Dallas Guide and Texas Travel Destinations
All you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon National Park
Things to do and places to see in an unforgettable road trip to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
Things to do and places to see in an unforgettable road trip to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
The ultimate travel itinerary to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.
Top things to do in and around the Grand Canyon, including the best stops along the way and mini guides to Flagstaff, Sedona, Page and Monument Valley.
I know two types of people:
The ones that have had the Grand Canyon at the top of they travel bucket list since… ever.
And the ones that never paid much attention to it, until they were eventually dragged there and fell irremediably in love with the place ♥
A road trip to the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime adventure you should not miss while living in Dallas – or anywhere else in the world, really!
Yes, we are (really) far from there – around 15 hours driving, to be more precise. But the AMAZING places to stop along the way make the journey as stunning as the destination and are absolutely worth the drive.
I just took this trip last Thanksgiving break. And it was mind-blowing!
I’m one of the ones that have been wanting to visit the Grand Canyon forever, so I knew I would love it.
But what I didn’t anticipated was that I would be as baffled by the attractions along the way and travel destinations around the National Park as I was by the Grand Canyon itself!
Here I share with you the top 10 places to visit on a road trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon, totaling over 30 things to do and see throughout Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.
Dig into it, prepare your own itinerary and hit the road!
And if you don’t have time to explore the surroundings, and is visiting Arizona with the sole purpose of visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, skip the next lines and read this article instead. A mini Grand Canyon guide containing 10 life-saving tips to make the most of your short visit to the Grand Canyon.
For more road trip ideas -from day trips to longer vacations – take a look into our Trips from Dallas page.
Bad thing is that it takes forever to reach the Grand Canyon driving from Dallas.
Good thing is that it’s mostly done through THE Mother Road, Route 66!
Embrace it and make your trip from Texas to Arizona a once in a lifetime journey through Historic Route 66.
Remember that here is not about the destination, but the journey. The roadside attractions are all quick stops for a photo op (and in some cases a meal or roadside fun).
What makes this road so unique is the history behind it. So, to make the most of your Route 66 adventure learn about its history and golden times.
And don’t laugh out too loud, but consider maybe watching the Disney animation Cars before hitting the road – for those unaware, the fictitious town of Radiator Springs is a composite of iconic places found on Route 66 and its story resembles the one of the small towns along the once highly traveled road, which fall into oblivion once Interstate 40 was built.
Most of the trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon is done on I-40, which replaced the original Route 66 road.
In this itinerary between Dallas and the Grand Canyon, I-40 will take you through the Route 66 Small Towns and icons in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. And, in some points, allow you to drive original preserved stretches along Route 66 – just follow the signs.
Follow below the Route 66 roadside attractions not to be missed between Texas and Albuquerque (the first recommended stop in this trip).
Other iconic Route 66 places along the way, between Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon, are mentioned as stops throughout the post. Look for this symbol:
320 mi/ 4h 50m from Dallas
Legendary Conoco Tower and adjacent U-Drop Inn Cafe are the starting points of this trip through Route 66. Can you recognize it from the movie Cars?
The Cafe is no longer operating (it's currently a Visitor Center).
So, stop for a quick snapshot and head to the nearby Big Vern's Steakhouse instead, a famous Route 66 restaurant.
51 mi/ 44 min from the Conoco Tower
Did you know Texas has its own leaning tower? Ok, it's not Pisa. But it is cool! And a great photo op.
The Britten Water Tower, AKA as the Leaning Tower of Texas, is a Route 66 icon and it's right off the highway (on your right side when you're heading towards Amarillo).
16 mi/ 16 min from Britten Leaning Water Tower
The VW Slug Bug Ranch is a less touristic version of Cadillac Ranch, with VW Beetles buried instead of Cadillacs.
Sounds lame, I know, like a copy of the real thing. Honestly, I only gave it a try because I had already been to Cadillac Ranch and wanted to see something new. I'm glad I did! I loved it!
No crowds, amazing place for pics and to unleash your inner outlaw - you can bring your own spray paint can and graffiti the cars, walls and everything else you see covered in street art!
23 mi/ 22 min from the VW Slug Bug Ranch
Great stop for lunch. The Big Texan is part of Route 66 history and famous for the 72 oz Steak Challenge - eat a huge steak plus side dishes in less than 2 hours and you don't pay the bill.
I've been there twice and in both occasions there were people trying it!
It was fun to watch: one guy made it and almost passed out afterwards. The other failed.
13 mi/ 16 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch
A worldwide famous route 66 icon.
You have to see it at least once in your lifetime, so make a quick stop and go there if only for a selfie LOL.
It's right off the road and free, just park, walk a small distance and check the famous buried Cadillacs for yourself.
You are encouraged to graffiti the cars - it's part of the art installation. So, don't forget to bring your own paint spray cans here too.
40 mi/ 37 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch
Step in front of this sign and you can say out loud that you've been in the very middle of Route 66!
It marks the midpoint of the Mother Road and is located just across the street from the Midpoint Cafe, in Adrian, Texas.
Grab a bite, take a selfie and get back to the road.
64 mi/ 58 min from Route 66's Midpoint in Adrian, TX
Entering New Mexico, make a quick stop in Tucumcari, just off I-40. A tiny Route 66 sort of abandoned town, with a well-preserved stretch of the Mother Road, landmarks and interesting attractions.
Stop by the Blue Swallow Motel and Tee Pee Curious (they are only a few feet apart).
The vintage Blue Swallow Motel is an over 80 years old Route 66 Landmark and one of the only motels along the Mother Road still operating in its original configuration.
Tee Pee Curious is the last remaining original curio shop in New Mexico and a unique place to shop gifts and grab your Route 66 souvenir.
Other attractions to check in Tucumcari, if you have extra time to explore the area, are the New Mexico Route 66 Museum and the Dinosaur Museum.
After a fun day exploring the Route 66, recharge your batteries in Albuquerque, right on I-40 on your route to the Grand Canyon.
Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest town, founded over 300 years ago as a Spanish colony, and part of historic Route 66 as well.
Spare one day to explore the city. Best things to do in Albuquerque include Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway and Petroglyph National Monument.
At Sandia Peak, go up to enjoy superb panoramic views of Albuquerque. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the US and riding it is one of the must-dos in the city.
At Petroglyph National Monument, check one of the largest Petroglyph sites in North America. The National Monument features symbols and marks left by Natives and Spaniards in volcanic rocks 400 – 700 years ago and is a great place for hiking and exploring.
Albuquerque’s Historic Old Town is the place to go to experience the city roots. It is quaint and lovely area marked by the gorgeous and distinctive New Mexico’s architecture. Stroll through over 150 small shops and galleries, offering amazing native handcrafts. Stop by Black Bird Cafe for a gourmet coffee and quick bite (their chocolate cake is to die for). Visit the Iglesia de San Felipe de Neri, an over 300 years old church. For dinner, try Antiquity Restaurant or La Crepe Michel, both charming, top-rated and right at Old Town.
Leaving Albuquerque towards Arizona, stop by Acoma Pueblo, AKA Sky City.
Acoma Pueblo is a federally recognized tribal entity, historic site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. A special place, nestled on top of a mesa, with beautiful views and a lot of Puebloan history.
It can only be visited through a guided tour, which takes you up by bus from the visitor’s center to the Pueblo.
There, a Native guide will take you through the streets and landmarks and you’ll learn how the Acoma Indians used to live 4 to 5 centuries ago. You can also buy native handcrafts directly from the residents, which display their work in front of their homes.
Visiting Acoma Pueblo is overall a superb cultural experience, that will immerse you in Puebloan history. A trip back in time to New Mexico’s roots.
88 mi/ 1h 20m from Acoma Pueblo, NM
Drive a few more miles stop by El Rancho Hotel on Historic Route 66, in Gallup, right off I-40.
El Rancho is a historic hotel that hosted famous Hollywood movie stars in its Golden Times. A fun place to explore or even spend the night (have in mind it's a vintage and old hotel, though).
The lobby is imposing and cozy at the same time, covered with a lot of memorabilia and antiques resembling the old days (sort of a small museum). El Rancho Hotel also features a native shop and restaurant on site, open to the public.
Entering Arizona, head to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, right on your route to the Grand Canyon.
For those wondering if they should visit the Painted Desert OR the Petrified Forest, good news: they are both the same and can be seen in a single visit. Checking on these places is a must; the landscape is magnificent ♥
The Petrified Forest National Park is actually inside the Painted Desert area, which covers a big portion of Arizona.
The visit starts at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. From there, there is a 28-mile paved drive that takes you through the Painted Desert towards the Petrified Forest Area. There are several stops along the 28 miles – 12 to be more exact – with overlooks and trails.
The first part of the drive takes you through the scenic Painted Desert Area. In the second part you’ll find ancestral Puebloan homes and petroglyphs (super cool!). And the final part is the Petrified Forest itself, which is something out of this world. What looks like scattered logs are in fact rocks and crystals, very unique.
A visit to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest can last anything between a couple hours to a full day (if you decide to hike, which a highly recommend because the area is gorgeous). I had only 1h 30m before the park closed to visit it, and as much as I had time to see almost everything I wanted, I must confess it was a bit of a rush. I would say 3 to 4 hours would have been ideal.
For a condensed visit, I would recommend stopping at the Painted Desert Overlooks (number 3 in the map you’ll receive at the Visitor Center), Newspaper Rock, to see the Petroglyphs (number 5, it was pretty neat!) and them spending the rest of the time exploring the last portion of the route (8, 9, 10 and 11) were the Petrified Forest is – this is the most unique part, so focus your time here.
19 mi/ 20m from the Petrified Forest (exiting South)
Leaving the Petrified Forest towards Winslow and Flagstaff (your next stops) you'll stumble upon Wigwam Motel, a registered historic landmark and one of the only 3 surviving Wigwam motels in the US.
Wigwam was a popular hotel chain in the 30's and 40's, famous for its teepee shaped rooms. Featured in the movie Cars, it became an icon of the Disney animation.
Nowadays the Holbrook location has replicas of the Cars characters in front of the teepees. "Kids" will go crazy (is it ok I got actually more excited than them? LOL).
Looking for a cool photo op on Route 66? Take advantage that Winslow is in your way from the Wigwam Motel to Flagstaff and stop for a quick snapshot.
Right in front of the Standin’ on the Corner Park you’ll spot a cool Route 66 sign on the street.
Winslow is also home to cool attractions that worth a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon:
18 mi/ 20 min from Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow
Life is about second chances!
If for some reason you had to skip the Petrified Forest National Park, but still wants to take a close look to the painted desert, try this hidden gem just 20 minutes off Winslow.
The Little Painted Desert County Park is a top-rated Painted Desert rim drive and looks super cool.
I didn't go there, because actually I didn't know it existed until I started making some researches to this post! - shame on me - but it's definitively a place I'll check out in a future trip.
It's a 40 minutes detour on your way to Flagstaff (20 each way) and recommended time for the drive through the Painted Desert rim is roughly 2 hours.
26 mi/ 27 min from Standin' on The Corner, Winslow
Right after Winslow, on your way to Flagstaff and just off Hwy 40, you'll find the best well-preserved meteor impact crater in the world.
The huge 4,000 foot wide crater was formed over 50,000 years ago by an asteroid that hit the Earth.
The crater is located inside a private area, features a lookout point and is accessible by the public with an entrance fee.
Some visitors get disappointed claiming that it's just... a big hole. I disagree. It's not about the crater, but what caused it, and it's a one-of-a-kind attraction you can't find everywhere! - that's why the Meteor Crater attracts worldwide attention.
Worth a stop, in my opinion.
Flagstaff can be a great base to explore the next attractions mentioned in this post. It’s within a reasonable driving distance from them, which can be visited as a day trip – this was my original plan, but things had to be adjusted due to a major winter thunderstorm warning.
Anyhow, Flagstaff is not only a place to sleep. It has enough great attractions nearby to be considered a destination by itself. It’s also part of Route 66 and has a well-preserved historic portion of it, which is a lively area full of pubs and restaurants.
Plan to spend at least one to two full days of your trip exploring the Flagstaff surroundings – but if time is short and you have to make choices, I would skip Flagstaff and focus on Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page (where the Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend are located).
Best things to do in and around Flagstaff include the Historic Route 66 District, Lowell Observatory, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments and Bearizona:
Lowell Observatory is an over a century old observatory and the very place where Pluto was discovered.
It operates as an astronomy museum, with educational activities and programs, and has an outdoor area with giant telescopes to observe stars and planets.
