7 Ways to Do Dallas the Right Way

There's no doubt you've heard of Dallas, so isn't it time you gave it a visit? Dallas is filled with rich culture that makes it a truly immersive experience. Art and history museums abound, dining that spans the world's tastebuds is available in abundance, and a wide array of venues are sure to please everyone from sports fans to music buffs. The hardest part is choosing which spots to hit during your visit, so we've done it for you.

First, book your stay. Dallas is anything but short on lodging options. Located in the heart of the design district on an astounding 45 acres is an iconic hotel known as Hilton Anatole. Just north of the heart of downtown Dallas, Hilton Anatole is a true one-stop shop. Its indoor and outdoor facilities house everything from a private sculpture park and a fine art collection with over 1,000 pieces to nine onsite dining options to a premier fitness club and spa. And did we mention the resort-style water park known as JadeWaters that has its very own lazy river, leisure pool, luxury cabanas and two 180-foot water slides? Hilton Anatole's newest restaurant SER, an upscale American steakhouse, is the best spot to experience the flavors Texas is known for. Nowhere else can you find all this and more in one hotel just minutes from downtown Dallas.

If you're after a more boutique experience, we recommend heading east to Canopy Uptown, a pet-friendly locale where posh rooms await you, or heading further north to The Highland Dallas, a stunning location offering the relaxation you're after. May we suggest a dip in the rooftop pool?

Experience the Arts

You can experience the arts like never before in Dallas. Home of the largest contiguous arts district in the nation at more than 118 acres, the Dallas Arts District is the first spot you should head to when arriving in town. In fact, why not book your stay at the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel? Located on the edge of the impressive arts district, this hotel-meets-gallery puts you within walking distance of destinations like the Dallas Museum of Art, Winspear Opera House, Crow Museum of Asian Art and Salt Bae's own Nusr-Et Steakhouse, where you can feast with both your eyes and your mouth. While there are plenty of spots to enjoy around the hotel, you don’t even have to leave the property to have a world-class experience. With luxurious amenities like in-room spa treatments, a rooftop pool, exclusive art tours available for guests, as well as an assortment of art structures and Instagrammable photo ops, HALL Arts Hotel truly has it all.

Make for the Museums

Founded in 1841, Dallas is filled with significant museums and historic sites that honor both its history as well as the history of the world. The Sixth Floor Museum showcases and chronicles the life of President John F. Kennedy as well as his assassination and its aftermath, which happened just outside in Dealey Plaza. The plaza itself, now a National Historic Landmark, is worth a visit even if you forgo the museum.

However, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy Dallas' vast assortment of museums and attractions. Visitors can take a tour of spots frequented by infamous local legends Bonnie and Clyde and even stop by their graves before heading to the impressive and interactive Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a favorite among both children and adults.

To fully immerse yourself in the historic Dallas experience, be sure to stop by The Statler Hotel. This historic hotel is one of the most gorgeous spots in Dallas and has been hosting the city's visitors since 1956. While there, you'll want to visit Scout to bowl and enjoy a cold beverage or head up to the rooftop bar and lounge Waterproof where you can sit and sip poolside.

Soak Up the Sports Scene

Home of the famed Dallas Cowboys, the "Big D" is a football fan's dream come true. However, should you visit between seasons, there are plenty more ways to experience the Dallas sports scene. The Dallas Mavericks play just north of the Perot Museum in the American Airlines Center, regularly hosting the NBA's top teams and star players. FC Dallas and the Dallas Stars round out the roster of major sports teams in the city, making Dallas the go-to spot for sports fans of all kinds.

Turn Up the Volume

With a seemingly endless list of venues varying in size and style, Dallas sees its fair share of musicians. The vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood is known for live music, even being called the live music capital of North Texas. Popular Deep Ellum venues include Trees, Canton Hall and The Bomb Factory, a 50,000 square foot venue named for its past use as a bombs and ammunition manufacturer during World War II. The three Deep Ellum venues, all owned by Clint and Whitney Barlow, host a wide range of acts from Radiohead to Jason Isbell to Grace VanderWaal. For big acts like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa and John Mulaney, fans head to American Airlines Center.

Fall in Love With the Food Scene

Foodies flock to Dallas to get their fix. And it isn't just steakhouses (though, with Pappas Bros. and the Design District's Town Hearth, a good steak isn't hard to come by). Sure, we all know Texas is the honey hole for BBQ and Tex-Mex, but the Dallas food scene is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. Asian cuisine is a specialty of Dallas and with spots like Royal China serving up hand-pulled noodles and soup dumplings that will bring you to your knees, it's easy to see why. However, Asian-Cajun is something you’ve got to try. To do so, head to KRIO on W Seventh. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

For a true taste of Texas, head to a hidden gem called Grain. Located in Hilton Dallas / Park Cities, Grain is a beautiful spot serving up Texas-raised Wagyu beef, sumptuous seafood dishes, and more. Spend the evening dining on the outdoor patio or inquire about the intimate private dining room.

Spend Your Day Sightseeing

Spend your days in Dallas sightseeing at the various beautiful locations throughout the city. Hope you aren't afraid of heights, because the 470-foot-tall Reunion Tower is the go-to spot for sightseeing, boasting 360-degree views for miles. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, don't worry, as there are plenty of earthbound sightseeing attractions in Dallas. Wander over to The Eye, which is a 30-foot fiberglass eyeball on a bed of green grass, or stroll through The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, where a vivid display of florals awaits you.

Take a Trip

Something that makes Dallas a prime vacation spot is its proximity to other major Texas cities such as Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Each is an easy day trip from Dallas, making the city the perfect jumping-off point for your next Texas adventure. Head south to San Antonio and spend the night on the River Walk at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel where you'll be a mere three-minute walk from La Villita Historic Arts Village and five minutes from the Alamo. Next, ease on over to Austin to find out what makes the state’s capital so popular or experience the rich culture of Houston.

Whether coming from Ft. Worth or Houston, there's no wrong way to experience Dallas. Come and see for yourself what makes this North Texas city the perfect spot to begin your Texas adventure!