Visiting Dallas, but want to avoid all the tourist spots? Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Dallas like a local!
Tourist traps are the worst! Yes, we said it. If you’re anything like us, you probably don’t want to spend all your time in a massive crowd of tourists, taking a picture of the same exact thing.
Instead, when visiting a new city like Dallas, you probably want to get a feel of the real deal. If you want to live like a local, spend your time exploring Dallas like a local. Visit some of the most exciting landmarks that usually aren’t mentioned in every tourist guidebook.
That’s why we’re here; to help you out. In the rest of this article, we’ll cover some of the must-see spots for first-time visitors in Dallas. Saddle up, and let us jump in!
#1: Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is a popular meeting place for the local Dallas community and visitors of this great city. However, everyone who’s ever been there knows that Klyde Warren Park is more than just a park. Aside from the beautiful promenade surrounded by trees, there’s also a botanical garden, a performance pavilion, and some of the best local food trucks.
Every day, at least one free public event is being held, whether it’s a yoga class, lecture, outdoor concert, or film screening. This means that the activities change daily, and you’ll never get the same experience twice.
Klyde Warren Park is open from 6 am to 11 pm. So you can add it to your itinerary whenever you find an empty slot. If you’re traveling with your dog, you can bring it to the park! Of course, you do have to keep your dog on its leash and pick it up after it. Nevertheless, it’s a great spot to visit!
#2: Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District offers virtually limitless options for dining, shopping, and amusement if you plan on exploring Dallas like a local. You can find more than sixty individually run and owned businesses in this area. It has anything from chic clothing stores and art galleries to welcoming small-town ambiance coffee shops and restaurants. You can spend a whole day in Dallas, shopping, eating, and strolling around without leaving the Bishop Arts District.
If you’re considering coming here, bring your best camera. There is a sense of liveliness in the area thanks to the vibrant murals, some of which are artistic and represent Oak Cliff’s past and present. Moreover, if you want to get the full locals’ experience, take the free Dallas Streetcar to the Bishop Arts station outside Union Station in central Dallas. Finally, it takes only a brief stroll to get to the Texas Theater if you’re into history. This is where they arrested Lee Harvey Oswald.
#3: Reunion Tower
You can get a 360-degree view of the city from above at Dallas Reunion Tower. You may have got a glimpse of it on the journey in, but nothing compares to the views from the summit of the Reunion Tower. When you arrive, you can take in the expansive views while listening to the story about how the Dallas skyline has evolved. If you don’t fall in love with Dallas by the time you get to the Reunion Tower, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with it by the time you come down the elevator.
Having an experience like this, while it may feel touristy, can help you get to know the city a lot better. If you’re considering moving to Dallas, experts at Verified Movers suggest spending at least a few days in the new town before deciding if it’s right for you. You definitely don’t want to make a decision you’ll regret.
#4: Dallas Museum of Art
Another on your list of must-see spots in Dallas is the DMA or the Dallas Museum of Art. It is one of the country’s ten most prominent art museums. Founded in 1903, it offers ten continuous shows and a schedule of lectures, visits, performances, film presentations, and seminars. If you visit DMA, you can embark on an international voyage through 5,000 years of history, from antiquity to modern art.
With works by Monet, van Gogh, and Piet Mondrian, the American and European art libraries are as robust as you’d anticipate. Moreover, Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, and many other artists are featured in the expansive Contemporary exhibits covering every post-war movement from Abstract Expressionism to Installation Art. If you know anything about art, you wouldn’t want to miss this.
#5: Dallas Arboretum
The renowned garden spans 66 acres and is widely regarded as a top-tier location for all botanists. It features a vibrant assortment of breathtaking blooms and exotic plants.
It’s a welcome change of pace for some peace and silence after a few days spent exploring the metropolis. Visiting the Dallas Arboretum can take your visit from amazing to unforgettable. The best part is that many flowers flourish all year, so there is never a bad time to visit.
#6: Pioneer Plaza
Okay, we admit: this one’s a little more touristy than the others. However, this doesn’t mean it’s not worth it! Unquestionably one of Dallas’s most recognized features is Pioneer Plaza. The bronze statues depict a herd of longhorn cattle led by three ranchers across a landscape that includes a flowing stream, artificial cliffs, and natural vegetation. The figures honor the livestock drives that took place along the routes that connected South Texas’ railheads with those in neighboring states.
Pioneer Plaza is popular with tourists as the largest public area in central Dallas. So, if you want to take a peaceful walk among the sculptures or take a bunch of photos, avoid the weekends. You don’t want to have a bunch of families with young children and quinceanera photo shoots in the background of your photos.
Moving to Dallas
When you visit Dallas, chances are, you’ll fall in love with it. If you’re already visiting, intending to scope it out and see if it’s a right fit, you’re already on the right track. By the end of the trip, if you do decide to move to Dallas, consider teaming up with experts who’ll take care of all your belongings while you focus on getting to know your new home even better.
Final Thoughts
When you have a few days of vacation to spend, exploring Dallas like a local will feel like a dream. No crowds of tourists, flashing cameras, and long lines. Instead, you can take it slow. And get a real feel of the city by taking it easy and seeing where the road takes you!
