Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Dallas, TX
Dallas is surrounded by Texas Hill Country, with rolling hills, lakes, wineries, and historic towns all within a comfortable drive of the city.
Austin, Fort Worth, and Hill Country are all essential Texas experiences within a couple hours.
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or browse all10 destinations near Dallas
Tucker Tower Nature Center
Ardmore, OK 73401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 40 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Jacob's Ladder
Waco, TX 76708
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Sherman, TX 75092
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Tucker Tower
Ardmore, OK 73401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 40 min from Dallas · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco, TX 76708
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from Dallas · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Carleen Bright Arboretum
Woodway, TX 76712
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Dallas · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Pecan Grove Park
Sherman, TX 75092
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 10 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Silos at Magnolia
Waco, TX 76706
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 2.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 24 min from Dallas · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Eisenhower State Park
Denison, TX 75020
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 3.0k+ visitors) · 1 hr 17 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Turner Falls Overlook
Davis, OK 73030
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 1 hr 56 min from Dallas · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Dallas, TX?
The best day trips from Dallas include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Dallas?
Most great day trips from Dallas are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Dallas?
Many of the best day trips near Dallas are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Dallas?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Dallas, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Dallas?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Dallas make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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