Irving travel guide

Irving Tourism | Irving Guide

You're Going to Love Irving

Irving is in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. The city is home to the National Scouting Museum, the official museum of the Boy Scouts, and the Irving Arts Center, a 10-acre visual and performing arts center.

From Campion Trails, a greenbelt that stretches for 22 miles along the Trinity River, to Las Colinas, an area that includes Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn, Irving is a must-visit for lovers of outdoor and water activities.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Irving

1. Trail Hiking

California Crossing Park features 30 acres of verdant land along the East Fork of the Trinity River. The Campion Trails are renowned for their natural beauty and are ideal for both biking and hiking.

2. Water Activities

The Mandalay Canal offers romantic Venetian-style gondola rides, as well as stand up paddle boarding, and the Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve provides a canoe launch.

3. Scout Museum

The National Scouting Museum showcases over 600,000 scouting artifacts, including oil paintings, uniforms, patches, photos, letters, and films, as well as life-size replicas of campsites.

4. Arts and Entertainment

The Main Gallery of the Irving Arts Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, showcases more than 20 exhibits a year. The Dupree Theater and Carpenter Hall host simultaneous live performances of plays and musicals.

5. Texas BBQ

Texans take their barbecue seriously and Irving is no exception. Post Oak Smokehouse specializes in brisket, shoulder clod, pork ribs and chops, and homemade sausage. Fred's Pit Barbeque offers smoked meat sandwiches and barbecue by the pound.

1. Trail Hiking

California Crossing Park features 30 acres of verdant land along the East Fork of the Trinity River. The Campion Trails are renowned for their natural beauty and are ideal for both biking and hiking.

2. Water Activities

The Mandalay Canal offers romantic Venetian-style gondola rides, as well as stand up paddle boarding, and the Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve provides a canoe launch.

3. Scout Museum

The National Scouting Museum showcases over 600,000 scouting artifacts, including oil paintings, uniforms, patches, photos, letters, and films, as well as life-size replicas of campsites.

4. Arts and Entertainment

The Main Gallery of the Irving Arts Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, showcases more than 20 exhibits a year. The Dupree Theater and Carpenter Hall host simultaneous live performances of plays and musicals.

5. Texas BBQ

Texans take their barbecue seriously and Irving is no exception. Post Oak Smokehouse specializes in brisket, shoulder clod, pork ribs and chops, and homemade sausage. Fred's Pit Barbeque offers smoked meat sandwiches and barbecue by the pound.

What to do in Irving

1. The Mustangs of Las Colinas: Home to Life-size Bronze Mustang Sculptures

If you love horses, the Mustangs of Las Colinas will blow you away. Located in the East Tower of Williams Square, walk up to nine mesmerizing wild Mustang sculptures that are spread throughout the square. The carved galloping horses running through water look so real -- the embodiment of Texas heritage. The museum nearby exhibits photographs and shows a movie depicting the history of the sculpture's creator and his creative process. It took 8 years for artist Robert Glen to research and finish the sculptures. The museum also features other masterpieces from this brilliant sculptor.

2. National Scouting Museum: Boys Scouts of America's Heritage site

Learn about the Boys Scouts of America's heritage by exploring the assortment of artefacts that include oil paintings, uniforms, patches, photographs, film and letters. Be amazed by the first Eagle award, medal, badges and neckerchiefs awarded to Arthur Eldred in 1912. You'll be enthralled by Norman Rockwell's World War I collection of paintings featured on the Red Cross Magazine and by the venture campsite replicas from 1910, the 1950s and current day.

3. Irving Arts Center: Irving's Hub for the Performing Arts and Artists

Located in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, the Irving Arts Center is the community's core for performing and fine arts' performers and lovers alike. Designed with two functioning theaters with rehearsal facilities, the Irving Arts Center also has four galleries and various rooms used for meetings and classes. Its magnificent Sculpture Garden intertwines its flowers, fountains and walkways with its permanent exhibits of Reuben Nakian's Goddess of the Golden Thighs. Join a guided tour of the museum and enjoy the assortment of educational performances, exhibitions and other community activities.

4. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas: Irving's International Business District

The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is Irving's international business district conveniently located next to DFW International Airport and Dallas' Love Field. In addition to hosting meetings and events, the facility is surrounded by restaurants, shopping and entertainment locales. Plan a day for golfing or attend amusement parks, sporting venues or art museums allocated around the convention center.

