Dallas is a vibrant and diverse city that offers plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. But if you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover some hidden gems and unique things to do in Dallas, this post is for you. Here are 10 under-the-radar or offbeat experiences that will make your trip to Dallas unforgettable.
Visit Bonnie and Clyde’s graves
If you are fascinated by the notorious criminal couple who made headlines in the 1930s, you can follow their footsteps in Dallas, where they met and spent their teenage years. You can also visit their graves, which are historic landmarks, at Crown Hill Memorial Park and Western Heights Cemetery. Just remember to be respectful and discreet, as these are not tourist attractions but resting places.
Dig for fossils at Mineral Wells Fossil Park
If you are feeling adventurous and curious, you can unleash your inner paleontologist and dig for over 300 million-year-old fossils at Mineral Wells Fossil Park, only an hour and a half drive from Dallas. The park is open to the public year-round, with free admission. You can bring small tools and dig for the tons of well-preserved fossils from the Pennsylvanian Period, including brachiopods, crinoids, corals, bryozoans, gastropods, pelecypods, trilobites, sharks, and more.
Explore the Eye Sculpture
One of the most striking and unusual sights in downtown Dallas is the Eye Sculpture, a giant fiberglass eyeball that stares at you from a grassy lot. The sculpture was created by artist Tony Tasset and is 9 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide. It was originally commissioned for a temporary exhibition in Chicago but was later moved to Dallas by a local art collector. The Eye Sculpture is a surreal and captivating piece of public art that will make you wonder what it sees.
Experience zero gravity
If you have ever dreamed of floating in space, you can make it happen in Dallas with Zero Gravity, a company that offers weightless flights on board a specially modified Boeing 727. The plane performs parabolic maneuvers that create periods of zero gravity, allowing you to experience the sensation of free fall without jumping out of an airplane. The flights last about two hours and include 15 parabolas of varying intensity. You can also enjoy views of the Dallas skyline from the windows.
Visit the International Museum of Cultures
If you are interested in learning about different cultures and peoples from around the world, you can visit the International Museum of Cultures, a hidden gem in southwest Dallas. The museum showcases exhibits and artifacts from various regions, such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and North America. You can also enjoy interactive displays, videos, music, and stories that highlight the diversity and richness of human cultures.
Play pinball at Free Play Arcade
If you are feeling nostalgic or just want to have some fun, you can play pinball at Free Play Arcade, a retro arcade that features over 100 classic arcade games and pinball machines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. You can enjoy unlimited play for a flat fee of $11 per person (plus tax) and relive your childhood memories or discover new favorites. You can also enjoy craft beers, cocktails, snacks, and live music at the arcade.
See the Bowler Hat Sculpture
Another quirky and whimsical piece of public art in Dallas is the Bowler Hat Sculpture, a giant steel hat that sits on top of a pole in front of a building. The sculpture was created by artist Kurt Dyrhaug and is inspired by the surrealist paintings of René Magritte, who often depicted men wearing bowler hats. The sculpture is also a nod to the history of the building, which used to be a hat factory.
Watch a movie at the Texas Theatre
If you are a movie buff or a history lover, you can watch a movie at the Texas Theatre, a historic and iconic cinema in Oak Cliff. The theatre was built in 1931 and is famous for being the place where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested after assassinating President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The theatre is now a cultural hub that hosts film screenings, live events, concerts, and festivals. You can enjoy indie, foreign, classic, and cult movies in a vintage setting.
Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument
If you are willing to take a day trip from Dallas, you can visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument, an under-the-radar must-see attraction for nature and history enthusiasts. The monument is a paleontological site that preserves the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals that died in a flash flood about 65,000 years ago. You can take a guided tour of the dig site and learn about the discovery and significance of the fossils.
Experience the Dallas World Aquarium
If you want to see exotic and endangered animals from different habitats and regions, you can experience the Dallas World Aquarium, a zoo and aquarium that features exhibits from five continents. You can see sharks, rays, sea turtles, coral reefs, penguins, flamingos, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars, and more. You can also enjoy educational programs, conservation efforts, and cultural displays at the aquarium.
