Dealey Plaza

The Basics

Now a National Historic Landmark District, Dealey Plaza includes several notable sites. The Sixth Floor Museum is located on the upper floors of the former book depository, where evidence of the shooter was discovered. Displays here chronicle Kennedy’s life, presidency, and assassination.

A white X on Elm Street marks the spot where the president was shot, and on the northwest side of the plaza is the famed grassy knoll, which played an important role in conspiracy theories about alternate shooters. One block away, you’ll find John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Dealey Plaza is a must for anyone interested in presidential history.

• Visitors are asked to treat these sites respectfully and with deference to the tragic event that occurred here.

• Both the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Dealey Plaza encompasses the intersection of three streets in west downtown Dallas—Main, Elm, and Commerce—bordered by North Houston Street. Interstate 35 East (aka Stemmons Freeway) runs just one-third of a mile west of the plaza, and paid parking is available behind the Sixth Floor Museum. By public transit, take the DART to West End and walk about five minutes to the plaza.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Dealey Plaza is during the week, when the area is less crowded. Spring and fall are ideal times to explore Dallas, before the peak heat of the Texas summer months.

X Marks the Spot

Throughout the years, a variety of hand-painted X marks have appeared on Elm Street allegedly denoting the two locations of President Kennedy’s limousine when shots struck him. These are not official markings from the city or any other historical organization. Occasionally, the city removes them, but they always quickly reappear.

What is Dealey Plaza, and why is it historically significant?

Dealey Plaza is a small green space in Dallas, Texas. In 1963, John F. Kennedy’s motorcade was traveling along the roadway adjacent to Dealey Plaza when the president was assassinated in his car. The Dealey Plaza Historic District was named a National Historic Landmark in 1993, protecting its status as a site of significance.

What can visitors see and do at Dealey Plaza?

There are a number of places of interest within Dealey Plaza. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, housed within the former Texas School Book Depository building—where it’s believed Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots—is dedicated to the legacy and assassination of JFK. The Grassy Knoll is to the northwest of the plaza, where it was suspected that an assassin could have fired shots. A white X painted on Elm Street marks where the president was shot.

Are there any nearby attractions or landmarks that visitors should explore after visiting Dealey Plaza?

Yes, visitors will find other attractions near Dealey Plaza. Most people choose to combine a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum with other landmarks, including JFK Memorial Plaza, John Neely Bryan Cabin, and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

Is there an admission fee to visit Dealey Plaza or the Sixth Floor Museum?

No, there is no fee to visit Dealey Plaza or the Grassy Knoll. Paid admission tickets are required for The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: prices are reduced for anyone aged 6-18 or 65+, and the museum is free for children under the age of 6.

Is Dealey Plaza accessible for people with disabilities or limited mobility?

Yes, Dealey Plaza is suitable for people with disabilities or limited mobility. As it’s an outdoor space, visitors can freely use the surrounding sidewalks. All levels within The Sixth Floor Museum can be accessed by wheelchair users and the museum offers free wheelchairs for loan, available within the Visitor Center.

Where is Dealey Plaza located in Dallas, and how can visitors get there?

Dealey Plaza is located at the intersection of Main Street and S. Houston Street in Dallas. The Houston and Main bus stop is located at Dealey Plaza, which is served by numerous bus routes. If traveling by train, the museum is three blocks west of West End Station, which is reached via the DART lines; Union Station is five blocks north, where the TRE line connects to Fort Worth. There are many nearby parking garages if you’re arriving by car.

Ways to explore

Almost all Dallas sightseeing tours include a stop at Dealey Plaza. Pass through on a walking, e-bike, or scooter tour; ride a historic trolley around the downtown district; or explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour or on a hop-on hop-off bus.

Dedicated tours follow the events of JFK’s assassination, and typically include stops at the Sixth Floor Museum, built on the site of the former book depository, from where the sniper’s shots were fired; the Grassy Knoll on Elm Street, which marks the spot where the president was shot; and nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

Accessibility

The plaza is wheelchair accessible and suitable for travelers with limited mobility.

Age limits

Most tours are family-friendly, but children under 10 years may struggle to understand the historic context.

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing

Not allowed

Remember that this is a place of memorial, and be respectful of other visitors

Amenities

Public restrooms

Address 

Dealey Plaza is located at the intersection of three streets in west downtown Dallas—Main, Elm, and Commerce—bordered by North Houston Street. It’s easy to reach on foot within the downtown historic district, by public transport, or by car.

Driving

Interstate 35 East (aka Stemmons Freeway) runs just west of the plaza—take exit 429B toward Commerce Street/Elm Street. Paid parking is available at the Sixth Floor Museum.

Public transportation

Take the DART to West End station, from where it’s about a 5-minute walk to the plaza.

Best times to visit

Plan your visit for early or late in the day to avoid the tour groups and the hottest part of the day, especially in summer.

Best days to visit

Dealey Plaza is busiest on weekends, especially during peak season. Opt for a weekday visit to elude the crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are ideal times to explore Dallas, before the peak heat of the Texas summer months.

Special events

Memorials and gatherings often mark the anniversary of JFK’s assassination on November 22.