If you live in the Park Cities — that’s Highland Park and University Park — you already know that life here isn’t just about tree-lined streets and top-rated schools. It’s about community. It’s about the clubs where people connect, friendships form, and memories are made.
From evening tennis matches under string lights to cocktails after the game, the social rhythm of Dallas thrives here. Whether you’re new to town or exploring the area, this guide offers a true insider’s look at the Park Cities’ private club scene — and what it really takes to join.
1. Dallas Country Club (Highland Park)
If you live in the Park Cities, you know Dallas Country Club (DCC). The lush golf course, the stately architecture, the crackling fireplaces (yes, multiple!), and the newly expanded spa, fitness, and tennis center make it one of the most beautiful private clubs in Texas.
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Vibe: Heritage, tradition, and multi-generational connection.
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What it takes: A minimum 5-year wait list and five letters of recommendation from existing members.
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Why it matters: The golf and tennis programs are equally top-tier, with world-class facilities and community events for members of all ages.
Insider note: Even if you’re not a member, living nearby gives you a front-row seat to one of Dallas’s most iconic landscapes — it’s part of what makes Highland Park homes so sought after.
2. Park House (Highland Park Village)
The modern social hub of Dallas, Park House combines culture, food, art, and design. It’s less “country club” and more “global clubhouse,” offering themed dinners, game nights, and curated art events for every interest.
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Vibe: Chic, creative, and cosmopolitan.
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Membership: A 6,000-person waitlist and typically five letters of recommendation.
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Why it matters: A mix of Dallas creatives, entrepreneurs, and executives call this their second home.
Personal note: We live in Highland Park and love the convenience of walking to Highland Park Village. As members at Park House, we can honestly say the food, drinks, and social atmosphere are unmatched. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, give us a call — we’d love to invite you in for a drink and a tour!
3. 55Seventy (Preston Center)
A private wine and social club that attracts food lovers, connoisseurs, and professionals who prefer conversation over competition.
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Vibe: Sophisticated, social, and unpretentious.
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Membership: Filling quickly as the club nears capacity.
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Why it matters: The menu, designed by chefs from acclaimed restaurants like FT33, is outstanding — and the wine program is among the city’s best.
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Insider tip: We’re not members, but we’ve enjoyed the food, wine, and atmosphere — it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a culinary experience.
4. Park Cities Club (Preston Center)
A timeless private dining and social club known for elegant events and strong community ties.
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Vibe: Professional, friendly, and family-oriented.
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Membership: Invitation-based with varying initiation levels.
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Why it matters: It’s the perfect place to host client lunches, attend community events, or simply enjoy a sophisticated meal among neighbors.
5. Brook Hollow Golf Club (Northwest Dallas)
A heritage club founded in 1920, Brook Hollow remains one of Dallas’s most private and prestigious institutions.
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Vibe: Understated, traditional, and deeply respected.
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Membership: Invitation-only, with initiation fees well into the six figures.
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Why it matters: Golf is king here, but the social network is equally strong — a quiet yet powerful Dallas legacy.
6. Royal Oaks Country Club (North Dallas)
Known for its stunning course and active tennis community, Royal Oaks blends prestige with play.
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Vibe: Upscale yet approachable; family-friendly luxury.
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Membership: Competitive initiation (mid-five figures).
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Why it matters: Tennis is just as popular as golf, and the social events keep members connected year-round.
7. Dallas National Golf Club (Southwest Dallas)
Founded in 2002, Dallas National consistently ranks among the top 100 golf courses in the U.S.
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Vibe: Pure golf, pure exclusivity.
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Membership: Invitation-only, six-figure initiation, and limited spots.
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Why it matters: It’s a Tom Fazio masterpiece — serious golfers dream of playing here.
8. Idlewild Club (Highland Park Village)
Established in 1884, the Idlewild Club is one of Dallas’s oldest private social organizations, known for its elegance and history.
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Vibe: Generational, traditional, and invitation-only.
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Why it matters: It’s part of the enduring social fabric of Highland Park and still hosts events tied to Dallas’s oldest families.
9. Dallas Woman’s Club (Park Lane)
A century-old women’s club centered on culture, philanthropy, and friendship.
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Vibe: Graceful, civic-minded, and community-focused.
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Why it matters: For women seeking meaningful connection, cultural programs, and community involvement, this club offers all three.
🎾 Love Tennis or Pickleball but Don’t Have a Club Membership Yet?
You’re in luck — living in the Park Cities gives you access to some of the best public courts and pools in Dallas, all for a fraction of a private club’s cost.
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Both cities offer resident tennis memberships for under $100 per year.
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Courts have been recently resurfaced and new pickleball courts added, surrounded by trees and parks for that picture-perfect Park Cities backdrop.
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Many courts are lit for night play — our favorite time to hit the courts when the temperatures finally dip!
💦 Pools Worth Splashing Into
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The Highland Park Pool and Holmes Aquatic Center in University Park are impeccably maintained and affordable.
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Family memberships start at $60 per person, with guest passes for just $7.
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Pools are heated to 78°F in cooler weather and cooled in summer for the perfect swim any time of year.
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Expect community cookouts on Memorial Day and Labor Day, where neighbors gather to celebrate summer in style.
Personal note: Tiffany enjoys swimming laps in the morning and water aerobics — “You start seeing the same friendly faces every morning. It’s such a fun, supportive community.”
🥂 Our Insider Perspective
As Highland Park residents, we feel incredibly fortunate to call this community home. Whether it’s a pool workout, a night match under the lights, or an event at Park House, there’s always something happening — and always a friendly face nearby.
We love Park House for its food, themed events, and vibrant social energy, and while we’re not members at 55Seventy, we can personally vouch for its chef-driven cuisine and exceptional wine list.
If you’d like to experience Park House firsthand, reach out to us — we’d love to invite you in for a drink and a tour.
💫 The Real Secret of the Park Cities
Even if you’re not (yet) a member of DCC, Brook Hollow, or Park House, living in Highland Park or University Park means you’re already part of one of Dallas’s most exclusive “clubs.”
The friendships, community pride, and local amenities make this area one of the most extraordinary places to live — no membership card required.
📍 Ready to Find Your Place in the Park Cities?
Whether you’re moving to Dallas or ready to upsize, downsize, or right-size your lifestyle, we’d love to help you find the perfect home — and introduce you to the community that comes with it.
👉 Explore Highland Park Homes
👉 Explore University Park Homes
👉 Contact The Hawkins Group to start your Park Cities journey today.
