Top Attractions for First-Timers
When visiting a new city for the first time, it’s best to hit up the main attractions that give you a feel for the culture and history of the place. Here are the top six Dallas sights you won’t want to miss on your maiden voyage.
The Sixth Floor Museum
No trip to Dallas is complete without a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. As the site of one of the most famous assassinations in history, this museum gives you chills as you learn about that fateful November day in 1963. See Kennedy’s presidential limo, the sniper’s nest where Lee Harvey Oswald fired his rifle, informative films and photos, and more exhibits that bring this impactful time in Dallas and American history to life.
Reunion Tower and Observation Deck
Nothing beats aerial views of new cities, and Reunion Tower’s 470-foot observation deck offers breathtaking vistas of the Dallas skyline. Take in panoramas of downtown landmarks like the Cotton Bowl, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and Fair Park from 470 feet up in the revolving glass orb atop this unique skyscraper. Visit at night to see Dallas sparkle below the lights of Reunion Tower’s geodesic dome, which houses five floors of restaurants, shops, and event space.
Dallas Museum of Art
With over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of creativity, the Dallas Museum of Art is a must for art aficionados. See incredible collections of ancient Mediterranean art, African art, Asian art, modern and contemporary American art including works by Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, and so much more. Don’t miss the Sculpture Garden with pieces by Rodin and Giacometti and the Center for Creative Connections where you can make hands-on art.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
If you’re looking to spend a day immersed in the beauty of nature, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Spanning 66 acres along White Rock Lake, these exquisite gardens feature thousands of colorful seasonal blooms. See the terraced water features in A Tasteful Place, have a picnic on the lawn, and let your stress melt away in this urban oasis. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden entertains the kiddos with a living science lab and discovery rooms focused on nature.
Dallas Zoo
For animal lovers, the Dallas Zoo in historic Oak Cliff is not to be missed. As one of the largest zoos in Texas, it’s home to over 2,000 animals across 406 species. Get nose-to-nose with gorillas in the Wilds of Africa habitat, hang with the hippies at the Hippo Outpost, and see big cats, bears, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and more. The zoo has fun extras like a carousel, picnic spots, and the Simmons Safari Base Camp for kids to burn off energy.
Deep Ellum
When it’s time to experience Dallas nightlife, culture, and art, there’s no better place than Deep Ellum. This vibrant neighborhood east of downtown has a gritty, indie vibe with eclectic bars, live music venues, street art murals, unique boutiques, record stores, and restaurants. Take a self-guided walking tour during the day, then return at night to bar hop, hear local bands, browse shops, and soak up the artsy atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your first Dallas visit.
How to Get Around Dallas
Dallas has decent public transportation, but getting around is easiest by car, taxi/rideshare, or charter bus if you’re with a group. Here are the main options for navigating Dallas:
Public Transportation
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) operates buses, light rail, commuter rail, and streetcars that cover Dallas and many surrounding suburbs. Purchase fares on the GoPass app for your smartphone. The light rail system is best for reaching major Dallas attractions and districts like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum, Klyde Warren Park, the Arts District, the West End historic district, Uptown, downtown Dallas, and Deep Ellum. Buses reach most other areas of Dallas, but service is limited nights and weekends. The historic streetcars can be used to sightsee downtown. But overall public transit does not run as frequently or widely as some larger cities.
Taxis and Rideshares
Cabs and rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Dallas. Rideshare apps are most popular, offering the convenience of requesting a car on-demand from your phone. Fares vary but avoid prime rush hour for lower rates. Taxis can be hailed on the street if empty or called by phone. Yellow Checker and Eagle Taxi are two major cab companies. For travel between downtown Dallas and destinations like Uptown or Deep Ellum, cabs and rideshares are fast, affordable options. Just avoid using them during high traffic times or for long distances.
Charter Buses
For group travel or visits to attractions across the sprawling DFW Metroplex, an efficient charter bus eliminates transportation headaches. Leave the driving to a professional while you relax and take in the sights. Charter buses offer:
• Direct pickup/drop-off at your location
• No need to find parking at attractions
• Luxury amenities like WiFi and entertainment systems
• Ideal for events like corporate outings or weddings
At Dallas Party Bus Company, we provide charter bus rentals for any size group. Just tell us where you need to go, and we’ll match you with a top-notch Dallas charter bus company and experienced driver who knows the city inside and out. Call us at 936-207-1125 to learn more and get a free quote!
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this first timer’s guide gets you excited about planning an amazing inaugural trip to Dallas! With top attractions, transportation tips, and our charter bus expertise, you have everything you need for a hassle-free visit. Contact Dallas Party Bus Company at 936-207-1125 when you’re ready to book group transportation that takes the stress out of experiencing all that Dallas has to offer. From museums to nightlife, this diverse Southern city should be at the top of every travel bucket list.