Top Rated Attractions in Dallas

The third largest city in Texas, Dallas is a major transit and trade hub in the northeast region of the state. Speckled with a bevy of colorful neighborhoods with distinct personalities, a skyline dominated by modernist and postmodernist landmarks, and a dynamic arts scene that is firmly rooted in profound icons like the Dallas Museum of Art, this city epitomizes an incredible balance between austerity and friendliness. Dallas' origin goes back to the time when French and Spanish colonists squabbled over property rights to the land. While the Spanish ended up controlling the territory, little development or settlement occurred until 1841, when John Neely Bryan established the first permanent structures on the land. Despite memorable historic accounts that detail its groundbreaking origin, Dallas is most infamously remembered for being the site of John F. Kennedy's assassination, an event that significantly altered America's course. This heartbreaking past is revisited at the Dealey Plaza Museum, the site of Kennedy's assassination. Dallas' urbane sprawl also strongly favors a robust cultural scene, housed within modern structures like the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Convention Center, and an array of vibrant festivals that span arts, films, food and music.

Downtown Dallas is the vibrant heart of Dallas which is not only a business hub but also an entertainment zone for anyone who wants to explore its surroundings. From hip nightclubs, creative restaurants to lively dive bars, the Downtown has a lot to offer for everyone. Choose from any of its fifteen districts such as the Arts District, the Main Street District or the Reunion District, you will just be amazed by its versatility. Don't forget to visit the Reunion Tower which offers magnificent vistas of the city's skyline from its top.

A great testament to urban redevelopment and creating green-space within a city, the Belo Garden is a public park, open for all to enjoy. The former parking lot is now a lively hub of activity in the city and offers a great place to rejuvenate, relax, pursue fitness goals or simply enjoy nature in an urban environment. Especially popular with kids, is the interactive fountain where kids can play and socialize. With a lovely nod to the local flora and landscape, the Texas Grove is a sight to see in the autumn with it's dramatic oranges and golds, and the little gardens populated with local flora interspersed around the park are a lovely place to relax. If you'd like to enjoy a little quiet time and take a break from the chaos, stop by the park and enjoy the greenery in the heart of Dallas.

This spiral-shaped chapel was designed by Philip Johnson, the noted American architect, and features stained glass by Gabriel Loire. It honors the spirit of gratitude as it is represented in world religions. The chapel comprises just part of this lovely downtown oasis, which includes the Bell Tower, a garden, walkways with reflecting pools and waterfalls.

Pioneer Plaza is more than just your ordinary park. A bronze ensemble of lifelike cattle punctuates this 4.2-acre (1.6 hectare) park overlooking City Hall and the Dallas Convention Center. Nationally-acclaimed artist and native Texan Robert Summers is the artistic force behind the unique sculptures. The 70 bronze steers memorialize the cattle drives that took place along the Shawnee Trail back in 1854.

Dallas' Central Public Library's namesake is J. Erik Jonsson, a civic leader who worked for Texas Instruments. In honor of his heritage, the library has a handcrafted scale model of an eighth-century Viking ship, the Drakkar, in permanent exhibit on the second floor Children's Center. The library's copy of the Declaration of Independence may be viewed in the Declaration of Independence Room on the seventh floor. While there you should check out the First Folio, the authentic first printing (in 1623) of William Shakespeare's plays. If your visit is more literary in nature, roomy aisles and shelves hold a tremendous collection worthy of a large city's main library. The wooden library tables and chairs create a comfortable atmosphere in which to study or read for enjoyment.