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The 5 Best Walking Tours in Dallas That Made Us Fall in Love With the City All Over Again
Before I got into walking tours, the only time I ever walked that much was when I lost my car in a mall parking lot. Now, here I am, willingly clocking 10,000 steps on purpose—without even chasing a taco truck. Miracles do happen!
Honestly, I used to think these tours were just for out-of-towners who still said “Dee-troit Street.” But one weekend, after realizing I knew more about what’s inside a Buc-ee’s than what’s painted on our Deep Ellum walls, I signed up for an experience.
And that’s when it hit me—these tours blend local history, hidden art, unexpected snacks, and those “wait, that’s been there this whole time?” moments.
So if you’re ready to walk, gawk, and maybe snack your way through Dallas like a true local (but cooler and with comfier shoes), here are the best walking tours that Dallasites like me actually do recommend.
1. JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House
Media credit: sixthflrmuseum
Duration: 3 hours
Costs: $80
Can’t talk about Dallas history without bringing up the JFK assassination tour—and after finally going myself, I totally get why everyone says it’s a must.
Here, you’re not just hearing about what happened in 1963—you actually walk the same streets, stand on the Grassy Knoll, and look up at the Texas School Book Depository like you’ve slipped into the past.
What made it even better is the guide. Ours knew their stuff, mixing facts with wild theories that still keep people debating. It felt like part history lesson, part true-crime deep dive.
The group was small, which I liked—no big crowds or loudspeakers. It was quiet enough to really listen and enjoy. Just a heads up: lunch and parking aren’t included, so plan accordingly.
Pro Tip:
This tour is weather-sensitive. If Dallas decides to throw a rain tantrum, they’ll either reschedule or refund you.
2. Dallas Terrors Ghost Tour by US Ghost Adventures
Duration: 1 hour
Costs: $24
For a spooky stroll through downtown, this after-hours walking tour is one of the coolest (and creepiest) ways to experience the city!
You’ll start right by Ferris Plaza, where your guide—mic in hand, so that you won’t miss a word—will lead you into the darker side of Dallas history. I’ve lived here a while, and even I was surprised by some of the stories!
The first stop is a hotel where some mysterious deaths happened, including one involving a well-known Congressman. From there, you’ll head to the old Dallas County Courthouse, which locals like to call a paranormal hotspot.
Of course, no dark Dallas tour would be complete without a stop at Dealey Plaza. Seeing it at night—without the usual daytime crowds—is surreal.
That’s where President Kennedy was assassinated, and believe me, when you’re standing there, the weight of that history really hits!
Pro Tip:
If you need to cancel, make sure to do it at least 24 hours before the tour starts to get a full refund.
3. Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour
Media credit: mcontemporanea
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Costs: $10
What I like most about this self-guided walking tour is how easy it is to just start—no maps to fumble with or schedules to keep. You simply use your phone, and it leads you through some of the most fascinating corners of downtown Dallas.
It kicks off at the JFK Memorial, and from there, you’re guided step-by-step to places like the John Neely Bryan Cabin, Founders Plaza, and Dealey Plaza.
The narration covers the Texas School Book Depository, the Grassy Knoll, and even the story of Lee Harvey Oswald.
You’ll also make your way into the West End (for me, this is the real highlight of the tour!).
The route flows nicely and gives you the time to stop and explore the areas like Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum or Wild Bill’s Western Shop—where, yes, the cowboy boots are legit and the vibes are pure Texas.
Pro Tip:
Food, drinks, and entrance tickets aren’t included in the tour—everything is outdoors.
4. Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours America
Media credit: foodtoursofamerica
Duration: 2-3 hours
Costs: $99
If there’s one thing Uptown Dallas isn’t short on, it’s restaurants. With so many options, figuring out where to eat can feel a bit overwhelming.
That’s where this walking food tour comes in handy! It’s a great way to sample the neighborhood standout dishes without having to do any guesswork.
A local guide leads you through the West Village and surrounding streets, offering not just bites but stories.
You’ll get a taste of the area’s history (including a peek at a Civil War burial site and a glimpse of the old McKinney Avenue Trolleys), all while munching lots of good food.
Think generous tastings—dessert included—that add up to a full meal.
Pro Tip:
There’s a minimum number of guests required to run the tour, so if it doesn’t meet the threshold, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
5. Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option
Media credit: secretfoodtours
Duration: 2-3 hours
Costs: $99
Before this experience, I thought I had a pretty solid handle on Dallas food. I knew where to get good BBQ, decent tacos, and the occasional sweet treat. But this Secret Food Tour completely changed my perspective.
One of the early stops served a no-frills taco that somehow managed to be both simple and unforgettable. No trendy toppings, no over-the-top sauces—just perfectly seasoned meat wrapped in a warm tortilla.
By the second or third stop, I realized this wasn’t just a snack-around-town kind of thing—it’s a full meal. And because the route we took weaved through Deep Ellu and downtown, we got little bits of Dallas history and street art between bites, too.
I went with a small group, but there’s a private option if you want something more personal.
Pro Tip:
The walk is a bit long (around 3 hours), so we always recommend wearing comfy walking shoes.
