If you are planning a fun getaway to Texas, spending two days in Dallas is the perfect getaway for amazing museums and iconic landmarks. There is plenty to fill a short itinerary without feeling rushed. Get ready to explore everything from the city’s deep roots in American history to its booming arts scene. If you have more time, spend at least a week exploring what Texas has to offer.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!
Table of Contents
History of Dallas
Dallas, Texas, was founded in the early 1840s along the banks of the Trinity River. The city was officially incorporated in 1856 and grew rapidly due to its strategic location at the crossroads of several major trails and, later, railroads.
By the late 1800s, Dallas had become a bustling commercial hub. The arrival of the railroads in the 1870s and 1880s transformed the city into one of the most important economic centers in the state, and the discovery of oil nearby in the early 1900s further accelerated its growth.
Throughout the 1900s, Dallas became a center for banking, insurance, and high-tech industries, earning a reputation for business innovation. However, Dallas also faced moments of national tragedy, most notably the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dealey Plaza in 1963.
In the decades since, Dallas has continued to reinvent itself through urban development, cultural expansion, and a focus on the arts. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most dynamic metropolitan areas in the United States, known for its diverse population, thriving economy, and vibrant blend of Southern tradition and modern sophistication.
When to Spend Two Days in Dallas
Dallas is known for having a wide variety of weather. The best time to spend two days in Dallas is from September to November or March to May. This avoids the summer and winter storms, unpredictable weather, and the sweltering heat of summertime.
How to Get to Dallas
Dallas has two major airports: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Dallas-Fort Worth is the larger international airport, with flights connecting to destinations all over the world and serving many American Airlines flights. Dallas Love Field only services domestic flights, mostly on Southwest Airlines. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
Transportation in Dallas
To get around during your two days in Dallas, you will want a rental car. I recommend renting a car through Economy Bookings as it will search all rental car companies for you.
Where to Stay in Dallas
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Dallas here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
- Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Thompson Dallas
- Holiday Inn Express Dallas Downtown
- Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown
- Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown
- Spring Hill Suites Dallas Downtown
- Grand Hyatt DFW
What to do During Two Days in Dallas
If spending two days in Dallas, you may want to get a City Pass to hit up some of the main attractions.
Day 1
The Sixth Floor Museum
Cost: $25
Hours: Wed-Sun: 10am-5pm, Closed Monday
Start your first of two days in Dallas off with a visit to the historic Sixth Floor Museum. This is located within the former Texas School Book Depository. It chronicles the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The exhibit is situated on the floor where the sniper’s nest was found and offers a detailed look at the events of November 22, 1963. Plan to spend at least an hour here.
After visiting the museum, head across the street to Dealey Plaza. Here you can see various markers detailing the assassination timeline of JFK and take in the view from the infamous grassy knoll. For those who are very interested in history, you may want to take this JFK Tour.
Dallas Holocaust Museum
Cost: $19
Hours: Wed-Mon: 10am-5pm
Next, head down the street to the Dallas Holocaust Museum. This facility uses immersive technology to teach the history of the Holocaust and promote human rights.
Dallas Museum of Art
Cost: Free
Hours: Wed-Sun: 11am-5pm
After the Holocaust Museum, head to the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), one of the largest art museums in the country. The collection here spans across 5,000 years of history and is located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.
Smoke’N Ash BBQ
To finish off your first of two days in Dallas, grab dinner at Smoke’N Ash BBQ. Although this is a bit of a drive from Downtown Dallas, you will not be sorry. This restaurant is a “Tex-Ehtopian” smokehouse that fuses Texas slow-cooked meats with Ethiopian spices. Make sure to try the Awaze-glazed brisket.
Day 2
George W. Bush Presidential Library
Cost: $26
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm
Start your second of two days in Dallas with a visit to the George W. Bush Presidential Library, located on the SMU campus. This museum offers an in-depth look at Bush’s time in office. Visitors can view a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and engage with other interactive and informational exhibits. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring this museum.
Meow Wolf Grapevine
Cost: $35+
Hours: 10am-8pm
After grabbing some lunch, head to Meow Wolf Grapevine to check out this massive and immersive art installation. This story of Meow Wolf begins with the mystery of a missing child. As you wind throughout the house and multiverse, visitors can solve the mystery as to what happened. There is no set path, but plan on spending several hours exploring the installation.
Make sure to check out the other Meow Wolf locations in Houston, Denver, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas.
Texas Rangers Game
Cost: $12+
Hours: Varies
If they are in town during your two days in Dallas, make sure to catch a Texas Rangers game! This stadium has a retractable roof, which allows for air-conditioning on those hot summer Texas days. You cannot go wrong with watching a game here, especially when you check out all the delicious stadium eats.
Bluebonnet Fields
If you spend two days in Dallas in the month of April, you may want to check out the Bluebonnet field just south of Dallas. These gorgeous flowers usually peak in mid-April and are well worth checking out, especially for some great pictures! The Ennis Bluebonnet Trail is one of the best sections to walk.
Final Tips for Two Days in Dallas
If you have more time, spend the week exploring Texas with stops in Austin, Waco, San Antonio, and Houston. Alternatively, head North towards Oklahoma City to check out another state.
