Deep Ellum

The basics

Today’s Deep Ellum retains the vibrant diversity of Deep Elm through its 400-plus businesses, many of which are locally owned. By day, it's a family-friendly neighborhood, so you'll find something to do if you’re interested in sipping coffee, shopping for used books, bar hopping, or taking the kiddos out for pizza. As the night goes on, the bars and clubs fill up with adults out for a night on the town.

Things to know before you go

• Sons of Hermann Hall is the oldest bar in Dallas.

• The Deep Ellum Blues Alley is a large street art space dedicated to local blues artists.

• Deep Ellum is part of the Dallas Cultural Trail, which links it with the Dallas Arts District and Fair Park.

How to get there

Deep Ellum is easy to get to on foot from the heart of the Dallas historic district: Follow Main Street east. Multiple bus routes run through the neighborhood. The Blue, Green, Orange, and Red light rail lines stop at the Baylor Station two blocks north of Deep Ellum. You can access Deep Ellum via private car, taxi, or rideshare off I-345/I-30.

When to get there

If you're not bar-hopping, the sweet spot for visiting Deep Ellum is usually between late morning and late afternoon. Most businesses, including restaurants and bars, are open, and daytime shoppers and diners fill the streets. Some venues, like clubs, are closed until evening. Parking lots are located mainly on the central and east sides, so allow time to walk across Deep Ellum depending on where and when your reservations are.

Find family-friendly fun at Fair Park

Families or adults who want a local experience away from the bars should visit neighboring Fair Park. This massive park has the Cotton Bowl Stadium in its center. Orbiting the football field are the Fair Park Coliseum, Children’s Aquarium Dallas, The Hall of State, Texas Star Ferris Wheel, and the African American Museum of Dallas.