15 Amazing and Cozy Winter Travel Ideas from Dallas

Winter vacations in Texas and surroundings.
Discover the best winter day trips from Dallas, winter weekend getaways in and around Texas and the best winter road trips from Texas to warm up the season!

Discover 15 awesome winter vacation destinations in Texas and surroundings

Day trips, weekend getaways and longer winter-themed road trip ideas to keep you cozy and inspired throughout the season!

Winter is an amazing time to explore new places. With the perk of being able to indulge in America’s most beloved winter traditions at the same time: a fire pit under the stars, wine, hot chocolate, fireplace, s’mores, snow…

There are superb places to travel on winter around Dallas. Some of them especially beautiful at this time of the year.

In this post you’ll find 15 winter road travel ideas from Dallas. Short and long road trips, suitable for all time frames: day trips, weekend getaways, long weekend trips and longer vacations.

From destinations that are ideal to enjoy the cold weather to weatherproof places that can be visited any time of the year, discover every road trip from Dallas that is worth considering this winter season.

For more travel ideas, check our Trips from Dallas page.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DALLAS IN WINTER

1. Grapevine, TX

Distance: 22 miles/ 0 h 25 min from Dallas

Day trips from Dallas in winter? Grapevine, the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas’, is an amazing option especially (but not only) in December.

Grapevine Main Street is as charming as it gets. Lovely boutiques, unique shops, top wineries, cozy tasting rooms and good restaurants makes it a perfect place to stroll on a beautiful winter day.

Warm up with a self-guided wine tasting tour through Grapevine Main Street’s wineries and tasting rooms: Bingham Family, Messina Hof, Sloam and Williams , Umbra, Wine Fusion, Farinas and Grapevine Springs.

Engage in one of the tons of Holiday themed events offered in the course of 40 days on Christmas Season, that turn Grapevine into one of the best winter destinations in Texas!

Grapevine is also home to the Great Wolf Lodge and Gaylord Texan, both offering Holiday themed vacations. Great options for a winter staycation in the Dallas area, and amazing winter vacation spots in Texas. The Holiday Season at the Gaylord includes famous Christmas attractions, as the Ice® exhibition, and the Great Wolf Lodge features an indoor waterpark ideal for a splash in a cold winter day.

Discover the best things to do in Grapevine in this article and plan your winter escape (destination # 1).

2. Canton, TX

60 miles/ 1h 00 m from Dallas

What about outdoor shopping at the world’s largest flea market in a sunny winter day? And maybe visiting a winery afterwards? Canton, only one hour from the city, offers both possibilities and makes another amazing winter day trip from Dallas.

The Canton First Mondays happen every month in the 4 days preceding the first Monday of the month.

Yes, you’ll find all sort of (cool) junk there, just as in any other flea market. But not only that. At the Canton First Mondays you can find everything you can think of, from shark teeth to bat skeletons, swords, toys, wood decor, military gear, antiques, unique handmade gifts, Christmas decor and more. There are also several food vendors on-site, offering authentic Texas street food, and the laid-back ambiance is neat.

Use appropriate winter clothes (it’s an open-air venue), bring cash, bargain, grab a taco or hot dog at one of the food vendors and have fun!

Canton is on the route of the Piney Woods Wine Trail. Combining shopping at the World’s largest flea market with a visit to a local winery can be a superb way of spending a beautiful winter day!

Check here the Piney Woods Wine Trail map.

In this post you’ll find more info about Canton (destination # 4) to plan your perfect winter getaway from Dallas.

3. Piney Woods Wine Trail, TX

66 miles to 161 miles/ 1h 00 m to 2h 45m from Dallas

East Texas has its own Wine Trail with amazing wineries and vineyards, and locations as close as 1 hour driving from Dallas!

Take a winter day trip from Dallas and explore top-rated wineries in the Piney Woods Wine Trail at your own pace. Engage in wine tastings. Tour vineyards. Buy local wine.

An afternoon sipping wine in a cozy tasting room, overlooking beautiful vineyards, screams winter to me. And is one of my favorite ways of enjoying the season, especially on those superb cold and sunny days.

Check here the Piney Woods Wine Trail map and plan your road trip.

Half of the Piney Woods Wine Trail wineries are concentrated in the Canton and Tyler surroundings. So, you can combine these 3 places in an amazing short road trip from Dallas in winter.

4. Waco, TX

75 miles/ 1h 20m from Dallas

Waco is a great day trip destination from Dallas year-round. Wintertime is no exception: you can skip the crowds and still enjoy the best that a day trip to Waco has to offer.

A handful of great and unique weatherproof attractions make Waco a great winter travel destination in Texas.

There you can visit TV famous Magnolia Market, where you can shop Joanna Gaines home goods, have a treat at decadent Magnolia Bakery, grab a bite at one of the food trucks on-site and chill out by their green area playing lawn games – and eventually enjoying live music. You can check on a real mammoth excavation site at Mammoth National Monument. And visit a historic Dr. Pepper bottling plant converted into a museum. Overall, is a fun winter getaway from Dallas.

Make sure to wear appropriate clothing: all attractions are indoors, but both the Magnolia Market and the Mammoth Monument have outdoor areas as well – and to reach the Mammoth fossils you do need to walk a short and easy trail outdoors!

A bonus tip: for those very needed extra winter calories, stop by the tiny town of West on your way to Waco. Head to Slovacek’s or Little Czech Bakery and try the famous Kolaches to understand why all the hype around this delicious Czech pastry.

BEST WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DALLAS

5. Salado, TX

Distance: 144 miles/ 2 h 00 min from Dallas

A trip to Salado is a cool weekend getaway near Dallas in winter.

The charming small town historic and artsy vibe and lovely B&Bs make it perfect for cold weather days.

Sample Texas wine at local and cozy Salado Winery Co. Taste local crafted beer listening to live music at Barrow Brewing Company. Have dinner at historic Barton House, an over a century old restaurant.

Stroll through boutiques, galleries and cafes along Main Street. Take glass blowing and pottery classes – or simply watch artists performing their works.

Read this post (destination # 3) and discover the best things to do in Salado to make the most of your visit.

6. Jefferson, TX

167 miles/ 2 h 30 min from Dallas

Jefferson is a unique and cozy winter destination. A historic charming town, said to be the most haunted place in Texas, and surrounded by jaw-dropping nature.

One of the best winter weekend getaways from Dallas if you’re looking for something really close to the city – it’s only 2h30 driving from the Big D and a complete change of scenery.

Stay in one of the several historic Bed & Breakfasts in Jefferson. Stroll through the town historic landmarks, boutiques, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. Hop on a romantic carriage ride. Explore a haunted house or take a ghost tour.

Jefferson is also home to one of the best barbecue joints in Texas. And to a top-rated winery, where you can taste wine listening to live music (in selected weekend nights).

The quaint small-town is surrounded by amazing nature as well: Jefferson is right at the Piney Woods region of Texas and you can find amazing Caddo Lake and Daingerfield State Park within a short driving distance from there.

Find in this post detailed info on how to spend a weekend in Jefferson and surroundings and embark on an amazing winter road trip from Dallas through East Texas.

7. Fredericksburg, TX

260 miles/ 4 h 10 min from Dallas

This German heritage small-town, constantly featured as one of the most charming small towns in Texas, is one of the best winter weekend getaways from Dallas. It is, indeed, a year-round destination. But it has EVERYTHING a place needs to keep you cozy and warm even in the coolest days of the year!

The best wineries in Texas line up along Wine Road 290, just off Fredericksburg – you can even take a wine shuttle to explore them.
In town, along charming Main Street, you also find amazing tasting rooms, as well as excellent German food and other restaurants, cafes and quaint shops.
Nearby Enchanted Rock is a superb place to enjoy the outdoors in a sunny winter day and offers one of the best hikes in Texas.

Check here the things you can’t miss while in Fredericksburg and plan your winter vacation in Texas (destination # 14).

8. San Antonio, TX

274 miles/ 4h 20m from Dallas

San Antonio is not only one of the best winter destinations in Texas, but in the whole US, according to National Geographic.

A winter getaway from Dallas to San Antonio in December is a no-brainer. The city’s gorgeous display of Christmas lights along the river walk, and daily Christmas carols from late November through mid-December, attract National attention and make already charming San Antonio even more magical.

But San Antonio is a great winter destination in Texas out of the Holiday Season as well: the city has enough attractions to keep you entertained anytime of the year, and leave you craving for more.

Main attractions are the Riverwalk, The Alamo and Spanish Missions, Historic Market Square, Williams Historic District and Pearl Market. In this post you find a detailed weekend itinerary with all the info you need to make the most of your winter trip to San Antonio and cover all the city’s must-sees.

9. Hot Springs, AR

285 miles/4h 20m from Dallas

Soaking into hot waters at the Historic Bathhouse Row. Making your own hot tea on the streets with water from the public hot springs. What on this earth can be more winterish than that?

Hot Springs is a great winter weekend getaway from Dallas. Besides the hot springs themselves, Hot Springs is also home to a beautiful historic downtown and gorgeous outdoors.

Activities there include strolling through the charming shops, cafes and restaurants. Great hiking trails – just use appropriate gear and warm up walking through nature. As well as the only brewery inside a State Park in the US, serving beer crafted with thermal spring water!

Find here the best things to do in Hot Springs (destination # 16) and plan a cozy and active weekend getaway in the neighboring State of Arkansas, only 4 hours from Dallas.

BEST WINTER ROAD TRIPS FROM TEXAS

10. Memphis, TN

452 miles/ 6h 35m from Dallas

Memphis is a weatherproof destination and a must-take winter trip from Dallas. Take advantage of the winter holidays and cross it off your bucket list!

Hometown of Elvis Presley and birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Memphis is a lively city famous for the Blues music scene. There you can tour famous music studios, visit Elvis last home and gravesite, Lorraine Motel – the place where Martin Luther King was murdered over 50 years ago, indulge in pubs and live music at Beale Street, try the famous Tennessee barbecue and more.

Don’t miss out on any of the city’s must-sees! Find out the best things to do in Memphis in this post (destination # 3).

Memphis is only about 3 hours away from Nashville, another famous year-round destination. You can combine both places in a perfect winter road trip from Dallas, check the complete itinerary Dallas – Memphis – Nashville here.

11. New Orleans, LO

425 miles/ 7h 00m from Dallas

A worldwide famous travel destination and one of the 20 top winter destinations in the U.S., New Orleans rocks and is a top contender if you are looking for road trips from Dallas in winter.

The European-African roots are everywhere making the environment and culture unique and different from everything else you’ve seen in the US.

There are tons of things to do in New Orleans to keep you amused, find in this post the ones you cannot miss (destination # 5) and have the time of your life!

