Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas is a park whose historic district is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and the location of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The plaza-bounded by notorious monuments such as the Texas School Book Depository and the Grassy Knoll transports tourists and history buffs alike back into one of the most infamous moments in U.S. history by preserving the roads, traffic signs, buildings and structures as they appeared at the time of the assassination. One block from the plaza is the cenotaph erected in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
Parking and public transportation at Dealey Plaza
Dealey Plaza is accessible by car, DART or the Trinity Railway Express. The most affordable parking option is available behind the Dealey Plaza. Large vehicles such as RVs and buses may park on Houston Street.
Best and worst time to go to Dealey Plaza
Visiting the plaza during daylight hours (before 6:30-7:30 p.m.) is ideal as the historic district is bustling with activity during the day, particularly weekdays during business hours, so visitors can feel secure and at ease strolling through the plaza at this time. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to visit while winters and summers in the city tend to pose more extreme temperatures.
Admission to Dealey Plaza
Entering and walking through the open-air Dealey Plaza is free. However, visitors who desire a guided tour have the option of the inexpensive, narrated Dealey Plaza Cell Phone Walking Tour that can be purchased from The Sixth Floor Museum for under $5. This one-hour tour affords visitors the opportunity to select from over a dozen important sites related to the assassination and choose as many stops as desired.
Must see and do at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum is a must-see attraction in Dealey Plaza. The museum is located on the 6th and 7th floors of the Texas School Book Depository and presents diverse artifacts and exhibits accounting President John F. Kennedy's life and death. It is recommended that visitors purchase tickets online in advance as weekends and holidays can be particularly busy at the museum.
Other places to visit near Dealey Plaza
Surrounding Dealey Plaza is Dallas' West End, where visitors can entertain themselves with an eclectic selection of restaurants, shops and bustling nightlife. Also nearby are the Dallas World Aquarium and the famed House of Blues musical venue.
Insider tip for visitors to Dealey Plaza
As it is a historical landmark, Dealey Plaza is occasionally frequented by conspiracy theorists or peddlers that may attempt to sell visitors historical artifacts. As with other landmarks, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and not feel pressured to accept items or guidance from non-staff individuals in the plaza area.
Author's bio: Manasa Reddigari is a content developer with a passion for gaining new travel and cultural experiences.
