16 Essential Activities for a Solo Trip to Dallas
1. Explore the CityPASS attractions
With the CityPASS, you’ll unlock a selection of Dallas’s top venues at a discounted rate. For just $49, you can enter the Perot Museum of Nature & Science and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. You’ll then choose between the Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Zoo, George Bush Presidential Library & Museum, or the Dallas Arboretum. Even a single visit to one of these landmarks guarantees a memorable Dallas experience.
2. Experience the Late Nights in the Dallas Arts District
Every third Friday of the month, the Nasher Museum hosts ‘Til Midnight, featuring live outdoor concerts in its gardens. The Crow Collection of Asian Art showcases ancient and contemporary Asian works, and both the Nasher and Crow stay open until midnight. End your evening at the Dallas Museum of Art for a full night of culture.
3. Stroll Through the Farmers Market
Whether you’re a millennial or family, the market buzzes with energy, especially on weekends. Begin at the Shed, an indoor food hall, then wander to the Market for fresh produce and artisan stalls.
4. Take a Murals Tour
Deep Ellum is a living canvas of street art. Focus on Main, Commerce, and Elm streets, and let the murals guide your exploration. Use our guide as a starting point and lose yourself in the vibrant colors.
5. Dine at the Original Neiman Marcus
For shoppers and food lovers alike, a visit to downtown Dallas’s Neiman Marcus is a must. Browse each floor and finish with a fine dining experience at the 6th‑floor Zodiac Restaurant.
6. Walk Across the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge
One of Dallas’s most iconic viewpoints, the Ron Kirk Bridge offers sweeping skyline vistas. Its striking architecture makes it a perfect spot for memorable selfies.
7. Thrift Shop in the Design District
Artistic and eclectic, the Design District is home to a wealth of consignment shops. Spend hours at Lula B’s, White Elephant Antiques, and other boutiques along Riverfront Boulevard.
8. Browse Books at Wild Detectives
This Bishop Arts neighborhood bookstore doubles as a bar. Pick up poetry, sip a cocktail, and relax in the spacious reading area.
9. Upgrade Your Seat at a Dallas Game
Solo travelers can enjoy premium seating at a Dallas Stars hockey game, a Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium match, or even a Mavericks game if you’re lucky. A single-seat ticket often comes with a better view and fewer crowds.
10. Watch an Indie Film
From the historic Texas Theatre—where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested—to the modern Angelika, Dallas offers several venues for independent cinema. Escape the heat and enjoy a unique film experience.
11. Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Stay pampered without leaving your hotel. At The Joule, ESPA offers signature treatments and a complimentary glass of champagne. The W. features Bliss Spa on the 16th floor, complete with nine treatment rooms, movie‑while‑you‑manicure services, and a brownie bar.
12. Dine Solo with Style
Eating alone doesn’t have to mean takeout. A bar seat at Gemma or a window seat at Mercat Bistro offers a vibrant dining atmosphere—check our solo‑meal guide for more options.
13. Visit Free Museums
Save money for other activities by taking advantage of free admission at several Dallas museums. The Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas Contemporary, African American Museum, Samurai Collection, and Dallas Museum of Art are all free to the public.
14. Attend Gaybingo
Hosted by the Resource Center at S4 in the Oaklawn neighborhood every third Saturday from February to November, Gaybingo features a drag queen host, comedy, and continuous entertainment.
15. Sample Tastings
The Tasteful Place at Dallas Arboretum offers daily tastings, while The Mozzarella Cheese Company in Deep Ellum pairs wine or beer with cheese a few times each month. The Uptown Foodie Walk highlights top eateries in West Village.
16. Play Retro Games at Cidercade
Return to childhood nostalgia in the Design District’s Cidercade. A wall of pinball machines, classic arcade games like Centipede and Galaga, and a tap list of over 20 ciders create a unique entertainment experience.