12. Nashville, TN

664 miles/ 9h 30m from Dallas

Nashville is a lot of fun year-round. A vibrant city with a startling music scene and tons cool attractions. Combine a visit to Nashville with a stop in Memphis for an unforgettable music-themed winter road trip from Dallas.

Musts in Nashville include the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry, listen to live music at the city’s top music venues, tour the Music Row, visit the RCA Studio B, the Country Music Hall of Fame and stroll through Broadway.

You can also defy the cold weather with a tasting tour at the original Jack Daniel’s Distillery, a more than cool winter side trip to take from Nashville.

In this post you’ll find a complete road trip itinerary from Dallas to Nashville, including a stop in Memphis. Check the attractions you cannot miss while in Nashville and plan your weekend getaway from Dallas to the ‘America’s Music Capital’.

13. Santa Fe and Taos, NM

640 miles/ 9h 30m from Dallas

A winter road trip from Dallas through Northeast New Mexico should be added to anyone’s bucket list. This portion of New Mexico is simply stunning and home to two must-visit travel destinations: Santa Fe and Taos.

Santa Fe is a more than charming artsy town, full of culture and surrounded by impressive places, such as Bandelier National Monument, Santuario de Chimayo, Tent Rocks National Monument and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. It’s especially beautiful during the Holiday season, when it gets adorned by the traditional ‘luminarias’ (paper lanterns), and an amazing winter getaway from Dallas.

Taos is a mountain town less than 1h30 from Santa Fe, the base town to explore top-rated Taos Ski Valley, and home to Taos Pueblo (an over 2000 years old ancient village) and jaw-dropping Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It’s also the perfect hub to explore the Enchanted Circle, which takes you through stunning landscapes and connect world-class ski areas.

Find here a detailed winter travel itinerary through Taos, Santa Fe and surroundings, with the best things to do and everything you need to know to plan your winter road trip from Dallas to New Mexico.

14. Colorado Springs, CO

720 miles/ 10h 30m from Dallas

Colorado is beautiful! And a winter road trip from Dallas to Colorado Springs is an amazing way to sample the best the State has to offer

Colorado Springs is a year-round destination. But I’ve been there during wintertime (spring break) and it seemed like the most perfect winter destination from Texas to me. With luck, you can even get some snow, what makes the already stunning landscape even more magical.

There are amazing places to stop along the way between Dallas and Colorado Springs. From the iconic Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, to the jaw-dropping Royal Gorge Bridge and thrilling Skyline Drive, in Cañon City.
And Colorado Springs itself offers unbelievable places to visit and awesome things to do – Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak, and Cave of the Winds are some of the ones that should be on your list for this trip.

You can solely visit Colorado Springs or stretch to a ski resort if time allows. World-class ski resorts are only about 2h 30m from Colorado Springs, a perfect add on to your trip if you have extra days to explore Colorado.

Discover in this post all the must-sees and must-visits between Dallas and Colorado Springs, the best things to do in the city. There you’ll also find info about Breckenridge, the winter destination from Texas I’ll cover next.

15. Breckenridge, CO

817 miles/ 12h 30m from Dallas

Winter = snow fun. But us, the ones that live in Dallas and surroundings, need to work a little harder to enjoy this LOL.

We are far from most ski areas, this is true. And while jumping on a plane to reach a ski resort may sound tempting, a long winter road trip from Dallas to world-famous ski areas in Colorado will allow you to explore amazing places along the way, that otherwise you would never get to visit!

I have two favorite ski resorts to visit from Dallas. One of them Taos, already explored above. The other one Breckenridge, in Colorado, listed as one of the top 20 winter destinations in the US. If you are looking for a top-notch ski resort within a driving distance from Dallas, look no further!

Check this post for a complete winter road trip itinerary from Dallas, TX to Breckenridge, CO. Discover the best places to stop along the way and how to make the most of your winter vacation from Texas.

Summing Up

Warm up exploring awesome winter road trip destinations from Dallas, ideal for the colder months.

Here you found 15 winter travel ideas to keep you busy in the upcoming months and inspire your Thanksgiving, Holiday and Spring Break vacations.

Quick break from the city? Grapevine, Canton and Waco are great places for day trips from Dallas in winter.

Weekend travel close to Dallas? Pick your favorites among Piney Woods Wine Trail, Jefferson and Salado, all amazing winter destinations in Texas.

Willing to make some more miles? Fredericksburg, San Antonio and Hot Springs make awesome weekend getaways from Dallas in winter.

Skiing? Taos Ski Valley and Breckenridge are top-rated ski resorts within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas – and amazing stops along the way. Perfect destinations for winter road trips from Texas, as much as Memphis, Nashville, Santa Fe and Colorado Springs.

Choose your favorite travel destinations and make your winter travel bucket list. Explore incredible places this season and in the years to come!

What is your favorite winter getaway from Dallas? Which are the attractions and things to do you look for during winter trips?

Leave a comment, I’ll love to hear from you!

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Your Ultimate Dallas Bucket List

Looking for amazing things to do to enjoy your weekend in Dallas? We have 52 pretty cool ideas to share! Click and discover.

52 Fun Things to Do in Dallas and Surroundings

Looking for ideas to enjoy your weekends in Dallas in 2021? We have 52 pretty cool ones to share!

2021 Dallas Bucket List - 52 things to do in the city!

Ready to enjoy the best Dallas has to offer? To (finally) fall in love with the very place where you live?

Dallas is an amazing city with tons of entertainment opportunities. You just need to know where to go, and we’re here to help you out on this task!

This Dallas bucket list will give you 52 cool options of things to do in and around the city to spice up your weekends. Iconic Dallas attractions and superb things to do off the beaten path, so you never run out of ideas again.

Try one new place or activity every weekend and this Dallas Bucket List can keep you entertained for an entire year!

Just choose your first adventure and press play!

Covid-19 Note

These are uncertain times, so always check if your destination place is open before leaving home. Mask up, follow the CDC recommendations and stay safe!

Looking for 100% social distance-approved ideas only? Check our 60 Outdoor Things to Do in Dallas post.

2021 Dallas Bucket List:
52 Things to Do in and Around the City

1. Have brunch with live music at The Rustic, one of Dallas best restaurants and coolest outdoor patios. Take then the free vintage trolley, right next door, to explore Uptown.

2. Learn two-step and line dance at Red River, in Dallas, or Billy Bob’s, in Fort Worth, the most authentic honky tonks in DFW.

3. Have lunch at one of the Trinity Groves gourmet restaurants and then walk on Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, right across the street, for the best Dallas skyline views.

4. Attend a meditation session at Kadampa Buddhist Center. Classes are held every Sunday at 11 am in the Dallas location, and open to the public.

5. Take a sunset cruise on Lake Ray Hubbard, in Rockwall, and dine in one of the restaurants at the Harbor overlooking the lake – Gloria’s for Latin fare, Rodeo Goat for gourmet burgers and Sideways for barbecue.

6. Visit Canton’s First Monday Trade Days, the largest outdoor flea market in the world, 1h00 from Dallas. Grab a bite in one of the food-stands on-site, bargain and take home everything for military gear to shark teeth!

7. Get active at White Rock Lake. Run, walk or cycle the 9.3-mile perimeter trail or, from Spring to Fall, rent a kayak or SUP and get into the water. Then recharge your batteries with a late lunch at beautiful Smoky Rose, right next door.

8. Have lunch at Sixty Vines, stroll through adjoining Crescent Shops and nearby Samurai Collection free exhibition, and top off with coffee at Magnolias Sous Le Pont.

9. For dinner and night fun head to The Henry, at trendy Hardwood District. A gorgeous restaurant, featuring a lounge bar upstairs, with DJ and delectable drinks.

10. Unwind at the Texas Truck Yard, Dallas coolest beer garden. Grab a bite at one of their food trucks, a drink and sit at their quirky outdoor patio to listen to top-notch live music.

11. Spend a leisure day in Fort Worth. Shop and eat around beautiful Sundance Square and chill out at the nearby Water Gardens. Take then a short drive to Kimbell Museum to check on Michelangelo’s first known painting and other world-class art pieces.

12. Explore bohemian Bishop Arts District. During the day, indulge in authentic Texas barbecue at Lockhart Smokehouse. Then stroll through the neighborhood, checking on the charming boutiques, design stores, and graffiti murals, and grab a treat at Emporium Pies. At night, watch a movie at historic Texas Theatre – the place were JFK murderer hid before being caught, have pizza at Eno’s and follow with a drink at stylish Botanist.

13. Finally learn to ice skate at the Galleria Ice Skating Center. It’s open year-round and offers public sessions and lessons.

14. Take little ones to have some serious fun at one of the three best theme parks for kiddos in Dallas: Kidzania, Crayola Experience and Legoland.

15. Follow real dinosaur tracks along Paluxy river’s riverbed at beautiful Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1h20 from Dallas.

16. Stroll through the West Village stores, watch a movie at vintage Magnolia Theatre and top off with wine tasting at CRU Food and Wine Bar right next door (or with a beer at neighboring Uptown Pub).

17. Have water fun year-round at Epic Waters Indoor Water Park. Summertime, try Hawaiian Falls and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor too!

18. Explore the Piney Woods Wine Trail, comprising 19 wineries through the gorgeous Piney Woods region of East Texas, with locations as close as 1 hour from Downtown Dallas.

19. Have brunch at the Bread Winners in Uptown and then take free M-Line vintage trolley to chill out at Klyde Warren Park (there is a trolley stop only a few steps from both places).

20. Drive your car through wildlife and feed the animals at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a zoo-safari 1h20 from Dallas

21. Walk iconic Kate Trail and sit at Kate Trail Ice House’s beer patio, right off the trail, to have a lunch or a drink (or both!).

22. Visit the unique Sixth Floor Museum, at Dealey Plaza – the place from where the shot that killed JFK was fired – and explore West End Historic District afterwards.

23. Hike or paddle surrounded by tall pine trees at beautiful Tyler State Park, 1h30 from Dallas (rentals available on-site). From mid-May through mid-August, stop at Ham Orchards on your way back to Dallas to check on the farmer-market store and taste their acclaimed homemade peach ice cream.

24. Step in India without hoping on a plane at Kalachandjis Restaurant and Temple, right in the heart of Dallas. Grab a plate with the best vegetarian food in town (be warned: it is yummy but spicy!) and enjoy it at their gorgeous courtyard. When you’re done, go explore the beautiful temple and grounds. It’s open to the public and everybody there is extremely welcoming!

25. Watch a movie under the stars from the trunk of your car at Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth, after having dinner or a drink at their old-fashioned concessions while you wait for your movie to start.

