10 Things No One Tells You About... Dallas
The ninth largest city in the US, Dallas is known more for business travel and its massive airport — everyone's been through DFW at least once — than it is for tourism. But don't be fooled: it's teeming with enough culture, art, music, food and nature to keep even the most discerning of visitors occupied. Follow these 10 tips and you'll be primed to explore the city like a local.
1. It's a Driving City, but You Don't Need a Car
Let's not mince words here: the traffic can be soul-crushing at times, but plan around rush hour and you can usually zip around town without too much effort. It's even less effort if you hail a ride and settle yourself comfortably into the backseat. Fortunately, ride sharing options abound, from mainstays like Uber and Lyft to GetMe, which provides rides and even offers delivery services. There's also Wingz, a set-price private car service that specializes in rides to and from the airport and can be booked in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about before that early morning flight.
2. You Can Take a Train to and From DFW Airport
Dallas doesn't have the most extensive train system, but it can get you to the airport seven days a week. Consult the website for the schedule, then hop aboard the Orange Line anywhere along the rail for a ride to DFW Airport's Terminal A. If you're staying along Highway 75 or Downtown, the train can also be a reasonably effective means of transportation between multiple points of the city, including Uptown, the Arts District, Deep Ellum and Fair Park.
3. It's More Than Just Barbecue and Tex-Mex
You should really eat some barbecue and Tex-Mex while you're in town, but don't fill up solely on brisket and tacos. Dallas' vibrant Asian communities are serving up some of the country's best Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. For each, you'll need to venture outside Dallas proper. You'll find the original Korea Town at Royal Lane and Highway 35, or visit Carrollton for a newer, larger and always bustling concentration of Korean restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. For Vietnamese food, North Dallas and Richardson are home to pho shops and delicious banh mi. All over the city, you'll find excellent sushi, as well as modern Japanese restaurants — Uchi and Tei-An will treat you right — and grilled meat spots like Niwa and Tei-Tei Robata Bar.
4. It's a Hotbed for Art and Theater
Fun fact: Dallas has the largest urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 continuous blocks. Use all that real estate to your advantage and go see a show at one of the myriad venues, including the Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theater, Symphony Center and the Performing Arts Center. Browse the galleries at the Dallas Art Museum, Crow Collection of Asian Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center, which has an outdoor garden full of oversized sculptures and hosts movie nights on the lawn.
5. Take the Free Trolley From Uptown to Downtown
Downtown's luxury hotels are only blocks away from the shops and restaurants of Uptown, but walking between the two is no easy task. That's where the McKinney Avenue Trolley comes in. With vintage street cars dating back to 1909, the trolley is free to ride and offers hop-on-hop-off service that runs through the West Village along bustling McKinney Ave to Klyde Warren Park and Downtown. It's a fun means of getting from points A to B and you can score some great photos along the way.
6. Deep Ellum Is More Than Live Music
The Deep Ellum neighborhood is evolving every day. The area, once known for gritty bars, music clubs and tattoo parlors, has transformed in recent years to offer high-end restaurants, cool cocktail bars and rooftop hangouts. All good things, but fortunately, it still has the music — and the tattoo parlors, if that's your thing. Join the fray on a weekend and you can expect crowds on the sidewalks and spilling into the streets. Weeknights are quieter, but still offer plenty to do. Check off local beers (BrainDead Brewing), science-y cocktails (Hide) and delicious pizza (Il Cane Rosso) from your list before taking in a show at iconic venues like Club Dada, Trees or the Bomb Factory. And before you head home, you'll obviously need a late-night Grilled Cheese Donut from Glazed Donut Works.
7. Brunch Is the Most Important Meal of the Day
Brunch, especially patio brunch, is like a competitive sport in Dallas. When the weather's nice — or can be manufactured via the required seasonal mix of mist-spraying fans in the summer and heat lamps in the winter — everyone flocks to brunch-friendly neighborhoods like Lower Greenville, Bishop Arts and Uptown. Everything begins with a Mimosa, some good rosé or a Bloody Mary. The latter might include some truly elaborate garnishes like bacon, shrimp and sliders that can double as your meal.
8. It's Got the Country's Largest Urban Hardwood Forest
Dallas gets knocked for its lack of nature, but just south of Downtown lies the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. Start your visit at the Trinity River Audubon Center, your gateway to all the forest has to offer, including hiking trails, bird watching and river adventures, like guided kayak expeditions. If you'd like to fly through some of those trees, check out the nearby Trinity Forest Adventure Park, which combines obstacle-laden ropes courses with zip-lining and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
9. You Can Sail a Boat Within City Limits
Just a few miles northeast of Downtown is White Rock Lake, the jewel of the Dallas parks system and a fine spot for some easy exploration. If you want to start slow, sidle up to the water with a picnic basket or bring your dog to the lakeside dog park for a relaxing day. For something a little more active, rent a bike and cruise around the lake's nearly 10 miles of paved paths, or even better, get out onto the water. To accomplish that, rent a paddle board or kayak or hop aboard a sail boat. With no motorized craft allowed on the lake, the water's surface remains peaceful and perfect for floating around without a care in the world.
10. Don't Forget About Ft. Worth
Dallas's often-overlooked sister city is just 45 minutes away and offers an entirely different vibe. With more than 800,000 people, it's a city unto itself, but one that operates at a more relaxed pace. Start with a visit to the Kimball Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum, which are conveniently located right next to each other. Then adjourn to Sundance Square or West Seventh for lunch before continuing your day at the cool coffee shops, bars and restaurants along the Magnolia strip. End your night with a well-made cocktail at The Usual and offer up a toast to all that you've accomplished.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Dallas? Tell us about them, below.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
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Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.