Visiting Texas: 20 Cool & Unusual Things to Do In Dallas

Hey Butterflies. I traveled to Dallas, Texas for the first time in 2017, I enjoyed it so much that I’ve been there twice since then and every trip has been amazingly fun and full of exciting new adventures. I personally prefer to mix up my trips with very minimal touristy spots and a whole lot of hidden gems. I enjoy visiting historic places, becoming one with nature and all of it’s beautiful creatures, gazing upon quirky art, indulging in amazing food and so much more. Check out some of the interesting sites I’ve visited and cool places I’ve experienced:

1) Hangout in Deep Ellum- Deep Ellum is known as the entertainment district of Dallas. The vibrant street murals, quirky art galleries, historical concert venues/theaters, brewpubs, cocktail bars and Tex-Mex eateries are more than enough reasons why you should plan to visit Deep Ellum the next time you’re in Dallas. Deep Ellum is located near downtown in East Dallas, Texas.  

2) Butterfly House at Texas Discovery Gardens- If you’re a lepidopterist wannabe like myself and love everything about the beautiful flying creatures you’re going to love this place. Texas Discovery Garden is located on Fair Park at 3601 MLK Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210

3) Giant Eyeball- If quirky art is your thing you’re going to want to see this Giant Eyeball. This 30-ft. tall, realistically rendered fiberglass sculpture of a human eyeball by Chicago artist Tony Tasset is on display in a fenced garden located at 1601 Main Street Dallas, Texas 75201.

4) Food Truck Hop at Klyde Warren Park- The next time you’re in the area, take a stroll down Food Truck Lane and sample food from several different local restaurants. Klyde Warren Park is located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

5) Reunion Tower- Although it’s kind of hard to enjoy this revolving disco-ball in the sky without getting sad, it’s full of interesting Dallas and JFK history facts, things to do/see and an amazing dining experience. If you're a history fanatic like myself, the next time you’re in Dallas I suggest stopping by and taking in some of the history that the Grassy Knoll, Sixth Floor Museum and Reunion Tower has to offer. Reunion Tower is located at 300 Reunion Boulevard E, Dallas, TX 75207

6) The Plant Bar at Jade & Clover- It’s like Build-A-Bear but with plants. Jade & Clover is located at 2633 Main St #150, Dallas, TX 75226

7) Grave Site Hop- Did you know that Bonnie Parker of the infamous "Bonnie & Clyde" was from Texas? While searching for non-traditional things to do in Dallas I learned that she was from Texas and buried in a cemetery in Dallas, Clyde is also buried in Dallas. Another infamous person who’s buried in Dallas is Lee Harvey Oswald. If you're interested, Bonnie's grave site is located in the Crown Hill Memorial Cemetery at 9178 Webb Chapel Rd, Dallas, TX 75220. Clyde is buried at the Western Heights Cemetery and Oswald is buried at Rose Hill Park Cemetery.

8) Tour the Ruth Paine House Museum- Speaking of Lee Harvey Oswald, the Ruth Paine House Museum is said to be the home where Oswald spent the night prior to the JFK assassination. The home has since been converted into a museum to be preserved as a part of history.

9) Velvet Taco- This funky-cool taco spot features a variety of globally inspired tacos, an all day brunch menu and of course Red Velvet cake. There are several Velvet Taco locations throughout the US and six of them are located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Visit the original Velvet Taco at 3012 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

10) Northpark Center- The NorthPark Center is an upscale, enclosed shopping mall with over 200 shops; located at 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas - TX 75225

11) Braum's Ice Cream & Burger Restaurant- Before expanding to parts of North Texas, this Oklahoma born shop/eatery was definitely one of the friendly state’s best kept secret. On my first visit to Braum I tried a bowl of chili and butter-peacan ice cream for dessert, they were both very delicious.

12) Sharkswki Wildlife Ranch - Visiting the Sharkswki Wildlife Ranch was probably the coolest outdoor activity I've done in a while. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch - 11670 Massey Rd, Pilot Point, TX 76258

13) Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament- Enjoy dinner and a show. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is located at 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

14) Oldest Metaphysical Supply Store in Dallas: The Labyrinth- This cute little antique shop has tons of holistic wellness items to choose from. The Labyrinth is located at 5618 Bell Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

15) Dallas Farmers Market- If you enjoy strolling local farmers markets for unique finds, you really like this market. The Dallas Farmers Market is open seven days a week in a indoor market space.

16) Hangout in Bishop Arts- A less crowded alternative to Deep Ellum, this Dallas neighborhood is full of fun things to do. While there, stroll the shops and and enjoy brunch at the popular Dallas eatery, Oddfellows.

17) National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame- Celebrate Women’s History Month every day, checkout this museum dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women.

18)  Strike a Pose at the Nasher Sculpture Garden- You’ll see some of the most unique art sculptures Dallas has to offer at the Nasher Sculpture Garden in Dallas.

19) Spend an Afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum- Pack a picnic, take a stroll through the arboretum and when you’re done have a mini photoshoot.

20) Visit the Dr Pepper Museum- Dr Pepper was invented in Texas in 1885. The museum is located at 300 S. 5th St. in Waco.