12 mi/ 20 min from Flagstaff
Walnut Canyon biggest draw are the ancient dwelling cliffs nestled in the canyon.
It's an outdoor cultural experience, an immersion into the life of the Puebloans that once inhabited the area.
19 mi/ 30 min from Flagstaff
Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Volcano and a 2 in 1 type of attraction. Both are in the same area (19 miles apart), under the same administration and can be explored in a single visit.
At Wupatki you can spot several well-preserved ruins of ancient Anasazi and Sinagua Tribes, a cultural experience and step back in time. Sunset Crater is a once active volcano, with lava fields and an amazing place for hiking.
31 mi/ 35 min from Flagstaff
If you love wildlife or have kids in tow, you must visit this place. AMAZING!
It's drive-through wildlife park with rescued animals from harming conditions - those who wouldn't survive out of the preserve.
You get to see bears, wolves and tons of wildlife in their environment from a really close distance from your car or tram tour (2 or 3 feet sometimes!). It's a beautiful experience.
You can drive your own car or take a tram ride (included in admission). I did both, and despite the route being the same, the experiences were distinct. In the car I could do that on my own pace. With the tram tour, the knowledgeable guide added to the experience with interesting facts and explanations.
The park also has a small petting zoo, a walk-thru area and shows such the Birds of Prey - don't miss it.
There is a restaurant and vendors on site, as well as a great gift shop. Plan to spend at least half a day there.
Sedona is STUNNING. It was love at the first sight. Wow.
Sedona rocks (literally, LOL)! It’s a desert town surrounded by canyon walls and red rock buttes, making the landscape something out of this world.
Sedona is also considered a Vortex, a place with special energy on Earth, attracting mystics and artists from everywhere.
This is a place that can be easily entertain you for 2 to 3 days, and even be a destination on its own – I don’t discard getting back there in the future to spend a week just hiking and breathing in the town special atmosphere.
Despite of feeling short, my one-day visit to Sedona was still VERY enjoyable. I highly recommend you including Sedona in your itinerary, even if you have only one day to explore around, just like me.
All best things to do in Sedona are very close to each other and you can still get a good glimpse of the town and enjoy its best attractions in a quick visit.
Here are the best things to do in Sedona and how to explore the area in a short time frame:
Drive to Sedona from Flagstaff through State Road 89 A. It's jaw-dropping. With sharp curves, the scenic drive takes you from Coconino Forest into a canyon and the views are spectacular.
If time allows, stop for a hiking at West Fork Trail, highly recommended by a local as one of the top things to do in Sedona.
Then have lunch or a quick bite at Indian Gardens Market and Cafe - this place is gorgeous.
In Sedona, head to the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) to explore the area.
Start by visiting the stunning Chapel of The Holy Cross, nestled in a rock, with floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful architecture. It's a true gem not to be missed.
Next hike nearby Bell Rock, one of Sedona's famous vortexes.
While all Sedona is considered a vortex area, - a place with stronger energy on Earth - there are 4 special vortexes there said to be points were the energy is even stronger: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable and easily accessible ones.
The Bell Rock Trail is a 1 to 1.5-mile loop trail, family-friendly and relatively easy - if you don't decide to climb up Bell Rock.
I did some climbing, it was amazing, but I must admit it was not easy. The trail that takes you to the top is not well-marked and it's VERY steep in some points. If you have an adventurous side and is in good shape, give it a try though - the views are superb!
After hiking Bell Rock, head to Airport Mesa to watch the most beautiful sunset. Another famous Sedona's vortex, Airport Mesa is famous for the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.
Here you have 2 options. You can take the Airport Mesa hiking trail or, alternatively, park your car at the nearby parking lot (keep driving for about an extra half a mile from the Airport Mesa head trail and you'll reach it) and walk across the street to watch the sunset.
Anyway the views are gorgeous and this place is a must-stop to breath in the stunning Sedona's landscape, even more startling at the golden hour, when the rocky mountains changing colors create an unforgettable scenery.
After a busy day filled with a lot of outdoor adventure, indulge in some shopping and reward yourself with a special dinner.
Sedona is an extra charming town and strolling through its shops and streets is a must. Top off your day walking along lively Main Street or the unique Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village (or both). Then have dinner at the Pump House Station Urban Eatery, right at the Tlaquepaque, or at the charming and unique ChocolateTree Organic Oasis, a few minutes driving from there.
And you’re finally there: the one and only Grand Canyon!
The Grand Canyon National Park is as mind-blowing as I thought it would be. I fell in love at the first sight and highly recommend visiting it to anyone, do that at least once in your lifetime! It’s a must-visit place on Earth.
Having that said, the Grand Canyon attracts people from all over the words, meaning… it can get VERY crowded. Especially during school breaks and holidays.
But there is a way of skipping the crowds and having a blast even on the busiest times of the year!
Lessons I’ve learned the hard way! I hope my experience helps you to have the time of your life there!
In brief, enter the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance to avoid long lines (if possible), use alternative parking lots (the one you are told to go gets crazy and leaves you really far from the top things to do) and plan in advance (cellphone coverage is poor and the Visitor Center information line huge).
And make sure to cover the top things to do in your plans, spare at least 2 to 3 days to visit the Grand Canyon and extra time to explore the STUNNING surroundings.
In the Grand Canyon, watching a sunset and sunrise, driving Desert View Drive and going down the canyon through Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails are musts. In the surroundings, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Sedona are not to be missed!
Page is a small Arizona town, by the Utah border, where Mother Nature has been especially generous.
Page is famous for two impressive nature wonders: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. And they by themselves totally worth the less than 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon East Entrance.
The drive itself is very scenic, taking you first through Navajo Lands and the Little Colorado River Gorge, and then bordering the Painted Desert. Breathtaking.
Below I explore further the places you cannot miss in a trip to Page – the very reasons why you should include it in your Grand Canyon Itinerary in the first place.
But there is more to Page than its most popular attractions. Home to beautiful Lake Powell and surrounded by stunning Glen Canyon, page offers tons of outdoor things to do.
If you have extra time, also consider visiting the Glen Canyon Dam (right at the town), driving to Lone Rock Beach and Wahweap Overlook (about 15 minutes from Page) and hiking Hanging Garden and Rim Trails.
And, maybe, venturing into neighboring Utah to hike Toadstool Voodoos Trail and spot unique formations – something was at the top of my wish list for my trip to Page, but that I had to skip last minute due to a major winter thunderstorm.
On your way to Page, take a detour and visit Navajo Bridge.
Nestled in the Glen Canyon area, the Navajo Bridge a pair of steel bridges crossing the Colorado River. One, the newer, is used for traffic. The other one is an historic pedestrian bridge you can cross walking for beautiful views of the Colorado River.
The drive there is very scenic. And Navajo Bridge is on your way to Lees Ferry, one of Page's top attractions, featuring historic buildings and River Trail, an easy 2-mile round trip through Glen Canyon, along the Colorado River.
Right before arriving to Page, stop by emblematic Horseshoe Bend, a work of art from nature.
To get to the viewpoint, you'll have to hike a short and easy trail, with some elevation (about 10 to 15 minutes each way, depending on your pace).
Once you reach Horseshoe Bend, the views are superb. There are no guardrails, so be cautious and keep a safe distance from the edge (surviving to walk Antelope Canyon and drive Monument Valley is more important than that perfect selfie LOL).
Plan to watch a sunrise or sunset there if possible: it gets even more magic under dusk and dawn lights.
Antelope Canyon is jaw-dropping - for real, my mouth was wide open the entire way LOL!
It gets worldwide attention, especially after the world's most expensive photo was taken there a few years ago (it was taken by photographer Peter Lik and sold for 6.5 million!)
There are two possibilities here: visiting Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon.
They are both similar (part of the same formation), but Upper Antelope gets sold out faster because of its special lightning, ideal for photography.
Antelope Canyon can only be visited through guided tours for safety reasons. There is a daily limit of visitors on both sides of the canyon for preservation purposes, so make reservations in advance!
Lower Antelope receives light the whole day (this picture was taken there!). Upper Antelope only at specific hours, but when it does beam lights are formed, making the scenery extra special (the photo sold for 6.5 million was taken there!).
I took the Lower Antelope Tour and highly recommend it! It takes about one hour, and the trail is mostly flat and easy. Exception for some steep stairs - but nothing crazy, my kids ages 5 and 9 did it with some help.
Another bucket list attraction, Monument Valley is a must-visit travel destination for those venturing through Arizona.
A sacred place for the Navajo people, Monument Valley was featured in several movies, from Stagecoach, staring John Wayne, to counter-culture classic Easy Rider and Hollywood hits Back to the Future, Thelma & Louise and Forrest Gump. It is also in the cover of 2003 Led Zeppelin DVD and one of the filming locations of Metallica’s “I Disappear” video, just to name a few. In other words, it’s an American icon.
I’ve visited Monument Valley on my way back to Dallas, from Page. It adds about 1h30 to your trip and is absolutely worth the detour.
I had only a few hours to explore the area. So, I opted for taking the scenic drive throughout the only portion of Monument Valley open to self-guided tours – the back-country area can only be accessed through guided-tours, said to be amazing.
Scenic Valley Drive is a 17-mile unpaved road that takes you through Monument Valley’s most iconic formations. It has 11 viewpoints along the way to see humongous rocks with specific shapes, where you can get out of the car and breath in the views.
There is also a nice visitor center, gift shop and restaurant there. And a 3.3-mile loop trail, Wildcat Nature Trail, that takes you around West Mitten Butte, one of the most recognizable Monument Valley formations.
You can easily spend a day at Monument Valley – especially if you want to hike Wildcat Trail (allow 2 to 3 hours for that and bring water!), or even more if you decide to explore the back country through guided-tours.
But if you have only a few hours like me, I would still recommend you visit it. Monument Valley is much more imposing in person than in the pictures and in 1h30 to 2h00 you’re able to take the scenic drive in a moderate pace and immerse into the landscape. Go for it!
A trip through Arizona will take you to places you must visit at least once in your life: Route 66, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Sedona.
And as a bonus you’ll stumble upon unbelievable places, such as the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and Bearizona, just to name a few of the awesome attractions I covered in this post. Arizona is mind-blowing!
So, plan this trip now. Add it to your bucket list for the upcoming months or, if it’s already there, just finally do it!
You’ll need at least one full week to visit the main attractions of this itinerary. But the more the merrier. If you have more time don’t worry, there are tons of things to see in these places and I promise you won’t get bored!
Read the post, choose your favorite places to visit and hit the road! Then get back here to brag about your awesome experiences and share new findings!
Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Did you visit the places in its surroundings recommended in this post? Do you know of any other place not far from there that deserve to be on the “must-visit places near the Grand Canyon” list? Leave your comment below!
12 things I wish I knew before visiting the Grand Canyon National Park. Check it out and make the most of your trip!
6 Dos and 6 Don’ts to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon, in Arizona.
The one and only Grand Canyon. The magical nature wonder that attracts millions of people from all over the world.
A trip to the Grand Canyon has been in my bucket list forever. But life always kept delaying my plans, for one reason or another. Last Thanksgiving, I decided to be stronger than my excuses and finally had the guts to hit the road – with two kids in tow – to embark on my dream trip!
I’m SO glad I did it! The Grand Canyon lived up to the dream. It was absolutely majestic and breathtaking. And the journey from Dallas towards Arizona and the Grand Canyon surroundings took my breath away – full itinerary to be published soon!
This is a road trip anyone living in Dallas (or anywhere in the world, really) MUST take at least once in a lifetime!
My visit to the Grand Canyon was not free of humps and bumps along the way, of course. I spent two days exploring the National Park. Did everything wrong the first day LOL. Learned from it and had the time of my life in the second one.
Here is what I’ve learned and everything you need to know to skip the tourist traps to make the most of your visit to this awe-inspiring nature wonder:
The drive towards the Grand Canyon National Park’s East Entrance is as scenic as it gets.
It features Navajo Lands in one side and the Little Colorado River Gorge in the other, and you enter Kaibab National Forest as you approach the park.
There are several viewpoints along the way, as well as Navajo stands selling authentic native arts and crafts.
Plus, the East Entrance is not as touristic as the South. Lines to access the Grand Canyon National Park tend to be much shorter there (especially important during high season and holidays!), and the setting is absolutely gorgeous.
Grand Canyon’s East Entrance has its own viewing area, featuring a beautiful native themed Desert View Watchtower – go up for panoramic views and for the first wow of the day.
