City Cheat Sheet: A 2024 Travel Guide for Dallas, Texas
Thinking about a trip to The Big D? Let editor Carlyn McCrory tell you what to do in Dallas!
Hi, y’all! It’s Carlyn, the editor of The Scout Guide Dallas.
First off, if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. Dallas has an amazing food scene with tons of top-notch restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for brunch in Bishop Arts, dinner in Deep Ellum, or just grabbing a drink in the Harwood District, you won’t be disappointed.
Love shopping? Dallas has you covered there too. Spend a weekend exploring the Design District for unique antiques and home decor. And if you’re into fashion, downtown Main Street and Highland Park Village are must-visits.
Art lovers, listen up! The Dallas Arts District is a must-see. There’s been a huge growth in arts organizations over the past decade. Check out the Nasher Sculpture Museum, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art, or catch a show at the Meyerson Symphony Center or the Moody Performance Hall.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out our shopping guide, lodging guide, and dining guide for a more in-depth look.
The Dallas Lodging Guide 2024
WHERE TO STAY // Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard). This hotel is a Dallas classic, known locally for The Mansion Bar – grab a cocktail and listen to fantastic live jazz.
Virgin Hotels Dallas (1445 Turtle Creek Boulevard). Located just steps away from the Design District, this vibrant hotel boasts a stunning view of the downtown Dallas skyline from its rooftop pool.
Le Méridian Dallas, The Stoneleigh (2927 Maple Avenue). With its renovated features and large rooms, guests can expect a comfortable and satisfying experience.
The Statler (1914 Commerce Street). Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, this funky boutique hotel features Bourbon & Banter, a speakeasy hideaway with innovative cocktails, and a rooftop pool club on the 19th floor.
For a detailed guide on where to stay, check out our Dallas Lodging Guide 2024!
Things To Do In Dallas 2024
WHAT TO DO // The Dallas Arts District. The largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, the DAD features top-notch restaurants, museums, performing arts centers, parks, and more. It’s a great place to spend the day with family.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (8525 Garland Road). Featuring 66 acres of breathtaking gardens with water views and majestic holiday displays, the Arboretum, which is situated on White Rock Lake, draws visitors from all over, all year round.
The Katy Trail (3505 Maple Avenue). Running along a historic railway line, this pedestrian and bike-friendly path goes through some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Consider having a beer at The Katy Trail Ice House (3127 Routh Street) during your excursion.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (411 Elm Street). Also known as The JFK Museum, the museum chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
For an updated events calendar, check out our Dallas Events!
The Dallas Shopping Guide 2024
WHERE TO SHOP // Dondolo (315 Cole Street, Suite #160). Located in the heart of the Design District, this beautiful shop offers a gorgeous collection of high-quality, thoughtfully made clothing and accessories perfect for both baby + mama.
ALG Collective (1302 Dragon Street). Immerse yourself in the vibrant work of talented artists Anna Curnes, Annie Griffeth, Christi Meril and Melissa Ellis at their fabulous studio + gallery.
Talulah & HESS (5810 Live Oak Street). This Lakewood gem features a range of items, from fabulous home décor to special gifts.
Dallas Design District (1025 N Stemmons Freeway). A favorite spot for browsing for antiques, the Dallas Design District is situated by I-35E on the north and east, Wycliff Avenue and the Trinity River levee on the west, and Continental Avenue on the south.
Jacksons Home & Garden (6950 Lemmon Avenue). This family-owned business is a one-stop shop for distinctive, high-quality items to enhance the home, patio, and garden.
For a detailed guide on where to shop, check out our Dallas Shopping Guide 2024!
The Dallas Dining Guide 2024
WHERE TO EAT // Shug’s Bagels (3020 Mockingbird Lane). Bordering the SMU campus, this is the go-to spot for bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Le Bilboquet (4514 Travis Street) and Taverna (3312 Knox Street). Located right near The Katy Trail, these restaurants are great for brunch or a mid-day meal during a day spent walking around.
Mi Cocina (77 Highland Park Village). A wonderful place to order some queso and a Mambo Taxi (tequila, lime juice, and sangria).
Al Biernat’s (5251 Spring Valley Road and 4217 Oak Lawn Avenue). This chic steakhouse is a classic dinner spot in Dallas that won’t disappoint.
Dolce Riviera (2950 North Harwood Street). Recently reopened – With its cozy Italian vibe, locals love the house-made options of this restaurant. Pro tip: try the Bolognese and the truffle gnocchi.
Shinsei (7713 Inwood Road). Serving sushi and inspired Pan-Asian fare, this is a great place for dinner.
Emporium Pies (314 North Bishop Avenue). Located in the Bishop Arts District, the baked goods are worth waiting in line for, especially the Buttercream Gang.
For a detailed guide on where to eat, check out our Dallas Dining Guide 2024!
Where to Drink in Dallas 2024
WHERE TO DRINK // Tina’s Continental (5626 Bell Avenue). A charming old home transformed into an organic coffee and tea shop, to mentor and employ foster youth. The patio is a great place to spend an afternoon with your laptop and coffee.
The Juice Bar (66 Highland Park Village). Known for its healthy creations that don’t sacrifice flavor. Try the Green Energy, or if you’re craving something a bit sweeter, the Peanut Butter Cup.
The Mansion Bar (2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard). Located at The Rosewood Mansion, this is a quintessential Dallas cocktail destination. Live music on the weekends transforms the old-world charm of the place into a fun dance spot, and enjoying a Texas Margarita outside on the patio is highly recommended.
Lounge 31 (87 Highland Park Village). This is a lesser-known spot where locals like to watch football on the weekdays and sip cocktails on Saturday nights while listening to the DJ.
Photo of editor Carlyn McCrory. Photograph of Downtown Dallas by JOSEPH HAUBERT. For additional recommendations for what to do, see, and experience in Dallas, Texas, browse or buy a copy of THE SCOUT GUIDE DALLAS and follow TSG Dallas on INSTAGRAM.
Originally published on TheScoutGuide.com.