5. Irving Market Center: Shop 'til You Drop Alongside the Locals

Located in between Hwy 183 & Beltline Road, The Irving Market Center is a retail network housing a variety of brand name stores. This retail and restaurant mall is a favorite stop for natives and tourists alike. Go shopping at Best Buy, Petsmart, Ross and Shoe Carnival to name a few. These stores are among the many treasures that make Irving Market Center come alive. If you feel like saving money and/or getting good deals, visit Old Navy or Target. These are only two of the main retail stores available in the Irving Market Center. If you need to get a travel guide or simply a nice relaxing book, stop in at Barnes & Noble. Enjoy a book/magazine as you sit down and drink your coffee or tea or catch the latest movie release at the nearby AMC theater.

6. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: The Kennedy Assassination

One of the most significant events in modern American history was the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. A sniper targeted the revolutionary President from the 6th floor of this very building, and today a moving and informative museum is housed here. Explore the career, politics, and legacy of JFK through these comprehensive exhibitions, and let the significance of his life and death sink in as you immerse yourself in the scene of the crime. Not far away you'll find the JFK Memorial Plaza.

7. Reunion Tower: 560 Feet Skywards

An icon of the Dallas cityscape, this enormous tower is an unforgettable landmark of the Downtown area. Its futuristic design is unique, with a giant ball perched atop a slender base shaped like a magic wand. At the top, tourists will find an epic observation deck with panoramic views. The city can be seen sprawling out in every direction down below, and it is a sight to behold at any time of day. Check out Wolfgang Puck's delectable restaurant for a real sky-high experience!

1. The Mustangs of Las Colinas: Home to Life-size Bronze Mustang Sculptures

If you love horses, the Mustangs of Las Colinas will blow you away. Located in the East Tower of Williams Square, walk up to nine mesmerizing wild Mustang sculptures that are spread throughout the square. The carved galloping horses running through water look so real -- the embodiment of Texas heritage. The museum nearby exhibits photographs and shows a movie depicting the history of the sculpture's creator and his creative process. It took 8 years for artist Robert Glen to research and finish the sculptures. The museum also features other masterpieces from this brilliant sculptor.

2. National Scouting Museum: Boys Scouts of America's Heritage site

Learn about the Boys Scouts of America's heritage by exploring the assortment of artefacts that include oil paintings, uniforms, patches, photographs, film and letters. Be amazed by the first Eagle award, medal, badges and neckerchiefs awarded to Arthur Eldred in 1912. You'll be enthralled by Norman Rockwell's World War I collection of paintings featured on the Red Cross Magazine and by the venture campsite replicas from 1910, the 1950s and current day.

3. Irving Arts Center: Irving's Hub for the Performing Arts and Artists

Located in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, the Irving Arts Center is the community's core for performing and fine arts' performers and lovers alike. Designed with two functioning theaters with rehearsal facilities, the Irving Arts Center also has four galleries and various rooms used for meetings and classes. Its magnificent Sculpture Garden intertwines its flowers, fountains and walkways with its permanent exhibits of Reuben Nakian's Goddess of the Golden Thighs. Join a guided tour of the museum and enjoy the assortment of educational performances, exhibitions and other community activities.

4. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas: Irving's International Business District

The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is Irving's international business district conveniently located next to DFW International Airport and Dallas' Love Field. In addition to hosting meetings and events, the facility is surrounded by restaurants, shopping and entertainment locales. Plan a day for golfing or attend amusement parks, sporting venues or art museums allocated around the convention center.

5. Irving Market Center: Shop 'til You Drop Alongside the Locals

Located in between Hwy 183 & Beltline Road, The Irving Market Center is a retail network housing a variety of brand name stores. This retail and restaurant mall is a favorite stop for natives and tourists alike. Go shopping at Best Buy, Petsmart, Ross and Shoe Carnival to name a few. These stores are among the many treasures that make Irving Market Center come alive. If you feel like saving money and/or getting good deals, visit Old Navy or Target. These are only two of the main retail stores available in the Irving Market Center. If you need to get a travel guide or simply a nice relaxing book, stop in at Barnes & Noble. Enjoy a book/magazine as you sit down and drink your coffee or tea or catch the latest movie release at the nearby AMC theater.

6. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: The Kennedy Assassination

One of the most significant events in modern American history was the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. A sniper targeted the revolutionary President from the 6th floor of this very building, and today a moving and informative museum is housed here. Explore the career, politics, and legacy of JFK through these comprehensive exhibitions, and let the significance of his life and death sink in as you immerse yourself in the scene of the crime. Not far away you'll find the JFK Memorial Plaza.

7. Reunion Tower: 560 Feet Skywards

An icon of the Dallas cityscape, this enormous tower is an unforgettable landmark of the Downtown area. Its futuristic design is unique, with a giant ball perched atop a slender base shaped like a magic wand. At the top, tourists will find an epic observation deck with panoramic views. The city can be seen sprawling out in every direction down below, and it is a sight to behold at any time of day. Check out Wolfgang Puck's delectable restaurant for a real sky-high experience!

1. The Mustangs of Las Colinas: Home to Life-size Bronze Mustang Sculptures

If you love horses, the Mustangs of Las Colinas will blow you away. Located in the East Tower of Williams Square, walk up to nine mesmerizing wild Mustang sculptures that are spread throughout the square. The carved galloping horses running through water look so real -- the embodiment of Texas heritage. The museum nearby exhibits photographs and shows a movie depicting the history of the sculpture's creator and his creative process. It took 8 years for artist Robert Glen to research and finish the sculptures. The museum also features other masterpieces from this brilliant sculptor.

2. National Scouting Museum: Boys Scouts of America's Heritage site

Learn about the Boys Scouts of America's heritage by exploring the assortment of artefacts that include oil paintings, uniforms, patches, photographs, film and letters. Be amazed by the first Eagle award, medal, badges and neckerchiefs awarded to Arthur Eldred in 1912. You'll be enthralled by Norman Rockwell's World War I collection of paintings featured on the Red Cross Magazine and by the venture campsite replicas from 1910, the 1950s and current day.

3. Irving Arts Center: Irving's Hub for the Performing Arts and Artists

Located in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth, the Irving Arts Center is the community's core for performing and fine arts' performers and lovers alike. Designed with two functioning theaters with rehearsal facilities, the Irving Arts Center also has four galleries and various rooms used for meetings and classes. Its magnificent Sculpture Garden intertwines its flowers, fountains and walkways with its permanent exhibits of Reuben Nakian's Goddess of the Golden Thighs. Join a guided tour of the museum and enjoy the assortment of educational performances, exhibitions and other community activities.

4. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas: Irving's International Business District

The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas is Irving's international business district conveniently located next to DFW International Airport and Dallas' Love Field. In addition to hosting meetings and events, the facility is surrounded by restaurants, shopping and entertainment locales. Plan a day for golfing or attend amusement parks, sporting venues or art museums allocated around the convention center.

5. Irving Market Center: Shop 'til You Drop Alongside the Locals

Located in between Hwy 183 & Beltline Road, The Irving Market Center is a retail network housing a variety of brand name stores. This retail and restaurant mall is a favorite stop for natives and tourists alike. Go shopping at Best Buy, Petsmart, Ross and Shoe Carnival to name a few. These stores are among the many treasures that make Irving Market Center come alive. If you feel like saving money and/or getting good deals, visit Old Navy or Target. These are only two of the main retail stores available in the Irving Market Center. If you need to get a travel guide or simply a nice relaxing book, stop in at Barnes & Noble. Enjoy a book/magazine as you sit down and drink your coffee or tea or catch the latest movie release at the nearby AMC theater.

6. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: The Kennedy Assassination

One of the most significant events in modern American history was the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. A sniper targeted the revolutionary President from the 6th floor of this very building, and today a moving and informative museum is housed here. Explore the career, politics, and legacy of JFK through these comprehensive exhibitions, and let the significance of his life and death sink in as you immerse yourself in the scene of the crime. Not far away you'll find the JFK Memorial Plaza.

7. Reunion Tower: 560 Feet Skywards

An icon of the Dallas cityscape, this enormous tower is an unforgettable landmark of the Downtown area. Its futuristic design is unique, with a giant ball perched atop a slender base shaped like a magic wand. At the top, tourists will find an epic observation deck with panoramic views. The city can be seen sprawling out in every direction down below, and it is a sight to behold at any time of day. Check out Wolfgang Puck's delectable restaurant for a real sky-high experience!

