Dallas may not be the largest city in Texas, but it certainly embodies the saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” As the most populous city of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, where almost a quarter of all Texans reside, and the third biggest city in Texas, Dallas is packed to the brim with sports, arts, major corporations, and history that give the city its distinct identity.
Key Takeaways
10 things that Dallas is known for:
- Its dazzling skyline after dark
- Its role as a hub for business and innovation
- Being home to legendary sports teams, like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Dallas Wings (WNBA)
- Its deep history that can be explored at museums, like the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- The arts and music scene in the Arts District and Deep Ellum
- Popular attractions, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Zoo, and the Dallas World Aquarium
- Green spaces, such as the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Delicious food, from Tex-Mex to Texas-style BBQ
- Shopping destinations in Highland Park Village and the Bishop Arts District
- Iconic festivals and events, like the State Fair of Texas
See Dallas’ Dazzling Skyline
Dallas’ skyline is a sight to behold at any time, but at night it turns into a colorful spectacle. Reunion Tower, with its globe, puts on animated light shows with moving patterns and flickering colors. Right next to it, the Bank of America Plaza is outlined in bright lines, often in different colors for holidays and special occasions. The distinctive “X” lighting pattern of the Renaissance Tower break up the dark sky.
Work Hard in Dallas
One of the draws of Dallas is its booming economy. Home to many major companies, including Fortune 500 ones like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments, the city boasts many professional job opportunities in a variety of fields. Dallas innovates and grows every day in a multitude of fields, including technology, healthcare, finance, and energy.
Catch the Dallas Cowboys or Any of Dallas’ Game-Day Greats
Sports in Dallas are not just a pastime but an integral part of the city and resident’s identity. With major, professional teams across all kinds of leagues, there is a team to cheer on year-round.
The Dallas Cowboys (NFL) draw massive crowds to the AT&T Stadium. Catch the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) or the Dallas Stars (NHL) at the American Airlines Center. The Texas Rangers (MLB) and FC Dallas (MLS) also capture the hearts and shouts of fans whenever they play at their respective venues.
Women’s sports have carved out a spot in the scene with the Dallas Wings (WNBA) and Dallas Trinity FC. These teams have built a loyal fan base and continue to attract new ones, cementing themselves as powerhouses in the Dallas sports scene.
Dive into History in Dallas at the Sixth Floor Museum
Dallas keeps moving forward while remembering its past with historical and cultural landmarks and museums. Explore the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Dive into topics of social justice and human rights at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Experience Dallas’s Art and Music Scene in the Arts District and Deep Ellum
Art in Dallas is found in galleries and concert halls, but also in the streets and neighborhoods. The Arts District is the epicenter of the arts scene in Dallas and is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the U.S. It holds the city’s most famous art, music, and performing arts.
Lose yourself in the striking scenes depicted in the masterpieces at the Dallas Museum of Art and bold sculptures next door at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Then catch a live performance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, which is home to venues for opera, theater, dance, and more. Or experience the emotion-evoking sounds of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the neighboring Meyerson Symphony Center. Continue your night of music in Deep Ellum, where live music keeps the groove going long after dark.
Spend the Day at the Perot Museum, the Dallas Zoo, or the Dallas World Aquarium
In Dallas, every attraction opens a new way to experience and explore the world. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science explores the earth from fossils to earth sciences of weather, geology, and more. Feed giraffes at the Dallas Zoo or walk under sharks at the Dallas World Aquarium.
Enjoy Nature at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or Klyde Warren Park
Though Dallas is far inland in northern Texas, the city has its share of greenery and water, from nearby lakes and rivers to luscious parks and gardens. There are 374 parks on 21,000 acres of land with 115 miles of trails.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is next to White Rock Lake, which offers a variety of parks and trails as well. Even if you live in Downtown Dallas, you can enjoy nature by heading to Klyde Warren Park. Trails, a children’s park, a dog park, a putting green, ping pong, chess, an outdoor library, weekly events, and more fill every corner of the park.
Savor Tex-Mex and Texas-Style BBQ
You haven’t lived in Dallas if you haven’t tried Texas-Style BBQ and Tex-Mex. Terry Black’s Barbecue and Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ serve up the most tender slow-smoked brisket and flavorful ribs that fall right off the bone. Whether you’re in the mood for Huevos Rancheros for breakfast or Jorges Tacos for dinner, get it at E Bar Tex-Mex any time of the day.
Shop at Highland Park Village and the Bishop Arts District
Dallas has the best of both worlds when it comes to shopping with malls full of high-end brands and local boutiques offering pieces that will spark conversation. Spend an afternoon walking around Highland Park Village which offers luxury, name-brand shops within striking Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean buildings. Find one-of-a-kind creations at the independent boutiques, shops, and art galleries in Bishop Arts District.
Celebrate Texas at the State Fair of Texas
Your calendar will be packed in Dallas with festivals and events year-round. Locals look forward to the State Fair of Texas every fall. This iconic fair draws one of the largest crowds of visitors in the country with its towering Big Tex figure, fast rides, live music, and mouth-watering foods.
Celebrate Dallas’ creative side by catching films at the Dallas International Film Festival or watching a performance at the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. Get a taste of Texas tradition at the Taste of Dallas, where you can sample all kinds of cuisines and attend live cooking demonstrations. No matter the month or season, there’s an event to enjoy in Dallas.
Find Your Place in Dallas
Enjoy everything Dallas is known for by searching for apartments for rent in Dallas on Apartments.com. From views of the lit-up skyline at night to places right next to music and art venues, you’ll find a home that offers you the best of the city. Start your search today and discover what life in Dallas holds for you.
Dallas FAQs
What is there to do in Dallas?
Dallas has figured out how to balance food, sports, and culture like no other city. Uncover the world at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or explore history at the Sixth Floor Museum. Grab some world-famous Texas-style BBQ before cheering on the Dallas Cowboys or catching the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center. No matter your interests, Dallas has an experience to match.
How far is Dallas from Houston or Austin?
Dallas is 239 miles from Houston, which is about a four-hour drive, and 195 miles from Austin, which is about a 3-and-a-half-hour drive.
What food is Dallas known for?
Dallas is known for its Tex-Mex and Texas-style BBQ. However, food choices aren’t limited to BBQ and Tex-Mex. From renowned restaurants to food halls serving every type of food, dining in Dallas is an adventure.
What is Dallas called?
Dallas has several nicknames, including Big D, D-Town, and Triple D.
What are five facts about Dallas?
- The Pegasus became a city landmark in 1973.
- The State Fair of Texas is the country’s biggest state fair.
- Fair Park is home to the world’s largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings.
- The frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas in 1971 by Mariano Martinez.
- The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the NFL cheerleader squad for the Dallas Cowboys, are so popular, they earned the nickname “America’s Sweethearts."
