8 iconic road travel destinations to visit from Dallas in the next holiday.
Explore Route 66, New Orleans, Memphis and other famous American travel destinations. Discover unbelievable places right in Texas totally worth the drive.
Long weekend getaways from Dallas, up to 8 hours driving from the city, ideal for whenever you have a few extra days to spare.
Unforgettable long weekend getaways from Dallas
Reach iconic American destinations without hoping on a plane. Discover the very best road trips to take from Dallas, perfect for that upcoming long weekend.
Visit places as quintessential as Memphis, Elvis Presley’s hometown, considered one of the top places to visit in the United States.
Discover nature wonders such as the largest cave system in the US and the second largest canyon in America, just to name a few. Be cowboy for a day. Get lost in the desert. Get wowed by a Texas beach! (yes, you’ve read right).
Road trip baby!
All destinations can be reached in up to 8 hours and are absolutely worth the drive- don’t let it scare you, if you still haven’t gotten used to long distances, you soon will by living in Texas.
Leaving early in the morning from Dallas, you can watch the most beautiful sunrise from your car – think Texas skies, they are absolutely astonishing! – and reach most of these destinations by lunchtime.
Discover in this article 8 incredible long weekend getaways from Dallas.
They are perfect to be uncovered on Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break and on Holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Choose your favorite and go!
Too far? We got you covered
If a long weekend getaways is not an option, or if you simply prefer to drive less, take a look into these amazing 16 weekend getaways within 4 hours from Dallas (some of them can be reached in as little as 1h 30 m).
And in case a sleepover is not in your plans, but you still need a break from the city, check 28 day trip ideas from Dallas. Awesome places to spend the day as close as 25 minutes from the Big D.
1. Bandera, TX
Be cowboy for a weekend in an authentic Texas Dude Ranch, surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Distance: 310 miles/ 4 h 45 min from Dallas
An authentic western vacation
Bandera is the perfect travel destination in Texas to live one of the most authentic experiences the Lone Star State has to offer.
Known as the Cowboy Capital of Texas, Bandera is home to Texas best dude ranches, all-inclusive cowboy ranches where you can spend the weekend while enjoying activities as horseback riding, hiking and fishing, among others.
Staying in a Dude Ranch is a once in a lifetime experience you should definitely try while living here – it doesn’t get any more “Texas” than that!
Best Dude Ranches in Bandera
Mayan Ranch and Rancho Cortez are all prime guest ranches in Bandera, offering an authentic cowboy experience.
For a more affordable (not all-inclusive) yet amazing option, try West 1077 Guest Ranch, a top-rated ranch-style Bed & Breakfast with gorgeous surroundings.
Best things to do in Bandera and Surroundings
Bandera is a tiny town with rich nature surroundings.
Some must-visits while in the area include beautiful Hill Country State Natural Area and Medina River.
The first an absolutely stunning place for horseback riding and hiking. The second on of Texas most crystalline rivers ideal for paddling.
The Banderas surroundings are especially stunning during spring with the beautiful bluebonnets. Lost Maples Natural Area and Garner State Park are stunning nature preserves not too far from there – an about 50 minutes scenic drive. So you might consider to take advantage you are already far from home and in the area to check on them!
A few extra days to spare? Include San Antonio in your itinerary
Bandera makes an awesome long weekend destination from Dallas. But if you have a couple more days to explore the area, stop by San Antonio.
A top travel destination in Texas, San Antonio is only one hour away from Bandera and in your way from Dallas to the small town.
In this post you find the top things to do in San Antonio, including must-visit famous touristic attractions and amazing activities off the beaten path.
2. Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo and Route 66, TX
Second largest Canyon in the U.S., iconic Route 66 and world-famous Cadillac Ranch.
Distance: 380 miles/ 5 h 45 min from Dallas
The "Grand Canyon of Texas"
Be astonished by the second largest Canyon in the U.S., opening out of nowhere in the middle of the otherwise flat Texas Panhandle.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park sits about 30 minutes away from Amarillo and is a gorgeous nature set. It is the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking in Texas, with well-marked trails for all levels and an amazing scenery.