26. Watch a Dallas Cowboys live match at the AT&T Stadium. Season starts early-September and tops off with the Super Bowl around late-January, early-February. No game? You can still t our the home of the Dallas Cowboys to check the behind-the-scenes facilities, art exhibitions and even throw the ball on the field.

27. Put your heart to test at the Six Flags Over Texas, the first Six Flags to open in United States. The Six Flags Amusement Parks are worldwide famous for its thrill rides and you can experience it right here in Dallas.

28. Indulge in an upscale dine-in movie experience at i-Pic, in Fairview. But only if watching your movie from a premium plus seat while tasting truffle fries and sipping a glass of wine sounds good to you LOL. If you have kids in tow, try Moviehouse & Eatery, in McKinney.

29. Attend a full moon kayak tour at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Arrive earlier for hiking and to spot bison (from April through November).

30. Try some of the best barbecue joints in Dallas at Deep Ellum: Pecan Lodge, or Terry Black’s Barbecue. Then take a stroll around to check on the awesome street art murals and alternative shops and cafes.

31. Sit at one of the waterfront restaurants at The Boardwalk at Granite Park, in Plano, and sip a beer while enjoying the vibe.

32. Catch some waves! Try wakesurfing on lakes Grapevine or Lewisville or wakeboarding in Allen or Little Elm.

33. Listen to authentic live country music at Adair’s Saloon, one of Dallas most traditional music venues, at the Deep Ellum.

34. Attend the largest Saint Patrick’s Parade in the Southwest. Yearly mid-March, along the Greenville Avenue, in Dallas.

35. Take a yoga class at the Cosmic Cafe (optional USD 5.00 donation suggested) followed by lunch in a Zen and unique atmosphere – make sure to try their mango smoothie, it’s to die for!

Unleash your inner Zen in Dallas. Several places offer free meditation classes (small donation suggested). There are amazing serene temples around, some offering the possibility of trying authentic Thai and Indian food. Cosmic Cafe (picture), Kadampa, Kalachandjis and Buddhist Temple of Dallas are some of the must-visit places mentioned throughout the post, an immersion in other cultures that will transport you elsewhere without having to leave the city!

36. Experience an authentic and moving Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues Dallas.

37. Get wowed by wildlife at the Dallas Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo or Dallas World Aquarium. They are all completely different world-class exhibitions, totally worth checking out. At the Dallas World Aquarium, plan to have lunch at the Eighteen O One restaurant on-site – the food is surprisingly delicious for a theme park restaurant.

38. Visit a money factory! Tour for free the US Printing Bureau, in Fort Worth, one of the only two places in the US responsible for printing dollar bills and coins.

39. Spend the weekend at one of Dallas top 3 resorts, offering water parks, spas and/ or lazy rivers: Hilton Anatole, Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge. Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park open year-round. The other two are open seasonally, from late Spring to early fall.

40. Explore the largest contiguous urban arts district in the US, the Dallas Arts District. Dallas Museum of Art and Crow Museum of Asian Arts both offer free-admission. For the ones with kids in tow, the Dallas Museum of Art offer free family-oriented activities as well – you’ll be surprised with how much fun little ones can have there!

41. Soak in nature at Cedar Hill State Park, an over 1,800-acre preserve only 20 minutes from Downtown Dallas – and the closest State Park to the city. You can hike, swim, fish and camp there.

42. Try authentic Thai street food at the Buddhist Temple of Dallas. Usually held on Sundays, the food market features several authentic Thai vendors. Browse around, grab whatever calls your attention and sit by the Buddhist temple serene gardens to enjoy your meal under the sunlight.

43. Try a treetop course and ziplining at the Trinity Forest Adventure Park or at Go Ape, in Oak Point Park, Plano. In Oak Point Park you can also enjoy other outdoor activities, such as kayaking, SUP and hiking trails.

44. Watch a NBA live match with local Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, their home stadium. Season goes from early October to mid-April.

45. Watch world’s only year-round rodeo at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Then hit the floor at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky tonk, right next door.

46. Go wine-tasting in Grapevine. Take a self-guided wine tour through charming Main Street’s wineries: Bingham Family, Messina Hof, Sloan and Williams , Umbra, Wine Fusion, Farinas and Grapevine Springs.

47. Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Scienc e and Fort Worth Museum of Science and History – both great hands-on experiences for adults and kids alike.

48. Explore the grounds of the Southfork Ranch, the film location of worldwide famous TV series “Dallas”. It’s open to the public and several guided-tours are offered daily.

49. Stroll through Plano’s Legacy West, a cool and fancy gastronomy and shopping outdoor complex. Then take a seat at Plano Legacy Food Hall for wine, beer, gourmet bites and live music (select dates and times). The place features several gourmet food vendors throughout it’s three floors, a stylish ambiance and an amazing and lively outdoor patio.

50. Go up Reunion Tower and watch a 360º sunset from Cloud 9 Cafe – the floor rotates! (the cafe is open weekends only)

51. Get your adrenaline shot at Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. The park is the only place in Dallas where you can try bungee jumping, as well as other 4 classic extreme thrills, such as skycoaster and skyscraper.

52. Have brunch at The Golyer Tea Room, in the Dallas Arboretum (reservations required). Then stroll through the gorgeous colored gardens, stunning year-round. The Dallas Arboretum is considered one of the top 5 botanical gardens in the USA and offers interesting activities, such as cooking classes (free with admission) and an amazing interactive space for kids, the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (open seasonally).

Summing Up

In this post you found 52 ideas of superb things to do in Dallas.

No matter if you’re looking for ideas of fun things to in in Dallas with friends, family, your partner or even by yourself, in this list you’ll find activities suitable for all ages, tastes and occasions.

Keep it in your ‘pocket’ for whenever you feel like enjoying your weekend to the fullest. Or as a secret weapon to be used next time someone insinuates Dallas does not offer much LOL.

And when you’re ready to explore further, check our 28 day trip ideas from Dallas.

Did you find anything surprising in this list you didn’t know existed? Which are your favorite things to do in Dallas? Share your top experiences in the comments!

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Christmas Bucket List 2020

Safe and Sound ways to spend a wonderful Christmas Season in 2020

Social distancing-approved Christmas events in Dallas and surroundings and inspiring activities to try at-home.
Create your own Christmas Bucket List 2020 and enjoy Holiday season to the fullest!

Social Distancing-Approved
Christmas Events in DFW

15 outdoor and drive-thru events to get into the Holiday spirits in Dallas and surroundings.

At-Home
Christmas Activities

10 delightful Christmas activities to try at home and bring Christmas joy every day in December.

Fun and safe ways to enjoy Holiday season? Check our Christmas Bucket List 2020!

Dallas Holiday season has just started and Christmas events are popping up everywhere!

Time to enjoy the best time of the year – but with safety in mind.

Discover in our Christmas Bucket List 2020 all safe and sound Holiday-themed things to do in Dallas and surroundings, and amazing activities to try at home to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.

Ready to jump on the Christmas train?

Check our posts, select your favorite activities and events, and create your very own Christmas Bucket List 2020.

More things to do in Dallas on Holiday season?

Check our ‘Things to do in Dallas’ page.

There you will find tons of ideas, including social-distancing approved outdoor things to do.

Discover 60 outdoor things to do in Dallas and surroundings. 14 State Parks less than 1h30 from the city. 52 fun things to do in Dallas to keep you entertained all year long. DFW must-sees and hidden gems. And more.

All you need to know to make the most of your Christmas staycation in Dallas and have a blast through the end of the year!

Time to have fun!

Here you will find tons of fun ideas on how to enjoy Holiday season in Dallas and surroundings.

Now it is your turn: use them to guide you through the season and take Holiday fun to a whole new level!

And don’t forget to come back here and share your experiences.

Do you know of any other social distancing-approved Christmas events or at-home fun Holiday activities not mentioned in these posts? What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Leave a comment below and help to spread Christmas joy!

More trip and leisure ideas coming soon. Subscribe for free and get inspiration right to your inbox!

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10 At-Home Christmas Activities for the Best Season Ever!

Fun and cozy Christmas activities to bring Holiday cheer home

From the most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-themed cozy activities, here are some delightful ideas to enjoy Holiday season safely at home.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
– Clark More

10 Christmas Activities to Try at Home this Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to build everlasting memories. And 2020 calls for an especially good one!

Opportunities to celebrate Christmas at home are endless, really. But here I share with you some of my favorite Holiday-themed activities to try this year.

From America’s most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-inspired inviting activities to enjoy with friends and family, discover 10 fun ideas to celebrate Holiday season at home.

Dig into this post, make your own Christmas bucket list and dive into the Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own living room!

Looking for safe and sound things to do outside as well? Check this post for social distancing approved Christmas things to do in Dallas and surroundings.

1. Start an Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a great Christmas tradition and a sure way to make the Christmas joy present every day throughout December. You can make your own, or choose a beautiful reusable one to be added to your annual Christmas decor.

Here are some of my favorite options. You can personalize them all, adding daily Christmas-themed small gifts, actions and activities, and bring Holiday joy to every single day of the month!

2. Decorate Gingerbread Houses and Cookies

Kids go crazy with this one! (me too, I confess)

This is a fun way to spend a cold December afternoon doing something different and that screams Christmas to me.

If you are (really) talented in the kitchen, you can dive head first into this one and make your own gingerbread houses and cookies.

As cooking skills are not exactly one of my strengths, I usually (ok, always) go for the pre-made kits. These are my favorites:

3. Light a fire on the backyard and make s'mores under the stars listening to Christmas songs...

Making s’mores under the stars wintertime is a must. Pair it with Christmas songs (and a good glass of wine, I won’t tell anyone) and you have the best Holiday activity ever!

No firepit? No problem? This inexpensive portable firepit will do the trick. I’ve had it for about a year know and it more than does the job – great memories are being made around it!

I also recommend you getting extendable marshmallow sticks. I didn’t even know they existed until recently (shame on me) and they were a game changer in my s’mores skills .

4. ...or take the fun indoors and do the same in front of the fireplace!

If all you want for Christmas is to stay cozy and warm INSIDE the house, lit your firepit and make some s’mores in the comfort of your living room.

Go mess free with this electric s’mores maker from Nostalgia.

I also prefer to use ceramic logs indoors. They give you the look and the heat without the toxic fumes and are my newest Holiday season inversion – I would say it is a pretty good one!

5. Have the best Christmas decor ever

Because IMHO 2020 simply asks for that!

But no need to go bankrupt to do so. Being creative and doing a lot of research, you can find inexpensive ways to give your home a Holiday facelift on a budget.

You can find a lot of cool basic stuff on discount stores. For more elaborated – and usually expensive – items, Amazon offers some excellent Christmas decor deals.

