10 places to take guests if you want them to fall in love with North Texas
A visitor’s guide to 10 must-see spots in North Texas that make it stand out as one of the coolest places in the country.
“I’m from Dallas,” I say with a smile when someone asks about my hometown. I can’t help it—growing up in North Texas evokes some of the happiest memories of my life. Cotton candy kisses with my boyfriend at the State Fair, going to musicals with my best friend, taking my kids to see dinosaur fossils at the Perot Museum. Tiny moments of connection in places that are unlike any other.
But don’t take my word for it. Fall in love with North Texas for yourself by visiting some of the most amazing spots around. From admiring the stunning pumpkin displays at the Dallas Arboretum to finding hidden treasures at the flagship store of Half Price Books, there is something for everyone here.
But be warned: Once you start making Dallas/Fort Worth-sized memories, you’ll never want to leave.
1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The refreshing scent of flowers hits you first when you walk through the gates at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Soon after, you’ll be met with the most stunning arrangement of flowers you’ve ever seen, with thousands of blooms, peaceful water features, groves of pecan trees and magnolias, and more colorful beauty across its 66 acres.
Autumn at the Arboretum is one of my favorite seasonal displays, with over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash artfully arranged in a different theme each year. This fall, the Pumpkin Festival takes place from September 20 to November 2, featuring a celebration of Mexican culture with seven regions of Mexico reimagined and several sculptures by Oaxacan artists Jacobo and María Ángeles.
There’s always something going on here, from live music to cooking classes. Or you can just come for a peaceful picnic lunch, surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Half Price Books Flagship
Location: 5803 East Northwest Highway, Dallas
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
The key to any book lover’s heart? A trip to the Half Price Books’ flagship store, of course! It’s the largest HPB in the country and one of the top independent booksellers, too.
Grab a coffee from in-store La Casita Coffee, then browse their huge selection of books, DVDs, board games, video games, children’s section, collectible items, and more. The store also hosts author visits and signings on a regular basis.
A bookstore so large that you can literally get lost in the shelves? It’s a bibliophile’s dream! So many treasures abound in this location, both new and used. And for extra spending cash, bring items to sell.
3. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Location: 2201 North Field Street, Dallas
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Five levels of fascinating history, including dinosaur bones, diamonds, earthquakes, space, robots, make the Perot Museum of Nature and Science a can’t-miss North Texas attraction.
I learn something new every time I go—and not just because new exhibits and renovations happen regularly. Like the Bug Lab, open through Jan. 4, 2026, which features larger-than-life insects and the stories of how they make the world a better place. And the Moody Family Children’s Museum, newly reopened and featuring whimsical, creative, and cool things to explore.
You can also see impressive reconstructions of T. rex skeletons and get a peek at current research as paleontologists process newly uncovered fossils. Go on an intergalactic journey through space, see the insides of a human body, and try out the hands-on Sports Hall—are you faster than a cheetah? This fun and fascinating museum is full of wonders to explore.
4. Galleria Dallas
Location: 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
The best shopping, fantastic dining, and incredible entertainment options make Galleria Dallas one of the most iconic shopping centers in North Texas—and just a really fun place to hang out. The mall has more than 200 retailers, including the only GAP, Banana Republic, and Old Navy combo anchor in the world. I love window shopping at the designer stores, grabbing a bite to eat, and browsing at my favorite shops.
Galleria Dallas is always changing and growing. New and upcoming stores include Netflix House Dallas, featuring immersive experiences and dining; POP MART, home of the TikTok-viral Labubu dolls; and Alo, a wellness brand known for its popular leggings.
Of course, the Galleria Ice Skating Center is a favorite any time of year, but especially around the holiday season. An impressive 95-foot-tall Christmas tree stands tall in the middle of the rink, with twinkling lights you can see from any floor. Shopping here is truly an experience.
5. Broadway Dallas
Location: 909 1st Avenue, Dallas
Hours: Box office open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Showtimes vary
I’ll never forget my first Broadway Dallas show. I had to use binoculars to see the actors’ facial expressions because my seats were so far away in the nosebleeds—but I loved every second. Now I’m a season passholder because I can’t stand to miss even one of these fantastic, nationally touring musicals.
