Going to Dallas? Here’s where to eat and drink, where to find the best murals and other things to do in Dallas, Texas on your trip! P.S. – many are FREE!
This was my first visit to Dallas. Brandon and I spent a long weekend there checking out the chic new Canopy Hotel in Uptown as part of a content creation project with Hilton.
We fell in love with this vibrant and colorful city and the friendly people who live there. It definitely exceeded my expectations – especially their food scene, which is the perfect mix of Tex-Mex classics and new, more contemporary, dining options. It also checked all my boxes in terms of Instagram opportunities (mural game is STRONG) and free or cheap things to do.
Read on for what to do in Dallas…
Things to Do in Dallas, Texas – Travel Guide
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Went to Dallas, made some friends. ?????????? @canopybyhilton @dwazoo #canopybyyou #canopybyhilton
Visit the Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is one of the most visited destinations in Dallas. Walk through their shark tunnel and watch the sharks swim overhead or admire the flamingos feasting on the bright pink shrimp that gives them their signature color. The variety of animals they have, and the way the aquarium set up with overhead tanks you can walk through is amazing! Not cheap at almost $25 per ticket, but definitely worth the money.
Dallas World Aquarium & Rainforest
1801 North Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
https://www.dwazoo.com/
More photos from the Dallas World Aquarium:
Upside Bar at Canopy by Hilton
Upside is Canopy Hotel’s rooftop bar. Upside is not just for hotel guests though. It’s also a favorite spot for locals to hang out too, thanks to the creative drinks and amazing views of the Dallas skyline. It’s a great place to catch sunset!
I definitely recommend trying their signature cocktail, the Cruise Control, with tequila, fresh watermelon & lime juices, hibiscus, and a kick from serrano chile.
The food menu features light bites like hummus and vegetables, bacon wrapped quail legs and salmon tartare. You have to try the “bacon crack” flat bread which is equal parts sweet, salty and crunchy. YUM.
Upside Bar at Canopy by Hilton Dallas
Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown, 8th Floor
2950 Cityplace West Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75204
https://www.upsidewestvillage.com/
Flower Gals Co Dallas
I’m not sure you can get any cuter than Flower Gals Co. A mother-daughter duo turned a retro 60’s VW wagon into a mobile flower shop that you can catch popping up all over Dallas. You can build you own bouquet or buy a pre-arranged one. I highly recommend crossing paths with them while you’re in Dallas.
Flower Gals Co Mobile Flower Shop
Dallas, Texas
https://flowergals.com/
More photos from the Flower Gals Truck:
Emporium Pie Shop & Cafe Dallas
Pie making is in my blood and a definite source of pride for me. It’s very rare that I find a pie that (in my not-so-humble opinion) comes even close to being as good as the pies I make!
I was impressed by the pies at Emporium in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas. Their pies were very over-the-top with unique with flavors like Drunken Nut (an overly sweet pecan pie) and deep dish apple (literally a mountain of apples with a crumble topping). They also have the cutest outdoor patio to enjoy while you indulge.
Emporium Pies Deep Ellum
2708 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226
https://emporiumpies.com/
Best Murals in Dallas, TX
Have murals, will travel. Dallas has an impressive amount of murals, especially in its Deep Ellum neighborhood. Even though those were fun to check out, some of the best murals in Dallas were just a few blocks from our hotel in Uptown. West Village is a ‘village’ within Uptown that has housing, shopping and dining. They are also developing what would otherwise just be an alley into an art destination. The street is lined with several murals made by local artists and more are in the works.
Colorful Murals at West Village Dallas
Parking lot behind Loft
3699 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
https://westvillagedallas.com/
Jade & Clover Boutique Dallas
If you’re in search for a great gift, look no further than Jade & Clover in the trendy Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas. They have an assortment of natural beauty products, cute office organizers, gifts and accessories that are hard to resist. Don’t miss their succulent bar. Pick a pot and a few succulents and they will help you plant them right in the store.
Jade & Clover Deep Ellum
2633 Main Street #150
Dallas, TX
https://www.jadeandclover.com/
Food Trucks at Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is an urban oasis and a hub of Dallas activity. The park was actually built over a recessed freeway, leading to an incredible transformation of downtown Dallas. It’s lined with trendy restaurants and often has public events. Over the lunch hour, there are food trucks lined up selling everything from ice cream sandwiches to Banh Mi.
Klyde Warren Park Dallas
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/
Ride the Dallas Free Trolley
The most charming way to explore Dallas is by riding its historic trolley – for free! The trolley runs 365 days a year, every 15-20 minutes. Some of the trolleys are newer, but the beautifully-maintained historic ones are definitely worth seeking out. This is one of them:
Ride the Dallas Free Trolley
Psychedelic Robot Dallas Instagram Pop Up
Similar to San Francisco’s Museum of Ice Cream, Dallas now has Psychedelic Robot. This pop ‘museum’ is basically created for Instagram, which initially feels a little yucky until you lose yourself in the bright colors and fun pop art. Do it for the ‘gram, right? It’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours and your Instagram account will thank you.
Psychedelic Robot Museum Pop Up Dallas
500 Crescent Court
Suite 154, Dallas, TX
https://psychedelicrobot.com/
More photos from the Psychedelic Robot Pop Up Exhibit:
Bisous Bisous Cafe West Village
Bisous Bisous is the cutest french café located in West Village. Check them out for homemade french macarons and pastries, and great coffee. The decor is perfect – my favorite robin’s egg blue with french bistro chairs and marble tables.
Bisous Bisous French Cafe Dallas
3700 McKinney Avenue #150
Dallas, TX 75204
https://www.bisous-bisous.com/
More photos from Bisous Bisous:
Random note – This is my first trip since I started my Rent the Runway Unlimited membership. The membership allows me to choose four pieces from RtR at a time and keep them as long as I want. I send them back, select new ones, and a few days later I get all new pieces to wear. It’s basically like having an unlimited designer wardrobe for $159 per month.
I’ve noticed the membership has allowed me to take more fashion risks because I’m not stuck with an expensive piece that might go out of style. I would never buy this outrageous pink sherpa coat or this chic, but ridiculous, mini bag from 3.1 Phillip Lim that barely holds my cell phone. Renting them for a week was perfect!
Outfit Details via Rent the Runway:
// Sherpa Coat // Leopard Print Dress // Mini Bag //
Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.
All photos by me or by Brandon Tran for A Side of Sweet
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