Here are some of my favorite findings for this season:

6. Have a small fondue and wine gathering.

This is another winter favorite: fondue. If you have never tried it, it is time to fix this huge anomaly lol.

Here you can find some simple recipes (WARNING: don’t click on them if you are hungry . Just did. Big big mistake):

Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue Recipe
Coq Au Vin Meat Fondue Recipe
Chocolate Fondue Recipe

You can go mess-free and try an electric fondue set. What is a great option specially if you have little ones around. You cannot go wrong with this one from Cuisinart, I’ve actually worked with this brand eaons ago and it is super high quality:

But I really LOVE the traditional fondue sets. I love the cast iron look and there is something mesmerizing about the flame under the pan, it brings me some very good old memories:

Tip: we are in the era of small gatherings. But if you have more people coming, you can always buy inexpensive extra fondue forks to increase the capacity of your fondue set:

Invest in good wine tumblers for the perfect fondue and wine gathering. If you know a little about wine, Riedel is a brand that needs no introduction:

7. Welcome the Elf on the Shelf home.

This is one of my favorite American Christmas traditions. And one that I really make a point in doing every single year for my kiddos.

Because well, you are only a kid once, and the look in their faces when they wake up and see something silly “the Elf” did the night before truly pays off EVERY effort (yes, I eventually always run out of creative ideas and get sick of the poor little Elf by the end of the season lol).

You find the original Elf on the Self in many retail stores, and it comes with a book telling his whole story, prefect to read to the kids and get them into the fairytale vibe.

It usually sells out virtually every year before Christmas. So, if you cannot find it around, you mind consider this kit from Amazon that comes with some cute extras and, at least in the day I wrote this post, was the only one still available for next day delivery:

If the Elf on the Shelf tradition is something new to you, here is the whole story and how it works.

8. Write a letter to Santa and hang Christmas stockings

Here is the deal: Santa will need to know WHAT you want for Christmas to decide wether you deserve it or not according to the Elf reports…

And then he will need a PLACE to leave these presents on Christmas night!

Keep the magic going by writing Christmas letters with the little ones and leaving them by the Elf – without touching him or he will loose his magic – to be delivered to Santa.

Then get yourself some beautiful stockings and stocking holders to complete your already awesome Christmas decor.

9. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon in your xmas jammies

Watching Rudolph in your jammies, eating popcorn and drinking hot cocoa, is a must during Holiday season. And probably one of the easiest ways around to get into the Christmas spirits.

For all-time classics, make sure to include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), A Christmas Carol (1938), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) in your list.

For the “new-classics”, A Christmas Story (1983), Home Alone (1990), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and Elf (2003) are musts.

I also absolutely love the much more recent Klaus (2019) and The Christmas Chronicles 1(2018) and 2 (2020).

And new titles abound and will be available in every stream platform starting right now!

10. Read Christmas stories to your kids every night in December

Have little ones who love to hear a story before going to bed? Transform it into a Christmas activity reading Holiday-inspired tales, sure to bring Christmas joy every night in December.

This is an easy yet meaningful Christmas activity, and a great way of assuring sweet dreams and keeping the spirits high from sunrise to dawn.

You can get one book with several short stories like this one:

Or invest in a small Christmas library. Here are some of the recommended Holiday-themed books to consider:

Summing Up

The Grinch will NOT steal Christmas!

This year things are a little different. But it doesn’t mean we cannot have fun and a heartwarming Holiday Season. It is actually quite the opposite: we need that now more than ever!

Being creative it is still absolutely possible to have the time of your life while keeping safe, by engaging in fun Christmas activities at home or in outdoor social-distancing approved activities.

Here you found 10 cheerful ideas on how to enjoy Christmas Season in your house and have a blast in the upcoming weeks.

Choose your favorites and go create memories with your loved ones to be cherished forever!

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition not mentioned here? Share your fun ideas in the comments section below.

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Christmas in Dallas 2020: Social Distancing Approved Things to Do

Dive headfirst into the Holiday spirit and light up the year!

Discover 18 social distance approved Christmas things to do in Dallas Fort Worth in 2020 and warm up to the season.

“Peace on earth will come to stay,
When we live Christmas every day.”
― Helen Steiner Rice

Top things to do this Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth

The best time of the year is just around the corner. Time to put our Santa’s hats on and do some serious work to build everlasting and forever cherished memories!

This year has been a little “different” – to say the least – and the new normal requires a lot of creativity to enjoy Christmas season safely.

Luckily, Dallas offers super cool Holiday-themed outdoor attractions and social distance-friendly events. And knowing where to go you can still have the time of your life while keeping safe.

18 safe and sound Christmas events and activities in Dallas and surroundings

Ready for some – much-needed – Holiday cheer?

In this post you will find 18 ideas on how to safely enjoy Christmas in Dallas.

Superb drive-thru experiences to admire the best Christmas Lights Displays in Dallas Fort Worth. Cozy and heartwarming outdoor events. The best neighborhoods to drive around and see the Christmas lights for free. Drive-in theaters featuring Christmas movies. And even Christmas tree farms to choose and cut your own pine tree.

Chose below your favorites and have a holly jolly Christmas!

Christmas Lights Drive-Thru Displays in DFW

Dallas traditional drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays are trendier than ever. Guaranteed to wow you and 100% social distancing-approved, they are a sure way of getting into the Christmas vibe while keeping safe.

Dallas Zoo Lights, Gift of Lights, Radiance Christmas Lights, Prairie Lights and Magic of Lights are this year top pics.

Check their website below for detailed info to plan your visit and buy tickets online in advance (most places require that as part of the safety measures implemented to avoid the spread of COVID-19).

Take with you some inexpensive Magic Christmas Glasses for cool 3D effects while seeing the Christmas lights. I discovered those in a Thanksgiving trip to Arizona last year and fell in love with them!

Here are details on the 5 most amazing drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays to experience this Holiday season in Dallas Fort Worth:

1. Dallas Zoo Lights

When
Nov. 20th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │36 select nights: 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Where
Dallas Zoo – 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203

Prices
USD 65.00 per car (members USD 50.00 per car)

More Info and Tickets

2. Gift of Lights @ Texas Motor Speedway

When
Nov 26th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Friday & Saturday: 6pm-10pm / Sunday – Thursday 6pm-9pm

Where
Texas Motor Speedway – 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177

Prices
USD 30.00 to USD 60.00 per vehicle

More info and tickets

3. Radiance Christmas Lights @ Dr. Pepper Ballpark

When
Nov 11th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Every night from 5:30 pm (closes at 10pm or 11pm depending on the day, check their calendar)

Where
Dr. Pepper Ballpark – 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
Locations also in Decatur and Weatherford, about one hour away from Dallas.

Prices
Regular Admission: USD 30.00 per vehicle/ VIP Admission: USD 50 per vehicle (includes hot chocolate, dedicated VIP line and magic glasses for kids).

More Info and Tickets

4. Prairie Lights

When
Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s Eve 2020 │ Every night: 6pm-10pm

Where
Lynn Creek Park – 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Prices
USD 30.00 and up per vehicle/ Fast Pass: USD 99 and up per vehicle

More Info and Tickets

5. Magic of Lights

When
Nov 20th – Jan 2nd, 2021 │ 6pm – 10pm (closed on Dec. 31st)

Where
Little Elm Park – 701 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX

Prices
USD 26.00 to USD 100.00 per vehicle

More Info and Tickets

Christmas Lights Walkthrough Outdoor Events in Dallas

Looking for something more active but still safe? Put your fancy winter coat on, grab a hot chocolate and walk-through Dallas most beautiful outdoor light displays!

Considered one of the best Christmas events in Texas, the Holiday at the Arboretum is a must-visit in Dallas. Beautiful Holiday-themed gazebos, an adorable Christmas Village and tons of lights transform the already gorgeous botanical garden into a Holiday wonderland and one of the most popular Christmas attractions in DFW.

The traditional Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan features for the first time a 100% outdoor attraction, especially designed with social distance in mind. The Yuletide Bright is a light and lantern walkthrough event, that will take you through 50,000 square feet of pure Christmas magic!

And finally, for an outstanding free and pet-friendly alternative, try the famous Vitruvian Lights, a beautiful Christmas Lights display at Vitruvian Park, perfect for a winter leisure walk.

Be prepared for awesome photo-ops and create instant memories with family and friends.
👇👇👇

Here you find detailed information on the best outdoor Christmas events in Dallas to check on this Holiday season:

6. Holiday at the Arboretum

When
Daytime:
Nov. 7th – Dec. 31th, 2020 (Christmas Village opens on Nov. 27th) │ 9am – 5pm
12 Days of Christmas at Night:
Nov 11-25: Wed–Sun 6–9pm │ Nov 27-Dec 30: Sun–Wed 6–9pm; Thu–Sat 6–10pm

Where
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218

Prices
Daytime admission: USD 12.00 to USD 17.00 per person (members free)
Night admission: USD 10.00 to USD 25.00 per person

More Info and Tickets

7. Yuletide Bright @ Gaylord Texan

When
Nov. 13th – Jan. 3rd, 2021

Where
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051

Prices
$15.00 per Adult/ $10.00 per Child (4-11)

More Info and Tickets

8. Vitruvian Lights

When
Nov. 27th – Jan. 3rd, 2021│ At night

Where
Vitruvian Park in Addison – 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001

FREE EVENT

More Info

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Holiday Light Displays

Most neighborhoods and home owners in Texas do an outstanding job decorating their houses and great Christmas lights displays can be found in virtually any neighborhood in Dallas and surroundings.

But if you want to go big, choose traditional Dallas locations, known for presenting jaw-dropping Christmas light displays year after year.

The best part? These are totally free Christmas lights displays! Simply choose the closest to you, grab your hot cocoa and go enjoy.
👇👇👇

Here are some of the best Dallas neighborhoods to drive during Holiday season for Christmas lights:

9. Highland Park Christmas Lights, Dallas

The most traditional and impressive neighborhood Christmas lights displays in Dallas.

Drive the area within Armstrong Pkwy, Preston Rd, Mockingbird Ln and surroundings to admire the awe-inspiring Christmas decor. Or go fancy and take a carriage ride.

10. Interlochen Christmas Lights Displays, Arlington

Beautiful lights, among the best in the Dallas area. Interlochen neighborhood homeowners do an outstanding job decorating their homes and keeping alive the Christmas magic.

Start your driving tour at 2001 Westwood Drive, in Arlington and just follow the flow. Prepare for some traffic, especially on weekends.

11. Deerfield Neighborhood Holiday Lights Display, Plano

In Northwest Plano between Preston Rd. and Coit Rd, Deerfield is another neighborhood offering a gorgeous Christmas light display.

