The best 3 day Dallas itinerary for your next visit to Dallas, TX
3 Day Dallas Itinerary: Explore the Best of the Big D – Welcome to Dallas!
Welcome to Dallas, Texas! Known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and mouthwatering cuisine, Dallas is a city that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this 3-day itinerary is designed to help you explore the highlights of “Big D” while making the most of your time. Get ready for a journey filled with historic landmarks, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive in!
Attractions in Dallas / Ft. Worth you will visit using this itinerary
Here’s a quick list of the incredible places you’ll visit during your 3 days in Dallas/Ft. Worth area trip:
- Dallas Downtown Sightseeing Tour that will include:
- Founder’s Plaza Observation Area
- Old Red Museum
- John Neely Bryan Cabin
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
- Pioneer Plaza
- Dallas City Hall
- Thanks-Giving Square
- First Baptist Dallas fountain plaza
- Deep Ellum area
- Wilson Block historic neighborhood
- Dallas Arts District
- Klyde Warren Park
- Highland Park
- McKinney Avenue restaurant district in Uptown
- West End
- Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Deep Ellum dining hotspots
- Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum, or Dallas Arboretum (Optional)
- NorthPark Shopping Center (Optional)
- Fort Worth Stockyards
- Fort Worth Water Gardens
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing (Optional)
Day 1: Discover Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas, the Sixth Floor Museum and Deep Ellum
Start your journey with a deep dive into Dallas’ history and culture. Explore the downtown area with a guided sightseeing tour, visit the historic Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza often referred to the JFK Museum, and end your first day in Dallas at one of the top restaurants in Deep Ellum.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at your hotel or local breakfast stop in Downtown Dallas | Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day. |
| 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Dallas Downtown Sightseeing Tour | Book the tour here. Fees: ~$63 per person. |
| 1:30 PM | Lunch in Downtown Dallas | Plan to have lunch in Downtown, there are many options within walking distance or take a 5 minute uber to the Dallas Farmers Market. |
| 3:00 PM | The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza | Visiting the Sixth Floor Museum will give you the full experience of this downtown visit. Notes: Closed on Mon/Tues and last tickets are sold at 4:15pm. Admission: $25/adult. More info. |
| 5:30 PM | Recharge OR Explore | Head back to your hotel to recharge before heading out for dinner, OR if you are up for it, take an Uber straight to Deep Ellum to do some exploring before dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner in Deep Ellum | Deep Ellum has so many great restaurant options. Check out top rated restaurants ahead of time but here are some recommendations: BBQ: Terry Black’s BBQ, Pecan Lodge Pizza: Cane Rosso Sushi: Deep Sushi I’ll stop here because I am getting hungry! |
Day 2: Personalize this Day for You! Choose from Culture, Nature, and Shopping in Dallas
Tailor your second day of your 3 day Dallas visit, to fit what you enjoy doing the most. If you enjoy art, you will enjoy the Dallas Museum of Art and its free! If the weather is nice, you might prefer to join nature and beauty of the Dallas Arboretum. The Perot Museum is a great option of summer days and those with younger visitors. There are so many options to explore Dallas’ cultural gems, enjoy it’s nature, or indulge in some retail therapy :-).
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at your hotel | As always start your day right with a full breakfast and some good coffee! Always a must on each day! |
| 9:00 AM | Morning activity options | Dallas Museum of Art (Free but need to reserve a entry ticket) Perot Museum ($23 – $33) Dallas Arboretum ($20 – $26) Dallas Aquarium ($22 – $32) |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | We recommend finding a great Tex-Mex or Mexican restaurant – This is a must when visiting any area Texas! |
| 1:30 PM | Afternoon activity options | Shopping at NorthPark Center Strolling through Klyde Warren Park |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner in Uptown or Knox-Henderson | Dining spots recommendations: The Rustic |
Day 3: Fort Worth Adventure
Explore Dallas’ neighboring city: Ft. Worth on this last day of of your 3 day itinerary in Dallas.
On your last day in the Dallas are, take a road trip to Fort Worth to experience the historic Stockyards, unique shopping, and scenic strolls.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at your hotel | Fuel up before your drive. |
| 9:00 AM | Drive to Fort Worth Stockyards | Approx. 40-minute drive, depending on the day of the week! |
| 10:00 AM | Fort Worth Stockyards | Don’t miss the cattle drive at 11:30 AM! More info. |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch at the Stockyards | Try some steak recommendations: H3 Ranch or Riscky’s BBQ. |
| 3:00 PM | Fort Worth Water Gardens | Free admission. Details here. |
| 4:30 PM | Optional stop: Bureau of Engraving and Printing | Self-guided tours. Free. Learn more. |
| 6:00 PM | Drive back to Dallas | Relax and enjoy your evening. |
Conclusion
With this 3-day Dallas itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Dallas and its neighboring city, and Fort Worth area. From historic landmarks to cultural activities to enjoying some awesome food, your adventure will be packed with unforgettable memories. Use this guide to plan your trip and don’t forget to book your tours and tickets in advance to save time. Happy travels!
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