Dallas – Top Travel Destination?

Travel Destination: Dallas

These days, when we think of travel- we think of big city destinations like San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Having been to those cities multiple times in the last 2 years along with several other popular destinations (Seattle, Atlanta, New Jersey, Denver to name a few), I can say (albeit with a little bias) that Dallas, Texas is all too overlooked as a travel destination. Below are just a few reasons why Dallas needs to be on your next destination wish-list.

1. The Outdoor Scenery

Joe Mabel, Dallas – Klyde Warren Park 16, Color by Dallas Century, CC BY-SA 3.0

Dallas is filled with incredible outdoor parks with tons of things to do from sports to cycling, running, fishing, and BBQ/Picnics. See a list of some of the best outdoor trails in Dallas here.

On top of that, there are a number of unique things to visit and see such as Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake, Bishop Arts District, Dallas Farmer’s Market, Lake Ray Hubbard, and more! See more details on each of the destinations here.

If you’re an outdoors person, you’re bound to be pleased with what Dallas has to offer. And yes, that’s even without any mountains 🙂

2. Shopping

SwisterTwister, Starbucks court on first level at Shops at Willowbend-January 2, 2012, Color by Dallas Century, CC BY-SA 3.0

Dallas has a wide array of shopping that range from inexpensive to higher end stores. For more economic options, you have the Allen Outlets with 100 brand designer and sportswear stores.

For higher end brands, you can visit Willowbend in West Plano or Northpark Mall in Dallas. And if you’re wanting to ice skate, you can visit the ginormous Galleria Mall in Dallas.

If you’re into artisan crafts or boutique shops, there are numerous farmers markets open in Allen, Richardson, Dallas, Flower mound, and Plano. You’ll find an assortment of specialized sellers and individual sellers with craft items you can’t find anywhere else! You’re bound to satisfy your shopping craving in Dallas with many options to choose from.

3. The Food

Dallas is renown for its BBQ and its large portions. Be sure to try Pecan Lodge, Rudy’s, and Spring Creek BBQ when you’re here. But it’s also home to a variety of other cuisines.

You have a decent Chinatown in Richardson and new Asian plazas sprouting up in East Plano as well as West Plano with dozens of hot new Chinese/South-Eastern and Indian restaurants. And then there’s the good ole Tex Mex you’ll find just about…everywhere. Be sure to try Chuy’s or Blue Mesa Grill. And then you have all your Middle Eastern food (try Alibaba’s), burger joints (Olive Burger), bars (The Londoner), Japanese conveyor belt and sushi restaurants (Kalu Sushi), 24-hour breakfast places (Cindi’s NY Delicatessen), Thai (Noodle Wave), or Brazillian BBQ (Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao).

If you’re looking for higher end fine dining, be sure to try Three Forks, Nick & Sam’s, or Abacus.

There are simply too many awesome restaurants to list. Just get on Yelp and you’ll find endless options of high rated restaurants to try around Dallas that will satisfy any craving!

4. It could be your next home

Serge Melki from Indianapolis, USA, Dallas Downtown – Ferris Park (2876692762), Color by Dallas Century, CC BY 2.0

With numerous large corporations moving their headquarters to Dallas (State Farm, Toyota to name a few), job opportunities are sprouting and on top of that, the cost of living in Dallas is comparatively low.

There are numerous highly rated schools, income tax is not exorbitant, traffic is manageable, parks are abundant, outdoor living and sports is popular, and food is amazing. If you’re looking to settle, Dallas is a great place to be and could very well be your next home so don’t forget to pay a visit the next time you’re thinking of traveling.