For me, East Grand Canyon felt like a more authentic and less exploited side of the National Park than the (very) touristic South Rim.
I highly recommend you use this entrance for the reasons mentioned above and for the ones that I cover in the “don’ts”.
Only exception here is if you are not visiting by car. The South Rim is your best bet in this case, as it offers free shuttles to explore the Grand Canyon. And there are no shuttles connecting East and South Grand Canyon (they are connected by scenic Desert View Drive, inside the National Park, which can only be traveled using private vehicles).
Drive then Desert View Drive, which connects East and South Entrances. It’s a paved and well-maintained road, open year-round (with possible eventual closures due to inclement weather).
Desert View Drive is a gorgeous scenic drive, with amazing stops along the way, including the South Kaibab Trailhead. It was one of my favorite things to do in the Grand Canyon.
If you don’t have a car, ride the red bus in the Grand Canyon South Rim, to explore Hermit Rest Route Instead (in the opposite side of the Grand Canyon from Desert View Drive).
This route also features several viewpoints. Including Hopi Point, considered one of the best places to watch the Sunset at the Grand Canyon National Park because of the unobstructed views.
Both routes deserve your attention, so if you have your own car and have enough time, plan to take the two of them.
The Rim Trail is a 12.8-mile trail, mostly paved and flat, and accessible in some points.
It’s perfect for a leisure and slow-paced walk, with amazing views of the Grand Canyon along the way.
Some stretches are protected by guardrails and some are not, but it’s a wide path an overall safe even for families with little kids (just keep them close and under control and you should be more than fine).
Grand Canyon’s Rim Trail is a great option to explore the National Park for those that for one reason or another cannot – or choose not to – hike down the Grand Canyon.
You don’t need to walk the whole 12.8 miles – the trail is divided in sections as short as 0.5 miles.
One good option is to park your car at the Yavapai Point and Geology Museum and walk 1.9 miles towards the Bright Angel Trailhead (you can walk one way and take the shuttles back to Yavapai Point later).
This stretch of the Rim Trail has cafes, restaurants and gift shops in the Verkamp’s Visitor Center surroundings (perfect for a lunch break).
From the end of this stretch, nearby the Bright Angel Trailhead, catch the red bus to explore Hermits Rest Route several viewpoints (and maybe stop by Hopi Point for unobstructed views of the most spectacular sunset).
Seeing the Grand Canyon from the top is not the same as walking ON it!
(maybe the difference between observing the moon from a spaceship or getting out and walking on it – ok, I might have gone overboard here LOL)
If conditions allow, hike down the Grand Canyon for a more immersive experience.
Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon can last from long hours to days – and must be an awesome experience.
But you can also hike a small portion of these same trails and still have an amazing time and unique views, reserved only for those who venture into the canyon.
I walked a portion of both Bright Angel Trail, right off the Rim Trail, and South Kaibab Trail, off Desert View Drive.
The trails are steep and scary – there are no guardrails – watch your step and use caution. The views, jaw-dropping.
Ooh Aah Point, 1.8 miles into South Kaibab Trail, is considered the most family-friendly way to hike down the Grand Canyon and said to have spectacular views.
Honestly, I didn’t get this far. There was snow and ice everywhere and I needed to survive this trip to write this post LOL.
If you must choose one among both trails that I mentioned, I would go with Bright Angel. It felt a little easier – at least in the first mile – and the scenery was staggering.
Those are the best times of the day to breath in Grand Canyon’s undeniable and overwhelming beauty.
Dawn and dusk accentuate the Grand Canyon colors and somehow make it even more stunning.
Here are the best points in the Grand Canyon for sunset and sunrise watching:
Arizona is a GORGEOUS State, and the National Park surroundings as mesmerizing as the Grand Canyon itself.
Make sure to spare at least 4 to 5 days to explore the must-visit places around.
Be prepared for some driving: Arizona is a big State and most top attractions are within 2h00 – 2h30 from the Grand Canyon – but trust me, they are absolutely worth the drive!
Monument Valley, Sedona and Page should be on the top of your list and are not to be missed (take a look into the pics below and you’ll understand why).
But there are many other amazing things to do and travel destinations around to be considered if you have extra time.
I’ll be covering all the places to visit in the Grand Canyon surroundings, as well as the best stops between Dallas and the Grand Canyon, in my upcoming post.
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The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in the planet. People flock there from the whole world, so crowds are unavoidable, especially during high season.
But there is a smarter way to visit the Grand Canyon than doing what everyone else is told to do, and it can save you some hassles.
One of the most important things to do is to avoid using the South Entrance.
I didn’t know it LOL – to be honest, I didn’t even know I had an alternative until I visited it for the first time. And it costed me one precious hour of my life in the line waiting to enter the park…
Plus, skipping the East Entrance would’ve been a shame, for the reasons I mentioned in the “Dos” above.
So, unless you have a very good reason to use the South Entrance – is on your route and the East Entrance is a huge detour; you don’t have a car or you’re staying in a hotel in the South Rim – avoid it during the busiest times of the year at all costs.
Head to the East Entrance instead, which is even more beautiful and authentic than its counterpart in my opinion.
If you MUST access the park by car through the South Entrance though, and crowds are too bad, you can park your car in the gate community of Tusayan and ride the free purple shuttle into the park, skipping the long entrance lines.
But have in mind that you won’t be able to drive Desert View Drive then – only accessible through private vehicles – and that you must have a valid park entrance to use the shuttle (can be purchased online in advance).
You can also use the Grand Canyon Railway Tour to skip the lines and get into the park. It departs from nearby Williams and reservations must be made in advance.
“What do you recommend?”, I innocently asked to the lady at the park entrance after grabbing the map she handed to me.
“Go to the Visitor Center. Drive about half a mile until you see it. Then park your car and start from there” said she politely, probably for the thousandth time in the day.
And so, I did. Along with the other zillion people that had been waiting for one hour in the lane to enter the park, just like me, and had heard the very same instructions.
The result? Another 40 minutes driving in loops, trying to find a parking spot.
Just to find out later, when I hopped on the (wrong) bus (LOL) that there are several other parking lots scattered throughout the Grand Canyon Village – most of them almost empty, right on Thanksgiving week.
And that they are just by the places the shuttles take you too (I could have avoided the shuttle waiting time too!).
So, if you ever visit the Grand Canyon by car, do yourself a favor. Look at the map they will hand to you at the booth entrance and look for alternative parking lots in case the Visitor Center’s is full – which will mostly likely happen during high season and holidays.
My recommendation would be to park at the Verkamp’s Visitor Center or Bright Angel Lodge parking lots (parking lots C and D) – with easy access to the Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail and Red and Blue bus stops.
Plan ahead! Don’t count on your cellphone to plan on the go. Cellphone coverage is poor in the Grand Canyon and your internet will probably not work there – this is especially true for the South Rim.
You can always stop by the Visitor Center and count on the wonderful rangers to help you out. But if it’s a busy time, not only you’ll have trouble parking your car near the Visitor Center, but you will probably have to face a huge line to ask for information as well – and you are at one of the most amazing places of the world, so your time here is precious, you don’t want to waste it!
So, dig into this post and check the Grand Canyon National Park page as well. They have great recommended itineraries, according to the time you have available to spend there.
This is the easiest and most accessible way to visit the Grand Canyon, so thumbs up for the Rim Trail. It is also an amazing place to take a break in one of the several restaurants, cafes or gift shops along the way.
But the Rim trail is also the most touristic part of the Grand Canyon, and almost “too civilized” for my taste LOL. So, check on it, but don’t limit your visit to the Rim Trail.
To fully experience the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend that you go down the canyon, even if only for a short distance. Hiking down the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience you can’t miss, and the most authentic way to explore this humongous nature wonder.
In the “Do’s” you will find two recommended trails to go down the Grand Canyon (#4). I did both, for about 1h30 each, and it was enough to give me a whole new perspective. This was the Grand Canyon I had dreamed of.
If for any reason hiking is not an option for you, another way to experience the most authentic side of the Grand Canyon is to explore the stunning view points along Desert View Road (if you have a car) or Hermits Rest Route (if you’re riding the shuttle).
The Grand Canyon is way more civilized than I was anticipating. No, you are not going to the middle of nowhere.
The roads are paved and well-maintained, there are TONS of people everywhere and you can find everything from an Urgent Car to a Post Office inside (even a garage for emergency repairs and a kennel!).
There are tons of restaurants and cafes, and even small grocery stores, inside the Grand Canyon. Prices are decent – not much more than you would pay outside the National Park. And there are ATMs there as well, in case you need cash – but credit cards are widely accepted.
Most of the cafes and restaurants are concentrated near the Verkamp’s Visitor Center, right off the Rim Trail. But you also find a Market, Deli & Cafe at the East Entrance viewing area and other options throughout the South Rim. Check the map you’ll receive at the entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park to find the nearest to the places you’re planning to visit.
So, just do your normal prep, as you would do in any trip. No need to go crazy with foods and supplies and prepare as you were going to war LOL.
Your entrance fee is valid to access the Grand Canyon for 7 days!
Keep the ticket in your windshield and come and go as many times as you wish in one week. Plan to visit at least one more time if possible.
My visit to the Grand Canyon lasted two days – the original plan was three, but a winter thunderstorm warning changed our plans.
I would say one day is too short, two days enough, three to four days ideal. With an extra day I could have done things in a slower pace and some more hiking – which I love.
But in 2 days I was able to cover most of what I wanted to see there (not everything though).
A trip to the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience and you’ll have a blast no matter what.
This is one of the most impressive places on Earth, so even if you do everything wrong, you’ll still love it! LOL
Having that said, some tips can save you time and headaches, and make your visit to the Grand Canyon National Park even more enjoyable.
In this post I’ve covered the things I wish I knew before I traveled to the Grand Canyon. That could have saved me time to invest in exploring further and spared me from some hassles.
Here’s a quick summary to use as a checklist on your future visit to the Grand Canyon:
I hope these recommendations help you to make the most of your visit to the Grand Canyon and enjoy every second you have there.
This is an outstanding trip to take, have fun!
And if you have other tips to make a visit to the Grand Canyon easier, or wants to share your experience there, leave a comment below. I’ll love to hear from you 🙂
Best things do do in Dallas this Christmas
Mark your calendars: these are the Holiday themed attractions you simply cannot miss in the upcoming months!
‘Tis the season of magic and fun!
Christmas in Dallas is something truly special. Holiday events and activities pop up everywhere. Streets and houses light up with the most beautiful and inspiring Christmas decor – Texas folks definitively know how to do it right!
While to get into the Holiday spirit in the DFW area you really just need to step out of the door, some Christmas happenings are once in a lifetime experiences worth of being added to your Holiday Season bucket list!
Here you’ll find a personal selection of 16 must-try Holiday Season events in Dallas and surroundings. Top-rated Christmas activities to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year to the fullest!
Discover the best places to see the Christmas lights in Dallas. The most impressive Christmas Parades in DFW. The top Holiday themed plays and shows. Acclaimed Christmas exhibitions and events taking place in and around the city.
And no need to break the bank!
6 of the recommended Christmas activities and attractions below are free – look for activities marked with this symbol in the post:
It doesn’t matter if you are 4 or 40. Here you’ll find Christmas activities in Dallas suitable for all ages. So, check it out, choose your faves and dive into the Holiday season magic headfirst! And start making your plans now: some of these attractions are very sought after and usually sell out.
If you have guests coming from out of town during the Holidays, take a look into this post for 15 ideas on how to entertain your visitors in Dallas. Dallas must-sees and must-try activities to make anyone fall in love with the city!
You can find amazing Christmas lights displays almost everywhere in and around Dallas. Nearly every neighborhood or suburb has its own special street or area covered with tons of lights and amazing decor – just ask around your community to find the closest to you.
However, some Christmas lights displays in DFW are especially splendid and deserving of your time.
The places recommended next are among the best to see Christmas lights in Dallas and surroundings:
Every Holiday season the Vitruvian Park in Addison is converted into a Christmas Wonderland, with tons of colored Christmas Lights. A free walk-thru attraction with an impressive and beautiful lighting display of trees.
The Vitruvian park Christmas event also offers other activities such as free photos with Santa, elves, food trucks and live music on selected weekends (check their calendar).
There is free parking on site and no entrance fees!
Highland Park is one of Dallas’ neighborhoods with the best Christmas lights display. Homeowners go big for Christmas and the Holiday themed decor is pretty impressive!
