A first timer's guide to Dallas

I recently visited Dallas, Texas for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this city.  If you’re headed to Dallas for the first time, there’s so much to see and do which is why I created this first-timer's guide you can refer to to help you navigate through your first visit.

Whether you are narrowing down where you want to stay, what local restaurants you want to make reservations at, or the activities you want to participate in, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our first-timer’s guide to Dallas. 

What to do in Dallas, Texas

Go to a Dallas Cowboys game

Dallas is home to the AT&T Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys football team. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during one of the team’s home games, I’d recommend buying a ticket. Even as someone with limited football knowledge, I still had a wonderful time experiencing the football culture and seeing the legendary Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. 

Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

A trip to Dallas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Spanning 66 acres, you can soak in the beauty of various gardens which include the Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden, and A Woman’s Garden to name a few of the many. If you have any children in your travel party, you can visit the Children’s Garden, too. 

Take photos at Sweet Tooth Hotel

Dallas is home to many photo spots including the Sweet Tooth Hotel. This interactive art museum in downtown Dallas is themed after a hotel. Once provided with a “key” by a team member, you can make your way through the various rooms filled with different installations by local and national artists before heading into the cocktail lounge for a drink (or a non-alcoholic one). 

Enjoy the views at Reunion Tower Geo-Deck

Take an elevator up 470 feet to the top of the Reunion Tower to experience 360-degree sweeping views of this Southern city. With indoor and outdoor viewing spaces, you won’t have to worry if any inclement weather happens to pass through during your visit. Plus, your experience comes with a complimentary photo (which you take at the beginning of your experience) that you can digitally download. 

State Fair of Texas

If your first visit to Dallas happens during the time of the State Fair of Texas, you’ll want to check it out. From Marionette shows to those featuring dinosaur animatronics alongside dozens of food booths from various vendors including Smokey Johns and Stiffler's Mom's Cookie Factory, there’s no shortage of things to do at the United States’ longest-running fair. 

Where to stay in Dallas, Texas

Fairmont Dallas

Located in the heart of the Arts District, Fairmont Dallas is suitable accommodation for locals and tourists alike. With 545 guest rooms, this hotel can accommodate guests whether they're traveling in for leisure, sporting events, or work.  

Where to eat in Dallas, Texas

Mexican Sugar

If you’re looking to enjoy some Mexican cuisine in an upscale setting, Mexican Sugar. In addition to the delicious food, this restaurant also has an extensive alcohol selection. I’d recommend ordering the salmon burger, and roasted chicken enchiladas, and taking full advantage of the chips and salsa served at the beginning of mealtime. 

Goodwins

The newly opened Goodwins offers American-style cuisine with a unique twist. If you choose to dine here, I highly recommend ordering the cheese beignets and the pierogi dish. Pro tip: check to see if there’s any room inside the restaurant’s speakeasy. 

Pecan Lodge

There’s a reason why people wait in a long line (which can sometimes be for hours) for the barbecue dishes from Deep Ellum’s Pecan Lodge. From brisket to house-made sausage, this fast-casual Texas BBQ restaurant lives up to the hype. Although I wasn’t the biggest BBQ fan before dining here, a couple of bites of my turkey dish changed my mind forever.