Both Dallas and Houston evoke southern grandeur with their striking skylines, bold briskets and warm hospitality. Each city deserves a spot on your travel list, but choosing between them for your next Lone Star getaway comes down to personal preference. Dallas appeals to luxury travelers who enjoy world-class music venues, lively nightlife and the excitement of game days. Houston offers a cultural experience with 19 museums within walking distance, NASA attractions and Cajun-inspired flavors.
Below, we detail both Dallas and Houston in detail, to best help you decide which Texas city is ideal for your upcoming trip.
Dallas vs. Houston Overview
- Dallas: Best for upscale travel, major sports stadiums and a traditional tourist experience.
- Houston: Best for multicultural exploration, world-class cultural institutions and a resident-centric experience.
Dallas is a cutting-edge, industry-driven city with a focus on larger-than-life experiences, featuring high-energy sports stadiums, fine dining and an active nightlife scene. It more traditionally fits the idea of a “tourist” city, with well-planned neighborhoods that cluster inner-city attractions. Its glittering glass towers and impressive venues offer a sense of luxury. Still, it can be helpful to have a car to get around to neighboring events in Arlington or Fort Worth, both part of the larger metroplex region.
Houston is a multicultural melting pot, reflected in its outstanding restaurants and many cultural institutions. It’s also lush year-round with foliage and near the Gulf coast, which means beach access and iconic boardwalks are a short day-trip away. While summers are challenging due to high humidity and intense sun, it’s nearly a year-round destination and there’s always something to do.
Seasons and Weather: Dry Heat vs. Coastal Humidity
- Dallas weather: Best for travelers who want sunshine and warmth with cool evenings
- Houston weather: Best for travelers comfortable with high humidity and warm-weather winter travel
Like much of Texas, Dallas is known for its hot summers, with July peak temperatures averaging 97 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it feels less sweltering than Houston due to its lower humidity, which is usually under 50 percent during the warmest part of the day.
The spring and fall seasons are a dream in Dallas and it’s the best time to visit. Bluebonnets (the state flower) bloom in late March and you can enjoy warm yet manageable temperatures after Labor Day. However, March through May is also infamously the storm season of Texas, so plan accordingly if visiting during this part of Spring. Winters can be cold, but are mild. Expect 50-degree days with occasional cold snaps or snowfall, perfect for anyone who wants to visit Texas while avoiding its notorious heat.
Houston is also hot, but the moist air adds high humidity. Summers reach about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes often exceeding 100 degrees. The Southeastern city is near the Gulf and receives about 10 inches more rainfall than Dallas. Afternoon showers are common, especially during hurricane season in late summer, so plan your activities accordingly.
The best times to visit Houston are during spring and fall, but with its overall higher heat index, winters are even milder, making them perfect for snowbirds escaping colder regions. Warmer temperatures mean that there is a lot of activity around the holidays, making it an excellent locale for travelers taking advantage of winter break. Even during January, you can expect lush foliage and blooming Azaleas as you explore the city.
Activities and Entertainment: Party-Centric Travel vs. Cultural Immersion
- Dallas entertainment: Best for party-centric travelers seeking a robust music scene, a compact walkable arts district and indie music vibes.
- Houston entertainment: Best for families and museum hoppers seeking internationally acclaimed collections and Broadway-level performances.
A Dallas vacation is all about refined entertainment, perfect for active, party-centric groups, with its spectacular concerts and a closely knit, walkable arts district. There are over 30 music venues, with an emphasis on indie bands and blues, nestled in the Deep Ellum neighborhood. Minutes away, you’ll find the 19-block arts district, a compact yet rich collection of walkable attractions such as the Moody Performance Hall, Perot Museum and Winspear Opera House. While the city offers fewer museum options than Houston, it’s tightly knit and designed for travelers who prefer high-density attractions.
NFL, NBA and NHL fans can tour AT&T Stadium, American Airlines Center and Globe Life Field during the day, with a strong focus on sports culture. For affordable, family-friendly entertainment, catch a free concert at the AT&T Discovery District. The public space boasts a massive 104-foot screen that amplifies concerts and sports events, tucked in a grassy plaza that’s perfect for picnics.
Houston is second only to Washington, D.C., in terms of cultural institutions, boasting 19 within its city limits. This makes it an ideal locale for travelers keen on Texan humanities and heritage. The Museum District includes world-class institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museum Houston and the Rothko Chapel.
The Theater District is bustling with 17 blocks of shows, ranking second only to New York City. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts over 2.7 million visitors each year during February and takes visitors back in time to Texas’s agricultural roots. While Houston holds slightly less prestige than its sister-city, it’s deeply rooted in down-to-earth southern charm, with plenty of things to do in Houston for those seeking educational opportunities.
