The Truth About Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum is one of Dallas’s funkiest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Located directly east of downtown, this former warehouse district first rose to prominence in the 1920s and 30s as a hotbed for jazz and blues music. Decades later, Deep Ellum has reemerged as a haven for street art, live music, and some of the city’s coolest nightlife. Beyond the bars and music venues, the area is home to a number of quirky shops, galleries, and restaurants that offer a uniquely Dallas experience. A must-see attraction in Deep Ellum is The Traveling Man Coffeeshop and Bookstore. Part bookstore, part café, The Traveling Man is the perfect place to browse and sip while soaking up Deep Ellum’s artsy vibe. The shop sells new and used books ranging from vintage sci-fi paperbacks to Texas history. Meanwhile, the coffee menu focuses on seasonally-driven drinks like horchata lattes and Mayan mochas. With cozy chairs and free wifi, your group can post up here for hours.

The Traveling Man Coffeeshop and Bookstore
2800 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 670-7665

Of course, no trip to Deep Ellum would be complete without taking in the colorful murals and street art that decorate almost every wall and surface. While strolling around, keep an eye out for large-scale colorful murals by artists like Tristan Eaton and Jeremy Biggers. You can also spot small paste-ups and stickers created by local artists and students. The murals change frequently, so you’re bound to discover fresh artwork on every visit. When hunger strikes, grab a bite at Pecan Lodge, a legendary BBQ joint known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Just be prepared for long lines!

Pecan Lodge
2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 748-8900

After filling up on ‘cue, work it off with some bowling at Deep Ellum’s retro bowling alley, Bowlounge. This unique spot features 12 lanes housed in a former furniture warehouse, plus fun amenities like large projection screens for sports and DJs spinning on weekends.

Bowlounge
2520 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 749-0011

Go Back in Time at Heritage Farmstead Museum

For a glimpse into Dallas’s rural past, make a trip to Heritage Farmstead Museum. Located on 20 acres in Carrollton, this living history museum transports visitors back to life on a North Texas farm in the late 1800s. The focal point of Heritage Farmstead is the Victorian-style O’Neil family farmhouse built in 1898. Inside, you’ll find the home fully decorated and furnished exactly as it would have been during the Victorian era, right down to the tea cups. Costumed interpreters provide guided tours explaining how the family lived and worked on the farm over a century ago. Outside, Heritage Farmstead brings history to life through interactive demonstrations and exhibits. Your group can visit with heritage breed farm animals in the barnyard, watch blacksmithing demos at the working forge, or help grind corn into meal at the water-powered gristmill. There’s also an heirloom garden growing crops from the era using organic techniques.

Address: 1900 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 562-8790

Get Your Game On at Free Play

Dallas is home to the world’s largest video arcade. Well, sort of. Free Play is a massive 80s- and 90s-themed bar and arcade with dozens of pinball machines, classic cabinet games, and giant projection screens for multiplayer gaming. The space is divided into multiple arcade rooms, each with its own decor and vibe. You’ll find rooms dedicated to fighting games like Street Fighter, brightly-lit spaces filled with pinball machines, and dark rooms solely for first-person shooter games. With over 50,000 square feet of arcade fun, you could easily spend an entire evening (and a pocketful of quarters) at Free Play. Grab a local craft beer or signature cocktail from the bar to sip while you game. Just don’t get too competitive!

Address: 1382 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (469) 206-7140

Tour Texas History at The Sixth Floor Museum

For an eye-opening look into one of America’s most impactful moments, visit the Sixth Floor Museum in downtown Dallas. This fascinating museum is located inside the infamous Texas School Book Depository, the building from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Inside the museum, informative exhibits document President Kennedy’s assassination, legacy, and the subsequent investigation by the Warren Commission. The self-guided audio tour leads visitors through the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, archival film footage, and interpretive displays. The most chilling part of the experience is standing by the sixth floor window where Oswald aimed his rifle on that fateful November day. Your group can look down onto Elm Street and follow the exact route the presidential motorcade took through Dealey Plaza. After your visit, continue exploring outside in Dealey Plaza itself. Don’t miss the poignant John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza located directly adjacent to the museum.

Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 747-6660

Get Your Laugh On at Dallas Comedy House

For belly-busting laughs and improv antics, Dallas Comedy House delivers non-stop humor seven nights a week. This intimate comedy club located in Deep Ellum features improv comedy shows, stand up showcases, variety shows, and open mic nights. The resident cast is composed of professional comedians and improvisers trained at Dallas Comedy House’s own improv school. You never know quite what you’re going to get at each show, which is all part of the fun. The small theater setting makes for an engaging experience, with comics often incorporating the audience into their acts. In addition to its regular shows, Dallas Comedy House hosts special events like sketch writing workshops and performing arts showcases. There’s even weekly improvised Dungeons & Dragons sessions where audience members help shape the fantasy adventure. Before the show, grab dinner at the restaurant next door. The churros at El Primo are the ideal pre-comedy fuel. After the show, let your driver know your crew is ready for pickup from Dallas Comedy House’s easy-access parking lot.

Address: 2435 W Walnut St #170, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (469) 458-8702

Hole-in-One at Peter’s Parish Putt Putt Golf

Mini golf more your speed? Peter’s Parish Putt Putt Golf offers retro family fun right in the heart of Dallas. This old-school mini golf course has been a local favorite since 1955 thanks to their imaginative holes and delightfully tacky neon decor. Wind your way through the 18-hole course alongside waterfalls, caves, and scale models of Dallas landmarks. Kitschy obstacles like an oversized gorilla and looping ski jump will challenge your putting skills. Themed holes range from dinosaurs to pirates to cowboys. When you work up an appetite, grab a slice from the on-site pizzeria or ice cream from the snack bar. Or pack your own picnic and make an evening of it. with Party Bus Dallas FREE WI-FI, your group can stream tunes to enhance the throwback vibes. In addition to mini golf, Peter’s Parish offers arcade games and batting cages for extra family fun. With its retro charm and variety of activities, this Dallas attraction promises a hole-in-one experience for visitors of all ages.

Address: 9401 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235
Phone: (214) 351-9675

Take a Ride on the McKinney Avenue Trolley

For a leisurely tour of Uptown and Downtown Dallas, hop aboard the charming McKinney Avenue Trolley. This old-fashioned streetcar provides an affordable, scenic ride through some of Dallas’ most vibrant neighborhoods. The trolley travels a 4-mile route along McKinney Avenue and Olive Street, connecting travellers to restaurants, bars, hotels, Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Arts District, the West End, and more. Popular hop on/hop off stops include the Dallas Arts District, the West Village, and Uptown’s shopping and entertainment district. Your group can spend the day exploring different neighborhoods, grabbing lunch al fresco, or simply enjoying the sights from the trolley’s open-air benches. An all-day pass is only $5 per person, making the McKinney Avenue Trolley one of Dallas’ best bargains. Departures run every 15-20 minutes, so you never have to wait long between cars.

Address: 2801 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (214) 855-0006

Plan Your Dallas Adventure

Don’t miss out on any of the incredible hidden attractions this dynamic city has to offer. Party Bus Dallas provides premium transportation services to make exploring Dallas easy and fun for your entire group. Our luxury buses feature plush reclining seats, WiFi, entertainment systems, and expert drivers who know the ins and outs of DFW. Contact us at (903) 421-9126 to book your transportation and unlock the real Big D. From eclectic Deep Ellum to the Sixth Floor Museum to mini golfing on neon-lit fairways, we’ll get your crew there in comfort and style. Let’s venture beyond the ordinary together!