Dallas, Texas

Don’t downsize your travel dreams just because you’re on dialysis! Take inspiration from Dallas’s slogan: “Live Large. Think Big.” DaVita® has 15 dialysis centers in and around the city, so you can easily enjoy seeing all the sights while getting the best dialysis care available.

Dallas has everything you could want in a big city — world-class hotels, museums, major sports teams, top-notch restaurants, shopping, activities for every age — with a down-to-earth attitude and moderate prices.

Dallas
Downtown Dallas

Start with a streetcar ride back in time on the McKinney Avenue Trolley (214-855-0006), the largest volunteer-run system in the world. You can sit back and enjoy the sights of Uptown Dallas, or explore the many stops — and the ride is free! One of the most exciting attractions on the route is the Dallas Museum of Art (214-922-1200), whose collection includes the masters (including Monet, Renoir and van Gogh) plus modern, African, Asian and ancient Greek art. The museum also features an open-air sculpture garden.

Other trolley stops include the Meyerson Symphony Center (214-692-0203), home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy a free tour of the grand structure designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, and the one-of-a-kind, 4,535-piece pipe organ. If the Meyerson is dark the night you’d like to take in a show, consider a production at the Dallas Theater Center (214-880-0202), where the company performs a variety of contemporary plays and old favorites. If you’re in town over the holidays, their production of A Christmas Carol will make you feel like a kid again.

While the trolley is a must-do, much of Dallas is most easily reached by car, so consider renting one.

Where to stay

Dallas has a variety of hotels in every price range, but if you want to get a little taste of luxury, stay at Hotel ZaZa (800-597-8399). This urban oasis not only welcomes you, but allows you to bring a pet. Hotel Zaza is renowned for its superior service, impeccable design and multitude of amenities, such as the ZaSpa, fitness center and exquisite Italian linens.

What to do

If sporting events excite you, Dallas has a major league team for every season. Go to a Dallas Cowboys football game and see why they are “America’s Team.” And, of course, you’ll also get to cheer along with America’s favorite cheerleaders. Other hometown teams include Texas Rangers baseball (866-274-9053), Dallas Mavericks basketball (214-747-MAVS), Dallas Stars hockey (214-387-5500), and FC Dallas (214-705-6700) soccer.

here are dozens of options for golfers. Bear Creek (972-456-3200) has two championship public courses that have received praise from Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal and the Dallas Morning News for course quality, exceptional service and overall esthetics. Other public courses to check out are Cedar Crest, Keaton Park and Tenison Park. Prices are determined by the course and time of year, but check out GolfDFW.com or call 1-888-594-4979 for prices and money-saving coupons.

Before leaving the real Dallas, you may want to visit the TV version. The nighttime drama that made everyone wonder “Who shot J.R.?” was filmed on Southfork Ranch (800-989-7800), a 340-acre property outside the city. Today, Southfork is available for tours, parties and other events. You’ll see the infamous gun and other show memorabilia before jumping on the tram for the guided tour of the grounds, barns and rodeo area. Visitors can also walk through Ewing Mansion where each room is designed to represent a Dallas character.

Where to shop

Dallas is also famed for its spectacular shopping and as the birthplace of department store Neiman Marcus (214-741-6911), famous for its opulent jewelry, haute couture and chocolate chip cookies. The flagship Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas has set the standard for fashion and elegance since its grand opening in 1907. The store also features a fifth-floor museum that tells the story of this ready-to-wear legend. 

The Dallas Galleria (972-702-7100), with over 200 stores, from Tiffany & Co. to Old Navy, is another great shopping haven, and well known for its celebrity watching. Janet Jackson, Kevin Costner and Tom Cruise have been spotted picking up a few trinkets. The Galleria is an excellent place for window shopping, grabbing lunch and ice skating. Yes, the Galleria has an indoor ice rink open all year long.

Planning ahead

Planning ahead is not only a sure way to see as many sights as possible, it’s also one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy while on vacation. It is recommended that you let your social worker know about your plans to travel as he or she can provide information and assist in making dialysis arrangements for your trip. In-center hemodialysis patients should make arrangements at an area dialysis center at least two weeks in advance of their visit. Planning ahead improves chances that there will be availability at the dialysis center that is most convenient for you. Also be sure to bring all relevant medical documents with you.

Home hemodialysis (HHD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are also advised to speak with their social worker about travel plans, and to call an area home dialysis center ahead of time to guard against running out of supplies or to have a back up if your supplies are lost.

All dialysis patients can call 1-800-244-0680 and a Guest Services Specialist will help with your dialysis plans.

Summary

The Lone Star State prides itself on its rustic past and modern present. Dallas is the perfect blend of sophistication and down-home charm with countless fun places to see. Visit the Dallas City Hall website (214-670-5111) and click on “Visitors” in the navigation bar for ideas to tailor your holiday to your interests. Enjoy your vacation and remember: “Live Large. Think Big.”

Related travel articles to help you plan ahead

Let’s talk travel!

Discuss Dallas and other dialysis-friendly destinations at the DaVita travel forum.

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physician. Please check with a physician if you need a diagnosis and/or for treatments as well as information regarding your specific condition. If you are experiencing urgent medical conditions, call 9-1-1.