Welcome to Dallas Attractions

There is so much more to Dallas than Texas hospitality. There are so many things to do there is sure to be something to please anyone of any age. Whether you want to shop a nationally renowned Farmers Market for that perfect specialty product or visit the Southfork ranch, home of the famed Ewing family from the TV show Dallas it is all available here. The kids or the kid in you might enjoy a day at the zoo or a trip to Six Flags Over Texas complete with a roller coaster ride. If you choose a little more historic flair then you may enjoy a visit to a famed landmark listed on the National Registry of Historic Places or visit several historic sites all in one area at the Dallas County Historical Plaza. Dallas is home to number of museums offering up a multitude of venues and live performances to suit any taste. Let hotelsonline.com show you some of our favorite places to stay and to play.

Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market, located at 1010 S. Pearl St., hosts more than 5 million visitors annually. It is nationally recognized as a premier place to buy produce directly from farmers. Shoppers can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers from vendors. The marketplace also houses merchants who sell specialty and international products. The Dallas Farmers Market, open Sundays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., hosts special events and cooking classes. Call the market at (214) 939-2808 for additional information.

Dallas Zoo at Fair Park
The Dallas Zoo is world-renowned for its "Wilds of Africa" exhibit, which spans 25 acres and accurately re-creates six African habitats. African animals reside in bush, desert, forest, woodland, river, or mountain environments. The Monorail Safari, a 20- to 25-minute guided tour, runs through the exhibit and provides views of the creatures. The zoo, located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas. Call the zoo at (214) 670-5656 for information about its admission rates and parking fees.

Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas, located at 2201 Road to Six Flags in Arlington, is situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. The amusement park features thrilling roller coasters of every size and family-friendly rides. The park's Superman Tower of Power offers a magnificent view of the Dallas-Fort Worth area as it shoots riders 325 feet into the air. Admission costs $39.99 for adults, $24.99 for those under 48 inches, $24.99 for seniors/disabled, $20.99 (each) for groups of 10 or more, and nothing for children under 2. Contact Six Flags Over Texas at (817) 530-6000 for information about its hours.

Southfork Ranch
Southfork Ranch, the Ewing family's fictional home on the hit television series "Dallas," attracts several hundred thousand visitors annually. The show's 356 episodes come alive with a tour of the ranch. A highlight of the visit is the "Dallas Legends" exhibit, which showcases items like the gun that shot J.R. and Lucy's wedding dress. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, but not on Christmas or Thanksgiving. Call Southfork Ranch, located at 3700 Hogge Road, at (972) 442-7800 for information about admission fees.

Studios at Las Colinas Tour
The Studios at Las Colinas, located at 6301 N. O'Connor Rd. in the Dallas Communications Complex, receive 100,000-plus visitors annually. Tourists receive a behind-the-scenes view of motion picture and television production. Guests learn how sets, special effects, and miniatures fool audiences. Famous props, sets, and costumes are also on display. Call the Studio at Las Colinas at (972) 869-FILM (3456) for more information about its tour.

Texas State Fair
The Texas State Fair, which takes place in Fair Park, is a 23-day extravaganza starting in September. The 212-foot Texas Star, the tallest ferris wheel in North America, is among the fair's 70 amusement rides. Highlights of the event include the Texas-Oklahoma football games, a livestock show, and nightly parades. Visitors will enjoy the many food and novelty booths in addition to the rides. Call the Texas State Fair at (214) 565-9931 for additional information.

Historical

Dallas County Historical Plaza
The Dallas County Historical Plaza is a gateway to many world-renowned landmarks. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial, at 605 Commerce St. within the historical plaza, annually. The Conspiracy Museum, located across the street from the Kennedy Memorial, delves into the controversy surrounding the late President Kennedy's assassination. The John Neely Bryan Cabin and the Old Red Courthouse are other sights located within the plaza, which encompasses Market, Elm, Commerce, and Houston streets. For more information regarding the Dallas County Historical Plaza, call (214) 571-1300.

