You can’t go far wrong when looking for vacation rentals in Dallas, Texas. Whether you’re looking for amazing Texas BBQ, a crash course in Texonian history, or you want a place to relax for a week, this city is loaded with great options for you. With so many options, it’s hard to know what activities are gems and which are a waste of time. We’ve broken down the list for you into the top 5 places you must visit while on your Dallas vacation.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The death of President John F. Kennedy had a profound impact on the United States, particularly in Dallas where his assassination took place. Once the site of a major crime scene, the sixth floor of what was previously the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Harvard Oswald made the fatal shot is now a museum dedicated to the tragic event. The Sixth Floor Museum, also incorporating the building’s seventh floor includes a re-creation of the southeast window setup that Oswald used, exhibits relating to the shooting and subsequent investigations, plus a replica of the rifle used and other historical artifacts. Take the self-guided audio tour to hear historical accounts of the event, including radio broadcasts and police statements from the time.
Pro Traveler Tip: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Be sure to plan accordingly and make time on another day. Buy your tickets in advance here.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
To enjoy natural beauty in peaceful surroundings, one of the best places to visit near the Dallas downtown area is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Along White Rock Lake’s shore, this 66-acre park has 14 displays that are world-famous, numerous fountains and sculptures, picnic areas, historic homes, and manicured gardens. Visit during the fall to see acres of chrysanthemums in bloom or visit in spring to see thousands of blossoming azaleas. Keep your kids amused in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Go sailing on the lake or hike along the trails to see what wildlife you can spot.
Pro Traveler Tip: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are the home to many great events. Be sure to check out the full calendar to plan accordingly.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
With dinosaur fossils, robots, interactive displays, and a 3D theater, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a great place to take your kids when you’re on vacation. There are five floors to explore as well as a courtyard, play area, and the Moody Family Children’s Museum. See what the property looks like from above when you ride on the 54-foot escalator. This museum focuses on sustainability and incorporates this into its themed areas, such as earth sciences and energy.
Pro Traveler Tip: The Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers a yearly family membership which grants you unlimited access to a ton of other museums across the country, as well. Be sure to check out all their membership options here to make the best decision for you and your family.
Dallas Museum of Art
Art lovers mustn’t miss a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art. As one of the United States’ largest museums, it holds over 24,000 artworks from America, Western Europe, Africa, and Asia. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, classical art, or ancient artifacts, there’s something to suit every taste in this landmark institution. As well as the permanent collections, you can see historic collections, view traveling exhibitions, take part in educational sessions and see displays of prominent artists’ artwork.
Pro Traveler Tip: The Dallas Museum of Art holds some pretty great events throughout the year. We’d recommend checking out their calendar for a complete listing of all of their offerings. The museum also has a great little cafe. It’s not a bad idea to come and see a show and have a bite to eat afterward.
Dallas World Aquarium
A few blocks away from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science you’ll find the Dallas World Aquarium. There, living in a natural reef environment, you’ll see leafy sea dragons, sharks, octopuses, turtles, jellyfish, eels, and stingrays. You may also be surprised to find other wildlife in the aquarium, such as flamingos and penguins. An ocelot and a jaguar live in the Mayan exhibit while you’ll encounter monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, toucans, poison dart frogs, and tree sloths in the Orinoco Rainforest. Time your visit to coincide with some of the animals’ feeding schedules for added fun.
Pro Traveler Tip: Since the aquarium is so close to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, it’s a good idea to plan your transit accordingly. Also, the aquarium does have some places to get a bite; however, we’d suggest waiting since the food is pretty pricey.
Plan Your Dallas Getaway Today
The above places are sensational, but they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of what this fantastic city has to offer. We hope that after seeing a sampling of all the adventure that awaits you and your family in Dallas, you’ve made the decision to start planning your trip now.
Be sure to remember VacationRenter when planning your getaway. We’ve got you covered with some of the best-priced accommodations you can find in Dallas. Get your trip booked today!