As someone who has called Dallas home since 2015, the truth is that we can see why the city has been overlooked as a tourist destination.
There’s more to a weekend in Dallas itinerary than the Cowboys and the Texas State Fair, so take advantage of the city’s more low-key, neighborhood-based attractions.
It doesn’t help that the city is a chaotic tangle of roadways and is commonly mistaken for a Western saloon because of the 1980s TV show Dallas.
As we know it now, Dallas is a bustling metropolis with a breathtaking skyline, a thriving arts scene, and inventive restaurants, all of which contributed to its selection as Bon Appetit magazine’s 2019 Restaurant City of the Year.
Check out this Dallasite’s 4-day itinerary to explore the best of the city’s culture, history, art, and outdoor experiences, all of which you could miss without a local guide leading the way.
Going To Dallas
Going on a weekend in Dallas itinerary, The city of Dallas is accessible through several simple routes. One of the United States’ largest international airports is located in Dallas. Nearly every hour, direct flights arrive at Dallas Fort Worth Airport from cities across the United States. Even though it’s located in Dallas’s suburbs, the airport is easily accessible by car.
There is an alternative airport to DFW Airport if you prefer to fly into a smaller facility. Dallas’s Love Field Airport is a lot more compact. On the other hand, DLF Airport is serviced daily by Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
If you’re traveling from a closer location, the city is serviced by train stations and bus terminals. Moreover, driving to Dallas is an option. If you’re going to Dallas, you’ll find that it’s convenient because it’s linked to multiple main motorways.
Getting Around During Your Dallas Weekend Getaway
Using public transportation is a convenient option for going for the Weekend in Dallas itinerary. DART, the city’s public transportation system, consists of trains and buses that wind their way across Dallas.
DART links the town and provides access to several neighborhoods outside using trains and buses. In addition to taxis, DART is another option for getting from the airport to your hotel in the city.
It’s also possible to rent a car if you want to drive, or even if you don’t have any specific plans. Getting to Dallas is a breeze because of the city’s well-developed network of motorways.
In addition, there are many parking garages and lots located all across town. Walking around and discovering the city is a breeze when you’re in the central business district of Dallas.
Dallas’ Prime Tourist Season
The ideal times to go for a Weekend in Dallas itinerary are spring and fall unless you enjoy sweltering heat. The heat won’t be as much of a problem when the mercury dips into the 60s and 70s (F), so you can spend more time outside having fun.
Though winters in Dallas are typically moderate and snow is unusual, the city is still worth considering if you can handle the occasional chilly spell. It’s a good idea to bring a lot of clothing in case the weather changes.
If you planning a Weekend in Dallas itinerary while the summer, prepare for the heat by stocking up on shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and sun protection gear like hats and sunglasses, and planning your day so that you spend the middle of the day inside, whether at an attraction or a restaurant.
How To Spend A Weekend In Dallas
Dallas is large and spread out, so you can go right no matter where you choose to stay, unlike some towns where most tourist attractions are concentrated in one region.
Stay in South Dallas near the Cotton Bowl Stadium or downtown Dallas to visit the Sixth Floor Museum and the Dallas Aquarium.
Northwest Dallas is where you want to be if you have an early flight out of town and plan on driving or using an Uber to get to your daily activities. Several of these establishments also offer airport pick-up services via shuttle.
Airbnb also has a tonne of great options in downtown Dallas. Whether you’re a Dallas frugal traveler or a pampered VIP, these are a fantastic option for anyone who values their personal space and comfort.
Travel Plan for a Dallas Weekend
Use this two-day weekend in Dallas itinerary to see all the top attractions.
Early on a Saturday
Eat the finest pancakes of your life to start your day at Ellen’s (1790 N Record Street), a Southern-style diner open 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a little different for breakfast, try the breakfast pot pie, and if you need a little boost, have a cup of coffee.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is within a five- to seven-minute stroll from where you’re having breakfast (2201 N Field Street).
The permanent exhibitions include a wide range of topics, from the human body to rocks and minerals to energy and physics, and are fun for the whole family to explore. Not to mention, there are no soft plaques to be found. The museum is lively, vibrant, and engaging, guaranteeing your full attention.
The Moody Children’s Museum is an excellent place for families with young children to spend time together because it is located in a separate section of the Perot Museum, away from the older children.
It features water tables, interactive activities, and soft play areas that toddlers can enjoy without fear of being trampled by them.
An Afternoon On A Saturday.
Spend the morning at the Perot Museum, and then head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at 8525 Garland Road via taxi or your vehicle.
This massive area is a great place to exercise, take in the scenery, and enjoy a performance. It features everything from pecan groves to decorative gardens to concert spaces.
Visit one of the on-site cafés for a pre-trip meal before venturing out, and you can choose from a variety of healthy options like salads and sandwiches perfect for the whole family. It would help if you refrained from overeating before tonight’s restaurant visit.
Take your time exploring the trails surrounded by flowering plants and beautiful crape myrtles while listening to the rushing water of nearby waterfalls.
