2020 Travel Ideas – Holidays and School Breaks
Best Places near Dallas to Travel in Each 2020 Holiday
9 long weekends, spring break, summer break and winter break ahead!
Plan your year and assure your spot at the most sought-after destinations in Texas and surroundings States.
2020 is here! Time to look ahead and jump into new adventures.
The Dallas surroundings are simply AMAZING.
If you doubt it, take advantage of the new calendar year and hit the road to check it with your own eyes!
If you agree with me, explore deeper. No matter how much we’ve traveled so far, there are always stunning places to be discovered by us just around the corner! – 2020 was the living proof of that to me, unveiling jaw-dropping Texas gems such as Pedernales Falls State Park, Caddo Lake, Malaquite Beach and Jacobs Well.
Life is too short to wait for the next longer vacation. So, take advantage of the tons of long weekends and school breaks ahead, of the superb places we are blessed with near Dallas (suitable even for day trips), and have the BEST YEAR EVER!
Here is a curated list of the recommended places to visit each holiday of 2020 in Texas and surrounded States. And a printable calendar with every Federal Holiday and school break to be on the lookout for this year.
Pick your favorites, make your plans and hit the road!
And don’t forget to tag your pics on social media with #dallaswanderer. I absolutely love to know people are having fun with the recommendations they read here 💕
Best Trips in and around Texas for each 2020 Long Weekend and School Break
2020 arrives with 9 potential long weekends, spring break, summer break, Thanksgiving break and Holiday break in the horizon.
Here is an overview (click on the image for a printable version):
Check below our travel recommendations for each 2020 holiday and school break and make 2020 your year!
Plan ahead to guarantee your spot on the best travel destinations – the top ones fill out months in advance.
Martin Luther King Day
January 20, 2020 - MONDAY
Take advantage of the Martin Luther King Day’s long weekend to scratch Memphis, Tennessee, off your bucket list.
Memphis is the birthplace of the Blues, of the Civil Rights Movement – Martin Luther King was murdered there over 50 years ago – and Elvis Presley hometown and grave site.
Memphis offers tons of amazing things to do and it’s one of the most famous travel destinations in the US. People flock from all over the world to explore Memphis, so we, the blessed ones who live in Dallas only 6 hours driving from there, cannot miss the opportunity of visiting it!
Presidents Day
February 17, 2020 - MONDAY
New Orleans go wild at this time of the year! In 2020 Mardi Gras is on February 25, but celebrations and parades start way earlier, in January. So, any time you go during February you can expect crowds and tons of fun events.
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, fact. But Mardi Gras in New Orleans is worldwide famous and unique, so if you’re into big events, go for it – you only live once! Discover in this post the best things to do in New Orleans (destination # 5).
If you’re looking for more family-friendly destinations or something (a lot more) serene to do on the President’s Day long weekend, try Fredericksburg, in Texas, or Hot Springs, in neighboring Arkansas. They are wonderful winter destinations; charming and lively small towns surrounded by nature. More info in this post (destinations # 14 and 16).
Spring Break
One week in March (dates vary by school district)
Spring Break baby!
If you can take advantage of the whole week, take a road trip of a lifetime to the Colorado. Find here a complete one-week road trip itinerary, including the best stops between Dallas and the Colorado ski resorts.
If a whole week off in March is not an option, but you’re still looking for Spring Break weekend travel ideas, head to nearby Jefferson or Gruene. Jefferson is home to stunning Caddo Lake and close to the Piney Woods Wine Trail. Gruene is a lively and charming small-town crossed by the crystal-clear Guadalupe River, with tons of live music and wineries everywhere, and not far from the wonderful Natural Bridge Caverns. More info on these destinations on this post (destinations # 4 and 13).
Good Friday
April 10, Friday
Take advantage of the mild temperatures and beautiful days during the Easter holiday to take a short road trip through three Texas gems: Gorman Falls, Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock.
Start by exploring Gorman Falls, at Colorado Bend State Park. Spend the day there. Hike the Gorman Falls Trail. Take a cave tour. Then head to Fredericksburg, about 1h30 away, to spend the night.
Next day explore Fredericksburg and surroundings. Stroll through charming main street. Take a wine tour through Wine Road 290. Listen to live music at neighboring Luckenbach.
Top off hiking Enchanted Rock on day three, for stunning panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
Check destinations # 6 and 14 in this post to plan your trip.
