A few months ago I thought it would be fun to drive 16 hours from Florida to Texas and spend a few weeks with my best friend, Jessi. So I did! I’m really taking advantage of this trip. I’m going to get to know the Dallas metro area while I have some free time, and lucky you, I’ve shared my tips!

Here’s my guide for your next weekend in Dallas.

If you’ve got time to spend a weekend in Dallas, Texas – you’re in for a treat! 

Things to do in Dallas this Weekend

Visit the Farmer’s Market in Dallas

Every weekend in Dallas there is a huge farmers market in the arts district. There are hundreds of stands with all sorts of food, plants, fresh vegetables, soaps, Dallas-themed T-shirts – you name it! Of course it’s free to walk around, but I couldn’t resist buying a few things here and there.

Jessi’s favorite part was the fried pudding section – YUM.

They have lots of festivals scheduled throughout the year. Check their website to see what’s happening, you might be around for the Margarita or Tamale festival.

I saw about 11 dogs while we were there – so 10/10 recommend a trip here. For those of you just joining this adventure, I have an obsession with dogs. Welcome!

Earn your green thumb at Ruibal’s

Next door to the farmer’s market is Ruibal’s Plants of Texas. You guys, I’ve never been big on plants, but I think I might start! 

With their very own flower bar, they can help you start planting. I might need this, since I don’t know much about planting and succulents are super “in” right now. Ruibal’s owns their own plant nursery, almost 130 greenhouses all inside Dallas, so they have tons of plant species to checkout – tropical, shrubbs, trees, floral and vegetable.

Get birds-eye views from the Reunion Tower

Get a panoramic view of Dallas from the top of the Reunion Tower! Not only can you see all of Dallas, but you can also enjoy dining and cocktails from the observation deck. 

Relax at Klyde Warren Park

Located in the heart of the city is Klyde Warren Park. This 5.2 acre park serves as a gathering space for Dallas and all its visitors. The “urban green space” always has something going on. Visitors can check out free activities like  yoga, lecture series, outdoor concerts and films.

If I lived in Dallas, I have a feeling I would spend a lot of my time here. Find me during Food Truck Monday and Zumba on Thursdays – ha! 

It’s like a mini central park. The park is surrounded by towering buildings and has walking trails, a dog park, food trucks, children’s play area and a games area. Be sure to check out the events in Dallas while you’re visiting. 

Check out the art museums in Dallas

There are 4 museums within walking distance of Klyde Warren Park. So Jessi and I stopped in the Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum. It was a nice break from the Texas sun (you’d think growing up in Florida I would be used to the heat – NOPE).

Within walking distance of Klyde Park, you can visit these museums:

• Dallas Museum of Art
• Nasher Sculpture Museum
• Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Crow Museum is always free, but they so accept donations. 

Go under the sea at the Dallas Aquarium 

Pot-bellied seahorse, Zebra angelfish, Madagascar big-headed turtles and more! The Dallas Aquarium is a can’t-miss stop when visiting Texas. Learn all about the different species by attending the Feeding and Talks talk. It’s an easy walk from anywhere Downtown. 

The Best Time to Visit Dallas

The best time to visit Dallas, Texas is fall, winter or early spring. Jessi and I spent the weekend walking around downtown in the middle of summer and I would NOT RECOMMEND it. The temperature is between 90 – 100 degrees and being surrounded by buildings, it feels a lot hotter.

If you have a bit more time, check out best day trips from Dallas.

Where to Stay in Dallas

Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown

I love Hotel Indigo. Angie and I have stayed in a few over the years in Waco, Savannah and London. It’s a brand I know I can trust for clean, safe, consistent accommodations, no matter where we go.

It’s not the same hotel in 60+ locations like most hotels. Each property feels like a one-off boutique with its own look, feel, scents, food and ambiance. No two are alike, so while it’s always a consistent service experience, each property reflects its neighborhood in a unique way! 

Price: Between $100 – $200 a night

Address: 1933 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201-5207

Pet friendly: YES!

Click here for prices and more details about Hotel Indigo Dallas.

Omni Dallas Hotel

The GORGEOUS Omni Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Dallas right across the street from the Dallas Convention Center. 

Price: Starting at $200 a night 

Address: 555 S Lamar Dallas, Texas 75202

Pet friendly: YES!

Click here for prices and more details about Omni Dallas Hotel.

Hyatt Regency Dallas

Get gorgeous views of the iconic Dallas landmark Reunion Tower when you stay at the Hyatt Regency. Within walking distance of all the attractions I mentioned above. 

Price: Starting at $175

Address: 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75207

Pet friendly: YES!

Click here for prices and more details about Hyatt Regency Dallas.

If you have a larger group or would prefer to have a kitchen and more space to spread out, check out these Airbnbs and vacation rentals in Dallas.

Now that you’ve fully planned your weekend in Dallas, let me share my backstory on how I came to this town!

12 years ago I met Jessi in middle school and we immediately became best friends. She dyed my hair green, introduced me to Chinese food and to this day is the biggest Jonas Brothers fan.

Throwback to 2007 – We were the coolest.

Her family moved to Texas our first year of high school. I obviously thought my life was over because my best friend was moving halfway across the country. I would have to go through the scariest years of life alone and I’d never see her again (the mind of a 15 year old).

BUT, because airplanes and cars exist, we stayed in touch and visit each other at least once a year.  YAY!

Talk about a glow-up.

Fun fact: my best friend, Angie’s best friend AND our mom’s best friend all live in Dallas.

Jessi flew to Orlando, we spent a couple of days at Universal, then started our 16 hour trek to Texas. And because she’s here, I get to share my tips and tricks to spending a weekend in Dallas. I hope this guide has helped you plan your next trip to Texas!

 

Have you been to Dallas? What did I miss? Tell me in the comments and I’ll be sure to check it out next time!

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