In Dallas, size matters. For real. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many of the most surreal places in the city are the ones that boast some type of larger-than-life element.
After all, it’s not called the Big D for nothing. Here’s a super-sized list of the big and bizarre, the bold and the beautiful. You'll hardly believe your eyes.
Old Red Museum
Where: 100 S. Houston St.
@traankiThe stately magnificence of this late 19th-century building, topped with wyverns (gargoyle-like serpents), is only matched by its interiors. A brightly glowing Pegasus graces the museum’s first floor and was originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. And, there’s a vault, too.
@travelisa_
@spookybrunaFive Sixty by Wolfgang Puck at Reunion Tower
Where: 300 Reunion Blvd. East
@fivesixtydallasThe big ball in the sky is iconic to Dallas. But, what makes it really surreal is a trip 50 stories up to Five Sixty restaurant, where the room slowly revolves for a true 360-degree dining experience. The modern Asian cuisine is pretty stellar, too.
AT&T Stadium
Where: One AT&T Way, Arlington
@thejoshelkinThe world’s largest domed structure with the world’s largest indoor screen, this stadium is a testament to the Dallas Cowboys football empire. But, there’s way more than just turf wars here. One of the most unique features of the place is its collection of museum-quality contemporary art, which enhances the iconic architecture of the building. You can see it all — including VIP access to the field and the Cowboys and Cheerleaders locker rooms — on a guided tour.
@christian_bulgerDeGolyer House
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 8525 Garland Rd.
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It’s definitely worth looking up at the DeGolyer House at the Dallas Arboretum. The restoration of the iconic 1930s home is stunning, with plaster ceiling tiles that were installed individually in 1939.
@emilysummersdesignThe Texas Woofus
Where: Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
@reedw98This mythological chimera is composed of an impressive mashup of Texas livestock including the mane and neck of a horse, a turkey tail, pig body, duck wings, a sheep’s head, and of course, a pair of Texas longhorns.
Teddy Bear Park
Where: 4601 Lakeside Dr.
@laneyatbpThe cuteness is so surreal here. The Turtle Creek haven (a.k.a. Lakeside Park) is exceptionally landscaped with gorgeous waterways and lush greenery. But, it’s the whimsical, larger-than-life stone teddy bears that are the biggest deal.
Lone Star Gas Lofts
Where: 300 S. St. Paul
@roxylaakeThe resplendent Lone Star Gas Company Building is a 13-story Art Deco showpiece with rich street entrances bearing ornate light fixtures and an elaborately appointed lobby.
@stagethymeCedar Ridge Preserve
Where: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
@erzylopezIt’s more nature than you thought possible — and at an elevation of 633 feet, the views (and sunsets) are pretty sublime. You’d almost think you’re in the Texas Hill Country. With a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring nine miles of trails, native trees, grasses and wildflowers, butterfly gardens, picnic areas and wildlife, it’s a jungle (well, more like a forest) out there.
@daniellegalvan1State Fair of Texas
Where: Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
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What makes the State Fair so surreal? Could it be the creepy-cool, gigantic Big Tex that bellows “Howdy folks” all day long. Or, perhaps the mega-lit Midway. Or, maybe it’s just all the things that get deep-fried — from bacon to brisket to bubblegum — along with new foodie inventions like cotton candy tacos. At 24 consecutive days from late September to mid-October, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest.
@oimeetsworld
@jamesgarnertx
@camatkinsBachman Lake Park
Where: 3500 W. Northwest Hwy.
@mostpermileSure, the water is pretty. But, what’s most surreal about this city park is how close the airplanes glide over the southern bank of the lake upon takeoff and landing at the nearby Love Field Airport.
The Eye at The Joule
Where: 1530 Main St.
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The eye has it — at least downtown. The signature 30-foot-tall eyeball sculpture by artist Tony Tasset is kinda weird and kinda cool — and kinda always staring at you.
@thejouledallas
@downtown_dallasGeO-Deck at Reunion Tower
Where: 300 Reunion Blvd. East
At 470 feet in the air, the GeO-Deck will have you on cloud nine with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city along with HD zoom cameras, telescopes, and an indoor/outdoor observation deck. But, what’s really staggering is the Reunion Tower Constellation project that allows you to create a virtual star and leave your mark.
@adriana.zeneliThe Traveling Man
Where: 2605 Elm St.
@traveltexDallas does the “robot” with this 38-feet-tall sculpture by local artist Brad Oldham — it’s like Dallas’ version of Oz’s Tin Man.
A Woman’s Garden
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 8525 Garland Rd.
@kimmy.engen03Impossibly serene, this au naturel wonder at the Dallas Arboretum features several enchanting outdoor rooms, a sunken garden of roses, and a Majestic Allee with an infinity reflecting pool that directs the eye towards White Rock Lake.
