Dealey Plaza
National Historic Landmark in Dallas, forever etched in history as the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Dealey Plaza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
National Historic Landmark in Dallas, forever etched in history as the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering a profound and somber connection to a pivotal American moment."
🚶♀️ Walk the Plaza
Explore the plaza on foot to truly grasp the layout and historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes!
📚 Visit The Sixth Floor Museum
Essential for understanding the assassination. Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grassy Knoll
North side of Elm Street
The infamous grassy knoll, a focal point of assassination theories and a somber reminder of the events.
Elm Street "X"
Elm Street
The marked spot on Elm Street where President Kennedy's limousine was when the fatal shots were fired.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Texas School Book Depository
Explore the site of the alleged sniper's nest and gain historical context for the assassination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Plaza
Explore the plaza on foot to truly grasp the layout and historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes!
📚 Visit The Sixth Floor Museum
Essential for understanding the assassination. Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Dallas gets hot! Visit in cooler months or early/late in the day. Bring water.
🧐 Consider a Tour
Guided tours offer in-depth historical context and can enhance your understanding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Plaza
Explore the plaza on foot to truly grasp the layout and historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes!
📚 Visit The Sixth Floor Museum
Essential for understanding the assassination. Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Dallas gets hot! Visit in cooler months or early/late in the day. Bring water.
🧐 Consider a Tour
Guided tours offer in-depth historical context and can enhance your understanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dealey Plaza is a deeply historical and somber site, offering a powerful connection to a pivotal moment in American history. Visitors appreciate the educational value of The Sixth Floor Museum and the reflective atmosphere of the plaza itself. However, some find the experience emotionally heavy, and the Texas heat can be a significant factor for outdoor exploration.
"Beautiful area. Full of history. There are JFK tours that you can pay for or you can just walk around by yourself. It's interesting to think that something so horrible happened it a place so beautiful."
Mike Mazur
"This plaza is the location of the JFK assassination in 1963 and a landmark location with quite a few things related to the assassination. Here you will find the grassy knoll, triple underpass, Sixth Floor Museum (Texas School Book Repository) and not far from the JFK Memorial Plaza. This is also the location of a monument to George B. Dealey while the Old Red Museum is just across the street as well."
Brad
"very cool to see in real life, the area felt safe enough to walk around for bit and really understand what happened there. it wasn’t super crowded. we visited the plaza after the sixth floor museum and had a great experience."
Alyssa Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dealey Plaza is located in downtown Dallas. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options, including DART buses and light rail, also serve the area. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other downtown attractions.
Yes, there are several parking garages and lots in the vicinity of Dealey Plaza. Some are paid parking. It's advisable to check parking apps or signs for availability and rates before you arrive.
Depending on your starting point, walking to Dealey Plaza from other downtown Dallas locations like the JFK Memorial Plaza or the Old Red Museum is feasible. It's a great way to experience the city's urban landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Dealey Plaza itself is a public park and free to enter. However, to visit The Sixth Floor Museum at the Texas School Book Depository, you will need to purchase admission tickets. It's recommended to buy these online in advance.
Dealey Plaza is generally accessible during daylight hours as a public park. The Sixth Floor Museum has specific operating hours, which can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, several companies offer guided walking tours of Dealey Plaza that delve into the history of the assassination. These tours can provide valuable insights and context.
The JFK Memorial Plaza, located near Dealey Plaza, is also free to visit. It's a separate memorial dedicated to President Kennedy.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include the "X" on Elm Street, the Grassy Knoll, and the view from the Sixth Floor Museum window. Capturing the overall plaza landscape is also popular.
Photography is generally not permitted inside The Sixth Floor Museum to preserve the exhibits and ensure a respectful visitor experience. Check the museum's specific policies upon arrival.
While general photography is allowed in the public areas of Dealey Plaza, be mindful of other visitors and maintain a respectful demeanor given the historical significance of the site.
🎫 🏛️ Historical Context
Dealey Plaza is nationally recognized as the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. It's a pivotal location in American history.
The Grassy Knoll is a small, elevated area on the north side of Elm Street within Dealey Plaza. It has become a focal point for various theories surrounding the assassination.
The Texas School Book Depository is the building from which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots that killed President Kennedy. It now houses The Sixth Floor Museum.
Nearby historical sites include the JFK Memorial Plaza, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture, and the Dallas County Courthouse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit, prepare children by explaining the historical context in an age-appropriate manner. Emphasize that it's a place of remembrance. The JFK Memorial Plaza, with its open design, might be more accessible for younger visitors. Ensure you check the museum's age recommendations and content warnings before deciding if it's suitable for your family.
📚 History Buffs
Consider taking a specialized historical walking tour that delves into the intricacies of the assassination, exploring various theories and eyewitness accounts. Visiting the nearby JFK Memorial Plaza and the Old Red Museum can further enrich your understanding of Dallas's history and its connection to the Kennedy era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sixth Floor Museum Experience
Many visitors find the experience deeply moving and educational. The museum's interactive displays and detailed narratives help piece together the puzzle of that fateful day. It's not just about the assassination itself, but also about the impact it had on the nation and the world. The museum also touches upon the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy, providing a broader historical context.
Pro-tip: Given its popularity, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons or weekends. The museum also offers an interactive guide for exploring Dealey Plaza itself, which can be a great companion to your visit.
Navigating Dealey Plaza: A Visitor's Guide
Many visitors choose to combine their exploration of Dealey Plaza with a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum. This combination offers a complete picture, from the physical location of the assassination to the historical context and investigative details. Consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights from local historians who can bring the events to life.
Key areas to focus on:
* Elm Street: Walk the path of the presidential motorcade.
* The Grassy Knoll: Observe the area from different vantage points.
* Triple Underpass: Note its position relative to the assassination site.
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