From local cities to the bayou, this list offers a fun day trip for every type of traveler.
I live in the DFW ( Dallas Ft. Worth) area and enjoy exploring the many destinations in the area. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite – including all the popular Dallas day trips but also a few hidden gems.
So let’s saddle up and find your next getaway.
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Best Dallas Day Trips
Fort Worth
Discover a captivating blend of Western culture and modern vibrancy. Step back in time at the Stockyards or stroll the Botanic Garden.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 32 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Fort Worth Website
Fort Worth is just 30 minutes west of Dallas and offers a quick day trip full of the Lone Star state culture.
Fort Worth is home to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can still experience true cowboy culture. You can watch a cattle drive, where a herd of longhorns walk along the main street, every day at 10:30 AM and again at 4 PM.
After the cattle drive, grab a bite to eat or drink at one of Fort Worth’s many eateries, such as Taste Community Restaurant, a non-profit where you can “pay what you want.”
Check out Billy Bob’s, which advertises itself as the “world’s largest honky tonk.” Experience line dancing and a mechanical bull.
Cowboy culture not quite your scene? You may enjoy exploring Fort Worth’s many gardens. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are free and located downtown. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is another option. Every spring and fall, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden hosts a family-friendly Japanese Festival in their Japanese tea gardens.
Arlington
Visit this dynamic city that is packed with activities for sports fans, adrenaline junkies, and entertainment seekers.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Arlington Website
Sports fans and families will enjoy a day trip to Arlington.
Located just 25 minutes west of Dallas, in Arlington you can visit AT&T Stadium (home to the Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (home ballpark of the Texas Rangers), and Texas Live! All 3 of these attractions are in the Arlington Entertainment District. Texas Live! offers entertainment, dining, and lodging all within 1 giant complex.
Other popular Arlington attractions include Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Arlington’s proximity makes it one of the more convenient day trips from Dallas. It is certainly a trip the whole family will enjoy.
Glen Rose
Walk alongside ancient dinosaur tracks or enjoy a safari-like experience at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 1 hour and 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Glen Rose is one of the best day trips for dinosaur enthusiasts and families.
Glen Rose is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Dallas. Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park to view dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy Riverbed.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is home to over 1,000 exotic animals and is located 15 minutes south of Dinosaur Valley State Park. At Fossil Rim, embark on a safari-like experience while exploring the park in your car or book a guided tour. The 7.2 mile scenic drive takes around 2 hours to complete.
Granbury
Relax or enjoy a picnic on the sandy lake beaches of The City Beach, or see a show downtown.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 1 hour and 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Granbury is another one of the shorter trips from Dallas, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Dallas. Granbury is a great place to escape the Texas heat and go for a refreshing swim.
The City Beach is a highlight and perfect place to have a picnic or go for a swim in the lake. Kayaks are available to rent and children will love the public splash pad. City Beach Park is a great day trip for families, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach.
Granbury’s historic downtown is a short walk from The City Beach. Granbury Opera House, also downtown, hosts live musicals, stage plays, concerts, and variety shows. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, since the shows usually sell out.
Tyler State Park
Discover 2 different ecoregions while visiting “America’s Rose Capital.”
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 1 hour and 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Tyler State Park Website
Nature lovers and animal lovers can escape the city to visit Tyler State Park in East Texas. This park is one of the better options for nature day trips around Dallas since it is under a 2 hour drive from Dallas.
Tyler State Park features plant and animal diversity from two ecoregions: the Piney Woods and the Post Oak Savannah.
Tyler State Park is a 20 minute drive from Tyler, known as “America’s Rose Capital.” Tyler is home to the Tyler Rose Garden, where the roses peak twice a year in October and mid-late May. Every October flower enthusiasts enjoy the annual Texas Rose Festival.
Eisenhower State Park at Lake Texoma
Trek to caves nestled in the coves of Lake Texoma or treasure hunt at Downtown Denison’s antique stores.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 1 hour and 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Eisenhower State Park Website
At Eisenhower State Park you can visit Lake Texoma, one of the biggest reservoirs in the United States. The coves of this state park offer great views of the lake. You may even have the chance to see ancient fossils if the water levels are right.
