Weekend Getaway Guide: Dallas

If you’re looking for a great spot for your family’s next weekend getaway, make sure you consider Dallas as a potential destination.

My oldest daughter and I went earlier this month, and while it was for one for NCA, one the biggest cheerleading competitions in the USA – we were fortunate to fit in some great things to see and do. AND EAT!

Truth is, for us, some of the best weekend trips have been a result of going because of kid activities. I’m grateful for them because some of these locations might have never been that high on my radar otherwise.

If you need convincing check out my weekend guide features on San Diego, and Louisville.

A sign in front of a large city

 

Weekend Getaway Guide: Dallas

As the third-largest city in Texas – and the ninth-largest in the nation – Dallas offers something to see and do for everyone, and since it’s blessed with solid weather year-round, it makes a great destination regardless of the season. It was unseasonally rainy and chilly when we went, but compared to the frigid cold of our Canadian March – it was still a nice swap. 

Are you planning to spend a few days in the great city of Dallas? Here are my recommendations around where you should stay, places to eat, and things you should do while you’re in town:

 

 

WHERE TO STAY IN DALLAS:

Unless you have a reason to stay in the suburbs, try to find a place to stay in Dallas that’s as close to the city center as possible. That’s where all the action is, and it serves as a true central hub for many of the area’s attractions. Good thing there are plenty of options for accommodations in this area! 

A statue in front of a building

One hotel which has glowing reviews is the Sheraton Dallas Hotel is a comfortable property with updated rooms and a pool your little ones will enjoy. For suite-style accommodations, consider the Home2 Suites By Hilton Dallas downtown at Baylor Scott & White, where you’ll find rooms equipped with kitchenettes, high-definition televisions, and easy access to the outdoor pool.

If staying in the heart of the city doesn’t matter much, and you’re willing to drive to reach the city’s main attractions, your family may also want to consider an Airbnb. Dallas has a thriving Airbnb market with plenty of great options, like this luxury rental well-equipped to handle families on the go.

If you take this route, renting a car is the way to go, yet I know some that took public transit and it was affordable and simple to navigate. Decide which is best for you, especially time-wise, and make a plan! 

 

WHERE TO EAT IN DALLAS:

When you’re in Texas, food is your friend. Dallas is up there on the best eats of all my travels. Man, did we eat like kings during our stay. 

First of all, you need to grab some BBQ! Luckily, there are some tons of BBQ restaurants to choose from, and we hit a couple during our stay in the area. We loved Ten50 BBQ for being unique with great food. The highlight for me was being served from smoker straight to sheet plate. That was a first!

A plate of food and a bottle on a table, with Dallas and Travel

A cheaper option was Spring Creek Barbecue, which filled us up the day we left and made a great final impression. Tip: don’t pass on the fresh bread loafs offered while you dine, they are incredible.

I was told by many locals that Cattleack Barbeque is the one spot you can’t miss – as long as you’re in town on a Thursday or Friday. This spot only opens a couple of times each week to serve up some of the finest brisket, beef ribs, and hot links you’ll find anywhere around. If you’re dead-set on getting to taste whatever you want, get there early. They open at 10:30 a.m. and when something’s sold out, it’s gone.

Not in the mood for BBQ? How about some Korean fusion? If you’re a family of semi-adventurous eaters, Bbbop Seoul Kitchen is a great quick-serve spot in Dallas where you can find some of the city’s best fried chicken served with a side of kimchi fries. You can also find Korean-inspired small plates and rice bowls to satisfy your hunger.

One spot that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth is Dallas’ best ice cream parlor, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. Not only does this local chain serve up some of the tastiest ice cream in the area, it supports the community by hiring workers with special needs. Don’t leave without trying their trademark flavor – Dr Pepper Chocolate Chip!

 

WHAT TO DO IN DALLAS:

Your family vacation to Dallas absolutely must include a stop at the Dallas Zoo. This zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, from lemurs to leopards, and even contains a special Children’s Zoo dedicated to younger guests. This outdoor play space doubles as a fun place to see and interact with some of the zoo’s friendlier critters and will make a memorable experience for your little ones. You can even make an appointment to feed the giraffes! 

A penguin swimming in the water

If you’re looking to beat the heat and spend a few hours indoors, Dallas is home to a couple of museums that the whole family will enjoy. Pay a visit to the Frontiers of Flight Museum to see planes spanning the last century, or explore the Perot Museum of Nature and Science for lots of fun and interactive exhibits.

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try Trinity Forest Adventure Park. This aerial park encourages visitors to navigate ropes courses filled with nets, ladders, tight ropes, bridges, and other obstacles to overcome, and with courses geared toward guests as young as four, your whole family will have fun with this one – as long as nobody has a fear of heights! If that isn’t thrilling enough, you can also fly through the treetops on one of the park’s many ziplines.

A statue in front of a building

 

Now that you’re equipped with the best places to stay, spots to eat, and things to do in Dallas, it’s time to plan your trip!

Go forth and enjoy all this Texan city has to offer! If you’ve visited the area before – or you’re lucky enough to call yourself a local – leave a comment and let me know whether or not your favourite spots made my list. In other words, help me plan my next trip!

– Also check out my Weekend Guide to San Diego!

 
 

2 Comments

  1. New resident of the Dallas area here. So far after just over a month in Texas I must recommend Pecan Lodge a barbecue place in the Deep Ellum part of Texas. I must also recommend you visit more of Deep Ellum, perhaps the pie shop next to Pecan Lodge. The whole neighborhood though is culturally amazing. Very near Baylor Medical Center.

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