12 Best Things To Do In Arlington, Texas

Halfway between downtown Dallas and trendy Fort Worth lies Arlington, Texas, a town with a lively arts and entertainment district that makes a strong case for a Texas detour. Whether you’re planning a visit around a game (the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, The Wings all play in the heart of Arlington), have your sights set on other fun-filled adventures (a day at Six Flags Over Texas, perhaps), or are looking for a weekend to wine and dine with other adults, this town has broad appeal. Check out the boundless energy in store for your trip with our favorite things to do in Arlington, Texas.

What to Do

Catch a Game

If the Texas Rangers—winners of the 2023 World Series—are in town, you’ve got to get tickets for a ballgame at Globe Life Field. The venue with a retractable roof offers can't-miss concessions like Frito Pie in a Bag and brisket egg rolls. Whether you’re a huge fan of America’s favorite pastime or just in it for the beer, snacks, and crowd-pleasing music in between innings, a visit to Globe Life Field is practically mandatory for Arlington visitors.

globelifefield.com, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington, TX 76011

Check Out the Waterpark

Although this part of Texas can get chilly (the region is not immune to snowfall, according to national weather service reports), chances are your visit will occur when it’s hot, hot, hot. And what better way to enjoy the steamy temperatures than on a waterslide? North Texas’ largest waterpark boasts 50 acres of rides and slides plus a gigantic wave pool. Hurricane Harbor Arlington is known for its big-deal waterslides, like the six-story high Geronimo with a thrillingly steep drop. This one, rated with a “maximum” thrill level is not for the uninitiated, but fortunately, there’s an always-pleasing lazy river that the whole family can enjoy. 

sixflags.com, 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006

Cool Off in a Unique Museum

The International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame is a stone’s throw from the Six Flags’ action and an ideal place to chill out and bulk up on bowling history. The museum relocated from St. Louis, Missouri, in 2010 and features interesting bowling artifacts, vintage film clips, and photos that all help to tell the origin story of bowling. A highlight (even if you don’t recognize the names of bowling greats) is The Champions exhibit, showcasing some of the top athletes of the sport. The museum is only open Tuesday-Friday and some Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

bowlingmuseum.com, 621 Six Flags Dr, Arlington, TX 76011

Shop the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop

The Cowboys are popular among football fans across the nation. They enjoy the status of America’s football team. Bob Ryan, a former NFL Films producer (and now the editor-in-chief of NFL Films), is largely responsible for the endearing—and enduring—designation. Even if the Cowboys aren’t your team, there’s still plenty to enjoy about shopping at the pro shop in Arlington. A subtle purchase might include a curved brim straw hat. Yes, there’s an official Dallas Cowboys star on the front of the unisex hat, but more than anything else, it just feels like a deserved nod of appreciation for Texas life. 

shop.dallascowboys.com, One AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

Get Pampered

It’s all fine and well to try and be the loudest cheerleader in the park or the person who clocks the most roller coaster rides in an hour, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking an afternoon to relax in a luxurious spa. The Spa at Loews Arlington is a serene sanctuary, a welcome respite amid the hustle and bustle that is just outside the hotel’s doors. If it’s been a mostly active trip or you’re just feeling tired from the travel, consider going for the Zen Athlete Recover, a sports massage designed to enhance circulation and balance energy. You can also book a mani/pedi or a blowout if you’re in the mood for some self-care on the road.

loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel/spa-services, 888 Nolan Ryan Expy, Arlington, TX 76011

Catch an Event at Texas Live!

Texas Live! is a vibrant entertainment center that features a robust selection of bars, restaurants, breweries, and beer gardens, as well as big-screen TVs everywhere you look. While eating and drinking options can cause decision paralysis, this really is the place to be in Arlington after dark. A full calendar of events means live music, foam parties, mixology classes, and more. 

texas-live.com, 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011

Appreciate the Sounds of the Symphony

One of Arlington’s premier cultural attractions is Symphony Arlington. Led by Music Director and Maestro Robert Carter Austin, who is also a founder, the symphony is enjoying its seventeenth season with performances throughout the year. Later this year, The Lone Star Youth Orchestra will perform at the Arlington Music Hall.

symphonyarlington.org, 224 N Center St, Arlington, TX 76011

Where to Eat and Drink

Belly Up to The Bar for a Burger and Bourbon 

Located within Live! By Loews, Bar Bourbon is just the kind of place where bar seating is some of the best in the house (gregarious bartenders help the cause). Chat up the knowledgeable waitstaff about bourbon if you’re unsure which direction to go, or order with confidence from the signature or classic drink list (the Strawberry Kicker is made with Buffalo Trace Straight Rye, lime juice, and jalapeno syrup and is both potent and refreshing). Pair whatever you’re sipping with a few items off the Snacks & Plates menu: crab beignets, Texas quesadilla, or bourbon-cured wings.

loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas/bar-bourbon-menu, 1600 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011

Get a Texas Barbecue Fix at Hurtado Barbecue

If you leave Texas without having eaten barbecue, you simply must turn around and go back. This is a state that knows how to slow-cook meat until it’s tender and falling off the bone. Sides are no joke either. This is abundantly clear at Hurtado Barbecue where fiery hatch chili mac and cheese and baked beans studded with brisket demand as much respect as the housemade sausage links (jalapeno and cheddar is the way to go here), and pulled pork. Don’t forget to ask about the pie of the day—order it a la mode for an extra dollar.

hurtadobbq.com, 205 E Front St, Arlington, TX 76010

Indulge in a Multi-Course Italian Meal at Farena 

There’s more to Texas than stellar barbecue. One left-field option is Italian, but good luck deciding between Farena’s wood-fired pizzas or handmade pasta dishes (if you’re curious enough, you might inquire about the next pasta lab so you can try to replicate the restaurant’s pasta back home). Best if you go with a big appetite or friends who can help you polish off those unctuous all-beef meatballs as a starter before moving on to classic Margherita pizza and perhaps some linguini de mare. The classic tiramisu serves two, but if you happen to have leftovers, trust that this dessert will go wonderfully with your coffee the next morning.

farenarestaurant.com, 888 Nolan Ryan Expy, Arlington, TX 76011

Where to Stay

Be Steps From the Action at a Loews Property

In the center of all of the action are two Loews-branded properties: The Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center and Live! By Loews. Both are ideally situated with easy access to the many sports complexes in the heart of the entertainment district, but families may be more inclined to book a stay at Loews Arlington Hotel, thanks to an inviting kids’ pool and a kids’ club. Meanwhile, Live! By Loews, a 300-room property that opened in 2019, caters to hip couples and friend groups who understand the importance of sipping cocktails in an infinity pool to ease into the vacation.

loewshotels.com, 888 Nolan Ryan Expy, Arlington, TX 76011

loewshotels.com, 1600 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011

Recharge at Sheraton Arlington Hotel 

Close to Six Flags and with easy access to Texas Live! and Globe Life Field, this Marriott-branded hotel has a Starbucks on-site, a 24/7 fitness center, and capacious rooms that support the “Everything’s bigger in Texas” motto you might have heard once or twice. The property is smoke-free and pet-friendly.

marriott.com, 1500 Convention Center Dr, Arlington, TX 76011