Chances are Dallas isn’t at the top of your list of dream destinations. And that’s okay. You won’t find any beachside cabanas there, nor will you be entering any exotic environments. But sometimes, the simplest and seemingly less-exciting destinations turn out to be the most pleasurable and memorable.
With this in mind, consider visiting Dallas. The fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, Dallas offers far more than most people think. What’s more, it’s one of the most affordable American cities for tourism.
Convinced? Great! The next step is planning your trip. The following are six essential factors to consider when planning a trip to Dallas.
Transportation
Finding affordable airfare to and from Dallas isn’t difficult. That’s because Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest in the world. With so many inbound and outbound flights, booking budget-friendly plane seats is easy. Once there, the best mode of transportation is the automobile. While DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) includes light rail routes throughout the region, the city infrastructure is designed around motor vehicles. Whether it’s renting a car or using rideshare, expect to rely on automobiles when visiting the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Hotels
In most cities, hotel rooms get pricier the closer you get to downtown. But hotels in Dallas tend to become more affordable the farther you get to the urban center. Since the exact location of your chosen hotel is somewhat irrelevant due to the decentralized distribution of top attractions, you might as well book a room in one of the more centrally-located hotels. It might require a DART pass or car rental, but the same is true for just about any Dallas-area hotel you choose.
Dining
Like many cities in Texas, Dallas is known for its great barbecue. But ribs and brisket aren’t the only types of tasty foods you’ll find. Dallas also sports an impressive array of authentic Mexican restaurants as well as several Tex-Mex eateries worth visiting. Birthplace of the frozen margarita, Dallas is also home to many great bars and taverns. Just make sure you have a safe way back to your hotel before choosing to go bar hopping across Dallas!
Attractions
It’s safe to say you won’t run out of things to see and do in Dallas. The most infamous attraction is undoubtedly the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. It was there where Lee Harvey Oswald laid in wait for President Kennedy’s motorcade on that fateful late-autumn afternoon. There’s also the Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum of Natural Science, and the Dallas World Aquarium. Enjoy time on the water? Head to White Rock Lake Park. A fan of flowers? Stop by the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Want a 360-view of the city? Ride the Reunion Tower elevator to the top floor. Time your visit to be there for sunset.
Thrills
Like most major American cities, Dallas is home to several amusement parks. Six Flags Over Texas makes the top of the list, but there’s also Trinity Forest Adventure Park and Adventure Landing. Did you rent a car? Then consider taking a day trip down to San Antonio to visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas or over to Austin to get wet and wild at Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
Shopping
Some people have one goal in mind: shop ‘til you drop! If this describes you, then Dallas makes for a fantastic vacation destination. The region is home to several large malls and shopping plazas, as well as world-famous shops and boutiques. From Wild Bill’s Western Store to Highland Park Village, there’s no shortage of great places to spend your hard-earned money.
Are you looking for an under-the-radar vacation destination? If so, look no further than Dallas! The loud and proud Texas metropolis has plenty to see, do, and experience. It’s also affordable, making it an ideal destination for those sticking to a budget. While you won’t see many celebrities walking the streets and there isn’t a beach for hundreds of miles, Dallas is down-to-earth and down-home. You can’t go wrong with that!
Michael Driver is a freelance writer from Texas. When not writing about business, he enjoys covering topics related to history, movies, and sports. Michael can be reached at [email protected]