets of fairytale-like beauty! xx – Anshula
It’s hard to believe that beautiful house is nothing more than an administrative building. Looks like a doll house indeed:) I love the dress in your last picture, and all of the pictures are stunning!
Thank you! I was actually really hoping to go inside and tour the building, but it sadly wasn’t open to the public! xx – Anshula
What a place! The reading was amazing I can learn a lot from your writing. I love the way you take the photos, isn’t just random photos, each picture show exactly what you want to write and that’s awesome.
Oh my gosh, I am such a sucker for gardens and places that are overgrown and just so organic. I would LOVE to visit the arboretum!
La Belle Sirene
This is just like something out of a fairytale! The Lay Family Gardens sounded wonderful.
Great article, Anshula!
Thanks, dear! 🙂 xx – Anshula
What a heartfelt article and a great reminder to enjoy the nearby sights, too. I’d love to take in the view and have some dessert at Cloud 9.
Thanks, Jackie! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Views plus indulging in dessert is really the way to go! 🙂 xx – Anshula
I always see the tower when driving through Dallas. I never knew I could go in. What a great place to get views of the city.
I didn’t know that you could go in at first either! I hope you get a chance to visit the next time you are driving through – the Tower gives you a really unique perspective of the city! 🙂 xx – Anshula
This tower looks amazing~ I love the views of the bridge and more. On my list, the next time I am in town. Looks like a great place for photo opps!
Hey Sara! The view of the bridges are indeed fantastic and it is the perfect place for photo ops of the city! I hope you get a chance to visit! 🙂 xx – Anshula
It’s amazing what you can discover from a different viewpoint. This looks spectacular.
So true, Kevin! It was a spectacular experience! 🙂 xx – Anshula
Loved your writing style and introduction to the tower. The panoramic views are amazing. Reminded me of the Macau tower in Macau that we had been to last year when in Hong Kong.
Thank you so much, Vyjay! I love looking at a city from above! I bet the views from the Macau Tower were amazing! 🙂 xx – Anshula
I should definitely visit here sometimes. I am so afraid of heights. I can’t walk without stumbling on even a 2ft high wall
I’m terrified of heights as well, but as scary as the experience was (for me, at least) it was definitely worth it! 🙂 xx – Anshula
Wow it sounds like a fantastic place to visit. So much to see plus a fantastic bakery as well? Sign me up haha
Jackie
I would love to visit Dallas. After reading your beautiful post.
I really enjoy reading this post because there are so many great and very interesting information is mention in this post.