Things to do at Palo Duro Canyon
Make sure to hike the Lighthouse Trail. Ride a horse throughout the canyon formations. Try the huge zip line for a shot of adrenaline and superb views. Take a Jeep Tour. Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers tons of activities and can easily entertain you for a few days.
Temperatures during summer can get really high and it is not the best time of the year to visit the park but… you get to watch the amazing Texas Show, an unique performance with Palo Duro Canyon as a background, happening every year only during the summer months. So, weight the possibilities and decide by yourself. Just remember to bring A LOT of water no matter what you decide.
Lodging in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Palo Duro Canyon is a destination in itself and I would highly recommend you spend the night inside the park if possible, stopping in Amarillo in your way in and out to Dallas.
The park offers cabins and camping sites, but they are usually booked out months in advance, so plan ahead.
If you decide to head there last minute and cannot score an accommodation inside the State Park for your long weekend getaway, Amarillo offers good hotels and interesting things to do.
Drury Inn and Towneplace by Marriot are your best bets for a luxury stay in Amarillo.
My Place is an affordable and top-rated alternative.
Best things to do in Amarillo.
In Amarillo, visit the legendary Route 66, currently the 6th Street stretch between Georgia and Western streets.
Take a cool pic under the Route 66 sign. Check on Nat Ballroom – once a music venue which hosted big bands in the golden age of Route 66 – and stroll through antique shops, art galleries, pubs and restaurants.
Head then to the neighboring Cadillac Ranch to spray paint real antique Cadillacs without going to jail! The Cadillac Ranch is a worldwide famous public art installation, consisting in 10 Cadillacs from the 40’s- 60’s half buried in the ground and currently colorfully spray-painted by the public. Graffiti is not only allowed but encouraged, and part of the experience. Don’t forget to bring your own spray cans. The Cadillacs can be seen from the highway and entrance is free.
And if you like a challenge (or to eat potentially for free), don’t miss out the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Take their infamous 72 oz steak challenge. If you eat an enormous steak plus side dishes in less than one hour, you don’t pay the bill – ‘simple’ like that (gym pass and medical care not included, lol).
3. Port Aransas, TX
Explore amazing Texas beaches at Mustang Island and Padre Island National Seashore.
Distance: 414 miles/ 6 h 30 min from Dallas
Be prepared for a change of heart on Texas Beaches
Forget the whole “there is no nice beach in Texas” mantra and choose Port Aransas as your next long weekend getaway from Dallas. You’ll be surprised.
Yes, Texas has amazing beaches. And no, you don’t need to leave the state or drive 10+ hours to South Padre Island to enjoy them.
Just head to Port Aransas, a small coastal town with a great beach vibe. From there, explore 4 amazing beaches in the area: Malaquite Beach and North Beach in the Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park and Rockport Beach, the only Blue Wave Beach in Texas.
Skip the tourist traps
Before you go, make sure to read this post with a detailed review of 7 beaches in the Port Aransas – Corpus Christi area.
It talks in depth about the 4 beaches you must visit (the ones I’ve just mentioned) and also warns you about 3 that are not really that nice, so you don’t waste your time and can make the most of your visit!
Fasten your flip flops and go!
4. Memphis, TN
The Blues Capital of the World, Evils Presley's hometown and Civil Rights Movement birthplace.
Distance: 452 miles/ 6 h 35 min from Dallas
Elvis is alive
Spend a memorable long weekend getaway from Dallas at Elvis’ hometown, Memphis.
Explore Graceland a museum/ tribute to the king of rock, raised where once Elvis lived. Stroll through his former house, visit his grave site and get to know the man behind the legend.
Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement
Learn American history in an immersive and impacting way at the Civil Rights Museum.
Not your ordinary history museum, the Civil Rights Museum is on the grounds of the iconic Lorraine Motel, the very place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated over 50 year ago.
The superb and interactive exhibition will guide you through the context of this important historical moment and last moments of Martin Luther King’s life. A very touching and eye-opening experience not to be missed.
The "Blues Capital of the World"
Dive into music at the Blues Capital of the world.
Stroll throughout the lively and crazy Beale Street and its pubs and concert venues. Visit the legendary Sun Studio, where rock icons recorded worldwide hits. Explore the fun and interactive Stax Museum of American Soul Music, once the iconic Stax Studio.