A popular destination during the Holidays and free Christmas attraction in the Dallas surroundings, Deerfield can also be experienced through carriage tours. For more info check the Deerfield Homeowners Association page.

Outdoor Christmas Movies at Drive-in Theaters in DFW

If you’ve never watched a movie from the trunk of your car, ’tis the season’ to finally fix it!

Enjoying a movie outdoors under the stars in a local drive-in theater is an amazing experience year-round. But Christmas makes it even more special.

Head to the nearest drive-in movie theater to enjoy a Christmas movie. Use blankets and some pillows to turn your trunk into the coziest movie theater ever.
👇👇👇

Order popcorn and some treats and voila: you have the most amazing Christmas activity and a memory to treasure forever.

Here are some of the coolest drive-in theaters in DFW to try this Holiday season.

12. Drive-In at the Central

Where
2999 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Prices
USD 28.00 to USD 35.00 per car

Movies Schedule and Tickets

13. Coyote Drive-In

Where
223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Prices
$8 Adults (age 12+)/ $5 Kids (5 – 11)/ Ages 4 & under are Free

Movies Schedule and Tickets

"Choose and cut your own Christmas tree" pine tree farms near Dallas

It doesn’t matter if you are creating a new Holiday tradition or keeping one alive: cutting your own Christmas tree as a family is a neat experience and a sure way to bring Christmas bliss to you and your loved ones life.

Several Christmas tree farms in Dallas Fort Worth and surroundings offers this opportunity. Here you find some recommendations to try right after Thanksgiving.

Handsaw, assistance, hayrides to and from the field and tree wrap are usually provided without extra cost. Some of these places offer fun activities for the family besides the Christmas tree experience itself, click on the links for more information. And bring money! – some places will only take cash and check.

Plan ahead and make it a family Christmas day: have your ornaments ready for when you get back home carrying your beautiful pine tree, and spent the rest of the day decorating, it listening to Christmas carols and drinking hot cocoa.

This are the recommended Christmas tree farms in the Dallas surroundings to go cut your own pine tree:

14. Lone Star Pines

Where
10706 CR-350, Terrell, Texas 75161

When
Saturdays and Sundays – from Friday, Nov 27 through Dec 13th, 2020

Prices
$7.75 per foot

More Info

15. Elves Christmas Tree Farm

Where
601 Harvey Ln., Denison, Texas – 75020

When
From Nov 27, 2020
Weekdays 3pm-5pm (except the first day, open from 10 am-5pm)/ Sat 10am-5pm/ Sun 1pm-5pm

Prices
$8.00 per foot according to size and shape

More Info

16. Walls Family Farm

Where
11051 Co Rd 2312, Terrell, TX 75160

When
Open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving and before Christmas

Prices
$8.00 per foot

More Info

17. 4D Farm

Where
3900 Upper Denton Rd, Weatherford, TX 76085

When
Open from November 28th, 9-4 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays

Prices
Varies per type of tree. Check their website for more info.

More Info

18. Kadee Christmas Tree Farm

Where
5054 US-69, Greenville, TX 75402

When
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Open Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2020 10AM – 7PM
Open Mon – Fri 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM/ Sat – Sun 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Prices
From $ 44.00 for a 6ft Scotch Pine Tree. Check their website for other varieties and sizes prices.

More Info

Summing Up

Holiday vibes in Dallas and surroundings

In this post I shared with you 18 places to enjoy Christmas season in Dallas and surroundings while keeping safe.

Holiday-themed things to do in DFW and its suburbs, including the best Christmas Lights Displays – paid and free, Christmas tree farms, and open-air drive-in theaters to watch Christmas movies without leaving your car.

I hope it helps you to have the time of your life in the upcoming weeks and create some much-needed good memories for 2020.

Merry Christmas and may 2021 bring us renewed hope and faith!

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14 Texas State Parks near Dallas Fort Worth

Stunning nature preserves up to 1h30 from DFW to enjoy the outdoors

Discover the closest Texas State Parks to Dallas for hiking, camping and everything in between!

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
― Henry David Thoreau

Texas State Parks: the best places for a nature fix in the Lone Star State

Texas is home to over 80 State Parks!

Amazing natural preserves with unique landscapes and features, perfect to enjoy the outdoors and contemplate nature and wildlife.

Texas State Parks are protected areas managed by the government, with controlled access, and feel safe, clean, and well-maintained. They are my first choice whenever I feel like getting a breath of fresh air and using my hiking boots!

At Texas State Parks you can hike, camp, stargaze, fish, swim. And engage in more specific activities, such as rock climbing, paddling, cycling and even horseback riding.

Each Texas State Park offers a distinctive set of activities, and the best way to discover your favorite ones is by simply start exploring them!

Texas State Parks around Dallas

No need to travel far to enjoy Texas nature. The Dallas surroundings are home to 14 of the Texas State Parks, only a short drive away from the city.

Here I share with you all the State Parks within a 1h30 driving distance from Dallas. I’ve included the relative location to Dallas, as well as the driving distance, so you can find the ones closest to you and start exploring from there.

While each Texas State Park near Dallas has its own beauty and offers something different, I do have my favorites! So, if you’re looking for specific recommendations on the best State Parks in Dallas and surroundings, look for the ones marked with throughout this article. Or check the recommended ones (and the reasons why) at the end of it.

I’ve also included some insider tips below, so you can make the most of your visits and hopefully avoid some headaches – such as being turned away by lack of reservations , yep, you need them.

Read this post, click on the links to see what each State Park near Dallas offers, choose your favorites, and go enjoy the outdoors!

More outdoor things to do in and around Dallas?

Check this post, with 60 fun outdoor activities in Dallas and surroundings!

Texas State Parks up to 1h30 from Dallas

State Parks North of Dallas

Ray Roberts Lake State Park (1h00)
Eisenhower State Park (1h15)
Bonham State Park (1h15)

State Parks South of Dallas

📍Cedar Hill State Park (0h25)
📍Purtis Creek State Park (1h00)
📍Cleburne State Park (1h10)
📍Lake Whitney State Park (1h15)
📍Dinosaur Valley State Park (1h20)
📍Fort Parker State Park (1h25)
📍Fairfield Lake State Park (1h25)

State Parks West of Dallas

Lake Mineral Wells State Park (1h15)
Fort Richardson State Park (1h30)

State Parks East of Dallas

Lake Tawakoni State Park (1h00)
Tyler State Park (1h30)

Insider Tips

Make online reservations

Reservations to visit the Texas State Parks are required and should be made in advance through their online reservation system.

Plan ahead

For the most sought-after State Parks in Texas, reservations need to be made weeks in advance for day passes. And months in advance for camping spots.

Score last minute reservations

Getting last-minute reservations to visit Texas State Parks can be trick but is not impossible. Leave the “location” field blank in the Texas State Parks reservation system and search to see all State Parks with available passes for the date you wish to visit.

While you probably won’t find spots available in the most popular parks this way, you can end up scoring a last-minute reservation in a hidden gem soon to become your favorite camping or hiking spot in Texas! (I discovered some of my favorite State Parks around this way).

Check for current conditions before hitting the road

Trails, swimming areas and other State Parks facilities can close unexpectedly due to weather increment, water levels or other reasons. Other more specific limitations can be found – dinosaur footprints are not always visible at Dinosaur Valley, for example (it depends on the water levels).

It’s always a clever idea to check on current conditions before hitting the road to avoid disappointments. Along this post you find the links to each State Park website. Click on it and check the alerts in effect (at the top of the page) prior to your visit.

Get a Texas State Park Pass

If you are planning to visit State Parks frequently, getting a Texas State Park Pass just makes sense.

For USD 70.00 you (and whoever is in the car with you) gets free entrance in all Texas State Parks for one year. And you also get camping and State Park stores discounts.

Summing Up

Looking for the best places to camp, hike, and paddle around Dallas?

Try Texas State Parks!

You have 14 options to choose from up to 1h30 driving from Dallas. Each one of them with its own set of features and activities, and special in their own way.

Here we listed all of them, with the distances from the city and relative location to DFW. Use the links along to post to check what each of these amazing Texas State Parks offer and start exploring!

My favorite Texas State Parks near Dallas

Yes, they are all very cool and worth the drive. But I do have my favorite State Parks near Dallas lol! They are marked with starts along the post, but for a quick glimpse these are the ones I would highly recommend you visit and why:

Eisenhower State Park
Has a stunning lake beach (really, impressive) and an amazing camping area overlooking lake Texoma.

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Real dinosaur footprints along the riverbed! Oh, and a gorgeous crystal-clear river framed by sandy beaches. And a great trail system as well.

Lake Whitney State Park
Crystal-clear lake, with beautiful beach areas. The lake bottom is made of limestone, what prevents it from being muddy as other lakes – under the right weather conditions, of course.

Lake Mineral Wells State Parks
Top-rated trails, rock climbing and unique Penitentiary Hollow rock formation.

Tyler State Park
Tall pine trees! It’s a landscape you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas, specially so close to Dallas. The fall foliage reflecting in the lake there is beautiful. Shady trails and water activities, such as swimming and paddling, make Tyler a local favorite under the Texas heat as well.

Go enjoy the outdoors!

Enjoy nature to the fullest without going too far! In this post you discovered the 14 best places in the Dallas surroundings to do that.

Now go check them out and get back here to let me know how it was.

Have you been to any of these State Parks before? Has any of them surprised you? What are your favorite places to go for hiking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities near Dallas?

Hidden Gems in Dallas and Surroundings

Out of ordinary things to do in Dallas and surroundings to include in your bucket list. Discover surprising hidden-gems you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas!

These 13 hidden gems and unique things to do in Dallas and surroundings will surprise you!

Discover amazing offbeat attractions to include NOW in your Texas bucket list.

Go beyond the preconceived ideas of Dallas Fort Worth and get amazed by cool and unique stuff you can experience around. Hidden gems in or near Dallas about to change your perception on the Big D.

The following 13 out-of-ordinary ideas to enjoy your time in Dallas and surroundings are nothing short of mind-blowing!

From prehistoric sites you would guess to be thousands of miles away from Dallas to activities that wouldn’t even cross your mind when thinking of Texas, here you’ll find unexpected things to do in and around the city.

Check them out and make your plans to uncover these unique hidden gems in Dallas and neighboring towns. Enrich your Texas experience and prepare for a change of heart on the Lonely Star State.

Beyond the hidden gems in Dallas: must-visit popular attractions

If you are new to Dallas or a first-time visitor, and wants to go over DFW (outstanding) basics as well, check our post with the top 15 things to do in Dallas.

Popular but superb attractions you’ll only find in the Big D!

1. Bonnie and Clyde

Visit Bonnie and Clyde graves right in Dallas and follow the infamous couple footsteps.

