Exploring Dallas Airport And Beyond: Things To Do

what to do around dallas airport

If you're looking for things to do around Dallas Airport, you're in luck! The airport is located in a large area known as the DFW Metroplex, which offers a variety of restaurants, retail shops, museums, and sports venues. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are lakes and walking trails nearby. If you're staying near the airport, Las Colinas Blvd is a great spot to explore new restaurants and bars, and for live music, check out the Toyota Music Factory. Golf enthusiasts will find plenty of courses around the airport, and for a taste of Texas, try some Texas BBQ at Hard Eight BBQ. If you're willing to venture a little further, downtown Dallas offers an array of bars, shops, and restaurants, and you can easily get there by car or by riding the DART train.

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Explore Grapevine Botanical Gardens

If you're looking for a tranquil stroll or a family outing filled with wonder, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park is the place to be. The award-winning botanical gardens offer an unforgettable experience with an ever-changing display of colours and a captivating ambiance. Every season brings a new palette of colours and a unique atmosphere to the gardens, making each visit a fresh and enchanting experience.

The Grapevine Botanical Gardens provide the perfect backdrop for memorable moments, from engagements and weddings to family photos. While admission is typically free, charges may apply for pre-scheduled events. Enhance your visit with a Garden Tour, blending fun and history as you explore the gardens. Discover the unexpected and draw inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding you.

The Grapevine Garden Club offers docent tours, conducted by volunteers, that are designed specifically for adults. A minimum of eight visitors is required for these tours. If you're seeking a venue for an event or a versatile space for meetings, the Bessie Mitchell House within the gardens is an excellent choice. It can comfortably accommodate up to 80 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or corporate functions.

The Grapevine Parks and Recreation department, of which the botanical gardens are a part, offers a wide range of recreational activities for all ages and abilities. The REC of Grapevine, a multi-generational recreation facility, provides youth programs, fitness classes, athletic leagues, and over 1,600 acres of parkland for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. Grapevine Aquatics, an award-winning facility, invites you to splash and play, ensuring a memorable experience.

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Visit the Toyota Music Factory

If you're looking for a place to grab a bite, meet friends, or catch a concert, the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, TX, is the place to be. Located next to the Irving Convention Center, it's a cultural hub with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The sprawling 250,000-square-foot campus has something for everyone!

Restaurants and Bars

The Toyota Music Factory is a food and drink lover's paradise, with over 20 options to choose from. Whether you're craving classic burgers, juicy and cooked to perfection, head to Yard House, where beer lovers unite. Or, if you prefer something lighter and healthier, try Kitchen 101, which offers tossed-to-order salads, soups, burritos, and more. For a unique blend of good food, great drinks, and lively music, Gloria's Latin Cuisine is the place to be.

Entertainment

The Toyota Music Factory is not just about food and drinks; it's also an entertainment powerhouse. The campus features an 8,000-seat indoor/outdoor amphitheater, The Pavilion, which hosts major national and international touring acts. The Plaza, a 50,000-square-foot event space, comes alive with live music, outdoor movie screenings, and special events throughout the year. Additionally, the on-site Alamo Drafthouse Cinema combines the best of both worlds, offering a full-service restaurant and movie theatre experience with a compelling menu of food, drinks, and even cocktails.

Accessibility and Convenience

The Toyota Music Factory is conveniently located next to the Irving Convention Center, making it an easy walk for attendees. With an 800-space parking structure attached and additional parking available, getting there is hassle-free. So, whether you're attending a conference or simply exploring the area, the Toyota Music Factory is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a vibrant and diverse entertainment and dining experience. Downtown Dallas is also easily accessible by DART train, where you can visit the Dallas Art Museum.

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Try Texas BBQ

If you're looking to try Texas BBQ near Dallas Airport, you're in luck! There are several options to choose from, each offering its own unique take on this classic Texan cuisine.

One popular option is Hard Eight BBQ, located in Coppell, just a stone's throw from the airport. With flexible hours and a convenient location, it's a great choice for those looking for an authentic Texas BBQ experience. Their pits and huge plumes of smoke will greet you as you walk in, though be aware that most of the food is cooked in industrial rotisseries at the back. While some patrons have complained about the restaurant's treatment of its employees, it remains a popular choice for travellers and locals alike.

