The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

"Frequently named one of the top botanical gardens in the world, the fairytale-esque Dallas Arboretum sits resplendent on 66 glorious acres, overlooking majestic White Rock Lake. From the innovative Trial Gardens to the serene Woman’s Garden, this is the kind of Eden-like enclave where you’ll actively want to get lost amid the blooming beauty. The ‘Cool Thursdays Concert Series’ on the manicured lakeside lawn are also a major treat in the Spring and Fall—particularly when enjoyed with a picnic and a glass of bubbly in hand." - Priya Krishna, Jonathan Thompson

"The Dallas Arboretum is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world, attracting more more than a million annual visitors. Located on Dallas’ White Rock Lake, this lush attraction fills 66 acres with gardens and groves. With 19 distinct and impeccably tended gardens, the arboretum is among the most popular outdoor areas in DFW. It also has an excellent events calendar, which includes summer concerts and a massive fall pumpkin patch. It’s a great outdoor activity option in any season, and comes complete with lovely views of the lake and city skyline." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"Set on the banks of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre sanctuary offers scenic trails, blooming gardens, and peaceful green spaces for when you want some quiet time with nature—plus kids’ areas, holiday events, and a packed calendar of festivals and concerts for when it’s time for something a bit livelier. Take in the vibrant hues of the Jonsson Color Garden, Crape Myrtle Allee, and gardens dedicated to roses and camellias, or do some contemplating in the Palmer Fern Dell or the McCasland Sunken Garden. Opened in 2017, A Tasteful Place is a 3.5-acre garden focusing on fruit, veggies, and edible herbs and flowers; tastings, demo, nutrition sessions, and cooking classes are held throughout the year. Don’t miss some of the main section’s events, too, such as the annual Dallas Blooms fest and summer concert series."

"Set on the banks of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre sanctuary offers scenic trails, blooming gardens, and peaceful green spaces for when you want some quiet time with nature—plus kids’ areas, holiday events, and a packed calendar of festivals and concerts for when it’s time for something a bit livelier. Take in the vibrant hues of the Jonsson Color Garden, Crape Myrtle Allee, and gardens dedicated to roses and camellias, or do some contemplating in the Palmer Fern Dell or the McCasland Sunken Garden. Opened in 2017, A Tasteful Place is a 3.5-acre garden focusing on fruit, veggies, and edible herbs and flowers; tastings, demo, nutrition sessions, and cooking classes are held throughout the year. Don’t miss some of the main section’s events, too, such as the annual Dallas Blooms fest and summer concert series."

"Let’s start big picture here. There are a lot of arboretums around the world — but the one in Dallas is special. Not only is it enormous (66 acres!), but its displays, with tens of thousands of flowers on display are grand and spectacular all year round. The curation of flora is so impressive and diverse that you can spend hours and hours just wandering the vast space, in awe of this natural oasis in the urban enclave that is Dallas. Any standout features or must-sees? On Thursdays, the Arboretum hosts a concert series with local musicians. You will be sitting in the midst of so much beauty, both audio and visual.  Was it easy to get around? This is the kind of place where you want to get lost. It's large, and if you want, there are maps available that will guide you around the place. But I find the best strategy is to just go where your eyes take you. For those with mobility issues, there is a tram that will take you around the arboretum, and wheelchairs are available. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? The Dallas Arboretum is the perfect outing for nature lovers who don't want to have to rough it to get great views." - Priya Krishna