The Tony Award-winning “Life of Pi” is running Aug. 5-17 at the beautiful Winspear Opera House, followed by “The Wiz” Sept. 9-21, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical that reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Drama, music, heartbreak, love, laughter—it can all be found at Broadway Dallas.
6. Frontiers of Flight Museum
Location: 6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
The first time I visited the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field Airport, I was in awe. Historic aircraft, space vehicles, and 35,000 unique artifacts reside here—it’s truly a sight to behold. Where else can you walk around and gaze up at beautiful airplanes?
One gallery is all about early flyers, from Leonardo da Vinci to the Wright Brothers; another features balloons and airships. There are warbirds from World War I and II, modern missiles, and even artifacts from space flight, including the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo Programs.
There is so much beauty and history to see here; people of all ages will enjoy visiting.
7. State Fair of Texas
Location: 925 South Haskell, Dallas
Hours: Sept. 26-Oct. 19, 2025; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Hearing “Howdy folks, it’s Big Tex!” will never cease to send a thrill through me. Stepping through the Midway arch, biting into a golden-brown corndog, watching acrobats fly through the air, seeing little kids with puffs of cotton candy bigger than their heads, admiring a larger-than-life butter sculpture—the State Fair of Texas has everything you could possibly want and more.
Personal favorites include seeing the arts and crafts section, where my younger sister has won several ribbons for her crochet creations; the petting zoo; the Ferris wheel; and, of course, the car show. Stuff your face with award-winning fried food, shop in the marketplace, and check out the prize livestock. Stay for the fireworks at the end to complete your magical visit.
8. Billy Bob’s Texas
Location: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
Hours: Monday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-close; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-close; and Sunday, noon-8 p.m.
Nobody forgets their first trip to Billy Bob’s Texas. You can join in on a murder mystery dinner party or see country music legends like Randy Rogers and Pat Green perform live. Or just show up to experience what a Honky Tonk is all about (hint: good music, good people, and boot-kickin’ good dancing).
Billy Bob’s is located in a building that holds a piece of Texas history—it used to be an open-air barn that held prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show. Later, it became a bull riding arena, an airplane factory during WWII, and a department store. Finally, Billy Bob’s opened in 1981 with more than 30 bar stations, pro bull riding, incredible live music, and a dance floor that gave it its nickname of “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.”
9. Sweet Tooth Hotel
Location: 1511 Elm Street, Suite 100, Dallas
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, noon-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.
Most museums don’t let you touch anything, but the Sweet Tooth Hotel encourages it. The interactive art museum is designed like a hotel (although you can’t actually stay the night), with eccentric, unique “rooms” created by both local and national artists.
When you tire of the jaw-dropping rooms that rival Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, grab a drink at the Stay Sweet Cocktail Lounge. Enjoy craft cocktails and sweets on the menu—or both if you order a drink with Flossie’s cotton candy on top—as well as live music or a DJ on select nights. Book your reservation and enjoy your wild “stay” at the Sweet Tooth Hotel!
10. Reunion Tower
Location: 300 Reunion Boulevard East, Dallas
Hours: Varies
How can you not fall in love with North Texas when you see it from the sky? Reunion Tower in Dallas is our version of the Empire State Building in New York. Also known as “The Ball,” it’s an easily recognizable part of the Dallas skyline, which glows brightly in the night sky.
Visit the GeO-Deck to experience 360-degree panoramic views of the city from 470 feet high. Can’t get enough? Go to another level to dine at the Crown Block, which offers delicious steak, sushi, and signature craft cocktails. Enjoy each decadent bite as the entire restaurant slowly rotates in a circle so you can soak in all the scenic views.
I visited this unique spot as a kid with my dad, dressed up with my best friend, and as a romantic spot on my wedding night, still dressed in my wedding gown. In my mind, Reunion Tower is Dallas. It’s truly spectacular.
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