World-famous Peabody ducks
If you have kids in tow – or want to spoil your inner child – head to the Peabody Hotel at 11 am or 5 pm to check on the odd and unique Peabody Ducks.
Every day at these times the ducks that live on the roof of the hotel go down the hall using the elevator for a splash into the hotel’s fountain.
Just walk into the lobby – it’s a free attraction open to the public – and maybe grab a seat at the hotel bar to sip a cocktail while you watch the ‘show’.
5. Carlsbad Caverns, NM and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
One of the most amazing cave systems in the U.S., called 'the Grand Canyon with a roof on it'.
Distance: 485 miles/ 7 h 25 min from Dallas
One of the most amazing caves in the United States
Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park, featured by Fox News as one of the one of the most amazing caverns in the U.S..
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, in southeast New Mexico right at the border with Texas, the Carlsbad Caverns are one of the largest cave systems in the world with 119 underground chambers.
Take a cave tour
Start off with the self-guided tours – allow about 3 hours to complete both of them. Hike the Natural Entrance Trail and observe stunning formations like Iceberg Rock, Devil’s Spring and Whale’s Mouth. Follow with the Big Room Trail to step onto the largest cave chamber in North America.
Then go deeper into the experience and take the Ranger-Guided Tours. Hiking shoes are required, and reservations should be made in advance. The King’s Palace and Left Hand Tunnel tours are offered daily. For the other tours, check their schedule.
Bat Flight and Night Sky Programs
For a side trip and if you are – extremely – in shape, consider hiking the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, at the neighboring Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It is a tough and long but rewarding hike, only for the brave ones.
Closest town to the Carlsbad Caverns is White City. But Carlsbad, about 30 minutes away, offers more lodging options, so you might want to consider staying there. Make reservations in advance: as the busiest seasons approach (think school breaks and holidays) prices skyrocket.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
For a side trip and if you are – extremely – in shape, consider hiking the Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, at the neighboring Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
It is a tough and long but rewarding hike, only for the brave ones.
Closest town to the Carlsbad Caverns is White City. But Carlsbad, about 30 minutes away, offers more lodging options, so you might want to consider staying there. Make reservations in advance: as the busiest seasons approach (think school breaks and holidays) prices skyrocket.
Where to stay
Closest town to the Carlsbad Caverns is White City. But Carlsbad, about 30 minutes away, offers more lodging options, so you might want to consider staying there.
Make reservations in advance: as the busiest seasons approach (think school breaks and holidays) prices skyrocket.
6. New Orleans, LA
Lively and iconic American destination, European vibe, amazing jazz music scene and creole cuisine.
Distance: 505 miles/ 7 h 15 min from Dallas
Creole culture
A melting pot of French, American and African cultures, New Orleans is your best bet to travel ‘abroad’ without actually living the U.S..
Take advantage of the next holiday and head there. It makes a terrific long weekend getaway from Dallas year-round.
New Orleans has a peculiar vibe you won’t find elsewhere in the country, with European architecture, and jazz and creole cuisine all over. Certainly a destination that should be in anyone’s bucket list.
Embrace the detours
To get there, consider taking a 30 minutes detour and arriving to New Orleans through the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge.
It is the longest bridge of the world over water, listed by the Guinness World Records since 1969.
Sightseeing and culinary scene
Once in New Orleans, explore the iconic French Quarter.
Visit St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest catholic church in the U.S., and the adjoining Ursuline Convent Museum. Next stop by Cafe du Monde to try the famous beignets and cafe au lait. Then stroll through the French Market for local flavors and handicrafts.
Enjoy the music scene during the day just by strolling around – jazz is everywhere, on the streets and in the tons of music venues spread all over New Orleans.
Have a Jazz Brunch – Antoine’s, Arnaud’s and Court of Two Sisters are good options. Experience and authentic southern gospel service at St. Augustine Church.
Don’t miss out on the culinary scene: make sure to savor the creole cuisine staples Shrimp Po’ Boy, Gumbo and Jambalaya. Check the best places to try them here.
Nightilife in New Orleans
At night stroll through the infamous Bourbon Street. Step back in time and watch a jazz concert at the legendary Preservation Hall.
