Downtown Dallas in 3 Days

A great place to start Dallas sightseeing, next to the infamous Grassy Knoll and across the street from the Sixth Floor Museum. After you have walked the Knoll and engaged the locals offering JFK knowledge and theories about "what really happened", stand behind the parking lot fence bordering the knoll and check out the spot of the supposed "second shooter".

Located in what used to the Texas School Book Depository, this historical complement to the Grassy Knoll covers the JFK presidency, the day of his assassination, the aftermath and investigations, and the demise of Lee Harvey Oswald at the hand of Jack Ruby. Of particular note is the snipers perch by the southeast corner window where Oswald (allegedly) fired the fateful shots. Unfortunately, the museum has a strict no photography policy enforced by on site staff, so you won't be able to snap a pic from that vantage point.

The museum in the courthouse covers Dallas County history from prehistory to present day, with Early Years, Trading Center, Big D and World Crossroads offering widely varying exhibits, running from fossils and war weapons to sports paraphernalia and the County's contribution to popular culture.

A monument with an "open tomb" design to symbolize the freedom of JFK's spirit.

Amble over to the Plaza and take in the bronze sculptures of the longhorn cattle arrayed as if on a cattle drive of old, complete with horse riding cowboys.

A 60 story reflective glass skyscraper designed by I.M. Pei, with pools, fountains, flowers, and trees at its base.

The place to find the best view of Downtown Dallas. There is currently no public observation deck; make a reservation at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant Five Sixty at the top of the tower and soak in the 360 views from floor to ceiling windows as the room revolves. No need to bring the suit, a nice pair of jeans and loafers will do.

66 acres of gardens next to White Rock Lake, also containing a 1940s style Spanish mansion, the DeGolyer House; one of the best views in the area is looking out from the Woman's Garden onto the sailboats plying the waters of the lake.

A park with a variety of attractions, including several museums; don't miss the Hall of State, with the large gold medallion in the Great Hall, and the Hall of Heroes, with statues of early prominent Texans. Also, take a stroll by the Cotton Bowl and walk through the Discovery Gardens.

An inside-outside museum with visually arresting sculptures from the likes of Rodin, Picasso, and De Kooning; once you have seen the sculptures inside, head outside into the garden for more, and then back inside and downstairs for the Martin Creed exhibition and its orange balloon room, where you can attempt to walk through a room filled with, you guessed it, balloons!

The museum has 23,000 works of art from ancient to modern eras; current exhibitions include Art of the American Indian and Line and Form: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Wasmuth Portfolio. (Photography permitted with no flash for items in museum's collection, but not for items on loan from another institution).

A gallery devoted to art from China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia, no admission fee, but contributions suggested; a perfect opportunity to take in art without making it an all day affair.