WHAT TO DO IN 3 DAYS IN DALLAS ITINERARY
Headed to Dallas and wondering about the best things to do in Dallas? Then read on and find out what to do and what a perfect 3-day Dallas itinerary could look like.
Dallas is famous for many things – Tex-Mex and football are the first to come to mind. But this city is known for a lot more than that. Located in the northeast corner of Texas, Dallas is a cultural and commercial hub in the southern part of the US. Many companies are headquartered here, making it a place with lots of income – which means there are lots and lots of entertainment options which makes it one of the best cities to visit in the US.
This post was written by Rebecca (find out more about her below).
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BEST TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR DALLAS ITINERARY
Find out about the best things to do in Dallas in 3 days, as well as some helpful travel tips for getting around the city and making the most of your time here.
Weather in Dallas
The weather in Dallas can be beautiful, but some seasons are more comfortable than others. Dallas is the perfect fall and spring destination in the US.
- Summer temperatures range from 77ºF to 96ºF, and with humidity, it can feel very hot and muggy.
- Winters are between 36ºF and 56ºF, and spring and fall are more temperate, though sudden thunderstorms are not uncommon.
What to Pack For 3 Days in Dallas
Because of the heat and humidity, pack light clothes and sunscreen if you are visiting in the summer. Also, Dallas locals put a lot of pride into dressing fashionably, so keep that in mind if you’re looking forward to some nights out on the town.
3 Days in Dallas – Where to Stay
There are a lot of hotels located in the downtown area, as well as near the airports. But here are a few suggestions based on your budget:
🛏️ You can stay at the Hotel Crescent Court, which is very modern, has on-site restaurants, and a private balcony off of each guest room for luxury accommodation. Check out rates here.
🛏️ The Omni Dallas Hotel is a good mid-range option with great views and a heated infinity pool that’s especially nice in the cooler months. Book your stay here.
How to Get Around
Dallas is a very spread-out city, so for convenience, renting a car would be my suggestion. You will have to deal with parking and traffic, though, so there is a trade-off for being able to drive yourself.
Even though a car is the easiest mode of transportation, it’s not the only way to get around. Dallas has an excellent public transportation system known as DART, including bus routes and a train system. It’s also constantly expanding to offer more coverage to the busy areas of the city and suburbs. You can buy single-fare tickets or day passes.
Dallas CityPASS
Explore the dynamic city of Dallas and enjoy complimentary access to several top-rated attractions with a Dallas CityPASS. The mobile ticket provides free entry to the fascinating Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, and is valid for 9 days, offering you the flexibility to tour the city at your own pace.
Additionally, you can select admission to two of the following attractions: Dallas Zoo, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, or Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Your mobile ticket includes the following: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, and a choice of admission to two of the aforementioned attractions.
More Tips For Your Dallas Itinerary
Texas is hot in the summer, and Dallas is no exception. Heatstroke is a widespread malady for first-time visitors, so make sure you stay hydrated. The tap water in the city is well-filtered and safe to drink, so keep a bottle with you at all times and fill up often.
Keep an eye on weather reports when you’re visiting Dallas. From hail storms to tornadoes, extreme weather has been known to hit the region. So, look at the forecast before you head out each morning.
There are many free things to do in Dallas, but many attractions have entry fees. So, to save money, consider getting a City Pass, which will discount prices for popular stops, like the Sixth Floor Museum.
Dallas is a pretty safe city for tourists, so use common sense precautions when visiting. Keep an eye on your belongings, park in lit areas, and be careful of train platforms and side streets when traveling alone at night.
I mentioned that Dallas is a city with a lot of disposable income, so going out is as popular with the locals as it is with the visitors. Expect longer than usual wait times at popular eateries and night spots.
DALLAS ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS
Here are fun things to do and see in Dallas in 3 days.
DAY 1 IN DALLAS
Of course, you can play around and start with “day 2” – this is up to you, but here is what a great start in Dallas could look like.
White Rock Lake Park
The first stop is White Rock Lake Park because…visiting is one of the best things to do, and it is one of the many free things to do in Dallas. This huge park just northeast of downtown is perfect for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.
There are biking and hiking trails, kayaking, a museum, and a cultural center, which I suggest you stop. This is a good place to let the kids get their wiggles out if you’re traveling as a family.
There’s also a picnic area, so bring your breakfast and enjoy the fresh air while you eat. After an hour or two, you can head to the next destination.
George W. Bush Presidential Center
What makes the George W. Bush Presidential Center interesting isn’t so much the president himself, but just the things you can see at a presidential center.
Each president gets one, and this particular one has cool artifacts from Bush’s presidency, including through 9/11 and the 43,000 gifts he was given while in office. And if you never get to see the Oval Office in the White House in person, here, you’ll find a replica. This takes about 2 hours to tour.
Highland Park Village
With lovely Mediterranean Spanish-style architecture, Highland Park Village was the first shopping center in the US, built in 1931. It’s full of luxury stores, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. Even if you’re not coming to shop, it’s a great stop for nice architecture and something to eat.
It was made a National Historic Landmark in 2000. So, grab a coffee/lunch and a bench and just people-watch for a little while before checking out the next stop.
Klyde Warren Park
This urban park is situated over the Klyde Warren Freeway and bridges uptown and downtown.
It has tons of free activities, a playground for kids, and food trucks that provide a variety of local cuisines. It’s a fun environment and very popular among locals and tourists alike. It’s also very close to the next stop on this itinerary.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the country and has over 22,000 pieces of art to see.
