Guide Note

Dallas is a city in the state of Texas and is home to numerous parks, attractions and events, especially the infamous Dallas Cowboys football team. It is actually only the third largest city in Texas but it holds the "state's largest metropolitan area." With a city as large as Dallas, you don't have to go far to find lodging, dining, shopping or entertainment.

Fast Facts

1. Country: United States
2. State: Texas
3. County: Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman
4. Mayor: Tom Leppert
5. City population: 1,232,940 (2006)
6. Currency: U.S. dollar
7. Area code: 214, 469, 972
8. Time zone: CST

There are many attractions with in the Dallas area. For a family adventure, visit the Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium. The Dallas zoo is the largest in all of Texas and offers guest over 90-acres of wildlife to explore and "thousands" of animals to enjoy. There is a children's zoo especially for the kids, as well as an aquarium filled with marine life, including fresh and saltwater fish, reptile and amphibians.

The Dallas World Aquarium is not that same as the aquarium at the Dallas Zoo. This one is located in the downtown district of Dallas and is much larger. The 85,000 gallon saltwater aquarium is home to worldwide marine life and there are separate 2,000 gallon tanks that hold marine life from specific regions. There is also a rainforest exhibit, as well as a South African and Mundo Maya exhibits that offer experiences from those regions.

One big event not to miss if in Dallas during September and October is the State Fair of Texas. It's held for almost three weeks at the end of September and the beginning of October. It's actually known as one of the countries largest state fairs. Some highlights for this year include the Cotton Bowl, the State Fair Auto Show, a light show, an after-dark parade and the "Sixth Annual World Corny Dog Eating Championship." It's an enjoyable event for people of all ages, with attractions and activities for everyone.

When planning your trip, please see the pages on Dallas Hotels, Dallas Restaurants and Dallas Tours