Did you know the infamous criminal couple Bonnie & Clyde, glamorized in the 60’s movie classic of the same name, have Texan roots? That Bonnie was once a waitress in Dallas and both Bonnie and Clyde spent their teenager years in DFW? Accounts claim they first meet in the 30’s in a friend’s house at 105 Herbert Street, West Dallas.

The rest is a mix of history and legend, but the fact is that in Dallas you can follow Bonnie and Clyde footsteps. And visit their grave sites, currently historic landmarks. Bonnie (Bonnie Parker) is buried at Crown Hill Memorial Park. Clyde (Clyde Barrow) at Western Heights Cemetery. Have in mind these are not touristic spots at their core but resting places. So, don’t expect anything fancy or pristine. Go for the history and curiosity and you’ll enjoy it.

2. Fossil Park

Unleash your inner paleontologist and dig for over 300 million old fossils - for free!

And when you think Texas can’t surprise you anymore, you discover that only 1h30 driving from Dallas you can dig for real million years old fossils! Looking for something out of ordinary to do around DFW? Go fossil hunting at Mineral Wells Fossil Park.

The fossil park is open to the public year-round, with free admission. You can bring small tools and dig for the tons of well preserved ‘Pennsylvanian Period’ fossils around – and even find a prehistoric shark tooth if you’re lucky! It’s a primitive site with no facilities, so bring tons of water, pack a picnic and have fun.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is only 15 minutes away from the fossil park and one of the best places around Dallas for hiking, in case you’re looking for more things to do in the area (if hiking is your thing, take a peek into this article and discover the 9 best hiking spots near Dallas – topic #2)

3. Scuba-Diving

Dive into a beautiful blue hole and explore a sunken airplane and bus!

And the Dallas surroundings keep surprising me! Not a long time ago I found out that one of Texas most impressive scuba-diving centers is only 90 minutes away from Dallas, the Athens Scuba Park. And no pool or tank: we are talking about an actual blue hole, with turquoise water and interesting sunken things to explore such an airplane and a bus!

I haven’t been there yet, but it’s definitively on my list of things to try in Dallas as soon as the weather cooperates LOL.

4. U.S. Treasury Money Factory

Tour one of the only two money printing facilities in the United States.

The U.S. Treasury has only 2 money printing and engraving facilities in the country and one of them is right in DFW!

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, in Fort Worth, is open to the public and can be toured for free (weekdays only). Take advantage of your visit and check on other Forth Worth must-see attractions (destination # 3).

5. Real Dinosaur Tracks

Step onto real fossilized dinosaur footprints along a crystal-clear riverbed.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a must for all ages. Only 1h30 from Dallas, it’s a beautiful nature setting where you can step onto real fossilized dinosaur tracks along the riverbed! – how cool is that?

Plan a day in the outdoors exploring Dinosaur Valley State Park trails. Or, for an amazing and easy weekend trip, spend the night camping in the park or in a lodge inside nearby Fossil Rim. Check details in this post, destination # 1 – Glen Rose.

6. Surf

Ride great waves year-round without paying a trip to the beach.

Who would imagine you could surf near Dallas? We are far from the ocean, it is -sadly – true. But it does not mean you have to wait until your next trip to the coast to ride some great waves!

You can do that as close as 30 minutes away from Dallas, in Lakes Grapevine and Lewisville. Head there, try wakesurfing and be wowed by the experience.

Or if you want things to get real, head to BSR Surf Resort, in Waco. A state-of-art surf facility only 1h30 from Dallas, which attracts attention from surfers all over the country (check here other things to do in Waco (destination # 6)

7. Real Mammoth Excavation Site

Only place in the world with an entire herd of Colombian Mammoth fossils on display.

How cool it is that we can drive 90 minutes and visit a real excavation site? And one of worldwide importance?

The Waco Mammoth National Monument is an under-the-radar must-see attraction for those in the Dallas area. Plan to make a stop there in a day trip to Waco (destination #6), a fun destination made famous by the HGTV Fixer Upper show, offering other interesting things to do.

8. Drive-In Theater

Enjoy an old-fashioned movie session under the stars from the comfort of your trunk.

If you haven’t watched a movie from the trunk of your car, you’re missing out. You can do it right in Fort Worth and it is SO cool!

Indulge in nostalgia at Coyote Drive-In. An old-style movie theater with cool old-fashioned vibe. Bring your chairs, blankets and park your car right in front of the screen to watch your favorite movie bundle – each entrance is valid for 2 different movie sessions, played in sequence with a 15-minute interval.

It is recommended that you arrive early (at least 90 minutes in advance) to avoid potential long lines and grab a good spot. But don’t worry: there is a super nice lounge area where you can grab a bite and have some beers while you wait. And, on selected weekend nights, you can even enjoy live music. All of that under the stars and with beautiful views of downtown Fort Worth. It’s one of DFW best-kept secrets hands down.

For other things to do in Fort Worth and make the most of your visit, check this post (destination # 3).

9. Hare Krishna and Buddhist Temples and Culinary

Immerse in other cultures without hoping on a plane.

Pay a trip to the orient without leaving Dallas. Kalachandji’s and the Buddhist Temple of Dallas are must-visit attractions off the beaten path for those in love with other cultures and looking for an immersive experience. True and authentic hidden gems in Dallas, not to be missed.

For a quick trip to India, go to Kalachandji’s. Right in the city, it’s a stunning Hare-Krishna temple and restaurant serving the best Indian-vegetarian food in Dallas. The temple is open to the public as well as the services, and they are really welcoming. You can even take cooking and Ayurveda classes for free in specific days of the week.

Or if you prefer Thailand as your destination for the day, head to the Buddhist Temple of Dallas, one of Dallas best kept secrets. Make sure to go on a Sunday, when they usually have a Thai Street Food Market behind the temple – check their Facebook page to confirm the dates and times.

10. Gas Monkey Garage

Visit the filming set of the famous Fast'n Loud TV Show.

Fast’n Loud fans cannot miss this one. Dallas in home to the Gas Monkey Garage, where the automotive relics hunter Richard Rawlings performs his miracles and restore decrepit classic cars back into glory, as seen in the Fast’n Loud TV show.

Visit the filming set and follow with a live concert at Gas Monkey Live! Music Venue, right next door.

11. Cattle Drive and Herd Lesson

Be a cowboy for one day in an authentic Dude Ranch.

Ok, the cowboy thing is something totally expected from Texas. But what about becoming a cowboy yourself and learning how to guide and lace those giant longhorn bulls?

If it sounds cool enough, take a short day trip to nearby Beaumont Ranch – 1h15 from Dallas – and unleash your inner cattleman.

Make sure to make reservations in advance. The Dude Ranch also offers other activities such as horseback riding, ATV tours and archery.

12. Kimbell Museum

Visit America's best small museum and check on Michelangelo's first painting

DFW is home to “America’s Best Small Museum”, Kimbell Art Museum, in the Fort Worth Cultural District. It has an impressive collection, including Michelangelo’s first known painting. A must-visit place for art buffs or anyone who appreciates fine arts and modern architecture.

Stop by as part of a cool day trip to Fort Worth. While the Stockyards is the city’s most famous attraction, there are other amazing underrated things to do in Fort Worth you should definitively check out. Read this post for must-sees and hidden gems in Fort Worth beyond the Stockyards (destination # 3)

13. Giant Eyeball Sculpture

"I'm watching you" - one of a kind art-installation in the heart of Downtown Dallas.

Odd, to say the least. The Giant Eyeball sculpture, an authentic hidden gem in Dallas, stands in the heart of Downtown and is one of the cool landmarks you can see exploring the area. It’s in a private garden visible from the street, and part of The Joule Hotel’s impressive art-collection.

Find here a complete one-day itinerary to explore Downtown Dallas like a pro, including a stop at this curious offbeat attraction and things not to be missed in its surroundings.

Summing Up

Dallas rocks! While the city offers amazing well-known things to do, the wow factor lies on the hidden gems awaiting to be discovered by you.

Go beyond the obvious and experience the astonishing things to do in and around the Big D explored in this post.

Must uncover hidden gems in Dallas Fort Worth

Unleash your inner Indiana Jones at Mineral Wells Fossil Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument – where else in the world can you see a real mammoth excavation site, step onto real dinosaur tracks and dig for 3+ million years old fossils in a 1h30 radius?

Go quirk. Follow Bonnie and Clyde steps and visit their graves. Pay a visit to the only Giant Eyeball sculpture in the world. Be cowboy for a day at Beaumont Ranch.

Save some miles. Surf without the long drive to the beach at Grapevine and Lewisville lakes or Waco’s BSR Cable Park. Get scuba-diving certified in an amazing blue hole less than 90 minutes away from Dallas. Immerse into oriental culture and cuisine without hoping on a plane at Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple and Buddhist Temple of Dallas.

And as if this list wasn’t already long and exciting enough, why not adding to it the opportunity of seeing first Michelangelo’s known painting at the Kimbell Museum and American dollars being printed in one of the only two facilities of this kind in the whole country?

Now go explore Dallas in a new and unique way!

Add some spicy to your Dallas experience.

Choose your favorite ideas throughout this post and go try something unique in DFW. Then get back here and share your impressions.

Do you know any other offbeat thing to do and hidden gems in Dallas and surroundings? Leave a comment below!

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DFW Fall Travel and Leisure Guide

Your Ultimate Fall Travel and Leisure Guide in Dallas and Surroundings

Discover the best things to do this fall in and near Dallas-Fort Worth, and the top autumn road travel destinations in Texas and neighboring states.

Best Road Travel Destinations in Texas & Surroundings

Top Outdoor Things to Do in Dallas & Surroundings

Fall is the best time to explore Texas and surroundings

Fall in Texas is simply amazing!

Think mild temperatures. Tons of outdoor travel destinations. Beautiful fall foliage as well. It is hands down one of the best times of the year to explore the Lone Star State and its neighbors.

Fall also brings Thanksgiving break. Therefore, the opportunity to explore even further.

This is your chance to hit the dreaming road travel destinations you can reach driving from Dallas, such as the Grand Canyon and Colorado’s ski resorts, for example.

Fall fun in Dallas, Fort Worth and surroundings

Dallas itself also presents us with amazing opportunities to enjoy autumn.

Fun things to do in DFW and surroundings abound from September through early December and knowing where to go you can have a blast even without actually traveling during fall.

What to do and where to go?

Looking for ideas on how to make the most of fall season in Dallas and surroundings? We got you covered!

Dig into our fall related posts above. Discover the best places to visit and top things to do this season and enjoy fall in Texas to the fullest.

Do you have an awesome recommendation or a cool fall experience to share? Leave a comment below then. I’ll love to hear from you and uncover new places.

