The Katy Trail has a history as rich as the city itself. The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, known as the "Katy," was established in 1865 and was the first railroad to enter Texas from the north. After passenger service ended and the tracks sat dormant for decades, Union Pacific donated the abandoned lines to the city in 1993, and a group of locals advocated for an urban park rather than a DART line, and won. Today it's a beloved 3.5-mile greenbelt through the heart of Dallas. At the south end sits Katy Trail Ice House, cold drinks, a great patio, and the perfect end to a walk on the trail.
A little known fact, Dallas is home to the largest continuous arts district in the United States, and the Dallas Museum of Art is where it all began. Founded in 1903, the DMA was the first arts organization to put down roots in the Dallas Arts District, helping spark the cultural hub the city is known for today. With over 24,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, there is truly something for everyone. Best of all, general admission is free, though keep in mind there is a fee for parking. We highly recommend exploring the numerous exhibits and soaking in everything this incredible district has to offer!
Highland Park Village is Dallas' premier open-air luxury shopping and dining destination. But it's more than just a great place to shop, it's a genuine piece of American history. Built in 1931 by Hugh Prather and Edgar Flippen, it served as both a shopping center and a town square, and is widely regarded as the first true shopping center in the United States. The developers spent months traveling through California, south Texas, and Spain in search of inspiration, which is why the architecture feels so distinctly Mediterranean. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000.
The Nasher Sculpture Center is one of Dallas's true gems, and a genuinely historic one at that. It was the first institution in the world dedicated exclusively to the exhibition of modern and contemporary sculpture. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the space seamlessly blends stunning indoor galleries with a peaceful outdoor sculpture garden in the heart of downtown. The collection features over 300 masterpieces by Calder, Picasso, Rodin, and more.
Located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, the Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. After years of debate over whether the building should be demolished, it was ultimately preserved and the museum opened on Presidents' Day in 1989. Today the collection includes more than 90,000 items — artifacts, photographs, and hours of radio and television broadcasts from the early 1960s. A moving, unforgettable experience and a must-see for any visitor to Dallas. We recommend booking tickets online in advance.
NorthPark is not your average mall. It is the only privately owned mall in America. When it opened in 1965 on a former 97-acre cotton field, it was the largest climate-controlled retail center in the world, and it has been a Dallas landmark ever since. The vision belonged to Dallas developer Raymond Nasher, who was also a renowned art collector and founder of the Nasher Sculpture Center. True to his passion, he filled the mall with museum-quality artwork that still lines its corridors today.
Construction on White Rock Lake began in 1910 in response to a water shortage in Dallas, and after its completion in 1911 it served as the city's primary water source for decades. Once a newer reservoir was completed, the land was transferred to the Dallas Park Board and transformed into the beloved urban oasis it is today. Fun fact, during World War II, the grounds were used to house German prisoners of war who had served in Rommel's Afrika Corps. Today White Rock Lake offers a 9.33-mile trail for walking, running, and biking, along with kayaking, sailing, fishing, and some of the best people-watching in Dallas. Just note, swimming has been banned since the 1950s and remains off limits today, so leave the swimsuit at home! It's a perfect spot for a morning run or a relaxing afternoon outdoors.