Entry No. 9 — the Dallas file — filed under: outdoor

Dragon Park

A small, semi-secret privately owned garden at Cedar Springs and Hood, built by the owner of the salon across the street as a place of rest. The entrance is shrouded in thick trees so it reads as nothing more than an overgrown eccentric front yard - inside are winding paths, water features, and statues of angels, dragons, gargoyles and Chinese guardian lions. It's private property but the owners welcome quiet visitors.

The move: Slip in through the tree-shrouded entrance and wander the gargoyle-lined paths to the hidden water-feature nooks - it's tiny and atmospheric, perfect for a slow, low-key wander and photos before dinner in Oak Lawn.

📍 Before you go Find it at the corner of Cedar Springs and Hood, in the heart of Oak Lawn. From the sidewalk it disguises itself as an overgrown front yard, so look for the two Chinese guardian lions flanking the staircase that marks the real way in. It's an extension of the salon across the street and has a small private lot, but treat the place as someone's property: park considerately, keep your voices low, and take any litter with you. Daytime in spring or fall shows the plantings and statuary at their best. It's tiny, so pair it with dinner or drinks along the Cedar Springs strip, just steps away.

• 📍 Oak Lawn
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Cedar Springs Rd & Hood St, Dallas, TX 75219 (Oak Lawn)

Hours: Privately owned garden; owners tolerate respectful visitors - keep quiet and tidy

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: dmagazine.com · gardencollage.com

last checked: 2026-06-06