The Top 16 Hidden Gems in Dallas | Red Roof

The Top 16 Hidden Gems in Dallas

Reunion Tower and Dallas skyline

Looking to go off the beaten path? Red Roof has put together a list of hidden gems in Dallas that offer unique and memorable experiences. From tucked-away shops to lesser-known attractions, you'll find plenty of surprises waiting to be explored — all within easy reach of our budget-friendly hotels.

Everybody knows that Dallas, Texas, is one of the best cities to visit in the Lone Star State. It has an incredible skyline, the historic Dealey Plaza, and the iconic Dallas Cowboys football team (and cheerleaders!), and it can be a multicultural, vibrant, and artistic wonderland for those willing to step off the beaten path and explore.

From food to cultural experiences and out-of-the-ordinary experiences, there's something for every taste in "the big D."

The Shed at Dallas Farmer's Market

The Dallas Farmer's Market

920 S Harwood St. Dallas, TX 75201

Especially incredible in the summer, the Dallas Farmer's Market is a year-round attraction for locals and tourists alike, with local produce, goods, and crafts for sale. This market has been in operation since 1941 and is still in operation today, promoting healthy, sustainable living in North Texas.

The Market Building is open 7 days a week, with four anchor restaurants, along with a mix of coffee and food vendors, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the Dallas skyline. There is also the outdoor Farmer's Market at "the Shed", as well as the shops in Harvest Lofts and Taylor Lofts to explore. We recommend allotting at least a few hours to check out this expansive market area…and come with an empty stomach!

The Woolworth restaurant exterior

The Woolworth

1520 Elm Street, STE 201 Dallas, TX 75201

Don't let the name fool you, as The Woolworth is a gorgeous fine dining establishment located in the old Woolworths location, where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner in the heart of the city. Boasting modern cuisine and innovative cocktails, you're sure to enjoy your meal. Make sure to book your reservation at this popular establishment ahead of time to ensure you have a seat.

Art Park Trinity Groves

331 Singleton Blvd, 100, Dallas, TX 75212

This is a (leashed) dog-friendly, kid-friendly art gallery and beer garden where you can get delicious frozen drinks from an upcycled shipping container, along with local and imported beer and wine, or a mixed cocktail. The area features gorgeous graffiti artwork by local artists, views of the downtown skyline, open-air seating, and 30 outdoor TV sets so you don't miss your favorite game during sports night. If you're feeling fancy, you can even rent a private covered cabana, with couches, TVs, and fans inside.

Art Park is located near several top eateries in Dallas, with QR codes at every table, so you can order pickup online as you sip your drink. There are trivia nights, Latin nights, monthly vendor markets, and more. If you've got a vehicle, worry not, as there's free parking on-site, making it easy to get to one of Dallas' favorite community hotspots.

The Adrian E. Flatt, M.D., Hand Collection

3500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX, 75246

Yes, you read that correctly, it's a collection of, well, hands, as represented in bronze. Adrian E. Flatt, M.D., was an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in hand surgery, and whenever he had the chance, he'd cast the hands of his patients, as well as fellow surgeons, first to plan his surgeries, but later to prove that there was no such thing as a "typical" pair of hands.

As the years progressed, Flatt began to chase the high of collecting the impressions of more famous people's appendages, including Mickey Mantle, Andre the Giant, Dr. Seuss, and Walt Disney, amongst others. If this strange collection interests you, you can find it in Dallas, Texas, in the lobby of the George W. Truett Memorial Hospital at the Baylor University Medical Center.

Public Art and Sculptures

If you appreciate the stories, history, and care artists put into their works, you'll love the most popular public art installations in Dallas, like:

  • The Traveling Man - a series of three large statues created by Brad Oldham depicting a robot made from "a locomotive and spilled gin, showing him as he emerges from the ground, lounges and strums his guitar, and takes a stroll with his bird friends.
  • The Texas Woofus - an interesting depiction of a mythological chimera that was created in the 1930s to showcase the mainstays of Texas livestock. It is a cobbled-together monstrosity of horse, turkey, pig, duck, sheep, and Texas longhorn. While the original statue disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1941, it was replaced in 1998 by a replica created by artist David Newton and can be found outside the Livestock Building No. 2.
  • The Eye Sculpture - Located outside the Joule Hotel, right downtown, is, well, a gigantic eyeball. This veiny fiberglass art installation was created by Tony Tasset in 2007, and it stands 30 feet tall. You can't miss it.
Texas School Book Depository exterior

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza's JFK Exhibit

411 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202

The patriotic among us will be enthralled when visiting the JFK exhibit at the former Texas School Book Depository. Chronicling President John F. Kennedy's legacy, this museum exhibit provides an in-depth look into personal stories and experiences surrounding the JFK presidency and assassination, with photography, news footage, artifacts, and even the original evidentiary areas, like the corner window where three spent cartridge shells were discovered. Immerse yourself in history as you discover more about US politics, social movements, and the JFK assassination itself.

The Gravesites of Bonnie and Clyde

Bonnie - Crown Hill Memorial Park, 9178 Webb Chapel Rd, Dallas, TX 75220
Clyde - Western Heights Cemetery, 1617 Fort Worth Ave, Dallas, TX 75208

Those interested in true crime will be interested to note that both Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow have their final resting places in Dallas, TX. Known for their spree of burglaries, bank robberies, and shoot-outs during the Great Depression, these two criminals became infamous, not only for their brazen crimes but also for having a strangely romantic story.