Getting Around: Road Trip-Style Commutes vs. Immersive Public Transit
- Getting around Dallas: Best for travelers who prefer the freedom of driving, especially those heading to nearby sports stadiums.
- Getting around Houston: Best for transit-savvy travelers with walkable neighborhoods and an affordable light-rail system.
Dallas is just one part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex and with numerous attractions in each of these towns, it’s helpful to have a car to get around. A web of Tollways connects all three, with wide lanes that help minimize traffic bottlenecks. You can purchase a Texas TollTag to reduce expenses, bringing the per-mile cost down to 21 to 22 cents. If you choose not to purchase the pass, the cost doubles and you can settle your tolls online or with your car rental company.
You can pick up and return your rental car right at the DFW airport, saving as much time as possible for exploration.
The DART light-rail system has 65 stops throughout the city but doesn’t reach Arlington’s popular amusement parks and sports stadiums. The city has a fleet of 692 buses with comprehensive coverage. Take the family for a ride on the M-Line Trolley, a beloved tourist attraction that shuttles between the Arts District and Uptown on a pay-what-you-wish basis. The 1920s streetcar is a living history museum with brass railings, wooden benches and nostalgic bells.
Houston’s rail, bus and bike system makes it easy to explore the city without a car, so choose Houston vs. Dallas if you don’t want to drive. The Green, Purple and Red METRORail lines stop at the Museum District, Theater District, Minute Maid Park and NRG Stadium, to name some of its 39 stations. Trains arrive every six to 12 minutes and a day pass is a reasonable $3. There are also 1,000 buses and 150 BCycle docks.
If you plan to spend time at the coast or visit the Johnson Space Center, a rental car is the convenient choice. Both of Houston’s airports, Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU), have several rental options available for travelers flying in. Still, a rental isn’t necessary, as the 249 NASA METRO bus can take you from your hotel to the space center. As for the beach, rideshares are readily available.
Family Travel: Thrill-Filled Adventure vs. Immersive Educational Institutions
- Family travel in Dallas: Best for families seeking heart-racing fun and adventure with quick access to water and amusement parks like Six Flags Over Texas.
- Family travel in Houston: Best for educational family travel with kid-friendly exhibits in the museum district and the world-famous Houston Space Center.
Families or those traveling with kids may want to know whether it's better to visit Dallas with kids or visit Houston with kids. Both cities offer a wide range of activities for all ages, with Dallas primarily geared towards adventure, while Houston provides more educational opportunities.
Dallas is designed for thrill-seekers, offering sky-high roller coasters and bucket-list NFL and NBA game days. The Bahamas Beach Waterpark is 6 miles from downtown and features two 45-foot slides built for adrenaline-inducing speed. Bring the family to the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark 12 miles south of the city for chillier days. For a land adventure, head to Six Flags Over Texas in the neighboring town of Arlington.
One of the best things to do in Dallas is to enjoy its year-round pro sports calendar. Enjoy a Dallas Cowboys game at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, a Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center or a Texas Rangers ball game at Globe Life Field. The city proudly supports these teams and it’s a great family outing with plenty of people-watching opportunities.
Houston swaps thrills for discovery with a wide array of cultural institutions that ignite the imagination for families of all ages. The perfect family-centric Houston vacation includes visiting the nearby Johnson Space Center, just 20 miles from downtown. Children can board historic spacecraft and even touch a piece of moon rock while learning about America’s space race and legendary astronauts.
Houston museums are the star attraction of any visit. The Children’s Museum Houston is a top choice for traveling families, offering 90,000 square feet of STEM-related activities and the famous Kidtropolis, a recreated city for children to explore. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is another popular pick for science-curious kiddos, with towering dinosaur skeletons staged in its Morian Hall. Stop by the museum’s Cockrell Butterfly Center, a three-story glass conservatory with 1,500 butterflies fluttering freely in an interior rainforest.
Culinary Scene: Texan Staples with Czech Flair vs. Global Dishes with Cajun Roots
- Dining in Dallas: Best for travelers seeking traditional Texas fare like barbeque, Tex-Mex and the unique Czech-inspired breakfast Kolache.
- Dining in Houston: Best for adventurous eaters with its fusion of Texan, Creole, Cajun and Vietnamese flavors.
Dallas’ culinary scene blends its rich history of cattle ranching, Central European baking and Tex-Mex flair into delectable dishes. Brisket is highly acclaimed and sought after in this Texan pocket, served traditionally at award-winning restaurants like Pecan Lodge.
Tex-Mex tantalizes visitors with its distinct twist on Northern Mexican cuisine, adding spicy queso, chorizo and charred poblano peppers to deepen their flavors. Flour tortillas, preferred over corn in Dallas, soak up the spicy, rich salsas with ease. The city’s Czech influence brought kolaches to Dallas, a perfect travel breakfast that features a savory sausage wrapped in pillowy, brioche-like bread.
