Dallas, Texas, is full of hidden gems, and the AT&T Discovery District, located on South Akard Street, is undoubtedly one of them. This vibrant destination seamlessly blends technology, food, and culture into an accessible and exciting public space. Having spent an enjoyable weekend exploring this district, we’re excited to share our experience and highlight why it’s a must-visit spot in downtown Dallas.
Water features and media wall at the AT&T Discovery District
Inviting entrance to the AT&T Discovery District in Dallas, featuring modern water features and the impressive media wall.
For a recent holiday weekend, seeking a local adventure for visiting family, the AT&T Discovery District emerged as the perfect place to start. Conveniently situated on Akard Street in downtown Dallas, reaching it was a breeze thanks to the city’s efficient public transportation.
What makes the AT&T Discovery District truly special is its unique combination of elements. It’s a free public space designed to inspire and entertain, offering a distinctive experience for an evening out. The district welcomes you with a spacious plaza, characterized by wide walkways, captivating water features, and a comfortable turf area perfect for relaxation. Dominating the view from the plaza is the colossal Media Wall, a breathtaking 104-foot tall structure boasting a 9,300 sq ft display. With its stunning 6K resolution, the Media Wall immediately commands attention, showcasing visuals with incredible clarity.
Giant screen for multimedia display
The awe-inspiring Media Wall at AT&T Discovery District in Dallas, displaying vibrant multimedia content with exceptional clarity.
To the left of the plaza, you’ll find The Globe, another iconic and innovative structure. Mirror-covered and illuminated by 300,000 LED lights, this 30-foot tall sphere is a modern marvel. As darkness falls, The Globe truly comes alive, pulsating with light and sound, creating an enchanting ambiance. Beyond The Globe lies the AT&T Lobby, described as a “one-of-a-kind, floor-to-ceiling fusion of architecture, multimedia content, and technology,” promising an immersive and technologically rich experience.
On the right side of the plaza is The Exchange, a building housing a diverse collection of culinary delights. This vibrant food hall features approximately thirteen restaurants and two bars spread across two floors, offering a casual dining atmosphere. With seating areas scattered throughout, visitors can choose from a wide range of cuisines, from classic American dishes to international fusion, Mediterranean flavors, and tapas-style small plates.
Continuing past the plaza, you’ll encounter Jaxon Beer Garden, a restaurant with a lively outdoor patio and stage area. Jaxon offers both indoor and outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience. Across from Jaxon is the AT&T Experience Store, where entertainment comes to life. This interactive space often features pop-up exhibits, such as the popular Central Perk from the beloved TV show Friends, and HBO Max Orbit, an interactive experience that responds to voice and facial movements to explore a vast library of content. Depending on the time of your visit, you might also find other exciting exhibits like the Space Jam showcase.
Central Perk Pop-up at the AT&T Experience Store
The delightful Central Perk pop-up at the AT&T Experience Store in Dallas, offering a fun photo opportunity for fans of the iconic TV show Friends.
At the far end of South Akard Street, within the Discovery District, stands the Spirit of Communication statue, affectionately known as Golden Boy. This impressive figure, over a century old, remains a commanding presence. Commissioned in 1914 and sculpted by Evelyn Beatrice Longman in 1916, Golden Boy weighs sixteen tons and features a 24-foot winged body. Holding thunderbolts and electrical cables, this bronze statue covered in gold leaf has traveled across AT&T headquarters before finding its home in Dallas. With its timeless appeal, Golden Boy evokes a sense of history and strength.
Golden Boy statue
The majestic Golden Boy statue, a historical landmark within the AT&T Discovery District on South Akard Street in Dallas, symbolizing communication and progress.
For our visit to the AT&T Discovery District, we opted for the DART train, Dallas’s efficient light rail system. Using the GoPass app, purchasing tickets was convenient and affordable. We parked at the Parker Station in Plano and boarded the Westmoreland train. The comfortable and uncrowded train ride to Akard station took around 40 minutes, providing a relaxing start to our evening. From the Akard station, the Discovery District was just a short block away.
DART train station at Parker Road
The DART train station at Parker Road in Plano, offering convenient public transportation to the AT&T Discovery District in Dallas.
The Media Wall served as a bright beacon, guiding us towards the heart of the Discovery District. However, the surrounding architecture also captured our attention, hinting at further exploration for future visits. After pausing to appreciate the Plaza and its surroundings, our first priority was dinner. We explored the diverse options at The Exchange, considering Rise+Thyme, Monkey King Noodles, and Revolver Taco Lounge. While these were tempting, we ultimately sought a slightly more formal dining experience for our family dinner.
We then walked to Jaxon Beer Garden, where a live band was performing, and a considerable queue had formed at the entrance. Despite a limited number of vegetarian options on the menu, the hostess assured us that more items could be adapted. We decided to dine at Jaxon, and were seated upstairs. While the upstairs location offered a welcome distance from the live music, the room was noticeably cooler than we preferred. Service was also a bit slow that evening, likely due to the restaurant’s popularity.
Despite the minor service and temperature issues, we enjoyed a selection of appetizers, including the Jaxon Queso, charred Shishito peppers, loaded fries (without bacon), and Mexican elote. The Shishito peppers were a particular highlight. For entrees, our group sampled the spicy chicken sandwich, a portabella French dip, a pork and peppers dish (modified vegetarian), and a Jaxon cheeseburger with an Impossible Burger substitution. The food was generally flavorful, and the poblano pepper sandwich was especially satisfying. However, with our waitress managing the entire upper floor alone, service remained slow, and water refills were missed. The spicy chicken sandwich arrived significantly later than the other dishes, and the cool room temperature prompted some to seek warmth on the patio. While the food was enjoyable, the overall dining experience at Jaxon was somewhat mixed.
After dinner, we ventured across to the AT&T Experience Store to see the Central Perk set. Unfortunately, we arrived slightly after the 9 pm closing time for the Store and Lobby. We could only admire the exhibits through the windows, including the HBO Max Orbit and Space Jam displays. This gives us another reason to return to the Discovery District in the future.
We then found a comfortable spot on the turf and spent time captivated by the Media Wall’s mesmerizing display. Against the night sky, the vibrant colors and clear images were truly impressive. The Globe also drew crowds, with visitors taking photos and admiring its unique design. Though the AT&T Lobby was closed, the outdoor attractions and atmosphere provided a delightful evening.
The entire plaza buzzed with activity, creating a perfect setting for a family outing. Our experience at the AT&T Discovery District was positive, and we highly recommend visiting this unique destination in downtown Dallas.
Pro-Tip: Consider dining earlier in the evening to allow ample time to explore the AT&T Lobby and Experience Store before their 9 pm closing time. Alternatively, arrive early to enjoy all the attractions and then have a relaxed dinner. Either way, the AT&T Discovery District offers a memorable and unique experience in downtown Dallas.
AT&T Discovery District is located at 208 S. Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
