9 Experiences You Can’t Miss in DFW
The Dallas–Fort Worth area offers unforgettable experiences for every visitor. You can't miss the historic cattle drives at Fort Worth Stockyards, exploring America’s largest arts district in downtown Dallas, kayaking the Trinity River, touring AT&T Stadium, and wandering the Dallas Arboretum’s stunning gardens. Round out your trip with visits to The Sixth Floor Museum, Klyde Warren Park, Reunion Tower for sunset views, and the Perot Museum’s interactive exhibits. These nine destinations showcase the best of what DFW has to offer.
Image: Kevin1086, KWP East Side, CC BY-SA 3.0
Witness the Historic Cattle Drive at Fort Worth Stockyards
While many cities celebrate their heritage through museums and monuments, Fort Worth brings history to life twice daily through its iconic cattle drive. At 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., you'll witness authentic cowhands guiding Texas Longhorn steers down East Exchange Avenue, continuing a tradition that earned Fort Worth its “Cowtown” nickname. Position yourself along the sidewalks or on the raised porches at Stockyards Station for the best views of this free attraction. The Fort Worth Herd comprises 17 Longhorns—one for each decade of Fort Worth’s history—honoring more than 170 years of heritage. After watching these magnificent animals parade through the Stockyards, enhance your visit with rodeo festivities nearby or explore local culinary delights. You can even meet the drovers, learn about cattle-driving history, and snap photos with the Longhorns before they return to their pens—a living embodiment of the Chisholm Trail’s legacy.
Explore the Nation’s Largest Arts District in Downtown Dallas
As you venture into downtown Dallas, you'll discover America's largest contiguous urban arts district spanning about 118 acres across roughly 20 city blocks. This cultural powerhouse also showcases work by multiple Pritzker Prize–winning architects, including I. M. Pei’s Meyerson Symphony Center and Renzo Piano’s Nasher Sculpture Center. Don’t miss these highlights:
- World-class venues – Explore the Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Museum of Asian Art, and AT&T Performing Arts Center within a walkable urban space.
- Engaging community events – Experience free programming like block parties and outdoor performances.
- Diverse artistic expressions – Immerse yourself in visual arts, symphony, opera, and ballet in a tight cluster of venues.
Kayak Through the Heart of DFW on Trinity River
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Flowing through the urban landscape of Dallas–Fort Worth, the Trinity River features a 130-mile paddling trail that links nine cities across three counties, with 21 official access points. It’s an NPS-designated National Water Trail—and the only one in Texas—blending skyline views with unexpected pockets of nature. Launch from popular spots like Panther Island Pavilion (Fort Worth) or Trammell Crow Park (Dallas). Outfitters such as Trinity River Kayak Company and TC Paddlesports offer rentals, tours, and sunset paddles. With access points connecting to hike-and-bike trails, the Trinity creates an outdoor oasis right in the metroplex’s heart.
Experience America’s Team at AT&T Stadium
Image: Michael Barera, Arlington June 2020 4 (AT&T Stadium), CC BY-SA 4.0
From the flowing waters of the Trinity to the electric atmosphere of pro football, AT&T Stadium is the crown jewel of Arlington’s entertainment district. Affectionately known as “Jerry World,” it offers more than Cowboys games—there’s a substantial art collection, a retractable roof, and massive center-hung video boards. Before moving here, the Cowboys played at Texas Stadium from 1971–2008. With capacity topping 100,000, you’ll feel the energy whether you’re attending a game, concert, or guided tour.
Immerse Yourself in Nature at Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden spans 66 acres along White Rock Lake, with 19 themed gardens from the tranquil Palmer Fern Dell to the iconic Woman’s Garden. Seasonal shows—Dallas Blooms in spring and Pumpkin Village in fall—draw huge crowds. The Arboretum surpassed one million annual visitors in 2016 and again in 2017, reaching the milestone earlier in 2017; visitors come from all 50 states and 90+ countries. Bring a picnic, catch a Cool Thursdays concert, or simply enjoy the blooms.
Step Back in Time at The Sixth Floor Museum
Image: Dakota L., Dallas County Admin Building, CC BY-SA 4.0
Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza presents carefully interpreted history surrounding President Kennedy’s 1963 assassination. Exhibits include more than 90,000 artifacts, multimedia that frames the 1960s, and a reconstruction of the sniper’s perch. Operated by a nonprofit foundation, the museum is supported by admissions, retail, donations, and grants (including federal humanities grants), rather than exclusively by ticket sales. Plan ahead; this popular site often sees lines.
Discover Urban Greenspace at Klyde Warren Park
Ingeniously built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre urban deck park that links Uptown and the Arts District. You’ll find about 322 trees, native plantings, a children’s playground, dog park, and daily (often free) programming—from yoga to live music. It opened in 2012 and has become a central community hub, an engineering feat that turned a highway trench into vibrant public space.
Catch a Spectacular Texas Sunset From Reunion Tower
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Standing 561 feet tall, Reunion Tower’s glowing geodesic sphere houses the GeO-Deck observation level at roughly 470 feet. Book timed tickets for sunset, step onto the outdoor platform for 360-degree views, and use interactive touchscreens to spot landmarks from the Trinity River to the skyline’s signature bridges. After dark, the LED light show adds a dazzling finale.
Cool Off at Perot Museum’s Interactive Science Exhibits
When Texas heat hits, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science delivers with 11 permanent exhibit halls across five floors. Explore Texas ecosystems in Discovering Life Hall, try hands-on geology in Dynamic Earth, and don’t miss the Lyda Hill Gems & Minerals Hall—home to the giant “Grape Jelly” amethyst geode you can “crack open,” plus the striking “Eyes of Africa” fluorite. Bird lovers can head to the Rose Hall of Birds with its interactive Build-a-Bird and flight experiences, while the Expanding Universe Hall brings astronomy to life. A rotating slate of special exhibitions—like the current Bug Lab—keeps things fresh year-round.