Dallas, Texas: Discover Attractions and Neighborhoods

During my most recent trip, I found a way to visit more attractions with a major discount: the Dallas CityPASS. It lets you chose four out of the six major attractions in the city at 40 percent.

I used my pass to visit the GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower, a soaring tower with an interactive 360-degree viewpoint to admire Dallas and surrounding areas. I loved the Dallas Zoo, the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, where I actually got to feed a giraffe! Finally, I stopped at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, easily one of the most beautiful and expansive gardens I’ve visited.

The other CityPASS attraction options are the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. You really can’t go wrong with any of the attractions included in the CityPASS.

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to move around the city's major tourist areas is to take advantage of the free trolley service from the historic McKinney Avenue Trolley or the free D-Link bus. I’d also recommend E-frogs, electric golf carts that operate on a “tips encouraged” basis. Just text them your location and destination and they’ll pick you up.It was recommended that I get off at Klyde Warren Park to connect with the locals. The park has endless free activities such as tai chi, Zumba and yoga, plus food trucks, music and a bunch of other activities. 

Dallas has 20 neighborhoods full of places to explore such as Deep Ellum, with street art and alternative music; the arts district with architectural wonders; and uptown, with chic bars and shopping. The Continental Avenue Bridge has spectacular vistas, and just next door is Trinity Groves, a new center of experimental restaurants.

One of the most attractive aspects of shopping in Dallas it is the TaxFree Shopping that allows you to request a reimbursement of a portion of your shopping taxes in Texas. All you have to do is to shop at participating stores (the majority are) and keep the receipts. The tax has to be at least $12 per receipt. Then, take them to a TaxFree office and get a refund by check, cash or PayPal.

For sports lovers, Dallas is home to major sports teams. Don’t miss a football game of the Cowboys cheered on by the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders! Or see a Dallas Mavericks basketball game, Dallas Stars ice hockey or Texas Rangers baseball.

Dallas did it once again and offered me the visit I was hoping for – and more! My vacation was certainly big!