If you want to explore the caves, go to Lover’s Leap at the end of the park. Once you descend the stairs, go right and hike the terrain to find the entrance to the caves. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, since you will need to hike across rocky terrain.
The small town of Downtown Denison is 12 minutes from Eisenhower State Park. Here you will find great antique stores and some nice local eateries. You can experience slow-smoked Texas BBQ at Hickory House Bar-B-Que. We enjoyed their Texas Twinkies (stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon).
Waco
Shop at stores curated by Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines or discover Waco Mammoth National Monument’s fossil collection.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 1 hour and 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Waco gained popularity from the TV show Fixer Upper. Fans of the show and interior design enthusiasts flock to the downtown shops. Joanna Gaines, a star of the show, curates the Shops at the Silos. This shopping complex spans across 2 blocks and is home to Magnolia Market.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is 15 minutes away from Magnolia Market. The highlight is the Dig Shelter, where you can view fossils. You can self-tour or enjoy a guided tour where you will learn all about the Ice Age and various fossils.
Waco’s proximity to Dallas makes it a great option for an easy day trip or even relaxing weekend trips. Weekenders can enjoy a stay at the Pivovar Hotel. This hotel is next to the Magnolia Silos and has an on-site Czech brewery.
Austin
Explore the music capital of Texas and marvel at Austin’s modern skyline.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 2 hours and 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Music lovers and city aficionados will enjoy a trip to Austin. Austin is the music capital of Texas, and arguably the US. Nashville may have a different opinion on that, though.
Located 2 hours and 45 minutes southwest of Dallas, Austin makes for one of the longer day trips from Dallas. If you want to extend your trip overnight, The Hyatt Regency Austin is in a great location and offers spectacular views of Austin’s skyline.
Make sure to check out the Texas Hill Country, which is home to a vast array of vineyards. If you want to experience the Napa Valley of the South, I recommend trying out this BBQ and Wine Tour. They will pick you up and drop you back off at the Austin Visitors Center.
Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve
Visit the Bluebonnet Trail in the Spring to see one of the five Texas state flowers.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve Website
Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve is one of the quickest day trips for nature lovers, offering outdoor adventure and an escape from big city life.
The park is home to 9 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Bluebonnet Trail is a family-friendly hike that is great for beginners. This trail is popular during the Spring months when the Bluebonnets are in full bloom.
11 minutes from Cedar Ridge, you will find the Ash and Ember Brewing Company. This brewery offers a quaint, welcoming environment. On weekends they have a pitmaster serving Texican style BBQ.
Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma
Escape to Oklahoma and enjoy the outdoors in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Beavers Bend Website
Looking for hiking trails to escape the ever so flat terrain of Dallas? Take a 3-hour drive to Beavers Bend State Park in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
Beavers Bend State Park is great for mountain lovers since it is in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains. The location provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
Along the 1.5-mile Friend’s Trail Loop, you can take in the views of the river. This trail is popular, but the steep inclines may not be suitable for beginner hikers or younger kids.
Make sure to visit in the fall to enjoy the stunning fall foliage. You can drive along Highway 259 to find picturesque sites for great photos. Since Beavers Bend State Park is one of the further day trips from Dallas, it is more suitable for a weekend trip.
Downtown Denton
Explore a vibrant college town that is home to two different universities.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 42 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Denton is a quant college town. Less than an hour northwest of Dallas, Denton is one of the quicker day trips from Dallas. Denton is home to both the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU).
Downtown Denton’s historic buildings are well-preserved. Aside from the boutique shops and local restaurants, you can take a step back in time at Atomic Candy. This nostalgic candy store offers a large selection of candy and old-fashioned sodas.
