Sixth Floor Museum: Worth It in Dallas?

The Sixth Floor Museum is a sober, self-guided experience focused on the events surrounding JFK's assassination. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository, it walks you through the historical context of 1963, the shooting, the investigation, and its cultural impact using photos, artifacts, and video. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes inside. The windows overlooking Dealey Plaza are the main draw, and the plaza itself is free to walk around afterward with plaques and the grassy knoll. It's informative but heavy - not a light tourist stop.

Best time to visit is fall through spring when Dallas weather is milder; summers are brutally hot and the indoor crowds can feel stuffy. Expect to pay around $20-35 for a standard ticket, though guided tours or combo packages with other JFK sites can push it to $100-150 per person. Go early in the morning to avoid the longest lines.

Tip: Get the basic museum ticket and explore Dealey Plaza on your own - it's more impactful without a big group. Skip the pricier full-day bus tours unless you really want to see Oswald's rooming house; they're long and the extra sites aren't nearly as compelling. Audio guide is worth it if you like deeper detail.