M&D Real Estate

Plan the Perfect Dallas Staycation

PLAN THE PERFECT DALLAS STAYCATION
Plan Your Ultimate Dallas Staycation with these Ideas (1)

Your Guide to the Ultimate Dallas Staycation

Dreaming of a getaway without the hassle of travel? A Dallas staycation might be the perfect solution for you. With the array of exquisite staycation hotels Dallas offers and the city’s vibrant mix of activities, it’s easy to see why staycations in Dallas have become a popular choice for those looking to unwind and indulge close to home.

Whether you’re in search of family fun, a romantic escape, or simply a change of scenery, Dallas provides myriad options to create memorable experiences without venturing far from your doorstep.

In this article, we’ll explore the best staycation in Dallas for everyone. From the top luxury and boutique staycation hotels in Dallas to unique outdoor activities that allow you to see the city from a different angle, your options are vast.

We’ll explore dining and nightlife recommendations that capture the essence of Dallas’s culinary scene, and highlight family-friendly activities that promise fun for all ages. And, for those seeking tranquility, don’t miss our out on the top relaxation and wellness spots for the ultimate form of self-care.

Get ready to discover endless staycation Dallas TX ideas that will transform your view of what a staycation can be.

Top Dallas Staycation Hotels

Discover the grandeur of Hilton Anatole, a landmark hotel in Dallas with over 1,600 guest rooms and suites. This luxury hotel boasts a variety of amenities including multiple restaurants, a spa, and a large indoor/outdoor pool complex.

Hilton Anatole Dallas 2

The lobby atrium is Asian-inspired, surrounded by lush greenery and reflecting pools, creating a serene atmosphere. For those seeking relaxation, the V Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, and the hotel’s health club, The Verandah, is equipped with a full basketball court, tennis and squash courts, and more.

Have the kids in tow? Entertain the entire family at the JadeWaters Pool Complex with a lazy river, leisure pool, kids play zone, two 180-foot slides, luxury cabanas, a Grill & Bar, and more.

Hilton Anatole Dallas

The Joule, a boutique hotel in downtown Dallas, is known for its striking architecture and luxurious amenities. It features a rooftop pool, a luxury spa, and several acclaimed restaurants and bars.

The Joule Dallas

The hotel’s decor includes a mix of contemporary and vintage elements, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Its location on Main Street places it within walking distance of high-end shops and attractions.

The Joule dallas 2

Hotel ZaZa is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of luxury and unique aesthetic appeal.

ZaZa Hotel Pool

Hotel ZaZa offers a distinctive stay with its art-inspired decor and excellent amenities. Located in both Uptown and the Museum District, this boutique hotel features stylish guest rooms, an outdoor pool, and several dining options.

Dallas ZaZa Hotel 1

As a beacon of classic elegance, The Adolphus boasts a rich history since its opening in 1912. Located in downtown Dallas, it offers luxurious accommodations and multiple dining venues.

Adolphus Hotel

The recent renovations have enhanced its historic charm while incorporating modern luxuries. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, including a rooftop pool, rooftop yoga, and a comprehensive wellness program at the hotel’s spa.

Adolphus Rooftop Pool

Winner of the 2023 Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards, and a four diamond hotel, the HALL Arts Hotel in the Dallas Arts District provides a beautiful ambience for art-lovers. Their intricately designed guest rooms offer beauty and practicality.

Rooftop Pool at the HALL Arts Hotel

Enjoy fine dining at Ellie’s Terrace overlooking the Texas Sculpture Walk, and Ellie’s Lounge offering specialty cocktails and entertainment by both locals and international artists.

Gorgeous Fine Dining at Hall Arts Hotel

The hotel is inspired by the original 1920s estate and has 142 rooms and suites among the finest of Dallas’ luxury accommodations.

Rosewood Mansion 1

The hotel offers The Mansion Restaurant, The Mansion Bar, a swimming pool and fitness studio, event spaces and gorgeous ambiance.

Penthouse at Rosewood

Located on McKinney Avenue in Dallas, the Ritz-Carlton is known worldwide as a premier luxury hotel. The hotel is recognized at the first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel in Texas. Rooms overlook the iconic Dallas skyline.

Ritz Carlton

The hotel features Fearing’s Restaurant, home of celebrity chef Dean Fearing. You’ll also love the rooftop pool with great views of the city and amazing spa experience.

Spa at RitzCarolton

Nestled in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood, Hotel Crescent Court epitomizes luxury with its sophisticated design and comprehensive amenities. Following a $33 million renovation, the hotel features 186 guestrooms and 40 suites, each offering refined comforts.

Hotel Crescent Court

Guests can indulge in the Spa at The Crescent, enjoy dining at multiple on-site restaurants, and relax at the rooftop heated pool. The hotel’s proximity to Dallas’s cultural and shopping venues makes it an ideal choice for a luxurious staycation.

Crescent Hotel Pool

Unique Outdoor Activities in Dallas, Texas

Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can embark on scenic hikes and view actual dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock. This park offers a unique prehistoric adventure right in the heart of Texas, perfect for both the young and young at heart.