Since Denton is one of the shorter day trips, you’ll have time to add a park to the trip. Combine your day trip with a visit to Ray Roberts Lake State Park, 25 minutes north of Denton. Here you can explore 3 different ecoregions: Eastern Cross Timbers, Blackland Prairie, and Grand Prairie.
Historic Downtown McKinney & Adriatica Village
Stroll around the vibrant Downtown McKinney to enjoy wall art, boutiques, and exquisite local eateries.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Denton is a charming town and another one of the easiest day trips. Explore boutiques, eateries, and art galleries in the vibrant Downtown McKinney, just 40 minutes north of Dallas.
Visit the Chestnut Square Historic Village for family fun. Every Saturday they host a farmer’s market where you can find fresh produce and unique items.
Next, discover the stunning Adriatica Village, a unique development that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a remote European village. You will only find several small eateries and shops here, but it is slowly growing. We enjoyed the flatbreads and wine selection at Zin Zen Wine Bistro. It has a charming ambiance!
Canton
Find treasures at what Texans claim is the largest flea market in the world.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 55 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
Do you enjoy searching for unique treasures? Canton is home to what is said to be the largest flea market in the world. As the famous saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas! This flea market, also known as First Monday Trade Days, is open the first weekend of every month. The opening begins on a Thursday.
Nearby, discover The Mountain in Canton, a vibrant area with lodging, late night shopping, and entertainment. Canton makes for an easy day trip, but you can also extend your stay and experience the unique General Store inspired rooms nestled in The Mountain.
Turner Falls Park, Oklahoma
Escape the heat at Oklahoma’s largest waterfall and sample chocolate from a Chickasaw Nation facility.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Turner Falls Park Website
Turner Falls Park is perfect for chasing waterfalls. The 2-hour drive will take you to Davis, Oklahoma. Book tickets in advance, but note that the price (which can be up to $20 / person on weekends) is one of the main complaints among reviewers. Also leave your furry friends behind, because Turner Falls Park is not pet friendly.
Nearby, visit the Bedré Fine Chocolate facility. The Chickasaw Nation owns this now nationally recognized chocolate brand. You can observe the chocolatiers making candy and select among a variety of tasty treats. They even have milk chocolate cowboy boots that may make you say yee-haw!
Caddo Lake State Parkat The Big Cypress Bayou
Boat amidst cypress trees, alligators, and lotus flowers at this hidden gem.
🗺️ Distance from Dallas: 3 hours and 10 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Caddo Lake State Park
Looking for a hidden gem instead of the popular day trips from Dallas? Caddo Lake State Park in East Texas is perfect. It sits along the shores of the Big Cypress Bayou. Here you can experience the bayou culture of Texas.
We enjoyed taking a Caddo Lake Bayou Tour. Late April through June is a popular time to take a tour because the lotus flowers are blooming. As long as the water levels are right, this can create a magical experience. Make sure to book your tour in advance, since they book up fast during peak times.
Caddo Lake is a long trip from Dallas, so I recommend making it a weekend trip if you can. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even sleep in a riverfront cabin on the bayou. Then you can spend your free time kayaking or canoeing.
Another option is to stay in the historic town of Jefferson. The Historic Kahn Hotel is in Jefferson’s quaint downtown. This hotel claims to be one of the top 10 most haunted hotels in Texas and is 13 miles from Caddo Lake State Park.
So where would you rather sleep – amongst alligators or ghosts?
FAQs
What are the best day trips from Dallas?
The best day trips from Dallas include nearby Fort Worth and Arlington, the family-friendly Glen Rose, and the sandy lake beaches at Granbury’s The City Beach.
What are good day trips with a dog?
Day trips you can take with your dog include Tyler State Park, which offers open green space and a peaceful lake, Eisenhower State Park, and Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, where you can take your dog for a hike.
👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Houston (By a Local)
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That’s all for now, ya’ll. I hope this guide has helped you find some fun day trip ideas. Next up, check out my guides what to do in Dallas and to where to stay in Dallas.
Which place stands out the most to you? Let me know in the comments!