Fair Park
Fair Park, established in 1880, is Dallas' largest cultural center and Texas' largest historical landmark. The 277-acre park includes eight museums, an IMAX theatre, the Dallas Aquarium, two outdoor amphitheaters, an auditorium, exhibit facilities, and 100-plus special events and festivals. Additionally, the legendary Texas State Fair and the nationally known Cotton Bowl are held in the park. Fair Park is located at 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. Call the park at (214) 670-8400 for additional information.

Old City Park
Old City Park, located at 1717 Gano St., comprises restored historic buildings representing a turn-of-the-century Texas village. The park's buildings include a restored antebellum mansion and a historic bank. Old City Park's grounds are open from sunrise until sunset. The buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and older, and $4 for children ages 3 to 12. Call Old City Park at (214) 421-5241 for additional information.

Swiss Avenue Historic District
Four blocks of the Swiss Avenue Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district features more than 200, 20th-century mansions built in more than 12 historical styles. During the holiday season, the district is an ideal place to view Christmas lights. Additionally, a small number of homes feature multi-course holiday dinners prepared by top Dallas chefs. Call (214) 826-1967 for more information about the Swiss Avenue Historic District, or to purchase tickets for a holiday dinner.

Museums

African-American Museum
The African-American Museum, located at 3536 Grand Ave., focuses on the preservation and exhibition of historical, artistic, and cultural contributions made by African-Americans. It houses one of America's best collections of folk art. It also has a religious center and research library. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call the museum, which doesn't charge admission, at (214) 565-9026 for additional information.

American Museum of Miniature Arts
At the American Museum of Miniature Arts, guests can view miniature replicas of various time periods. The museum, located at 3939 Grand Ave., features a collection of miniatures and dollhouses. Highlights include the Biehl House (early 1800s) and Mt. Pleasant (1700s). The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Call the American Museum of Miniature Arts at (214) 969-5502 for additional information.

Dallas Firefighter's Museum
The Dallas Firefighter's Museum, located at 3801 Parry Ave., is housed in the Old No. 5 Hook and Ladder Company Station. It features a collection of old fire trucks and firefighting memorabilia. The museum, staffed by retired firefighters, is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children can climb on a hook and ladder truck and receive fire safety lessons. Contact the museum at (214) 821-1500 for additional information.

Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art, located at 1717 N. Harwood St., has an outstanding permanent collection. Its works include art from the Americas, Pacific, Asia, Africa, and Mediterranean. It also houses American and European Paintings and Sculpture, American and European decorative arts, ancient and Native American art, and contemporary art. The Dallas Museum of Art offers free admission the first Tuesday of every month and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact the museum at (214) 922-1200 for information about its varying admission rates and hours.

Dallas Museum of Natural History
The Dallas Museum of Natural History, located at 3535 Grand Ave. in Fair Park, attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually. It houses over 200,000 items such as artifacts and paleontology. The museum also hosts various educational programs that improve scientific awareness. These programs include workshops, lectures, outreach presentations, and many child-friendly activities. Contact the museum at (214) 421-3466 for information about its rates and hours.

Meadows Museum of Art
The Meadows Museum of Art, located at 5900 Bishop Blvd., is part of Southern Methodist University. The museum, founded in 1965 for the display and study of Spanish art, houses one of the finest Spanish art collections in the world. Those interested in this art genre will not find a better collection in the United States. Admission to Meadows Museum of Art is free, but donations are suggested. Contact the museum at (214) 768-2516 for information about its variable hours.

Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center, featuring works amassed by Raymond and Patsy Nasher, houses one of the premier 20th-century sculpture collections in the world. The Nasher Sculpture Center, which occupies a full block in the Dallas Arts District, presents sculpture indoors and out. Works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Naum Gabo are included among the 300-plus piece collection. The Nasher Sculpture Center is located at 1717 N. Harwood St. Contact the center at (214) 922-1200 for additional information.

Science Place
Science Place, located at 1318 Second Ave., houses exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. The museum focuses on educating guests in science, math, and technology. The museum's robotic dinosaurs, which rotate and move as if alive, thrill young children. Older kids might enjoy the museum's optical illusion art. Contact the museum at (214) 428-5555 for its variable hours and admission rates.

