Dallas, Texas Attractions
The list of things to do near the new NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas reads like a who's who of star attractions. Located near the hotel, you'll find exciting options for families like the Dallas Zoo and Dallas World Aquarium; shopping paradise at Grapevine Mills and Galleria Mall; creative interpretations at the Dallas Museum of Art; and pro sports and headline entertainment at American Airlines Center. And there's more where that came from.
Dallas Museum of Art. The Dallas Museum of Art is as much a historic landmark as it is a museum.
Serving the public for over 100 years, the Dallas Museum of Art is recognized as one of the most significant art museums in the country. In addition to rotating exhibits that celebrate everything from Vincent Van Gogh's work to the ancient civilization of King Tutankhamen, the Dallas Museum of Art houses tens of thousands of relics in its permanent collections. Themed collections are categorized as Pacific Islands, African, Provenance, Asian, and Decorative Arts. Visit www.dallasmuseumofart.org.
Dallas Zoo. Plan to dedicate an entire day to exploring the 95-acre Dallas Zoo. It's the largest zoo in Texas. In addition to its collections of traditional animal exhibits, the Dallas Zoo is recognized for its commitment to endangered animal research. Special exhibits, including the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Center and the ExxonMobile Endangered Tiger Habitat, allow experts to study animal behaviors while educating the public on the importance of protecting endangered and rare wildlife. The Dallas Zoo also features a children's area with a petting farm, playground and pony rides for young kids. Visit www.dallaszoo.com.
[ back to top ]The Dallas World Aquarium. Take a trip through the wilds of five continents and 14 countries when you visit The Dallas World Aquarium. Located in the historic West End District of Dallas, the aquarium is distinguished by its 200-foot Wilds of Borneo entrance. Inside, browse fascinating plant and wildlife exhibits such as the Orinoco - Secrets of the River and Mundo Maya which features a 40-foot long cenote, or tunnel, teeming with sharks and rays. The Dallas World Aquarium also offers a regular schedule of special events, animal feedings, and discussions. Visit www.dwazoo.com.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, Texas, promises adrenaline-pumped adventure for the whole family. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor offers thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river for much-needed R&R after zipping down speed-demon slides. Shaded cabanas with a picnic table, seating, and private food and beverage services are available for rent. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Check online for discount coupons on admission. Visit www.sixflags.com.
[ back to top ]Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The poignant Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas is chiefly a memorial to the life of President John F. Kennedy. The museum is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, the building from which JFK was assassinated in 1963. Exhibits feature artifacts from JFK's presidency and also testimonies from reporters, police officers and medical personnel who were involved in the aftermath of that fateful day. Lectures, presentations and other special events open to the public are held at the Sixth Floor Museum throughout the year. Visit www.jfk.org.
Galleria Dallas. Galleria Dallas shopping mall in Dallas, Texas is an elite shopping center serving the DFW area. International fashion boutiques, department stores, restaurants, an ice skating, and a children's jungle-themed play area comprise this “Best of Dallas” mall. Macy's, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue anchor Galleria Dallas. Shoppers will also find such favorites as Banana Republic, BCBG, The Limited, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Old Navy, Pottery Barn, and Williams-Sonoma. Visit www.galleriadallas.com.
[ back to top ]Texas Stadium. Texas Stadium in Irving was the longtime home of the Dallas Cowboys until the close of the 2008 season. When Texas Stadium opened in 1971, it was the most innovative sports stadiums in the nation. Most notable was the iconic “hole” in the stadium ceiling. The Dallas Cowboys will open the 2009 season in their new stadium in nearby Arlington. This larger-than-life metroplex stadium will feature the signature Texas Stadium retractable roof, seating for an estimated 80,000 fans, Dallas Cowboy Fall of Fame, video boards, 200 luxury suites, and much more. Visit www.dallascowboys.com.
Grapevine Mills Mall. Grapevine Mills Mall near DFW International Airport offers over a millions square feet of retail shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Among its more than 180 stores, Grapevine Mills Mall also features popular outlet stores including NIKE Factory Outlet, Levi's Outlet, and Gap Outlet. Take a break from shopping and watch the latest Hollywood sensation on the big screen at Grapevine Mills' AMC Theatres. Restaurants at the shopping mall include Rainforest Café, Steak n' Shake, Dickey's BBQ, Corner Bakery Café, and dozens of others. Visit http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1248.
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American Airlines Center. American Airlines Center is the epicenter for professional sports action and special events in Dallas, Texas. Hockey fans can watch the Dallas Stars dominate the ice during the winter. The NBA Dallas Mavericks make headlines during basketball season, and arena football fans can cheer for the Dallas Desperados. American Airlines Center also attracts major national and international performers for concerts, performing arts, and family shows. Visit www.americanairlinescenter.com.
Mustangs of Las Colinas. The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a landmark not to be missed in the master planned community of Las Colinas within Irving, Texas. Mustangs of Las Colinas is the largest equestrian sculpture in the world. It features nine larger-than-life galloping bronze mustangs. Installed over a large fountain in the Williams Square Plaza business center of Las Colinas, the mustangs appear as though they are charging through a stream. The sculpture, created by artist Robert Glen, was installed in 1984. The mustangs are symbolic of a free spirited Texas. Visit www.mustangsoflascolinas.com.
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Dallas Cowboys New Stadium. As of the 2009 football season, the Dallas Cowboys will have a new home. The new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas will seat an estimated 80,000 people, with room to accommodate up to 100,000 for arena-style events. Like its Texas Stadium predecessor, the new Dallas Cowboys stadium will feature an enormous retractable roof. The new stadium will also feature 180-foot-wide retractable end zone glass doors to simulate an open-air stadium. State-of-the-art technology, including the world's largest video board, will enhance the spectator experience. The new Dallas Cowboys stadium will host Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Visit www.stadium.dallascowboys.com.
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. Meeting and event planners will have much more to choose from in 2010 in meeting and convention facilities in the Dallas, Texas area. The new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, scheduled to open in November 2010, will feature flexible event space to accommodate exhibits, meetings, conferences, banquets, and trade and consumer shows. Notable spaces include a 50,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall; 20,000-square-foot ballroom, and 20 conference rooms ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 square feet. Space reservations are available. Visit http://www.irvingtexas.com/meetings/conventioncenter/.
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