You can just drive or walk around and experience it for free – check here a suggested self-guided route. Or make it extra magical taking a Christmas Light Tour in a horse-drawn a carriage through Highland Park.
During Holiday Season the Arboretum Converts into a Christmas Wonderland, with themed gazebos and a Christmas Village. At night, over 1 million lights make it even more magical. The 12 Days of Christmas at Night at the Dallas Arboretum is one of Dallas best Christmas lights display.
Although the Christmas lights can be enjoyed from mid-November, the best time to visit is after Thanksgiving.
That’s because from November 29 the Holiday at the Arboretum will also feature a Christmas Village. If you have kids in tow consider going on a Wednesday evening, when Santa is around!
Tune into the local radio frequency and watch thousands of Christmas lights dancing to the rhythm of your favorite Holiday songs. Frisco’s Christmas in the Square is the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas and one of the most famous suburban light displays in the DFW area.
Walk around, sip some hot cocoa and, for an extra fee, enjoy ice-skating and carriage rides, among other Holiday themed activities.
Dallas cultural scene is filled with amazing Christmas spectacles during the Holiday Season. With tons of options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! Which are the ones that worth your attention?
Check on 4 essential and traditional Christmas cultural events in the Dallas area.
The top contenders of each of their own categories that, year after year, enchant and attract the crowds.
Choose your favorites, plan ahead (tickets usually sell out!) and fill your heart with Christmas joy!
A Holiday classic, The Nutcracker ballet is an American Christmas institution with productions all over the country. A fairy-tale romance that has been enchanting audiences since the 60’s and the most prominent ballet musical in the U.S.
The Nutcracker performance by the Dallas Ballet Theater is the most famous in DFW and a must during the Christmas Season. Tickets usually sell out, so plan in advance.
Famous play based on one of the most memorable Christmas stories ever, written over 15o years ago by Charles Dickens.
A Christmas Carol is a meaningful and beautiful story that takes place on Christmas Eve. It revolves around the transformation of a cranky and greed man into a kind and generous soul under the light of the Christmas spirit. A holiday tradition to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Dive into the Holiday spirit singing along your favorite Christmas songs with the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Children Chorus of Greater Dallas.
Christmas carols, holiday classics and even Santa himself. It doesn’t get any more Christmas than that!
A jaw-dropping multimedia Christmas show! Featuring live choir and orchestra, flying angels, camels (!) and a living Nativity, among other attractions and special effects, Prestonwood’s The Gift of Christmas show is a sure way to warm your heart and immerse you into the Christmas real meaning.
An essential Christmas spectacle that will fascinate the whole family.
Make merry and rejoice into the Holidays spirit at DFW area most amazing Christmas free events!
Mark your calendars: these are the 3 most traditional Christmas parades in Dallas and surroundings that should be on your radar this Holiday season:
In the first Saturday of December, Downtown Dallas streets get filled with crowds and everything Christmas!
Dallas Holiday Parade is the largest outdoor event of the year in Dallas, with over 450.000 people attending and more than 30 years of history.
The parade is free to the public, but premium tickets (with reserved seats and Meet’N Greet with Santa) can be purchased. Check here the Dallas Holiday Parade route for this year.
The self-proclaimed ‘Christmas Capital of Texas’ does it in the Texas way: big! It offers over 1400 Christmas related events in the course of 40 days, and the Grapevine Parade of Lights in one of the highlights.
In its 40th edition this year, the Grapevine Parade of Lights is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas. It takes place at Historic Main Street and features marching bands, Santa and over 100 Christmas floats.
The Grapevine Parade of Lights is a free event open to the public. Check the parade route here.
Featuring music, lights and over 100 Christmas themed floats including Santa’s, Fort Worth Parade of Lights is a must-attend Christmas event in the DFW area.
The event takes place nearby beautiful Sundance Square. Plan to arrive early to take in the Christmas vibe, do some Christmas shopping and sip a hot chocolate there. And maybe ice skate at nearby Panther Island Ice.
This is a free event, but street seats are available for purchase. Check the complete parade route and best viewing areas here.
The quantity and quality of Christmas themed events in and around Dallas during the Holiday season is extraordinary. Tons of fun things to do!
Here are the local favorites. The most notable and traditional Holiday exhibitions and events you can experience in DFW:
ICE! ™ is the highlight of the Lone Star Christmas, one of the most renowned Holiday Season celebrations in the DFW area, which takes place every year at the Gaylord Texan.
It’s a walk-through art display kept at 9°F/ -12°C, featuring large than life ice carved sculptures.
Put your best winter accessories on (parkas are provided, but don’t forget your gloves, hats and scarfs – it is COLD!) and be amazed by this one-of-a-kind experience.
You can also enjoy other Christmas attractions on site for an extra fee, such as snow tubing, ice skating and gingerbread decorating corner. See activities packages offered here.
The Lone Star Christmas is open to the public – you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy it. But there are special overnight packages available, in case you’re coming from out of town or looking for a staycation in December.
Put your best winter clothes on, head to the Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole and enjoy a gourmet hot cocoa and s’more while kids rejoice on Christmas magic!
Peppermint Park is the perfect Holiday destination for families with little kids. An outdoor Holiday festival featuring everything Christmas – Christmas lights and shows, Holiday train and games, Elves workshops and more.
For more info and tickets purchase visit Hilton’s Anatole Peppermint Park official page.
INSIDER TIP: the Hilton Anatole is only 15 minutes away from Highland Park. After leaving the Peppermint Park, consider driving around to see the famous Highland Park Christmas Lights.
The Trains at North Park is the perfect Christmas attraction in Dallas for little ones and train aficionados. A local Christmas tradition that has been going on for over 30 years and benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Travel America and its gorgeous landscapes from coast to coast through over 1600 feet of train tracks, displayed in a beautiful U.S. themed exhibition.
There are also several other Christmas related events and activities going on at the NorthPark mall during the Holiday Season. Check their calendar here. Some highlights are the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert (Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm) and Breakfast with Santa Spectacular (Sunday, Dec 8 at 9:30 am).
This Holiday thematic train ride is a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas.
With the ‘golden tickets’ in hands and pajamas on, little ones embark on a dreamy train ride to the North Pole, to visit Santa’s workshop and get to know the Old Man and his elves.
The North Pole Express is a sought after Christmas experience in Dallas. Tickets sell out fast and months in advance, grab yours before they are gone…. (and mark your calendars for future reference: sales usually start late September).
…and if you don’t have kids in tow or needs a break for parenthood, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad also offers adults-only Holiday train rides, the Christmas Wine Train, where grown-ups wishes also come true lol – they serve complimentary wine and appetizers during the ride!
Last but not least, a Christmas bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a face to face activity with the Christmas Old Man himself!
There are several places you can take the kids to see Santa – think almost every mall, Christmas related event or downtown square around. But if you want to give your child a once in a lifetime experience, treat them with a breakfast with Santa.
This is a popular Christmas tradition offered in several places in Dallas and surrounding suburbs. But if you want to go really fancy, book your kiddos the Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus. Unforgettable!
May your Holiday season be full of love and joy!
Dallas at Christmas is simply AMAZING. There are tons of incredible Christmas related activities to enjoy around. In this post you found a selection of the ones you cannot miss.
For the best Christmas Lights, try the Vitruvian Lights, Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour, the 12 Days of Christmas at Night in the Dallas Arboretum or Christmas on the Square in Frisco.
For the most traditional and unforgettable Christmas spectacles in the DFW area, choose among The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops and The Gift of Christmas.
The Holiday Parades not to be missed this Christmas season are the huge Dallas Holiday Parade, the Fort Worth Parade of Lights and the Grapevine Parade of Lights.
And make sure to include in your Christmas bucket list also this unique exhibitions and events: ICE™ at Gaylord Texan, the Trains at NorthPark, Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole, Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express and Neiman Marcus’ Breakfast with Santa.
Christmas on a budget? 6 of the activities recommended here are totally free, look for this symbol throughout the post:
Now make your plans and have fun. Have in mind that the most popular Christmas activities and attractions in Dallas usually sell out, so buy your tickets now (links in the post) and have a blast this Holiday season!
Which Christmas activities in Dallas are you planning to try in 2019? Which are your favorites to date? Does your family have any Dallas Christmas tradition that has been going on for years? Leave a comment bellow.
Holiday cheers and may you be surrounded by ho’s this Christmas season!
Epic road trip from Dallas to Nashville, including Memphis. Discover the must-sees and best attractions in the famous American music route and plan your trip!
Hit America’s music route and wander through bucket list destinations.
Discover the best things to do and must-sees in Memphis and Nashville.
This is an amazing road trip to take year-round. It navigates you through nothing less than the Blues Capital of the World and America’s Music City.
If you love music, you must take this trip now! And even if music is not exactly your passion, go. This trip has so many bucket list destinations along the way that not taking advantage of this opportunity while living in Dallas is a shame!
Think Elvis, Martin Luther King, the country music mecca, world-famous concert and live music venues, one of the best barbecues in the U.S., America’s most famous streets. You got it all covered and more.
This route is ideal to be taken in 5+ days if you want to do the whole thing – or alternatively you can only do the Memphis stretch during a long weekend.
If you are looking for shorter trips to take from Dallas, take a look into this ‘Weekend Getaways from Dallas’ post.
Go Elvis! Have the time of your life at one of America’s liveliest cities and country music hub. Immerse into the roots of American music and the Civil Rights Movement. The road trip between Dallas and Nashville is epic and totally worth the drive.
Find out bellow the best stops and things to see between Dallas, Memphis and Nashville. Discover must-sees in these cities, the very best things to do to make the most of your trip.
Memphis is in your way between Dallas and Nashville, and a destination that worth the trip by itself.
It’s among my top 3 destinations to visit from Dallas: not too far, as iconic as it gets and offering so many interesting attractions per square feet that it makes it a non-brainer in my opinion!
Plan to spend 2 to 3 days there. Once in Memphis, check on the city’s most famous attractions:
Sun Studio is the very place where Elvis recorded his first album and were careers of music legends such as B.B. King and Johnny Cash were launched. The place is pure history and considered by many as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.
It is also still working as a recording studio, making the visit to Sun Studio even more authentic and unique.
Visit Graceland, the King of Rock’s last home and gravesite.
The place is sort of an “Elvis Disneyland”, and although it seemed a bit too touristic for my taste at the first glance, it proved to be and amazing place to visit.
Expect to stroll through the King of Rock’s former house, preserved as the way it used to be when he lived there. Visit the home gardens, a small museum and the meditation garden, where Elvis is buried.
Whether you like rock ‘n’ roll or not, Elvis is Elvis and somehow visiting Graceland made him look more ‘human’ to me.
Many people say it is a way too touristy attraction and they are not wrong about that. But in my opinion visiting Memphis and not visiting Graceland is like going to Paris and not going up the Eiffel Tower. In other words, Graceland is a must-visit while you are in Memphis – don’t skip this one.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located on the original site of Stax Records Studio.
It’s a tribute to American soul music, with an impressive and rare collection of music memorabilia. Isaac Hayes famous golden Cadillac is on display. Music classics are everywhere. You can even hit the dance floor at the Express Yourself area.
An immersive experience into Memphis Soul Music that leave many blown away.
Step on historic Beale Street, the ‘Home of Blues’. A National Historic Landmark and hands down one of the most iconic streets in the US.
Stroll up and down Beale Street between 2nd and 4th streets. Check on memorabilia shops, lively pubs and live music venues. Stop by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Catch a live concert at B.B. King’s Blues Club – offering also afternoon family friendly shows. Try the legendary Dyer’s Burger, which has been using the same grease to make their burgers for over a century!
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is just off Beale Street and a neat place to learn Memphis music history and legacy.
The Civil Rights Museum is simply amazing. It was one of my favorite experiences in Memphis – and I wasn’t expecting that!
It is located inside the former Lorraine Motel, the place where Martin Luther King was murdered over 50 years ago.
The murdering scene is preserved – and it’s chilling and touching at the same time – but there is much more than that to the Civil Rights Museum. It takes you back in time to the context preceding the crime, through an outstanding and inspiring exhibition. And gives you a better comprehension of American society back then and nowadays. I’ve loved it.
The Peabody Ducks are an odd and unique Memphis attraction. You won’t see it anywhere else in the world, that’s for sure.
Every day, exactly at 11 am and 5 pm, trained ducks that call the top of the Peabody Hotel home, exit the elevator into the lobby. They then march towards the lobby’s center fountain to take a bath, guided by a ceremony master. Wacky.