Visit Little Elm Beach, a popular destination on the shores of Lewisville Lake. Here, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. The beach features one of the largest open swim areas in North Texas, and you can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes nearby to enhance your beach day.

Little Elm Beach

For a tranquil escape, head to White Rock Lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Dallas Paddle Company and glide across the serene waters. The lake is a beloved urban oasis, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful views and abundant wildlife. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely day of paddling or an energetic outing with friends.

Dallas Dining & Nightlife Recommendations

Mercat Bistro offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience, featuring a menu of French-inspired dishes crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a business lunch, or a romantic dinner, the ambiance at Mercat Bistro sets the perfect tone for any occasion.

Mercat Bistro Dallas

​​“The RH Rooftop Restaurant resides on the third floor of RH Dallas, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery that blurs the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality. We invite you to enjoy our selection of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and curated wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe,” according to the official website.

RH at Dallas

Located in Deep Ellum, Pecan Lodge is famous for its barbeque. You can also catch live music here most nights. “Our BBQ pit burns 24 hours a day, fueled by nothing but wood and passion. We grind and stuff our own sausage. And anything we can make from scratch, we make from scratch – from our Southern Fried Chicken to Aunt Polly’s banana pudding to our Mac n’ Cheese to the collard greens,” according to the restaurant owners.

Pecan Lodge

Voted in Best All-Around Restaurant in DFW by Dallas Morning News’ People’s Choice Awards, winner of the Travelers Choice 2023 by TripAdvisor, named Best Steakhouse in Dallas by Papercity Magazine, as well as Best Weekday Lunchspot by Dallas Observer in 2022. With all of those accolades, you’d best give this one a try!

YO Ranch Steakhouse Dallas

Located in the heart of Bishop Arts District, Paradiso is a Southern European inspired restaurant in a beautiful shaded garden setting. You can get brunch, lunch, and dinner here. The menu focuses on fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Paradiso

El Bolero serves up authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine, capturing the essence of Mexico’s diverse regions.

Indulge in a wide selection of tacos, enchiladas, and specialty dishes like the chile relleno, which is astonishingly light and filled with crab, delicately accented with sautéed onions and tomatoes. And, they were voted as having the best margarita in Dallas!

El Bolero

At Stillwells Dallas, enjoy a refined dining experience with a menu that features contemporary American dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. This upscale restaurant is the perfect spot for an elevated meal that combines both innovation and tradition. The restaurant is located on the 7th floor of the hotel Swexan and open to all.

Stillwells Dallas

The whole family will love this one! Dallas Grilled Cheese Company is dedicated to “reimagining the perfect comfort food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.”  This must-visit restaurant is located inside Mockingbird Station, across Central from the campus of SMU.

Dallas Grillcheese company

Family Friendly Fun Outings in Dallas

Your family can dive into the fun at Great Wolf Lodge, where the indoor water park and the MagiQuest adventure provide entertainment for all ages. Enjoy the ease of having everything in one place, from water slides to dining options, ensuring a stress-free experience for parents and endless excitement for kids.

Great Wolf Lodge

Step into a world of creativity at Legoland Discovery Center. This indoor Lego-themed park offers rides, interactive exhibits, and the chance to build with millions of LEGO bricks. It’s a place where children can meet their favorite LEGO characters and engage in building epic LEGO creations alongside master builders.

Explore the Dallas Zoo, the largest and oldest zoo in Texas, where you can interact with over 2,000 animals across various habitats. Attend educational presentations, participate in giraffe feedings, and enjoy keeper chats to learn more about your favorite animals. The zoo’s interactive and educational approach makes it a memorable visit for families.

Dallas Zoo

Relaxation & Wellness Spots - Top Dallas Spas!

For a truly indulgent experience, consider a Spa Day at The Ritz-Carlton, where signature treatments like the eight-hand massage and Dean’s Margarita Salt Glow highlight the luxurious offerings. These sessions not only celebrate the grandeur of Texas but also utilize high-quality products from brands like ESPA and Natura Bisse to ensure a rejuvenating experience.

At the V Spa located within the Hilton Anatole, you’re invited to a tranquil oasis right in the heart of Dallas. Here, a variety of spa services are available to help you de-stress and recharge, making it an ideal spot for some much-needed relaxation.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the therapeutic treatments at Spa Castle, a premier wellness destination. Opt for a soothing massage therapy session that promises to alleviate stress and enhance your well-being. This spot is renowned for its comprehensive approach to relaxation and health.

Spa Castle

Our List of Top Experiences & Places to Visit in Dallas, TX!

