Highland Park TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highland Park, Texas.
1. Highland Park Village
HISTORIC LUXURY SHOPPING CENTER
Highland Park Village opened in 1931 as the first self-contained shopping center in America and is now a designated National Historical Landmark. The upscale shopping destination is often referred to as Dallas' Rodeo Drive, featuring luxury retailers and boutiques. Visitors can enjoy high-end shopping, dining, and the beautiful Spanish-influenced architecture that has maintained its charm for nearly a century.
2. Lakeside Park
BEAUTIFUL URBAN OASIS
Lakeside Park is a scenic public park featuring lush greenery and peaceful waterways in Highland Park. The park offers walking paths, picnic areas, and iconic photo opportunities with its decorative bridges and seasonal flower displays. Visitors particularly enjoy the park's famous teddy bear statues which have become a beloved local landmark and popular backdrop for family photos.
3. Riviera Spa
LUXURY WELLNESS RETREAT
Riviera Spa offers a comprehensive wellness experience in the heart of Highland Park. The spa provides a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies in an elegant, relaxing environment. Visitors can indulge in premium self-care services while enjoying the spa's upscale amenities and professional staff.
4. Southern Methodist University
PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Southern Methodist University is a prestigious private research university located near Highland Park. The campus features beautiful Georgian-style architecture, sprawling green spaces, and various cultural attractions including the Meadows Museum of Art. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the picturesque campus, attend sporting events, or explore the university's various museums and galleries.
5. Dallas Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Dallas Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum features art from around the world, including American, European, Asian, and contemporary collections in a stunning modern building. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, and various educational programs and events throughout the year.
6. Lela Rose
HIGH-END FASHION BOUTIQUE
Lela Rose is a luxurious fashion boutique located in Highland Park Village offering sophisticated women's clothing. The store showcases the designer's elegant ready-to-wear collections, bridal designs, and accessories in a beautifully curated space. Shoppers can experience personalized service while browsing the brand's signature feminine aesthetic characterized by delicate details and modern silhouettes.
7. Katy Trail
SCENIC URBAN PATHWAY
The Katy Trail is a popular 3.5-mile landscaped pedestrian and bicycle path built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad line near Highland Park. The trail offers a green escape through the urban environment with multiple access points, water fountains, and rest areas. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this pathway for running, walking, cycling, and people-watching while connecting to various neighborhoods and entertainment districts.
8. Klyde Warren Park
INNOVATIVE URBAN GREEN SPACE
Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre urban green space built over the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway, connecting uptown and downtown Dallas near Highland Park. The innovative deck park features a children's playground, reading room, dog park, botanical garden, and various food options including gourmet food trucks. The park hosts hundreds of free activities annually including concerts, film screenings, fitness classes, and cultural events, making it a vibrant community gathering place.
9. Hunter's Memorial House
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
Hunter's Memorial House stands as a significant historical residence showcasing the architectural heritage of Highland Park. The preserved home offers visitors a glimpse into the area's past with its distinctive design elements and historical significance. Guided tours provide insights into the lifestyle of the era and the development of Highland Park as a community.
10. NorthPark Center
PREMIUM SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
NorthPark Center is an upscale shopping mall featuring over 200 stores, restaurants, and an impressive art collection displayed throughout the complex. The center combines luxury retail with cultural experiences, housing world-class sculptures and installations from renowned artists. Shoppers can enjoy a mix of high-end designer boutiques and popular retail brands in an architecturally significant space known for its clean lines and natural lighting.
11. Perot Museum of Nature and Science
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a cutting-edge facility featuring 11 permanent exhibit halls covering topics from engineering and innovation to earth sciences and dinosaurs. The striking architectural design includes a 54-foot escalator enclosed in a glass tube that extends outside the building, offering unique city views. Visitors of all ages can engage with hundreds of interactive exhibits, educational displays, and state-of-the-art technology that brings science to life.
12. Reunion Tower
ICONIC OBSERVATION DECK
Reunion Tower stands as one of Dallas' most recognizable landmarks with its distinctive 561-foot glowing ball structure offering 360-degree views of the city. Visitors can experience the GeO-Deck observation level featuring interactive touch screens, high-definition zoom cameras, and telescopes to explore the cityscape. The tower also houses fine dining options including the rotating Five Sixty restaurant that provides a unique dining experience with spectacular panoramic views.
13. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
SPECTACULAR SEASONAL GARDENS
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden spans 66 acres along the shores of White Rock Lake, showcasing stunning seasonal floral displays and themed gardens. The garden features 19 named gardens, including the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden with its interactive exhibits and educational activities. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy special events such as the spring Dallas Blooms festival, summer concerts, fall pumpkin village, and holiday light displays.
14. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located in the former Texas School Book Depository building where evidence of a sniper was found following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The museum chronicles the assassination and legacy of President Kennedy through historic films, photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can walk through the sixth floor where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the fatal shots and view the infamous grassy knoll from the building's windows.
15. Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
ARCHITECTURAL URBAN ICON
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is a stunning architectural landmark designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, featuring a 400-foot steel arch with cables creating a distinctive silhouette over the Trinity River. The bridge serves as both a functional roadway connecting downtown Dallas to the developing Trinity Groves area and as a symbol of the city's modern identity. Visitors can admire the bridge's dramatic lighting at night or explore the adjacent Continental Avenue pedestrian bridge which offers perfect viewing platforms for photography.