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Travel blogs, photos and stories from Dallas, Texas – including tips for the hipster and gay-friendly areas of Oak Lawn, Deep Ellum and other Dallas travel highlights!

Hipster Guide to Dallas, TX - Travels of Adam - https://travelsofadam.com/city-guides/dallas/

Dallas Travel Guide

The ultimate guide to the best things to do and see in Dallas

Dallas is a big city. Part of the mega Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it’s a sprawling metropolis that offers the best parts of that southern charm mixed with a modern, forward-thinking attitude and it has a lot to offer. Start here with my basic Dallas travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Dallas travel blogs.



When to Visit

If you’re coming to Dallas as part of a trip to experience the Texan outdoors (which you should), perhaps the best time to visit is fall, as that’s when the oppressive heat has lessened and temperatures are more bearable.

However, summer is still a great time to visit Texas’ second city, especially if you’re coming for the city life as it’s when things are the most bustling.


Top Places To Visit

Dallas Farmer’s Market — From high-quality olive oil, to trendy T-Shirts and Caribbean meals, the Dallas Farmer’s Market is open every day of the week and includes a variety of restaurants and alternative shops. It has everything that locals and visitors need, including various small cafés and a bakery, and an amazing view of Dallas skyline.

The Art Museums – Dallas is full of great art museums and galleries, many of which you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon exploring, so pick a couple that match your interests and explore away. Highlights include Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Dallas Contemporary and the Meadow Museum.

The Shops! – If you love a bargain, don’t miss a trip to the Neiman Marcus Flagship Store which has been around since 1914 and offers an impressive selection of high-end brands, or the the Northpark Mall which contains 235 stores!

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pieces there are countless alternative boutiques and hipster shops, and some great thrift stores, as well as outlets which sell organic, ethically-sourced clothing. Maybe you’re in the market for some quirky art, homeware or stationery? The We Are 1976 boutique’s got you covered. Or else just plan an afternoon wandering around Deep Ellum—the best Dallas district for alternative shopping!


Dallas Tours

Taking a tour in Dallas could save you time and money and get you to some parts of the town you might otherwise overlook on your own. Take a look at this selection of Dallas tours.


LGBTQ – Gay Dallas Travel Guide

You might not expect Dallas to be one of the best gay cities in America, but you’d be wrong. The Dallas gayborhood of Oak Lawn and specifically a stretch of Cedar Springs Road, is one of the most established gay neighborhoods in the USA. These are a few of the best places to check out when visiting gay Dallas.

Out of the Closet  Part of the national chain of LGBT thrift/charity shops, Out of the Closet is right at the heart of the Dallas gayborhood on Cedar Springs Road. You’ll find community flyers, leaflets and pamphlets here for free, as well as free HIV testing every Wednesday.

Barbara’s Pavilion — Across from the Texas Theatre in Bishop Arts, Barbara’s Pavilion (or The Pavilion Lounge) is one of West Dallas’ best (and possibly only) LGBT bars. It’s one of the least judgmental gay bars in Dallas and the local drag queens make it a friendly, social environment for everyone.

Club Dallas – Probably Dallas’ best gay sauna, this place is impeccable and includes a wide range of facilities, including a full gym, whirlpool, steam room, sauna, heated pool and a sun deck.

More gay travel resources here.


Dallas Hotel Deals

Dallas has plenty of cool and quirky hotels, as well as all the big chains you’d expect. They’ll likely get full when there’s a conference or special event in town, so definitely consider booking in advance.


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Dallas Travel Blogs

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. …

Read More about Planning a Trip to Dallas

Kicking off my hipster project, I stayed for a night in downtown Dallas at one of the city’s many luxury hotels. The Joule is centrally located in the city of Dallas (it’s right on Main Street!) and offers a number of amenities and luxuries to make just about any stay in Dallas a special one. Everything …

Read More about Rooftop swimming at the Joule hotel in Dallas: a night of luxury