Discover Hidden Gems with Local Travel Tips
Dallas Magazine
Best Donuts in Dallas: Ferguson Donut Shop North Texas’s nouveau shops have gotten so distracted by cream-filled this and topped with that, they seem to have forgotten how to make a basic melt-in-your-mouth, glazed old-fashioned. We’re over the theatrics (and prices, my goodness) and suggest finding your local, satisfying ring-slinger whose signage simply reads “Donuts.” Ferguson is our fave.
VICTORIA northtx.gemz
SLOW & STEADY COFFEE || DALLAS 🖤 🍒 WHAT THEY’RE KNOWN FOR: I believe this place just opened up a few months ago. They are built from a small house in a quaint neighborhood. Literally so many cute spaces to sit at. 🍒 THE VIBE: friendliest baristas ever, they’re so chill and hospitable. The inside is mostly for talking and socializing not really many spots to sit to work from a laptop. 🍒 WOULD I COME BACK? Yes! •••• Overall Rating: 10/10 - I’m so glad I discovered this place from my coffee passport and I really wish more people were talking about this place! They have almost 5 stars on google and Yelp! - The coffee I got had horchata as the milk and 2 shots of espresso and wow it was perfection. The coffee was roasted perfectly and it was not too sweet! Simply a great cup of iced coffee! - Baristas were great to mingle with and it was just a great vibe. - There’s 4 parking spots to the left of the building, but you would need to park in the neighborhood if there’s no parking which looked like what most people did anyways.
Dallas Magazine
Qué Calor August 10, 6 p.m.| This weekend, stroll through Eliana Miranda’s latest Oak Cliff Cultural Center exhibition. The exhibition centers on the intersectionality of migration and ecological events, specifically the Mexican border with the United States and heat-related severe weather. Miranda’s work investigates environmental intersectionality and the influence on the migration of people headed towards the U.S./ Mexico border from Mexico, Central America, and South America. The movement of people from marginalized communities are often affected by ecological disasters that stem from climate change. Severe weather events such as heat waves, flooding, and droughts are some of the catalysts for these migrations.
Dallas Magazine
Trek to the African American Museum The museum has several permanent exhibits, like the Billy Folk Art Collection, plus visiting and temporary exhibitions that highlight African American history and culture across the U.S. The African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern Region devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the U.S. The institution hosts a number of lectures and specialty events throughout the year—don’t miss the Summer Music Under the Dome concert series. Free.
STEPHANIE
10/10! This was such a fun experience! 🙌🏾💐 Pur Noire is a black owned urban winery that just opened its second location in Dallas! The first location is in Houston, so this is a great activity if you’re in either city! ✨ The vibe is elevated but still relaxed, so it’s a great spot to unwind or meet a friend! You can grab a glass to sip or do a customized tasting to try a few different wines! They also have a free wine club for true wine lovers! This gets you exclusive perks, like access to the members only tasting room, and discounts on bottles, events, etc! I definitely recommend! 💕
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Just steps away from the American Airlines Center, Happiest Hour is a vibrant and spacious venue. In fact, it is the largest patio bar and lounge in Dallas. Offering 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor lounge, the prime spot for alfresco vibes is the stylish second floor rooftop, surrounded with impeccable views over Victory Park and the Dallas skyline. Packed with plenty of atmosphere, from the casual post-work and pre-game sessions, to more upscale late night vibes, the large rooftop menu comes filled with signature cocktails, wines on tap and more than 50 different beer selections.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
Perched on top of the classic hotel The Statler in downtown Dallas, the beautiful Waterproof is a pool bar by day and a rooftop lounge by night. Both stylish indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where the outside part offers both a refreshing rooftop pool and panoramic views over the Dallas skyline. Visit for sunny and relaxing afternoon cocktails, or come for the nightly, more swanky and vibrant atompshere. During the colder months, the terrace turns into Winterproof, with some really cool and cosy rooftop igloos.
See also
Top Dining Spots in West Dallas: Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Places
Dallas fun fam
Riding the M-Line Trolley is a great way to explore Uptown Dallas with kids! There are 39 stops for the M-Line Trolley, but our favorite is at Klyde Warren! You’ll find this trolley stop just north of the intersection at Olive and Woodall Rogers Freeway. You’ll head north through Uptown, do a loop of almost the entire route, and eventually head back south to Klyde Warren. Trolley stops and schedules are available on Google Maps using the public transit feature. You can even download the Dallas Trolley app to track the trolleys along the route.
