Dallas & Fort Worth Holidays

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a nature-lover’s paradise, no matter the time of year. If you like your art, head to Dallas Arts District, the biggest of its kind in America. Fort Worth also has its share of impressive gallery spaces, including the Modern Art Museum which displays work by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.

Sports fans are well catered for on a holiday to Dallas. The city’s 140-acre AT&T Stadium is home to the biggest LED screen on the planet – as well as the Dallas Cowboys, of course. Outside of the football season, you can see music concerts and other events there.

For a spot of retail therapy, try Highland Park Village. This open-air shopping complex is labelled ‘the Beverly Hills of Dallas’ and has a Mediterranean feel. And, if you’re travelling with children, it’s worth visiting Fort Worth Zoo or the Six Flags Over Texas theme park.

The DFW metroplex is home to three iconic landmarks. Firstly, the Reunion Tower gives you the chance to see Dallas from 470 feet up. You’ll be able to walk out onto the external observation deck and try out the interactive touch screens and HD zoom cameras. 

During your Dallas getaway, you may also want to visit the site of one of the city’s most famous historical events. You can make the trip to the sixth floor of what used to be the Texas School Book Depository, from where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F. Kennedy in 1963. There, you can learn more about the US president and even see a recreation of the scene at the window.

If you’re in need of something a bit lighter, why not explore Southfork Ranch? This is where the Dallas television show was filmed, and guided tours are available all year round.

Thanks to Fort Worth’s heritage as a stopover point for cowboys on the Chisholm Trail, it’s now been dubbed ‘Cowtown’. For many, the city plays a key role in America’s Western culture, and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the country’s cowboy heritage.

If you choose just one place to visit, make sure it’s the Fort Worth Stockyards. You can still see its original brick streets and wooden corrals used for herding cattle. Take a guided tour and watch one of the daily cattle drives on Exchange Avenue to really get a sense of the area’s rich history.

Sundance Square is a top spot in Fort Worth, home to many clothing outlets, restaurants and shops selling cowboy-related souvenirs. In the 19th century, cattle-herders would congregate in this square and visit the saloons and dance halls, so it’s a fascinating slice of history.

Lubbock is a unique destination in northwest Texas which offers a rich history, a thriving arts and culture scene, and world-renowned wine. A five-hour drive from Dallas, Lubbock is a great stop to make during a motorhome itinerary, or an ideal multi-centre holiday option. And, if you don’t want to do the drive in one go, you could stop off in Graham and stay at one of the ranches among Texas’ beautiful Texas Hill Country. You can also fly to Lubbock from Dallas and Austin in just over an hour, if you prefer.

There’s lots for the whole family to do in Lubbock, such as art galleries, museums and state parks. You can visit the Buddy Holiday Centre, an exhibit dedicated to the rock ‘n’ roll legend who was from Lubbock. Discover Caprock Canyon State Park, where you’ll find 90 miles of trails and more than 15,000 American bison roaming free. Adventure-seekers will love Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is home to the USA’s second-biggest canyon. And its Adventure Park boasts zip-lining, mini-golf, bumper boats and on-site dining, making it the perfect family day out.

Historic Grapevine, Texas—centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth—is the premiere go-to destination when planning a getaway or vacation in North Texas. Step back in time on Historic Main Street and visit more than 80 charming locally-owned shops, boutiques, restaurants and artisans. Unwind at one of the many award-winning winery tasting rooms, and rest easy at one of the city’s exceptional hotels. 

Take advantage of recreation on Lake Grapevine as well as over nine miles of wilderness and biking trails. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or experience late 19th century farm life at historic Nash Farm. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone. Grapevine is highly accessible, with the convenience of TEXRail commuter train that connects Dalla Airport to the historic downtown district in only 10 minutes.

The best time to visit Dallas and Fort Worth is in spring or autumn. Temperatures drop to single figures in January, while reaching the mid-thirties in July and August – so it’s best to go for the middle ground. Booking your holiday to Dallas and Forth Worth between March and ­May or September and November will give you the chance to explore without building up a sweat. Summer gets very hot and busy, so it’s best to travel outside of this peak period if you can.  

Events run throughout the year in the DFW region, so there’ll always be something to keep you occupied. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in January is one of the biggest festivals of the year, while the Dallas Mardi Gras Parade runs in February. Beautiful floral displays take over Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in the spring, while the Juneteenth Celebration – on 19th June – marking the end of slavery in the US is always an emotional event.