Dallas and Fort Worth are neighboring cities located about 30 miles apart in north central Texas, a state that boarders Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Mexico. Texas is approximately 678,052 sq km, making it roughly 2.8 times bigger than the United Kingdom. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering nearly 2,000 flights a day, and it is conveniently located midway between the two cities. From world-class cuisine to foot stompin’ live music, Dallas and Fort Worth are excellent places to spend a weekend. Check out 10 things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Eat Mexican food

Lavender Pathways-Photography by Lola

Mexican-inspired dishes can be found all over the Dallas/Forth Worth metroplex. Some establishments offer authentic Mexican dishes, while others offer more Texas-infused plates with a nod toward barbecue and cheese. From al pastor tacos to chili con queso, it’s all delicious and pairs perfectly with a margarita, blended or on the rocks.

Visitors should check out Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant in Fort Worth. Founded in 1935, this Mexican eatery has a cult following. Over the years, the capacity has grown from the original sixteen seats to well over a thousand. Even though the restaurant continues to grow in popularity, the owners continue to serve the same original recipes that their parents and grandparents served. The menu offers a handful of excellent options, including enchiladas and fajitas.

Dance the night away

Courtesy of Billy Bob’s Texas

A Texas honky tonk should be on everyone’s bucket list. With live country music and two step dancing, it’s a great way to experience the local culture. Don’t be intimidated by the crowds of dancers whipping around the floor in their Wranglers and cowboy boots. It’s all in good fun and fueled by good music and beer.

Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk in Fort Worth offers visitors the quintessential cowboy experience. Located near the city’s Stock Yard district, Billy Bob’s is known as “the world’s largest honky tonk,” and it’s easy to see why with its capacity being well over 5,000 people. Don’t miss performances by major country music stars and real professional bull riding shows – all under one very large roof.

Learn about historical events  

The Sixth Floor Museum, at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, as well as the contemporary culture within the context of presidential history. Within minutes of the assassination of President Kennedy, the Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas became the primary crime scene for the shooting after evidence of a sniper was found on the sixth floor. A depository employee, Lee Harvey Oswald, was arrested for the murder of a Dallas police officer within 80 minutes of the assassination and later charged with the assassination of the president. Now, that same building is home to the Sixth Floor Museum. The exhibition provides context for reflecting on the tragic events that took place on November 22, 1963.

Eat barbecue 

Tadd Myers, Photographer

Texas is known for its barbecue, and a visit to Dallas/Fort Worth would not be complete without some slow cooked smoky meat. Pecan Lodge, located in Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood, serves classics like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs and hand-made sausage. For the most part, this family owned restaurant operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lunch is the best option, since a line usually forms around the corner before the restaurant even opens. And, the doors close once the barbecue is gone for the day.

Drink a beer 

Courtesy of Peticolas Brewing Company

Texas craft beer has been growing in popularity for decades, and Peticolas Brewery Company in Dallas is considered to have some of the best beer in the United States. A brewery visit is an ideal way to sample a wide variety of beers without ending up on the floor. Peticolas’ taproom is open multiple days of the week, while their tours run during set times on the first and third Saturday of each month. The cost is $10, which includes the tour, a branded glass and three beer tokens. Don’t miss a sample of Velvet Hammer, a strong yet easy drinking imperial red ale that will have your body buzzing.

Watch a film 

A trip to the cinema can be a great way to escape the Texas summer heat. Alamo Drafthouse, with a location in Dallas’ Cedars neighborhood offers new releases and old classics with in-theatre food and drink service. The on-site bar, called Vetted Well, offers an outdoor rooftop patio and themed karaoke rooms available by reservation.

Founded by Tim and Karrie League, Alamo Drafthouse was created to honor film, food and beer. Their first theater was located in downtown Austin, Texas, and it was a hand-built, one screen operation that initially featured second run titles at discounted rates. Today, Alamo Drafthouse has dozens of locations across the United States, with many more to come.

Alamo Drafthouse does things a little different than the average movie house. Instead of paid advertisements before screenings, Alamo’s in-house team provides audiences with original content and found footage connected to the feature presentations. So, don’t miss the previews, and be mindful of their strict no-phone or talking policy during the shows.

Enjoy fine art 

Photograph by Bob Pavlik (Instagram: bob.pavlik)

The Kimbell Art Museum, located in Fort Worth, is internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture. The Kimbell’s collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century. European works include artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Monet, Picasso and Matisse. The museum also houses collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and the art of Asia, Africa and the Ancient Americas.

The Museum’s 1972 building, designed by the American architect Louis I. Kahn, is considered an architectural achievement of the modern era. A second building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, opened in 2013 and provides special exhibition space, classrooms and an auditorium. Admission is always free to view the museum’s permanent collection.

Watch a football game

Dallas is home to six major sports teams, but if the timing is right, a Dallas Cowboy football game is the ideal sporting event during a visit to the metroplex. Football has an almost religious following in this part of the world. Whether games are watched from the Cowboy’s stadium in Arlington or with locals at a sports bar, it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Once known as America’s favorite team, the Cowboys have a winning history. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in 1966, the team began an NFL-record streak of 20 consecutive winning seasons. That streak included 18 years in the playoffs, 13 divisional championships, five trips to the Super Bowl and victories in Super Bowls VI and XII.

Explore nature 

Courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre deck park bridging downtown Dallas with uptown Dallas. This privately owned park offers more than a thousand free programs and events to the public annually. While enjoying this urban oasis, visitors may forget that they are standing directly above a major freeway. The clever use of space includes a performance pavilion, children’s playground, dog park, restaurants, chess, croquet, putting green, reading material, ping pong and more. Check out their calendar of events for live musical performances, summer movie screenings, food truck rallies and yoga classes. It the perfect spot to relax after a trip to the Dallas Museum of Art or before a show at the AT&T Performing Arts Center; both major institutions are located just steps from the park.

Take a trolley ride

Courtesy of McKinney Avenue Trolley

Uptown Dallas, just north of downtown, is the perfect place to go bar hopping on a Saturday night, since there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from within walking distance. Check out local favorites like the Rustic or Katy Trail Ice House.

For visitors looking to get a ride around uptown, check out the historic McKinney Avenue Trolley. Just like the vintage streetcars in San Francisco and New Orleans, the M-Line service takes advantage of historic trolley lines. Passengers can hop on and off at designated locations throughout downtown and uptown Dallas. The service operates 365 days a year and runs until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The ride is free, but donations are welcome.

If you enjoyed 10 Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth, check out more articles about traveling in the United States.