  1. Visit Reunion Tower – From 470 feet up you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, receive a free digital photo and enjoy the indoor/outdoor observation deck.
  2. The Eye – In the heart of downtown Dallas, the larger-than-life optic sculpture, Eye, is one of the city’s most iconic photo ops.
  3. Sixth Floor Museum | JFK Museum – The Museum, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building, chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. 
  4. Dallas Farmers Market – The Market Building is open 7 days a week. It’s a 26,000 square foot “food hall and artisanal vendor market containing four anchor restaurants, a mixture of local specialty foods, artisanal food vendors, and seating areas both inside and out where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in a view of the Dallas skyline or observing the market-goers,” according to the Dallas Farmers Market.
  5. Museum of Nature and Science – The museum boasts having everything from dinosaurs to DNA to checkout. You’ll see dinosaur fossils, and you can even explore a detailed model of the Perseverance rover and Mars Helicopter along with the Mars Ascent vehicle, and much more.
  6. Dallas Museum of Art – For $25, you can get all access to all ticketed exhibitions in addition to the museum’s permanent collection.
  7. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – Voted one of the South’s Best Botanical Gardens by Southern Living Magazine and a Top Botanical Garden in USA Today’s 10 Best, the gardens offer 66 acres of beauty an gorgeous nature.
  8. George W. Bush Presidential Library – “As the 13th presidential library, the George W. Bush Presidential Library promotes an understanding of the American presidency, examines the specific time in history during which President Bush served, and provides access to official records and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.”
  9. Picnic with Food Trucks at Klyde Warren Park – Check out the food truck schedule here, and enjoy a picnic in this iconic Dallas park. It is a 5.4 Acre greenspace/deck of a recessed eight-land freeway! 
  10. Nasher Sculpture Center – See modern and contemporary artists work in both the galleries and outdoor sculpture garden.
  11. Frontiers of Flight Museum – The museum allows visitors to experience and explore stories of aviation and space flight, from “Leonardo de Vinci, to the Wright Brothers, to the spacecraft of the twenty-first century – all are here for you in one museum.” The museum has over 35,00 rare and unique artifacts!
  12. The Kessler Theater – The theater was originally constructed in 1941 and was bought by Gene Autry in 1945, but then natural disasters put the theater out of commission. In 2020, it underwent a major renovation. It is now a live music venue with an interior that features original elements such as intricate moldings, murals, and a grand stage with velvet curtains.
  13. The Statler Hotel’s Rooftop Bar – Located on the 19th floor of the iconic Statler, Waterproof offers gorgeous views of surrounding downtown Dallas. You can take a dip in the pool, relax in a private cabana, sip a cocktail & enjoy a bite to eat “surrounded by unforgettable views.”

Enjoy Your Ultimate Dallas Staycation!

Embarking on a Dallas staycation offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the diversity and richness of experiences right at your doorstep, from luxurious accommodations and unique outdoor adventures to the city’s vibrant dining and cultural scene. Throughout this article, we’ve journeyed into the best Dallas has to offer, ensuring that whether you’re seeking relaxation, family fun, or culinary delights, there’s something for everyone. This exploration not only revitalizes our appreciation for Dallas but also showcases the myriad ways to enjoy a memorable staycation in this dynamic city!

The Ultimate Dallas Staycation

The significance of opting for a staycation in Dallas extends beyond merely enjoying a getaway; it’s about rediscovering the charm of local treasures and creating lasting memories without the need for distant travel. By highlighting top staycation hotels, outdoor activities, dining recommendations, family-friendly outings, and wellness spots, we’ve laid a roadmap for an enriching staycation experience. As you consider your next local adventure, remember the endless possibilities that Dallas offers and embrace the opportunity to explore, relax, and rejuvenate right in your backyard.

FAQs on Enjoying a Dallas Staycation

How Can I Organize a Memorable Staycation?

To create an unforgettable staycation, consider these 17 suggestions:

  • Kick off your staycation with relaxation by taking a long nap.
  • Indulge in a spa day at home.
  • Embark on a day trip to nearby attractions.
  • Lose yourself in a captivating book.
  • Spend time outdoors to refresh your mind.
  • Discover new facets of your city or town.
  • Experience camping by setting up in your backyard.
  • Mimic a water park experience right at home.
 

What’s the Prime Location to Stay for Tourists in Dallas?

For tourists aiming to explore Dallas’s rich cultural scene, Downtown Dallas serves as an ideal base. It positions you within easy reach of significant sites like the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which houses Kennedy historical exhibits, and the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Additionally, the Park Cities neighborhood offers proximity to the George W.

How Can I Ensure My Staycation Feels Like a Genuine Break?

To make your staycation feel more like a real escape, focus on engaging in experiences that offer relaxation, learning, or community service. Suggestions include:

  • Taking a hike with a friend for both companionship and exercise.
  • Enrolling in a class to learn cooking, a new language, or another skill.
  • Volunteering a few hours to help a neighbor, which can be rewarding.
  • Stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new and exciting.
 

What Distinguishes a Vacation from a Staycation?

The key difference between a vacation and a staycation lies in the location. A vacation typically involves traveling away from home to explore a new destination. In contrast, a staycation is about taking a break without leaving your home or local area, allowing for relaxation and activities close to home.

Join Our Newsletter

Join over 100,000 people, and subscribe to receive our latest updates in your inbox!

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

How Can We Help You Today?

Have an M&D Real Estate Team Member Reach Out: