Big D’s creative capital offers unforgettable experiences.
Dallas’ size, diversity, world-class museums – including SMU’s own Meadows Museum – and awe-inspiring performance venues create exceptional opportunities for the bold, curious and imaginative.
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Great escapes, student approved
On a final-exam study break, SMU Mustangs Adam Czarnik ’22 and Jo Lew ’23 hit the Dallas Arts District to enjoy the best-ever grilled cheese sandwiches from Ruthie’s food truck, a spontaneous foosball match at Klyde Warren Park and an art museum trifecta.
Dallas Arts District
The largest contiguous urban arts district in the U.S. includes the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
Linking communities, Dallas’ 160 miles of trails are among “the most beautiful and diverse urban hike and bike trails in the country.” – dallasparks.org
The Dallas area is home to several lakes, including iconic White Rock Lake, about 4 miles from campus, where you can kayak, get a run in along the shoreline, enjoy a picnic and more.
Distinctive Dallas neighborhoods
Whether you want to hang alone or with your crew, our neighbors have you covered.
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Lower Greenville
About a mile from SMU, this vibrant neighborhood is the any-night hang for anyone with an adventurer’s mindset – from sliders at Son of a Butcher (have a sweet finish with the cookie butter shake!) to sushi at Teppo to frozen treats at Steel City Pops, LG has something for everyone.
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Deep Ellum
A historic arts and live music mainstay known for its blues and jazz roots and quirky shops.
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Fair Park
A festival hub, its crown jewel is the one-and-only State Fair of Texas, arguably the deep-fried food capital of the world every fall with grease-loving, plate-filling and palate-pleasing foods ranging from fried Coke to fried butter and fried Oreos!
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Uptown Dallas
Uptown hot spots for shopping and sports (Mavs games in Victory Park).
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Bishop Arts
Spend a Friday night strolling this eclectic neighborhood of galleries, restaurants and shops. When you’re ready for dessert, swing by Emporium Pies for a slice of drunken nut to eat outside where you can savor hand-painted art murals, people watching and live music.
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Downtown Dallas
Restaurants complement Dallas’ history-infused downtown attractions (West End for museum tours and live music).
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Klyde Warren Park
A distinctive green space built over a freeway, connects Uptown to Downtown.
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Trinity Groves at La Bajada
Designed by the legendary Santiago Calatrava, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge overlooks this unique 15-acre restaurant, retail and entertainment destination.
SMU students say:
Dallas offers so many things to do! Whether you want to explore museums, food, night life or anything you can think of, Dallas has it. I’ve loved seeing what there is to offer.
— Amy Tippin ’22
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