The Best Things to Do in Oak Cliff

Children are delighted by a hippo at the Dallas Zoo.
Children are delighted by a hippo at the Dallas Zoo. | © Cathy Burkey / Dallas Zoo
Alex Temblador

The southwest side of Dallas is home to Oak Cliff, a neighborhood that is renowned for its diversity, especially in the Latino community, the arts, restaurants, and a blossoming selection of attractions. From authentic Mexican cuisine to live music, shopping, and mountain biking, Oak Cliff has something for every type of visitor. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Oak Cliff from morning to night.

Watch a film in a historic theater

The Texas Theater is a historic movie theater that’s been a staple of Oak Cliff since 1931. Today, it mostly shows indie and art films for a low price, though sometimes they hold events with free screenings. In addition to a small concession stand, there’s a bar where patrons can enjoy a drink or two before and after films. Take note: this was also the site where Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended by police.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Texas Theater screens indie and art films as well as movies with cultural significance.

Have Mexican food… and then more Mexican food

You can’t go to Oak Cliff without having Mexican food—because it’s the best in the city. Have an authentic Mexican breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Gonzalez Restaurant. Don’t forget to try their award-winning tortillas! Grab tacos 24/7 from Cesar’s Tacos or breakfast from La Sultana Antojitos. If you’re looking for a delicious Mexican pastry (pan dulce), try Maroches Bakery on Davis Street.

Attend an Oak Cliff Cultural Center event

The Oak Cliff Cultural Center plays an important part in the Oak Cliff community. They bring art shows, classes, and workshops to their storefront space on Jefferson Boulevard, as well as host bigger neighborhood events like #214Selena and the Cinco de Mayo Festival. If they’re not having an event, you can stop by their space to check out their gallery which is usually filled with art.

Oak Cliff Cultural Center hosts art shows, community festivals, and other events.

Explore the Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District sits within Oak Cliff and is a favorite weekend spot for Dallasites. Home to boutique stores, restaurants, bars, and bookstores, the Bishop Arts District is comprised of a few walkable streets. It has an old-timey design, thanks to brick buildings and charming storefronts, and offers plenty of shopping and eating options to take up a whole day.

Mountain bike in the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a hidden pocket of natural wonder in Dallas’ Oak Cliff. The 121-acre (48.96-hectare) preserve is filled with woodlands and prairies intersected by eight miles (12.87 km) of trails. While many people do hike the trails, with its twists, turns, and small ramps, they are best enjoyed by those who love mountain biking.

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve has eight miles of hiking and biking trails.

Have a family day out at the zoo

The Dallas Zoo opened in 1888 and has been going strong as Texas’ largest zoo! Take the family to see exhibits of over 2,000 animals from all over the world. Some highlights include more than 70 venomous snakes and a Giants of the Savanna exhibit that mixes animals from the Savanna in one habitat.

Children are delighted by a hippo at the Dallas Zoo.

Shop for Latino artisan products in Mercado Artesanal

With strong ties to the Latino community, Oak Cliff is the perfect place for Mercado369’s Mercado Artesanal, a contemporary arts market selling Latino art from around the world. In addition to an art gallery, you’ll find jewelry, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and décor for sale. They also hosts workshops, dances, and other events throughout the week.

Check out some amazing murals

The mural art work of Oak Cliff is some of the best in Dallas. Take a few hours to search throughout the neighborhood for amazing pieces. There’s two murals designed in memory of Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Another mural by Mexican artist Ricardo Angeles features an eagle, a skull, a snake, a heart, a fish, and a butterfly. Bishop Arts has a handful of murals, like a large multi-colored deer with the words “Bishop Arts.” Be sure to take a picture with the “Oak Cliff Loves You” mural on the Seven Mart Food Store to remember your Oak Cliff mural hunting days!

Oak Cliff is home to wonderful murals, like this one that pays tribute to Selena Quintanilla-Perez.

Catch a show at the Kessler Theater

The Kessler Theater opened in Oak Cliff in 1942 and was once owned by Gene Autry. While it was a movie theater, today it has been remodeled as a spot that hosts concerts, readings, and art performances. Inside, there’s an art gallery space, as well as a beloved bar. Though it’s been updated to fit modern standards, there’s still a definite early 1900’s vibe to the space that any visitor will love.

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