Where to Eat in Irving

LAW, a traditional American steakhouse, specializes in bone-in ribeye, short ribs, and a 9oz flank steak. Entrees average $40. The Keg Steakhouse and Bar serves top sirloin, Alaskan King crab, and Atlantic lobster tails. Entrees average $40.

When to visit Irving

Irving in March
Estimated hotel price
C$ 83
1 night at 3-star hotel
Irving in March
Estimated hotel price
C$ 83
1 night at 3-star hotel

The best months to visit Irving are April to October when temperatures average 77 to 96 degrees.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Irving

Plane

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 20 minutes from Irving, services 226 destinations, including 56 international and 170 domestic locations. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit provides bus service to downtown Irving.

Car

Several highways bypass Irving, including the Airport Freeway, which runs east-west through downtown, and the LBJ Freeway, as well as the John W. Carpenter Freeway and the President George Bush Turnpike, which crisscross the city.

Bus

The closest Greyhound bus station to Irving is in Dallas, 25 minutes from downtown, which has connections to Houston.

Plane

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 20 minutes from Irving, services 226 destinations, including 56 international and 170 domestic locations. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit provides bus service to downtown Irving.

Car

Several highways bypass Irving, including the Airport Freeway, which runs east-west through downtown, and the LBJ Freeway, as well as the John W. Carpenter Freeway and the President George Bush Turnpike, which crisscross the city.

Bus

The closest Greyhound bus station to Irving is in Dallas, 25 minutes from downtown, which has connections to Houston.

Airports near Irving

ACTWaco

Airlines serving Irving

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,612 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,253 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,534 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,846 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,459 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (219 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (898 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,116 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (889 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (5,276 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (811 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Irving

Bear Creek - Bear Creek, the oldest African-American community in Dallas County, features three different museums, which document the time from the end of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.

Popular Neighborhoods in Irving

Irving Heritage District - the Heritage District in Irving dates back to 1903 and is home to numerous antique shops and thrift stores, as well as a classic soda shop and pharmacy. The district is also home to Heritage House, built in 1912, which features J. O. and C. P. Schulze family antiques, as well as gifts from other founding Irving families.

Las Colinas - Las Colinas, home to the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn, hosts the Irving Music Factory, featuring 250,000 square feet of entertainment, retail shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Irving Heritage District - the Heritage District in Irving dates back to 1903 and is home to numerous antique shops and thrift stores, as well as a classic soda shop and pharmacy. The district is also home to Heritage House, built in 1912, which features J. O. and C. P. Schulze family antiques, as well as gifts from other founding Irving families.
Las Colinas - Las Colinas, home to the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn, hosts the Irving Music Factory, featuring 250,000 square feet of entertainment, retail shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.

Where to stay in popular areas of Irving

Most booked hotels in Irving

Hyatt Place DFW
3 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 216+
Grand Hyatt DFW
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 371+
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 650+
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Grand Prairie North
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 133+
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 452+
Marriott Dallas Las Colinas
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 236+

How to Get Around Irving

Public Transportation

Irving is serviced by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which provides bus, light, and commuter rail service. Local day passes are $5.

Taxi

Irving has several taxi companies, including Irving Taxi. Fares start at $2.25.

Car

Irving features several car rental locations. Daily rates start at $33.75.

Public Transportation

Irving is serviced by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which provides bus, light, and commuter rail service. Local day passes are $5.

Taxi

Irving has several taxi companies, including Irving Taxi. Fares start at $2.25.

Car

Irving features several car rental locations. Daily rates start at $33.75.

The Cost of Living in Irving

Shopping Streets

Irving has several prominent shopping areas, including Galleria at 13355 Noel Road, which has high-end shops, department stores, casual and upscale restaurants, as well as an ice skating rink.

Groceries and Other

Tom Thumb features staples, as well as a deli, fish market, sushi bar, and olive bar. La Michoacana Meat Market has meats, produce, baked goods, and a tacqueria. The cost of living in Irving is slightly below the national average. A gallon of milk is $2.77 and a loaf of bread is $1.91.

Cheap meal
C$ 15.57
A pair of jeans
C$ 54.15
Single public transport ticket
C$ 5.42
Cappuccino
C$ 5.30