The Best Way to Spend 3 Days in Dallas
The perfect weekender itinerary for the Big D
Dallas is the perfect big city driving weekender for anyone situated West of the Mississippi River, East of New Mexico, and South of Nebraska. The drive into Dallas from almost anywhere is a gorgeous feast of American farmland and bright blue skies. Not within driving distance? Catch a cheap flight into one of America’s largest airports, DFW, and Uber 15 minutes into downtown. In Dallas you can experience an extravagant big city vacation without breaking the bank. Nab a deal on a nice hotel, and follow this itinerary for a trip for two that totals less than $650.
Mural Tour in Deep Ellum: Free
After getting settled, your first stop is the the free mural tour of Deep Ellum. Follow the map from building to building to view 42 original works of art.
La Duni- $21.75
The perfect place to relax and analyze the art you’ve just injected lies a few miles down the road. La Duni boasts a “pan-latin” menu with a deep selection of mixed drinks. Sit on the patio, share Pork Panchos and a margarita, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Mavs game- $45/adult
Take in a Mavs game. America Airlines Arena is a beautiful work of architecture from the outside, no doubt. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad view on the inside as well. Tickets to see Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks will only set you back $30. Enjoy an authentic pro ball hot dog and beer while you (hopefully) cheer the home team to victory.
Sprinkles- <$5/each
Commerce may be shutting down after the game, but thankfully, Sprinkles Cupcake ATM is open 24 hours. Swing by The Plaza at Preston Center and grab dessert on your way back to your hotel. If it’s Christmas time, you’ll want to detour through the Park Cities neighborhoods behind The Plaza to see some truly magnificent light displays.
Day 2: $71.88/adult
Ozonas or Penne Pomodoro: $15/adult
Start your day off right, with breakfast at Ozonas or Penne Pomodoro. The restaurants both feature a beautiful atmosphere, and great Saturday brunch menu. Ozonas features a full make-your-own bloody mary bar, and Penne Pomodoro offers $3 mimosa and bellinis. Have a drink, share a bite, then get on your way.
Lower Greenville: <$5
There’s a sweet up and coming district outside of downtown and uptown called Lower Greenville, the single shopping and dining strip features some neat shopping options and street art. Rent a Lime scooter and spend some time popping in and out of the shops, or grab a popsicle from Steel City Pops.
Katy Trail Ice House: $18.75
Dallas is littered with parks, and in one part of downtown, they’re all connected by a walking trail, with a quaint backyard style restaurant sitting right in the center, The Katy Trail Ice House. Leave your car at one of the city parks and enjoy the view of the looming oak trees bowed over the Dallas Skyline, split a beer and a BLT and be on your way.
Dealey Plaza/ Trinity Park: Free
The exact location where President Kennedy was fatally shot twice is marked on the ground in the middle of Dealey Plaza. The Dallas County Administration Building houses a large collection of “memorabilia” from the CIA investigation that followed Kennedy’s assassination. The self guided audio tour of the 6th Floor Museum is worth the $18 if you’re a history buff or just love the Kennedys. If not, there are gift shops on each corner that are worth checking our, and Dealey Plaza is the perfect jumping off point for a walk and shop experience in downtown.
After you’ve seen the downtown sights, skip across the bridge for a nice skyline view from Trinity Park. Then, head back to your hotel for some down time before a night out.
Take in a show: <$20/adult
See a show. Dallas has a fantastic theatre scene. Most Broadway plays make their way through the Big D each year and all the classics set up shop over the holidays. Tickets won’t break the bank either, see The Nutcracker at Moody Performance Hall for $20. Or Elf The Musical for $17.
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck at Reunion Tower: $45
If you’re doing Dallas right, you’ll take in at least one fine dining experience, and you won’t miss the view from Reunion Tower. Splurge on your last night and get reservations for the famous revolving restaurant. Feast on crispy shrimp and lobster spring rolls, pork belly pot stickers, and the XO fried rice.
Day 3: $25/adult
1/2 Priced Books
Dallas hosts 1/2 Priced Books’ flagship store in University Park. The selection is amazing, and the prices are fantastic. Grab your breakfast and coffee from Starbucks next door and eat and drink while you browse row after row of beautiful books.
George W Bush Presidential Center: $16/adult
No matter your politics, the George W Bush Presidential Center is a must see. The museum features a rotating exhibit on one side, and the permanent Presidential Library on the other. Spend your morning taking in the rich history at the library on the beautiful SMU campus.
Klyde Warren Park and The Dallas Museum of Art: $8/adult
Food trucks overtake Klyde Warren Park on the weekends. Have a walk in the park with the city looming in the background and grab lunch from the food trucks. After you’ve eaten your fill, walk across the street and peruse the displays at The Dallas Museum of Art. The museum is free and the art is fantastic, making this stop the perfect way to top off your Dallas weekender.
Food/Drink/Activity total: $157/adult
Accommodations and commuting: $300
Dallas offers a fantastic variety of hotel accommodations. Book in advance and it’s easy to find a four-star hotel for under $100. Budget another $100 for Uber rides or parking if you’ve driven your own vehicle.
Dallas is home to a myriad of actors, athletes, and musicians. Keep alert, you never know who you may spot! People I’ve seen casually around Dallas? Mark Cuban, Demi Lovato, Glenn Beck, and Madeline Albright to name a few!
See something you don’t like?
Some of my other Dallas favorites are, Top Golf, the Perot Museum, North Park Mall, the Dallas Arboretum, the Museum of Biblical Art, the Dallas World Aquarium, and the Dallas Farmer’s Market.
Have a place you want us to explore? Let us know below and you may find your trip idea featured in an upcoming article.
Secret Coran-Stacy is a wife, mom, entrepreneur, author, and activist living the American dream in rural Arkansas.
Learn more at www.secretstacy.com
