15 Hidden Gems in Dallas That Only Locals Know About

Dallas, as we all know, needs no introduction because it’s one of the prime US cities with many tourist spots like the Reunion Tower, Dallas Arboretum, Botanical Garden, and many others. But apart from these famous tourist spots, there is a side of Dallas that only a few tourists know about.

In this article, I have shared those underrated tourist spots and written down the best 15 hidden gems in Dallas, Texas, that can improve your experience of visiting the city even more. These tourist spots might not be widely well-known, but are fantastic and will definitely impress you.

1. Meadows Museum

Address: 5900 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205

The first hidden gem destination in Dallas you should visit is the Meadows Museum, which is in Southern Methodist University (SMU), and has one of the most extensive collections of Spanish art.

In this museum, you’ll see historic masterpieces by legendary artists like El Greco, Velázquez, Picasso, and many more that are rare and unique. Some of the historical art in this museum are Sagrada Familia” by El Greco, Velázquez’s “Saint Catherine,” Goya’s Portraits, etc.

Overall, in this gallery, you’ll see paintings, modern and contemporary art by Spanish artists, and sculptures (which you will see inside and outside the museum as well). Lastly, apart from the permanent collection, they also feature rotating exhibits that keep the collection in good form.

Read More: 15 Lesser-Known Tourist Spots in Nashville

2. The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum

Address: 2501 N Harwood St Suite 225, Dallas, TX 75201

For those who like to visit history museums, this lesser-known museum in Dallas should definitely be on your list. The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum has an extensive collection of Japanese Samurais armor.

As you step into the gallery, you will see the most impressive full-body armor suits of the samurais (the detailed designs on these suits are genuinely impressive). Apart from this, you’ll see different samurai weapons like swords (katana), spears, Helmets (Kabuto),  Lacquered boxes, banners, horse armor, and many more.

The experience of visiting this museum is so amazing and will be one-of-a-kind because of the kind of artifacts you’ll see inside.

3. Turtle Creek Parkway Park

Address: Bowen St, Dallas, TX 75219

If you want a serene place to spend some time, whether alone or with family, just head to Turtle Creek Parkway Park. This place is one of the most underrated and peaceful places in Dallas and is mainly visited by the locals.

This place is not like an ordinary park, instead, here you’ll see Turtle Creek flowing through with open green space and trees, which also act as a shaded option to sit under. You’ll also see different benches close to the creek for the best views, which makes this place even more special.

Whether you want a place for yoga, jogging, or walking, either in the morning or evening, this place is perfect.

Also Read: 14 Off-the-beaten Tourist Spots in Lubbock, Texas

4. Trinity River Audubon Center

Address: 6500 S Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217

Was once a dump area, the Trinity River Audubon Center today is one of the best family-friendly spots for nature lovers and is an ideal picnic spot for everyone.

Upon reaching this space, you’ll see various ponds in front of you with a vast land covered with trees that also provide trailing and trekking opportunities.This place is also a bird sanctuary, with an estimated 200+ species of birds (one of the reasons why drone cameras are not allowed here).

At the same time, while roaming around the green space, you will see various wildlife like Deer, Bobcats, Turtles, butterflies, etc, along with local flora like mushrooms, etc. Lastly, there is a gift shop and a cafe where you can relax for some time before leaving this place.

5.  Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden

Address: 6616 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas, TX 75254

Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden is one of the oldest galleries in America. In this hidden spot, you’ll find the work of established and emerging artists.

As you went inside the gallery, you’ll see an organized pattern of every artwork hanging on the wall, whether paintings, photography, sculpture, or any other type of art. It also has that atmosphere inside that an art gallery must have.

However, the best thing about this gallery is its sculpture garden, and it is also advised to visit the sculpture garden after visiting the indoor gallery for a better experience. With green space and ponds, the sculptures genuinely look beautiful and is also a place to spend some time peacefully among the greenery.

6. Haas Moto Museum

Address: 4301 N Beltwood Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75244

Haas Moto Museum is one of the very rare and unique type of museum which motorcycle enthusiasts will surely love. In this museum, you’ll see a wide range of rare motorcycles.

The best thing in this museum among visitors is the extensive collection of vintage bikes. This museum has over 230 motorbikes with the oldest bike being the 1899 Peugeot Tricycle. Some of the other vintage bikes include: L’Universel 1901 (175cc),  Clément Model D 1903 (192 cc), Minerva + Mills & Fulford Wicker Fore-Car 1903,  Motosacoche MT 1910 (225 cc), Peugeot Moto Légère V-Twin 1911 (350 cc), and many others.

Apart from the bike collection, you will also see a range of photography and sculpture work inside.

7. Big Cedar Wilderness Trail

Address: 8991-8999 Isom Ln, Dallas, TX 75249

Big Cedar Wilderness Trail is a hidden gem in Dallas that most tourists are unaware of. It’s one of Dallas’s best places for hiking and mountain biking.

This trail is around 3.1 miles long and is considered a moderately difficult trail for most visitors. Because this place is not very crowded, you will also find this place way more peaceful than most other hiking areas.

