How to Spend 48 Hours in Dallas

Jonathon’s has been a brunch mainstay of North Oak Cliff for locals and visitors alike. They come here for eggs Benedict, breakfast tacos, migas, and four different styles of waffles. Keep it classic with the Belgian waffle or fried chicken and waffle. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, go all-in with the—wait for it—All-in-One Waffle. It’s a delicious beast featuring a bacon-batter Belgian waffle, topped with scrambled eggs, pork sausage, onions, chilies, cheddar, hot drizzle sauce, and Chef Jon’s peppered gravy.

Open since 2008 and located along the banks of the Trinity River, this center sits at the entry of the 6,000-acre (2,428 hectare) Great Trinity Forest. The Trinity River Audubon Center offers each of its visitors a chance to discover miles of trails that feature local birds, vegetation, and wildlife. The center also features public programs like guided hikes, bird watching classes, and the chance to learn more about the four breeds of owls that are native to Dallas. In addition, there is an indoor exhibit hall that showcases native animals like fish, snakes, lizards, and more. Visitors have the option to tour the architecture of the eco-friendly buildings, taste local honey from their six beehives, and watch a movie about the Trinity River and its history. The center also offers school field trips, like the four-hour eco-investigations that feature a pond study, guided hike, and nature study. There is a two-hour guided float trip down the Trinity River, which is perfect for a short weekend adventure. The Trinity River Audubon Center serves to educate Dallas residents about the natural environment and the fragility of the ecosystem of the largest urban forest in the United States. With the educational opportunities, scenic wooded trails, and extensive visitor activities, the Trinity River Audubon Center is a great place for field trips, volunteering, and fun.

The flagship of this Dallas-based retail icon is a glamorous, four-story wonder on Main Street, directly across from the ever-sexy Joule Hotel. With a champagne bar on the first floor and three stories of luxury retail, all bases are covered: finds for her, him, and home, with jewelry and beauty to boot. The fourth floor is home to the Mirador restaurant, serving New American fare for lunch and dinner. Snacks and cocktails are offered mid-day, and late evening, until 11 p.m.

You don’t have to be a Cowboys fan to tour the Dallas Cowboy Stadium. The AT&T Stadium is full of endless fun and facts as one of the world’s largest domed structures. Tour the locker rooms, walk through the tunnel, or simply admire its contemporary art. Guests have the option of choosing from four daily tours: Self-Guided, VIP-Guided, Art Tour, or an Educational Tour. Enjoy a quick bite at the café, shop the Official Dallas Cowboys Gift Shop, or toss the football around (bring your own) on the actual field for as long as you want. The AT&T Stadium located in Arlington is an experience that’s sure to appeal to everyone.

At 561 feet (170 meters) tall, the Reunion Tower is an observation tower with 360-degree views of the city of Dallas. The observation deck level features interactive and digital experiences, including information about Dallas history, the Reunion Tower itself, and more. There are also numerous telescopes to get a close-up view of the skyline. Pop into the Cloud Nine Café for a snack or a refreshing drink, or eat at Five Sixty, a Wolfgang Puck fine dining restaurant located on the top, rotating floor. Eat a delicious gourmet meal while enjoying incredible views that overlook the city. The tower is also connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, so it’s perfect for visitors who want to stay close by to this Dallas attraction.

The Gym of Social Mechanics may look like a CrossFit box, but the program is designed to mimic everyday movements to improve your daily life. The classes include targeted warm-ups, basic strength movements, high-intensity conditioning sessions, and recovery exercises. Classes start as early as 5:30 a.m. and are available throughout the day. Your first class is free. The family-like atmosphere is inclusive, supportive, and fun. Members enjoy unlimited classes, 50% off healthy food at HG Sply Co, and a discounted drop-in rate at Plum Yoga.

As you watch the food delivered to the tables at HG Sply, your mouth will water because Chef Javier Briones’ menu is a delight for the eyes and the palette. What you may not notice right away is the laser focus on dishes that are healthy and balanced. There are a number of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as things that cater to a Paleo diet. It’s not all quinoa and kombucha, though. The cocktail program features delicious and refreshing creations, many of which have house-made infused spirits.

Looking for more to do? Grab a bike-share and explore the Swiss Avenue Historic District, just east of Downtown. The neighborhood was the brainchild Robert S. Munger, a wealthy cotton-gin manufacturer. At the turn of the 20th century, Munger Place became the first master-planned, upscale residential community of its kind in Dallas. Munger had strict requirements on the types of homes and how they were built in the area, and the result is a community of homes in Mediterranean, Spanish, Spanish Revival, Georgian, Mission, Prairie, Craftsman, Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, Tudor, and Colonial Revival styles.

As you leave the Swiss Avenue area, set your GPS and bike down to Deep Ellum for live music and bar hopping to round out the day. The indie artist epicenter of Dallas proper is alive with bars, restaurants, art galleries, tattoo parlors, and music venues, both large and small. On any given day, as the sun starts to set, you’ll find some sort of entertainment from local DJ heroes at Off the Record or national acts at The Bomb Factory.