Known for its chic shopping options, gourmet restaurants, and entertaining nightlife, Uptown Dallas is a posh neighborhood in Dallas. This lively neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly and it has a rich cultural scene. The diverse attractions of the area attract multiple tourists to accommodate here and explore its splendors. McKinney Avenue is popular among shopping freaks; Magnolia Theater is for die-hard movie buffs; West Village is great for dining tantalizing cuisines; Victory Park is a wonderful place to have unlimited fun. Katy Trail is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. If you wish to discover all the glories of this area, book a cozy accommodation from a range of unique tiny houses or get a luxurious hotel with a hot tub first, and then check out the top things to do in Uptown Dallas, Texas.
1. Eat delicious food at The Loon Bar And Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the most popular food joints in Uptown Dallas, The Loon Bar and Grill has been around for over 30 years. The restaurant has a reputation as a fun gathering spot for friends, work colleagues, and families. Look out for their event calendar and check for any upcoming events. The place regularly hosts nights for the locals where they can enjoy a home game or a local festival by watching the proceedings on nine big-screen TVs and the patio projector.
The Loon Bar and Grill
Address: 3028 North Hall St #179, Dallas, TX 75204, United States
Website: The Loon Bar and Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri & Sat: 11am - 2am
Price: 2.95 USD onwards
2. Plan a shopping trip to Uptown Dallas Plaza
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for places in Uptown Dallas to go on a shopping spree, The Uptown Dallas Plaza is the place to go. It is a popular shopping center amongst the locals for everything they need.
The plaza houses a few options for eating out. Dine at the Pei Wei Asian Diner or visit Mortons The Steakhouse to have a feast. Enjoy fresh juices at the Pressed Juicery before going to the Maras Med Spa to unwind and relax with a facial or to browse through their innovative line of body treatments.
Uptown Plaza Dallas
Address: 2222 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Website: Uptown Plaza Dallas
3. Visit the fascinating Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
There’s plenty of options when it comes to entry-free museums in Dallas and this is one of them. Museum of Geometric and MADI Art is a great place to marvel at the abstract art and geometric works. Founded in 2002 by art lovers, Bill and Dorothy Masterson, the museum acts as one of the top destinations to immerse yourself in the beauty of contemporary artworks. The founders have traveled the world to collect the diverse MADI arts and exhibits in their unique museum. The visitors can admire the innovative geometric forms in this museum and discover the essence of colored shapes.
Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
Address: 3109 Carlisle St, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
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4. Have a picnic at Griggs Park
Griggs Park is a serene park featuring wide green spaces. Many people visit this 7.4-acre (2.9-hectare) park to enjoy picnicking with their family and friends. There is lots of seating area in the park to relax and unwind in their scenic views. A half-court basketball court can be found here. You can also bring your pets to this park and have fun with them. Make sure to keep your dog on-leash. A pet waste station is also available for the dogs.
Griggs Park
Address: 2200 Hugo St, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: Griggs Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
5. Catch a movie at Landmark's Magnolia Theater
Landmark’s Magnolia Theater is one of the famous hangout places for movie lovers. Since 2003, the theater has been serving as a fun spot in Uptown Dallas. Located in the upscale McKinney and Lemmon Avenues, the theater showcases independent and Hollywood movies to entertain its visitors. The modern and art deco of the theater have interested many people to visit this place again and again. The theater features a great food selection with innovative cocktails and quick bites at their concession stands and bars in their lobby area. After catching a film, maybe you’d like to enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner–check out the list of the top seafood restaurants in Dallas.
Landmark's Magnolia Theater
Address: 3699 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: Landmark’s Magnolia Theater
6. Admire creative artwork at McKinney Avenue Contemporary
McKinney Avenue Contemporary is an organization dedicated to visual arts. It gives an opportunity to regional & local artists as well as international artists to establish their artistic talent. Since their opening in 1994, the place has been serving as the topmost destination for contemporary arts in Dallas. The institution also conducts monthly lectures, film screenings, literary readings, and performance art to impart knowledge about artworks. It houses Kitchen Dog Theater, which screens old classics. The organization also hosts artists’ market in the open air many times a year.
McKinney Avenue Contemporary
Address: 1503 S Ervay St, Dallas, TX 75215
Website: McKinney Avenue Contemporary
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
7. Go on a biking trip along Katy Trail
This 3.4-mile (5.6-km) trail is famous among adventure enthusiasts. The trail is built from an old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. If you wish to go for jogging, walking, cycling or inline skating, this trail can be the perfect destination for you. The trail stretches for 237 miles (386 km) along Missouri River. Though the trail is long, the picturesque views along the way are worth the hike. There is a parking space near Knox Street to park your vehicles before starting the hike.
Katy Trail
Address: 5207 McKinney Ave, Suite 19A, Dallas, TX 75205
Website: Katy Trail
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
8. Take a food tour along West Village (from USD 89.0)
West Village in Uptown Dallas features plenty of eateries to explore and dine on delicious food. On this tour, you will be walking to various casual eateries to taste the local food of Uptown Dallas. You will also get a chance to explore the historical and cultural landmarks and know the history behind it. Tourists are introduced to McKinney Avenue Trolleys for a fun ride. See the oldest trolley car in the United States, “Rosie” which has been running for more than 100 years. You will be accompanied by an expert guide during this trip.
If this tour isn’t enough, check out our list of the best food tours in Dallas.
Dallas Uptown and West Village Foodie Walk
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
9. Enjoy live music at The Rustic
The Rustic is a renowned American restaurant which serves mouthwatering American food with drinks. The ingredients used here are sourced from local ranchers and local farmers. There are over 40 local craft beers and Texas-inspired cocktails served in this wonderful restaurant. You can enjoy live music by local and national artists at the outdoor patio of this restaurant. They also organize a pop-up market from time to time to encourage local vendors and artisans. Private parties can be arranged here for special events and occasions.
