Part of the bronze longhorn herd on the convention center grounds.

Big D

Dallas symbolizes much of the popular image of Texas. A major center for oil and gas, this city goes about its business with a character and gusto that is refreshing and 100% Texan. For fans of modern architecture, sports, museums, amusement, and shopping, Dallas is the place to be.

Fair Park/East of Downtown:

African American Museum: www.dallasblack.com/channel1/aam/

Located in Fair Park, the museum is devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials. Permanent collections include African art, African American fine art, folk art, and historical materials. Open Tuesday-Sunday. 3536 Grand Avenue at Fair Park, 214/565-9026. 

The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future: www.thewomensmuseum.org/

This new museum at Fair Park aims to educate and inspire visitors by celebrating women's contributions to society. Open daily, except Monday. 3800 Parry Avenue, 214/915-0860 or 877/915-0860. 

The Science Place: www.scienceplace.org/

The Science Place and TI Founders IMAX Theater offer interactive science exhibits, plus a state-of-the-art IMAX theater. Fair Park, 1318 2nd Avenue, 214/428-5555. 

Deep Ellum: www.ondaweb.com/deep_ellum/

The renovated warehouse district offers visitors one-of-a-kind restaurants, unique shops, and live music (jazz, Latin, rock, new alternative, and blues). Just east of downtown Dallas, 2600-2900 blocks of Elm & Commerce. 

Downtown/West End area:

Pioneer Plaza: www.dallastpf.org/pioneerplaza.htm

This 4.2 acre landscaped plaza features 40 bronze longhorn steers being driven by three cowboys on horseback, as in the cattle drives that were a part of Texas. Open daily, wheelchair accessible. Young Street and Griffin Street adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center, 214/953-1184. 

Union Station: www.dart.org/unionstation.asp

Don't miss this 1914 vintage station, which is home to Amtrak, Downtown DART Light Rail and commuter stations, and Trinity Railway Express. 401 S. Houston, between Wood & Young, 214/979-1111. 

West End Historical District: www.dallaswestend.org/

This turn-of-the-century renovated warehouse district now houses shops, restaurants, museums, and nightclubs. Historic sites in the West End include the Old Red Courthouse, John F. Kennedy Memorial, John Neely Bryan Cabin, and Dealey Plaza. Just west of downtown Dallas near Lamar and McKinney.

Dallas World Aquarium & Zoological Garden: www.dwazoo.com/

Features 85,000 gallons of saltwater exhibits including sea turtles, stingrays, sea dragons, and sharks. The rainforest section features crocodiles, toucans, piranhas, and more. Open daily, 10 am-5 pm. 1801 N. Griffin Street, 214/720-2224. 

Dallas Museum of Art: www.dallasmuseumofart.org/index.html

This premier museum houses major collections of Impressionist art, African, Asian, Indonesian, and pre-Columbian art, plus American Colonial-era antiques. Open daily, except Monday. 1717 North Harwood, 214/922-1200. 

Thanks-Giving Square: www.thanksgiving.org/

Dedicated to revitalizing the ancient spirit of thanksgiving, the Center for World Thanksgiving at Thanks-Giving Square is located in the heart of Dallas. It offers a restful oasis, including a Meditation Garden with seasonal plantings and waterfalls. Surrounded by Akard, Bryan, Ervay, and Pacific streets, 888/305-1205 or 214/969-1977. 

Dallas Public Library: dallaslibrary.org/

The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library finished a major renovation of its 8th floor, which is now home to the history and social sciences collections and the genealogy section. These popular areas now have increased floor space and a greater number of computer workstations. Open daily. 1515 Young Street, 214/670-1400. 

South of Downtown:

Old City Park: the Historical Village of Dallas: www.oldcitypark.org/

This hands-on exhibit complex features an outdoor museum of architectural and cultural history with buildings dating from 1840 to 1910. Open Tuesday-Sunday. 1717 Gano Street, 214/421-5141. 

Black Images Book Bazaar: www.blackimages.com/

The oldest Black bookstore in Texas carries books of all genres. The store is committed to expanding and increasing knowledge in the African American community. Open daily. 230 Wynnewood Village, 214/943-0142. 

International Museum of Cultures: www.sil.org/imc/

Promoting ethnic and cultural diversity, this museum is located on the campus of the International Linguistic Center. Permanent exhibits depict scenes from Ecuador, Peru, and Papua, New Guinea. Open daily, except Monday. 7500 Camp Wisdom Road, 972/708-7406. 

North of Downtown:

McKinney Avenue Trolley: www.mata.org/

McKinney Avenue Transit Authority operates this historical trolley system. MATA's vintage urban streetcars travel the avenue seven days a week 

(10 am-10 pm). 3153 Oak Grove 
at Bowen, 214/855-0006.

The History Merchant: www.historymerchant.com/index.htm

This bookshop specializes in rare, out-of-print, and new editions of fine literature, history, and biography. Open Monday-Saturday. 2723 Ruth Street, 214/979-0810.

Crossroads Market Bookstore and Café

Meadows Museum: www2.smu.edu/meadowsmuseum/

Located in a new building at Southern Methodist University, the Meadows contains one of the finest collections of Spanish art in the world outside of Spain. Works range in date from the 10th through the 20th century. Open daily, except Wednesday. 5900 Bishop Boulevard, 214/768-2516. 

Bath House Cultural Center: www.bathhousecultural.com/

Built in 1930, this neighborhood cultural center was one of the earliest examples of Art Deco architecture in the southwest. Today the "old bath house" at White Rock Lake is home to art exhibits and theater productions. Open Tuesday-Saturday. 521 E. Lawther Drive, 214/670-8749.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: www.dallasarboretum.org/

Set beside White Rock Lake, this urban oasis features 66 acres of blooming gardens, lush lawns, fountains, and sculptures - something to see all the time. Open daily. 8525 Garland Road, 214/327-8263.