The Big D is definitely an apt nickname for Dallas, a glittering metropolis in the heart of Texas where everything is done on a grand scale. Texans wouldn't have it any other way, so visitors who want the full Lone Star experience should make a point of spending a few days immersing themselves in the boots, hats, and honky-tonks of Dallas. Its Arts District is as impressive as anything in the West, showcasing art by day and performances after dark. Ditch the diet because Dallas excels at mouth-watering meat, cold beer, and boot-kicking live country music.
Key attractions
Dallas is a city that revolves around the mythology of the cowboy. Nearly every visitor makes a pilgrimage to Western Warehouse or Wild Bill's for new digs, or plans an evening at Gilley's honky-tonk. The Arts District features two stellar venues: the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Meadows Museum of Art. On a sunny day, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden provide a 70-acre oasis of historic buildings, water, and woodlands to explore. The city's Wild West roots are recreated at the Dallas Heritage Village, a perfect 19th-century Texas town with all the trimmings.
Having fun
Between Dallas and its Siamese twin Fort Worth, there are more places to drink, dance, and listen to live music than you can shake your boots at. A night out at a Texan honky-tonk like Gilley's or Billy Bob's never fails to entertain if you like two-stepping and country music. The Uptown district is where the trendy side of Dallas goes to play, while the cultural performances are top-drawer at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Dallas Center for Performing Arts. There are a dozen excellent theater troupes here along with watering holes ranging from Deep Ellum dives to cocktail bars 50 stories up, like the Dome.
Shopping
Dallas virtually invented the sport of retail shopping so expect a complete subculture of socializing and consumption based around this city's vibrant malls. Shopping venues range from the Euro-flavored outdoor West Village to a whole neighborhood called Uptown that features a trolley running its length for easy travel. Massive shopping malls run rampant here, including the Galleria and the high-end Highland Park Village. For classic Western wear, nothing can touch Wild Bill's or the Western Warehouse.
Nearby
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is so vast that most daytrips never even breach its perimeter. But there is plenty to see and do within an hour's drive. Kick back at Lake Texoma for a day of sunning and swimming or stroll the historic town of Denton for a glimpse into the Texas of old. You can play a round of golf at a stunning course like Bear Creek Golf Club or visit the actual Southfork Ranch where the television show Dallas was filmed.
Our recommendations in Dallas
Holiday Inn Express Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Located in Dallas, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Downtown is in the city center and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dealey Plaza and Klyde Warren Park, while Sixth Floor Museum and Majestic Theater are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Cotton Bowl. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria
Located in Dallas, Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria is in the business district and near the airport. Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Galleria Dallas and Northpark Center. Check out an event or a game at American Airlines Center, and consider making time for Dallas World Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Hilton Anatole
Located in Dallas, Hilton Anatole is in the city center and near the airport. Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Victory Park and Bishop Arts District. Consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out, and don't miss Dallas World Aquarium if you're traveling with kids.
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre
Located in Dallas, Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre is in the city center. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Klyde Warren Park and Dealey Plaza, while Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Dallas World Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at American Airlines Center.
Fairmont Dallas
Located in Dallas's Dallas Arts District neighborhood, Fairmont Dallas is in the city center and near a metro station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Klyde Warren Park and Dealey Plaza, while Sixth Floor Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are cultural highlights. Consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out, and don't miss Dallas World Aquarium, a top local attraction. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Dallas Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Located in Dallas, Crowne Plaza Hotel Dallas Downtown is in the city center and near a metro station. Victory Park and Bishop Arts District are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Dealey Plaza and Klyde Warren Park. Consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out, and don't miss Dallas World Aquarium, a top local attraction. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
Located in Dallas, The Adolphus, Autograph Collection is in the city center and near a metro station. Sixth Floor Museum and Majestic Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Cotton Bowl.
Hyatt Place Dallas/Park Central
Hyatt Place Dallas/Park Central is located in Dallas. Galleria Dallas and Northpark Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and Klyde Warren Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Cotton Bowl.
Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas
Located in Dallas, Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas is in the business district and near the airport. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Klyde Warren Park and Dealey Plaza, while Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center, or consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out.
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Ramada by Wyndham Dallas Love Field
Located in Dallas, Ramada by Wyndham Dallas Love Field is in an area with good airport proximity. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Dealey Plaza and Klyde Warren Park, while Sixth Floor Museum and Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie are cultural highlights. Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Zoo are not to be missed.
Hyatt Place Dallas-North/by the Galleria
Located in Dallas, Hyatt Place Dallas-North/by the Galleria is in the business district and near the airport. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Klyde Warren Park and Dealey Plaza, while Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Comerica Center.
Sonesta Suites Dallas Park Central
Wyndham Dallas Suites- Park Central is located in Dallas. Sixth Floor Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center, or consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out.
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
In the city center and near a metro station, Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown is in an area with good shopping. Victory Park and Bishop Arts District are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Cotton Bowl. Our guests appreciate the hotel's location for the sightseeing.
IBAN Dallas Park Central Hotel, Trademark by Wyndham
Located in Dallas, Best Western Plus Dallas Hotel & Conference Center is in the business district and connected to the convention center. Sixth Floor Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center, or consider Starplex Pavilion for a night out.
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Gateway Hotel Dallas
In the city center and near a train station, Gateway Hotel Dallas is in an area with good airport proximity. Sixth Floor Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Galleria Dallas and Northpark Center. Check out an event or a game at American Airlines Center, and consider making time for Dallas World Aquarium, a top attraction not to be missed.
Best Western Plus Addison/Dallas Hotel
Located in Dallas, Best Western Plus Addison/Dallas Hotel is in the city center. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Perot Museum of Nature and Science, while those who have shopping on the agenda may want to visit Galleria Dallas and Northpark Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at American Airlines Center or Comerica Center.