Top Rated Attractions in Grapevine

Located north of Six Flags on Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington, this park offers something for everyone. There are areas for hiking, biking and inline skating. Four miles of paved trails wind in and out of the playground and greenbelt areas of this 958-acre (388-hectare) park. Eventually, Arlington hopes to connect this park to Dallas and Fort Worth via the Trinity River trail. Each Saturday, the River Legacy Park sponsors a guided trail hike. The River Legacy Living Science Center gives presentations on nature to promote ecological appreciation.

Often referred to as "The Entertainment Capital of Texas," Six Flags offers 200 acres (809,371 square meters) of rides, shows and attractions. For many years, this family amusement park has delighted Texans and others from around the world. Favorites include the 109-foot-tall (33 meters) "Batman the Ride," which travels up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) and exciting re-creations of the Wild West complete with gunslingers in an action-filled street shootout. Rates and seasonal hours vary, especially in winter.

White Rock Lake sprawls over 1,015 acres (410.75 hectares). It boasts picturesque picnic spots and recreational areas that provide great respite from city life. Numerous waterfront trails are popular among local hikers and bikers as well as those visiting Dallas. A complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. The adventurous can indulge in an array of outdoor activities on offer like fishing, sailing and, horseback riding. Bird enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the area attracts beautiful, exotic species. The panorama of verdant landscapes that enclose calm waters is the very definition of tranquility.

The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this 630-acre (146-hectare) preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can wander up to the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way you can view ponds, wildflowers and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty. All are natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only, and bikes or roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending upon the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.

This building, designed by James J. Kane in the Gothic Revival style, has been in use since its completion in 1892. It features stunning hand-painted stained glass windows, which came over from Munich the year of the church's dedication. The church's bell was cast in 1889. Though damaged by the recent tornadoes that ripped through much of downtown Fort Worth, St. Patrick Cathedral still holds mass twice daily for the faithful. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1908.

Off the shores of White Rock Lake lies the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The 66 acres (26 hectares) of lush, perfectly manicured landscapes hold a treasure trove of trees, bushes, and flowers that are sure to make anyone green with envy. The DeGolyer House, a 1940s-style Spanish mansion, is also located on the grounds. Tours of the house and its sculpture garden are offered. The Jonsson Color Gardens, A Woman's Garden, and the Lay Ornamental Garden are all exquisite features of the picturesque grounds.