Dallas on a Budget

Dallas may have a reputation for glitz and glamour, but there's plenty to experience without breaking the bank.

Need more adventure? Book your CityPASS for discounted admission into some of Dallas' most popular attractions, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and several others.

Day 1

2 Hours

1Breakfast at Cindi’s

Start the day Downtown with breakfast at Cindi's N.Y. Delicatessen and Bakery where breakfast is served all day! Splurge (in calories only) on the warm and buttery cheese Danish, or feast on your choice of pancakes, waffles or omelets – the options are endless here.

1.5 Hours

2Downtown Morning

Wander over to the West End Historic District, stopping to take in the key sites related to President John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination. Just outside the former School Book Depository is the infamous 'grassy knoll' where an indelible mark was left on history. Nearby is the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Designed by family friend and renowned architect Phillip Johnson, the memorial is an open-roofed, concrete-walled monument symbolic of an open tomb.

30 minutes

3Wild Window Shopping

Stop in Wild Bill's Western Store to see cowboy hats steamed for a perfect fit and browse Lone Star State souvenirs to take home.

1.5 Hours

4Lunch at the Dallas Farmers Market Location Not Available

Stroll through the Dallas Farmers Market, and indoor and outdoor space for shopping and dining. Feast on pork-filled tamales at El Mero Mero, street tacos at La Ventana or, for something sweet, macarons from Chelle's. Then head outside to The Shed to shop for local and seasonal goods.

2.5 Hours

5Step Back in Time

Don't forget your selfie stick as you stand amongst the 49 massive bronze longhorn cattle sculptures at Pioneer Plaza, a site along the 1850s Shawnee Trail. Meander through time at Dallas Heritage Village and immerse yourself in history as you stop by the general store or visit a Civil War-era farm complete with livestock.

1.5 Hours

6Dinner at El Fenix

Taste some authentic Tex-Mex at El Fenix, the oldest Mexican restaurant chain in the U.S. It's especially unique to Dallas because this is the original location, so enjoy some steak fajitas and a margarita before calling it a night. Don't miss $5.99 enchilada day every Wednesday!

30 Minutes

7Take a Breath of Fresh Air

Grab a table and peruse a periodical or board game from the kiosks at Dallas' living room, Klyde Warren Park. The urban park is perched above an eight-lane highway, though you'd never guess it wandering through the playground or enjoying live music or yoga classes offered regularly.

Day 3

30 Minutes

1Hypnotic Morning

Wake up with sweet or savory treat at Hypnotic Donuts. The East Dallas breakfast spot is known for their creative donut concoctions as well as the melt-in-your-mouth chicken biscuits.

2.5 Hours

2Hiking

Burn off the donuts at the nation's largest urban hardwood forest at the Trinity River Audubon Center. Escape from the city as you wander through more than four miles of easy hiking through forests, wetlands, restored Texas Blackland Prairie and the Trinity River.

1 hour

3Picnic from a Taco Window

Stop for lunch at Fuel City, a Downtown gas station that gets national attention for its taco window. Order three or four and enjoy your Styrofoam-boxed lunch at a picnic table outside. Don't forget to grab a cup of creamy Mexican street-style corn from the cart outside.

30 minutes

4Give Thanks

Stop for a moment of reflection at Thanks-Giving Square, a quiet park in the heart of Downtown Dallas (and right off the DART light rail system line.) Step inside the Chapel of Thanksgiving, a small, spiral tower that features an enclave for prayer and an intricate, colorful stained glass window at the top of the spiral.

1 Hour

5Go High

For the perfect view of Dallas, head to GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower. See the city from 470 ft. up, with 360-degree panoramic views you won't see anywhere else. Hyatt Regency hotel guests save 20 percent on admission, so take advantage of these savings.

Free Things to Do in Dallas

Traverse across Dallas without spending a dollar.

Need a Ride?

Check the schedule for Dallas’ light rail system DART and the free M-Line Trolley for convenient rides through the Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.

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