Dallas Museum of Art

The DMA is one of the largest art museums in America, located in the nation's largest arts district in downtown Dallas. Its collection contains over 23,000 works of art from all cultures and time periods spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection is a special highlight. The Reves' impressive collection of Impressionist art is displayed in a reproduction of their French villa and includes original watercolors by their dear friend Winston Churchill.

Sixth Floor Museum

Located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, the Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Visitors can look out the window where Lee Harvey Oswald aimed his rifle and see the white X on the street where Kennedy's limo paraded below. The thorough and engaging exhibition is a must-see for any lover of history. 

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Opened in May 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located about 10 minutes north of downtown Dallas on the SMU campus. The museum's exhibits include A Nation Under Attack, Life in the White House, the interactive Decision Points Theater, and a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office. The museum also displays many gifts given to the President and First Lady by people around the world as well as other artifacts gathered during their time in the White House. 

Nasher Sculpture Center

The Nasher Sculpture Center is home to one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world. Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher features works by Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Moore, Giacometti, de Kooning, and Calder. The Nasher's pleasant outdoor garden is a delightful place to spend an afternoon. 

Klyde Warren Park

Opened in 2012, the new Klyde Warren Park creates green space “out of thin air” that connects the vibrant Uptown neighborhood with the Dallas Arts District and downtown. Featuring jogging trails, food trucks, chess, croquet, a putting green, ping pong tables, and live music, Klyde Warren Park is a great place to spend a fun, laid-back afternoon soaking up some Texas sun. 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot Museum, opened in 2012, features exhibits on science and natural history. It is located in Victory Park just north of downtown Dallas, across Woodall Rodgers Freeway. 

NorthPark Center

Needing some retail therapy? NorthPark Center is consistently ranked among the top five shopping destinations in the country and, in 2007, was named one of the "7 Retail Wonders of the Modern World" by Shopping Centers Today. Big, upscale, and design-conscious, NorthPark is Dallas personified. NorthPark is a 10 minute drive from downtown Dallas.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

With 19 named gardens over 66 acres of finely manicured grounds, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of Dallas' premier landmarks. Your Instagram will appreciate the Arboretum's gorgeous views of White Rock Lake and downtown Dallas. The Dallas Arboretum is a 15 minute drive from downtown.

Meadows Museum

The Meadows Museum houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. Known as the "Prado on the Prairie," the museum's collection includes works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Goya, Sorolla, and Picasso. The Meadows Museum is located on the SMU campus about 10 minutes north of downtown Dallas.

Dallas Zoo

Established in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas. Its newest exhibit, Giants of the Savanna, is very popular and houses four elephants, a pride of four lions, and a family of three cheetahs, as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and other African animals. The Dallas Zoo is a 10 minute drive south of downtown Dallas. 

Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is located in downtown Dallas in the Historic West End.