Everything is bigger in Texas, they said. So, after covering Houston the other day, this time we're going to explore the Big D of Texas: Dallas! 😀
This won't be possible without Lydia of Lost with Lydia sparing some time to share how we can explore the city on the budget. Surprisingly enough, there are a lot of things you can see and do in Dallas for under $10!
Dallas, Texas is a sprawling North Texas city known for the world's first frozen margarita machine, blazing hot summers, and modern skyscrapers.
The best Dallas itinerary includes a mix of culture, local food and history. Dallas can be expensive, but there are many free and cheap activities to enjoy during your visit. This post covers 9 activities that you can enjoy in Dallas for $10 or less.
Did you know?
The historic Adolphus Hotel was the first hotel to provide air conditioning for their guests, which is an indication of how hot this city gets in the summer! It is much more pleasant to visit Dallas in the spring or the fall.
Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art, or known to locals as the ‘DMA,' is an art museum with over 25,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history. The museum is free to enter, but I still recommend reserving an entry time if you are visiting on a busy day!
Permanent exhibits include a contemporary art collection, an Islamic Art Collection and much more. Note that rotating exhibits and parking may cost extra.
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is an urban park lined with food trucks and full of activities. It is located in the heart of downtown right across the street from the DMA.
The park offers ping pong, a dog park, a playground, live music, a book exchange and more. Bring a picnic or grab lunch at a food truck and spend an afternoon in this unique urban space.
Go Mural Hunting
The Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas is a revitalized industrial neighborhood known for its nightlife, music and art scene.
It's a great area to walk around and look for vibrant murals or the giant Traveling Man Robot statues (the mascot of Deep Ellum). Some murals to look out for including the “I love you” mural at 2912 Elm Street, a big city rush hour scene on the side of The Green Room, and the phrase “Good things happen here” on the side of Flea Style.
You can also find unique murals in the Bishop Arts and Design District neighborhoods.
Ride the M-Line Trolley
A “pay what you want” streetcar operates between Downtown and Uptown Dallas. The streetcars have a vintage look and make several stops around town. It's a fun and affordable way to get around or just to see the city!
Visit White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is a beautiful reservoir just minutes from downtown Dallas. A 9.5-mile trail follows the whole perimeter of the lake, making it a great place for a walk, run or bike ride. Keep an eye out for turtles as you explore the various lakeside parks and stay for a beautiful sunset.
Visit Dealey Plaza
If you are a history buff, be sure to visit Dealey Plaza, the location of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The plaza is a national historic landmark and there are crosses painted on the road where two bullets hit the late US president. A block away, there is an impressive concrete memorial dedicated to John F. Kennedy.
Eat a taco from a gas station
Dallas is home to several gas stations where you can get delicious tacos costing less than a gallon of gas, the most famous being Fuel City.
This downtown gas station is home to farm animals (including longhorns and zebras), a car wash, merchandise, and Western decor.
There are several options for taco combinations and they are full of flavor. Enjoy a couple tacos on their patio or take them to go as you make your way to your next destination.
M-Line Trolley.
Pioneer Plaza
Pioneer Plaza is a large downtown park full of 49 cattle statues cast in bronze. The park is also home to a man-made waterfall, statues of cowboys on horseback and native plants.
It is meant to look like the cattle herders that passed through the area in the 1800s. You can also visit the Pioneer Park Cemetery connected to the plaza, where some of the city's earliest founders are laid to rest.
Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards
While this historic area is actually 45 minutes away from Dallas, it's a spot worth visiting if you're in the area. Visit for the cattle drive held at 11:30am and 4:30pm each day to see a multitude of livestock be herded down the historic street.
Afterwards, wander in and out of the historic storefronts and saloons. For the feeling of an authentic cowboy saloon, visit the White Elephant Saloon to enjoy cold beer and live music.
Contributor: Lydia from Lost With Lydia
Lydia is a Texas-based travel blogger focusing on unique destinations and outdoor adventures around the USA. She loves to hike, visit art museums, eat local food and is always planning her next trip.
