Museums
Dallas' many museums showcase a wide variety of art and historical material. The Dallas Museum of Art features art from around the world, from ancient to modern times. For Kennedy buffs, a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza is a must. In addition to documentary materials about JFK, there's an extensive collection of oral history interviews. Another popular stop is the Nasher Sculpture Center, where works by Matisse, Picasso, Moore, Miro, Giacometti and others are displayed in indoor and outdoor galleries.
Shopping
Shopping is a popular tourist activity and Dallas definitely rules in this department. Home to legendary Neiman Marcus, Highland Park Village (the oldest shopping center in the United States), the famous Galleria Dallas, and Northpark Center, the city also boasts many unique boutiques. You can even take a shopping tour; several companies offer standard or customized packages.
Zoos and parks
Zoos, aquariums, parks, and botanical gardens abound in Dallas. The Dallas Zoo has a monorail, nature trails, a gorilla conservation research center, a Children's Zoo, and many educational and fun animal exhibits. The Dallas World Aquarium is not to be missed; i includes dazzling indoor and outdoor displays of creatures from around the world. Plant lovers and picnickers will find the Dallas Arboretum a real treat. In spring, azaleas, magnolias, tulips, and other blooms are truly breathtaking. Special gardens showcase ferns, camellias, topiary, and water features. A concert stage, gift shop, and cafe complete the picture. Neighboring White Rock Lake is popular for cycling, running, fishing, and birdwatching.
Fair Park
Fair Park is an attraction in itself but also home to museums and more. It is the site of the annual Texas State Fair, which runs from late September through late October. Things to see include the African-American Museum, Museum of the American Railroad, Museum of Nature and Science (with IMAX theater), the Women's Museum, Texas Discovery Gardens, and the South Dallas Cultural Center.
Nightlife and dining
Urban attractions include the lively club scene of Deep Ellum and the West End historic district. Dallas has thousands of restaurants, offering any kind of dining experience you could desire, from ethnic hole-in-the-wall to trendy see-and-be-seen foodie hot-spots.
Nearby cities
Nearby cities in the Metroplex have a lot to offer too. Fort Worth also has world famous museums like the Kimbell, designed by architect Louis Kahn, as well as a renowned Japanese garden. For those who want a taste of the old west, there's the Mesquite Rodeo or the Fort Worth Stockyards.
