As a native Texan and longtime Dallasite, I’m often caught wondering why my old stomping ground never took off as a premier tourist destination. Our culture is diverse and vibrant, celebrity chefs like TV’s Tom Colicchio and Bobby Flay have praised our cuisine, our many attractions, museums, performance venues, and theme parks rank among the world’s best, even casinos are within an hour’s drive, and compared to big names like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Miami, we offer it all for nearly half the price.

And yet, when’s the last time you heard “vacation in Dallas?” Seriously, say it aloud to better test your recall. Never, right? Turns out that Dallas is visited most often by other Texans, and while we certainly enjoy a thriving tourist business here in “The Big D”, our out-of-state travel just doesn’t compete with the big dogs.

But it’s time for that to change. It’s time to delve into the abundant riches that Dallas, Texas vacations can offer. It’s the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, and it’s time we had something to show for it.

But first…

Some Common Misconceptions

Perhaps one problem with Dallas, and in fact all of Texas, is that it’s plagued by misinformation and misunderstandings about what this place is really like. It’s not unusual – I’ve heard that everyone from New York is rude – but it’s also not true. So let’s clear up some misconceptions.

Misconception #1 – All Texas is the Same

Think about it: Texas covers over 268 million square miles; it’s more than 50% larger than California. Its population passed over 23 million in 2007. The idea that there could be that many people over that much land and not one person would have a personality of his or her own is outright impossible. Texas is alive with a blend of cultures and backgrounds to rival any other US state. Simple as that.

Misconception #2 – Texas is Ugly

The Texas government is partly to blame for advertising our open plains so heavily. For sure, some might find a certain peacefulness in the wide open plains, but it relays the belief that there’s no green in this place, which just isn’t true. Dallas is flush with bustling parks brimming with wildlife. It even snows!

Misconception #3 – Horses

Horses are a class of misconception all to the themselves in Texas, more or less revolving around who rides them and to where. Here’s the truth: nobody rides horses anywhere. Unless you work at a ranch, you will see neither horses nor cowboys. We don’t ride them to school; we don’t ride them to work. If you’re in Dallas and you want to see a horse, it will probably cost you money.

Misconception #4 – Texas is the South

Historically we’re aligned with the South, but culturally and aesthetically Texas is southwest all the way. Home of the world’s finest Tex-Mex (and no wonder why), the personality, architecture, and cuisine of Texas have much more in common with New Mexico and Arizona than Louisiana, our closest eastern neighbors. We do agree with the South that barbeque is worthy of national pastime status, but even that we do our own way.

Misconception #5 – It’s too Hot in Texas

… … … define too. Okay, yeah, it’s hot. But I’m not recommending you visit during August. All the hot temperatures mean is that down here we have a Spring/Autumn tourist season rather than a summer one. Beat the crowds with an April getaway and the weather will be just right.

This list could go on, but that’s enough to get you started. This is a travel article, after all.

Dallas, Texas Vacations

First Things First

You either want to stay by the airport, downtown, or in north Dallas. For east coast travelers, airport for you will mean Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This place is a beast, the nation’s second largest by land area, but it’s easy to navigate, and taxi fare is reasonable by city standards. Midwest and west coasters may have the opportunity to fly into Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). Not only is it a quick trip downtown, but Love Field is serviced almost exclusively by Southwest Airlines whose rates and customer service satisfaction are consistently among the best.

When browsing hotels by Dallas Love Field, consider the Embassy Suites Dallas – Love Field.

Downtown Dallas, specifically the area around the Dallas Market Center and Hilton Anatole, is another great choice because you’ll be so incredibly close to everything. While a number of the city’s famous attractions are actually located in the nearby suburbs of Irving, Arlington, and Grapevine, what you will get out of Dallas proper you will find in the Market Center area. The Arts district is close by, as is the American Airlines Center, the World Aquarium, Fair Park, and Dealey Plaza.

For hotels by Dallas Market Center, I like the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas / Market Center Hotel.

North Dallas is a great choice for shopping enthusiasts and those traveling with families. You’ll also enjoy fairly quick access to the north Dallas suburbs of Richardson, Plano, and McKinney. Head up I-75 (also called Central) for about an hour more and you’ll find yourself beset by Oklahoma Indian casinos.

For north Dallas, Texas hotels, try Doubletree Dallas Hotel-Campbell Center

Which Would Bring Me to My Second Point

Rent a car. The title of the article isn’t “Not Big”, it’s “Not Just Big”. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a humongous place built in a humongous state, and a downside of having so much is that everything ends up kind of far apart.

There are certainly places where you can walk freely between entertainment destinations. The Arts District, a sprawling neighborhood of museums and arts venues, is worth a stroll, as are Fair Park, the West Village, Deep Ellum, and the West End. But to get more than a couple days out of Dallas without a vehicle will be fairly difficult.

Alright, So What Should You Do

Speaking of lists that could go on, here are some things to do in Dallas, Texas that might tease your palate:

The Dallas Arts District – Formerly recognized by the city, the Dallas Arts District is tight knit collection of some of “The Big D’s” most accredited museums, performance venues, and comedy clubs. Check out the Dallas Museum of Art (great modern art gallery), the Nasher Sculpture Garden, and the Trammel Asian Art Museum.

Deep Ellum – This exciting downtown district saw its peak in the mid-90s, but today it’s still a bustling collection of popular restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. Due to popularity, the area is well-patrolled by police and security.

West End – Also known as the Historic West End, this is a popular tourist stop in Dallas. You’ll find several restaurants and beautifully-restored buildings dating back to 1911. The Dallas World Aquarium is also in the West End.

Sixth Floor Museum – Located in the Texas School Book Depository, the 6th Floor Museum examines the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, who was quite-famously shot just below in Dealey Plaza.

Lone Star Park – Horseracing comes to Dallas at this state-of-the-art facility.

Six Flags Over Texas / Hurricane Harbor – The original Six Flags Amusement Park (and still the best). The park is home to the Texas Giant, at one time the largest wooden rollercoaster in the world. If it’s getting a little hot for you, Hurricane Harbor Water Park is located across the street.

State Fair of Texas – If at all possible you should try to visit late September through mid-October and spend a day at the State Fair of Texas. The largest in the country by a fairly wide margin (you noticing a pattern?), the State Fair of Texas hosts an unrivaled number of food stands, contests, musical acts, automotive displays, arts, crafts, and sundries booths, and so much more. Located at Fair Park.

Shopping – Too many options to reasonably list, but some standouts include the four-story Galleria for a little bit of everything, the Knox-Henderson District for upscale, boutique-style shopping and restaurants, Northpark Mall for a more traditional feel, and the West Village for a New York vibe. All are within ten minutes of downtown.

Sports – We’re proud to host four popular teams. You’ll see that Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium for one more season (2008-2009) before they move into their new, unnamed facility. The NFL’s Dallas Stars are consistent playoff contenders over at American Airlines Center, as are the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Finally, the Texas Rangers draw the crowds to the Ballpark in Arlington, a truly stunning stadium built like a castle.

So What Are You Waiting For?

The underlying benefit of everything is that unlike the major tourist stops I’ve mentioned before, Dallas is still primarily a local and business travel city, meaning that prices are still cheap. Take advantage of that by planning your next couples or family vacation in Dallas, Texas, where we’re proud to be big, but not just big.