Dallas Like a Local: 4 Days of Food, Culture & Southern Swagger

Day 1: Dallas History & Skyline Views

Start your day with a heartwarming lavender latte at La La Land Kind Café, an inspiring café that employs foster youth. It’s a feel-good stop with a lot of charm. Then, take a short drive to The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where you can learn about the tragic 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots. Fun fact: the iconic Grassy Knoll across the street is one of the most photographed spots in the U.S. Afterward, take a stroll through Dealey Plaza and reflect on this moment in American history.

For lunch, head to Ellen’s, a local favorite for all-day Southern brunch dishes. Don’t miss their fried chicken and waffles! Later, make your way to Reunion Tower (known as “The Ball”) for stunning 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline. The tower was once the tallest building in the city, and today it’s a symbol of Dallas’s modern, cosmopolitan vibe. The view at sunset is breathtaking, so it’s definitely worth timing it right.

Finish your evening with dinner at CBD Provisions, where you can try their famous Berkshire pig head carnitas. Then, head downstairs to Midnight Rambler, a hidden speakeasy with a vintage vibe—perfect for creative cocktails and a cozy ambiance.

 

Day 2: Arts, BBQ & Local Flavor

Start your morning in the Arts District with coffee at Magnolias Sous Le Pont, a cozy spot under a bridge with colorful murals. From here, head to the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the U.S. with over 24,000 pieces ranging from classical to contemporary art. Right next door, the Nasher Sculpture Center houses an impressive collection of modern sculptures, many of which are set in a serene garden with sculptures by artists like Picasso and Rodin. Fun fact: The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the U.S.!
 

For lunch, make your way to Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, a must-visit for Texas BBQ lovers. This spot is considered by many as the best BBQ in Dallas, known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Arrive early or use the express line to avoid the long waits! After lunch, explore Deep Ellum, a funky neighborhood famous for its street art, music history, and local shops. Don’t miss the Museum of Memories, an interactive experience that immerses you in a nostalgic world of 80s and 90s pop culture.

Later, join the Secret Dallas Food Tour, where you’ll sample some of the city’s best food, including brisket tacos, Tex-Mex, and decadent sweets, all while learning the history and culture behind Dallas’s vibrant food scene. For dinner, head to The Charles, an upscale Italian-inspired spot popular among local chefs. It’s known for its bold flavors and glamorous design, offering a chic atmosphere to wrap up your day.

 

Day 3: Nature, Museums & Culinary Creativity

Fuel up with coffee from Merit Coffee Co. before visiting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a hands-on museum that’s perfect for families and anyone curious about the world. You’ll find everything from towering dinosaur skeletons to an earthquake simulator.

Afterward, head to Klyde Warren Park, an urban oasis built atop a freeway. This 5-acre park is a hub for food trucks, games, fountains, and live music. Fun fact: the park was designed to reconnect downtown Dallas to the surrounding neighborhoods, offering a green space in the heart of the city.
 

For lunch, stop by Savor in the park for delicious, locally sourced fare and a view of the greenery. Afterward, hop on the McKinney Avenue Trolley or stroll through the neighborhood to explore Uptown Dallas, a trendy area with great shopping and dining. You can also visit the Dallas World Aquarium, which houses a tropical jungle complete with sloths, manatees, and penguins. In the evening, take a hands-on cooking class at The Cookery Dallas, where you can learn Texas BBQ secrets or try your hand at fresh pasta making.

Afterward, relax with a rooftop drink at HG Sply Co. on Lower Greenville, a popular hangout offering stunning views of the Dallas skyline.

 

Day 4: Fort Worth Day Trip – Cowboys, Culture & Honky-Tonks

Rise early and drive 45 minutes west to Fort Worth, a city that offers a step back into the Old West. Start with breakfast at Sons of Liberty Coffee, a local veteran-owned café known for strong espresso and delicious breakfast tacos. From here, head to the Fort Worth Stockyards, a historic district where the Old West comes alive. Don’t miss the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive—a daily spectacle where cowboys drive a herd of longhorn cattle through the streets. Fun fact: Fort Worth was once known as "Cowtown" and played a key role in the cattle industry during the late 1800s.
 

For lunch, enjoy Riscky’s BBQ, a family-owned joint serving up classic Texas BBQ since 1927. Afterward, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame to learn about the legends of the rodeo and Western history. If you're in town on a Friday or Saturday night, check out the Cowtown Coliseum for an authentic rodeo experience.
 

In the afternoon, explore Sundance Square, Fort Worth’s lively downtown area, and visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for contemporary pieces from artists like Picasso and Warhol. Right next door, the Kimbell Art Museum offers a world-class collection, including works by Michelangelo and Monet. As the sun sets, head to Joe T. Garcia’s, a beloved Tex-Mex spot famous for its sprawling patio and delicious margaritas. Finally, end your day at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. Dance the night away to live country music or watch a wild indoor bull riding show—it’s an iconic Texan experience!