Exploring Dfw Airport: Activities And Amenities

what can i do in dfw airport

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers a range of amenities and attractions to keep travellers entertained and relaxed during layovers. The airport boasts an extensive art collection, including terrazzo floors, an outdoor sculpture garden, and paintings. For those seeking relaxation, DFW offers spa services, quiet yoga spaces, and interfaith chapels. Foodies can indulge in a variety of culinary options, from barbeque and Southern cooking to international cuisine. Travellers can also take advantage of the airport's proximity to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, with easy access to iconic cities, golf courses, botanical gardens, and vintage railroads.

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Explore the airport's art installations and sculpture garden

If you're an art enthusiast, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has plenty to keep you entertained. The airport houses an art collection worth more than an estimated $8 million, including four sculptures on loan from the Nasher Sculpture Centre. You can view these sculptures in the outdoor sculpture garden between Terminal D and its parking structure. The garden is a partnership with the Nasher Sculpture Centre, which also displays some of its own pieces. Docent-led tours of the airport's art collection are available upon request and last between 60 and 90 minutes. You can schedule a free walking tour online at dfwairport.com/art.

In addition to the sculpture garden, DFW has installed more than 30 artworks throughout the airport, including terrazzo floors and paintings. Artist Dennis Blagg's painting, "Cosmic Big Bend," hangs above a Starbucks at the airport. You can also find sculptures displayed in partnership with the Nasher Sculpture Centre outside the departure gates in Terminal D. Some of the works displayed, such as Mac Whitney's Chicota, are on loan to the Nasher Sculpture Centre, while others come from the Nasher's own collection.

DFW has also announced plans for more than a dozen public art installations as part of the reimagining of Terminal C and the new Terminal F. Artists Jen Rose, of Dallas, and Pae White, of Los Angeles, were selected following a global call for artists to create site-specific, large-scale art that will be installed in the first phase of the reconstructed Terminal C when it opens in 2026.

So, if you're looking for something to do during a layover or simply appreciate art, be sure to check out DFW's impressive art installations and sculpture garden.

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Relax in the spa, yoga room, or airport lounge

If you're looking to unwind at DFW Airport, you can relax in the spa, stretch out in the yoga room, or enjoy the comforts of an airport lounge.

The Spa

Spa Here, located in Terminal C at Gate C12, offers a range of wellness treatments. From innovative design features to the basics, Spa Here aims to provide a relaxing experience for travellers.

Yoga Room

DFW Airport has two dedicated yoga spaces, located in Terminals D and E, where travellers can practice their poses and stretches. These spaces offer a peaceful environment to focus on mindfulness, breathing, and physical movement, helping to reduce stress and improve mental wellness.

Airport Lounges

DFW Airport has various lounges across terminals, including the Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge, and Capital One Lounge. The lounges offer comfortable seating, food and beverage options, and, in some cases, additional benefits like sleep spaces and rebooking assistance. It's recommended to check lounge availability and consider purchasing a day pass to enhance your airport experience.

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Shop for Texas goods, souvenirs, and luxury items

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers a wide range of shopping options for travellers, from exclusive boutiques to essential grocery stores. The airport's retail landscape includes well-known luxury brands such as Gucci and Brookstone, alongside newsstands, gift shops, duty-free shops, and food and beverage outlets.

For those seeking Texas-themed goods, souvenirs, and unique items, DFW Airport has several options. Texas Marketplace is a popular choice for last-minute gifts and souvenirs, offering a range of Texas-style merchandise, including novelty items and clothing. With a unique concept that combines shopping with a coffee and tea bar, it provides a relaxing environment to browse for gifts for friends and family.

Another option for Texas souvenirs is Stockyards Marketplace, which offers a variety of Texas-themed products. Additionally, stores like Texas Territories, Texas Goods, Texas Life Outfitters, and Tumbleweed TexStyles specialise in items that capture the spirit of the Lone Star State. Whether you're looking for clothing, unique gifts, or novelty souvenirs, these shops will surely cater to your needs.

