Texans live large and Dallas epitomizes that spirit where everything is possible and the pulse of the city is bigger than ever. Arts, professional sports, shopping and dinning are on full-display in this bold city deep in the heart of Texas. Best Western lives up these large expectations by offering six hotels within the metro Dallas area.
The visitors guide to Dallas attractions is a list that reflects the city's newly coined tagline: "Live Large. Think Big." For the large and big of things to do in Dallas it's best to break the sights and events into these main categories: Art & Culture, Family Friendly, Professional Sports and Recreation, Shopping, Dinning and Nightlife.
Dallas Arts District
A significant investment has been made to the art venues, museums, music halls and theatres found this sector of downtown Dallas. The Dallas Museum of Art is an immense structure and houses a great collection of art that rivals some the finest art institutes in the nation. The permanent collection ranges from traditional works to impressionist paintings and contemporary sculpture. During the summer months the museum hosts free jazz concerts and events in the Ross Avenue Plaza. Across from Ross Avenue Plaza sits the Crow Collection of Asian Art at the Trammel Crow Center which features one of the best collections of jade in North America. Additional venues in the Arts District include the visually intriguing Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center designed by I.M. Pei and The Dallas Contemporary art center.
A trip to Dallas isn't complete without a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at the Dallas County Administration Building (better known by its former name, the Texas School Book Depository). The course of U.S. History was changed at this location when Lee Harvey Oswald fired shots outside the sixth floor window on to Daley Plaza. The historic exhibition chronicles the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy. This infamous Dallas attraction is a must stop for both history buffs and families.
Family Friendly Dallas Attractions
Dallas is a great family destination with a wide variety of family-friendly sights. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area includes two great zoos that should be at the top of every family's to do list. The Dallas Zoo features the popular Wilds of Africa exhibit with lowland gorillas, zebras, baboons and others roaming animals over 25 acres. The Fort Worth Zoo FT draws visitors to its "Koala Outback," an Australian exhibit with a variety of kangaroos and rock wallabies. The birds-of-prey aviary with its walk-thru path is a child favorite as is the 2.5 acre "World of Primates" natural habitat exhibit. The Dallas Aquarium is a great retreat from the summer heat to experience marine life up close. A great free option for large families is Science Place full of hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theatre and a planetarium that will win over all children of all ages.
 Families can also get in their roller coaster thrills at Six Flags Over Texas amusement park just a short drive to Arlington, a Dallas suburb. Best Western offers several lodging options close to Six Flags or several centrally located downtown Dallas hotel locations.
Professional Sports and Recreation
Dallas is home to all major professional sports so catching a game year-round at multiple sporting venues is always a possibility. The most popular teams for both locals and visitors include the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL Dallas Stars. Catch them in action at the American Airlines Center on the northwest area of downtown. Nearby Irving is home to the Dallas Cowboys and for baseball action the new stadium in Arlington is home to the Texas Rangers.
 With over 400 parks in the Dallas area there are numerous options for outdoor activities, many of the parks offer great jogging path and bike trails. The city also runs over 200 tennis courts and six 18-hole golf courses. For visitors seeking hiking or an opportunity to find nature within the busy city, there are several mountain trails and parks a short drive away including Bear Creek Park and LB Houston Nature Trail or Meridian State Park (about 50 miles outside of Waco). The Northshore Trail of Lake Grapevine (near the Dallas Airport ) is a very popular bike trail that can get crowded due to its proximity to the metro Dallas area.
Dallas Area Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
The cultural diversity that makes up Dallas is reflected in its internationally recognized restaurants and exciting shopping centers, boutiques and outlets. Dallas is home to Neiman Marcus and is proud to claim one of America's oldest shopping center at Highland Park Village. For the best shopping locations be sure to visit Galleria Dallas, NorthPark Center or West Village.
The nightlife scene in Dallas is like everything else, big and plentiful. Dance clubs and bars are scattered throughout downtown and in the outlying suburbs. Whether you are seeking a romantic evening at a great restaurant, catching a cultural experience at a play or symphony, grabbing a bite with friends and drinks at the bar, or hoping to get lots of laughs at a comedy club, Dallas offers it all.
For more Dallas information including a detailed Dallas visitor's guide, be sure to check out www.visitdallas.com
To find Dallas hotels throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area begin your search with Best Western. Great rates at a low rate guarantee can only be found at bestwestern.com, start searching for the best Dallas hotel rates now. For more Dallas information or to look for hotel rates in other Texas cities, visit www.bestwesterntexas.com.
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