The Peabody Ducks’ March is a free attraction. Just walk into the Peabody Hotel lobby and find a spot to see them (arrive 15 to 30 minutes earlier). Or maybe sit at the bar to have a drink while you try to make sense of what you are watching lol.
At the hotel’s sidewalk you also find sort of a Duck’s Hall of Fame, cool for some snapshots!
Try Memphis famous barbecue at Rendezvous or Central BBQ (Downtown location).
The Rendezvous is just down the street from the Peabody Hotel and famous for the ribs. The Central BBQ is by the Lorraine Motel/ Civil Rights Museum. So, take advantage and combine a barbecue lunch or dinner with a visit to one of these attractions.
Nashville is all about music. It is ‘America’s Music Capital’ and the hub of country music in the US. It attracts songwriters, aspiring singers and music lovers worldwide, making Nashville’s music and nightlife scene simply amazing.
A trip to Nashville will immerse you into everything music. Iconic landmarks and music venues, top-notch museums, lively streets and live music is the mix of attractions you can expect to find there.
Check bellow the best things to do in Nashville and must-see attractions, as well as hidden gems off the beaten path.
Have the time of your life at the “Music Capital of the World”!
An American icon, the Grand Ole Opry takes place every week in Nashville. It’s the longest running radio show in the nation, with country music idols and contemporary artists performing on stage.
In 1974 the Grand Ole Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium to the Grand Ole Opry House, built to be able to host larger crowds of the increasingly popular show. The Grand Ole Opry House is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places and one of Nashville’s top attractions.
You can simply tour the Grand Ole Opry House and this by itself is already a bucket-list style attraction not to be missed. But for an unparalleled experience, plan to watch the Grand Ole Opry Show there! It’s performed every week – check the calendar and buy your tickets in advance here. Top off with a post-show backstage tour and follow the steps of the music legends that once performed there.
Ryman Auditorium is an over a century old Historic Landmark, aka as the “Mother Church” of country music. A must-see for anyone visiting Nashville.
It’s hosted celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Elvis Presley and Theodore Roosevelt throughout the years. The Ryman Auditorium was also home to the famous live radio and TV show Grand Ole Opry for over 30 years, before the Grand Ole Opry House construction.
Ryman Auditorium offers daily self-guided and guided behind-the-scene tours that take you through the music venue and museum. For a once in a lifetime experience in Nashville, you can also watch a live music concert there!
Get into Nashville musical roots and history of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The museum holds one of the world’s most impressive and largest country music collections, with instruments, costumes and all sort of music artifacts. The Hall of Fame takes you through the most famous country artists of all times.
It is a large and super interesting exhibition, a treat for country music fans but also enjoyable even if it’s not your favorite music style. A must-see Nashville attraction.
Make sure to opt for the add on to tour the historic RCA Studio B on music row (shuttle included).
Step on the grounds where Elvis recorded over 200 songs and where over 1,000 American hits where brought to life by artists such as Willie Nelson, Dollie Parton and Roger Miller, only to name a few.
See in person the studios and equipment used back in the golden times. Listen to the soundtracks recorded in the studio. Touring the legendary RCA Studio B is an authentic and unique experience you shouldn’t miss while in Nashville.
It’s located at the Music Row, Nashville’s country music heart, home to record labels, studios and radio stations.
Nashville is all about live music and you can find amazing music spots in almost every corner. The most iconic ones, not to be missed, are the Blue Bird Cafe, Wildhorse Saloon and Robert’s Western World.
Robert’s Western World is considered by many the best honky-tonk in Nashville. The place to go to sip a beer, grab a bite and listen to high-quality country music.
The Bluebird Cafe is the best place to experience an authentic and intimate Nashville experience, the famous songwriters’ sessions, with musicians playing their own songs.
The Wildhorse Saloon is the perfect place to hit the dance floor, offering daily free line dancing classes.
Stroll down the iconic Broadway Street street to get into the Nashville vibe. Stop by the shops, pubs and live music venues.
For a lunch bite and live music, stop by the famous Robert’s Western World. The fried bologna sandwich, moon Pie and cold PBR are Nashville staples. For a treat, try locals favorite Goo Goo Shop and Dessert Bar – you can even take a class and make your own candy there.
Then burn out the extra calories and enjoy amazing Nashville skyline views walking across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, an over than a century old bridge only a few blocks away from the Broadway. The Johnny Cash Museum is right off Broadway and takes you through the music icon life through authentic artifacts and memorabilia.
For something out of the beaten path in Nashville, head to The Gulch, a trendy neighborhood with famous graffiti murals, local shops and restaurants.
Start with lunch at the nearby Arnold’s Country Kitchen, an award winning classic and Nashville essential restaurant, considered one of the best restaurants in the south. Don’t expect fanciness – it’s a laid-back over the counter restaurant – but the food is simply amazing (the best fried catfish I’ve ever had).
Head then to 11th Street and stroll through the boutiques and cafes. Check the amazing graffiti murals around. – don’t miss the famous What Lifts You Wings mural.
Nashville is home to the world’s only life-sized replica of the Greek Parthenon. The Parthenon operates as a gallery and Nashville’s art museum. A curious attraction, at least. It’s the centerpiece of the beautiful Centennial Park. The closest you can get to the Greek Parthenon without the price tag of a flying ticket to Athens 🙂
The Tennessee State Capitol, one of the oldest State Capitols in operation in the U.S., also carries the Greek-revival style in its beautiful over 150 years old building. It offers free guided tours.
Belle Meade Plantation is a well-preserved 19th century mansion, with Greek-revival architecture. Touring it is stepping back in time into the big plantations and slavery era, an interesting experience. Belle Meade Plantation is also home to a winery and free tastings are offered with the tour.
Here are some cool side trips to take from Nashville. Bonus ideas on how to enjoy your road trip from Dallas to Nashville to the fullest!
Site of the last big battle of the American Civil War, full of southern charm and home to ‘Americas Favorite Main Street’, Franklin will captivate all types of travelers.
To get into the small southern town vibe, head to Downtown Franklin and stroll down Main Street through boutiques, coffees, restaurants and historic landmarks. Take an insta-worthy shot at the historic Franklin Theatre. Stop by Landmark Booksellers, one of Franklin’s oldest buildings and the place that inspired the New York Times best-seller ‘The Bridge’. Check on The Factory, just off Main Street, a historic building listed in the National Register of Historic Places and home to a cool and unique mall.
To immerse into the town’s history, visit Carnton House, a historic plantation which played an important role into the infamous Battle of Franklin, being used as an improvised hospital to care for the wounded and bury the dead – over 10,000 casualties were reported.
For breakfast or just coffee and treats, try the lovely and mouthwatering Merridee’s Breadbasket. Lunch at local’s favorite 55 South is a must. Drinks? O’ Be Joyful offers great atmosphere, delicious burgers and an impressive whiskey’s selection.
Jack Daniel’s original distillery is in Lynchburg, only a short driving distance from Nashville!
There you can take daily tours to check the behind the scenes whiskey making process and taste whiskey straight from the barrels – once a privilege of only to a few lucky distillers and professional tasters.
A once in a lifetime opportunity for Whiskey lovers and a Jack Daniel’s fans.
For adventure seekers and outdoorsy folks, Burgess Falls State Park is within a short driving distance from Nashville and home to one of Tennessee’s must impressive natures wonders.
There you will find four beautiful waterfalls that can be seen throughout a moderate short trail. Among them, the amazing Burgess Falls, a stunning 130 ft tall cascade plunging into a large limestone gorge.
Looking for an epic road trip to take from Dallas? Look no further! The itinerary Dallas – Memphis – Nashville has more bucket-list places per mile than any other you can think of and it’s guaranteed to create amazing memories for life!
Only 6 hours away from Dallas, Memphis is all about Elvis, blues and history.
The Blues Capital of the World is a lively town home to the world-famous Beale Street, to Graceland (Elvis’ last official home and gravesite), to the legendary Sun Studio and Stax Records and to the infamous Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was murdered over 50 years ago. It’s also famous for its mouthwatering barbecue as well as for the eccentric Peabody Ducks’ attraction.
Another 3 hours on the road and you’ll stumble upon Nashville, America’s Music City and one of the liveliest cities in the US – expect to find entertainment at its finest there.
In Nashville, you can watch a live performance at the acclaimed Grand Ole Opry House, tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, visit the superb Country Music Hall of Fame, and follow Elvis, Dollie Parton and another music legends’ steps at the RCA Studio B tour. Then get into the city’s vibe at the popular Broadway and listen to high-quality live music in famed venues – or everywhere!
You can even step into the only life-sized replica of the Greek Parthenon! And to follow on the Greek-Revival vibe, visit the historic Belle Meade Plantation and Winery and explore the Tennessee Capitol, one of the oldest State Capitols in operation in the US.
This post covered all the best things to do in Memphis and Nashville, as well as 3 amazing side trips you can take from Nashville: Franklin, Jack Daniel’s distillery and Burgess Falls.
Dig into it, choose your favorite attractions and make your own itinerary. Then hit the road, have the time of your life and get back here to tell your experience and share new findings.
If you know of any other must-visit place in Memphis and Nashville – or interesting places to stop along the way – please share your wisdom leaving a comment bellow. I’ll love to hear from you!
Top things to do in Dallas during the second semester of the year. Fall and early winter attractions and events, including outdoor activities, Fall, Halloween and Holiday celebrations.
Enjoy the best of Dallas in September, October and November,
including must-attend Halloween and Holiday Season Celebrations.
Fall is finally here, and the Texas heat is almost subsiding. Time to be outdoors and enjoy the most beloved American traditions!
Fall Festivals, Sports Seasons, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner – believe it or not. This is one of the liveliest seasons of the year! Find out what to do and where to go during fall in Dallas to make the most of it. This guide covers the best fall/ early winter activities in Dallas, so you don’t miss out on anything.
In the 9 topics bellow you’ll find incredible 50 things to do in Dallas from Late September through December. Tons of ideas on how to have fun in Dallas and have the most fun fall season ever!
Check the suggestions bellow, pick your favorite ones and make your own Dallas bucket list for the upcoming months.
For more things to do in Dallas, take a look into these top 15 attractions in DFW, to be enjoyed year-round.
Hiking season is at its peak! The mild weather and beautiful fall colors make autumn the perfect time to explore the outdoors.
Home to preserves, lakes and state parks, the Dallas surroundings have some perfect spots for hiking. Here 9 places to find the best hiking trails near Dallas, within a short driving distance from the city:
Now that the heat is almost over and that you can be outside without melting, make sure to chill out at one of the top beer gardens in Dallas. Just do that. Hanging out at an outdoor patio is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a beautiful – and mild weather – autumn day and I promise you’ll enjoy it too.
My all-time favorite beer gardens in Dallas are the Texas Truck Yard, The Rustic and Kate Trail Ice House, for different reasons. The Rustic is more upscale and perfect for weekend brunch with live music. The Texas Truck Yard is Dallas quirkiest and coolest beer garden, with quality high music at specific days and times. And the Kate Trail Ice House is a Dallas classic overlooking the also iconic Kate Trail.
In this post (destinations 5, 7 and 14) you find tips on how to best enjoy your visit to this superb beer gardens, with detailed info and things to do in the surroundings.
Autumn brings in the gorgeous fall colors. The landscaping dramatically changes into an incredible pallet of yellow, red and orange.
Fall foliage usually reach its peak in North Texas somewhere around November – although this is not an exact science. The Dallas surroundings are blessed with amazing natural areas, among the most beautiful places to see fall foliage in Texas. They are all within one to two hours driving from Dallas and make the perfect fall day trip from DFW.
Here are the 5 best places to breath in the amazing autumn colors near Dallas, Texas:
Football season is here. Time to watch the 5 times Super Bowl winners Dallas Cowboys – aka America’s team – playing at home in their official field, the AT&T Stadium!
Even if you’re not a football fan it is an unmissable spectacle and a once in a lifetime experience. It can’t get any more American than that.
The NFL season goes from early September to late February. Super Bowl 2020 is scheduled for February 2, 2020. Check here the official Dallas Cowboys schedule for this season to know when they will be playing at the AT&T Stadium, plan ahead and buy your tickets.
Everything is bigger in Texas. This is also true for the Holiday Season in Dallas! There are tons of events and amazing things to do around at this time of the year, starting in early November.
You’ll need a few years to cover everything Christmas related Dallas has to offer lol.