Remember, if you're considering stopping at these sites, remain respectful. Clyde's grave is in a gated area and is typically locked, but you may contact the caretakers to request permission to visit.

Klyde Warren Park arch sculpture

Klyde Warren Park

2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

Klyde Warren Park is known as the "Town Square of Dallas." It is 5.2 acres of fun, with free programs, educational opportunities, and outdoor space that the community can enjoy together. There are food trucks, fitness programs, and incredible outdoor events that are mostly free to enjoy. Come hang out at Klyde Warren, and enjoy some of Andy's Frozen Custard, eat one of Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs, or an egg-based sandwich from Egg Stand, and get to know the local community.

Rainbow Vomit Immersive Art Experience

3609 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

While the emetic moniker may not appeal to all, this incredible art experience is a must-see if you're into the weird and obscure or simply want a new location for your next social media photo shoot. It's colorful, fantastical, and fun! You can even book the entire location for a private event, giving you even more time with each surreal setting. Let loose and enjoy some whimsy in this artistic wonderland.

Deep Ellum

2022 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75226

Named for the local pronunciation of the historic Deep Elm railroad crossing where it's located, Deep Ellum has evolved over the decades to become a community center, an arts hub, and a local hotspot. Whether you're looking for a place to get drinks from local brewers, enjoy historical tours, check out artist makers and recording spaces, or purchase local goods, Deep Ellum is the place to be.

You can also find some of the top hidden gem restaurants in Dallas in this spot, like Cafe Brazil or Cheba Hut. Don't sleep on this killer cultural hub, it's a multicultural banger with something for everybody.

The Dallas Black Dance Theater

2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, TX 75201

While it may be the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas, this theater still often flies under the radar. If you're looking to enjoy an internationally renowned performance filled with multi-ethnic, diverse dancers, check out their production of Encore! Or see their calendar for more dates and performances. You'll be glad you took the time to witness the strength, agility, and grace of these professional dancers in their prime.

The Zodiac Room dining room

The Zodiac Room

Level Six, 1618 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201

Located on the 6th floor of the Neiman Marcus store, the Zodiac Room is the epitome of all hidden gem restaurants in Dallas. This high-end luncheon locale is an elegant dining destination that has been in operation for over 70 years. From light bites to sandwiches and entrees, you'll enjoy exquisite gustations of all kinds. Join the upper crust of Dallas and do some celebrity spotting. You never know who will be dining at the Zodiac Room.

school of fish

The Dallas World Aquarium

1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX, 75202

So much more than an aquarium, this incredible attraction features aquatic animals of all shapes and sizes, as well as integrative display technology on a 25' high, 52-foot-wide LED screen in the Cloud Forest Trek rainforest attraction for an immersive experience you have to see to believe.

There's a zoo in which you can see exotic species such as an Ocelot, a sloth, a multitude of birds and monkeys, the viral Shoebill Stork, and so much more in this exciting educational escape. The aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling with children and nature lovers of all ages.

The Balcony Club staircase

The Balcony Club

1825 Abrams Rd, Suite B, Dallas, TX 75214

Looking for a new way to spend an evening out? Try this small jazz club in the space above the Lakewood Theater, where live Jazz, Blues, and R&B can be heard, as played by local and traveling musicians alike. Tap your toes to the rhythm as you enjoy a stiff drink in this decades-old intimate venue.

Meow Wolf Grapevine, The Real Unreal

3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Suite 253, Grapevine, TX 76051

While not technically in Dallas, this is an exhibition worth traveling to. The Real Unreal is run by the world-famous Meow Wolf art collective and can be found in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Described as a "cosmic adventure, this place must be experienced to be understood. Bring the whole family along for an interactive, immersive art experience created by local Texas and Santa Fe-based artists.

Along with Meow Wolf's The Real Unreal, Grapevine also includes 34 public art installations, galleries, studios, interactive educational shows, murals, pop-up shows, wine events, and more.

Greenville Avenue outdoor patio

Greenville Avenue

While not technically one destination, the area surrounding Greenville Avenue has some of the best nightlife in the city, with busy restaurants, exciting nightclubs, and a casual college-town vibe that'll keep you going until the wee hours of the morning. Some of the popular spots in Greenville include:

  • Truck Yard: an airstream trailer bar serving drinks and cheesesteaks, while patrons enjoy the outdoor seating areas.
  • The Libertine Bar: this bar serves cocktails, local craft beers, and locally sourced snacks like sweet potato fries late into the night.
  • The Old Crow: a perfectly-named dive bar with cheap drinks and an anything-goes attitude, making it a favorite for pool sharks and college kids alike.
  • Swizzle: a pitch-perfect Tiki bar with fancy cocktails and delicious Hawaiian and Filipino food, giving you a mouth-watering escape from the Texas heat.
  • Wabi House: delicious modern Japanese cuisine, made to order.
  • Son of a Butcher: The best Waygu burgers and sliders in Lower Greenville, hands down.
 

Traveling to Dallas? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.