DFW Airport also features a range of convenience stores and brand stores, ensuring that travellers can purchase any last-minute essentials, duty-free items, or gifts for their loved ones. With shops opening as early as 6:00 AM and closing around 10:00 PM to midnight, passengers have ample time to explore the retail offerings and make their purchases before their flights.

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Eat at restaurants serving Texas specialities, international dishes, and healthy options

If you're looking for Texas specialities, international dishes, or healthy options, DFW Airport has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. For a taste of Texas, head to Terminal D for some barbecue, queso, or banana pudding, or try Reata Alpine's Grilled Chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables. If you're craving Mexican food, Cantina Laredo in Terminal D offers a modern twist on classic dishes, such as the Ensalada de Cilantro y Pollo (a gluten-free salad with fajita chicken, black beans, and avocado) or the Laredo, a grilled chicken breast dish with a chipotle-wine sauce.

For international options, Au Bon Pain serves breakfast until 10:00 a.m., offering savoury options like egg whites and cheddar or egg whites, cheddar, and avocado sandwiches on wheat skinny bagels. You can also find Chipotle-style bowls and burritos at Gate 360, and Banh Mi-style sandwiches at Banh Shop.

If you're looking for healthy options, DFW Airport has a variety of choices to suit your needs. Smoothie King offers whole food nutrition smoothies, such as the Carrot Orange Fusion, as well as fruit parfaits and Quest Bars. Au Bon Pain also offers healthier sandwich options, and at Gate 360, you can create your own bowl with chicken or veggies and a variety of healthy toppings. For a gluten-free option, try the Ensalada de Camaron Con Miel from Cantina Laredo, a salad with grilled shrimp, jicama, mangos, and a tropical honey vinaigrette.

In addition to these options, DFW Airport's Terminal D offers a range of dining choices, from pizza to Asian cuisine, ensuring that you'll find something to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

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Take a short trip to Bear Creek Golf Club or Grapevine Botanical Gardens

If you're looking for a quick escape from the airport and a chance to stretch your legs, consider a short trip to the Bear Creek Golf Club or the Grapevine Botanical Gardens.

Bear Creek Golf Club

Bear Creek Golf Club is conveniently located right next to the DFW airport. This golf complex has been around for a long time and offers a challenging and interesting course with rolling hills, creeks, and very few structures. The course has a good layout with a variety of holes, including some with narrow fairways. The fairways are in decent shape, although some areas could use a bit of attention. The sand traps are just okay, and while the staff is friendly, they may not be well-trained in golf-specific services. The clubhouse offers decent food options, but they can be overpriced. You can also order food on hole 8 to be ready when you finish on hole 9. The landscaping is nice, and they have a pavilion that could be suitable for events like weddings.

Grapevine Botanical Gardens

For a change of pace, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park offers a peaceful and scenic escape. While there is limited information available specifically on the botanical gardens, Grapevine itself is known for its attractions, festivals, and events, so there is likely to be something of interest during your visit.

Getting There

The DART public transit network provides cheap connections to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. The DART Rail Orange Line is the easiest option, with a station at Terminal A. TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express also connect with the cities but have limited service. Taxis are another option for getting to your chosen destination.

Frequently asked questions

DFW Airport encourages passengers to stay active by strolling through the terminals on the designated walking path. You can also browse the many shops, including airport staples like convenience stores and speciality stores offering Texas goods.

There are several spa services available, including XpresSpa, Spa Here, and Be Relax, which offer manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and hair styling. You can also book a private suite at Minute Suites, which offers daybeds that can be rented by the hour or overnight.

There are plenty of eateries in every terminal, serving barbecue, sandwiches, Southern cooking, fast food, frozen yoghurt, Tex-Mex, and American classics. Terminal D has more options for sit-down restaurants with international flair, including Whitetail Bistro, Banh Shop, Love Shack, and Cousins Bar-B-Q.

DFW Airport has more than 30 artworks installed as part of its art program, including terrazzo floors, an outdoor sculpture garden, and paintings. You can join an airport tour or explore the art installations on your own.

Yes, there are onsite hotels at DFW Airport, such as the Grand Hyatt DFW and Hyatt Regency DFW, which offer traditional hotel rooms and day rooms. These hotels provide rest and relaxation for tired travellers.

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