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Dallas, Texas, is one of the best cities to visit in the Lone Star State, and beyond its famous skyline and iconic landmarks lies a vibrant world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From tucked-away fine dining and immersive art experiences to historic gravesites and world-class dance performances, the things to do in Dallas, Texas, on this list go well beyond the typical tourist trail.
Red Roof® has put together this guide to some of the most unique and memorable hidden gems in Dallas for visitors who are ready to step off the beaten path and explore a more surprising side of the city.
Plan your stay at redroof.com and get ready to explore the real Dallas.
In operation since 1941, the Dallas Farmers Market is a year-round destination with the Market Building open seven days a week, featuring four anchor restaurants, coffee and food vendors, and Dallas skyline views, alongside the outdoor Shed and shops in Harvest Lofts and Taylor Lofts. Arrive hungry and plan to spend at least a few hours.
A gorgeous fine dining establishment in the heart of Dallas, housed in the former Woolworths location, The Woolworths offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with modern cuisine and innovative cocktails. Advance reservations are strongly recommended at this popular Dallas hidden gem.
A dog-friendly and kid-friendly art gallery and beer garden featuring graffiti artwork by local artists, open-air seating, 30 outdoor TV sets, private rentable cabanas, and drinks from an upcycled shipping container. Trivia nights, Latin nights, and monthly vendor markets round out one of the most lively hidden gems in Dallas. Free parking on site.
One of the most unusual things to do in Dallas, Texas, this collection of bronze hand casts in the lobby of the George W. Truett Memorial Hospital at Baylor University Medical Center includes impressions from Mickey Mantle, Andre the Giant, Dr. Seuss, and Walt Disney, among others. A genuinely one-of-a-kind Dallas hidden gem.
Dallas's streets are dotted with remarkable public art installations, including The Traveling Man series of robot statues by Brad Oldham in Deep Ellum, The Texas Woofus chimera of Texas livestock animals outside the Livestock Building, and The Eye Sculpture, a 30-foot fiberglass eyeball by Tony Tasset outside the Joule Hotel downtown.
Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, the Sixth Floor Museum's JFK exhibit provides an in-depth look at President Kennedy's legacy and assassination through photography, news footage, artifacts, and the original evidentiary areas, including the corner window where three spent cartridge shells were discovered.
Both Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow have their final resting places in Dallas. Clyde's grave is in a gated area typically locked, but permission to visit can be requested from the caretakers. Both sites deserve respectful, quiet visits and are among the most historically intriguing things to do in Dallas, Texas.
Known as the Town Square of Dallas, Klyde Warren Park spans 5.2 acres with free programs, fitness events, food trucks including Andy's Frozen Custard and Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, and outdoor community events that are mostly free to enjoy.
A colorful, fantastical, and immersive art experience perfect for social media enthusiasts and lovers of the weird and obscure, Rainbow Vomit offers surreal room-by-room installations. Private event bookings are available for a more exclusive experience.
Named for the historic Deep Elm railroad crossing, Deep Ellum has evolved into a cultural hub offering local breweries, historical tours, artist studios, recording spaces, and local goods. Hidden gem restaurants, including Cafe Brazil and Cheba Hut, are also found here.
The oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas, the Dallas Black Dance Theater is an internationally renowned company featuring multi-ethnic, diverse dancers in powerful and graceful performances. Check their calendar for upcoming productions, including their celebrated Encore! show.
Located on the sixth floor of the Neiman Marcus store, the Zodiac Room is an elegant high-end luncheon destination that has been in operation for over 70 years. Offering light bites, sandwiches, and full entrees in a refined setting, it is a beloved and often overlooked hidden gem in Dallas.
Far more than a standard aquarium, the Dallas World Aquarium features aquatic animals alongside integrative display technology on a 25-foot-high, 52-foot-wide LED screen. An on-site zoo houses exotic species, including an ocelot, a sloth, a wide variety of birds and monkeys, and the viral Shoebill Stork.
A small jazz club above the Lakewood Theater, The Balcony Club is a decades-old intimate venue where live jazz, blues, and R&B played by local and traveling musicians can be enjoyed alongside a stiff drink. It is one of the most atmospheric hidden gems in Dallas for music lovers.
Run by the world-famous Meow Wolf art collective in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, The Real Unreal is an interactive and immersive art experience for the whole family, alongside 34 public art installations, galleries, studios, murals, and more across the Grapevine area.
The area surrounding Greenville Avenue offers some of the best nightlife in Dallas with a casual college-town vibe. Standout spots include Truck Yard, The Libertine Bar, The Old Crow, Swizzle tiki bar, Wabi House for modern Japanese cuisine, and Son of a Butcher for wagyu burgers and sliders.
Visit the Truck Yard
Visit The Libertine Bar
Visit The Old Crow
Visit Swizzle
Visit Wabi House
Visit Son of a Butcher