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Best Family Travel Destinations in Texas and Surroundings

10 kid-friendly family travel destinations to visit in Texas and surroundings, perfect for all ages!

10 kid-friendly vacations from Dallas, fun for the whole family!

These top family-friendly trips in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma will wow kids and grown-ups alike.

“The Greatest Legacy We Can Leave Our Children Is Happy Memories.”
– Og Mandino.

The (not that) hard task of pleasing the whole family

Traveling has always been my passion.

It didn’t change when I had kids – in fact, hitting the road with my kiddos to discover new destinations is one of my favorite ways of building family memories. And, oh, what beautiful memories!

Wherever I go, I take my kids in tow. Whenever I plan a trip, I try to mix activities for both kids and adults or, even better, find the perfect cool things to do that all age groups can enjoy.

The win-win attractions.

Those that keep kids engaged, so they don’t start annoying the parents (making it impossible for us to enjoy our time, let’s face it).

Nor are solely focused on the children, to the point of boring us adults and killing our will of traveling with kids for good, lol.

My personal favorite family travel destinations in Texas and surroundings

During the past few years, I’ve been traveling around Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding States, exploring and testing different destinations with my family.

While all the trips were somehow worth the experience, some were especially remarkable for my little ones.

Here I share the ones that, to date, best did the job of wowing everybody in the family (as well as some items at the top of my bucket list).

Travel destinations my kids keep asking me to visit again and that I would totally repeat.

Explore!

Find below the 10 top travel destinations for families within a driving distance from Dallas, according to my and my children’s totally biased opinions – no scientific method here.

Choose the ones that speak the most to you, make your own family-friendly trips wish list, and hit the road to make wonderful memories with your favorite people!

For more trip ideas from Dallas, check this page.

1. Glen Rose, TX

Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim

Distance: 75 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas

Glen Rose is a no-brainer for families with kids of all ages.

It’s super close to Dallas, home to a beautiful state park with real dinosaur tracks, and Texas’ best safari drive-thru, Fossil Rim. You can even sleep in a cabin inside the wildlife center surrounded by animals!

Find in this post the details and a complete itinerary to Glen Rose (destination # 1).

It’s a year-round destination. But before heading there, check with Dinosaur Valley State Park if dinosaur tracks are visible – subject to weather conditions and water level.

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2. Davis, OK

Turner Falls, Arbuckle Wilderness Park and Chickasaw Tribe

Distance: 130 miles/ 2 h 00 min from Dallas

Another must-visit destination for families, Davis is a small town in Oklahoma surrounded by amazing attractions: the largest waterfall in Oklahoma, a rustic safari-style zoo, and a native American tribe cultural center.

A travel destination only 2 hours away from Dallas, where you can, among other things, hike into small caves, dive into a waterfall, feed wild animals, and watch a Chickasaw native dance.

Tons of fun and culture and a superb place to create family memories!

Find in this post a complete itinerary to Davis (destination # 2), with all the info you need to plan your trip.

My favorite times of the year to visit Turner Falls are spring and fall to enjoy the amazing colors that make this natural setting even more stunning.

Even if it’s too cold to swim, you can still enjoy nature and hiking.

Plan to arrive at Arbuckle Wilderness Park early.

On our visit we were the first ones to enter the park and OMG, animals were corralling our car to be fed! So cool!

I imagine it wouldn’t have been the same if we had arrived after a lot of people had fed them, and they had their stomachs full, lol.

Avoid visiting the area during summer and holidays. It can get really crowded and spoil the experience.

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3. Austin

Barton Springs Swimming Hole, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddling, and Bat-Watching

Distance: 195 miles/ 3 h 00 min from Dallas

This is an amazing family trip to take from May through September. Austin is one of the coolest Texas travel destinations and offers things to do for all ages.

The must-sees and dos when you’re traveling with kids to Austin are splashing into Barton Springs at Zilker Park, kayaking, or stand-up paddling through crystal-clear Barton Creek and Colorado River.

And watching millions of bats leaving from under Congress Bridge at dusk (trust me on this one, it’s impressive and a one-of-a-kind experience you will never forget).

But Austin offers much more than that!

Here you’ll find a complete post dedicated to this must-visit Texas travel destination, with the top things to do in Austin and tips on how to make the most of your trip.

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4. Llano, TX

Enchanted Rock, Longhorn Caverns, and Colorado River Canyon Cruise

Distance: 229 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas

If your family enjoys the outdoors, you’ll love this trip.

Llano is only a place to spend the night – the fun lies in its surroundings! From there, you are 30 minutes away from both Enchanted Rock and the Longhorn Caverns, two very cool destinations for all ages.

Enchanted Rock is a unique formation, a pink granite dome in the Texas Hill Country’s heart.

The hike to the top is doable with kids under the right conditions (read this post, destination # 11) and rewards you with amazing views. Unforgettable, I would say – or at least it was for my kids, who keep me asking me when we’re going to go up the “Giant Rock” again!

The Longhorn Caverns are stunning. And one of the only places in the world where you can experience complete darkness.

The guided tour through the cavern requires you to lower your head in some stretches. And my kids found it hilarious that mom had to move like a ninja carrying a 3-years old in a baby carrier, lol.

Near Longhorn Caverns, you’ll find Buchanan Lake and can take a scenic cruise along the Colorado River Canyon there.

This trip is best suited for cooler weather months, between late October and early April.

Hiking Enchanted Rock under the heat makes it 10 times harder (it’s all the way up, and there are absolutely no shades along the way).

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5. Murfreesboro, AR

Crater of Diamonds State Park and Diamond Old West Cabins

Distance: 234 miles/ 3 h 45 min from Dallas

A low-profile lodge with Old West-themed cabins and tons of family activities – including tepees with firepits to make s’mores! And a nearby place to become a miner for a day and dig in the dirt for diamonds and other stones.

Do I need to say anything else?

Oh, and my own kids loved it so much that they recently even offered to trade their birthday parties for a weekend there.

I would say that it’s probably their favorite quick getaway from Dallas to date!

For full details, check this post (destination # 9 – Crater of Diamonds State Park).

The best time to visit is any time of the year but summer – the crater of diamonds is an open area, with no shades, and digging under the excruciating heat is not advisable or fun!

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6. Gruene

Natural Bridge Caverns, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, and River Tubing.

Distance: 240 miles/ 3 h 40 min from Dallas

Gruene makes everyone happy!

Parents can enjoy the amazing and lively historic town square, with the oldest dance hall in Texas, lots of live music, wineries, good shops, and restaurants.

Kids will have a blast exploring a cavern, feeding the animals at Natural Bridge Wildlife Center – did you notice a pattern here? Lol – and tubing the Guadalupe River.

For more things to do in Gruene and further details, check this post (destination # 10).

Another year-round destination – go during warmer months if you want to do the river float thing, though.

But have in mind that Gruene and its surroundings get really crowded during holidays (which place doesn’t?), and river tubing cannot be as pleasant during these times.

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7. Houston and Galveston

NASA, Kemah Boardwalk, and Moody Gardens

Distance: 240 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas

The Houston-Galveston combo makes a remarkable family trip, I swear!

They are not exactly the most celebrated travel destinations in Texas, I know.

But knowing where to go and focusing on the best things to do, Houston and Galveston can be awesome places to visit and are only 40 minutes apart.

In one shot, you can visit the NASA mission control center and astronaut facility training. Indulge in old-fashioned fun at the Kemah Boardwalk.

And visit Moody Gardens, a themed amusement park and non-profit. It offers, among other attractions, an aquarium, a rain forest exhibition, and a seasonal water park featuring a white-sand beach and a lazy river.

Check here a complete itinerary to Houston, including a side trip to Galveston.

The best time to visit to do the whole thing is summer, but you can enjoy the NASA area attractions year-round if you decide to skip the Galveston part – Houston has enough cool attractions to keep you entertained for a weekend.

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8. Port Aransas, TX

Beaches, Pirate Cruise, and Dolphin Watch Tour

Distance: 389 miles/ 6 h 20 min from Dallas

Hitting the beach is one of the best ways to ensure fun for everybody in the family.

At least in my humble opinion, as I love being by the beach and my kids do not need much more than sand and water to have the time of their lives!

The beaches near Port Aransas are the best ones to visit from Dallas – magnificent beaches, a reasonable driving distance so, if you’re feeling like burying your feet in the sand and building sandcastles, head there!

Port Aransas is a small coastal town with a cool beach vibe, good restaurants, and entertainment options.

From there, you can embark on a Dolphin Watch Tour and a Pirate Cruise.

The beach right at Port Aransas is not the best. Still, within a short driving distance, you can reach Mustang Island and South Padre Island National Seashore (aka North Padre Island), with amazing beaches you wouldn’t expect to find on the Texas coast.

No need to say this is an ideal trip for warmer weather months! I would say anytime between April and October.

The cool thing is that you can avoid the crowds even during holidays knowing the right spots to go.

Check this post to know the beaches to visit and avoid in the Port Aransas coastline – it’s based on a trip to Port Aransas right on Labor Day.

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9. Malaquite Beach, TX

Camping ON the beach!

Distance: 442 miles/ 6 h 30 min from Dallas

Malaquite is a jaw-dropping beach. Think white sand, deep blue ocean, and lots of pelicans – it’s a bird sanctuary.

It’s my favorite beach to visit from Dallas when I have a short time frame.

The distance, 6h30 driving, is doable on a long weekend.

And it’s a must-visit place to fix for good the mistaken idea many people have that there are no good beaches in Texas – so untrue!

Malaquite Beach is part of the South Padre Island Seashore and the only beach in the preserve accessible without a 4-wheel drive.

You can easily visit it as part of a trip to Port Aransas. But for a unique and unforgettable experience, camp right at the Padre Island National Seashore by the beach.

Honestly, I don’t know of any better way to build family memories than sleeping under the stars and having a stunning beach as your backyard!

The best time for visiting is late April through early October, to enjoy the summerish weather. I would avoid August, though, as sleeping in a tent under the Texas heat does not sound very appealing to me.

10. South Padre Island, TX

Dunes, white sand beaches, dolphins, sea turtles, and (enclosed) alligators!

Distance: 560 miles/ 8 h 00 min from Dallas

I confess it took me a while to visit South Padre Island. More precisely, 5 years.

Why would I drive eight hours to hit a Texas beach when I could drive two hours more and get to Florida?

But then life gave me a puppy. And while looking for summer dog-friendly vacations, I stumbled again upon South Padre Island.

I thought, “why not give it a try?”. And I’m SO glad I did!

This was by far my favorite family vacation in Texas to date.