Dallas doesn’t have as many AAA 4 Diamond-designated restaurants as Houston, but that shoudln't stop you from tasting the finer dishes in the city. The Mansion Restaurant is a fine-dining favorite with seasonal menus and The Henry is a popular spot that includes several vegan and vegetarian options.
Houston is a culinary melting pot and ranks among the top multicultural dining destinations in the United States. Like most major Texas cities, you’ll find travel-worthy smoked meats at popular spots like Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, but Houston adds flair with spots like Uchi Houston with its carefully crafted Japanese dishes.
Vietnamese refugees arrived on the Gulf Coast in the 1970s, bringing fragrant lemongrass, fresh chilies and garlic butter preparations that led to the famous Viet-Cajun crawfish boil. During spring, try these spicy mudbugs while they’re in season, preferably at Crawfish & Noodles, headed by James Beard finalist Chef Trong Nyuyen.
The 20th-century oil boom brought Louisianans to Houston in the 1920s and 1970s, carrying Cajun and Creole flavors with them. You’ll find delectable gumbo, jambalaya, fried catfish and boudin sausage in most corners of the city. For an elevated meal, make a reservation at the historic Brennan’s of Houston. Bring the family to Ragin’ Cajun for affordable po-boys and down-to-earth weekend crawfish boils.
Outdoor Adventures: Endless Urban Trails vs. Unique Waterways
- Outside in Dallas: Best for tree and trail lovers with its thousands of acres of hardwood growth and numerous trails.
- Outside in Houston: Best for water lovers eager to explore the unique bayou formations and take a side-trip to the coast.
Dallas has its fair share of polished urban nature, including the 1.75-acre Main Street Garden Park and the eight-acre Griggs Park, both close to the city center. Water lovers can visit the 1,015-acre White Rock Lake, the largest green space in the city and you can bike or paddleboard on its 9 miles of shoreline.
The best trail system is nestled in the Great Trinity Forest just 10 miles south of downtown. It holds the distinction of being the most extensive urban hardwood forest in the country and has endless old-growth, equestrian and riverside trails for visitors to enjoy.
What the land-locked city lacks in nearby coastal activity is made up for with carefully planned green spaces and waterways in the heart of the city, all easily accessible as a convenient Dallas day trip.
Houston is home to the Bayous, marshy streams often dotted with Cyprus trees and moss. Travelers can experience this unique formation downtown in the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, perfect for jogs, bike rides and sunset kayaking beneath the Waugh Bridge.
Houston Parks provide a break from the heat while offering amenities. Hermann Park is a mile away and boasts 445 acres of oak-filled land, with thoughtfully placed Japanese gardens and pedal-boat ponds perfect for families with small children wanting to get on the water. Serious hikers will enjoy the 1,500-acre Memorial Park with its 30 miles of natural and paved trails, with the Houston Arboretum conveniently located on the trail’s western edge.
Houston outshines Dallas with its coastal access and you can commute to Galveston Island’s popular beaches, about 50 miles away. Pleasure Pier offers amusement rides and entertainment for children, while the west bank of the beach is best for serene walks on the sand. It’s one of the best Houston day trips if you can make time for your itinerary.
FAQs
Below is a few more commonly asked questions to help you make the best choice when planning your next trip to the Lone Star State:
How far is it from Dallas to Houston
Dallas is about 250 miles away from Houston. The drive takes about four hours and a flight between the two cities takes just over an hour. Depending on your mode of transportation and the length of your trip, it’s possible to take a day trip from Dallas to Houston or vice versa.
Is Dallas or Houston better for couples?
Both cities offer fantastic date-night options, but Dallas wins for its luxurious options, including a dinner at Reunion Tower’s 360-view deck and a night at the opulent Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
Which is more diverse, Dallas or Houston?
According to a recent WalletHub study, Houston ranks as the 5th most diverse city in the United States, with Dallas taking 11th place. While Houston has a substantial economic diversity, Dallas is more religiously diverse. Houston may be a better choice if you’re looking for more culturally unique attractions.
Is Houston bigger than Dallas?
Houston is the bigger city in both its population and land mass. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., with over 2.3 million residents. Dallas ranks as the ninth-largest city in the country, with approximately 1.3 million residents.
Book Your Trip to Dallas or Houston with AAA
Choosing between Dallas and Houston to visit on your next vacation can be challenging, as both cities offer powerhouse attractions. Thankfully, you can’t go wrong, as these prominent destinations have something for everyone and share deep cultural roots.
The Dallas vs. Houston decision boils down to your unique travel style. Dallas is the choice for a high-end, tourism-centric experience, while Houston allows you to live a day in the life of residents and frequent world-class cultural institutions.
Planning your trip is much easier with the help of AAA Travel. Seasoned experts can craft your perfect itinerary, saving you time and money.
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