Legendary Filming Locations to Visit in Dallas
Dallas has long been a backdrop for big-screen blockbusters, cult classics, and binge-worthy TV shows.
From cowboy dramas to futuristic thrillers, some of the city’s most famous buildings and landscapes have starred alongside Hollywood legends. Best of all, many of these filming locations are easily accessible today, making Dallas a fun destination for movie and television fans who want to step into the scenes themselves.
Here are some of the most legendary filming spots you can explore on your next trip:
Dallas City Hall (RoboCop, 1987)
1500 Marilla Street
With its striking inverted-pyramid design by architect I.M. Pei, Dallas City Hall doubled as the headquarters of the sinister OCP corporation in RoboCop.
Insider Tip: Visit during the day when the plaza is open and the light is good for photos
Dealey Plaza & The Sixth Floor Museum (JFK, 1991; Ruby,1992)
411 Elm Street
Few Dallas sites have been filmed as often as Dealey Plaza. Oliver Stone’s JFK recreated history here, and the surrounding area has since appeared in documentaries and period dramas. Visitors can walk the plaza, see the Texas School Book Depository, and explore the Sixth Floor Museum for a deeper look at the events of November 1963.
Insider Tip: The Sixth Floor Museum sells timed tickets, so book in advance if you’re visiting on weekends. Early mornings are best if you want the plaza relatively free of crowds for photos
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (Dr. T & the Women, 2000)
8525 Garland Road
Richard Gere’s character tied the knot in the Arboretum’s Women’s Garden in this romantic comedy. There are many festivals and events throughout the year here, such as the Dallas Blooms Festival in the spring and the fall Pumpkin Village. Entry requires a ticket, so check online for seasonal hours.
Fair Park (State Fair, 1962; Problem Child, 1990; TV favorites)
3809 Grand Avenue
The Art Deco landmarks and expansive grounds of Fair Park have been featured in everything from State Fair to Problem Child. More recently, TV shows like GCB and The Good Guys filmed scenes here.
Insider Tip: Fair Park is free to explore year-round, but the State Fair of Texas in late September–October offers endless fun and activities.
The Adolphus Hotel (Borat, 2006)
1321 Commerce Street
This century-old downtown hotel has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and Sacha Baron Cohen’s infamous Borat.
Insider Tip: You don’t have to book a room to experience this famous Dallas hotel. Stop
in for a coffee, cocktails, dinner, or to take in the historic grandeur.
Pioneer Plaza (Serving Sara, 2002)
1428 Young Street
The bronze cattle drive sculptures in Pioneer Plaza make for one of the most photographed spots downtown, and they even appeared in Matthew Perry’s rom-com, Serving Sara. It’s an easy add-on stop if you’re exploring the convention center district.
NorthPark Center (Dr. T & the Women, 2000; True Stories,
1986)
1321 Commerce Street
More than a shopping mall, NorthPark Center has played a starring role in multiple productions. Look for the famous fountain from Dr. T & the Women, and if you’re a David Byrne fan, you’ll recognize it from True Stories too.
Six Flags Over Texas (Spy Kids 2, 2002)
2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington
This Arlington theme park has been thrilling visitors for decades, but it’s also had a taste of Hollywood fame. Scenes from Spy Kids 2 were filmed among the rides, so you can recreate your own movie moment in between roller coasters.
Texas Theatre (Dallas Buyers Club, 2013)
231 W. Jefferson Boulevard
The Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff is a historic cinema that’s seen its share of screen time. It appeared in the Oscar-winning Dallas Buyers Club. Even when it’s not doubling as a set, the theater regularly screens classics and hosts special events.
Walker, Texas Ranger & More
Across Dallas and the surrounding area, fans of Walker, Texas Ranger can spot familiar
backdrops like Dealey Plaza, Fair Park, and Dallas City Hall. More recently, Queen of the South used Deep Ellum and Oak Cliff for gritty scenes.
Insider Tip: If you’re short on time, Deep Ellum offers the best chance of recognizing
backdrops from recent TV while also enjoying Dallas’s best nightlife and street art.
Plan Your Visit
In Dallas, you can walk the same streets, explore the same buildings, and even ride the same rides that once lit up screens around the world. Each spot has tons of history and other activities around it, making it easy to craft a day or two exploring the city through a cinematic lens.
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