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Dallas already has a reputation as a diverse and vibrant city. Can it also be a place to truly unplug and unwind? Outside sent wellness travel expert Olivia Perez to the heart of Texas to find out. Her verdict? With an active local community, accommodations that cater to relaxation and rejuvenation, plenty of healthy dining options, and urban green spaces galore, Dallas sets a high bar for a wellness getaway.
A seasoned traveler, Perez has visited more than 40 countries and all 50 states in search of the best destinations for the wellness-minded traveler. It’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about what makes a place great for those seeking nourishment and relaxation. “Some people like to pack their travel itineraries with something every minute,” says Perez. “But for me, the best destinations are the ones that you can slow down in and soak it all in. Travel should be easy on my mind, body, and soul. From the healthy food and luxe accommodation options to the activities that leave you feeling refreshed, Dallas hits the mark as a top destination to reset and reconnect with yourself.” Here are the reasons Dallas earned Perez’s emphatic recommendation.
Wellness-Focused Accommodations
In Dallas, there’s no shortage of options for spoiling yourself with the ultimate R&R setup. Perez stayed at Hotel Swexan, where Swiss luxury and service meets Texas’s welcoming charm in the Hardwood District. “From the moment you walk in the lobby, you feel like you’re in relaxation mode,” says Perez. She recommends winding down with afternoon tea at the rooftop pool. “The views of the city from the rooftop are absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect atmosphere for reading, journaling, or just relaxing while taking it all in.” Wellness-minded travelers will also love the hotel’s indoor-outdoor gym that offers top-of-the-line equipment, yoga classes, and fitness boot camps, as well as wet and dry saunas and a cold plunge.
Another note-worthy option: Hotel Zaza in Uptown. Its collection of elegantly designed suites and bungalows offer the perfect setting for relaxation. Each of the Magnificent Seven Suites has a unique luxury theme and includes a full terrace for a private outdoor oasis.
Healthy Local Dining Options
Dallas’s culinary scene brimming with restaurants that prioritize healthy food. For a standout menu focused on wholesome, chef-crafted dishes, reserve a table at HG Sply Co. in East Dallas. The menu is filled with dishes that feature locally sourced organic ingredients. For your main dish, try one of the signature bowls, made with fresh, veggie-forward bases and an all-natural protein of your choice. “The restaurant also has a fabulous rooftop with views of the Dallas skyline,” says Perez. “It’s the perfect spot to celebrate taking time to focus on you.”
Another great way to get to know a place—and eat healthy—is by wandering through the local farmers’ market. Pick up fresh produce and check out local arts and crafts at the Dallas Farmers Market, open every weekend year-round. The indoor market is comfortable in any weather and offers seasonal produce, as well as free-range meats, fresh eggs, artisan pantry staples, and local art. All of the products offered are grown or raised in Texas or within 400 miles of Dallas, so you’re guaranteed fresh, in-season options from the local agriculture community. During the week, when the market isn’t open, you can still visit the eateries in the building, which prioritize local ingredients.
Active Lifestyle Culture
In every city, it’s the locals who give a place its distinctive flavor. For Dallas, that vibe is centered around an active lifestyle that’s easy for visitors to tap into at a wide variety of fitness and recreation activities in gyms and studios around the city. “I loved visiting the Bishop Arts District to try an aerial yoga class,” says Perez. “The women at Blue Feather were so inclusive and encouraging. I could tell they love the active community they are a part of and are eager to welcome more people into the fold.”
Or join the latest local fitness craze: pickleball. The perfect mix of social and active, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and has become a staple of Dallas’s wellness culture. With a smaller playing area (about one-quarter the size of a tennis court), lighter wiffle balls and paddles, and underhand serves, pickleball is low impact and approachable for athletes of all levels. “The community is really welcoming, so it’s easy to join the fun, even as a beginner,” says Austin Becker, activities manager at Chicken N Pickle, a local pickleball experience that merges everyone’s new favorite sport with healthy dining options and space for social gatherings. “Take a lesson, and you’ll be holding your own on the court in no time,” he says.
Urban Sanctuaries
Walkable downtown neighborhoods and ample green space means Dallas is buzzing with outdoor activity year-round. Whether you’re looking for outdoor spaces to get moving or to find a quiet respite, the city’s parks and gardens offer plenty of space to escape the hustle and bustle without ever leaving town. “I was surprised by the amount of spaces to chill and relax outdoors,” says Perez. Lace up your running shoes or jump on a bike to cruise the Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile pedestrian and bike path that runs along Turtle Creek from Highland Park to Uptown. The trail connects multiple parks and green spaces, including Klyde Warren Park in the City Center District, which hosts regular outdoor fitness boot camps, yoga, Zumba, and tai chi.
On the city’s northeast side, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the 1,015-acre White Rock Lake. Or walk the 10-mile trail around the lake’s perimeter, stopping to relax, journal, or people-watch along the way. The park connects to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which houses 66 acres of manicured gardens—perfect for an afternoon of meditating or simply wandering through the flowers. With exhibits in bloom year-round, the botanical garden is a must-visit no matter when you’re in town.
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