Memorial Day
May 25, Monday
I don’t know about you, but by Memorial Day I’ll be more than ready to bury my feet on the sand!
Head to Malaquite Beach on Memorial Weekend. If you’re lucky to get a spot, camp right on the beach (no reservations allowed though, camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis). Late Spring is one of the best times of the year to do that, as temps should be already more than pleasant for camping but still not Texas-summer excruciating.
If you can’t get a camping spot or prefer a little more comfort, stay in beautiful Port Aransas and explore the area from there.
Here is everything you need to know to explore this beautiful stretch of the Texas coast.
Summer Break
June, July and August (dates vary by school district)
Summer Weekend Travel Destinations from Dallas
Beat the Texas heat at the gorgeous Texas Hill Country, home to amazing landscapes and the most beautiful Texas swimming holes: Hamilton Pool, Jacobs Well, Pedernales Falls, Wimberley’s Blue Hole, Guadalupe River and Krause Springs.
There are four amazing summer travel destinations to consider there:
Charming Wimberley, just next door to Jacobs Well and home to the Blue Hole; Marble Falls, near to both Krause Springs and Longhorn Caverns (with year-round mild temperatures inside!); Johnson City, a perfect base to explore Hamilton Pool and Pedernales Falls; and Gruene, crossed by the Guadalupe River.
Check destinations # 8, 9, 10 and 13 in this post and make your plans. Make sure to make reservations to the swimming holes in advance – the online reservation systems usually open mid to late spring and spots fill up REALLY fast (links to the reservation systems in the post).
Summer Vacation Destinations Driving from Dallas
The four destinations above are within a very short distance from each other and can be combined in a single one-week trip. Ideal if you are looking for a vacation spot close to Dallas.
But if you don’t mind driving longer and are serious about getting some white sand and blue ocean this summer, hit the road to explore dreamland Florida 30 A and worldwide famous New Orleans.
Florida 30-A is a scenic drive along 24 miles of the stunning Florida’s Emerald Coast, about 10 hours driving from Dallas. To get there you’ll pass through New Orleans, so combining them both into a single trip makes sense and can be a lot of fun.
In the Florida 30-A, just explore the beaches and beach towns along the route. Make sure to stop by iconic Seaside, the place where the Truman Show was filmed.
Check this post for the best things to do in New Orleans (destination #5) and plan your trip.
Independence Day
July 4, SATURDAY
If you’re looking for a fun summer travel destination to celebrate Independence Day, head to Austin.
Austin offers tons of things to do (check here a complete weekend itinerary in Austin). And the largest 4th of July celebration in Texas, the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks.
During summer in Austin, you also get to cool off at Barton Springs and to watch the largest bat colony of the world flying from under Congress Bridge at sunset every day. Hamilton Pool is not far from there, so you can add a side trip to this stunning Texas swimming whole to your itinerary as well (make reservations in advance!).
Labor Day
September 7, MONDAY
The first holiday after a fun and busy summer season asks for a short and easy trip… or not. Because Labor Day happens to be also the last long weekend of the summer!
If you want to enjoy summer until the last minute, pay a new visit to the Texas Gulf Coast – which, after visiting Malaquite Beach in May, you now know that is more than worth the drive. Stay in Port Aransas, explore Mustang Island and Malaquite Beach during the day, and indulge in crabs and margaritas at night to toast the end of summer. Check the best beaches to visit (and the ones to avoid) in this post.
If you want something much closer to Dallas and still tons of fun, head to Davis, Oklahoma, to dip into beautiful Turner Falls, feed the animals at Arbuckle Wilderness and immerse into Native American culture at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Be aware that Turner Falls can get busy during summer holidays – make reservations in advance and be mentally prepared for the crowds. More info in this post (destination # 2).
Columbus Day
October 12, MONDAY
Weather is perfect around Columbus Day to explore Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the US, only behind the Grand Canyon. And MUCH closer to Dallas!
Plan ahead and reserve a rustic cabin inside the park. Then spend your long weekend enjoying amazing outdoor adventures – hiking, ziplining and horseback riding are among the options.
Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, is not far from there. Plan a side trip to visit this world-famous Route 66 icon – and have lunch at the Big Texan Ranch.
Find in this post the best things to do in Palo Duro Canyon and Amarillo (destination # 1).
