Places to Go in Dallas, Texas

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Dallas, in north central Texas, is located 300 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and near the source of the Trinity River. Often called the "Big D," for its live-large attitude, Dallas is more than just cowboy hats and oilmen. The city boasts world-class arts and culture, and plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dallas Arboretum

Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the arboretum offers a sanctuary to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Spread over 66 acres, it provides lush gardens and a fitness trail to Texas Town, an award-winning exhibit about pioneers. The Arboretum also hosts seasonal concerts and festivals.

Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75218
214-515-6500
dallasarboretum.org

White Rock Lake Park

White Rock Lake is a 1,015-acre lake northeast of downtown. Hike or bike along more than nine miles of trails; bird watch at an Audubon Society--designated area and wetlands site; picnic; fish for catfish, sunfish and bass; or boat. The White Rock Creek Trail connects hikers, bikers, runners and rollerbladers from three other parks to White Rock Lake.

White Rock Lark Park
8300 E. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75214
dallasparks.org

Trinity River Audubon Center

Eight miles from downtown Dallas, the Trinity River Audubon Center is situated on 120 acres. From here you can explore the Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban hardwood forest in the United States. The center features four miles of nature trails that explore various habitats, hands-on exhibits and a Children's Discovery Garden.

Trinity River Audubon Center
6500 S. Loop 12
Dallas, TX 75217
214-398-8722
trinityriveraudubon.org

Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park may only be 10 miles from Dallas, but it feels like it is much farther from the big city. The 1,826-acre park with preserved natural habitats sits on Joe Pool Lake. The park has trails for hikers and mountain bikers, as well as over 300 campsites, a marina, grills and picnic tables. Visitors can bird watch, fish, hike or simply relax.

Cedar Hill State Park
1570 F.M. 1382 
Cedar Hill, TX 75104 
972-291-3900
tpwd.state.tx.us

Cedar Ridge Preserve

At an elevation of 755 feet, this 600-acre preserve gives visitors the feeling of being in Texas Hill Country. Enjoy approximately nine miles of trails, native plants, a butterfly garden and bird watching. The preserve is 20 minutes south of downtown Dallas.

Cedar Ridge Preserve
7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
Dallas, TX 75249
972-709-7784
audubondallas.org

Article Written By Jane Larkin

Jane Larkin has been a writer since 1992. Her most recent articles have appeared on Interfaithfamily.com. Larkin has received numerous awards for business leadership and consumer marketing. She holds an M.B.A. from Fordham University and a B.S. from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

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