For those willing to venture a little further, Meat U Anywhere in Grapevine is another excellent option. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, this highly-regarded BBQ joint offers a unique dining experience. While you'll likely need a rental car or taxi to get there, the trip is well worth it for their mouth-watering selection of meats and sides.

If you're looking for a more traditional Texas BBQ experience, Lockhart Smokehouse in the Bishop Arts district of Dallas is the place to go. With the best meat in the Dallas area, according to some, Lockhart's is sure to satisfy your BBQ cravings. And if you're a fan of sides, be sure to check out Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, known for their delicious offerings.

Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, head to Goldee's in Fort Worth. While you'll have to brave the lines to get a taste of their BBQ, it's well worth the wait. Their young pitmasters have honed their craft in some of the state's best barbecue spots, and their brisket and pulled pork are not to be missed. Don't forget to save room for dessert—their bread pudding is a true show-stopper!

So, whether you're staying close to the airport or venturing out into the city, there's no shortage of Texas BBQ options to satisfy your cravings. Don't forget to pair your meal with some classic sides and a generous helping of Southern hospitality!

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Play golf at Bear Creek Golf Club

If you're looking for a place to play golf near Dallas Airport, Bear Creek Golf Club is a great option. The club boasts two championship golf courses designed by Ted Robinson, which have earned recognition from Golf Digest as one of the "Top 50 Resort Courses in America". The Wall Street Journal also named it one of the "10 Great Places To Play Golf".

Bear Creek Golf Club offers a range of amenities and excellent guest services. The club has been praised for its event amenities, including two large event pavilions that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, making it an ideal venue for corporate events.

However, some reviews on TripAdvisor suggest that the golf courses may be in poor condition, with bumpy greens and limited access to golf carts on the fairways. There are also mixed reviews regarding the availability of drinks and the level of service provided.

The club is open daily, usually from sunrise to sunset, with the exception of Wednesdays when the driving range is closed until 2:00 pm for weekly maintenance.

If you're considering playing golf at Bear Creek Golf Club, renting a car is a convenient option to get around Dallas. Alternatively, you can ride the DART train to explore the city and access attractions like the Dallas Art Museum. If you're staying close to the airport, Grapevine is a great nearby option for restaurants, bars, and shops.

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Ride the DART train to downtown Dallas

If you're looking for things to do around Dallas Airport, one option is to ride the DART train to downtown Dallas. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) is a public transit system that serves Dallas and 12 surrounding cities in North Texas. The DART Rail System is one of the longest light rail systems in the United States, with 93 miles of track serving 65 stations in nine cities.

The DART Rail System has four lines—Red, Blue, Green, and Orange—all of which pass through downtown Dallas. To get to downtown Dallas from the airport, you can take either a Red or Green line train. The trains are generally slow, so be sure to allocate sufficient time for your journey. You can use the trip planning tool on the DART website to determine the travel time between any two points.

The DART Rail lines connect the region, providing riders with access to jobs, healthcare, education, and entertainment. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) joins the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth, with several stops in between. In downtown Dallas, you can enjoy the inner-city life with bars, shops, and restaurants. You can also visit the Dallas Art Museum, which is accessible by DART.

To make riding DART even more convenient, you can use the GoPass app to plan trips in real-time, buy DART passes, access integrated system maps, and receive up-to-the-minute service alerts. The app is easy to use and personalize, allowing you to save your favourite routes and securely store your preferred payment methods. You can also take advantage of DART's reloadable transit payment card, which you can reload at participating retailers and manage your account online.

Frequently asked questions

If you're looking for things to do near the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport, Grapevine is a great option. It's a city right by the airport with a cute downtown area that has lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also find the Grapevine Botanical Gardens here, which are less than five miles from the airport.

Yes, there are a few walking trails and lakes in the area.

You can take the DART train to the Dallas Art Museum. Or, if you're up for renting a car, you can drive around and experience the culture of the DFW Metroplex.

The food scene in Dallas includes Texas BBQ, Mexican food, and local wines.

Yes, there are plenty of golf courses around the airport.

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