There is nothing like the Dallas Arts District. The largest contiguous urban arts district in the county — Texas does do things big — it is where world-class culture meets cosmopolitan cool, all with that Texas-sized flair. But this vibrant, 68-acre cultural playground is far more than just world-class museums and performance venues. From sleek architecture to scrumptious dining to designer delights, here’s a top-10 list of must-see stops in and around the Dallas Arts District, for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

 

D O

 

Unleash your inner child — Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Designed by starchitect Thom Mayne, the Perot Museum is part sci-fi spaceship, part intellectual Disneyland. With five floors of exhibits, interactive experiences and an escalator encased in a glass box, clinging to the side of the building, this is science in style. 2201 North Field Street; perotmuseum.org; 214-428-5555

 

Park life, elevated — Klyde Warren Park

This 5.2-acre deck park is built atop a freeway and offers everything from yoga classes to gourmet food trucks to free concerts. It’s the city’s chic backyard: Think of it as Central Park’s younger, sunnier sister. 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway; klydewarrenpark.org; 214-716-4500

 

Velvet, glass, sound and stories — Winspear Opera House

A performance hall wrapped in glowing red glass, the Winspear is an architectural icon designed by Foster + Partners. Whether you’re thrilling to an opera or tapping your feet to a Broadway touring production, prepare for goosebumps. 2403 Flora Street; attpac.org; 214-880-0202

 

Art, under glass and alfresco — Nasher Sculpture Center

Designed by Renzo Piano, this light-filled, limestone-and-glass gem houses works by Calder, Rodin and Picasso. Don't miss the tranquil garden with its reflecting pools and larger-than-life sculptures. 2001 Flora Street; nashersculpturecenter.org; 214-242-5100

 

Masterpieces for marveling — Dallas Museum of Art

Admission to almost everything here is free, but the experience is positively priceless. From ancient artifacts to contemporary installations, the DMA’s 24,000+ works will inspire. 1717 North Harwood Street; dma.org; 214-922-1200

 

D I N E

 

Sparkling Japanese dining, skyline views included — Tei-An

Chef Teiichi Sakurai's soba-noodle temple is a minimalist haven at One Arts Plaza. Go for the omakase, stay for the private rooftop bar. Chic meets umami. 1722 Routh Street #110; tei-an.com; 214-220-2828

 

Tex-Mex with a twist — Miriam Cocina Latina

Alongside buzzy Klyde Warren Park, this glassy hotspot serves modern Mexican fare, some with a Dominican spin, courtesy of the restaurant’s big-energy, big-hugger namesake, Miriam Jimenez, who hails from that Caribbean paradise. 2015 Woodall Rodgers Freeway; miriamcocina.com; 214-855-5275

 

S H O P

 

Because retail therapy is real — Forty Five Ten on Main

This beloved luxury boutique blends fashion, design and art — and might just make your AmEx cry happy tears. Think Balenciaga, The Row and exclusive collabs. 1615 Main Street; fortyfiveten.com; 214-559-4510

 

S T A Y

 

Lodging with art, cocktails and a cantilevered pool — The Joule

Not technically in the Arts District but a stone’s throw away, this boutique hotel boasts a Taschen Library bookshop, several dining options, a pampering spa and an Instagram-famous pool, with its glass-capped end that dangles over the boulevard below. 1530 Main Street; thejouledallas.com; 214-748-1300

 

The art of sleep — HALL Arts Hotel

Right in the heart of it all, this lovely, luxurious hotel doubles as an art gallery, thanks to its world-class collection of sculpture, paintings and photographs. The in-house restaurant, Ellie’s, serves cuisine that is equally artful. 1717 Leonard Street; hallartshotel.com; 214-953-1717

 

LIVE LIFE HERE: How to make the Dallas Arts District your home

The ultimate way to live in the Arts District is HALL Arts Residences, downtown’s most luxurious high-rise, complete with alfresco pool, putting green, private wine lockers and other jaw-dropping amenities. There are precious few residences left in the 28-story tower, each with German-designed kitchens and bath fittings, plus CinemaScope views of the Dallas skyline, the architecturally superb Arts District buildings and far beyond. Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty is the exclusive representative for HALL Arts Residences. For other opportunities to live in the Dallas Arts District, every Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty expert can advise you on the latest listings and all the insider intel. After all, that’s what they are famous for.