Girlfriends Guide to Dallas

Known for its larger-than-life personality, Dallas offers a mix of rich history, modern sophistication, and good ol' Southern charm. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, where skyscrapers tower over historic neighborhoods and the aroma of delicious Tex-Mex cuisine fills the air. Whether you're exploring the world-class museums and galleries, catching a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, or strolling through the trendy shops of Deep Ellum, Dallas has something for everyone. So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling adventure in the lively city of Dallas!

Table of Contents

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Where to Stay

We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.

Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!

Canvas Hotel Dallas

Located in the vibrant Cedars neighborhood, Canvas Hotel Dallas offers a modern and eclectic experience. The hotel features an outdoor rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, along with lounge chairs and cabanas for relaxation. The rooms and suites are designed with an industrial-chic aesthetic and include unique features like exposed brick walls and loft-style ceilings. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a fitness center, a restaurant and bar serving American cuisine, and a vibrant rooftop terrace for socializing.

Canvas Hotel Dallas
Hotel ZaZa Dallas

Hotel ZaZa is a chic and vibrant boutique hotel located in the Uptown neighborhood of Dallas. It features a stylish pool area with a poolside bar, cabanas, and loungers, creating a trendy and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel offers uniquely designed rooms and suites, each with its own personality and flair. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, spa services, and multiple dining options, all within a lively and artistic setting.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas
The Joule

Situated in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Joule is a sophisticated and contemporary boutique hotel. The property boasts a stunning rooftop pool with a glass-fronted cantilevered pool deck that overlooks the city skyline. The pool area also includes a poolside bar and lounge chairs. The hotel features stylishly appointed rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and several dining options, including a rooftop terrace restaurant and a hip coffee shop.

The Joule

Where to Eat

Recommending restaurants can be tricky – there are so many choices! Here we have recommended a few of our favorites, but be sure to check out our local search links below if you are looking for something specific. Bon Appétit!

Tucked into downtown Dallas, this cozy neighborhood restaurant and wine bar shines with shared plates, Detroit‑style pizzas, natural wines, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. The vibe is relaxed but elevated, ideal for lingering over a bottle, ordering a few plates for the table, and catching up without the noise or scene‑y pressure. It’s a hidden gem locals love which makes it especially fun to include on a weekend lineup.

Perched atop Hôtel Swexan in the Harwood District, this rooftop restaurant delivers Italian‑inspired cuisine, skyline views, and a lush, garden‑like setting beneath an emerald canopy. The vibe is charming yet modern perfect for a glam night out, or even weekend Afternoon Tea if you want something extra special. It feels indulgent, making it ideal for dressing up, sipping cocktails, and soaking in one of the prettiest dining rooms in Dallas.

Maison Chinoise is a chic, high‑energy girls‑night favorite when you’re craving elevated Chinese cuisine. Located in Uptown, this contemporary spot focuses on shareable dim sum, handmade dumplings, and bold regional Chinese dishes, all designed for family‑style dining. The space feels upscale and glamorous, with creative cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for an evening out.

Located in the Bishop Arts District, this Southern European–inspired restaurant is known for its lush garden patio, breezy indoor‑outdoor vibe, and menu built for sharing, think mezze, wood‑fired flatbreads and pizzas, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and vibrant cocktails. It’s ideal for a long brunch or an al‑fresco dinner where conversation flows as easily as the wine.

Located in downtown Dallas, this beloved spot is known for authentic Neapolitan pizza made by a Naples‑born master pizzaiolo, plus comforting pastas, shareable starters, and an all‑Italian wine list. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, casual yet special, and easily one of the most memorable food stops you can add to a Dallas weekend.

Sixty Vines in Uptown is a girls‑weekend favorite when you want relaxed wine‑country vibes right in the city. Located at Crescent Court, this bright, airy spot is known for its unique wine‑on‑tap program (60 wines poured sustainably) paired with a fresh, seasonal menu designed for sharing. Think flatbreads, pastas, boards, and brunch dishes that keep the table buzzing. The atmosphere is social, stylish, and effortlessly fun, making it perfect for brunch, happy hour, or an easygoing dinner.

Want to see more options? We’ve included our favorite search links for this destination below. Use them for research or bookmark this site to use them on the fly when you want to search nearby.

What to See

If your girls’ trip needs a little fresh air, floral beauty, and pure relaxation, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is the dreamiest place to spend a day. Set right along the shores of White Rock Lake and recognized as one of the top arboretums in the world, this stunning garden is packed with vibrant blooms, peaceful pathways, and picture‑perfect views everywhere you look.

The Arboretum has a mix of permanent gardens and beloved seasonal events, like the famous Dallas Blooms festival, plus special displays throughout the year. Don’t miss A Tasteful Place, an edible garden showcase that mixes beauty with flavor in the most colorful way.

You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, drinks, or a full picnic spread, perfect for a girls‑trip lunch in one of the many scenic gardens. Or, if you want to treat yourselves, the Arboretum has fabulous dining options, including the elegant DeGolyer Tea Room.
Here you can indulge in a seasonal three‑course tea service complete with soup, delicate sandwiches, and heavenly desserts. It’s charming, classy, and such a fun way to add a little sophistication to your outing.

It’s peaceful, beautiful, and totally Instagram‑worthy, a must‑add to your Dallas getaway.

Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’ most electric neighborhoods, the kind of place where live music spills onto the streets, murals burst with color around every corner, and the vibe is equal parts creative, quirky, and wildly fun. Just minutes from downtown, it’s the perfect area for you and the girls to wander, snack, sip, shop, and soak up the energy.

Start by diving into the Self-Guided Art Walk, a curated route that highlights Deep Ellum’s most iconic murals, hidden alleyway gems, and the artists behind them. It’s basically an outdoor gallery with endless photo ops, ideal for a stroll with coffee or cocktails in hand.

As you explore, you’ll find eclectic restaurants, local breweries, laid‑back bars, and independent shops that give the neighborhood its signature personality. Whether you’re grabbing tacos, sampling craft beer, hunting for vintage finds, or dancing to live music, Deep Ellum delivers a full day (and night) of adventure.

If art, sunshine, and a little city sparkle are on your list, the Dallas Arts District is going to be one of your favorite stops. Spread across 20 walkable blocks and 118 acres, this creative hub is packed with award‑winning museums, performing arts venues, amazing restaurants, cute bars, and eye‑catching public art everywhere you look.

Right in the heart of it all is the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin Guadalupe, Dallas’ oldest Catholic church — a stunning architectural landmark perfect for a peaceful moment or a pretty photo. Art lovers will fall head over heels for the Nasher Sculpture Center, home to one of the world’s top sculpture collections. With more than 300 modern works from icons like Matisse, Picasso, Miró, Rodin, and Gormley, it’s a must‑see. Don’t forget to wander the outdoor sculpture garden. It spans an entire city block and is absolutely gorgeous.

On warm, sunny days, head to Klyde Warren Park, the district’s beloved urban green space built right over a freeway (Dallas gets creative like that!). Here you can grab lunch from one of the many food trucks, play croquet on the lawn, listen to live music, and people‑watch in the sunshine

And of course, the Arts District food scene is a vibe all its own, from chic cafés and stylish restaurants to late‑night bites perfect for keeping the girls‑trip energy going.

This historic district is filled with brick‑paved streets, preserved buildings, and a buzzing atmosphere that makes it perfect for wandering, shopping, and people‑watching with a drink in hand. You’ll find Western boutiques, specialty retailers and talented custom bootmakers, making it dangerously easy to fall in love with fringe jackets, statement hats, or a pair of boots you’ll talk yourself into buying.

One of the most iconic moments happens right in the middle of the day with the world’s only twice‑daily  (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.)  cattle drive, where real longhorns stroll down East Exchange Avenue. Live music spills out of historic dancehalls, and it’s impossible not to get swept into the rhythm as locals and visitors two‑step to country bands. Even if you don’t know the steps, this is the kind of place where laughing through it is part of the fun.

Food is a full experience here, and it’s unapologetically bold. Think slow‑smoked brisket, perfectly marbled steaks, sizzling fajitas, and classic Texas comfort dishes crafted by award‑winning chefs who take their flavors seriously. Between the music, the shopping, the food, and the unmistakable Texas charm, this area delivers a full‑day (and night) experience!

For a meaningful and memorable stop on your Dallas girls’ trip, the Sixth Floor Museum is a must‑visit. Located inside the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum tells the story of President John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy, and the events surrounding his assassination, right in the building where history changed forever.

The main exhibit, “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation,” is on the sixth floor and walks you through the timeline, cultural context, and impact of that day with powerful photos, artifacts, and immersive displays. Up on the seventh floor, you’ll find rotating special exhibits and public programs that dive even deeper into history and its ongoing influence.

It’s a thoughtful, eye‑opening experience, one that adds depth and reflection to your Dallas getaway while still being easy to pair with lunch, shopping, or other adventures nearby.

Fair Park
Credit: Fair Park | Visit Dallas

What to Do

Venture out from Dallas’ bustling city center and spend time in the historic district of Grapevine on this small-group excursion. Stroll along Main Street, admiring 19th- and 20th-century buildings that dot the area, stopping at local restaurants and specialty shops to sample food and wine. In between tastings, learn about the history, culture, and architecture of the region from your guide.

Sample Menu: Fried avocado with a margarita, Texas Wine Tasting, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Pairing Tasting, Pizza and Wine, Homemade Pie

Somewhere at the intersection of presidential history and American mythology, the JFK assassination continues to fascinate Dallas visitors. See the site where the infamous shooting occurred on this special historical tour to Grassy Knoll and the Kennedy Memorial; separate the facts from the theories with the help of your guide, who will walk you through that day and its aftermath. This tour includes a guide, entrance fees, and round trip transportation.

Discover the local shopping scene and its fashion DNA with a professional stylist as you embark on a personalized shopping circuit built to meet your style and wishes. Learn more about the art of styling your body features and take a figurative soft tour outside your comfort zone as your stylist pulls pieces for you to explore and try. Think of it as a mini style consultation followed by recommendations and a hands-on practice session during the shopping tour where you can ask any fashion and style-related questions.

Throughout your shopping circuit and neighborhood’s discovery, listen to fashion stories as told by your fashion savvy guide, and get a unique insight into the industry. Prior to your shopping tour, you will be sent a little shopping form to help personalize your experience. And following your fashion escapade, you will be sent a personal style summary of recommendations received by your stylist as well as some tour souvenir photos.

Join us for a 2 hour private BYOB pedal bike tour of the historical Fort Worth Stockyards! Groups of 6-15 people will explore this amazing area, and have time for a quick stop along the way at one of over a dozen popular watering holes.

WorldSprings is basically the ultimate girls‑weekend reset equal parts spa day, social hang, and feel‑good escape all wrapped into one beautifully designed space. This outdoor wellness retreat brings together over 40 mineral hot springs inspired by famous soaking destinations around the world, with water temperatures ranging from the mid‑80s to the low‑100s, plus invigorating cold plunges around 55°F for that brave‑but‑rewarding contrast. Between soaks, you can unwind in saunas, cozy up by the fire pits, or lounge poolside while drinks are delivered straight to you from the café and bar, giving the whole experience a relaxed, vacation‑style vibe.

The energy at WorldSprings shifts depending on when you go, which makes it easy to tailor the experience to your group. Weekdays are calm and wellness‑focused, perfect for slow mornings, quiet conversation, and full‑on relaxation, while weekends and holidays feel more social and lively, with a buzz that’s ideal for soaking, sipping, and catching up with friends. Because entry is limited each day, it’s strongly recommended to book your ideal date online in advance, especially for weekends.

