While Dallas has some public transportation options, like a light rail system and a free trolley and streetcar, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to experience all that Dallas has to offer without renting a car. Not only will renting a car save you time and money (those Uber/Lyft rides can really add up), but it’ll make seeing the sights of this sprawling city with its massive highway system a lot easier. You can even make trips to suburbs for fun sights like Six Flags and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington and Southfork Ranch from the Dallas TV show in Parker.

By all means, gorge on good barbecue and Tex-Mex while visiting Dallas, but do branch out beyond these tasty cuisines. Dallas is brimming with a creative dining scene that’s full of everything from luxury American dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall Cajun seafood joints. Go on a journey to find the best Vietnamese dishes served in dive bars and garden restaurants with Southern food delicacies like deviled eggs and fried chicken. Between it all, take a touristy tour on Margarita Mile.

While most people start their Dallas vacation experiencing the JFK history and museums in Downtown Dallas, a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without hopping around other neighborhoods. Bishop Arts is full of boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants, while the Design District sports the best art galleries in town. Deep Ellum is a nightlife and live music go-to and Lower Greenville, a hip area full of restaurants, bars, and shopping. White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum anchor Lakewood, whereas Fair Park brings out museum- and design-lovers alike.

Whether it’s kayaking on White Rock Lake, having a beer on a patio, or walking through the massive Arts District in Downtown Dallas, your exploration of this city is going to involve the outdoors in some sense or another. Dallasites love being outdoors despite the extreme temperatures in the summer and winter, which is why you’ll find so many outdoor concerts, restaurants and bars with patios, pools open to the public, and outdoor shopping centers. Pack accordingly and tap into Dallas’ love for all outdoors things.

Dallas’ place as a shopping mecca was sealed when Highland Park Village became the first shopping center in the nation and Neiman Marcus opened its flagship in downtown. With more shopping malls per capita than any other city, you have to schedule some shopping in your itinerary. From the luxury stores of NorthPark Mall to the boutiques in Bishop Arts and West Village, and the thrift stores in Lower Greenville and Deep Ellum, shopping is a must-do in Dallas.