But to give you a head start, take a look into this post with the 16 best things to do in Dallas for Christmas. The must-dos during the Holiday Season in Dallas. Traditional Christmas activities and attractions in DFW to be experienced at least once in a lifetime and not to be missed.
My personal Christmas bucket list for this year includes watching the Dallas Holiday Parade – Dallas largest parade year-round!, give my kiddos the ‘golden ticket’ to ride the North Pole Express at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, visit the Vitruvian Lights display in Addison, the Peppermint Park at the Hilton Anatole and watch at least one of the 4 most traditional Christmas spectacles in Dallas.
As the excruciating hot weather finally subsides (eventually it will, I promise), some of the best races in DFW start popping around.
Even if you are not a runner, these events are a lot of fun and offer short distances, walks and even kids’ races. The best and most unique ones to be on the lookout for are the Monster Dash, a Halloween themed costume run and the Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving tradition (the Monster Dash includes a pancake breakfast, if you need extra incentive).
They are perfect to enjoy those festivities in a different way. Or even to prepare you for the BMW Dallas Marathon, in December. The BMW Dallas Marathon is one of the largest run events around, Dallas’ oldest marathon and a Boston qualifier. But also offers much more modest options, such as 5K races, a short 2-mile walk and a kids’ race.
Lace your shoes up and hit the streets!
Nothing says fall like a trip to a pumpkin patch! A fun and unique American tradition worth experiencing.
Between late September and late October, go hunting your perfect pumpkin to carve your own Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween. Two great pumpkin patches in Dallas and surroundings are the Dallas Arboretum and Yesterland Farm.
Dallas Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village is considered one of the 15 best pumpkin patches in the whole US. It is huge and gorgeous, framed by thousands of fall flowers. Visitors cannot really harvest pumpkins there – it is sort of an art structure – but pumpkins can be purchased on site. If you have kids in tow, make sure to visit the fun Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden inside the Arboretum as well.
Yesterland Farm is in Canton, about one hour away from Dallas. Besides the pumpkin patch, it offers tons of farm activities. Plan to spend the day there enjoying a day at the farm and harvesting your own pumpkin! This place is perfect for family fun!
Check here some other pumpkin patch options in Dallas and surroundings.
Fall also brings to Dallas amazing events and festivals.
The Texas State Fair is the top one, attracting people from all over the country. It offers tons of daily attractions from late September for about 3 weeks. Check their calendar tool and plan ahead.
The Dia de los Muertos Parade is a new event to keep an eye on. It is scheduled to have its first edition in October with the intention of becoming the largest Dia de los Muertos celebration in Texas.
There are also other cool and unique events scheduled in DFW for the upcoming months, such as the Sky Lantern Festival and Red Bull Soap Box Race. Discover here the best events to attend in Dallas this fall.
Springtime is also Halloween time!
Trick or treat and frightening house decorations are everywhere. But if you want to enjoy Halloween in Dallas to the fullest and take the celebration to the next level, make sure to try some of the most awesome Halloween attractions and events around.
For a free costume party head to the Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party, one of the largest Halloween celebrations in Dallas.
If you are looking for family friendly Halloween things to do in Dallas, Friscovania, Grapevine Vintage Railroads’Trick’r Treat, Halloweekend at the Dallas Zoo, Boo at the Fort Worth Zoo and Stockyard’s Treat Street are some of the Halloween events in Dallas and surroundings that deserve your attention.
To scream your head off, make sure to include Grapevine’s ghost tour, the Six Flags Fright Fest and a visit to a haunted house in your plans. Dallas is home to amazing haunted houses among the best in the nation. The Dark Hour, Moxley Manor and Cutting Edge are some great alternatives – this last one is a Guinness Record holder and appears frequently in several publications as one of the scariest attractions in the US.
Mission impossible: get bored in Dallas during fall.
With the best weather of the year and tons of celebrations ahead, the months of September, October and November bring to Dallas simply amazing entertainment opportunities you can’t miss out!
In this post you find my personal bucket list of things to do in the months to come. I hope it inspires you and gives some good ideas to make the most of the second semester of the year in Dallas.
My fave fall activities include taking advantage of the great weather and beautiful season to:
Hike trails near Dallas, admire the beautiful fall foliage in the DFW surroundings, run theme races, chill out at Dallas most amazing beer gardens, watch a live Cowboys’ match at the AT&T Stadium, go hunt the perfect pumpkin in one of Dallas’ top pumpkin patches, attend the very best Halloween and Holiday celebrations in Dallas and unique fall festivals.
Read above and find out where to find the best versions of each one of these activities. Give them a try and get back here to let me know how it went.
Do you have any other favorite things to do during fall in Dallas? Leave your comment bellow!
Stunning Road Trip from Dallas to Colorado Springs and Breckenridge Ski Resort. Jaw-dropping nature wonders along the way!
Explore Colorado Springs amazing outdoors. Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Discover stunning Colorado’s must-sees and hidden gems along the way!
Colorado is an incredible State to explore year-round. Think snow in the winter and mild-weather in the summer – does someone else fell like escaping the heat during the excruciating Texas summers?
Colorado’s landscaping is stunning. A jaw-dropping scenery that will leave you breathless curve after curve. It is a travel destination that, if is still not, should be in your bucket list for sure!
I took a road trip from Dallas to Colorado last Spring Break. As one of the objectives of the trip was snowboarding, the route I choose was the one that takes you to the Ski Resorts near Denver through Colorado Springs.
Breckenridge Ski Resort was my final destination. But of course, I took advantage to explore as many stops along the way as I could : ) And many of them were way above my expectations – it didn’t expect to find such stunning places within a driving distance from Dallas!
Here I share with you my favorite places to visit between Dallas, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge. The suggested itinerary bellow is not the one I took. But an improved version with only the places I loved the most. The route I would take if I ever did this trip again.
This road trip is perfect to be taken whenever you have at least one full week off (2 weekends + 1 week). I would consider roughly 4 days on the road exploring the stops mentioned in this post, 2 to 3 days in Colorado Springs and 2 to 3 days in Breckenridge.
But you can adjust and adapt it to best suit your needs. Or even do it partially.
Colorado Springs has enough amazing attractions to justify a road trip by itself, so if skiing is not a priority skip the Denver-Breckenridge stretch of this trip.
And skiing in Breckenridge is also reason enough to hit the road! If this is your top 1 priority, reduce the time spent in Colorado Springs to a single day – Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak are the must-sees there in this case.
So, dig in! Explore the ideas bellow, make your own itinerary and embark on an epic road trip to be remembered years to come.
Trinidad was my first destination in this road trip. I used this city only for lodging to recharge my batteries for the next day.
The 9-hour drive was a bit of a stretch, I admit. But I did take my time and made a lot of stops along the way to rest, refresh, stretch my legs and enjoy the journey, so it was not bad at all.
And driving all the way to Trinidad left me pretty close to the places I wanted to visit the following day.
Another very good possibility for lodging is spending the first night is Amarillo, about 5h 30m from Dallas (roughly the midpoint of the trip). The only reason why I didn’t do that was because I had already been to Amarillo twice – all roads take you to Amarillo lol. But you haven’t been there yet, go for it!
In this case, spare half a day to visit the main attractions in Amarillo – Historic Route 66, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak House – and half a day to hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail at the nearby Palo Duro Canyon. Find here details on how to explore Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon (destination # 1).
No matter where you decide to stay, these are the stops I recommend between Dallas and Trinidad
(5h 20m from Dallas)
Leave Dallas early in the morning and stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch for lunch. It is always special. Although it can be sometimes a little chaotic – it’s a well-known touristic destination – food is good, they have affordable lunch specials and all the times I went there I could witness some lost soul trying their 72 oz challenge – it is fun!
If you want to explore Amarillo further, check here things to do in Amarillo (destination # 1). Top things to do include the iconic Cadillac Ranch and Historic Route 66.
(2h 50m from Amarillo)
From Amarillo take Hwy 87 towards Raton, NM. It is a more scenic old mountain country route and takes you through Capulin Volcano.
You can see the volcano from the road and take a slight detour to get there. It used to be possible to drive up Capulin Volcano National Monument and then walk into the volcano crater, but the road is currently closed for repairs and is expected to reopen in 2020. Check here the current status before taking the detour.
Drive then into Colorado towards Trinidad through Raton Pass. Trinidad is about 50 minutes away from Capulin Volcano.
(0h 50m from Capulin Volcano)
Spend the night in Trinidad, Colorado, to gather some energy for the following day. This is what I did and, as I was short on time, I unfortunately I didn’t get to explore around.
But if you have some extra days or energy left, a stroll through downtown Trinidad and its Victorian architecture and hiking Simpson’s Rest are the items I have on my bucket list for a future visit. Find here some more ideas on what to do in Trinidad.
Plan to spend the day on the road exploring amazing spots between Trinidad and Colorado Springs. If you are departing from Amarillo instead, make sure to come through US 87 scenic drive.
This stretch of the trip is simply amazing. The attractions you’ll find bellow are not to be missed:
If you enjoy slow paced road trips and scenic roads, take the road less traveled in your way to the next stop.
Instead of taking I-25 towards the Bishop Castle, drive through the scenic Highway of Legends, bordering the Spanish Peaks.
To do so, put the town of Stonewall as your destination in the GPS (and from there add the Bishop Castle as the final destination). It will take you through Hwy 12 and the towns of Stonewall, Cuchara and La Veta. For a detailed map with recommended stops along the way, click here.
Beware that this route adds 1h 30m to your trip (excluding the eventual stops along the way). So, skip it if you are on a tight schedule or if driving around is just not your thing.
(1h 20m from Trinidad through I-25/ 2h 40m through the Highway of Legends
From Trinidad head to Bishop Castle, an unique structure built stone by stone by one man.
It is an interesting stop in your way to the Royal Gorge Bridge Park and takes you there through Lake Isabel Forest. It’s a more scenic drive than the route on Interstate 25, through Pueblo, and adds only about 15-20 minutes to your trip.
(1h 20m from Bishop Castle)
The Royal Gorge Bridge is a must stop in Colorado. Don’t skip it under any circumstances! It is the tallest Suspension Bridge in America. It crosses over a canyon and the views are breathtaking.
Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge walking and riding the gondola are awe-inspiring adventures. Park admission includes unlimited gondola rides and there are also extra activities – such as the zipline and SkyCoaster – to be considered by the brave of heart.
(0h 20m from Royal Gorge Bridge Park)
![Photo by Jeffrey Beall [CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.dallaswanderer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Road-Trip-Dallas-Colorado-Skyline-Drive-Canon-City.jpg?resize=612%2C380&ssl=1 "Road Trip Dallas Colorado Skyline Drive Canon City")
Ready for some more adrenaline? Head to nearby Skyline Drive and take the scariest drive of your life.
It is a one-way very narrow road with cliffs on both sides. It has 2.6 miles, no turning backs – you got to be sure you want to do it – and gives you amazing panoramic views of its surroundings.
Be careful, drive slowly, follow the signs and you should be good – I’m here to tell the story, so chances are you’ll survive too. Go if you love adventures and exploring unique places – this is a true Colorado hidden gem and a one of a kind road! Stay away if you are afraid of heights though.
Afterwards hit the road and drive about one hour to reach your destination for the night and upcoming days, Colorado Springs.
(1h 00m from Skyline Drive)
Colorado Springs is the ultimate outdoors’ lover paradise. It offers enough amazing things to do to keep you awed and entertained for quite a while. Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days there to cover all the must-see places bellow.
Colorado Springs is sort of a large city surrounded by nature.
For lodging, try to stay in the neighboring Manitou Springs, a charming mountain town right by most of the nature spots recommended in this post. Or at Old Colorado City, a lively historic district not far from Manitou Springs.
Colorado Springs offers tons of incredible things to do. The following attractions are the must-visit places in the city surroundings.
If you don’t have enough time to cover them all and need to make choices, my personal faves in Colorado Springs are the Garden of Gods and Pikes Peak Drive.
If you only have time to do one thing in Colorado Springs, visit the Garden of Gods. Don’t miss it.
The Garden of Gods is a jaw-dropping designated National Natural Landmark. The landscaping is magical, with Colorado’s iconic red rocks contrasting with the mountains in the background. And, if you are lucky, with some snow during winter. And it is surprisingly a free attraction!
It’s a place to just stroll around – think paved trails – hike or climbing (proper gear and permit required for climbing).
