28 Day Trip Destinations Up to 2 Hours Driving from Dallas
Get a break from the city and spend a different day in the amazing Dallas surroundings.
Discover 14 small towns and 14 State Parks near Dallas ideal for a day trip!
Looking for a change of air but not in the mood for a sleepover? Browsing side trips within a short driving distance from Dallas?
These 28 top day trip destinations near the city will do the job!
Say goodbye to boredom and enjoy a different scene exploring the rich and diverse Dallas surroundings. Discover surprising travel destinations as close as 30 minutes from Dallas, ideal for a quick day trip.
Looking for things to do in Dallas as well? Check 52 ideas to enjoy a leisure day in DFW here.
Planning to spend the weekend away? Explore the 16 weekend travel destinations up to 4h30 from Dallas.
Peek at our ideas below and start exploring DFW suburbs, neighboring towns and nearby nature preserves.
1. Glen Rose, TX
Distance: 75 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas
Fossil Rim
Start your day exploring Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Texas’ finest zoo safari and only a short driving-distance from Dallas.
Enjoy the 7.2-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive and stop along the way to admire wildlife and feed the animals.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Head to Dinosaur Valley State Park to enjoy the rest of your day. Bring a picnic, hiking gear and a good camera – be prepared for great photo ops. And swimming suits and water shoes on summer.
Spend the day exploring the several and beautiful hiking trails and looking for real Dinosaur footprints along Paluxy’s river riverbed. During the excruciating Texas summer, cool off at beautiful swimming holes and river beaches.
Nestled in an area once part of an ancient ocean, Dinosaur Valley features real dinosaur tracks left millions of years ago, making this place incredibly unique and a must-visit destination from Dallas year-round.
Insider’s tip: dinosaur tracks are not always visible – it depends on the water levels – so check the State Park Facebook page in advance for current trails status and dinosaur tracks visibility.
Big Rocks Park
Have some extra time left? Pay a visit to Big Rocks Park, a beautiful and unique natural area featuring Big Rocks along the Paluxy River.
A cool place to contemplate nature, have fun climbing the rocks and cool off on summer. Best part? The access is completely free!
2. Piney Woods Wine Trail, TX
Distance: Starting 70 miles/ 1h00 min from Dallas
With locations as close as one hour driving from Dallas, the Pine Woods Wine Trail features 19 Texan Wineries and Vineyards, offering experiences ranging from wine tours to wine tastings and onsite restaurants.
Visiting some of them is an amazing way of enjoying a different day in the Dallas surroundings, and one of the best ways to soak in beautiful East Texas.
Here you can find all wineries part of the Piney Woods Wine Trail, as well as the trail map. Click on each one of the wineries to check the activities offered, make reservations and plan your self-guided tour
3. Davis, OK
Distance: 130 miles/ 2h00 min from Dallas
Arbuckle Wilderness
Start off your day at Arbuckle Wilderness. Drive through the beautiful rustic zoo safari and feed the animals from your car.
Allow about one hour to fully experience it. Head then to your next stop, Turner Falls.
Turner Falls Park
On your way to Turner Falls stop by Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies to grab some delicious pies for a picnic.
At Turner Falls hike, visit the castle, explore the caves, go zip-lining and, weather-permitting, swim in the falls and adjacent swimming areas.
Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma and specially gorgeous low-season – you usually cannot swim during the colder months, but you get to skip the crowds and enjoy this stunning nature setting at its best.
4. Island View Park - Pottsboro, TX
Distance: 85 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas
Scenic Beach near Dallas
Life is better at the beach. And your best bet to bury your feet in the sand without driving long hours, is to head to gorgeous Island View Park, a little over one hour driving from Dallas.
By Lake Texoma shores, Island View features two beach areas. One with infra-structure including covered shelters and picnic tables, and another wilder – and more beautiful – with nothing more than white sand and the crystal-clear lake.
Bring a picnic, an umbrella, water shoes (the bottom is rocky) and enjoy a day by the beach right at the Dallas outskirts.
5. Waco, TX
Distance: 75 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas
Magnolia Market
Visit the town made famous by HGTV Fixer Upper show stars Chip and Joanna Gaines.
Start by exploring the couple’s Magnolia Market at the Silos, a shopping, entertainment and gastronomy complex. Have a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery, chill out playing lawn games and grab a bite at one of the local gourmet food trucks. Stroll through the store to check Joanna Gaines home goods selection.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Head then to the nearby Waco Mammoth National Monument and tour a real excavation site featuring Columbian mammoth fossils.
It is the only place in the world with an entire herd of Colombian Mammoths on display.
Cameron Park
For some outdoor fun, climb the short but steep Jacob’s Ladder at the beautiful Cameron Park.
The park is a gorgeous nature setting right in the middle of Waco, crossed by the Brazos River, with cliffs, picnic areas and trails.
6. Burger's Lake - Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 39 miles/ 0 h 45 min from Dallas
Not an Ordinary Waterpark
Memorial Day through Labor Day, this is the place to cool off and have a summer blast in the Dallas surroundings!
