It seems that the longer you live in Dallas, the less you visit the tourist spots. When I first moved here, I thought I would explore everywhere, but as life goes on with grocery shopping, taking care of kids, and working, several years pass by quickly. However, when friends or relatives come to visit from another state, I find myself wondering, "Where should I take them in Dallas?"

The first places that come to mind are Dealey Plaza and The Sixth Floor Museum.

This is not just a tourist spot; it is a place where a scene from modern American history remains intact.

Dealey Plaza is the site where President John F. Kennedy was shot during a motorcade on November 22, 1963.

The old Texas School Book Depository building, identified as the location from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired, is now used as a museum.

On the sixth floor of the building, you can examine the sequence of events through photos, videos, and documents. Stepping outside, you can also see Elm Street, where the presidential vehicle passed. Standing at the site of an event you read about in history books gives a surprisingly heavy feeling.

If you want to see a great view of downtown Dallas, you can't miss Reunion Tower. Standing at about 171 meters tall, it has a large ball at the top that makes it easily recognizable from afar. It's the very building that often appears in photos of Dallas.

When you go up to the observation deck, you can truly appreciate how vast Dallas is, centered around downtown. It's especially nice to go up at sunset, as you can see both the daytime and nighttime views at once. It's a great place to take guests who are visiting Dallas for the first time.

If you're with kids, I would recommend the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The building itself is uniquely designed. Opened in 2012, it features a variety of exhibits on dinosaurs, space, earth, energy, minerals, and the human body, making it a museum that appeals to more than just children.

Don't think of it as an old-fashioned natural history museum with just a few dinosaur bones on display. There are many hands-on exhibits where you can touch, move, and experiment, so if you go with your family, several hours will pass quickly. It's also a great choice when looking for places to go with kids during the hot Dallas summer.

If you enjoy art, the Dallas Museum of Art is worth a visit. Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, it's great for exploring the surrounding area as well. The collection spans from ancient art to works from Asia and Africa, European paintings, and American contemporary art.

What I like most is that general admission to the permanent collection is free, so you can enter without any pressure. Of course, special exhibitions may require separate tickets. Even those who aren't well-versed in art can take their time to browse for an hour or two and enjoy it.

If you have time after visiting the museum, be sure to stop by nearby Klyde Warren Park. Interestingly, this park is built over a highway, creating an urban park. There are tall buildings around, and cars are below, but above, there are lawns and trees, which is quite fascinating. Food trucks come on certain days, and various events are held, making it a great place to see how Dallas residents spend their leisure time.

If you're looking for a different vibe, there's Deep Ellum. This neighborhood represents Dallas's music and street art culture. Unique murals cover the walls of the buildings, and there are live music venues, bars, and restaurants clustered together.

Deep Ellum has a completely different atmosphere during the day and night. During the day, it's great for taking photos of the murals and dining, while at night, it transforms into a much livelier area as more people flock to the venues and bars. However, if you visit late at night, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and parking, just like in any major city's nightlife district.

One surprising thing for first-time visitors to Dallas is the size of the city. Don't expect to walk from one tourist attraction to the next like in New York or San Francisco. Dallas is a city where you need to drive, so planning your route for the day is important.

Still, there are definitely good points. From the site of a presidential assassination in modern American history to world-class art museums, science museums, observation decks, parks, and music districts, there is more to see than you might expect.

There are quite a few people who have lived in Dallas for years and have never been to Dealey Plaza. I understand that feeling. Since it's so close, you think you can go anytime. But when you finally set aside a day to explore, you realize, "Wow, I didn't know there was such a place in my city."

If you have no plans this weekend, don't just think about traveling far away; consider exploring Dallas first.