How to Spend an Extra Day in Dallas

The country’s fourth-largest metropolis by area, Dallas is a bold North Texas destination booming with culture, an ever growing shopping and culinary scene, and an abundance of picturesque parks and gardens that invite outdoor lingering. Design and sports are additional highlights of this dynamic city, and many of the neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly. Meanwhile, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is one of the biggest in the nation, with more than one million square feet of exhibition space and 88 meeting rooms. Here, five notable places to visit on a day off in Dallas.

Dallas Design District

Dallas Design District / Photo; Courtesy of Craighead Green Gallery

When it comes to anything “hot” in Dallas, the Design District is where it’s at. You’ll find art galleries, noteworthy restaurants, antique shops and boutiques dedicated to the latest fashions. Stop by one of the local breweries. Our vote goes to Peticolas Brewing Company, offering 16 beers on tap and foosball.

Hall Arts Hotel

Hall Arts Hotel / Photo: Courtesy of Hall Arts Hotel

A Hilton hotel, the Hall Arts features a combination of high design and luxury as well as a contemporary art collection. On the food and drink front, Ellie’s, which overlooks the Texas Sculpture Walk, serves delicious seasonal cuisine. Perks include an airy, souped-up gym, bike loans, an electronic concierge and dreamy in-room massages.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden / Photo: Courtesy of Jorge Garrido/Alamy Stock Photo

Spanning a stunning 66 acres on the banks of White Rock Lake, this ode to nature is among the top arboretums. The grounds feature multiple separate gardens, each distinctive. The Boswell Family Garden showcases colorful, fragrant roses and the Lay Family Garden blooms with perennials amid the backdrop of a waterfall and koi pond.

The Exchange

The Exchange / Photo: Courtesy of Baboushi

Dallas has so many fantastic spots to eat that narrowing it down to a single option would be unfair. The Exchange, a buzzy food hall in the AT&T Discovery District, is a way to try several places at once. A go-to for locals, it has 11 dining options and two bars. We recommend Chilangos for authentic Mexico City tacos (don’t miss the barbacoa) and Baboushi for zesty Lebanese and Moroccan flavors.

Dallas Arts District

Dallas Arts District / Photo: Courtesy of Timothy Hursley

Comprised of 20 blocks, this walkable neighborhood offers museums, galleries and concert halls. High points include the Dallas Museum of Art and its vast collection of works spanning 5,000 years, the glass-enclosed contemporary Nasher Sculpture Center, and evening performances, whether that means a musical, concert or comedy show.