THE ROOFTOP GUIDE
At the 19th-floor of the Statler Hotel, a true Dallas icon, you find the exclusive indoor/outdoor urban oasis the Waterproof bar and pool. Here you can swim with an epic panoramic view of surrounding downtown Dallas and enjoy delicious cocktails and bites. Waterproof is open for everyone, but to access the pool you need to make a reservation for a cabana. As the sun sets the energy picks up with life DJ entertainment, bottle service and ever more impeccable views. There is also an outdoor resort-style pool on the 4th floor, called The Statler Pool, offering loungers, cabanas and a relaxing experience.
Discover Hidden Gems in Downtown Dallas
Planning a visit to Downtown Dallas and want to venture beyond the usual tourist trails? You're in luck! This thriving urban hotspot isn't just for skyscrapers and business meetings. Get ready to explore unique local secrets that promise to elevate your travel experience. From under-the-radar attractions to cozy relaxation spots, Downtown Dallas is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
The Historic West End: A Time Capsule
The Historic West End District is a must-visit for travelers passionate about history and culture. Take a leisurely stroll along cobblestone streets, and you'll come across historic buildings that transport you back to the late 19th century. An under-the-radar spot here is the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, a deeply moving destination offering an educational and reflective experience. Additionally, don’t miss out on Wild Bill's Western Store for some authentic Texan apparel that you can’t find in chain stores. End your day with a meal at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, a local favorite known for its hearty Texan dishes.
Local Art Scene: Dallas Alley & Beyond
Art lovers and culture enthusiasts rejoice! Beyond the conventional museums, Downtown Dallas has some amazing local art spots that often go unnoticed. Wander into Dallas Alley, where you'll find captivating street art murals that add a splash of color and creativity to the urban landscape. Visit smaller galleries like the Samantha Springs Art Studio, which feature contemporary works by local artists. For an anonymous insight, chat with the office workers on Kikihub, and they might point you towards pop-up art shows that even Google doesn’t know about!
Green Spaces: Urban Oases
Despite its bustling atmosphere, Downtown Dallas offers several green spaces perfect for a midday escape. Klyde Warren Park, perched over Woodall Rodgers Freeway, is an urban park that provides a great place for relaxation, picnics, and even alfresco yoga sessions. For a quieter retreat, check out Main Street Garden Park, a smaller green space that’s equally delightful, especially during the spring when flowers bloom in vibrant hues. If you have kids, the Belo Garden Park features a fun interactive fountain that provides a refreshing break in the Texas heat.
Locally Approved Culinary Delights
Skip the chain restaurants and dive into the Dallas food scene like a local. Start your culinary adventure at Frankie’s Downtown, a hidden gem known for its fusion of comfort food and fine dining. For world-class brunch options, head over to Ellen’s, where the chicken and waffles will have you coming back for more. For a relaxed evening, the Tipsy Alchemist offers a unique blend of craft cocktails and interactive fun – mixology at its finest. Consult Kikihub's anonymous chats for some insider tips on weekly secret menu items available at these spots.
Nightlife: Beyond the Bars
When the sun sets, Downtown Dallas lights up with vibrant nightlife options that go far beyond typical bars. The Majestic Theatre is an architectural beauty and hosts an array of performances, from indie concerts to Broadway shows. For those in search of a more laid-back atmosphere, check out Midnight Rambler at the Joule Hotel, a speakeasy-style lounge where you can savor carefully crafted cocktails. For one-of-a-kind insights, locals on Kikihub might direct you to secret rooftop bars that offer stunning city views without the crowds.
Shopping: Local Boutiques & Unique Finds
Shopping in Downtown Dallas is an experience in itself, especially if you steer clear of the mainstream malls. The flagship Neiman Marcus store on Main Street is a historical marvel and a paradise for high-end shopping. However, if local craftsmanship interests you, Deep Ellum is just a short ride away and packed with boutique shops. Discover rare vinyl records at Josey Records, or quirky collectibles at Lula B's Antique Mall. The Kikihub community can share secrets about flea markets popping up in hidden corners of the city where you can snag one-of-a-kind finds.
Downtown Dallas is bursting at the seams with hidden gems, offering a blend of history, art, food, nightlife, and shopping that goes beyond the conventional. Use these local travel tips to guide your exploration, and don’t hesitate to utilize platforms like Kikihub to gain anonymous insights straight from the locals themselves. Your adventure is just beginning!
