Best Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth — 2026 Guide

Published March 20, 2026 · Updated weekly

Dallas and Fort Worth are two completely different cities that happen to share an airport. Dallas is cosmopolitan, Fort Worth is cowboy. Both are worth your time.

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Dallas: The Must-See

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

5.0⭐ (26,600+ reviews) · White Rock Lake The single highest-rated attraction in Dallas. 66 acres of gardens on the shore of White Rock Lake. Seasonal events make it worth visiting multiple times a year. View on TownHop →

Reunion Tower

5.0⭐ (18,500+ reviews) The Dallas skyline icon. The observation deck gives you 360° views of the city. Go at sunset. View on TownHop →

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

5.0⭐ (10,600+ reviews) · JFK assassination site American history preserved with incredible care. The exhibits are sobering and thorough. A must-visit regardless of your politics. View on TownHop →

White Rock Lake Park

5.0⭐ (5,000+ reviews) 9 miles of trails around a beautiful lake, right in the city. Running, biking, kayaking, or just sitting on the shore. View on TownHop →

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Dallas: The Food

Terry Black's Barbecue

5.0⭐ (12,400+ reviews) · Deep Ellum The Austin BBQ empire expanded to Dallas, and Dallas is grateful. Same legendary brisket, Deep Ellum location. View on TownHop →

The Woolworth

5.0⭐ (8,000+ reviews) Stunning restaurant in a historic building. The space alone is worth the visit — the food makes it unforgettable. View on TownHop →

Lockhart Smokehouse BBQ

5.0⭐ (4,200+ reviews) · Bishop Arts Lockhart-style BBQ in Dallas. The sausage is shipped from Kreuz Market. Purists approve. View on TownHop →

The Hampton Social

5.0⭐ (3,200+ reviews) East Coast beach vibes in downtown Dallas. The rosé flows, the seafood is fresh, and the Instagram wall is inevitable. View on TownHop →

San Martin Bakery and Restaurant

5.0⭐ (4,000+ reviews) Guatemalan bakery that Dallas has adopted as its own. The pastries and breakfast plates are worth the drive from anywhere in DFW. View on TownHop →

Henk's Deli and Black Forest Bakery

5.0⭐ (2,500+ reviews) German deli and bakery. The kind of place that makes its own bread, cures its own meats, and has a line out the door on Saturdays. View on TownHop →

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Dallas: The Bars & Entertainment

The Crafty Irishman

5.0⭐ (2,600+ reviews) · Irish pub The best Irish pub in Texas. Bold claim. The reviews back it up. View on TownHop →

Cidercade

5.0⭐ (3,100+ reviews) · Arcade + craft cider Over 170 arcade games + craft cider on tap. All games are free with cover. This concept shouldn't work as well as it does. View on TownHop →

Deep Ellum Art Co.

5.0⭐ (1,400+ reviews) · Live music, Deep Ellum Live music, comedy, art shows — the beating heart of Deep Ellum's creative scene. View on TownHop →

Emporium Pies

5.0⭐ (2,100+ reviews) · Dessert Pie as art. Every flavor is a small masterpiece. The Drunken Nut is life-changing. View on TownHop →

Texas Theatre

5.0⭐ (1,900+ reviews) · Historic cinema The theater where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. Now it shows indie films, hosts concerts, and serves cocktails. Only in Dallas. View on TownHop →

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Fort Worth: The Essentials

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

5.0⭐ (3,200+ reviews) Tadao Ando designed this building. The architecture is as important as the art. World-class modern and contemporary collection. View on TownHop →

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

4.8⭐ (5,100+ reviews) Dinosaurs, space, and hands-on science. Great for families, genuinely interesting for adults. View on TownHop →

Martin House Brewing Company

5.0⭐ (1,000+ reviews) · Craft brewery Fort Worth's best craft brewery. The taproom is the move — especially their sour beers. View on TownHop →

TX Whiskey Ranch

5.0⭐ (407 reviews) · Distillery tours Firestone & Robertson whiskey distillery with tours and tastings. The ranch setting makes it feel like a mini Texas vacation. View on TownHop →

Cidercade Fort Worth

5.0⭐ (2,100+ reviews) · Arcade + cider The Fort Worth version of the Dallas arcade hit. Same concept, same fun. View on TownHop →

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Explore everything in Dallas-Fort Worth at TownHop.