Dallas on a Budget

Start the day Downtown with breakfast at Cindi's N.Y. Delicatessen and Bakery and splurge (in calories, only) on the buttery cheese Danish, served warm.

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.

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.

Feast on pork-filled tamales at El Mero Mero, street tacos at La Ventana or, for something sweet, beignets from Cajun Tailgators, at the newly renovated and expanded Dallas Farmers Market. Then stroll through the market, picking up Texas Ruby Red grapefruit marmalade from Betty's Blue Ribbon Fare, or treat yourself with some handmade sugar scrubs from Abundantly Aromatic.

Don't forget your Selfie Stick as you stand amongst the 49 massive bronze longhorn cattle sculptures at Pioneer Plaza, the site of 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.

Taste some authentic tex-mex at El Fenix, the oldest Mexican restaurant chain in the U.S. It's especially unique to Dallas because it's the original location, so enjoy some steak fajitas and a margarita before calling it a night.

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.

The locally owned quiet spot is in the middle of a busy Downtown and generous with their portions. Go with the made-to-order eggs with a cinnamon roll on the side or a breakfast frittata with bacon, veggies, cheese and peppers -- both are delicious!

Enjoy the world-class architecture as you wander through the 19 blocks of the Dallas Arts District -- the largest contiguous arts district in the nation.

Next step into the free Dallas Museum of Art, where you can get a glimpse of several recreated rooms from Coco Chanel's Mediterranean villa.

Transport yourself to the Far East at Crow Collection of Asian Art, also free, making time for the contemplative sculpture garden.

Hop on the free McKinney Avenue Trolley into Uptown and make a stop at Shake Shack for the Dallas-exclusive Link Burger. It's made with jalapeno cheese sausage links from Pecan Lodge, one of Dallas' best barbecue joints. From there, it's an easy walk on tree-lined streets to Uptown's numerous bars, shops and restaurants and you'll quickly see why it's one of Dallas' most coveted neighborhoods.

Walk off that burger and explore Uptown. Take a stroll on the Katy Trail (a converted railroad track that's now the place for an early morning run or after-work job) for some fresh air, do a little shopping at West Village, and cool off with a drink at Mutt's Cantina -- a dog-friendly patio for both you and your pet to relax and enjoy -- or The Rustic, a humming restaurant and patio with a large live-music stage and outdoor games to enjoy.

Catch the perfect view of the Dallas skyline at sunset while standing on the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge -- a footbridge located over the Trinity River. The bridge runs parallel to the majestic Margaret Hunt Hill bridge and is the ideal spot for a skyline selfie shot.

Wake up with a habañero-passion fruit glazed Triple 6 pastry from Hypnotic Donuts. The East Dallas breakfast spot is known for their melt-in-your-mouth chicken biscuits and hungry families can be found lined up early almost every morning.

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.

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.

Stop for a moment of reflection at Thanksgiving 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. Suggested time: 0.5 hours

For the perfect view of Dallas, head to the 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.