The beaches beautiful, with white sand and clear water (forget about Galveston’s brown water). The town was charming and full of great waterfront restaurants. And the natural environment and activities jaw-dropping and inspiring.

We walked on white dunes – you can ride a horse on them as well!

I visited Sea Turtle Inc, where we saw gorgeous sea turtle rescues and learned about the importance of recycling (seeing my 5 years old collecting plastic from the beach the next morning and saying “because now I care about the world” was worth the trip by itself).

My kids got to hold an alligator and a snake at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center!

And much more.

Find in this post my recommendations on the 10 top things to do in South Padre Island, including tons of family-friendly activities to engage in there.

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Summing Up

"Oh, the places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss.

If you read this post till this point, chances are you’re a travel lover yourself, just like me. Instill this passion in your kids, too – they will thank you someday.

Show them the world beyond our own backyards. Teach them to appreciate nature’s gifts. To live life to the fullest – it goes by really fast!

Pick your favorites and hit the road

In this post, you found 10 ideas to be used whenever your family needs a break from routine.

Glen Rose, Davis, Austin, Llano, Murfreesboro, Gruene, Houston, Port Aransas, Malaquite Beach, and South Padre Island are all awesome places to travel with children from Dallas.

They are within a driving distance from the Big D and offer interesting activities for the whole family.

Dig into the content above, choose your favorite trip ideas, gather your kiddos and explore.

Get out of the routine, spend some deserved quality time with your family, and create wonderful memories to be treasured for life!

Share your experiences and help to spread the word!

Remember to get back here and tell me your experience. I will love to hear from you.

And if you know of an amazing place to travel with kids from Dallas I’m missing in this post, please leave a comment!

This is a work in progress, and I’ll love to check it out and help to spread the word.

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10 Top Things to do In South Padre Island, Texas

Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.

Have the time of your life this summer in one of the most beautiful portions of the Texas Gulf Coast

Ask any Texan about the best beaches to visit in the state and they will not hesitate in pointing out South Padre Island.

South Padre Island is a popular beach travel destination year-round, and especially during the excruciating Texas summer months – ocean breeze, water, and few clothes on are hands down one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat!

And the place lives up to all the hype about it: there you can expect to find white sand beaches, dunes, wildlife, beach vibe and great weather.

But which are the best beaches to hit in South Padre Island? What to do there besides hanging out on the beach? Which are the main local attractions you can’t miss and that will make you experience the best of this amazing portion of the Texas Gulf Coast?

Find here 10 amazing things to do in South Padre Island and hit the road to uncover one of the best beaches to visit in Texas within a reasonable distance from Dallas – 8h30 driving from the city.

If you’re looking for a beach closer to Dallas, check this blog post as well, covering the best beaches to visit in the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi surroundings.

Check our ideas below, make your reservations and embark on an amazing trip through the Texas Coast!

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Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16

So, you’re here for the beach, right? And Isla Blanca Park happens to be one of the best places to bury your feet on the sand in the heart of South Padre Island, near hotels, condos, and eateries.

Beach Access # 16, at Isla Blanca Park, is a top-rated beach access in South Padre Island and a safe bet if you’re looking for your perfect spot under the sun without driving any further. Expect a clean beach with soft sand, easily accessible through a beautiful wooden walkaway.

Isla Blanca Park has a small public parking, as well as abounding public street park. Go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Edwin K. Atwood Park

Looking for something more private and scenic? Drive about 7 miles/ 15 minutes east and spend the day at Edwin K. Atwood Park instead.

It’s a scenic beachfront park with several amenities – such as beachfront covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms – and 20 miles of undeveloped and drivable beaches.

For the utmost adventure, drive on the beach (4-wheel drive recommended) and find your own private slice of paradise.

Sea Turtle Inc. is on your way to Edwin K. Atwood Park and combining them both is an outstanding way to spend your day in South Padre Island (keep reading for more info on that).

South Padre Sand Dunes

Continue driving east on Ocean Boulevard for about 6 miles past Edwin K. Atwood Park and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful – and maybe least visited – areas in South Padre Island.

The South Padre Sand Dunes are a must-visit protected area, with gorgeous dunes and a peaceful beach.

Its entrance marks the end of the road. You’re not allowed to drive on the dunes, so plan to hike them (bring plenty water!) and then set up your tent by the beach to enjoy solitude and stunning views.

the South Padre Sand Dunes are near South Padre Island Adventure Park, where you can experience horseback riding on the beach (more info in the next topics).

Sea Turtle Inc

Sea Turtle Inc. is a conservation center and animal protection organization.

They perform an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles and they work can be seen firsthand – including the beautiful turtles they care for – at their rehabilitation center.

Visiting the center is an educative and inspiring experience. Witnessing their hatchling releases – currently suspended due to COVID-19 – an unforgettable moment. A must-stop in a summer trip from Dallas to South Padre Island.

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door and visiting them both together is highly recommended (see next topics).

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Looking for once in lifetime experiences? Try horseback riding on the beach at South Padre Island.

Horseback riding with dunes and the ocean as a backdrop is a hard to beat summer activity, and a sure way to build everlasting memories.

South Padre Island Adventure Park, near the South Padre Island Sand Dunes, is one of the providers offering this type of adventure on the Texas Coast.

Make sure to schedule your horseback riding tour to the end of the day and top off the already amazing experience with a stunning sunset over the dunes.

Dolphin Watching Tour

Dolphins in Texas? You bet! And you can spot them right at the South Padre Island.

There are several operators offering Dolphin Watching tours in the area, at different times of the day.

Fins to Feathers is a great option and operates with small groups. The Original Dolphin Watch offers one of the most popular dolphin tours in South Padre Island.

Dolphin Docks is another interesting alternative. It departs from Port Isabel and you can take advantage of your day trip there to visit the Lighthouse (next topic) to cross both activities off your bucket list in a single day.

Make sure to bring your camera and if possible, schedule the sunset tour, for amazing photo ops.

Lighthouse at Port Isabel

Port Isabel is right across the bridge from South Padre Island and a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll.

Head there to explore Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse in the Texas Coast open to the public. If you’re into historic spots and amazing views, you’ll love it.

The idyllic lighthouse offers great photo ops, has an informative visitors’ center telling its history and is surrounded by cute shops and restaurants. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the bridge connecting the continent to South Padre Island.

Dolphin Docks is only a few steps from there and offers Dolphin Watching tours. Combining both activities can be a great way to spend an afternoon in the South Padre Island surroundings.

**NOTE:
Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Site is currently closed due to COVID-19 as per Jul 21, 2020.
Check their website before heading there for current status.

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is an amazing spot for a leisure nature walk and spot birds, turtles, and alligators!

Learn about nature. Stroll through their amazing suspended wooden boardwalk to breath in the beautiful wetland surroundings. Climb up the tower for stunning views. Feed gators and tortoises.

The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door from Sea Turtle Inc., so take advantage of your visit to the area to check on both places.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a local gem almost untouched by man.

Things to do in this nature preserve include hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is known for coyotes, falcons, and ocelots. Alligators, deer, roadrunners, and other birds can also be spotted.

The pavilion offers amazing bay views from the top.

It’s the place to be if you love nature, wildlife, solitude, and photography.

Waterfront Restaurants

A visit to the beach is not complete without enjoying a delicious meal or some drinks overlooking the ocean.

South Padre Island offers a handful selection of waterfront restaurants, both overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Laguna Madre.

To watch the sunset over Laguna Madre, head to Lobo Del Mar Cafe, Laguna BOB or Long Board Bar and Grill. For amazing ocean views, Clayton’s Beach Bar and WannaWanna are your best bet.

Summing Up

South Padre Island, 8h30 driving from Dallas, is an amazing beach destination in Texas and a sure way to get your deserved beach fix without leaving the state.

One of the best beaches to visit driving from Dallas, South Padre Island is home to amazing white sand beaches, nature preserves, dolphins, turtles and more.

In this post you discovered the 10 top things to do on a trip to South Padre Island, including the best beaches to visit, top local attractions and a handful of waterfront restaurants to include in your itinerary.

Read it through, select your favorite attractions and make your reservations to enjoy the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.

Have you been to South Padre Island? Do you know of any other local attractions that should be included in a travel itinerary to South Padre Island? Leave a comment below!

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Discover 15 awesome winter vacation destinations in Texas and surroundings

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DALLAS IN WINTER

1. Grapevine, TX

Distance: 22 miles/ 0 h 25 min from Dallas

2. Canton, TX

60 miles/ 1h 00 m from Dallas

3. Piney Woods Wine Trail, TX

66 miles to 161 miles/ 1h 00 m to 2h 45m from Dallas

4. Waco, TX

75 miles/ 1h 20m from Dallas

BEST WINTER WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DALLAS

5. Salado, TX

Distance: 144 miles/ 2 h 00 min from Dallas

6. Jefferson, TX

167 miles/ 2 h 30 min from Dallas

7. Fredericksburg, TX

260 miles/ 4 h 10 min from Dallas

8. San Antonio, TX

274 miles/ 4h 20m from Dallas

9. Hot Springs, AR

285 miles/4h 20m from Dallas

BEST WINTER ROAD TRIPS FROM TEXAS

10. Memphis, TN

452 miles/ 6h 35m from Dallas

11. New Orleans, LO

425 miles/ 7h 00m from Dallas

12. Nashville, TN

664 miles/ 9h 30m from Dallas

13. Santa Fe and Taos, NM

640 miles/ 9h 30m from Dallas

14. Colorado Springs, CO

720 miles/ 10h 30m from Dallas

15. Breckenridge, CO

817 miles/ 12h 30m from Dallas

Summing Up

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52 Fun Things to Do in Dallas and Surroundings

2021 Dallas Bucket List - 52 things to do in the city!

Covid-19 Note

2021 Dallas Bucket List: 52 Things to Do in and Around the City

Summing Up

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Safe and Sound ways to spend a wonderful Christmas Season in 2020

Fun and safe ways to enjoy Holiday season? Check our Christmas Bucket List 2020!

More things to do in Dallas on Holiday season?

Time to have fun!

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Fun and cozy Christmas activities to bring Holiday cheer home

10 Christmas Activities to Try at Home this Holiday Season

1. Start an Advent Calendar

2. Decorate Gingerbread Houses and Cookies

3. Light a fire on the backyard and make s'mores under the stars listening to Christmas songs...

4. ...or take the fun indoors and do the same in front of the fireplace!

5. Have the best Christmas decor ever

6. Have a small fondue and wine gathering.

7. Welcome the Elf on the Shelf home.

8. Write a letter to Santa and hang Christmas stockings

9. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon in your xmas jammies

10. Read Christmas stories to your kids every night in December

Summing Up

The Grinch will NOT steal Christmas!

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