Howdy y’all – Dallasites101 here! If you’re one of the 75,000+ people who have moved to Dallas this year, we welcome you! We hope you found the perfect apartment with the help of Smart City Locating and are excited to help get you acquainted with your new city. Now that you’re settled in, it’s time to start exploring and doing all the Dallas things!
1. Sip a Ranch Water on a patio
The West-Texan cocktail has taken over Dallas and it’s the perfect refreshing drink to sip on a patio! Made with tequila, Topo Chico, and a splash of lime, it’s not difficult to make but there are definitely places in Dallas that do it best. Jaxon Beer Garden in Downtown serves theirs in a Topo Chico bottle on their 30,000-square foot patio, Las Palmas and Jalisco Norte have them for $6 during happy hour, and Vidorra in Deep Ellum garnishes theirs with a tajin-rim on the rooftop patio.
2. Indulge in Texas barbecue
You’re probably not new to barbecue if you’ve relocated to Dallas from Kansas City, Memphis, or anywhere else where barbecue is considered a food group—but Texas barbecue is definitely worth trying! The stars of Texas barbecue are mostly brisket and pulled pork, served with white bread, pickles, and onions. Our favorite spots for barbecue are Ferris Wheelers for a casual environment with frequent live music, Terry Blacks for a rooftop view of the famous Dallas skyline, Smoky Rose for an Instagram-able patio and fun cocktail menu, and Lockhart Smokehouse for a “no fluff” experience!
3. Explore over 100 miles of walking and biking
Dallas may be a huge city with one of the coolest skylines, but we love how there’s also plenty of outdoor space to enjoy year-round! There are more than 100 miles of walking and biking trails in Dallas. The most popular trail is the Katy Trail running right through Uptown and the Knox neighborhood with lots of shade. White Rock Lake is the perfect place to picnic, kayak, walk, or let your pup cool off with a swim. Trinity River is 17 miles of walking and biking trails along the river with some awesome views of the city!
Looking for hiking trails and more scenic routes? Check out our guide to the best hiking trails around Dallas!
4. Shop local and support your community
Dallas is full of makers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners who we love to show our support to–especially now! The Bishop Arts District is a charming neighborhood packed full of independent shops, bars, and restaurants. Some of our favorites include Caffeinated Beauty Bar, Beatnik Fine Goods, All Good Things, and Mosaic Makers Collective for unique gifts, apparel, and decor. After shopping, feast at Eno’s Pizza Tavern, sip on a yummy cocktail at Mermaid Bar, enjoy a healthy lunch at Tribal Cafe, or grab a pick-me-up latte at La Reunion cafe!
5. Meet friends via a sports or social club
Joining a recreational sports league has become a popular way for Dallasites to expand their social circle, have fun during the week, and do something active outside. Dallas Sport & Social Club and Lonestar Sports Club have sand volleyball, kickball, softball, basketball, soccer, and even more year-round sports to play. No team, no problem! You can sign up as an individual and be paired with a team that meets your skill level as well as your weeknight availability.
Want to explore Dallas by bike? Iron Riders or BikeDFW are great clubs to join if you’re interested in cycling!
6. Beat the heat at a pool
Texas summers are no joke. The heat lasts through September and weekends spent by the water are recommended, so it’s a good thing Dallas isn’t short on pools! The Virgin Hotel, Lorenzo Hotel, Canvas Hotel, and the Statler all offer day passes to relax by their stunning pools and/or attended a poolside party–DJ included.
If you’re looking for more of a relaxed and casual atmosphere, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in East Dallas is a public pool (and bar) with $5-$10 day passes. For even more amenities, spend a day at the Hilton Anatole with a massive pool, swim-up bar, lazy river, and water slides.
We hope this guide has helped you get a bit more acquainted with the Big D and that you’re feeling excited about all the exploring you have to look forward to. Now that you’re a verified local, check out our full weekend guide to entertaining your guests to become a pro at entertaining the Dallas way, and be sure to follow us on IG and stay up0to-date on the Dallas 101!
Written by Abby Schikevitz of Dallasites101
Dallasites101 is a hyperlocal media company in Dallas, about Dallas. They are your 101 to Dallas, encouraging new and native residents to continuously discover and engage in the city, through content and experiences. They want Dallasites to call the city home, to find and build their sense of place here by trying “the new.” And that doesn’t just mean what’s new to Dallas, but also what’s new to them!
All images sourced by Dallasites 101.
