Things to see in Dallas
Attractions
John F Kennedy Memorial
Designed by Philip Johnson, a Kennedy family friend, the JFK Memorial sits just off Dealey Plaza close to the Old Red Courthouse. A stark white stone platform, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and is the site of an annual commemoration ceremony on the anniversary of President Kennedy's death.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 747 6660.
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://NoneAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum
Formerly a rather ordinary building in Downtown Dallas, the fortunes of The Texas School Book Depository were transformed on November 22 1963 when President John F Kennedy was shot dead outside. Killer Lee Harvey Oswald worked at the depository and fired the fatal shot from the sixth floor – now a museum.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 747 6660.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800, Mon 1200-1800.
Website: http://www.jfk.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Fair Park
The 111 hectare Fair Park was created in 1936, for the Texas Centennial Exposition and includes a smorgasbord of attractions, ranging from museums to theaters. Highlights include the Texas Discovery Gardens, the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Music Hall at Fair Park. There is also a lovely (albeit child-focused) aquarium.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 670 8400.
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website: http://www.fairpark.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Southfork Ranch
Once a private home, Southfork Ranch has been a full time tourist attraction since 1985 – after the owners got fed up with Dynasty fans showing up and asking to see the home of the Ewing family. Still a working ranch, visitors can go trail riding or put their feet up and watch one of the frequent 'showdeos'.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 972 442 7800.
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 1000-1630
Website: http://www.southforkranch.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Reunion Tower
One of Dallas' most recognizable landmarks, Reunion Tower is home to the GeO-Deck – a circular observation platform 561ft (181m) off the ground. Known to locals as 'the Ball', the top of the tower is lit up with LEDs at night and is home to a restaurant aptly named Cloud 9.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 712 7040
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 1030-2100
Website: http://www.reuniontower.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Dallas Zoo
Sprawling over 105 acres three miles south of central Dallas, the city zoo was opened in 1888 and is the oldest in Texas. Thanks to the 406 species of animal that lives within, it's also one of the most popular with highlights including the Giants of the Savannah exhibit and the in-house monorail.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 469 554 7500.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1600.
Website: http://www.dallaszoo.comAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
One of Dallas' most popular attractions, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science occupies 180,000sqft and boasts 11 exhibition halls. Highly interactive, highlights include the jaw-dropping 3D simulations and the spectacular Big Bang Dome. The museum's cube-shaped building, giant glass lobby and lovely rooftop deck are worth making the trip for alone.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 428 5555.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Website: http://www.perotmuseum.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Klyde Warren Park
The only proper park in Dallas, Klyde Warren Park covers five acres and is the place to go if you're in the market for a free yoga or pilates class. There are also poetry readings, concerts and plays, while the north side has chess tables. For the peckish, there's usually a food truck around with options ranging from Vietnamese to Texas BBQ.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 716-4500.
Opening times:
Daily 0600-2300.
Website: http://www.klydewarrenpark.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Dallas Museum of Art
Housed in a colossal concrete and steel building, the Dallas Museum of Art boasts 23,000 works drawn from six of the world's seven continents. The US and Mexico feature heavily but there is also a 1,400-strong collection of impressionist paintings and frequent visiting exhibitions.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 922 1200.
Opening times:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 1100-1700; Thu 1100-2100.
Website: http://www.dma.orgAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Wilson Block and Swiss Avenue Historic Districts
The Wilson Block is an entire block of houses on Swiss Avenue, acquired by Henrietta and Frederick Wilson in 1899. One of the six, the Wilson House, is open to the public and includes exhibitions giving an introduction to the area. Nearby Swiss Avenue is home to the mega mansions of the original oil barons – showing off their early 20th Century taste, or lack (in some cases) thereof.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 826 4947.
Opening times:
Tues-Fri 1000-1600, Sat 1000-1400.
Website: http://www.preservationdallas.orgAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Visitor Information Center of Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
Address: , , ,Telephone: +1 214 571 1316 .
Opening times:
Mon-Sun 0900-1700
Website: http://www.visitdallas.comLocated inside Dallas' Old Red Courthouse Museum, staff are friendly and happy to dish out everything from activity ideas to tips on where to find the best steaks.
Tourist passes
A Dallas CityPASS (www.citypass.com/dallas) can be purchased from the tourist office for $48 and includes discounted admission to the city's top attractions, including Dallas Zoo and the Reunion Tower's GeO-Deck.
