Dallas takes Southern hospitality to a whole new level. This global city is perfect for a weekend getaway, with Michelin-starred restaurants, a world-class arts district, green spaces woven through the heart of downtown, and a warm, welcoming community that makes you feel right at home.
Here’s how to make the most of three days in Dallas. Special thanks to our valued IGLTA Global Partner, Visit Dallas, for helping to plan this trip!
Getting There
Dallas is easy to reach, with American Airlines offering a ton of direct flights from across the U.S. and around the world to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). True to Texas scale, DFW is BIG, but thanks to the airport's SkyLink, it’s easy to navigate and get exactly where you need to go.
Day 1 – Friday: Arrival and Uptown Adventures
We stayed at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District (which is part of Marriott International, an IGLTA Global Partner), where luxury meets Texas charm. Steps from the city’s museums and theaters, the hotel offers a rooftop pool and skyline views — a great atmosphere for getting settled and taking it all in.
For lunch, we headed to Beto & Son in Trinity Groves for modern Mexican fare and the signature liquid nitrogen margarita, a true Dallas must-try and on the famous Dallas Margarita Mile. (They also have gender neutral bathrooms, which we love seeing.)
Nitro Margarita from Beto & Son
That afternoon, we wandered through the Bishop Arts District, popping in and out of local boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. We grabbed a pick-me-up and a sweet treat at Emporium Pies to keep the energy going.
Mosaic Makers Collective Poets Bookshop Emporium Chocolate Pie
Dinner was a seasonal small-plates experience at Rye, where inventive American dishes and cocktails have earned accolades from the Michelin Guide.
Our visit coincided with UNLEASHED LGBTQ+, an annual business and culture festival celebrating creators, entertainers, and LGBTQ+ professionals. Highlights included a panel discussion on the history of LGBTQ+ rights in Dallas and a fireside chat with the legendary queer filmmaker and actor John Waters (he/him).
Later that night, we stopped by Cheat Code Lounge, an LGBTQ+ speakeasy on Cedar Springs Road. It’s important to note that you can’t just walk in. You either have to know the secret code or join the online queue to get on the list.
We closed out the night with a nightcap (and maybe a line dance or two) at Sue Ellen’s, the oldest lesbian bar in all of Texas.
Cheat Code Lounge Sue Ellen’s
Day 2 – Saturday: Culture, Art, and Dancing
The day began surrounded by nature at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In September and October, the arboretum transforms with over 100,000 pumpkins spread across the 66-acre grounds. They also host a popular “Holiday at the Arboretum," which features half a million lights, a Christmas Village with live music, and 12 Days of Christmas exhibit, making it a great adventure for all ages.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
We dined garden-side on the grounds of the arboretum at Restaurant DeGolyer, pairing seasonal dishes with historic elegance and a lakeside view. We highly recommend an order of the blueberry jam pancakes for the table!
Aferwards, we headed to Deep Ellum, Dallas’ hub for live music, murals, and creative energy. There is art everywhere you look — on the walls, in the shops, and some of the cars are decked out! After strolling the neighborhood we cooled off with delicious Brazilian hand-made popsicles from Picolé (they have a margarita flavor that is also part of the Margarita Mile!)
One of our favorite stops of the day was Sweet Tooth Hotel. This interactive art museum in Dallas showcases immersive installations created by local and national artists. Fun for groups or even a solo visit, with lots of great photo ops throughout.
Graffiti art in the Deep Ellum neighborhood Margarita popsicle from Picolé Sweet Tooth Hotel
After a quick stop at the hotel, we made our way to the Latino Cultural Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions that celebrate local artistry, culture, and community, making it a must-stop for any Dallas itinerary.
Dinner that night was at Written by the Seasons, a Michelin-recommended spot for a refined, seasonal tasting experience. And we wrapped up the night at the Round-Up Saloon, the city’s iconic LGBTQ+ country-western dance hall, with karaoke, drag shows, and line-dancing lessons.
Day 3 – Sunday: Brunch & Pride
We opted for a slow morning with brunch at The Standard Pour. We sat out on the patio and even in September, the ceiling fans kept the seating area cool.
If you’re planning a trip in September, consider planning around Pride weekend! The Cedar Springs Road Parade is a true gem for any Pride enthusiast looking to experience Pride outside of the June season. For other visitors, enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the Design District’s galleries, shops, and cafés, or stroll through Klyde Warren Park for a taste of local life. This 5.4-acre public park sits on top of the Woodall Rodgers Freeway — but you’d never know it — offering a green retreat in the heart of the city.
We closed out our weekend with an elegant meal at Evelyn, an Old Hollywood-inspired steakhouse in the Design District, where disco, rock ’n’ roll, and expertly crafted cocktails complete your Dallas experience.
From left to right: Allison Mazzeo (she/her), IGLTA;
Cheryl Richards (she/her), Visit Dallas and IGLTA Board Member;
and Antonella Benedetti (she/her), IGLTA.
Dallas is a city that charms you in unexpected ways. It’s the kind of place where you catch yourself thinking, “Should I move here?” The people leave a lasting impression: friendly, diverse, and full of character, each bringing their own unique perspective to the city. Somehow, it all comes together in a way that just works. Sports fans, cowboys, reality TV aficionados, art lovers, music enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and foodies alike, all find their place here. And with an international airport connecting the city to the world, it’s never been easier to see why Dallas captivates everyone who visits.