The Lone Star in America’s wild west, Dallas is an oversized city with larger-than-life attractions, sports teams, Tex-Mex and char-grilled barbecue. This modern metropolis comprises unique districts where you can discover a piece of American history and culture, wide-open natural oases and rustic cowboy experiences.

Things to do

Dallas has a love affair with nature, evident throughout its many inner-city parklands, including the 28-hectare Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It’s nestled on White Rock Lake and contains themed gardens with roses, pecans, camellias and other seasonal blooms. Head to the urban Klyde Warren Park for a feast of food trucks and public artists, along with fitness classes, children’s events and live music.

Discover more about America’s beloved former president, John F. Kennedy, at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which features exhibits on his life and infamous assassination. If you prefer the arts, check out 5,000 years of artwork at the Dallas Museum of Art, before grabbing a coffee at Nasher Sculpture Garden and admiring the guest exhibits.

Sport is always present in Dallas, thanks to the six high-performing national teams. Watch the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars compete in their respective NBA and NHL competitions at American Airlines Center or head over to Arlington to witness the Dallas Cowboys football team at AT&T Stadium. There’s also the FC Dallas soccer team, the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Dallas Wings women’s basketball team.

Want a bird’s-eye view of the city? Visit the 171-metre-high Reunion Tower, which boasts 360-degree views from its observation deck, the Five Sixty revolving restaurant and a gift shop. If you prefer to be closer to the action, experience the life of a cowboy with a horseback ride around Great Trinity Forest at Texas Horse Park.

Getting around

Dallas has extensive bus and light-rail systems servicing most of the city and outer suburbs. You can also ride the Dallas Streetcar and M-Line Trolley around Downtown or catch the Trinity Railway Express to neighbouring Fort Worth.