Situated in Dallas County in the state of Texas, United States, the city of Irving is the thirteenth-largest in the state and was founded in 1903 and named after the American novelist Washington Irving.
Irving is located between Dallas and Fort Worth and is a great holiday place for people from all over the state.
The city is also the headquarters of five Fortune 500 corporations. While its museums and heritage centers offer an insight into its history, it also has beautiful outdoors, such as Lake Carolyn, Campion Trails, Centennial Park, Mandalay canals, and many such charming places.
Irving is a holiday destination that promises a lot of unique experiences to its visitors and a chance to take a break from the busy routines of regular life.
From art centers, history museums, entertainment, music, and theater to outdoor activities, this city has something for everyone.
Things to Do In Irving, Texas
1. Ruth Paine House Museum
This historic house plays a very important role in American history and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
It was found by the FBI that the alleged JFK assassin spent the night in this house-a house belonging to Ruth Paine, a housewife-before the day he killed the president.
The house has been restored to its 1963 look and turned into a museum that has gripped historians, scholars, and Americans ever since the tragic event.
What to do: have a rare encounter with history where the visitors are shown the story of what happened through projected vignettes. You can also get a sense of the time and place as it was when these events took place.
Address: 801 W Irving Blvd, Irving, TX 75060, United States
Timings: open for touring by appointment from Tuesday to Friday between 10 am-11.30 am and 2 pm-3.30 pm.
Price: $12 per person
2. Irving Heritage District
Spread over 80 acres, the district pays homage to Irving’s history and takes you back in time.
It has several historic landmarks, museums, antique shops, thrift stores, other shops, and restaurants.
It also has the Heritage House, built in 1912, and one of the oldest buildings in Irving.
What to do: go back in time and explore the district, visit the antique shops for vintage items and souvenirs.
Address: 303 S O Connor Rd, Irving, TX 75060, USA
Timings: it holds several events whose date and timing can be checked on its website.
The Heritage House can be toured for free on the first Sunday of each month, from March to December.
Also, Refer- 30 Best Things To Do In Lawton Ok
3. Centennial Park
Founded in 2003, the park celebrates Irving’s first 100 years of existence.
On entering the park, you will encounter two statues of the founding fathers of the city in the Arrival Plaza and in the Founders Plaza, the visitors get to know the city’s significant historical milestones from the memorial wall.
It is a very scenic place and has a lake which makes for a great spot for a picnic. It also has a walking trail.
What to do: explore the history of Irving, have a picnic on the side of the lake, and walk around the park.
Address: 444 W. Second St. Irving, TX 75060
Timings: open throughout the week between 5 am and 12 am.
Price: no entry charge
Parking: Restrooms and parking are available.
4. Mandalay Canals
Mandalay canals are a part of the Las Colinas urban center. Inspired by the Venice canals, they bring back the old-world charm.
They connect with Lake Carolyn and go through restaurants, shops, houses, and offices, along with scenic waterfalls and vine-covered bridges. There is a cobblestone walkway along the canal for walking.
What to do: relax, take a break and enjoy the day here and explore the various sites along the canals.
Address: 215 Mandalay Canal, Irving, TX 75039, United States
Timings: Open 24 hours
Parking: available
5. Gondola Adventures
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors get to do a European-style boat trip on lake Carolyn and through the Mandalay canals.
The rides totally give the feel of being in Venice and take you through all the best local sights on the boats. Visitors can choose the boat of their choice-whether it is a classic boat for two or a more elaborate one with dining, desserts, and breakfast.
What to do: create a memorable experience by taking a boat ride around the city in the Venetian style with your friends and family or taking the sunset ride and spending a romantic evening with your partner watching the sunset on a boat.
Address: 357 West Fork, Irving, TX 75039, USA
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: the prices start from $155
Parking: available
6. Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center
The heritage center houses three museums that relate to the history ion Bear Creek, one of the oldest African-American communities in Dallas County.
The place holds great historical significance because it was here that freed slaves took refuge and created their homes and community.
What to do: learn about the stories of people who lived here from the time of Emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement and made this place their home.
Also, walk through the exquisite Native Plant Garden.
Address: 3925 Jackson St, Irving, TX 75061, USA
Timings: it can be visited by appointment only.
Price: charges $7 per person for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens.
7. Campion Trail
It is a planned 22-mile greenbelt that runs along the elm fork and west fork of the Trinity River. The project was approved in 1995 and is expected to be finished in a total of 30 years.
Currently, two segments of the trail, around 13 miles long, are open to the public and make for a great hiking place with scenery that changes as you walk on.
The trail takes you along both natural beauty as well as urban areas.
What to do: it is a great place for hiking or biking and having a picnic in one of the many scenic spots on the trail.
Address: the trail can be entered from different points. from the north, it can be started from Sam Houston Trail Park, and from the south, from Keenan Crossing Trail Park or Trinity View Park.
Timings: open all week between 6 am and 10 pm.
Price: no charge
Parking: Parking for the northern section of the trail is available in T.W. Richardson Grove Park (333 Interstate 635) and Sam Houston Trail Park (101 East Interstate 635). Parking for the southern section of the trail is available in Trinity View Park (2221 East State Highway 356) and Mountain Creek Preserve (1000 E. Hunter Ferrell).