Veterans Day
November 11, WEDNESDAY
Veterans Day is on a Wednesday this year. Take advantage of the day off and embark on a day trip to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage near Dallas.
Best bets for gorgeous fall colors within a short driving distance from Dallas are Dinosaur Valley State Park, Tyler State Park, or Daingerfield State Park.
Daingerfield and Tyler State Park offer canoe rentals. Dinosaur Valley has real dinosaur tracks along the riverbed (not always visible, check with the park in advance for current conditions) and is right next door to Fossil Rim safari zoo, an amazing option for those with kids in tow.
Find in this post info about Dinosaur Valley State Park and Tyler State Park (destinations #5 and #7).
For info on Daingerfield State Park and surroundings, read this article.
Thanksgiving Day
November 26, THURSDAY
If you happen to have the whole Thanksgiving week off, take an unforgettable road trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon. I took this trip last Thanksgiving and couldn’t recommend it more. It was mind-blowing!
Check here the full itinerary Dallas – Grand Canyon with every stop you cannot miss along the way.
But if you only have the Thanksgiving holiday off – as most of us do – you can still visit amazing places closer to Dallas.
Considering you most likely have 4 days available to travel, take advantage to explore further and head to the Big Bend State Park, in Texas or to the Carlsbad Caverns, in New Mexico. Find in this post details on these destinations (#4 and #6).
Winter Break and Holidays
Late December - Early January (dates vary by school district)
Taos, New Mexico, is an amazing place to for a holiday season vacation from Dallas.
Taos Ski Valley, a top-notch ski resort, is operating at full blast. The streets of Taos and nearby Santa Fe light up with the traditional “Farolitos”, thousands of small paper lanterns put on top of houses and buildings, giving a fairy-tale look to these already more than charming towns. Add to it the stunning nature surroundings and you have a winner for the best winter vacation destination within a driving distance from Dallas!
Find here a complete road trip itinerary from Dallas to Taos.
If you’re looking for a holiday travel destination closer to Dallas, visit San Antonio. One of the top touristic destinations in Texas, attracting nationwide attention, only 4h30 from Dallas.
San Antonio is absolutely gorgeous during Holiday season, with an amazing Christmas light display. Read this post for the best things to do in San Antonio and plan your trip.
Staying in town and hosting guests? A day trip to Grapevine, the self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas, is a sure way to dive deep into the Holiday spirit – the town holds over 1400 Holiday themed events in 40 days! Check in this article the top things to do in Grapevine (destination # 1).
Summing Up
Travel opportunities abound in 2020, with 9 holidays in the horizon and 4 school breaks ahead. Take advantage of the amazing Dallas surroundings and hit the road to explore the destinations recommended in this post.
Start off visiting Memphis on Martin Luther King Day. For President’s Day, try New Orleans, Fredericksburg or Hot Springs. Take advantage of Spring Break to explore Colorado or, if you don’t have weekdays off, escape on the weekends to Jefferson or Gruene.
On the Easter long weekend, combine Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg and Colorado Bend State Park into a single amazing trip. Enjoy Memorial Day kicking off summer season at Malaquite Beach.
Beat the Texas heat during summer break at these amazing Texas Hill Country summer destinations: Wimberley, Marble Falls, Johnson City and Gruene. Or venture further and take a long vacation on the Florida 30-A scenic coast stretch, stopping by New Orleans on your way there.
Independence Day in Austin is a lot of fun! Labor Day is one of the last opportunities of the year to enjoy summer fun, so head to Port Aransas, in the Texas Coast or to Davis, Oklahoma.
Columbus Day is a good time to travel to Palo Duro Canyon, a Texas gem. Veterans Day is on a Wednesday this year, so take a day trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park, Tyler State Park or Daingerfield State Park, among the best places for fall foliage near Dallas.
If you have the whole Thanksgiving week off, head to the Grand Canyon. Or, if you have only the Thanksgiving long weekend, consider a trip to the Big Bend National Park or Carlsbad Caverns.
Finally, top off the year with a trip to Taos, New Mexico, San Antonio, Texas, or Grapevine, just off Dallas, depending on how many days off you have available on winter break.
If you have already been to some (or most) of these places – I hope so, they are so worth the trip! – take a look into our Trips from Dallas Page for more ideas. There you’ll find over 30 travel destinations within a driving distance from Dallas.
Have you been to any of these travel destinations? How was it? Which trips are you planning to take in 2020?
Comment below!
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