Dim the lights and pass the popcorn. The storied history of Texas Theatre is the stuff of the big screen. If surviving demolition, fire and infamous patrons like Lee Harvey Oswald aren’t enough to pique your interest, then perhaps the theatre’s eclectic movie roster will. Everything from documentaries to horror to action and comedy fit the bill at this art-deco gem.

The former Texas School Book Depository took on a new significance in 1963 when it became the post from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired that fateful shot. Today the Sixth Floor Museum houses a collection of artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and more that honor the life and legacy of America’s beloved President John F. Kennedy. Visit the museum store and café for a special gift item and a sweet treat to end your day.

If you’ve got the time, Fair Park alone is worth almost a whole day. The 277-acre historical landmark that served as the site for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition is the largest collection of art-deco exposition style architecture anywhere in the world. It is also the host of the annual, world-famous State Fair of Texas. Get a Fair Park Passport to enjoy affordable access to all the museums and cultural spaces, including the Smithsonian-affiliated Women’s Museum and the fascinating African American Museum.

Return to a more genteel time in history when you visit The Swiss Avenue Historic District. The area features a diverse mix of homes symbolizing Tudor, Italian, Romanesque and many other 20th century architectural styles.

South of Downtown is Oak Cliff. Filled with historical churches, shops and parks, the area is home to the Bishop Arts District, one of Dallas' best kept 'secrets.' The crown jewel of the area is the Kessler Park neighborhood with a mix of mansions, cottages and grand formal homes.