Burgers Lake is beautiful and sparkling clean spring-fed lake with sandy bottom, surrounded by two white sand beaches, lounge areas and picnic tables. It features slides, diving boards, trapezes and more.
A popular summer destination in DFW and a must for those looking for summer fun at its best.
7. Salado
Distance: 145 miles/ 2 h 00 min from Dallas
Chalk Ridge Falls Park
Only 10 minutes away from Downtown Salado, Chalk Ridge Falls is a beautiful nature area featuring a gorgeous waterfall, trails, swimming holes and even a small suspended bridge!
A must visit for nature lovers year-round, and an amazing way to kick off a leisure day in Salado.
Barrow Brewing Company
Head to Barrow Brewing Company for beer tasting. Grab a wood fired pizza from the onsite food truck and, on select days, listen to live music while enjoying it.
Salado Glassworks
Salado is known by its vibrant artsy community. And Salado Glassworks, right next door to Barrow Brewing, is one of the best places in town to enjoy it.
Stop by to watch artists blowing amazing glass pieces. Or dive headfirst into the experience and create your own masterpiece in one of the blowing events offered in the studio.
Main Street
Stroll down historic Main Street.
Explore its shops and art galleries. Stop by rustic and charming Salado Winery Co tasting room.
Prepare to head back home or, if you still have some energy left, have dinner at Barton House, an over 150 year old historic restaurant.
8. Tyler, TX
Distance: 98 miles/ 1 h 30 min from Dallas
Tyler State Park
Tyler is a home to the gorgeous Tyler State Park.
With a beautiful lake ideal for paddling and swimming and more than 13 miles of trails, Tyler State Park is a nature lover’s paradise any time of the year.
Nestled in the Pine Woods region of Texas, it is the closest place to Dallas to experience this unique environment and find yourself in the middle of the woods only a short drive away from the city.
Head to Tyler early in the morning and enjoy the day at Tyler State Park.
Bring a picnic or, summer-only, stop by Ham Orchards and grab a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich and a pint of homemade peach ice cream to be enjoyed surrounded by tall trees.
Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary
Top off your day with a tour at Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary. Learn more about their rescue and rehabilitation programs and see the beautiful wild cats.
A wildlife preserve home to over 40 rescued big cats and other endangered species, Tiger Creek offers an inspiring and educational experience, only a few miles away from Tyler State Park.
9. Rockwall, TX
Distance: 25 miles/ 0 h 30 min from Dallas
Lake Ray Hubbard
Enjoy the day at Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the largest lakes in north Texas.
Head to the Chandler’s Landing Marina to rent a boat or jet ski and explore the lake. For a more modest budget, drive 10 minutes to Paddle Point Park on the neighboring town Rowlett and rent a kayak or a stand up paddle board to take an amazing leisure trip through Lake Ray Hubbard.
The Harbor
Later on, on a clear sky day, breath in an amazing sunset from The Harbor, a lakefront dining and entertainment district. Watch it from Gloria’s or Rodeo Goat’s patios while you have a margarita, a beer or enjoy a delicious meal at one of these top restaurants.
Or on summer, for privileged views from the water, take a sunset cruise instead through Sail with Scott, and watch the sun going down while you sip a glass of wine and enjoy some snacks (BYOBF).
San Jacinto Plaza
At night, head downtown.
On summer, listen to live music at San Jacinto Plaza while you enjoy a beer from Beer Geeks.
Any other time of the year, enjoy a few drinks or dinner at locals favorites’ Zanata or Bin 303
10. Ennis
Distance: 35 miles/ 0 h 40 min from Dallas
Bluebonnet and Sunflower Fields
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers. If you are looking for beautiful Bluebonnet Fields on Spring and inspiring Sunflower fields on summer, Ennis is your destination.
Throughout April, the small town is home to the ‘Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas’, an over 40-mile long drive. It is one of the best places in Texas – and the closest one to Dallas among those – to spot these beautiful wildflowers protected by law and take that perfect Spring snapshot.
On early summer, you can find beautiful Sunflower fields (check US 287 from Ennis to Wax late June for some beautiful photo ops).
Drive-In Movie Theater
A perfect spring or summer day trip to Ennis?
After driving through the beautiful Bluebonnet or Sunflower fields – depending on the time of the year you’re visiting – head to Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater for an old-fashioned movie session under the stars.
11. Grapevine, TX
Distance: 22 miles/ 0 h 25 min from Dallas
Wineries and Wine Tastings
Explore local wineries, embark on a vintage train and stroll through unique shops and boutiques at Historic Main Street, in this charming small town less than half an hour away from Dallas.
For wine lovers, try Homestead Winery, Messina Hof Winery or Cross Timbers, all part of the Texas’ Grapevine Wine Trail and located on or right off Main Street. Texas is – surprisingly for most – the 5th largest wine producer in the U.S, so if you love wine and have not tasted the Texas’ varieties yet, you are missing out.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
To step back in time, hop on an authentic Victorian-era train from the 1920’s at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Embark on a short 1-hour excursion – ideal for families with small kids – or take the long Cotton Belt Route ride instead, including a stop at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Main Street
Stroll along Main Street and explore quaint and unique shops.
