A variety of Dallas tours, both guided and unguided, help everyone from first-time visitors to local residents explore Dallas’ unique architecture, history and culture.
From an evening carriage tour of historic downtown Dallas to air-conditioned bus tours of the city’s most famous attractions, Dallas tours appeal to every interest, age and budget. The comprehensive list below of Dallas tours makes it easy for you to find the best tour for your interests.
Dallas Bus Tours
A bus tour is an excellent way for first-time visitors to enjoy the highlights of Dallas—and avoid battling traffic or sweating in the summer heat. These tours typically include must-see sights such as John Neely Bryan’s log cabin (the founder of Dallas), the West End Historic District, Dallas City Hall, Pioneer Plaza and the Arts District. These tours are also a good choice if you have children.
The international coach touring company Grayline Tours offers a variety of air-conditioned bus tours in and around the city. Locally-based All In One Tour Services also offers the popular three-hour ‘Dallas Highlights Tour.’ You can also add-on a visit to South Fork Ranch, the filming location for the famous “Dallas” television series.
Grayline Tours (800.256.4723; www.grayline.com)
All in One Tour Services (214.698.0332; www.allinonetourservices.com)
Dallas Segway Tours
See the city up close and personal with a guided Dallas Segway Tour. Glide through Dealey Plaza and historic downtown Dallas or venture out on the Katy Nature Trail. These tours are a great choice if you have teenagers; they’ll have fun traveling on the Segways and learn about Dallas at the same time!
Dallas Segway Tours (972.821.9054; www.dallassegway.com)
Dallas Carriage Tours
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour of historic Dallas at night. Standard tours begin in the West End and visit Dealey Plaza and the Arts District. Longer, customized tours are also available. If you are visiting in December, be sure to check out the seasonal horse-drawn Christmas Light Tours through Highland Park. Young children will enjoy the shorter, 20-minute tours while couples young and old are in for a romantic treat on the longer rides.
Dallas Surrey Services (214.946.9911)
Belle Starre Carriages (214.855.0414)
Historic Dallas Walking Tours
If you are visiting in the cooler months, a walking tour of historic downtown Dallas is a must. Depending on your interests, a variety of walking tours are available. The hour-long, free “Walking Arts District Stroll” is a great introduction to Dallas’ unique art and architecture. Preservation Dallas offers public tours of the Wilson Historic District, including the Wilson House and St. James AME Church. Fully restored, these building are stunning examples of Queen Anne and Victorian architecture and neo-classical design.
The Dallas Historical Society also offers specialty themed tours throughout the year. Popular tours include “Running with Bonnie & Clyde,” “Sinners and Saints,” and “Wine in Grapevine.” These specialty tours are only offered a few times each year, so be sure to call in advance for dates and availability.
Walking Arts District Stroll (214.953.1977)
Dallas Historical Society (214.421.4500; www.dallashistory.org/activities/tours.htm)
Preservation Dallas (214.821.3290; www.preservationdallas.org/new_site/tours/)
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Audio Tour
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza explores the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. A dramatic audio tour, as told by witnesses to JFK’s assassination, guides visitors through the exhibition. Journalist Pierce Allman, who first broadcast on the shooting from the Texas School Book Depository, narrates the audio tour. The audio tour also includes excerpts from historic radio broadcasts and the voices of reporters, police officers and eyewitnesses. A youth version, appropriate for younger children, is also available. You can also use your cellphone for an outdoor walking tour through Dealey Plaza and other nearby sites associated with the JFK assassination.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (214-747-6660; www.jfk.org)
Dallas Aerial Tours
If you have money to spare, nothing compares to seeing Dallas from the air! An airplane tour gives you a unique vantage point when it comes to viewing the Big D. If you are visiting Dallas in December, consider an aerial tour of the holiday lights. That’s a view that typically only Santa gets to enjoy!
Starlight Flight (817.588.1817; www.starlightflight.com)
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