Should You Visit Dallas?

Are you thinking about visiting Dallas, Texas? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Dallas worth visiting?

Dallas is worth visiting for two to four days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Dallas is a sprawling city in north Texas. It's known for its business sector and is said to have a bit of a posh personality. There are many museums and cultural opportunities around town as well as great Texas food and countless shopping opportunities.

Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Reasons to Visit Dallas

Museums
Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Food
There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Nightlife
Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Shopping
You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Authenticity
Dallas has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Dallas worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 31°C (88°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 36°C (98°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Dallas, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.

This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and grab some drinks at a bar.


Summer Weather in Dallas
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 31°C (88°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
August 31°C (87°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
September 27°C (80°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)

Is Dallas worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Dallas. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums and discover the big city activities.


Autumn Weather in Dallas
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 21°C (69°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
November 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
December 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)

Is Dallas worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Dallas. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.

The weather in Dallas can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you'll be able to soak up the big city atmosphere.


Winter Weather in Dallas
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
February 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
March 15°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)

Is Dallas worth visiting in the Spring?

The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Dallas, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.


Spring Weather in Dallas
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 20°C (68°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 128 mm (5 in)
June 29°C (83°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Dallas

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Dallas might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Dallas here or see if Dallas is expensive here.

Related

What is Dallas most famous for?

Dallas is most famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is often described as active, upscale, and chic.

What is the most famous sight in Dallas?

The most popular sight in Dallas is the Sixth Floor Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Dallas on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Sixth Floor Museum and other attractions here.

How touristy is Dallas? Is it a popular city to visit?

Dallas is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Food Walking Tour in Dallas: $86
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure: $60
  • Smart Tour: Dallas Mural E-Bike Tour: $60
  • Smart Tour: Dallas JFK Assassination & History E-Bike Tour: $48
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • Electric Bike Taco Tour in Dallas: $150
  • Downtown Dallas Night Sightseeing 2 Hour E-Bike tour: $80
  • Dallas Highlights Tour: $205

How long should I spend in Dallas?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Dallas is two to four days. Since Dallas has activities such as museums, dining, nightlife, and shopping, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Dallas? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Dallas?.