Dallas, Texas-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Love Field (DAL)
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to the Omni Dallas Hotel Downtown, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Dallas
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), a premier art museum featuring over 24,000 works of art from around the world ($0 admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Pecan Lodge BBQ, a popular barbecue joint with delicious meats and sides
  • 2:30 PM: Take a stroll through Klyde Warren Park, a vibrant urban park featuring public art, live music, and plenty of green space (free admission)
  • Evening: Head to the Deep Ellum neighborhood for dinner and nightlife. Try The Porch for farm-to-table cuisine or The French Room for upscale dining

Things to Know:

  • Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
  • Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms during the summer months
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars (15-20% of total bill)

Day 2: History and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy ($16 admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the historic Reverchon House, a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture (free admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at El Come Tacos, a trendy taqueria with delicious tacos and burritos
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Dallas Historical Society to learn more about the city’s rich history ($0 admission)
  • Evening: Experience the vibrant arts scene in the Downtown Dallas Arts District, featuring multiple museums, galleries, and performance venues

Things to Do:

  • Take a guided tour of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (additional fee)
  • Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll through beautiful gardens ($15 admission)

Day 3: Sports and Entertainment

  • 9:00 AM: Catch a game at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys football team (take a tour, $25-$40 per person)
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Rusty Pelican, a waterfront restaurant with great views and tasty eats
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the House of Blues for live music and entertainment (free admission)
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the Dallas World Aquarium, a unique aquarium featuring marine life, birds, and even monkeys ($29.95 admission)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Fearing’s, an upscale restaurant with a focus on Southwestern cuisine

Things to Know:

  • Dallas is home to several professional sports teams, including the Cowboys (football), Rangers (baseball), Mavericks (basketball), and Stars (hockey)
  • The city has a thriving music scene, featuring multiple live music venues and festivals throughout the year
  • Be prepared for large crowds and long lines at popular restaurants and attractions

Day 4: Shopping and Foodie Heaven

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Galleria Dallas, an upscale shopping mall featuring over 200 stores and restaurants (free admission)
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Biscuit Bar, a trendy restaurant with delicious Southern-style biscuits
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Trammell Crow Center, a beautiful public art space featuring stunning views of downtown Dallas (free admission)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Dallas Farmers Market, a vibrant marketplace featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods ($0 admission)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Pecan Lodge BBQ or Cane Rosso, both popular restaurants with delicious meats and sides

Things to Do:

  • Take a shopping tour of the Uptown Dallas neighborhood, featuring trendy boutiques and restaurants
  • Visit the Dallas Farmers Market for a fun and educational experience (free admission)

Day 5: Nature and Outdoor Activities

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the White Rock Lake Park, a beautiful urban park featuring hiking trails, paddle boating, and stunning views of the Dallas skyline (free admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll through beautiful gardens ($15 admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Porch, a farm-to-table restaurant with delicious cuisine
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Katy Trail, a scenic trail featuring hiking, biking, and running paths (free admission)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Fearing’s or The French Room, both upscale restaurants with great views of the city

Things to Know:

  • Dallas has over 400 parks and green spaces, featuring walking trails, lakes, and plenty of picnic areas
  • The city is home to several beautiful gardens and arboretums, featuring a variety of plant species and stunning views

Day 6: Art and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), a premier art museum featuring over 24,000 works of art from around the world ($0 admission)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Nasher Sculpture Center, a stunning public sculpture garden featuring over 200 works by Rodin and other artists ($10 admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Come Tacos, a trendy taqueria with delicious tacos and burritos
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Dallas Contemporary, a contemporary art museum featuring innovative exhibits and installations (free admission)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Porch or Fearing’s, both upscale restaurants with great views of the city

Things to Do:

  • Take a guided tour of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (additional fee)
  • Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a peaceful stroll through beautiful gardens ($15 admission)

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping or exploring downtown Dallas before departing
  • 10:00 AM: Check-out of the Omni Dallas Hotel Downtown
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the airport for your departure flight (DFW) or Love Field (DAL)

Tips and Essentials:

  • Be prepared for large crowds and long lines at popular restaurants and attractions
  • Tip your servers and bartenders 15-20% of total bill
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick with bottled or filtered water
  • Take advantage of the city’s free Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Consider purchasing a Dallas CityPASS, which grants you admission to several top attractions at a discounted rate

Accommodations

For this itinerary, I recommend staying at the Omni Dallas Hotel Downtown, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Dallas. Other options include:

  • The Fairmont Dallas: A historic luxury hotel with elegant rooms and a rooftop pool
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas: A upscale hotel featuring modern rooms and a fitness center
  • The Westin Dallas Downtown: A comfortable hotel with clean rooms and an indoor pool