Downtown Dallas paints an undeniably pretty picture. Its iconic architecture, public art, performance venues and beautifully designed parks offer residents and visitors alike plenty to see, do and experience. But sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and look at all of the individual elements that cooperate and complement each other in forming the whole of Downtown Dallas. Luckily, the city’s urban center is home to a number of places where the views aren’t simply spectacular but truly enlightening.
Located at the southwestern edge of Downtown, Reunion Tower provides an ideal setting for anyone wanting a bird’s eye view of the city. Its GeO-Deck takes thrill-seekers and view-finders 470 feet up into the air and offers a 360-degree panorama of the city. This is the place to be when the sun starts to set. And don’t forget to stop by the Cloud Nine Café for a quick drink and appetizer.
Spanning the Trinity River, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is a sight to behold in and of itself. The bridge’s central support arch stretches up 40 stories and is crowned by a curving span. A series of gracefully twisting cables support the rest of the bridge. Not surprisingly, the bridge has won a number of design awards, including the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award and the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork Award, both in 2012. It may be hard not to simply look up and admire designer’s Santiago Calatrava’s creation, but don’t forget to look back east toward Downtown Dallas. The view is stunning.
For a taste of both town and country, the Trinity Overlook Park at 110 W. Commerce is difficult to beat. This shaded pocket park provides easy access to the Dallas Floodway and the Trinity Skyline Trail. It’s a fantastic setting for either a picnic or a bike ride. It also provides a beautiful look at Downtown Dallas, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and the city landscape in-between.
Oak Cliff’s historic Belmont Hotel perches atop a modest hilltop just two miles away from Downtown Dallas. It too offers the best of both worlds — in this case, vintage Mid-century Modern style and state-of-the-art amenities. Many of the rooms, as well as the courtyard and outdoor pool, offer great views of the Dallas skyline.
For the ultimate in relaxation, make an appointment with the Mokara Spa in the Omni Dallas Hotel. In addition to a complete menu of spa treatments and salon services — from massages to facial treatments — Mokara boasts a lounge whose glass walls open up onto Downtown Dallas’s historic West End and beyond.
What are your favorite architectural wonders in Downtown Dallas? Where do you go to marvel at the bright lights of our big city? Share your recommendations with us on Facebook and Twitter.