18 Dallas Landmarks You Must Visit

The Reunion Tower, also known as "The Ball," is one of the most iconic Dallas landmarks. Standing at 561 feet, this observation tower offers some of the best views in the city. As you transport 470 feet up into the sky, you'll experience 360-degree panoramic views, an indoor/outdoor observation deck, and a free digital photo to commemorate your experience. At night, 259 exterior LED lights illuminate this tower, making it visible for miles.

The Reunion Tower is open seven days a week. You can also opt for a guided tour, where one of their trained ambassadors will take you along on a VIP experience.

If you're looking for historical landmarks in Dallas, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza should be your first stop. The Plaza is located in Downtown Dallas, nearly 200 yards from the location of John F. Kennedy's assassination. The cenotaph, or open tomb, memorial was designed by American architect Philip Johnson to represent the freedom of President Kennedy's spirit. The concrete monument is a space for reflection and remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects to the former president. It's open at all times and is free of charge to visit.

As you explore Downtown Dallas, the last thing you'll probably expect to see is a 30-foot eyeball staring back at you. This Giant Eyeball was created by artist Tony Tasset in 2007 and has become one of the most talked about attractions on Main Street. It's crafted of fiberglass, resin, and steel and is meant to represent the artist's own eye. The artist "wanted to make something that speaks to a lot of people" and has left the meaning of the sculpture up to individual interpretation. The area surrounding the eyeball often hosts special events, yoga classes, and other experiences. You can view the Giant Eyeball at any time, free of charge.

Thanks-Giving Square is a public facility and private park located in downtown Dallas's Thanksgiving Commercial Center district. It was brought to life in 1964 and offers a space for reflection and gratitude. It features a landscaped garden, a non-denominational chapel, a bell tower, and an event and meeting space. The space was created to bring together religions, cultures, and traditions to foster a diverse community in Dallas. The Garden is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm, and the Chapel of Thanks-Giving is open from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Grassy Knoll became a famous point of interest in the Kennedy assassination. The small, sloped area is a part of Dealey Plaza, located on the north side of Elm Street. It became the focus of many conspiracy theories, as many witnesses claimed to hear shots being fired from the Grassy Knoll. This caused many to think that there was a second shooter in this spot during the assassination. You can explore the area anytime, and it won't cost you a penny.

The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, named after Dallas heiress and philanthropist Margaret Hunt Hill, crosses the Trinity River to connect downtown Dallas to the neighborhoods of West Dallas. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2012 as the first bridge of the Trinity River Project. The bridge spans 1206 feet long and carries six lanes of traffic. Its eye-catching structure features a gleaming white steel arch that stands 136 meters above the river and has 58 cables lacing through in web-like sweeps. Whether you drive or walk over, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is a must-see attraction that offers exceptional views of the Dallas skyline.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre display garden located on the shores of White Rock Lake. It features stunning floral displays and events throughout the seasons. In the Spring, you can explore the Dallas Blooms Festival, which features over 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs, including tulips, hyacinths, cherry blossoms, and more. During the summer, an outdoor concert series takes place every Thursday. Autumn is the time to get festive as you explore the Pumpkin Village, which features over 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash. The Arboretum is open almost daily, and admission prices vary by event.

Visit the Meyerson Symphony Center to watch the iconic Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony Center opened in 1989 and is ranked among the world's greatest orchestra halls. It's home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, which is directed by Grammy award-winner Fabio Luisi. The orchestra plays classical, contemporary, and pop concerts, film scores, special performances, and musicals. You can view their seasonal brochure to discover upcoming shows and performances.

Learn everything you need to know about the Kennedy assassination at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Located inside the former Texas School Book Depository Building, the museum chronicles the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. As you explore the museum, you'll see educational exhibits, over 90,000 items related to the assassination, and special events. The museum is constantly putting on special exhibits that give further insight into President Kennedy and his life. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is open five days a week, and ticket prices vary by age.

Enter into the animal kingdom when you visit the Dallas Zoo. Located three miles south of Downtown Dallas, the zoo spans 106 acres in Marsalis Park. It's the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, founded in 1888 with just two deer and two mountain lions. It has since grown to house over 2,000 animals and 406 species, including gorillas, lions, elephants, birds, and more. The Dallas Zoo's current exhibits include Zoo North, the Wilds of Africa, and the Giants of the Savanna. You can even take part in the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari, which takes you on a narrated monorail ride through the exhibit. The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days a year, with hours varying by season.

Take a trip underwater at The Dallas World Aquarium. Opening in 1992, the aquarium took over an old warehouse in the West End District of downtown Dallas. It has since grown to include multiple buildings and features five must-see exhibits. You can explore the plants and animals of the Orinoco Rainforest, see the wildlife of the Mayan Civilization, discover the ecosystems of South Africa, uncover the animals of Borneo, and view the numerous aquatic tanks. The Aquarium participates in several breeding programs for endangered species and supports conservation efforts around the world. The Dallas World Aquarium is open seven days a week.

Although located about a 20-minute drive from Dallas, AT&T Stadium is an iconic attraction and home to the Dallas Cowboys football team. The stadium, also known as Jerry World or The Death Star, seats up to 100,000 people, making it the largest stadium in the NFL. It features a retractable roof and twin video boards that are some of the largest high-definition screens in the world. Along with the Dallas Cowboys games, AT&T stadium hosts concerts, rodeos, motocross, wrestling events, and college sporting games. You can view their schedule to see upcoming events and buy tickets.

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