Dallas outings: lake, fairgrounds and zoo

Why go

White Rock Lake offers a lakeside walk and water views in East Dallas. Fair Park rewards a slower look at its 1930s exposition buildings and esplanade, while Dallas Zoo centers on animal habitats. Fair Park also gives context to the State Fair of Texas, which needs its own seasonal plan.

Useful to know

• Pick one of the three places as an outing; do not treat them as stops on a single walking route.
• Check Fair Park access around events and the State Fair of Texas calendar before going.
• Check Dallas Zoo’s seasonal hours before setting out.

The route, stop by stop

1. 01

   Optional · – min

   White Rock Lake

   White Rock Lake offers a long lakeside walk or ride in east Dallas, away from downtown's streets. Choose a shore segment unless you want a substantial outing.

   Explore

2. Walk · 199 min · Estimated

   02

   Optional · – min

   Dallas Zoo

   South of downtown in Oak Cliff, Dallas Zoo is a substantial outdoor animal visit. It rewards a dedicated block of time, especially if you want to explore the African habitats.

   Explore

3. Walk · 107 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · – min

   Fair Park

   Fair Park is a sprawling historic complex southeast of downtown, best seen for its 1936 Texas Centennial architecture. The open grounds make a useful architectural walk even outside the State Fair.

   Explore