Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The site includes the former Texas School Book Depository and Dealey Plaza, two of the sights forever associated with the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
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Neighborhood: Downtown Dallas
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333 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- traveler744033 contributionsFascinating historyHaving studied the Kennedy assassination in detail over the years it was fascinating to actually visit the site and Sixth Floor Museum. One striking fact was that it was much smaller than photos and videos seem to indicate. The fatal third shot by Oswald, who acted alone without question, was a straight away shot of less than a hundred yards. With his four power scope it would seem like 70 feet or so and slightly down and straight ahead. No one would pick a loser like Oswald to be any part of a conspiracy. He couldn't succeed at anything until he killed Kennedy.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten February 22, 2024
- TennisStar602New Jersey704 contributionsThis area is right next to the Sixth (6th) Floor Museum and it was where John F. Kennedy was unfortunately shot.I wanted to see the area where John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I would advise visitors to just be careful because there were vehicles on these surrounding streets. There were many fountains, statues, and displays throughout this area. The only thing that I did not like was the large presence of homeless people.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 24, 2024
- smrgeogVancouver, Canada2,538 contributionsGreat view and photographic spotProbably the most famous tourist attraction in Dallas. Immaculately preserved from the days of the Kennedy assassination. Apart from the Kennedy association, it provides a great view of Dallas especially if you go onto the Grassy Knoll and walk across the triple underpass. There is a footpath which provides access. A great spot for pictures and to reflect on the history of the place. Dealey plaza was famous before 1963 as being the spot where Dallas was founded.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 4, 2024
- Paul Smith PalliserPeru364 contributionsAmazing historyThis is a must stop if you are visiting Dallas. There is not much to see but just standing there where JFK was assassinated hits big. The plaza is clean and easy to get to. The brown picket fence is an exact replica of the original.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,537 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
823
Average
279
Poor
30
Terrible
6
adrianmQ651ON
Thornton, CO102 contributions
Feb 2020
We headed to downtown Dallas with "Dealey Plaza" in apple maps. We drove around the block and parked in a pay-for lot about a block away for $10.00. We walked one block to Dealey Plaza where a very respectable homeless guy approached us with a newspaper he was selling for $5 with information on the National historic site - I recommend you buy this! He provided us excellent tips on how to view the actual street where the X's are marked as the assassination site. We walked across the street and took photos of the street X's to pay our respects to JFK and poor Jackie who was the first eyewitness. Unfortunately, what happened next was not so great. We decided to do a self-guided tour and we walked into the columns where various storytellers were "carnival barking" the events of the day and showing photos. I was showing my kids photos of the Presidential motorcade where it shows the President bent forward and Jackie turned around in her seat. The carnival barker said, "But he was pronounced dead at the hospital as you can see here" and flashed a photo in our faces of JFK with his brains blown out. None of us needed that picture, especially the kids, and I considered this ad hoc presentation to be a disgrace to visiting Americans as well as to JFK's family and the memorial itself. Stay away from the carnival barkers, look for a homeless guy with a newspaper as they are legit.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben C
Brandon, FL411 contributions
Jan 2020
As with most things/places that you have only seen on TV or in photos, things look much smaller and closer together in real life. Such is the case with Dealey Plaza. Although still a rather expansive outdoors area, you are struck by just how close the Depository building is to the fated streets below where JFK lost his life.
It is absolutely chilling to stand behind the fence on the infamous grassy knoll, and look at the sight line to where the fatal shot hit Kennedy (which is marked with a big, white "X" mark on the pavement). Much food for thought. Also, to stand on the very concrete pillar where Abraham Zapruder stood to film his historic movie of the entire assassination is very startling. He was SO close to Kennedy when the head shot hit.
There is lots of good signage with extensive historical information, and many commemorative plaques throughout the plaza. There are also many peddlers offering videos, books and other items related to the assassination and the accompanying conspiracy theories.
And of course, the Sixth Floor Museum is also located right there in the former Texas School Book Depository Building. An entry fee is required for the museum. The museum also maintains a gift shop at the corner of Houston and Elm streets that you can enter without paying admission to the museum.
There is ample parking in the Dealey Plaza area, for $10-$12. Do not expect public restrooms.
It is absolutely chilling to stand behind the fence on the infamous grassy knoll, and look at the sight line to where the fatal shot hit Kennedy (which is marked with a big, white "X" mark on the pavement). Much food for thought. Also, to stand on the very concrete pillar where Abraham Zapruder stood to film his historic movie of the entire assassination is very startling. He was SO close to Kennedy when the head shot hit.
There is lots of good signage with extensive historical information, and many commemorative plaques throughout the plaza. There are also many peddlers offering videos, books and other items related to the assassination and the accompanying conspiracy theories.
And of course, the Sixth Floor Museum is also located right there in the former Texas School Book Depository Building. An entry fee is required for the museum. The museum also maintains a gift shop at the corner of Houston and Elm streets that you can enter without paying admission to the museum.
