Dallas has a rich past and present, and is particularly famous for its Dallas Cowboys football team (and cheerleaders) and the long-running Dallas television series. The city is continuously growing and rising in status, and is noted for its commerce, excellent restaurants and fine shopping. There are also some great attractions nearby by car rental from Dallas.
Getting there
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is incredibly busy, with more than 1,500 daily flights daily. Located 25kms northwest of Dallas, the airport is well serviced by taxi, limo and shuttle. Keep an eye on national travel deals to Dallas. Alternatively, Love Field is a regional airport 12kms northwest of the city. Amtrak rail service is serviced from Union Station, in Dallas’ west end, with non-stop services from destinations on both coasts. Greyhound buses serve towns across the US but are the least comfortable means of travel.
By road with a rental car, Dallas is at the convergence of about a dozen major highways and easy to access from all points of the compass. Houston is south on I-45; Austin and San Antonio are southwest on the I-35.
Key attractions
The Sixth Floor Museum is a tribute to the life, death and legacy of John F Kennedy; while the Conspiracy Museum is an interesting attraction suggesting that Kennedy’s assassination was a coup d’tat attempt. Also worth seeing, the Dallas Arts District is dedicated to the fine and performing arts, and encompasses the dramatic Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center; the Trammel Crow Center Pavilion; and the Dallas Theater Center. The whole family can enjoy the hands-on Science Place, featuring attractions such as robotic dinosaurs, a medical gallery featuring a human brain and real beating heart, a planetarium and IMAX theatre.
Out and about
The nearby twin city of Fort Worth is also worth visiting, an easy drive by rental car from Dallas. Completely different in character, this city has preserved its legacy of the Chisolm Trail – largely responsible for establishing the city. More than 10 million cattle were driven through its center, en-route to the west, in the 1880s. Just 20 minutes southwest of Dallas by car rental, Six Flags Over Texas is one the oldest amusement parks in the US and features the thrilling Mr Freeze rollercoaster.
Leisure options
The nightlife in Dallas is vibrant, including performing arts and theater, as well as an assortment of bars and clubs. Additionally, shopping is a sport and a pastime here, with more shopping opportunities per capita than any other city in the United States. There are also great deals on national travel to Dallas. White Rock Lake, eight kilometres east of downtown Dallas (off Loop 12), is a popular area for outdoor recreation. Here, you can take part in cycling, skating, and running.
Safety
Like any large city, Dallas has its trouble spots which might not always be obvious to the visitor. Pickpockets as well as hazards while driving are all problems which affect tourists in an unfamiliar environment. We strongly advise on taking out travel insurance for yourself and anyone travelling in your party.