For a leisure walk, take the Central Garden Trail, a 1.5-mile easy trail, wheelchair accessible, that takes you through the main rock formations. If you love a challenge, take the Garden of the Gods Loop Trail, a 3.7-mile trail circling all Garden of Gods formations. Check here other trail options.
Drive up Pikes Peak. The drive is breathtaking and takes you to the top of Pikes Peak, the highest summit in the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains. The views are stunning.
Pikes Peak is opened year-round, weather permitting (check conditions before heading there). Pikes Peak Highway takes you to the summit. In high season – May through September – a shuttle is offered from mile 16 due to limited parking at the top.
There used to be a Railway going up Pikes Peak, currently not operating. It is expected to get back on track on 2020 – fingers crossed!
![Photo by Ixbrian [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.dallaswanderer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Manitou-Inclining-Road-Trip-Dallas-Colorado-Springs.jpg?w=840&ssl=1 "Manitou Inclining Road Trip Dallas Colorado Springs")
Are you up for a challenge? Are you (really really) fit? Climb up Manitou Incline, right by Pikes Peak.
An old cable car track with 2,744 steps and a 2000 feet elevation gain, Manitou Incline is a 1-mile extreme trail which attracts advanced hikers from all over the country.
To hike it, make sure to adjust to the high altitude of Colorado Springs first. And bring plenty of water and energy snacks. Beware that there is a “false summit” at the intersection with Barr Trail, about 300 steps before the real one!
The trail is free and open to the public. There is a free parking and free shuttle departing from 10 Old Mans Trail.
Go underground and embark on a cave tour at Cave of the Winds.
There are 3 tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. The most basic tour – Discovery Tour – is family friendly, lasts about one hour and take you through 15 cave chambers. For more adrenaline, some mud and crawling, take the Lantern Tour or Cave 101.
The Cave of the Winds also offers climbing, a zip line and a virtual reality theater.
Beautiful place nestled in a canyon, with 7 waterfalls and a steep staircase with 224 steps. Walk it up and have gorgeous views from the falls (play the video here).
There is also an elevator to go up to the overlooking area in case you don’t want to or can’t climb up the stairs. The Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers a restaurant on-site, if you plan to eat there make reservations in advance specially during high season. Broadmoor Seven Falls also offers hiking trails and a zip-line.
Parking is free and far from the attraction. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the base of the waterfalls from there.
Manitou Springs is a tiny and lovely town by the Rocky Mountains foothills. It’s very close to most of the places suggested in this article and can be your prefect hub to explore the area.
Whether you decide to stay in Manitou Springs or not, make sure to spare sometime to wander through the town.
Take a leisure walk through Manitou Springs shops and galleries. Visit the Miramont Castle and Museum and maybe have lunch – or a Victorian Tea – at the Queen’s Parlour Tearoom on site. Have fondue at the charming Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant. Or a bite and wine at the fun Swirl. For a beer – or even dinner – try Manitou Brewing Co.
The nearby Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a one-of-a-kind museum of Native American culture with relocated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, is another interesting thing to do in Manitou Springs.
Old Colorado City is a designated National Historic District full of shops, art galleries and restaurants. Also located close to the outdoor attractions of Colorado Springs, is another good option for lodging.
It is also a foodie’s paradise, with excellent no-chain dining options. For amazing pies, try Pizzeria Rustica. If you like Mediterranean food, you’ll love Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna. Or go for something different and taste Ethiopian food at Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant.
(2h 00m from Colorado Springs)
From Colorado Springs, head to Breckenridge, a charming old-mining town at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
You have two options to get there from Colorado Springs: through the mountains or through the Denver. The route through the mountains is more scenic. The one that goes through Denver allows a quick stop at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue with an amazing natural backdrop and trails.
I would suggest you take both, one in your way to Breckenridge and one in your way back.
Year-round enjoy the historic and lively Main Street. Take in the upscale vibe and jaw-dropping mountainous background. Stroll through Victorian buildings, shops, galleries and eateries. Walk it up and down or use the free trolley.
Taste local crafted-beer and spirits Breckenridge Brewery, Après Handcrafted Libations and Breckenridge Distillery’s downtown tasting room.
For dinner, try the Twist, Relish and Hearthstone, all top-rated restaurants offering amazing mountains views.
Check next the best things to to in winter and summertime in Breckenridge:
In wintertime, Breckenridge it is the skier’s paradise: it is home to the world-class Breckenridge Ski Resort, accessible from Breckenridge through a free gondola. If you love skiing or snowboard, this is your place.
For a free and fun family activity in Breckenridge, go sledding at Carter Park (bring your own sled). At the nearby Frisco Adventure Park, try snowtubing.
Another winter activities in and around Breckenridge include snowshoeing, snowmobile and dog sledding.
During summer, hiking, mountain biking and water sports are popular things to do in Breckenridge.
Hike McCullough Gulch Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails with lakes and waterfalls along the way. For easy family friends hike leaving right from downtown Breckenridge, try Carter Park, Burro Trail and Sawmill Trail.
Rent a stand-up paddle board and head to Maggie Pond, at the end of the Blue River, to cruise it with the majestic mountains as your backdrop. Embark on a white water rafting adventure.
From late June to early September, hop on the free gondola and head to Epic Discover, a seasonal adventure park offering everything from zip lines to alpine slides.
A road trip to Colorado is a bucket list style trip you should take at least once in your lifetime. The state’s landscaping is superb, making the journey as jaw-dropping as the destinations themselves.
It is the perfect destination year-round and you can take it from Dallas whenever you have 1+ week available.
The itinerary detailed in this post has Colorado Springs and Breckenridge as final destinations. You can do it all or adjust according to your needs – and even skip the last part and make it a road trip between Dallas and Colorado Springs.
In your way between Dallas and Colorado Springs, enjoy amazing stops along the way: Amarillo, Capulin Volcano, Highway of Legends, Bishop Castle, Royal Gorge Bridge and Skyline Drive.
In Colorado Springs, make sure to explore the Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Incline, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City.
In Breckenridge, enjoy snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and dog sledding in the winter. And outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and water sports during summer.
I hope the ideas you’ll find in this post help you to make the most of your trip from Dallas to Colorado!
Now go, make your plans and remember to get back here to share your experience.
Have you ever done this route before? Are you planning to do it soon? What are your thoughts about this road trip itinerary? Please leave a comment bellow!
Best long road trips to take from Dallas when you have 7+ days available. Trips of a lifetime to add now to your bucket list!
Road trips of a lifetime you must take from Dallas, with stunning stops along the way.
Hit the road and reach unbelievable destinations that will simply blow your mind!
If you love the idea of road trips, I’m happy to announce that you are in an amazing place to do that!
Expanding your horizons – and your car mileage – you can reach places you would not believe that are within a driving distance from DFW. They are far far away, that’s right. But isn’t it all about the journey?
Road trips are fun and memorable! Especially when you have stops as stunning as the final destination along the way. And this is what you will find here: travel ideas that will keep your mouth opened from the beginning till the end.
These road trips are ideal to be taken whenever you have at least 5 to 7 days available, so plan them to your next Summer Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, Thanksgiving or long vacation.
Take your wanderer game to a whole new level. Hit the American roads, embark on unforgettable adventures and create memories to be treasured forever!
Complete road trip itinerary from Dallas to Taos, New Mexico, with amazing stops along the way. Find out the must-sees in Amarillo, Santa Fe and Taos and have the time of your life!
A jaw-dropping winter road trip from Dallas to northeast New Mexico, with stunning stops along the way.
I think I might be in love with New Mexico.
I don’t know if it’s the dramatic landscape, the uniqueness of the place in comparison to the rest of the U.S., the architecture, the food, the colors, all of it together… But it somehow grew on me to the point I keep coming back again and again and again : )
New Mexico does not get half of the attention it deserves. It’s a mind-blowing under the radar destination, with places you wouldn’t expect to be able to visit within a driving distance from Dallas. The northeast portion of the state is specially amazing and make the top of my personal “trips of a lifetime” list.
The road trip from Dallas to Taos is perfect to be taken during the winter months, so you can combine New Mexico’s superb landscape, culture and culinary with snow fun – Taos is one of the closest Ski Resorts to Dallas, and definitively the best one among those.
The road trip from Dallas to Taos requires ideally at least a 5 to 7 days’ time frame (I’ve already done it in 4 days, but I’m a little nuts). So, plan to take it whenever you have a longer break – think Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break.
In the next lines you’ll find my favorite itinerary there. Explore it, make your own plans and hit the road! I hope you enjoy northeast New Mexico it as much as I did!
If you have a shorter time frame or don’t want to drive that much, dig into our Trips from Dallas page. Discover surprising destinations as close as 30 minutes from DFW!
I’ve done the Dallas – Taos route before twice, and I’m planning to do it again this winter. So, there is no need to ask me if it is worth the trip lol.
Here I share with you my favorite stops along the way. This itinerary includes Amarillo, Santa Fe and Taos. Check bellow what to do and see in this towns and how to better explore its amazing surroundings.
Amarillo is your first stop in this road trip from Dallas to Northeast New Mexico. It can be perfect the place to take a break from the road and stretch your legs.
If you plan to reach New Mexico the same day, spend only a couple hours there to cover the city highlights: Big Texan Steakhouse, Route 66 and Cadillac Ranch.
But if you can, spend one night there and spare half a day to explore the nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second largest canyon in the U.S. – only behind the Grand Canyon.
Check bellow Amarillo’s main attractions and for further details on things to do in Amarillo and Palo Duro Canyon, read this article (destination #1, Amarillo, TX):
Have lunch at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, part of the old Route 66 and famous for its 72oz steak challenge (eat it all plus side dishes in less than one hour and you don’t pay the bill!).
Head to the Route 66 Historic District to drive by the portion of the legendary Route 66 that crosses Amarillo. There are a few shops and restaurants here and there, but what really makes the slight detour interesting is crossing “driving Route 66” from your bucket list (and taking a quick snapshot to register the moment for posterity, of course!)
Stop by the world-famous Cadillac Ranch. Bring your own spray cans and spray paint real antique Cadillacs. You won’t go to jail for that, I promise – spray painting at the Cadillac Ranch is not only allowed but encouraged as part of this unusual art installation.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is about 30 minutes away from Amarillo. Watch Palo Duro Canyon opening right in front of your eyes as you approach the area, in the middle of the otherwise flat Texas Panhandle, is something special.
The canyon is a destination by itself and you could easily spend a few nights there. But as your final destination – Taos – lies many miles ahead, I would recommend you spend half a day there instead. A good option to make the most of your short visit is to take in the views from the overlook area and then hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail.
Santa Fe is an amazing and charming small town with a unique artsy vibe, surrounded by incredible nature and cultural wonders. It scored #2 in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award and it was considered one of the 14 Best Places to Travel in 2019 by Forbes.
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days there. Here is what to do and the must-sees in Santa Fe and surroundings:
In Santa Fe, explore the Santa Fe Plaza surroundings. Stroll through its shops and galleries. Visit San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the US. Stop by the Palace of the Governors to check on Native American artisans selling authentic art, pottery and jewelry. Try The Shed restaurant just down the street (reservations recommended).
Head then to the Canyon Road area. Wander through the art galleries. Geronimo and The Compound are both great restaurant options on Canyon Road. For a quick meal or a treat, try The Teahouse or Cafe des Artistes.
Visit the amazing Bandelier National Monument, an incredible spot nestled in a canyon, with petroglyphs and dwellings on rocks dating over 11.000 years. The Bandelier National Monument is about 50 minutes away from Santa Fe. It offers several trails. If you only have time to take one, choose the Main Loop Trail, which takes you to the stairs from where you can access the cavates, small human-carved alcoves.
On your way in or out the Bandelier National Monument, take a slight detour and stop by Santuario de Chimayo, a National Historic Landmark and most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the United States. It is a small and adorable church said to have healing powers through its “holy dirt”. Whether you believe in miracles or not, it is a magical place that totally deserves the attention that it gets.
For lunch, head to the nearby Rancho de Chimayo, a pueblo-style traditional New Mexican restaurant.
Oh my. I LOVE this place. When planning my trip, I was in doubt if I should choose to explore Tent Rocks National Monument or Bandelier National Monument. I ended up doing both, but If I had to pick only one, I would definitively go with Tent Rocks.
Both are amazing, but Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks is something out of this world. It’s stunning. A unique landscaping different from anything I’d ever seen.
Once there, hike through the slop canyons up to the top. It is not a difficult hike, but it includes some climbing. I did it with 2 kids, including a 3-year-old, and we were fine.