Then get out of the touristic buzz and explore the more authentic and trendier Frenchmen Street, a more laid-back area frequented by locals, where you can hop from pub to pub and listen to old-school jazz music.
New Orleans surroundings
Make sure to take advantage of your long weekend getaway to explore the amazing New Orleans surroundings as well.
Include in yout itinerary a historic plantation tour – Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation are your best bets.
Then embark on a swamp tour to explore the rich swamplands’ ecosystem and maybe spot an alligator or two.
7. Marfa, TX
Texas quirkiest small town, right in the middle of the desert, Marfa is surrounded by mistery and a world-class travel destination in Texas.
Distance: 520 miles/ 7 h 30 min from Dallas
An internationally acclaimed travel destination
If you are looking for something really different and unique, Marfa is your destination.
This eccentric and isolated travel destination is out of this world and an extra especial place to unwind and experience a little known side of Texas.
Best places to stay in Marfa
El Cosmico is the most famous lodging option in the area, and for a reason. A charming glamping site, it offers unique lodging options right in the middle of the desert.
Scoring a reservation there is not easy – you will have to plan months, if not a year, in advance.
But the small desert town also offer other amazing lodging alternatives worth checking, such as Lincoln Marfa and Hotel Saint George.
Things to do in Marfa, TX
In Marfa rent a bike to explore the Desert and make sure to visit acclaimed Chinati Foundation. Stargazing and just chilling out around the firepit under the stars are musts there – you are here to disconnect from the outer world!
In its surroundings visit Fort Davis Historic Site and nearby McDonald Observatory, not to be missed. And Prude Ranch, for an amazing horseback riding experience.
On your way to Marfa stop by Monahans Sandhills State Park to surf the dunes. It is located about 2 hours before reaching Marfa from Dallas, and doesn’t even require a detour.
8. Big Bend National Park, TX
Astonishing under the radar National Park and one of Texas best kept secrets.
Distance: 533 miles/ 7 h 50 min from Dallas
Off the beaten path National Park
Featured as one of the top 10 under the radar National Parks in the U.S. by the Jetsetter, the Big Bend National Park offers a breathtaking landscape and superb views.
It has activities for all tastes, over 200 miles of hiking trails and paved and unpaved roads for amazing scenic drives.
It is a superb place for a long weekend getaway from Dallas.
Best things to do at the Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend offers amazing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Once there, take Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Hike the amazing Santa Elena Canyon, Window View and lost Mine Trails, for superb vistas. Make sure to take a dip into the Rio Grande and soak in the hot springs.
Observe the desert wildlife, majestic mountains and rock formations all around.
Watch the most amazing sunrises and sunsets ever. Loose yourself into the vast and clear sky from the Chisos Mountain Basin, one of the most perfect places for stargazing in Texas.And, maybe, turn your getaway into an international trip and step your feet in Mexico! – the Big Bend National Park sits along the Mexico-U.S. border and it is possible to cross it at Boquillas Crossing.
When to go and where to stay
Best time of the year to visit the Big Bend is whenever weather is mild. Summer heat can be excruciating, so avoid it between May and September.
For the ultimate Big Bend experience, consider camping or staying in a lodge inside the park. And plan ahead: spots fill up months in advance, so make your reservations as early as possible.
You can also combine your trip to the Big Bend National Park with exotic Marfa. Check this post for more info (destination #21).
Summing Up
Seize the opportunity!
Living in Dallas? Visiting the city?
You can get up tomorrow early in the morning and reach 8 iconic American destinations and more than unique Texas hidden gems by the afternoon. Places that most people only dream of visiting maybe someday. And without the price tag of a plane ticket. So… What are you waiting for??
Bucket-list places like Memphis and New Orleans. Awe-inspiring National Parks such as Palo Duro Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns and Big Bend. Stunning beaches you simply cannot believe that are located in Texas. And more. All amazing trip destinations within a driving distance from Dallas.
Plan your long weekend getaway and hit the road
I hope you’ve enjoyed these trip ideas and tons of fun exploring these superb travel destinations.
Go on, pick your favorites, build memories and get back here to let me know your experience.
Which is your favorite trip destination from the ones above? Have been to any of them? Are you planning on visiting them soon? Any destinations you would like to see featured at the Dallas Wanderer?
Leave your comment bellow!
