Who says a summer vacation requires destinations miles away? Staying local can be just as exciting.
Whether you’re an art buff, adrenaline junkie or a shopping pro, DART’s your ride to North Texas’ one-of-a-kind destinations. So, stay local, hop on board and let’s go on a summer staycation.
Discover Art
Summer offers a prime time to view extraordinary works by famous artists. You don’t have to go to The Louvre or The Met to see beautiful art — the collections in North Texas can suit your need for visually intriguing entertainment.
Paintings at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art in Dallas can add a little culture to your summer. Ride Bus Route 039 from the Elm at Field stop to the Bowen at Carlisle stop, and the museum lies a short walk away.
If doing rather than viewing is more your style, you can enjoy a painting class with a glass of wine at Sip-n-Doodle in Plano. Hop on Bus Route 452 from Parker Road Station and ride to the Parker at Premier stop. Sip-n-Doodle lies a minute walk away.
Experience free interactive entertainment the whole family can enjoy at the Dallas Museum of Art. Ride any line to St. Paul Station and the museum lies within walking distance.
Other options for an art-day-out include a trip to the Irving Arts Center, a 3-minute walk from the Bus Route 401 MacArthur at Finley stop, or the Nasher Sculpture Center, just a 7-minute walk from St. Paul Station.
Family Fun
Organizing the whole family for a staycation can be tricky. It’s a good thing riding DART to local attractions offers fun for the family without the hassle of ensuring everyone packed a toothbrush. Hop on board and let DART be your family’s ride to an adventurous summer staycation in North Texas.
Give the kiddos a wild summer in town at the Dallas Zoo, right off the Red Line, where you can get up close with a lion or make friends with a giraffe.
The whole family can get its game on at NickelRama Arcade in Garland that, yes, takes real nickels with its vintage and modern arcade games. Take Bus Route 400 from Downtown Garland Station to the Belt Line at Brand stop and the arcade is a short walk away.
For a little more adventure, take the gang to Summit Climbing in Carrollton, which offers beginner classes for the future rock climbing expert. Take Bus Route 536 from the Addison Transit Center to the Midway at Keller Springs stop and the location is a 7-minute walk away.
Learn something new this summer and check out a rare local film at the Angelika Film Center & Cafe in Dallas, a 2-minute walk from Mockingbird Station.
For a quick history lesson, you also can take the family on a tour at The Sixth Floor Museum, via any line in downtown Dallas and a 5-minute walk from West End Station. You can also visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, next to the Museum Express Bus Route 743 Bush at Brinkley stop.
Enjoy Outdoors
Soak up the sun this summer and ride DART to outdoor adventures. Enjoy a picnic at Klyde Warren Park, a 6-minute walk from St. Paul Station.
Take in the sights and sounds of summer at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, steps away from the Bus Route 060 Garland at Whittier stop.
There are other DARTable spots perfect for joggers, picnic-lovers and Ultimate Frisbee fanatics like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano, a 14-minute walk from the Bus Route 350 Jupiter at CCCC South Entrance stop.
We also recommend a trip to the Trinity River Audubon Center to explore their 5 miles of trails through three eco-systems: wetland, forest and prairie. Take Bus Route 466 from Buckner Station to the Great Trinity at Long Acre stop and the center sits a 12-minute walk away.
Top Golf provides all the fun of golf with some added flair. Earn brownie points among your friends with point-scoring golf games, all with the comfort of a food and drink menu and covered sitting areas. To venture to the location at Park Lane in Dallas, hop on Bus Route 502 to the Larmanda at Park stop and the venue is a 3-minute walk away.
Treat Yourself
Life can be stressful as work, school and chores pile up. Unwind and ride DART to treat yourself this summer.
Renew your body at Spa Castle in Carrollton with body scrubs, massages, spa pools and hand and foot reflexology. Hop on Route 534 from the Addison Transit Center to the Dickerson at MacArthur stop and the spa lies a 16-minute walk away.
Try a day of shopping at NorthPark Center and make sure to visit the Lush store to find a variety of products like fizzing bath bombs and foot soaks, suitable for a day of pampering. From Park Lane Station, take the NorthPark Center Shuttle Route 702.
At the end of the day, enjoy dinner at Eno’s Pizza Tavern and grab dessert at Dude Sweet. Hop on the Dallas Streetcar and you can find both locations at the Bishop Arts District.
Top off the perfect day with a night cap at the Midnight Rambler, a cocktail lounge in Downtown Dallas. After all, calories don’t count on staycation, right? Ride any DART Rail line to Akard Station and the lounge is a 3-minute walk away.
Branch Out
A summer staycation doesn’t have to mean your own backyard. It’s okay to hop a city or two and branch out a little.
Known for its eclectic shops and interesting eateries, the city of Denton offers a variety of locations for an eventful summer.
Spots worthy of a visit include the infamous Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream (we recommend the Bees Knees on a sugar cone). The retro diner-style interior will give you a blast from the past just in time to stop into Mad World for some oldies vinyl. After your quick stroll around Denton’s Downtown Square, you can stop in for music at a live show at Dan’s Silverleaf.
To visit Denton, ride DART’s Green Line to Trinity Mills Station and transfer to the Denton County Transportation Authority.
If Fort Worth looks more like your style, DART can help you reach the city’s many attractions.
Whether you’re exploring the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Downtown Fort Worth’s architecture at Sundance Square or masterpieces at the Amon Carter Museum of Art, there are plenty of locations to enjoy on your summer staycation.
The city also plays hosts to other world-class museums that are a good addition to any staycation. To visit to Fort Worth, ride DART’s Red or Blue Line to Union Station or Green or Orange Line to Victory Station and transfer to the Trinity Railway Express.
For trip planning assistance and more information on how to ride DART, visit, DART.org or call DART’s Customer Information Center at 214-979-1111.
Also, learn how upcoming platform extensions and track improvements could impact your commute at DART.org/plus
#DARTableStaycation
DART is making major improvements. To create a smoother ride through downtown Dallas and reduce service interruptions, track improvements are under way and will continue until September. During that time, DART Rail in Downtown Dallas will be discontinued each weekend between Pearl/Arts District and West End stations. Bus bridges will be in operation. DART.org/plus