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Must-Visit Landmarks in the City of Dallas, Texas

The city of Dallas, Texas, is home to a remarkable collection of landmarks that span history, culture, architecture, sport, and natural beauty. From the soaring observation deck of Reunion Tower and the powerful reflection space of the John F. Kennedy Memorial to the iconic Giant Eyeball on Main Street and the world-class Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, a city in Texas, offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every kind of visitor.

Red Roof® has put together this guide to 18 must-see Dallas landmarks to help you plan your visit. Our affordable hotels are conveniently located near the city's most celebrated neighborhoods and attractions.

Plan your stay at redroof.com and get ready to discover the city of Dallas.

A bridge over a river with a city in the background
A group of fish swimming in water
A garden with pink flowers and green plants

Iconic Dallas Landmarks

A tall building with a round tower

Reunion Tower

Standing at 561 feet and offering 360-degree panoramic views from 470 feet in the air, Reunion Tower, also known as The Ball, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dallas city, Texas. The indoor and outdoor observation deck, a free digital photo souvenir, and 259 exterior LED lights illuminate the tower at night. Open seven days a week with guided VIP tours available.

A concrete structure with many columns

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Located in downtown Dallas, nearly 200 yards from the site of President Kennedy's assassination, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza features a cenotaph designed by architect Philip Johnson. Open at all times and free of charge, it is one of the most meaningful and reflective landmarks in the city of Dallas, Texas.

A group of black animals with horns

Pioneer Plaza

A 4.2-acre public park in the Convention Center district and the second most visited tourist attraction in downtown Dallas, Pioneer Plaza features bronze sculptures depicting a cattle drive led by three cowboys on horseback. A waterfall, native plants, man-made cliffs, and historic details complete the park. Free to visit and open at all hours.

A group of people sitting at tables outside

AT&T Discovery District

A space where technology, culture, and entertainment come together, the AT&T Discovery District features restaurants, retail, offices, art exhibits, immersive visual and sound experiences, and free 5G public Wi-Fi. Open from 6 am until late and free to explore, with additional costs for dining and shopping.

A white house with a white picket fence

Old City Park (Dallas Heritage Village)

Established in 1876 and featuring Texas's most extensive collection of pioneer and Victorian homes across 20 acres, Old City Park transports visitors back to 19th-century Texas life. Free to explore with immersive tour experiences, including black history, general, and ghost tours available for purchase.

A large eyeball statue in front of a building

Giant Eyeball

Created by artist Tony Tasset in 2007, the 30-foot fiberglass, resin, and steel eyeball on Main Street in downtown Dallas has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the city of Dallas, Texas. The area surrounding it regularly hosts special events, yoga classes, and other experiences. Free to view at any time.

A pond in a city

Thanks-Giving Square

Brought to life in 1964 in downtown Dallas, Thanks-Giving Square features a landscaped garden, a non-denominational chapel, a bell tower, and event spaces designed to foster community across diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. The Garden is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm, and the chapel from 9 am to 4 pm.

A white building with a green lawn and trees

The Grassy Knoll

Part of Dealey Plaza on the north side of Elm Street, the Grassy Knoll became one of the most scrutinized locations in American history following the Kennedy assassination. Free to explore at any time, it is one of the most historically significant landmarks in the city of Dallas, Texas.

A bridge with a large arch and a city in the background

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

Designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2012, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge spans 1,206 feet across the Trinity River with a gleaming white steel arch rising 136 meters above the river and 58 cables in sweeping web-like patterns. Whether you drive or walk across, it offers exceptional views of the Dallas skyline.

A gazebo surrounded by flowers

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

A 66-acre display garden on the shores of White Rock Lake featuring the Dallas Blooms Festival in spring with over 500,000 blooming bulbs, an outdoor summer concert series, and the autumn Pumpkin Village with over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Open almost daily with admission prices varying by event.

A close-up of a person playing a cello

Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center

Ranked among the world's greatest orchestra halls since opening in 1989, the Meyerson Symphony Center is home to the Grammy Award-winning Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Classical, contemporary, pop, film score, and musical performances are offered throughout the season.

A basketball game in a stadium

American Airlines Center

One of Texas's most famous arenas since opening in 2001, American Airlines Center is home to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL's Dallas Stars and has hosted major entertainers including Beyoncé, Elton John, and Madonna. The state-of-the-art venue features retractable seating, two massive video boards, and surround sound audio.

A dinosaur skeleton on display

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Located in downtown Dallas with five levels of hands-on activities and exhibits, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science features eleven permanent exhibits covering dinosaurs, DNA, and much more. The iconic T. Rexcalator escalator offers stunning skyline views on entry. Open seven days a week.

A man and woman sitting at a bar

Bishop Arts District

Located 10 minutes from downtown Dallas, the Bishop Arts District is a vibrant destination for nightlife, dining, shopping, and special events featuring restaurants, bars, music venues, cafes, shops, and social clubs, alongside family-friendly street fairs and wine walks throughout the year.

A street light next to a building

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Located inside the former Texas School Book Depository Building, the Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy through educational exhibits and over 90,000 related items. Open five days a week with ticket prices varying by age.

A couple of giraffes looking at the camera

Dallas Zoo

Founded in 1888 and now spanning 106 acres in Marsalis Park, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, housing over 2,000 animals and 406 species. Current exhibits include Zoo North, the Wilds of Africa, and the Giants of the Savanna. Open 364 days a year with hours varying by season.

A child looking at fish in a tank

The Dallas World Aquarium

Opening in 1992 in a converted warehouse in the West End District and expanding to multiple buildings, the Dallas World Aquarium features five must-see exhibits and participates in breeding programs for endangered species. Open seven days a week.

A football on a field

AT&T Stadium

Located about 20 minutes from Dallas in Arlington, AT&T Stadium is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and the largest stadium in the NFL, with seating for up to 100,000 people. A retractable roof and twin high-definition video boards are signature features, and the stadium hosts concerts, rodeos, and major events year-round.