Along the hike, you will see various floras of Texas around you, from flowers to giant trees. At the same time, if you are a bike lover, there are separate trails for biking where you can drive your bike peacefully. Overall, it will be a very joyful and memorable experience for you.

8. Dallas Firefighters Museum

Address: 3801 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

Was once a fire station back in the early 1900s; the Dallas Firefighters Museum today is one of the most unique types of Museum in the area.

Inside the museum, you will see antique firefighter equipment like firefighter kits, helmets, and their evolution over time. At the same time, you will see countless photographs of brave firefighters who lost their lives saving others, and other inspirational stories.

However, the most exciting thing in this museum is the fire trucks you will see. The vintage fire trucks are the most exciting thing in this museum. From the 1936 Hook and Ladder truck to the modern-day trucks, you will also see how much these things have improved over time. They also have educational exhibits about safety from fire as well as toys of fire trucks which kids love.

9. Crow Collection Of Asian Art

Address: 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201

If you are someone who likes to learn about different cultures and art, then simply head to the Crow Collection Of Asian Art, where you’ll see art from various Asian countries.

This museum has over 1,000 art pieces from various regions of Asia, including China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. If we talk about the form of art, you’ll see Buddhist sculptures, jade carvings, textiles that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of Asian cultures, and many more.

Apart from the permanent exhibits, you will also see temporary exhibits, which keep changing over time. Though the theme of these exhibits did keep changing, but it all revolved around Asian art.

10. Grassy Knoll

Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202

A must-visit for history enthusiasts, Grassy Knoll is an ordinary patch of lawn which carries historical significance. This small place has become part of American history because this was the place where the assassination of President John F. Kennedy took place in 1963.

Not only this place but close to it is the John F. Kennedy Memorial, which is a must-visit if you are visiting the Grassy Knoll. Along with that, places like The Sixth Floor Museum and the Dealey Plaza are also close to the Grassy Knoll, which makes this place a combination of different locations.

Hidden Gem Restaurants in Dallas, Texas

11. The Charles

Address: 1632 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

The first hidden gem restaurant in this list is the Charles, which specializes in a variety of food, including Italian and seafood. The ambiance inside the restaurant is warm and relaxed with a modern interior adding more value to it. Service is also good with waiters having good knowledge about the menu is a plus point.

On the menu, you will have options of Bluefin Tuna, Pink Snapper, and Beef tartare in raw. On the main course, they offer a wide variety of pasta, seafood options like Octopus, Salmon, Oysters, and other meat options like meatballs and lamb. Not to forget, they also offer dessert and vegetable options.

12. Gemma

Address: 2323 N Henderson Ave #109, Dallas, TX 75206

Gemma is a restaurant with a wide range of food items and an interior that is a mix of modern and classic America. Upon entering, you will see a wide variety of paintings on the wall with wooden tables and chairs that make the place look more classic. The overall atmosphere inside is warm and comfy.

On the menu, you will find food items of different varieties, like steak and Duck frites, which are a specialty of this place, along with mussels, ceviche, Salmon tartare, lasagna, shrimp, ribeye, lamb, spaghetti, dessert, and many other options.

13.  Sammy’s Bar-BQ

Address: 2126 Leonard St, Dallas, TX 75201

Sammy’s BBQ is one of the underrated restaurants for barbecue. The interior of this restaurant has a proper classic American restaurant vibe that is hard to match. There isn’t anything special inside, just long wooden tables and chairs with a sheet on. You will get a proper local American restaurant vibe inside.

On the menu, you are going to have options for Brisket, sausage, Chicken, and Turkey steak. At the same time mac and cheese, potato casserole, zucchini casserole, beans, salad, and different variety of pies in the dessert are going to be on the menu.

14. Kostas Cafe

Address: 4914 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Whenever you crave Greek food in Dallas, head to Kostas Cafe, which specializes in Greek food and has been there for the last three decades.

If I talk about the interior it’s very simple and aesthetic, with different pictures hanging on the wall and wooden chairs and tables covered with white cloth, which makes the overall interior look cozy and peaceful.

On the menu, you’ll get a wide range of Greek food items here, which includes spanakopita, fried calamari, Greek salad, avgolemono & horiatiki Soup, Chicken Lemonato, Athenian combos, Greek veal, lamb chops, chicken breast, Souvlaki, shrimp, steak, a wide range of sandwich options, and many more which make this menu quite extensive.

15. Ephesus Mediterranean Grill

Address: 10455 N Central Expy #118, Dallas, TX 75230

The last restaurant in the list of hidden gem restaurants in Dallas is Ephesus Mediterranean Grill, which offers authentic Turkish and Mediterranean food.

The ambiance inside the restaurant is warm and cozy, with a simple yet aesthetic interior like a local Mediterranean restauran,t which really looks amazing. There are various artworks hanging on the wall and the wooden-themed look with wooden tables and chairs made this place complete.

On the menu, you are going to have a variety of Mediterranean options like adana kabab, Greek salad, Gyro platter, Greek moussaka, hunkar bagendi, liver, falafel, lamb chops, baklava, kunafa, Turkish tea, coffee, and much more.

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