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Explore North Texas: Your Guide to the Ideal Staycation

Discover hidden gems and hometown favorites

Forget the passport. Skip the packing. Ditch the traffic. Explore North Texas by hoping on DART and starting your staycation with an adventure. Discover the hidden gems and hometown favorites that give each of the 13 cities in our service area its own unique charm.

 With 93 miles of light rail and nearly 100 bus routes, DART makes it easy to branch out and discover something new in Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett and University Park. Wherever you’re headed in North Texas, DART gets you there with five rail lines:

  • Red Line: Plano to OakCliff  
  • Blue Line: Rowlett to South Dallas
  • Green Line: Carrollton to Southeast Dallas
  • Orange Line: DFW Airport to Plano 
  • TRE: Dallas to Fort Worth
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Photo courtesy of DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

All DART rail lines run through downtown, making it the perfect starting point for your next adventure. Let’s focus on the “The West End,” famous for its museums, restaurants and historic buildings. 

  • Snap a Selfie or Capture the Moment — The Museum of Illusions offers interactive exhibits that challenge your senses and provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. 
  • Discover Powerful Stories — The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum offers impactful educational programs that present the Holocaust in a deeply personal and meaningful way. 
  • Walk into History — Just steps away, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza immerses you in the life, legacy and tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The museum offers a powerful look at this pivotal moment in American history. 

Just south of Downtown, The Cedars a lively entertainment district filled with artists, galleries, bars and restaurants all within easy walking distance. 

  • Fuel Your Imagination — Located in the historic South Side on Lamar building, SPARK! is a hands-on, interactive space that inspires creativity for all ages. From field trips to family fun and adult events, it’s a place where imagination comes to life.
  • Live Performance — Poor David’s Pub is a legendary live music venue in The Cedars, known for its intimate setting and spotlight on singer-songwriters. It’s a go-to destination for those looking to experience the heart of Dallas’ music scene.
  • Night Out — South Side Ballroom is one of South Dallas’ largest indoor venues, providing a modern, flexible space perfect for everything from big concerts to intimate events, all while embracing the vibrant culture of The Cedars.

Just a short ride from downtown, Fair Park offers more than the State Fair, featuring world-class museums and one of the largest Art Deco collections built for the 1936 Texas Centennial.

  • Largest Art Collection — One of the nation’s top destinations for African American folk art, the African American Museum offers a rich and immersive collection.
  • Explore Nature — Texas Discovery Gardens delights visitors with lush gardens, a kid-friendly playscape, and a magical butterfly house.
  • Broadway in Dallas — Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.  Broadway Dallas brings world-class musicals and major touring productions to the historic Music Hall at Fair Park all year long. 
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Photo courtesy of DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

After exploring Downtown Dallas, consider heading to downtown Irving for even more to discover. Step into the charm of Irving’s historic Main Street and take a journey through the city’s rich past. 

  • Walk in the Past — With its quaint architecture, cozy shops and inviting restaurants, the Irving Heritage District offers the perfect setting for a relaxed, memorable afternoon.
  • Step into the Past — Don’t miss the Heritage House, one of Irving’s oldest homes, built in 1912 by the brother of one of the city’s founders and still furnished with original family items.
  • Historical Scenic Route — Nearby, Centennial Park invites you to explore even more history along a peaceful, tree-lined trail featuring statues of Irving’s founders and other historic landmarks.

If you don’t want to venture too far, head to CityLine. This vibrant urban hub is the perfect mix of convenience and charm.

  • Accessible Venture — With nearly 40 restaurants and shops, it offers a little bit of everything from dining, green spaces, public art and easy access to nearby hike-and-bike trails. 
  • Take it up a Notch — Treat yourself to a stay at the Aloft Hotel and enjoy all the perks of an “away-cation.” Not spending the night? You can still drop by the WXYZ Lounge downstairs to catch some live music.
  • Favorite Friday Night — There’s always something going on at CityLine Plaza, like the CityLine Night Market held on the second Friday of each month through December. 

For a nearby escape from Dallas, head to Downtown Garland. Local shops and restaurants give it a small-town charm, while the refreshed town square hosts events all year long.

  • Music Made Here — A live concert series held on the first Friday of every month. Hungry? Don’t forget to sample some barbecue and handcrafted beer at Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery
  • The Urban Market — Shop local at this monthly event on the second Saturday.
  • Arts & Entertainment — Enjoy ballet, concerts, movies and musicals at the Granville Arts Center and Plaza Theatre.
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Photo courtesy of DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

With DART, your next great discovery is closer than you think. Download the GoPass® app and let the journey begin! There is more to explore than you think. 

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Photo courtesy of DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)