The Rustic
Address: 3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: The Rustic
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 10am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 2am
10. Stroll along McKinney Avenue
McKinney Avenue is the most celebrated area in Uptown Dallas for shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is the prominent spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the best time in Uptown Dallas. The street stretches across West Village, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, and State Thomas. Though it is a historic street, the area is packed with fabulous bars, luxury shops & boutiques, upscale spas & hotels, wonderful restaurants, renowned art galleries, and one of the top shopping malls in Dallas. The famous McKinney Avenue Trolley cars are available in the area to travel from uptown to downtown conveniently.
McKinney Avenue
Address: Dallas, TX, USA
11. Play arcade games at Kung Fu Saloon
Kung Fu Saloon is a casual Texas bar which enables its visitors to play video games and skeeball game. There are 18 arcade games such as Galaga, Ms. Pacman, Mortal Kombat, Centipede, NBA Jam, Big Buck Hunter, Golden Tee, and many more. There are dedicated karaoke rooms to sing your heart out. Both domestic and craft beers are available at this bar. A specially designed pub-style menu will satiate your hunger pangs while you have fun at this gorgeous bar.
Kung Fu Saloon
Address: 2911 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Website: Kung Fu Saloon
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat & Sun: 11am - 2am
12. Sample cocktails at Blackfriar Pub
Blackfriar Pub is a classy Irish pub with stunning decor. Located at McKinney Avenue, the pub was once a beer garden. Set gracefully in the antique wooden framed house and beautiful garden, the pub is a popular place to taste contemporary Texas food. Blackfriar offers a historic atmosphere to the visitors and ensures a feel-good ambiance. You can taste creative cocktails and the finest beers. The lip-smacking bread pudding with maple syrup and whiskey sauce and Irish coffee are the signature dishes served here. Dogs are welcome at this trendy bar.
Blackfriar Pub
Address: 2621 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: Blackfriar Pub
Opening hours: Tue: 3pm - 12am; Wed & Thu: 3am - 2am; Fri: 11.30am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
13. Visit Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a renowned museum to learn about nature, history, and science. There are two campuses in the museum; one at Victory Park and another at Fair Park. Both children and adults can learn the mysteries of science and get astounded. The museum organizes interesting exhibitions and educational programs related to science and technological advancement. The exhibits enable you to learn about dinosaurs, stars, latest technology, and many more to excite your intelligence.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
Website: Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
Price: 17 USD for adults (18 - 64yrs), 11 USD for youth (2 - 17yrs), 12 USD for seniors (65+), free for children under 2yrs
14. Take a free ride on the M-Line Trolley
M-Line Trolley is a vintage trolley service operating in McKinney Avenue. It connects uptown with downtown Dallas and operates all the days of the week, free of charge. These antique trolleys enable the riders to explore the beautiful areas of Uptown. If you wish to celebrate any special occasion, you can book in advance. They can arrange for local caterers and set up tables for dining to make your events more special.
M-Line Trolley
Address: Dallas, TX, USA
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri: 7am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 10pm
Price: Free
15. Try out the craft beers at MUTTS Canine Cantina
MUTTS Canine Cantina is a dog park which serves delectable food and drinks in concession-style stalls. It is located along Cityplace West and Oak Grove Avenue in West Village. You can relax in the open air and have fun with your two-legged furry friend in this exceptional park. It is also a beer garden which serves delicious craft beers. Food is available for the dogs as well.
MUTTS Canine Cantina
Address: 2889 Cityplace W Blvd, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: MUTTS Canine Cantina
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat & Sun: 11am - 11pm
Price: Under 10 USD
16. Watch a performance at Kalita Humphreys Theater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kalita Humphreys Theater is an ancient theater built in 1959 by the distinguished architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It was the last completed building by the architect. The decor gives a historic feel with exceptional design. Other theater groups such as Uptown Players and Second Thought Theater use this theater venue for the performance. Various bars, restaurants, and entertainment options are located in the close vicinity of the theater.
Kalita Humphreys Theater
Address: 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219, United States
17. Have a meal and drinks at The Nodding Donkey
The Nodding Donkey is one of the notable sports bars in Uptown Dallas. Jonathan Calabrese is the owner and chef of the bar who has designed a modern menu with authentic taste. The bar is keen on using fresh ingredients to prepare their food. Smoked wings and brisket tacos are their signature dishes. You can also find some of the best craft beers in this bar. There are several large TVs to catch a game which also features 3D viewing technology.
The Nodding Donkey
Address: 2900 Thomas Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: The Nodding Donkey
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 11pm; Mon - Wed: 11am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 11am - 2am
Price: 11 - 30 USD
18. Ride a mechanical bull at Trophy Room
Trophy Room is another sports bar with fun activities for adults in Uptown Dallas. The bar includes ice-cold beers which are procured from international vendors and local breweries along with handcrafted cocktails. DJs in the venue play the best live music and make the guests dance to their tunes. The outdoor patio is perfect to enjoy the views of vibrant McKinney Avenue. Riding the mechanical bull is a popular activity enjoyed by most of the guests. Private events can also be organized here in a grand way.
Trophy Room
Address: 2714 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, USA
Website: Trophy Room
Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)
Dazzling attractions and exciting activities
Uptown Dallas is a dynamic area with dazzling attractions and exciting activities. Due to the presence of diverse things to do and see, Uptown Dallas is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Texas. Get ready to explore the wonders of this lively area by browsing through our top things to do in Uptown Dallas.
If, however, you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids in the city, here’s a list of the best theme and amusement parks in Dallas.
Frequently asked questions about top things to do in Uptown Dallas, Texas
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