The Best Things to Do Alone in Dallas

There’s something about waking up in the morning and seizing the day in a tranquil setting like Dallas’ White Rock Lake. While many visitors to White Rock Lake, bike, run, walk the dog, or consider renting a kayak and traversing the blue surface. White Rock Lake Paddle Co. offers rentals until sundown. Paddle along the shoreline where turtles layout or over to the Dallas Arboretum, where you can sometimes hear the tunes of bands. Whatever you do, this peaceful solo activity is sure to make for a wonderful memory.

Pampering is best done solo, and one of the best places to go is King Spa & Sauna. It’s a Korean-style spa separated by men and women’s sections that have spa tubs, whirlpools, and saunas with natural elements like salt, siraka stone, amethyst crystals, and pine salt. Their far infrared room is said to help with arthritis, skin conditions, and soft tissue injuries. You can also order a massage or beauty treatment here and enjoy a snack or meal at their on-site food court. For those who have kids, spend some time alone in the spa rooms while your children watch a movie in the movie theater or play by the pool.

Art is such a personal experience that it makes sense to visit Dallas’ museums by yourself. Find free admission at the Dallas Museum of Art or the Crow Collection Museum of Asian Art, two phenomenal art museums that sit side-by-side in the Arts District. Science enthusiasts will want to check out the Perot Museum, perhaps in the evening when they often have events and series for adults. Fair Park is home to the African American Museum, which is free, too. And if you love sculptures, check out the Nasher Sculpture Center – they have free entry during their “til Midnight at the Nasher” series.

You don’t need a partner or a friend to stroll through the Dallas Farmers Market during the week or on the weekends. Local farmers, vendors, artisans, and craftsmen sell their products at The Shed, an open-air pavilion on the weekends. The 26,000-square foot food hall and artisanal vendor market is open during the week and offers a small food court. You can often find events like yoga or live music at the Farmers Market.

Going to a big movie theater can feel a bit intimidating when you’re alone, which is why we suggest checking out an indie film at the Texas Theater solo. It’s a small, historic space with a kind staff, snack bar, and a full bar where you can order a drink. They often play indie or classic films at a price that’s generally less than $5 per ticket, and host plenty of events throughout the year like karaoke and the Oak Cliff Film Festival.

If you appreciate art in an outdoor setting, you’ll want to head to Deep Ellum. Rent a bike-share bike and ride up and down Elm and Main streets admiring the ever-changing murals and graffiti, stopping here and there to explore galleries like the Kettle Art Gallery or Kirk Hopper Fine Art. Deep Ellum has also grown to include cute boutiques like Jade & Clover and indie bookstores like Deep Vellum Books. And if you get hungry or need a drink, there are never-ending choices that range from Mexican to Italian and high-end American restaurants, to dive and rooftop bars.

Klyde Warren Park is a central hub of Dallas and one of the best places to spend some hours or a day alone. Here, you’ll find a row of food trucks on one side, and a restaurant, Lark on the Park, on the other. They have free Wi-Fi and tables and chairs for those who want to work outside, read a book or magazine, or put together a puzzle from the racks they bring out every day. Or bring your own book, a blanket, and a small picnic and grab some sun on one of their expansive green lawns while admiring the Dallas skyline that looms over you. Keep in mind that on weekends and at night, there are often free activities like yoga, Zumba, concerts, and dance classes.

Bishop Arts is a dynamic shopping and entertainment area in Oak Cliff and a fantastic place to explore alone. Grab a coffee and a slice of pie at Emporium Pies or read a book at The Wild Detectives, an indie bookstore. Shop for women and menswear at Indigo 1745 or Epiphany. Admire art at the Ginger Fox Gallery or book spa services at the Skin and Body Solutions Day Spa. Depending on how long you stay, you could effectively experience breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Bishop Arts and have your choice of pastries, Mexican, pizza, barbecue, and even Vietnamese.