Dive Into These Destinations at Arlington
Arlington is the quintessentially Texan city, home to gorgeous urban parks, famous festivals and all sorts of unusual attractions. When you're visiting Arlington, the locals will be quick to tell you how much they love their city. Once you've spent a bit of time there, it'll be easy to see why they do. Whether your interests lay in music and partying or science and the stars, Arlington is one of the best American cities you can visit.
01 Become a coffee master at the Texas Coffee School
Whether coffee is your passion or a hobby, a three-day course at the Texas Coffee School is for you. This acclaimed institution opened in Arlington in 2008, and since then it’s served hundreds of entrepreneurs and coffee lovers alike. It’s filled with all the tools of the trade, from high-end coffee grinders to pour-over drippers. In just three days, the espresso aficionados at the Texas Coffee School promise to turn you into an expert in all things coffee. Become the star of meet-ups with your friends, or just enjoy the ability to make grade-A coffee for yourself.
02 Enjoy world-class drinks at the Eskimo Hut
If harder drinks are to your taste, the Eskimo Hut is one of the best places in the world to get an unbeatable drink. Their menu includes thousands of cocktails, dozens of jello shots and a similar selection of beers. If you’re planning to spend some time at the park or visit friends while you’re in town, the Eskimo Hut is an even better destination. You can order all of their drinks in sizable quantities and take them to-go, which makes them a perfect complement to any other activities you have planned.
03 Relax at the River Legacy Parks
If you’re a fan of fun in the sun, you should head over to the River Legacy Parks. It’s a beautiful, 1,300-acre park complex that’s bursting with greenery, right in the middle of the city! There’s quite a bit of wildlife here, too, so you might spot animals native to the Southwest. With so many trails, picnic areas, and the perfect playground to let any children play, River Legacy Parks is one of the best places in the city for outdoor fun. After you’ve finished your nature walk, the Living Science Center is right on the edge of the park.
04 Visit the exhibits at the River Legacy Living Science Center
The Living Science Center is an essential destination for anyone who loves nature, science, and sustainable design. Nestled in a preexisting and relatively flat space, the center is surrounded by an urban forest. The tall windows that make up most of the walls reduce the need for artificial light, and the sunlight streaming into the building helps everything feel a bit more alive. The rotating series of exhibits such as “The Art and Science of Arachnids” and “The Nature of Things” are a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
05 Climb the Six Flags Oil Derrick
Off East Copeland Road, you can visit the largest land-based oil derrick in the world. It’s an impressive, colorful construction on its own, but the real draw is the 300 feet-high observation tower. It’s open to the public and based on the Six Flags park grounds, so once you reach the top, you can take some postcard-perfect shots of Arlington and the Texan skyline.
06 The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
This interesting, niche attraction is a fun stop even if you aren’t a huge bowling fan. Did you know that bowling is 5,000 years ago old and began in ancient Egypt? The International Bowling Museum uses interactive exhibits and modern touch-screen displays to bring the surprisingly rich history of this sport to life and invites you to cap off your trip by going bowling with a perfectly-sized ball just for you.
07 Marvel at the University of Texas Planetarium
The University of Texas is home to one of the finest planetariums in the United States. Their scheduled shows are popular attractions that kick off with a tour of the night sky. If you haven’t been to a planetarium or ever gotten away from the glare of light pollution, you’ll be shocked by how resplendent the night sky really is. A quick Q&A from the audience turns the planetarium into a one-of-a-kind theater, with the entire dome projecting a popular movie.
08 Watch a show at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Do you love live music, a laid-back atmosphere and chilling with your friends on warm evenings? If so, the Levitt Pavilion is a must-visit destination. You can watch local artists and famous performers alike at free concerts there from spring to autumn. If you bring some food, a comfy folding chair, and drinks from the Eskimo Hut, you’re all set for a wonderful evening.
09 Visit one of the largest vendors selling all things Texas
Gene Allen’s Gifts is a local, family-owned pair of stores in Arlington that offer all sorts of Texas memorabilia. They carry gifts made by small, Texas-based companies, ranging from home-made Texas-shaped fudge to mixed gift boxes. No one in America loves their state quite as much as Texans do, and Gene Allen’s is as much a charming curiosity as it is a great destination to shop for souvenirs.
10 Pay respects at the Arlington National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery stands as one of the most important sites in the entire United States. Monuments of great importance such as the Eternal Flame dedicated to John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier dot the landscape. Another worthwhile stop is the Memorial Amphitheater. It’s a massive, century-old architectural project that stands imposingly against the skyline owing to its stainless, bright white color.
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