48 Hours in Dallas

Day One

Morning

Start your morning with a big, tasty breakfast from Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, featuring traditional breakfast items and local favorites like the pork tinga tacos made with spicy pulled pork, potatoes, scrambled eggs, avocado, cheddar cheese, homemade salsa and sour cream.

Then choose from several sightseeing options, all walkable from the Omni Dallas Hotel. The historic Dealey Plaza is the site where John F. Kennedy was assassinated. There you’ll find The Sixth Floor Museum located in the former Texas School Book Depository building. The museum highlights the impact of Kennedy’s death on the nation and the world.

Adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center is Pioneer Plaza, home to the largest public open space in the central business district. There, you’ll find bronze sculptures by Texas artist Robert Summers, native plants and trees, as well as a flowing stream and waterfall. 

Those who prefer shopping can take a short walk to the original flagship store and corporate headquarters for Neiman Marcus at 1618 Main St. The structure is recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark, and shoppers will find all the best name brands with the added bonus of Texas history and historic charm.

Afternoon

Visit the nearby Uptown neighborhood, a vibrant live-work-play community with trendy bars and restaurants, and some of the best shopping in town. For lunch, try Crushcraft Thai Street Eats for traditional Thai street food or Mi Cocina for upscale Tex-Mex.

Or, take in some Texas flavor by making the drive to Fort Worth. First, stop for lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s, which specializes in fajitas and Mexican soft drinks. Then head to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Real-life cattle drives happen twice daily, and the stockyards original brick walkways and wooden corrals give a true feel for Texas’ famous livestock industry. Pick up a souvenir at shops selling authentic cowboy gear, vintage records and more.

Evening

Back in Dallas, poised high above the Dallas skyline atop Reunion Tower, Crown Block offers a culinary experience to surpass that of the typical steakhouse, complemented by an approachable, stylish environment in celebration of all things grilled, seared and roasted. A fine balance between steak, seafood and plant-based cuisine, featuring ingredients from regional farms, ranches and the Gulf of Mexico.

Next, head to the happening neighborhood east of downtown, Deep Ellum, which features an exploding music and art scene with more than 30 live music venues. You might also try relaxing on one of the great patios in Trinity Groves or go bar-hopping on Greenville Avenue where you’ll find a plethora of watering holes from upscale lounges to timeless dive bars such as the local favorite, Ships Lounge.

Day Two

Morning

For breakfast, dine at Oddfellows in the Bishop Art District, where you can enjoy mimosas, bloody marys and breakfast favorites like fried chicken and waffles. Fully satiated, enjoy some of Dallas’ culture. Nearby museums include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Museum of Art, The Crow Collection of Asian Art and Nasher Sculpture Center—all walkable from Omni. Or, visit the Dallas World Aquarium, featuring coral reef and kelp forest ecosystems, naturalistic displays and a 20,000-gallon walkthrough tunnel.

Afternoon

Make your way to Klyde Warren Park. This modern, urban green space located between downtown and the Arts District offers free daily activities such as boot camp, yoga, readings and outdoor concerts. When you get hungry, walk over to the popular food trucks that show up daily and choose from a variety of culinary options featuring cuisine from around the world with a distinctly Texas flair. After fueling up, visit the Old Red Museum. Built in 1892, the museum shows off local history with everything from fossils and war weapons to sports paraphernalia. Exhibits transition several times through the year. Or, opt for a city tour with Fun Dallas Tours, which offers a variety of options, including “create your own” combinations and private tours.

If visiting in the Fall, be sure to check out the State Fair of Texas. Held annually since 1886, this 24-day event takes over Dallas' art deco Fair Park with rides & games, live music, agricultural exhibits and food vendors from around the globe.

Evening

After soaking up some Dallas history and sightseeing, experience Omni Dallas Hotel's signature restaurant, Bob’s Steak & Chop House. At this classic steak house you’ll find incredible cuts of prime beef and impeccable service. Or, head to Meso Maya for dinner. Known for its fresh food authentic to the interior of Mexico, you won’t want to miss their famous avocado margarita.   

For evening entertainment (if the season is right), sports lovers can catch a Dallas Stars hockey game or Dallas Mavericks basketball game. Both professional teams play at the American Airlines Center in nearby Victory Park. The Victory Park area also offers plenty of nightlife options including Te Deseo and the Happiest Hour. 

If you prefer a second dose of city culture, consider a Broadway show at Music Hall at Fair Park or a night out at Winspear Opera House. On the third Friday of each month, May through October, you can enjoy ‘til Midnight at the Nasher, Nasher Sculpture Center, which features live outdoor concerts paired with film screenings free in the garden.

If you have more time...

If you have extra time, visit South Fork Ranch, where the famous 1980s show “Dallas” was filmed. Take a tour, a trail ride and even grab a souvenir. Another option for entertainment is the city’s AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play. The stadium is known for being the largest dome sports complex in the world and home to the largest indoor HDTV screen. In addition to football, the stadium hosts big-name concerts and other sporting events and entertainment.

The Omni Dallas Hotel concierge team contributed to this article.