@ianaberleFort Worth Water Gardens
Where: 1502 Commerce St., Fort Worth
@visitfortworthThis fantastical place was featured in the 1976 post-apocalyptic film, Logan’s Run. So, it just had to make the cut — even though it is in Fort Worth, not Dallas. The watery oasis is worth the short road trip, though, as it’s really an architectural and engineering marvel designed by architect Philip Johnson.
@im0tiv8Nasher Sculpture Center Garden
Where: 2001 Flora St.
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A sanctuary in the Dallas Arts District, the sculpture garden is pretty magical from all angles.
@anniejinny
@melbobanSablon Chocolate Lounge
Where: 3839 McKinney Ave., Ste. 157
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You won’t believe your “heart eyes” at this decadent lounge. The impossibly gigantic, cake-topped Grand Chocshakes are nothing short of #foodporn.
The Joule Pool
Where: 1530 Main St.
With a unique 8-foot cantilevered addition that juts out over Main Street below, this rooftop deck gives all new meaning to “hanging out at the pool.”
@boutiquehotelswwSouthfork Ranch
Where: 3700 Hogge Dr., Parker
@perelapicaQuite possibly the world’s most famous ranch, this place will be more surreal to you if you saw it in the hit TV series, Dallas — either the original from a few decades ago or the continuation of the series on TNT.
Thanks-Giving Square
Where: 1627 Pacific Ave.
@zaccrainA moment of wonder in the heart of the concrete jungle, this architectural gem designed by Philip Johnson opened in 1976 as a common ground sanctuary with the universal concept of thanksgiving. It’s a surreally good thing.
@joshdillllllGlory Window
Where: 1627 Pacific Ave.
@sabordallasThis spiraling Chapel of Thanksgiving is in Thanks-Giving Square, but it deserves its own listing if for no other reason than the Glory Window, which is one of the largest horizontally mounted stained-glass pieces in the world — and a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colors.
@_king_photo354Fair Park
Where: 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
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Home to an impressively large collection of 1930s Art Deco architecture, these 277 acres are largely ignored outside of the State Fair of Texas. But, the national historic landmark is no less wonder-inducing as a result and remains as the only intact and unaltered pre-1950s world fair site in the U.S.
@leahinthecosmos
@fairparktxSix Flags Over Texas
Where: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington
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The Thrill Capital of Texas is a whopping 212-acre theme park with an adrenaline-rush of gyroscopic and futuristic rides like the Harley Quinn Spinsanity, Riddler Revenge, and Texas Sky Screamer.
@moisesortizzz
@marilyn.inzunzaDealey Plaza and John F. Kennedy Memorial
Where: 411 Elm St.
@city.of.dallastxThe X marks the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and that’s what makes this place so surreal — albeit not in a positive way. Now, the plaza in downtown serves as a city park with the neighboring memorial open for daily public viewing.
@kevinyesuHALL Arts
Where: 2323 Ross Ave.
@kenziexhitzThis experiential destination is in the center of the world-renowned Dallas Arts District and includes a number of artsy things to see including KPMG Plaza boasting Richard Long’s Dallas Rag, a “China clay mud circle” commissioned specifically for the 43′ by 30′ wall and created in situ by the renowned British artist.
@hallartsdallas
@brianisaugust
@earlthephotographerPrairie Creek Park Waterfalls
Where: 2400 W. Prairie Creek Dr., Richardson
@mabelthaiWaterfalls have an inherent magic. And, even though these falls are pint-sized, they still create a refreshing oasis.
The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
Where: 3109 Carlisle St.
@emilyscott31The artsy funhouse is the only museum dedicated to MADI art, which is an international abstract art style that relies on geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and viewer interaction.
@hanlon_miller
@k.marshallDragon Park
Where: 3520 Cedar Springs Rd.
@dianasecret89It’s kind of like you stepped into a secret fairy tale at this tiny park in Oak Lawn. There’s a fantasy collection of statues — think angels, fairies, gargoyles, and, of course, dragons.
@overa_photographyTexas Discovery Gardens
Where: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Fair Park Gate 6)
@stolentartsFloat like a butterfly at this hidden reprieve in the city. It is a beautiful nature escape with 7.5 acres of gardens and a two-story butterfly house.
@sikzlolDallas Heritage Village
Where: 1515 S. Harwood St.
@dallasadventureThe history of this place is unreal. You’ll be flung back in time at this site that’s home to the largest collection of 19th-century commercial buildings and Victorian homes in Texas — perhaps even a few haunted ones. The Millermore Mansion is said to be inhabited by an unidentified lady ghost.
@mmcalica10It’Sugar
Where: 2401 Victory Park Ln.
@itsugarFive-and-a-half pounds of Marshmallow Madness. Enough said. Okay, we’ll say more. How about mega-sized Nerds, Starbust, Snickers, Sour Patch Kids, and too many more to list. Sugar high: Found — at this sweet stop in Victory Park.
