Bishop Arts District
Tucked away in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, the Bishop Arts District gives you a delightful taste of Dallas local life. This hip, walkable area was originally developed around the turn of the 20th century, but its streets and Spanish-inspired architecture were nearly abandoned by the 1950s. It took a revitalization effort in the 80s and 90s to restore Bishop Arts to its current lively state filled with colorful murals, independent art galleries, unique boutiques, and some of Dallas’ best tacos and Tex-Mex cuisine. The Bishop Arts vibe is half artsy, half down-home Texas charm. You’ll find both folk artists selling intricate pieces alongside famous local restaurants like Veracruz All Natural and Glorias. Whether you spend an afternoon popping into quirky clothing stores like We Are 1976 or catching live music from the patio at ZAZA’s Baile Ranch Mexican Fare, this free-spirited pocket of Dallas promises a memorable experience all its own.
Address: 419 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (214) 370-9125
Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
If your group wants to slow down and immerse yourself in nature, pack a picnic lunch and head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre urban oasis was voted one of the world’s 15 incredible botanical gardens by Architectural Digest. With 19 lush gardens showcasing everything from traditional Japanese landscapes to seasonal flora spectacles like Dallas Blooms, the Arboretum offers endless tranquil pathways to wander in the heart of the city. History buffs will want to linger in the recreated gardens of Spain and study the 18th-century European influences on Dallas’ early architecture. Families with kids can make a beeline straight for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, where little ones can climb through whimsical storybook settings and explore a working solar-powered Bucky geodesic dome. Pack a change of clothes because the garden’s numerous splash fountains are almost impossible to resist in Dallas’ summer heat!
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Phone: (214) 515-6615
Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
You can’t beat the 360-degree panoramic views from the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. This iconic landmark in the heart of downtown Dallas isn’t just for pretty skyline photos – it’s a fully immersive, high-tech observation deck experience. Using interactive touch screens, your group will virtually explore the downtown Dallas landscape and learn about its history and architecture through cutting-edge technology. Ready to shake things up? Take your time on the GeO-Deck’s indoor/outdoor observation areas and enjoy its thrilling additions like walking on the clouds and taking a daredevil lean over Dallas from 500 feet above ground level! Along with stunning sunsets, the Tower’s observation deck offers events like yoga in the clouds and specialty cocktails at the loud radius spiral bar.
Address: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 712-7093
Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Arts
When you’re craving a break from city life but don’t want to stray too far from Downtown Dallas, the Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Arts is an idyllic escape tucked away in the Arts District. This unique art space is actually a free public park that seamlessly blends greenery with a rotating collection of contemporary sculptures created exclusively by Texas artists. Winding paths lead through serene gardens and enchanting water features that perfectly complement the large-scale metal, stone, and glass installations, creating a delightfully calming outdoor art museum. At only five acres, the Texas Sculpture Garden is one of the city’s most surprising yet compact little worlds for your group to explore and reflect amid sweeping skyline views. Make a point to check the park’s calendar for special events like free yoga sessions, live music, and food truck festivals.
Address: 2301 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Pioneer Plaza
Dallas takes pride in its Wild West roots, and Pioneer Plaza stands as a monument to the city’s frontier origins. At this iconic downtown park, your group can weave among the larger-than-life bronze sculptures of a 19th-century cattle drive like a scene out of an old Western film. This landmark public art installation is accompanied by a babbling waterfall meant to represent the life-giving flow of the Trinity River. Pioneer Plaza offers a great photo op with the iconic Cowboy keeping watch in his saddle. Once your posse has taken in the rustically charming public space, stroll across the street for another dose of Dallas heritage at the Sixth Floor Museum located in the former Texas School Book Depository. This somber, fascinating museum recounts the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy, forever linked to Dallas’ Dealey Plaza just a few blocks away.
Address: 1428 Young St, Dallas, TX 75201
North Park Center
Visitors to Dallas often hear about the immensely popular Galleria Dallas mall, but North Park Center is the place for an authentic taste of Dallas shopping and dining. This massive upscale shopping mecca was Dallas’ first true mall, opening in 1965, and remains the city’s best 360-degree indoor walkable experience. With eight anchor stores and over 235 shops like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Macy’s, this local institution was even named one of the nation’s Top 10 tourist attractions! And we haven’t even touched on the restaurants, from fine dining at places like Cruise Dallas to casual spots like Nazca Kitchen and True Food Kitchen. Groups can easily spend a full day at North Park sampling global cuisines and exploring niche boutiques in addition to major retail chains. Don’t forget to factor in the indoor park areas, painting exhibits, and regular community events that make this far more than just a shopping center.
Address: 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 361-6345
Top Golf
Looking for a non-traditional, group-friendly activity that keeps everyone engaged? Take a swing at Top Golf, the wildly popular sports entertainment complex centered around a driving range. But these aren’t your grandad’s driving ranges – Top Golf injects the classic game with modern tech that turns hitting golf balls into an interactive competition. Heated, covered bays keep the golf swinging rain or shine whilemica injections in the ball allow precise scoring tracking no matter where you whack it. You don’t have to be a seasoned golf pro to have a blast at Top Golf. Even total newbies can easily pick up the game while snacking on a menu of shareable appetizers or craft cocktails. Not to mention there’s plenty else to keep your group busy like pool tables and a concert area hosting live music. Top Golf locations feature sprawling outdoor patio “yards” filled with outdoor seating and games, great for when the Texas weather is just too nice to stay inside.
Address: 8787 Park Ln #400, Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: (214) 501-5899
Plan Your Dallas Adventure With Party Buses Dallas
Dallas has a wealth of overlooked attractions and quirky hangouts peppered throughout its diverse neighborhoods, especially in the funky Bishop Arts District and hip Cedars area near downtown. Hiring an experienced local company like Party Buses Dallas is the easiest way to have experts show your group the secret side of the BIG D without stress. No need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads, finding parking, or keeping everyone together through busy traffic. The Party Buses Dallas team does it all, providing the perfect luxe ride complete with coolers and killer sound systems to keep the party vibes rolling from one Dallas hidden gem to the next. Give them a call at 469-430-0949 to plan your group’s comfortable, personalized Dallas tour today!