Things to Do

THE QUINTESSENTIAL DALLAS EXPERIENCE

Explore Highland Park, a highly affluent town in central Dallas and discover a world of dining and nightlife, arts and entertainment, recreation and shopping. Starting right here, at The Highlands Dallas.

Care to do a little exploring before you arrive?

Explore the Highlands

Take a self-guided tour of our Highland Art Collection. Enjoy a shopping excursion in Dallas, custom-designed for you by our Concierge. And that’s just the beginning. Tell us about what you like to do, or what you’ve always wanted to do, and we’ll help arrange your next Dallas adventure.


Mockingbird Station

Just across the street from the Highland Hotel is Mockingbird Station, a vibrant mixed-use shopping area filled with contemporary shops, an independent film center and comedy club, casual dining and more. Whether you want to stop in at Starbucks or unwind at one of several salons, Mockingbird Station has what you need. The center is conveniently located next to a Dallas Area Rapid Transit Station (DART) to help make getting around the Dallas area easier when you are in town.

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Southern Methodist University

Located within walking distance of the hotel, SMU is a private university, founded in 1911 by what is now The United Methodist Church and is home to approximately 11,000 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Ranked in the top fourth of the nation’s universities, the beautiful main campus sits on 234 acres near downtown Dallas and houses unique educational resources such as the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and The Meadows Museum – one of the largest collections of Spanish art in America.

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George W. Bush Presidential Library And Museum

Located on the beautiful SMU campus, the George W. Bush Presidential Library is a must-see for anyone interested in U.S. history or politics. Completed in 2013, the stunning library houses materials that document George W. Bush’s presidency as well as permanent museum exhibits and a fully developed research facility. Learn about American history firsthand as you browse things such as the vast collection of handwritten letters from the former president, photos, videos and unique artifacts.

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Highland Park Village

Built in 1931 with a Spanish-influenced architectural style, this luxury shopping center was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1997 and contains some of the world’s most exclusive brands. A visit to Highland Park Village includes shops such as Chanel, Hermès, Balenciaga, Dior and more. Dine at upscale bistros and wander along tree-lined sidewalks at one of Dallas’s premier shopping venues.

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North Park Center

North Park Center takes the shopping experience to a whole new level. With its 2.5 million square feet of space, the center has received numerous architectural awards throughout its history. Premier shops (including Neiman Marcus, which is headquartered in Dallas) and upscale restaurants are interspersed with an impressive collection of world-class modern art exhibits, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Frank Stella. Wander into its 1.4-acre central garden area complete with sculptures, water features, and more as you enjoy one of America’s largest and most beautiful shopping destinations.

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West Village

Experience this outdoor shopping and dining area in the heart of Dallas’s “Uptown” neighborhood. Located near DART and the historic McKinney Avenue Trolley, the West Village boasts over 50 shops and multiple dining options for your pleasure. Stop by The Magnolia Theatre and Bar, which provides 5 screens and a sleek bar for its patrons in an upscale theater that promotes both art films and more mainstream fare.

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Greenville Avenue

This trendy area of Dallas is home to an eclectic range of unique shops, restaurants, clubs and theaters. Divided into Upper Greenville and Lower Greenville, a walk along this area during the day will have you stop into everything from funky resale shops to traditional brand name stores. At night, catch a performance at the Granada Theater, a comedy show at one of several clubs or just stop in at a few bars and nightclubs throughout the neighborhood.

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McKinney Avenue

Historic McKinney Avenue runs through the center of what is known as Uptown Dallas. This 100-year-old district, often described as trendy and chic, offers fabulous restaurants, shops, hotels and bars, even art galleries. Hop aboard the area’s streetcar, called The McKinney Avenue Trolley, and move easily from uptown to downtown as you enjoy this robust and lively part of town.

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The Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District is an incredible compilation of buildings and centers in the city that focuses on everything from performing and visual arts to art education and museums. With symphony, opera, theater, sculpture gardens, historic buildings mixed modern architecture and more – this area has it all and will undoubtedly thrill any visitor.

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Klyde Warren Park

This beautifully landscaped 5.2-acre park is known as one of downtown Dallas’ most popular places to gather. In addition to a children’s park and a reading and games courtyard, the park features walking trails, a performance pavilion, a botanical garden, and a restaurant.

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Katy Trail

The Katy Trail, located just behind the hotel, is a 3.5-mile urban path that links Dallas’s West End all the way to the Mockingbird Station near SMU. With its 12-foot wide concrete track and adjacent recycled rubber path for runners, this constantly expanding trail has it all. Whether you love to cycle, run, inline skate or just walk, this beautifully maintained and landscaped trail provides a safe, non-motorized way to meander through the city and enjoy nature.

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Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is one of the older historic areas of Dallas. Developed in the late 1800s, the area was originally a center of residential and commercial life for a large African American and European immigrant population. Now the neighborhood is home to an increasing number of eclectic art galleries, public artworks, renowned jazz and blues music clubs, restaurants of every type and more. Much of its historical storefronts are still intact, making visiting its streets and buildings part of your unique experience.

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Dallas World Aquarium And Botanical Garden

Housed in several historic warehouse buildings that were purchased in the 1990s and repurposed, this amazing Aquarium and Zoo offers five separate exhibits for threatened or endangered species from throughout the world. Wander through the seven-story-high Orinoco Rainforest exhibit or travel under the sea through the 20,000-gallon walk-through aquarium tunnel exhibit. Have lunch at one of the three cafés on the property as you make your way through this amazing facility.

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American Airlines Center

Located in the Victory Park area of Dallas, the American Airlines Center is a state-of-the-art, award-winning venue that is home to the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars. Built in 2001, the beautiful arena is adjacent to the Arts District and the Design District in Dallas and offers guests a slew of amenities, including club seating and various restaurant options. Whether you are catching a sporting event or attending any of their numerous live performances, this center will have everything you need for a great night out.

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Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags over Texas has 212 acres of fun and entertainment for the whole family. Just 15 miles east of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the park has rides for everyone from the smallest member of your group to your biggest thrill seeker. Live entertainment is offered throughout the year as are multiple dining options around the park. Kick back and let this magical world entertain your kids and maybe even the kid in you, too.

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Majestic Theatre

This historic theater was built in 1921 and is worth seeing simply for its stunning interior architecture. Step outside the Highland Hotel and visit The Majestic Theatre, a performance hall that offers everything from comedy shows and theater events, to musicals and live concerts. Go back in time when you enter its magnificent grand lobby or its ornately designed stage area and enjoy everything this aptly named theater has to offer.

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AT&T Stadium

Home to the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys, this stunning, state-of-the-art venue hosts concerts, rodeos, motocross events, gymnastics competitions, the Academy of Country Music Awards and more.

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Globe Life Park

Opened in 1994, this beautiful retro-style baseball park is the home field for Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers.

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