It’s a really diverse place and has exhibits covering ancient Mediterranean art to 20th-century America, Asia and Africa, and beyond. There are even pop culture exhibits about famous musicians, cultural trends, and touchable exhibits. This is an entertaining museum to stop by while visiting Dallas’ Art District, whether with kids, as a couple, or solo.
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Our last stop is best seen at night. World-renowned engineer Santiago Calatrava designed the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. It’s beautifully dramatic and can be seen for miles. Illuminated at night, this white arch soars to 400 feet at its center as it straddles the Trinity River.
The architecture is really stunning, and I highly suggest making this the last stop of your night. And if you get hungry, there are several restaurants nearby after you’ve gotten some great pictures.
DAY 2 IN DALLAS
Here is your itinerary for day 2 in Dallas.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Day 2 will start at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
This 66-acre garden is full of bright floral displays for every season and walkways hugged by lines of trees. There are exhibits and events held here throughout the year, and it’s a great place for a picnic. So, take your coffee and breakfast to go and spend a couple of hours strolling through the beautiful natural scenery.
Swiss Avenue
The Swiss Avenue Historic District is a residential neighborhood that you can walk through and see centuries-old architecture examples. The houses were built in the early 1900s and were done in Colonial Revival and 19th and 20th Century Revival. The houses are even opened up to the public to walk through on occasion. Even if you are not a huge architecture buff, though, these buildings are stately and lovely to look at, plus it’s a nice area for a walk.
Texas Discovery Gardens
This public park is great for kids because it’s not just a pretty outdoor area but tries to educate the public on ecology and nature. There’s a very cool 2-story butterfly house and a snake exhibit here, as well as many events. Explore the gardens and exhibits for an hour or two before checking out the next stop.
Old City Park / Heritage Village
This destination is actually now called Dallas Heritage Village, but it’s still an amazing example of what the city used to look like.
Restored buildings and furnished homes from the 19th and early 20th centuries create a space here devoted to the cultural and historical heritage of North Texas. Stroll the tree-lined streets and explore the general store. Enjoy a historical reenactment or mock gunfight. This is especially fun for families, but I’d recommend it to any Dallas visitor.
Deep Ellum
Our last stop of the night is Deep Ellum. This quirky and lively art and music district is located in East Dallas. It’s a fun place to hang out full of experimental theaters, live music shows, and Tex-Mex restaurants. Jazz and blues are big here, but all music varieties are represented.
Check out art installations and grab drinks at one of the lounges. Weekends are especially boisterous in this part of the city. Finish out your night here, enjoying the artsy vibe of Dallas.
DAY 3 IN DALLAS
For your last day in Dallas, you can visit the following places.
Dallas County Courthouse / Old Red Museum
It’s the last day, and our first stop is the Old Red Museum / Dallas County Courthouse.
This red municipal building was built in 1892 and still has beautiful architecture. Done in red sandstone with marble accents, it’s gorgeous. And you can go inside and learn even more about the building and the city. In 2007, it became the Old Red Museum, and you should check out its exhibits for an hour or two before heading to the next stop.
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum is located in the former Texas School Book Depository in Dealey Plaza.
It gained fame as the place where the man who assassinated President John F. Kennedy was when he fired on the presidential motorcade. The museum is fascinating, especially because this particular tragedy is shrouded in conspiracy theories.
Take the audio tour, which is included in the price of admission, and learn more about it. This stop should take about two hours. (Parents should use caution if their children are younger.) There are also several JFK Assassination Tours that you can book.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
ℹ️ Dallas and JFK Cruizer Tour
Reunion Tower
It just wouldn’t be right to visit a beautiful city like Dallas and not take in the view from above.
Reunion Tower is definitely one of those places where you have to go in Dallas in 3 days. Check out the city with panoramic views. The 360-degree observation deck is amazing, and you can also eat here and get souvenirs if you like. But most of all, enjoy the skyline and scenery.
AT&T Stadium
There’s nothing bigger in Texas than football. And the Dallas Cowboys are the hometown heroes.
AT&T Stadium was built in 2009 and is one of the most impressive sports stadiums in the country. With a retractable roof and 160-foot jumbotron, there’s a lot to admire. Take a self-guided tour that lets you see the entire stadium and turf. Even if you’re not a football fan, you have to admire the place’s technology and grandeur. It’s located just outside of Dallas, in Arlington.
Sundance Square
The last stop will be Sundance Square. This is the only destination located in neighboring Fort Worth, but it’s worth the extra travel time (pun intended). This downtown district is the perfect place to end our visit, with restaurants, theaters, shops, and pubs lining the streets. Stroll through and see what catches your eye.
Enjoy dinner and drinks and watch a drama or musical performance. Or check out the pools and waterfalls at the nearby Fort Worth Water Gardens. There’s so much to do in this little area, and it’s great for solo travelers and couples, as well as families.
CONCLUSION: BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DALLAS IN 3 DAYS
I hope this Dallas itinerary has answered the question about the best things to do in Dallas in 3 days and given you some guidance for your own visit.
This is a huge city with lots to enjoy, so 3 days hardly seem like enough. But this list gives you the best stops to make and must-sees for your 3-day Dallas itinerary, and I hope you have a great time exploring this unique city.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This post was written by Rebecca, who runs her own blog at The Journey at Home – where she writes about her life as a mother of 5 with everything that comes along with it. She lived in New York for a long time before she moved to Las Vegas. She also works as a freelancer for Arzo Travels.