There is ample parking in the Dealey Plaza area, for $10-$12. Do not expect public restrooms.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnandcarol_8
Isle of Sheppey, UK156 contributions
Nov 2019
Looking at previous reviews some people say that the Plaza is a little underwhelming. From our visit we would suggest you need to embrace the full experience, visit the sixth floor museum and take in the full picture rather than just the plaza where there are two crosses on the road, a grassy knoll and a couple of street vendors trying to sell conspiracy theory documentation (to be fair whilst they charge 20 bucks for this stuff at least you would get some fascinating information, whether it be true or not. As a place to visit the place does embody the spirit of one of the darkest days in U.S. history but combining it with the museum is most certainly the way to go. I mean you don't get the chance more than once probably, so at least do the whole thing to get the full effect.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greglinmon
Las Cruces, NM1,042 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Great leisurely tour at your own pace. Free audio tour worth it. Today the curator with Presidents Day was doing a presentation and shared Seldon seen items from collections, really cool. Plenty of parking and very clean.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizarenn
Chattanooga, TN384 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Dealey Plaza looks the same as it does in all the films and pictures you’ve seen throughout your life, except it’s not grainy and people just go about their day as if one of the most shocking events of the 20th century didn’t occur there. We walked there from our hotel (the Hyatt), though I’m sure there’s parking nearby. There are plenty of markers around the area explaining what happened and where: for example, where Zapruder was standing, where the grassy knoll is, the exact window in the book depository where the shot was allegedly fired. There are large markers on the street to show where Kennedy was shot the first and second time. I wasn’t alive when this occurred, but the event has become part of our national (perhaps international) consciousness, and I couldn’t help but be affected. One thing I appreciate about Dealey Plaza is that it is still part of the everyday Dallas landscape. Life must go on.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara
73 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
It was an interesting place to stop and observe such a historic event.
Located near a busy street but you can still clearly see markings and landmarks surrounding.
FYI-there are plenty of local “guides” waiting to offer perspective and pamphlets on the history while promptly expecting payment (and tip). Only one appeared to be an official guide (wearing a badge). I did learn a lot from the unofficial “guide” but it was a little hard to take in everything at the location while constantly being hit up for an unsolicited history lesson.
Located near a busy street but you can still clearly see markings and landmarks surrounding.
FYI-there are plenty of local “guides” waiting to offer perspective and pamphlets on the history while promptly expecting payment (and tip). Only one appeared to be an official guide (wearing a badge). I did learn a lot from the unofficial “guide” but it was a little hard to take in everything at the location while constantly being hit up for an unsolicited history lesson.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BamaGrandslammer
Tuscaloosa, AL496 contributions
Jul 2021
Was surprised to my reaction to visiting this site. Had seen the area many times over the years since the assassination (was in 2nd grade), but visited for the first time. The grassy knoll, the bridge and underpass, you could almost visualize the event happening in slow motion. Would like to return and tour the museum when have more time.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WellSeasoned
39 contributions
Apr 2021
If you are a history person, then this place is a must. The historical markers are clean, readable, and informative. The area is clean and walkable. The book depository tickets were sold out, so you might want to book online before you go.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NashvillePredsGirl
Nashville, TN177 contributions
Jun 2021
I've always been obsessed with the Kennedys and to be here was eerie. I stood on the exact spot where JFK was fatally shot and had goosebumps on my arms. They have 2 X's on the street marking both spots that JFK was shot. Even if you aren't into the Kennedys you need to visit this area. It's history and educational. I bought a newspaper from a vendor on the street which was great to have from the actual city and area it happened.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim_D970
Tulsa, OK155 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
On a trip to Dallas, we had to visit Dealey plaza so my kids could get a better understanding of history. We heard Texas was open so we didn't make reservations...turns out they aren't and we should have made several reservations. We ended up heading to Dealey plaza to check it out on foot and talk with people working the area. We watched a couple short YouTube videos to help educate the kids. We then started our tour and started talking to some of the vendor's with pamphlets and stories to tell - amazingly, each one of them had first hand knowledge that no one else has!! Fun fact: I visited Dealey plaza 25-ish years ago and I swear we talked to the same guy.
Everyone has a different story and can debunk all other theories. Fascinating & historic - definitely worth the visit!
Everyone has a different story and can debunk all other theories. Fascinating & historic - definitely worth the visit!
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are looking to find some good quality "soul food" in Dallas after visiting Dealy Plaza; any recommendations would be greatly appreciated ;)
Written September 11, 2018
I would post on the Dallas forum and one of the locals should be able to help.
Written September 11, 2018
We have a one night stayover in Dallas so will only be there in evening & night hours. Is it possible (not ideal of course) to visit Dealy Plaza at night ??
Written August 30, 2018
You could certainly walk the plaza in the evening as it is an open public area, you just couldn't visit the excellent museum at the book depository.
Written August 30, 2018
Is the grassy knoll, book depository and museum within a walkable distance, for a self tour?
Written February 10, 2018
We unfortunately have ran out of time to do the tour or the museum but we would like to come down and see the spot where JFK was shot. Is there a fee to do this?
Written July 18, 2017
The plaza itself is free to walk around. Same with the monument built in remembrance of JFK. The 6th floor library museum has a fee but you can find a groupon or living social for it. everything is in walking distance to each other as well. Hope you get a chance to go!
Written July 30, 2017
I want to know its hours of operation December 30th, 31st and January 1st. Where is the NPS/NHHS station?
Written December 11, 2015
Dealey Plaza is a road so is always open, the Museum/book
depositary will have its opening hours on their website....hours probably differ through Summer/Winter.
Written December 12, 2015
I haven't stayed in the downtown in some time, however, my choice would be the Aloft. I've stayed at the Aloft in another area of Dallas and was very pleased. Nice amenities, pet friendly, and I see that there is one only 10 minute walk from the Plaza area. Downtown is very quiet on the weekends, but that can also be a plus! Enjoy your travels!
Written December 12, 2015
Nothing in the Plaza itself other than a gift shop where snacks, water and the like can be purchased.
There are numerous places to eat within a 5 or so minute walk.
Written July 26, 2015
Es esta atraccion entretenida como cosas que hacer la verdad para mi es curioso pero que me recomiendan
Written July 1, 2015
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