Sixth Floor Museum
The Sixth Floor museum focuses on former President John F. Kennedy's assassination and its worldwide impact. The museum, located at 411 Elm St., is housed in the building formerly known as the Texas School Book Depository. Museum guests can view exhibits which chronicle the assassination step by step. The Sixth Floor Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Contact the museum at (214) 747-6660 for information about its rates.

The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future
The Women's Museum, located at 3800 Parry Ave., celebrates the various contributions of women throughout time and from all walks of life. Sports, science, arts, and the women's movement are just a few of its focuses. The museum also houses an "Electronic Quilt" exhibit, consisting of still and moving images and words within 35 video cubes. The museum is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Contact the museum at (888) 337-1167 for information about its rates.

Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art includes art from Japan, China, India, and Southeast Asia. The various works range in date from 3500 B.C. to the early 20th century. Visitors can view items like Chinese jade ornaments and Japanese scrolls. The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended hours on Thursdays until 9 p.m. Contact the museum, which does not charge admission, at (214) 747-6660 for additional information.

Parks and Gardens

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden features 66 acres of trees, gardens, and lawns. Fountains, sculptures, and two historic mansions add to its serene ambiance. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is available for photography events and wedding photography. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year days. Admission costs $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3 to 12, and nothing for members and children under 2. Call the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden at (214) 327-8263 for additional information.

Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard spans Collin, Dallas, Rockwell, and Kaufman counties. It is 22,745 acres and has a maximum depth of 40 feet. Fishing, boating, and waterskiing are popular lake activities. Catfish and hybrid striped bass are the most prevalent fish, but anglers could encounter largemouth bass, crappie, and white bass as well. Lake Ray Hubbard is located approximately five miles east of Dallas.

Pioneer Plaza
Pioneer Plaza is located at Young and Griffin Streets in downtown Dallas. The 4.2-acre plaza houses the world's largest bronze monument. The monument consists of 40 longhorn steers driven by three cowboys on horseback. Native plants and a flowing stream are also part of the plaza. For additional information about Pioneer Plaza, contact the Dallas Trees and Parks Foundation at (214) 953-1184

White Rock Lake and Greenbelt Park
White Rock Lake and Greenbelt Park provide many recreational and leisure activities. Greenbelt Park features playgrounds, a 10-station workout area. Popular activities on White Rock Lake are fishing and sailing. A nine-mile trail, located alongside the lake, is ideal for waterfront running, biking, and walking. White Rock Lake and Greenbelt Park are located at 830 E. Lawther Drive. Call the White Rock Service Center at (214) 670-8281 for additional information about the lake and park.

Performing Arts

Anita M. Martinez Ballet Folklorico
The Anita M. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, at 4422 Live Oak, performs interpretations of traditional Mexican dances. The ballet consists of a professional company, junior company, and children's ensemble. The ballet's professional performances take place at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Dallas Theater Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Majestic Theater. Students enjoy the ballet's performances specifically geared towards young audiences. Anyone interested in viewing a performance, should call the Anita M. Martinez Ballet Folklorico at (214) 828-0181 for additional information.

Contemporary Ballet Dallas
Contemporary Ballet Dallas makes ballet a progressive art form. The ballet company strives to combine traditional ballet techniques with contemporary dance and music. Its eclectic performances receive rave reviews. Call Contemporary Ballet Dallas at (214) 683-7593 for more information. Call the TITAS box office at (214) 528-5576 to purchase tickets.

Dallas Black Dance Theater
The Dallas Black Dance Theater, created in 1976 by Ann Williams, is a modern dance company. Its diverse repertoire includes modern, jazz, African, and spiritual works. The Dallas Black Dance Theater is home to 10 professional dancers. The company, which performs and is celebrated around the world, puts on shows at various venues in Dallas. The Dallas Black Dance Theater studio, located at 2627 Flora St., sometimes provides free noon performances. Contact the Dallas Black Dance Theater at (214) 871-2376 for schedule information and other performance locations.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
The Meyerson Symphony Center, located at 2301 Flora St., was designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei. The center, which seats 2,062, is a home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It is also available for corporate meetings, trade shows, and other performances. It is reportedly one of the acoustically finest halls in America. Free public tours are available, but groups of 15 or more must call ahead. Call the Meyerson Symphony Center at (214) 670-3600 for additional information.