Staycation in Dallas

Summertime always makes us think of vacationing on a beach somewhere with an umbrella drink in one hand and a good book in the other. But as much as we’d love to be gone the entirety of June, July and August, that’s not really an option. So, it’s fun to explore Dallas as a destination and be tourists in our own city. Read on for options to beat the heat indoors or soak up the sun and load up on Vitamin D—all while being entertained and creating memories to rival any trip that would require hopping on a plane.

Deep Ellum

Hang ten, then bottoms up! At Goodsurf Beach Club, experience the thrill of ocean adventure without a flight to Hawaii thanks to The Citywave, a 280,000-gallon water amusement that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. You can also enjoy pickleball, shuffleboard, various games and food and beverages from Dallas restaurant legend, Nick Badovinus.

Oak Cliff

Enjoy unlimited mini golf all day every day for one low price at Another Round (and kids under 4 play free). The venue has a full bar and finger foods, too, which come in handy when it’s adults-only after 8:00 p.m. Video games, pickleball, Duffleboard and plenty of patio games round out the offerings.

Southeast Dallas

More than 20 zip lines help you take flight and soar across the Trinty Forest Adventure Park treetops. You can participate in more than 70 different challenging activities, including walking tight ropes and maneuvering through military-style obstacles. There’s even a smaller course for kids 4 and up.

West End

The Dallas World Aquarium transports visitors to global destinations through its exhibits, which feature underwater and land animals galore. Come face-to-face with flamingos, owls, turtles, kangaroos, seahorses and stingrays populate sections of the building that recreate South Africa, Borneo, Orinoco and several rain forest regions. Three on-site restaurants come in handy if you want to make a full day of it.

Various Dallas locations

A leisurely brunch certainly evokes a sense of carefree leisure that typically only occurs when you’re on vacation. So, set a date for a patio brunch where you can get some fresh air while ensuring your mimosas don’t get warm before you have a chance to drink them. CATCH Dallas, José, Malai Kitchen, Sixty Vines and The Porch offer all-weather patios and some of the tastiest brunch dishes in town.

Arlington

Summer + Baseball = Pure Americana. Root, root, root for the home team, the Texas Rangers, at Globe Life Field throughout their season. Purchase tickets for Family Fun Tuesdays to save on admission, food, drinks and parking. Kids under 13 can show up before the game for autographs with the players, too.

Downtown/Uptown

Pack a blanket and chairs for the lush green lawn or park yourself at one of the shaded picnic tables for an outdoor meal under the sun or stars. Best of all, you can procure a veritable feast from a collection of food trucks on site, including world-famous Fletcher’s Corny Dogs for a State Fair of Texas experience any time of year.

Various Dallas locations

Keep the inflatable pool in its box this year and indulge in the quintessential resort experience by purchasing a day pass to a Dallas hotel with a gorgeous place to float, swim and order umbrella drinks. ResortPass offers access to dozens of area deep ends, including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, The Pool at the Joule Hotel Dallas, and the massive JadeWaters resort pool complex at the Hilton Anatole.

Uptown

Melt into a massage table at the hands of an expert therapist, emerge from a facial with newly glowing skin, or simply wile away a few hours enjoying spa amenities, from whirlpools to saunas. Whether you’re looking for a more intimate spa destination or sprawling facilities loaded with (quiet) bells and whistles, Uptown is home to some can’t-miss wellness retreated, including The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dallas, The Spa at the Crescent Court and ZaSpa Dallas at Hotel ZaZa, as well as nearby escapes, Woodhouse Spa, The Spa at The Highland and Le Spa by Warwick Melrose.

Love Field

Stepping onto a plane is a surefire way to trick your brain into thinking you're on vacation, so do just that at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. There, you can board and explore a full-size Southwest Airlines 737 jet, see more than 40 other airplanes and spacecraft and immerse yourself in several interactive exhibits.

South Dallas

Head to the Wilds of Africa or ZooNorth each Saturday morning at the Dallas Zoo for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Depending on which encounter you book, you can feed elephants, penguins, capybaras, lemurs and giraffes, as well as get up close to tigers in a unique setting. Tickets include parking and full zoo access, along with souvenir photos and other perks.

Various Dallas locations

Ending the day with a leisurely chef-created dinner just screams vacation, so why not treat yourself close to home, too? Make a reservation, dress up a bit, then savor a bit of Dallas fine dining with spectacular 49th-floor downtown views at Monarch; incredible steaks and seafood at Al Biernat’s Oak Lawn; and top-tier hospitality and cocktails at NDA Brasserie. For a truly unique dinner, visit the original Cafe Momentum, staffed by justice-involved youth getting a fresh start by learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business.

White Rock Lake

Let the sound of waves conjure up vacation vibes by spending some time at (or on) White Rock Lake. In addition to trails, parks and cultural offerings, the in-city lake offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water. Board the Spirit of Dallas for sunset sails, as well as afternoon and family excursions. You can also book a private 1.5-hour tour for up to 34 people to mingle with only people you know.

Harwood District

Make your staycation one in the truest sense by booking a room, sleeping late and letting someone else do all the cooking and cleaning. Swiss hospitality meets Texas charm at Hotel Swexan, a chic hotel with multiple dining venues, late-night vibes, an expansive fitness center and a spectacular rooftop pool scene. Check out their special offers page for summer packages and other discounts.