The Tent Rocks National Monument is about 50 minutes away from Santa Fe, making it a perfect day trip to explore the town surroundings.
Taos town is a more laid-back version of Santa Fe and can be used as your base to reach the ski resorts of the Enchanted Circle. Plan to spend at least 2 days there (more if you plan on skiing or snowboarding).
I like using Taos as a base and driving up and down the mountain every day for snowboarding. It allows me to enjoy what the town has to offer and to explore more the surroundings, instead of spending the whole time in the ski resort.
But it’s a personal preference. Staying in a ski resort is another great option (sometimes they offer packages including the ski lift). Do your research, weigh the possibilities and decide what suits you better.
But Taos is not only about snow sports. It is a charming small town with a handful of good restaurants, shops and art galleries, offering amazing experiences in its surroundings. It is the perfect winter destination even if you don’t intend to hit the snow slopes.
Check bellow the best things to do and see in and around Taos:
Make sure to reach Taos using the Scenic High Road Byway. The views are gorgeous.
The High Road Scenic Byway passes through Chimayo, so if you didn’t visit the Santuario de Chimayo in your way to the Bandelier National Monument, here is your chance to redeem.
There are also another possible stops along the way. I haven’t checked them myself yet, but the waterfalls at Pueblo of Nambe are definitely something I’ll explore next time I take this route.
On your way to Taos, stop by the neighboring Rancho de Taos.
Check on the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church, a World Heritage site over 250 years old and one of the most photographed churches in North America.
In Taos, explore the Taos Plaza shops and galleries. Visit the Kit Carson and Millicent Rogers museums. Check on the art galleries along the historic Kit Carson Road.
If you have kids in tow, check on the Twirl, a quaint toy store by Taos plaza, with a great play area attached open to the public.
For dinner, try Doc Martin’s, Lambert’s or Love Apple.
An ancient Native American village over 2000 years old, Taos Pueblo is a National Landmark listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The village, located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, is jaw-dropping. The ancient houses, strong colors and Sangre de Cristo mountain range background make the visual just amazing.
Taos Pueblo is opened to visitation through guided tours and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Taos.
A huge iron bridge crossing a spectacular canyon over the Rio Grande. The visual is superb.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a short drive away from Taos (about 15 minutes) and totally worth the stop. You can just drive by to take in the views, park and cross the bridge walking or even take the trails bordering the canyon if you have spare time.
The Enchanted Circle is a beautiful scenic drive which connects Taos, Red River, Eagle Nest and Angel Fire.
The 84-mile trip takes you through the mountains and New Mexico’s history. It’s a breathtaking scenery which offers interesting stops along the way, such as the charming skiing town of Red River and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,
Consider taking a small detour and soaking in the Stagecoach Hot Springs (aka Manby Hot Springs) , in Arroyo Hondo. Full disclosure: I haven’t been there yet. But sounds promising and it’s in my bucket list for the next time I visit Taos, so I’m sharing with you (if you go before I do please come back here and let me know if it was worth the trip!).
I’ve been to 2 ski resorts near Taos town: Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu, both within 30 minutes from the town. They are basically two whole different worlds. I’ve enjoyed both for different reasons.
Taos Ski Valley is a world-class ski resort for more advanced skiers and snowboarders – but there are beginner slopes as well. If you are looking for a top-notch ski resort, go for it.
In case you decide to do so, make sure to stop by the picturesque village of Arroyo Seco on your way back from Taos Ski Valley. Check on the artisans and try one of the top local restaurants – ACEQ, Sabroso’s and Abe’s Cantina and Cocina (make reservations, especially in high season). Or, for a quick meal, try Taos Cow.
Sipapu Ski Resort, in the other hand, is a local small ski resort without all the hype of Taos but offering way more affordable prices. If all you want is to enjoy some snow fun without breaking the bank, can be a great option. Just have in mind that there are way less lifts and trails, amenities and “fanciness” there and you’ll be good.
Another (not tested) ski resort options around are the Red River Ski Area, about one hour away from Taos, and Angel Fire, about 40 minutes away from Taos. Both in the Enchanted Circle.
A word of wisdom: check on snow conditions before heading to New Mexico with the sole purpose of skiing, especially if you plan to go on Thanksgiving or Spring Break. Those two dates usually mark the beginning and end of the season and, depending on the year’s snow fall, the season can be shorter.
I’ve been there both in Thanksgiving and Spring Break and was able to snowboard in both occasions. But in Spring Break snow conditions were already not the best and the last time I went down the slope was remarkable: I fell and landed in a small pond formed by melting snow. Getting soaked under freezing temperatures was NOT cool lol.
Go to northeast New Mexico. Now! If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out.
Santa Fe and Taos are real American hidden gems. They are not in everyone’s radar such as Colorado, Grand Canyon or New York. But they are definitely travel destinations that will surprise you in a (very) good way. Taking the Dallas to Taos road trip is an out of this world experience guaranteed to build unforgettable memories.
The itinerary explored in this post includes 3 main stops: Amarillo, Santa Fe and Taos.
In Amarillo, visit Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S., and iconic places such as Route 66, Cadillac Ranch and Big Texan Steak House.
In Santa Fe, explore this charming New Mexico’s artsy town and get astonished by the Bandelier, Tent Rocks and Santuario de Chimayo, in its surroundings.
Take then the high road to Taos to enjoy the best this laid-back mountain village has to offer. Experience the town unique vibe and culinary. Visit the ancient Taos Pueblo and San Francisco de Assissi Mission Church. Cross the inspiring Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Drive the beautiful Enchanted Circle. Soak up in the Stagecoach Hot Springs. Hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu Ski Resort, Angel Fire or Red River.
Then get back here and let me know how it was. I hope you have the time of your life and like it as much as I did!
Have you taken this road trip before? If so, do you know of any must-see places or attractions not mentioned in this post? Leave a comment! I’ll love to gather new ideas to check on my next trip to Taos.
Discover the best events to attend in the Dallas area in the upcoming months.
8 amazing experiences you can’t miss out. Make the most of this fall season!
Check on 8 amazing upcoming festivals to put on your calendar
Fall season – aka as the best season to be outdoors in Dallas – is just around the corner. And it brings to Dallas an amazing festival season!
Discover the 8 top events you must attend this fall and don’t miss out on the superb things happening around.
From yearly festivals to once in a lifetime experiences, here I share with you my personal bucket list for the upcoming months.
For other ideas on things to do in Dallas, check out these top 15 attractions in DFW. And if you need a break from the city, visit our trips from Dallas page.
Sip some wine and champagne at GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in southwest USA. It’s a popular and lively annual event, that’s been going on for 33 years in Grapevine, a short drive away from Downtown Dallas.
Sample wines from Texas, Michigan and Italy while listening to live music. Enjoy traditional and gourmet food and check on local artisans.
Become a judge at the “People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic”, the largest wine competition in the U.S, featuring 160 Texas varietals from 44 Texas wineries. Smash 18 pounds of grape at the “GrapeStomp competition”!
GrapeFest is a family friendly festival. It also features a kids zone – which includes the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium Touch Tank and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center this year – and rides to keep the little ones entertained.
Admission is free on Thursday all day and on Friday until 5pm. For other days and times, purchase your tickets here.
Watch air balloons coloring the sky at the 40th Plano Balloon Festival, a popular annual event in Plano, Texas.
This edition features 40 air balloons, including some with special shapes. Make sure to attend the festival on Friday or Saturday night, to see them beautifully glowing.
The balloons are the highlight of the event but there is much more to it!
Stick around to see parachute teams performing every afternoon at 5:30 pm. Enjoy local bands every night. Have fun with the little ones at the Kids Fun Zone. Be wowed by fireworks.
The Plano Balloon festival also features a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K races.
Check the complete Plano Balloon Festival schedule here and plan your visit.
Held yearly since 2000 in multiple countries around the world, this year’s Red Bull® Soap Box Race will be in Dallas! It’s the second time Dallas hosts the event, which is returning to the city after 7 years.
So, seize the moment and attend this fun and unique event!
Watch amateurs competing in a downhill race with obstacles on homemade soapbox cars, human powered – no engines or pedals allowed. A total of 50 teams participate and will be judged by speed, creativity and showmanship.
Come and see the amazing crafts, talk to the competitors and cheer for your favorite ones. Watch inevitable and funny failures – sorry – and human creativity at its best.
The event is free and opened to the public. There will be food vendors on site. Bring water, a small umbrella to protect from the sun and enjoy!
Texas State Fair is Dallas most traditional and beloved festival. It has been going on for over a century, celebrating all things Texan. It’s an event as big as Texas that attracts yearly over 3 million people.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Texas Creativity”. Expect tons of entertainment options, crowds and fun.
Greet the Big Texan, world’s tallest cowboy – a Kerens native and former world’s largest Santa Claus in the 50’s just out of curiosity (some Texan culture, folks!). Enjoy over 70 rides, free daily live music, exhibitions, competitions, shows, local and gourmet food and fireworks every night, just to name a few things you can experience there.
Use the Texas State Fair schedule tool to plan your visit and make the most of it. The quantity of daily events can be overwhelming, so you are better off knowing what you want to do and see before getting there.
You can also combine your visit to the Texas State Fair with a football game at the historic Cotton Ball Stadium, nestled in the fair grounds. There are three College Football Games happening during the Texas State Fair, including the traditional Red River Showdown. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Enjoy the cherished American pumpkin patch tradition at the Dallas Arboretum.
Featuring over 90.000 pumpkins in one acre, Arboretum’s Pumpkin Village is one of the largest pumpkin patches around Dallas and considered one of the 15 best pumpkin patches in the nation by Travel Chanel. It’s framed by 150,000 autumn flowers, creating a breathtaking fall setting.
This year festival’s theme is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. So, expect to spot Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Woodstock and other characters around.
Take amazing pics, get into the autumn vibe and then take a pumpkin home to be carved for Halloween! – pumpkins can be purchased at the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch inside.
In its 10th edition, the annual Bonnie & Clyde Day is a curious event to say the least. It takes place in historic Pilot Point, a small town one hour away from downtown Dallas.
Pilot Point was part of Bone and Clyde’s trajectory, both in the real life and movie.
The town and surroundings were once Bonnie and Clyde hidey-hole – as well as a place were other famous outlaws used to hang out. Pilot Point streets were also the filming location of the robbery scene from the Bonnie and Clyde movie. A popular movie from the 60’s, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.
Every year the streets are taken by actors and production staff to reenact the scene. The event also includes a car show, local vendors and family fun.
If you’re into history or a movie buff, the Bonnie and Clyde Day event will fit you like a glove!
Watching thousands of glowing lanterns going up the sky with messages of love is something quite special I can’t wait to repeat! It’s an uplifting and unforgettable bucket list style experience.
Inspired by the traditional event in Thailand, the Nights Light – Sky Lantern Festival happens only in a few places in the US and we are lucky enough to have one right in our backyard, a short drive away from Dallas.
Come and join thousands of people. Bring your chairs and blankets. Sip some wine, cook s’mores at the firepit. Then as night unveils, write your best wishes in your lantern and prepare for the amazing moment when all the lit lanterns are released at once.
The result is breathless, peaceful and joyful. Buy your tickets here to the upcoming Sky Lantern Festival in Dallas and see it for yourself!
This year Dallas is scheduled to host what intends to be the biggest Dia de los Muertos Parade in Texas, if not in the country. 30.000 people are expected to attend the event
The Dallas Dia de los Muertos will take place in Downtown Dallas. The event will run from 4 – 7 pm. The colorful parade is scheduled to start at 5:00 pm at the Dallas City Hall and will be followed by a party with Mexican food, live music and fireworks.
Mark your calendars!
The next two months will be filled with amazing outdoor events in and around Dallas that you simply can’t miss out.
Enjoy wine and have tons of fun at the GrapeFest. Get wowed by air balloons at the Plano Balloon Festival. Experience the free and worldwide renowned Red Bull® Soap Box Race.
Celebrate Texan culture at Texas State Fair. Visit one of the 15 best pumpkin patches in the whole country at the Autumn at the Arboretum. Step back in time at the Bonnie and Clyde Day.
Light up the season with Days and Nights Light – Sky Lantern Festival. Write your wishes on your lantern, lit it up and release into the skies being thankful for the amazing season and inhaling good vibes for the next one!
Dallas will also host this fall the first edition of what intends to be the largest Dia de los Muertos Parade in the country.
