Dallas is a bustling city with a million things to do, but sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a longer adventure, there are plenty of incredible destinations within a few hours' drive of Dallas.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best road trips from Dallas, perfect for escaping the city and experiencing the diverse beauty of Texas.
It's always funny to me how many people I talk with in Dallas who have never visited Fort Worth. Fort Worth has its own unique charm and vibe from Dallas. Sundance Square and the Stockyards, among many other places, make Fort Worth very much worth the visit.
Attractions: The Fort Worth Zoo, Kimbell Art Museum, and Sundance Square are must-sees. The Stockyards National Historic District offers a glimpse into the Old West with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Denton is known for its Austin-esque art and music feel. The college crowd from the Univeristy of North Texas and Texas Woman's University give it a college-town feel. The main square has several good restaurants, shops, and art galleries. One is particularly interesting at Bramblitts's Yellow Dog Art Bar & Gallery. Bramblitts is home to the artwork by John Bramblitt. A blind artist who has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, Discovery Channel, and BBC Radio.
Attractions: Explore the historic downtown square with its unique shops, cafes, and the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum. Enjoy live music at local venues and visit the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo.
If quant small town squares are your thing, Granbury is a must. The Downtown Square was the first town square in Texas to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is lined with shops and restaurants. Granbury sets right on the edge of the Brazos River, which was dammed in 1969 to form a long narrow lake in the town center.
Attractions: Stroll around the historic downtown square, visit the Granbury Opera House, and take a ghost tour. Relax at Lake Granbury or explore the nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Just down the road from Granbury is Glen Rose making it easy to visit both on the same day. Glen Rose is substantially smaller than Granbury but 3 things make Glen Rose a great visit. Dinosaur Valley State Park where you can see a set of dinosaur tracks in the river bed. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a drive through Safari Park that is an absolute blast. You can feed and see all sorts of animals including Zebra, Rhinos, and Giraffes. Glen Rose also has some great restaurants and shops on its square.
Attractions: Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park to see real dinosaur tracks, explore the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and check out the shops and restaurants on the square.
As a Baylor Alum, there was a point where I would recommend most people skip right over Waco. But that has changed. Thanks to Chip and Joanna the downtown area has been revitalized. There are loads of good restaurants, bars, and breweries to explore. If the outdoors is more your speed the Cameron Park Zoo and Waco Mammoth site are also great.
Attractions: Visit the Dr Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, and Waco Mammoth National Monument. Explore the Magnolia Market for shopping and dining.
Austin has always had cool restaurants, bars, and live music. But the city has grown even more in the last 15 years. In addition to live music, the stand-up comedy scene in Austin has blossomed. There is a ton to explore, so find a 3-day weekend stay downtown. You can stand up paddle board on Lady Bird Lake in the morning, shop all afternoon, and then find a world-class restaurant or bar for dinner all within walking distance.
Attractions: Visit the Texas State Capitol, enjoy live music on Sixth Street, and explore Zilker Park. Don’t miss the eclectic South Congress Avenue for shopping and dining.
Fredricksburg or as I prefer to call it Wine Disneyland is an all-time road trip favorite for many Texans. There are 80 wineries in the small Hill Country town and 40 more are in the works. Several tour services will drive you from tasting room to tasting room because many of them are spread out on the main road into town Highway 290.
Attractions: Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, tour the local wineries, and explore the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Enjoy German cuisine and shop in the historic downtown.
San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas. While many people have heard of the Alamo, there are other missions open to the public in the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. Downtown and the River Walk are littered with great restaurants and shops. With Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Seaworld nearby there is a ton of family-friendly things to do.
Attractions: Explore the Alamo, walk along the River Walk, and visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The city's vibrant cultural scene includes the Pearl District and the historic Market Square. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Seaworld San Antonio, and Boerne Main Street.
If you love the outdoors and don't mind a bit of a drive Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most unique landscapes in Texas. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Attractions: Hike the scenic trails, enjoy horseback riding, and watch the outdoor musical drama "Texas" in the canyon amphitheater.