8. Las Colinas Flower Clock
Completed in 1982, this working flower clock is an iconic cultural landmark in the Las Colinas community.
The clock is a working timepiece made out of seasonal flowers that are changed four times a year to maintain the colorful display.
What to do: go see the spectacular display and click beautiful pictures at the location.
Address: State Highway 114 and O’Connor Boulevard Irving, TX 75039
Timings: open all week from11am to 8 pm.
Price: no cost
Know About- Things to Do In Alexandria La
9. National Scouting Museum
The official museum of the boy scouts enlightens its visitors with the rich history of boy scouts in the United States and their impact on the youth.
It preserves and displays more than 600,000 artifacts. It also exhibits camping gear, scout uniforms as well as campgrounds, indoor caves, laser tag galleries, etc.
It has a library, a gift shop, two exhibit halls, and a large conference room that can hold more than 80 people.
What to do: learn about the 110-plus-year history of Boy Scouts in America and see the displayed memorabilia.
You can also take part in interactive exhibits in the museum.
It is a great place to visit, especially if you have young kids along on the trip.
Address: 7 Deer Run Rd, Cimarron, NM 87714, USA
Timings: open daily, from 8 am to 5 pm.
Price: no admission fee
10. Trinity River Mountain Creek Preserve
Established in 1984, the preserve is a waterfront that has several parks, hiking trails, a playground, picnic spots, a fishing area, basketball courts as well as a cricket pitch.
It is joined with the champion trail system and is a great place to spend time in natural surroundings.
What to do: spend an evening hiking, fishing, and having a picnic while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Address: 1005 E Hunter Ferrell Rd, Irving, TX 75060, United States
Timings: open every day until dusk
Price: $4 per person
Parking: available
11. Irving Arts Center
This visual and performing arts center is a delight for art lovers. Spread over 10 acres, it has four galleries, two theaters, and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
It exhibits work by various artists from all over the world along with regional and local artists. It also holds over 200 dance and music performances and recitals annually.
What to do: visit the center and connect with your inner artist through art, music, and theater.
Look at the stunning artworks by various artists displayed here and meet other artists and teachers here.
Address: 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062, United States
Timings: open from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm.
Price: no charge
Parking: available
12. Cistercian Monastery
Founded in 1955, it is the only remaining Cistercian monastery in North America.
Its simple and beautiful architecture, in its quiet and restraint, reflects the lives of monks. It is a very peaceful place with a stunning landscape.
What to do: visit the monastery on a Sunday to attend Mass held by Cistercian monks and spend a peaceful time here.
Address: 1 Cistercian Rd, Irving, TX 75039, United States
Timings: timings for mass and other services are available on their website
13. The Rose Gardens in Farmers Branch
Located in the Historical park, the Rose Garden was dedicated to the city in honor of Ruthan Rogers, a rose enthusiast, who loved the idea of a rose garden in a historical setting.
The garden has more than 200 varieties of roses that are cared for without any fertilizer or pesticide.
What to do: tour around the exquisite rose garden and also learn about the selection and care of roses.
Address: 2610 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234, United States
Timings: open daily, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Price: free entry
Parking: available
14. California Crossing Park
Established in 1956, it is dedicated to the memory of the early travelers who crossed the Trinity river in this area. Spread over 30 acres, the park is divided into two parts, one in Irving and the other in Dallas.
It has several trails including the historic trail that tells the history of the early travelers from the 1800s. The park also provides a stunning view of the water and is a great place to spend a summer evening.
What to do: learn about the history, go hiking and watch the sunset near the water.
Address: 5198 Riverside Drive, Irving, TX 75039
Timings: open from sunrise to sunset.
Price: no charge
Parking: available
15. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaza
Established in 2014, on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the plaza has 7 feet tall, and 30 inches wide, and a 1500-pound bronze statue of Mahatma is installed on a pedestal in Thomas Jefferson Park.
It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape and has granite walls engraved with the words of Mahatma Gandhi along with world leaders influenced by him.
What to do: explore Thomas Jefferson Park, have a picnic by the lake, play a game of basketball, and visit the plaza to see the magnificent statue.
Address: 1201 Hidden Ridge, Irving, TX 75038, United States
Timings: the park opens between 8 am and 10 pm.
Price: no charges
Frequently Asked Question
Q1- What is famous about Irving Texas?
The city of Irving is known for its culturally rich diversity. It is also famous for being the international headquarters of five Fortune 500 corporations.
Q2- How far is Irving Texas from the beach?
Irving is 284.90 miles from Surfside Beach. It takes 5 hours and 34 minutes to reach by car if you drive nonstop.
Q3- Does it snow in Irving Texas?
On average, Irving gets one inch of snow every year.
Q4- What is the coldest month in Texas?
January is the coldest month in Texas.
Q5- Is Irving TX a dry town?
No, Irving is no longer a dry town. Grocery stores and convenience stores sell beer and wine.
Q6- What part of Texas has the best weather?
Houston has the best weather out of all major cities in Texas.
Read More- Best 20 Things To Do In Grand Haven MI
Hey, I am The Head of wlra and also a Travel Blogger. Blogging has been my passion since childhood.
Wlra has helped me discover so many new places and explore the world like I never did.