Dallas

The third-largest city in Texas - after Houston and San Antonio - but the anchor of the Lone Star State's largest metropolitan area, "Big D" lives up to its reputation more often than not, from the gleaming skyscrapers downtown to the labyrinth of freeways and suburbs on all sides. Founded in 1841 at the so-called "white rock crossing" of the Trinity River, which snakes its way through the red earth just south of downtown, Dallas is both a business and population center and home to a notable collection of historic and cultural attractions. Its defining moment in history is a tragic one: November 22, 1963, when Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly ...

The third-largest city in Texas - after Houston and San Antonio - but the anchor of the Lone Star State's largest metropolitan area, "Big D" lives up to its reputation more often than not, from the gleaming skyscrapers downtown to the labyrinth of freeways and suburbs on all sides. Founded in 1841 at the so-called "white rock crossing" of the Trinity River, which snakes its way through the red earth just south of downtown, Dallas is both a business and population center and home to a notable collection of historic and cultural attractions. Its defining moment in history is a tragic one: November 22, 1963, when Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot and killed President John F. Kennedy in Dealey Plaza. Today, the awful events of that day are told at the excellent Sixth Floor Museum in the former Texas School Book Depository. Downtown is home to most of the museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the top-notch Nasher Sculpture Center, and performing arts venues. Notable neighborhoods include funky Deep Ellum, just east of downtown, and artsy Oak Cliff, to the south. Many of the most chic shopping and nightlife districts are in the northern suburbs.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.