The ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of 1,240,499. This ultra modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making it the No.1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas.

There are a lot of fun and interesting places to visit that aren't too far away from Dallas or Fort Worth. Once here, throughout the city, a visitor will enjoy the best shopping in the southwest, four-and five-diamond/star restaurants, the largest urban arts district in the nation, 13 entertainment districts and much more. Blend in moderate weather, year-round sports and true Southern hospitality for a true “taste” of the Dallas difference. Visitors are exposed to a city that models its slogan, “Live large. Think big.”

Downtown and uptown Dallas offer lots of entertainment, such as The Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, JFK Museum and the McKinney Avenue Rapid Transit Trolley system, which is now free of charge. The Trolley is one of the favorite attractions in Downtown Dallas for many. The fleet of streetcars is made up of streetcars which have been refurbished and which are run by volunteers. Number 369, named "Matilda," for example, comes from Australia. If you're in the mood to splurge, you can dine or have a birthday party on the Trolley. Also, there's the The Dallas Farmer's Market, which is one of the country's largest open-air markets. Just outside of Downtown Dallas, in Fair Park, there are the Museum of Science and Natural History, the Science Place, Dallas Zoo and the Dallas Aquarium.

Dallas is also a leading business and meeting city. In 2008, 24 area businesses were named Fortune 500 companies, including Exxon Mobil, JCPenney, AT&T and TXU. Dallas/Fort Worth is ranked fifth among metropolitan areas for Fortune 500 companies.

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DALLAS AVERAGE WEATHER IN JULY

To See

The Sixth Floor Museum, dedicated to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, is located in the same building from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots. Dallas Museum of Art - Great works of art from eastern and western cultures, from all ages. The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas' famous football team, plays at Cowboys Stadium, a short ways west of Dallas in Arlington. The Dallas Mavericks, Dallas' professional basketball team, and the Dallas Stars professional hockey team play at the American Airlines Center, located in Northwest Dallas. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Located along the south banks of White Rock Lake. Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, See over 6,000 aquatic animals at this aquarium located on the state fairgrounds in the part of town. Dallas World Aquarium, Downtown, More than just an aquarium, this unique zoo tour starts at the canopy level of a rain forest and winds its way down past many types of animals and into the aquarium below. Dallas Zoo, in South Dallas. Over 8,000 animals can be seen at this 97-acre zoo. Texas Rangers, in DFW Dallas/West or Arlington. Dallas' professional baseball team. Zero Gravity Thrill Rides Amusement Park, The world's only "Thrill Amusement Park" featuring 5 different extreme thrill rides. Most rides can be done with a friend.

To Do

Six Flags Over Texas, the best amusement park or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, the best waterpark in the area. Don't forget the sunblock.   White Rock Lake, Escape the city bustle for a stroll at this large park in East Dallas. This is really a beautiful getaway.   Golf - There are a lot of wonderful courses in the Dallas area. The city boasts five municipal courses with reasonable greens fees. Of these, Tenison Highlands in East Dallas and Cedar Crest in South Dallas offer the best test of golf, and can be the most crowded, especially on weekends. There are any number of terrific daily-fee public courses in the D/FW area as well, particularly in the cities of Irving, Grapevine, Lewisville, and The Colony.   Rodeo - Go see a rodeo show at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Shakespeare Dallas, Inspired by the democratic spirit of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Robert "Bob" Glenn started Shakespeare Dallas in 1971. Today, Shakespeare Dallas is a treasured North Texas cultural landmark and the only company in the area that provides accessible programs for audiences of all ages. Shakespeare Dallas has shows in various parks in the Dallas area (Shakespeare in the Park), as well as performances in local schools (Shakespeare on the Go), cultural centers and co-productions with local theatre groups (Shakespeare Unplugged).

Buy

Shopping is big in Dallas. In days of yore, folks would come from all over the country to shop in Dallas' exclusive shops.   Popular shopping malls include the Galleria in North Dallas, North Park Mall, and the West Village in Uptown, among others. A bit further afield is Grapevine Mills in nearby Grapevine. Amazing malls can also be found in Plano and other suburbs.   Half-Price Books, Used bookstore chain headquartered in Dallas, offering secondhand books, music and video, with offerings varying by location. The flagship store is in East Dallas, with one other Dallas store and nine more in the Metroplex area.   Neiman Marcus was founded in Dallas, supplying dresses and diamonds to debutantes and family scions. The downtown flagship store remains a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Get Out

Denton, half an hour north on I-35E, has a charming historic town square.   Joe Pool Lake, lies to the southwest of the city, 4 miles past Grand Prairie. There are two popular parks to camp at along the shoreline, including Cedar Hill State Park and Loyd Park. The most popular day use park on Joe Pool Lake is Lynn Creek Park.   Lake Texoma is a popular spot an hour's drive north on US-75, on the border with Oklahoma.   Southfork Ranch, The ranch made famous by the TV series "Dallas". An easy day trip from Dallas. Tours run 364 days a year (except Christmas).   Waco, an hour south on I-35, has a number of attractions including the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. 

 FORT WORTH

Few people are aware that Downtown Fort Worth offers similar fun, with free parking and a nicer atmosphere. Downtown Fort Worth is a nice blend of Texas cowtown with urban culture. The Bass Performance Hall, which features a wide variety of shows and concerts. There is a wide variety of restaurants in Downtown Fort Worth, from mainstream places like The Flying Saucer, and a few places with a Texan flavor, like Billy Miner's Saloon and the Rodeo Steakhouse. There are several galleries downtown, including the Cattle Raisers Museum and Hometown Galleries. There are even two old-fashioned movie theatres.

FORT WORTH CURRENT WEATHER

FORT WORTH AVERAGE WEATHER IN JULY