Stop by the Grapevine Olive Oil Co and Vetro Glass Blowing Studio and Art Gallery, to name a few. For a quick – and delicious – bite, head to the Main Street Bistro & Bakery. For a treat, Dr Sue’s Chocolate.
Christmas Capital of Texas
Grapevine is also the self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas with over 1400 events happening in 40 days during this time of the year.
Some of the most famous not to be missed include the Ice! exhibition at the Gaylord Texan Resort, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express® and the Carol of Lights street event.
12. Canton, TX
Distance: 60 miles/ 1 h 00 min from Dallas
The World's Largest Flea Market
Visit the largest outdoor flea market in the world and the oldest in the US at Canton, about one hour away from Dallas.
The First Monday Trade Days takes place from Thursday to Sunday before the first Monday of each month (check the dates here). It features over 5,000 vendors sprawled over 700,000 sq. ft. It is huge and a destination by itself. Plan to spend the whole day there.
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit it – avoid summer at all costs, the heat can be excruciating!
If possible, go on a Thursday to skip the crowds. Wear comfy shoes and bring cash – there are tons of good food options on site and many vendors do not accept credit cards.
Canton’s First Monday is not your ordinary shopping experience. There you will find almost anything you can imagine and interact with vendors like in the old times. Prepare to treasure hunt, bargain, and walk a lot. If you like vintage stuff, collectibles, and antiques, you will love this place.
13. Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 32 miles/ 0 h 35 min from Dallas
Sundance Square and Fort Worth Water Gardens
Home to the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards and to one of the best small museums in the US, Fort Worth is a perfect destination for a short day trip from Dallas – or even a staycation.
Start off the day with a brunch at the Sundance Square. Reata and Bird Cafe are some good restaurant options in the area. Afterwards take a short walk towards the Sundance Square Plaza and head then to the beautiful Fort Worth Water Gardens.
Kimbell Art Museum
Visit the nearby Kimbell Art Museum, a master piece of modern architecture. It is considered one of the best small museums in the USA.
There you will find world-class exhibitions as well as premium art pieces from the permanent collection, including Michelangelo’s first known painting as well as works from Miro, Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt
Fort Worth Stockyards
Top off with a real rodeo championship, held every Friday and Saturday night year-round at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Or hit the floor at an authentic Honky Tonk instead – the Stockyards is home to Billy Bob’s Texas, the world largest honky tonk, and to the legendary White Elephant Saloon.
Coyote Drive-In
Or watch a movie under the stars from the comfort of your trunk – or lawn chairs – at Coyote Drive-In, an old fashioned movie theater offering live music on Fridays and Saturdays night.
A seasonal ice rink is also available on site late November through mid-January.
14. Granbury, TX
Distance: 70 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Historic Granbury Square
Explore Historic Granbury Square, considered one of the most beautiful in Texas. Stroll through unique shops, boutiques, cafes and visit the nearby museums.
Have lunch at Ketzler’s Schnitzel Haus & Biergarten or Christina’s Bistro – you cannot go wrong with any of them.
Local Goat Distillery and Barking Rocks Winery
Walk a few blocks from Granbury square and go tour or spirits tasting at Local Goat Distillery.
Or hop in the car and drive a few minutes to Barking Rocks, a quaint winery and vineyard with beautiful grounds, offering wine tastings.
Granbury Beach City Park
Finish your day with a sunset at Granbury Beach City Park.
A well-kept white sand beach by lake Granbury and popular destination summertime, but also enjoyable any time of the year.
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14 Texas State Parks up to 1h30 from Dallas
Distance: 0h25 to 1h30 min from Dallas
14 State Parks up to 1h30 driving from Dallas
In need of a nature fix? The Dallas surroundings are home to 14 State Parks, up to 1h30 from the city.
Gorgeous nature preserves, maintained by the government, featuring everything from hiking, horseback riding and cycling trails to swimming holes, lake beaches, rock-climbing areas and more.
Here you find all of the 14 State Parks you can visit in a day trip from Dallas, with distance and relative location to the city, links for reservations and insider tips to make the most of your visit.
My favorites? Tyler, Dinosaur Valley, Eisenhower, Lake Whitney, and Lake Mineral Wells.
Summing Up
The Dallas surroundings offer amazing day trip opportunities. And here you discovered great ideas to spice up your weekends and make you enjoy the experience of living in Dallas to the fullest!
Glen Rose, the Piney Woods Wine Trail, Davis, Island View Park, Waco, Burgers Lake, Salado, Tyler, Rockwall, Ennis, Grapevine, Canton, Fort Worth and Granbury are all amazing destinations up to 2 hours from the city.
Add the 14 State Parks up to 1h30 listed here to the equation and you got yourself 28 travel ideas to choose from whenever you feel like taking a break from routine!
What is your favorite day trip from Dallas? Share in the comments section below.
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