Where to Shop

Galleria Dallas is one of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations. It is a vibrant, fashion‑forward center with retailers, restaurants, and unique experiences. From Nordstrom to the one‑of‑a‑kind GAP–Banana Republic–Old Navy combo anchor, there’s always something new to explore. The signature Galleria Ice Skating Center adds a playful touch, and The Westin Galleria Dallas makes it easy to turn your visit into a chic weekend getaway. With more than 210 shops and eateries, rotating art installations, and cultural events happening year‑round, it’s the perfect place for a stylish day of shopping, dining, and making memories.

Highland Park Village is Dallas’ premier open‑air luxury destination. It is a historic, beautifully designed plaza where world‑class fashion and exceptional dining come together. Built in 1931 and often recognized as the nation’s first true shopping center, it blends architectural charm with an unmatched lineup of iconic luxury boutiques and lifestyle brands. Located at Mockingbird Lane and Preston Road in the heart of Highland Park, the Village offers an elevated, effortless experience with impeccable service at every turn. It’s the perfect place to browse your favorite designers, enjoy a chic meal, and savor a sophisticated day out during your weekend getaway.

The West Village neighborhood is a walkable mix of boutiques, cafés, and local experiences that make it perfect for a girls’ day out. Nearly 100 curated shops, personal‑care studios, and unique boutiques line its charming streets, all seamlessly connected to the surrounding neighborhood. With two dozen restaurants and cafés, you can shop, sip, and savor your way through the district, whether you’re in the mood for brunch, cocktails, or a cozy dinner. Centrally located with easy access to Historic McKinney Avenue, the DART Rail, and the Katy Trail, West Village puts the best of Dallas right at your fingertips. And with a 150‑room boutique Canopy by Hilton hotel on site, it’s easy to turn your outing into a stylish little getaway.

Butterfly Garden Arches
Credit: Klyde Warren Park | Visit Dallas

Nightlife

For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.

Boogies is a retro‑inspired cocktail lounge and discotheque on Henderson Avenue that transforms as the night goes on. Early evening brings a relaxed, low‑lit cocktail vibe, then around 10pm the space flips into a full‑on dance party with house, disco, and deep‑house DJs. With a massive disco ball, hi‑fi sound system, and a big, open dance floor, Boogies feels like an old‑school disco.

Coupes is an elegant champagne‑forward bar on Oak Lawn Avenue that’s all about sparkle, celebration, and refined fun. Known as one of the top places in the U.S. to drink champagne, the space feels chic yet approachable, with soft pink tones, gold accents, and a cozy, intimate layout. The menu centers on an extensive selection of Champagne and sparkling wines alongside a handful of polished cocktails and French‑leaning small bites.

Double Wide is a legendary Deep Ellum dive bar with a tongue‑in‑cheek “trailer park chic” aesthetic and a reputation for strong, cheap drinks and nonstop fun. The space is gritty, loud, and unapologetically quirky, with funky décor, a big outdoor patio, and a separate music venue across the courtyard hosting live bands and DJs across genres. It’s casual, rowdy, and full of character!

Ladylove Lounge & Sound is an intimate, vinyl‑driven cocktail lounge tucked into Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District. The space blends disco‑lit nostalgia with modern, inclusive energy. Featuring mirrored accents, a glowing disco ball, and DJs spinning exclusively on vinyl across genres like disco, funk, pop, and house, it feels cozy and cool at the same time. There is music loud enough to dance to but still have a conversation.

Leela’s Wine Bar Uptown is a stylish, approachable neighborhood wine bar. It’s known for its extensive wine‑on‑tap program, craft cocktails, and thin‑crust pizzas and shareable plates. Located in a popular area, the vibe is cozy and trendy, perfect for a girls night out. Seasonal décor and themed pop‑ups (especially around the holidays) make it extra fun.

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Events

State Fair of Texas
September 25, 2026
- October 18, 2026
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