Go to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden for outdoor fun.
In addition to the water wheel and the Earth Cycles play area, they have the “Walk on the Clouds” play structure to run around high above the trees.
one of the top family-friendly weekend in Dallas itinerary activities, the imaginative displays will delight young and old alike.
On A Saturday Night
It’s time to get together over authentic Texas BBQ after a long day weekend in Dallas itinerary. Meat lovers, take note: Pecan Lodge, located at 2702 Main Street, serves you brisket, ribs, mac ‘n’ cheese, pulled pork, and more.
The wait in line is a testament to this establishment’s popularity, but rest assured that it will be time well spent.
The “Trough” service allows you to bypass the wait and go directly to an available, unreserved table, so it’s a good option if you’d rather not stand in line.
The Trough is excellent for a family gathering because it has enough meat for three to four people and includes beef rib, pork rib, brisket, sausage, and pulled pork.
You can’t have a barbecue without coleslaw, and you can’t have dessert without peach cobbler or banana pudding.
You can spend some time roaming about before driving back to your hotel or Airbnb, as a lot is happening in the Dallas area at night, including live entertainment and various places to stop for ice cream or other dessert alternatives.
See Also: One Day In Dallas Itinerary
Beginning On A Sunday
The “Dallas Forth Worth” area isn’t complete without a visit to Forth Worth, so don’t miss it on your next weekend in Dallas itinerary. Although it’s roughly a half-hour journey, it’s worth it to experience genuine “cowboy boots” in Texas culture.
Try the breakfast options at Snooze Eatery (2150 W 7th St Suite 108, Fort Worth), which are all obtained in an ethical and environmentally friendly manner.
Get your morning sugar rush by indulging in the breakfast burritos stuffed with black beans, cheddar, jack cheese, and fresh pico de gallo or selecting the sweet potato buttermilk pancakes topped with homemade caramel.
The Fort Worth Stockyards can be reached in a short trip. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an Old West movie at this site, complete with the need for cowboy boots and a hat. It’s also among the most enjoyable free activities in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
The stockyards were established in 1866, and from then until 1890, the area was widely known for its role in the cattle trade. As a result, the area became known as “Cowtown.”
These days, visitors can enjoy a “cattle walk” through the heart of the stockyards, pony rides, Old West-themed souvenir shops, and live entertainment set up along the sidewalks.
This is a quintessential Texan activity, and the regions around the stockyards are lovely for strolling, with cacti, railroad lines, and a river to admire.
As a bonus, several restaurants and bars in the area have a Wild West motif. Prep for your trip by stopping at one of the Stockyards’ many eateries for lunch.
In the Afternoon on a Sunday
Spend your Sunday in downtown Dallas at the Sixth Floor Museum (411 Elm St, Dallas). The assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dealey Plaza in 1963 is the museum’s focus, which also chronicles Kennedy’s life and legacy.
The museum is located on the sixth level of the Dallas County Administration Building, once the Texas School Book Depository, where the massacre occurred.
The museum welcomes school groups of children of all ages and contains no disturbing displays or artifacts. In addition to learning about JFK’s early life, political career, and lasting legacy as you tour the exhibits with your audio guides, you’ll also get a better grasp on what is known about the circumstances of his final day on earth.
The museum is a fitting tribute to a legendary American and a must-see for anybody weekend Dallas itinerary, who is interested in learning more about the life of this historical figure.
The museum can be seen in around 90 minutes, and it shuts at 5 o’clock, so plan to go there by 3 o’clock if you want to see everything (though check opening hours before your visit).
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Late on a Sunday Night
Take a stroll through the Government District, Pioneer Plaza, and the Dallas Police Memorial once you finish at the Sixth Floor Museum. Pioneer Plaza is home to photogenic cowboy and cattle monuments.
Eat at one of the great places you stumble into during your stroll. Those interested in Japanese food can dine at Sushiya, while that craving barbecue can fill up at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit or other such establishments. Additional restaurants are serving Italian, Tex-Mex, and Irish cuisine.
If you ate in the neighborhood, you might easily make your way to Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Blvd E Dallas) for your last night in Dallas.
The 360-degree viewing deck atop Reunion Tower, which stands 470 feet above the city, is a terrific site to take the family to take in the sights of Dallas and learn about the tower’s engineering or the city’s geography.
The GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower is an excellent place for families to visit because of all the fun things there that will help kids (and adults) learn while they take in the sights below. You can take a picture in a photo booth or try out the 360-degree video experience.
The attraction’s height makes it unsuitable for children who are frightened of heights, but adventurous youngsters will enjoy the thrill of riding the elevators to the observation decks.
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Completing This Discussion
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and a great weekend destination for people all over the country. Dallas is the birthplace of the frozen margarita machine and the site of the Texas State Fair, so it’s safe to say that its residents know how to have a good time.
Dallas is a city famed for its art and music, and this weekend in Dallas itinerary will let you explore the city’s exciting history, dine with world-famous chefs, and soak up the city’s culture in just two or three days!
