A Day in Dallas: The Perfect Itinerary for Coffee, Shopping, Perfume-Making, and Dinner

In Dallas, days can fly from sunrise to sunset, from delicious coffee shops to a beautiful dinner, or from sightseeing to socializing without being overcomplicated. Dallas's rich downtown area and its surrounding neighborhoods make everything feel closely nestled together despite such a large, bustling city. Whether you travel for a weekend, want to spend time with the girls, have guests in town, or are looking for a fun date, our itinerary can help provide you recommendations for a memorable experience.

At Malibu Apothecary, the anchor of your agenda will be a perfect 12:30 PM 100 mL perfume class, which is also a tangible gift of your day out to remember! 

Morning: Start with Coffee or a Leisurely Brunch

Dallas never falls short when coffee and brunch are involved. For a stress-free beginning of the day, try Funny Library Coffee Shop located inside Virgin Hotels Dallas. In the heart of the Design District and conveniently located next to your perfume experience, Funny Library offers casual food and coffee in an upscale setting.  

If looking for a cocktail-forward spot, Triumphs Espresso & Whiskey has flavorful cocktails and affordable, substantial bites. For a proper sit-down brunch, classy Café Olivia or southern Haywire have options for you as well.

12:30 PM: Create Your Own 100 mL Perfume at Malibu Apothecary

At 12:30 PM, arrive at Malibu Apothecary for your personalized 100 mL Perfumery Class. Our class is the centerpiece of your day's agenda and a unique, elevated activity to do in Dallas that will give you a lasting keepsake you can use later on!

During the class, you will design your own custom fragrance by exploring scent families, blending notes, and finally assembling a 100 mL perfume that is unique to you. Our products are both clean and sustainable, and each scent we bring to your workshop is inspired by a destination our founder, Claire, has traveled to. Our classes are great for dates, bachelorette weekends, family outings, and creative afternoons solo. 

Early Afternoon: Casual Lunch Nearby

Post-class, opt in for an easy lunch. Casual options include Rodeo Goat for quick burgers or Mama's Daughters' Diner. The Henry is a great option for more elevated food across cuisines, as is Mercat Bistro, a French restaurant. 

Afternoon: Choose Between Shopping, Strolling, or Exploring

For a luxury boutique experience and Mediterranean architecture, Highland Park Village is perfect, even if just passing through to window shop. Also consider checking out Wild Bill's Western Store for Texan boots or hats. 

To find furniture that has something for everyone, look towards the Dallas Design District which surrounds our Apothecary, with quality options like vintage-inspired Scout Design Studio.

Looking for more interactive options? Check out the The Dallas World Aquarium, the Reunion Tower, or the Perot Museum. 

Evening: Dinner Somewhere Stylish

Head towards The Charles for Italian-Texan food or Evelyn for an intimate night of cocktails and bites. Delilah Dallas, Town Hearth, and Nuri Steakhouse bring Dallas decor to the forefront, along with highly rated steak. The Mexican is more group-friendly, and Monarch Restaurant gives you skyline views and a more dramatic finish to the night.

Where to Stay

For the complete experience, we recommend staying in a hotel with a bit of Dallas personality. Virgin Hotels Dallas is a given if you want to be near the Design District. Hotel Crescent Court is classic and well-located. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is one of the most grand Dallas hotel options if you are wanting to go all in. Lastly, Hotel Swexan is an excellent choice for highly ranked food and a Michelin Key stay. 

Our "Dallas Day" Itinerary:

10:00 AM – Coffee at Funny Library Coffee Shop, especially if staying at Virgin Hotels Dallas
11:00 AM – Light shopping and walking through Uptown 
12:30 PM – 100 mL Perfumery Class at Malibu Apothecary, the star of your day!
2:30 PM – Lunch at The Henry or Mercat Bistro
4:00 PM – Shopping at Highland Park Village or venturing through the Perot
6:30 PM – Drinks and socializing before dinner
7:30 PM – Dinner at The Charles, Evelyn, The Mexican, or Monarch Restaurant

A More Memorable Way to Spend the Day

Whether you are planning a weekend in Dallas, a special celebration, or a polished day out with friends, we invite you to use our suggestions to create a day that feels fun without being overbearing.

Book the 12:30 PM 100 mL Perfumery Class at Malibu Apothecary and build your Dallas day around scent, style, and a little indulgence!

Explore the day here...