18 Best weekend getaways from Dallas

Published By Ketki

Last Updated

Looking for ideas for best weekend getaways from Dallas to escape the Big D?

The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has several urban attractions as well as outdoor activities, but sometimes you just need to load up the car and take off towards a brand new attraction.

Luckily, a variety of weekend trips are within easy reach of Dallas.

From charming beach towns on the Gulf Coast and sprawling cities to hardwood forests and rugged mountains, you will find some amazing destinations on an easy drive away from Dallas.

Also Read: Best Road Trips from Dallas

Fort Worth Water Garden has stunning design
Fort Worth Water Garden has stunning design

Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas

Most of these Dallas escapes are within 3 hours drive from the city and offer a variety of activities for all ages and interests.

From romantic getaways in the Central Texas Wine Country to amazing road trips in North Texas, here are some of the best weekend getaways from Dallas.

Also Read: 20 Romantic Date Ideas in Dallas

Fort Worth

Fort Worth may be located just one hour away from Dallas….

…..but it has so many attractions that it makes the perfect weekend getaway.

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is the top attraction for most visitors.

The cattle drive which features the famous Texas Longhorns attracts thousands of visitors.

You can also take the Stockyards Heritage Trail to visit other historic buildings.

The city also has several world-class museums which are worth a visit.

Fort Worth Historic Stockyards Cattle Drive is an exciting event
Fort Worth Historic Stockyards Cattle Drive is an exciting event

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History offers six floors of interactive exhibits, many with an emphasis on Texas heritage.

The art museums in the cultural District are also top-notch.

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art features artwork from the 19th century to today.

The Kimbell Art Museum is known for its superior collection that includes artworks by Monet and Picasso.

Foodies will enjoy a trip to Sundance Square where they can find a wide range of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.

You can also enjoy shopping and dining in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Tarrant County Courthouse is downtown Fort Worth
Tarrant County Courthouse is downtown Fort Worth

San Antonio

San Antonio, located about 4 hours away, is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Texas.

The famous attraction here is the San Antonio River Walk.

The River Walk is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River.

Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, sightseeing, boat cruise, and more at this festive attraction.

Tourists taking San Antonio river cruise in Texas
Tourists taking San Antonio river cruise in Texas

San Antonio is the most visited city in the state and has many historic sites for visitors.

Visit the Alamo, the site of the famous Battle of the Alamo which marks an important moment in Texas history.

The Alamo together with other San Antonio Missions forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is also amongst the most romantic getaways for couples.

Spend some time in the vibrant Pearl District and enjoy live entertainment in the Riverwalk bars on your trip.

Read our post on Dallas to San Antonio Road Trip to plan this trip.

Historic Alamo Mission in San Antonio Texas
Historic Alamo Mission in San Antonio Texas

Amarillo

About six hours from Dallas, Amarillo offers a variety of attractions.

The city is located on Route 66 and has a large number of attractions for roadtrippers.

Those interested in history should not miss the opportunity to visit the panhandle-plains museum.

Cadillac Ranch, which features graffiti art on the back of 10 Cadillacs buried nose down, is another popular Amarillo attraction.

You can also pay a visit to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum if you are into horses or if you want to learn more about this fascinating species.

Historic City Hall of Amarillo Texas
Historic City Hall of Amarillo Texas

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo is one of the best weekend getaways from North Texas.

The state park is home to Palo Duro Canyon, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Lone Star State.

This is the second-largest canyon in America and is known as the Grand Canyon of Texas.

The state park is popular for horseback riding, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and stargazing.

Stunning sunrise views at Palo Duro Canyon
Stunning sunrise views at Palo Duro Canyon

Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park located in the Hill Country is one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas for nature lovers.

The park is home to Gorman Falls, the tallest waterfall in Texas.

The 70ft tall waterfall can be accessed via the Gorman Falls Trail.

The 3-mile round-trip Gorman Falls hike is of moderate difficulty and leads to amazing views of the cascading waterfall.

Colorado Bend State Park also has several other popular Trails including Spicewood Springs Trail and the Dogwood Canyon Trail.

The Spicewood Springs Trail is a family-friendly hike that will lead you to the popular swimming hole.

Colorado Bend State Park is also popular for camping, wildflowers, bird watching, and kayaking.

Bursting colors of fall foliage surrounding the picturesque Gorman Falls in the Texas Hill Country
Bursting colors of fall foliage surrounding the picturesque Gorman Falls in the Texas Hill Country

Waco

Waco is one of the best weekend getaways in Dallas for families.

Here you will find a famous National Park site, Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Waco is also home to several other attractions including the Dr. Pepper Bottling Museum and the famous Magnolia Market.

Take a walk around downtown Waco to enjoy its small-town charm and local eateries.

Waco also makes a great place to stop on the Dallas Austin road trip.

The iconic silos at Magnolia Market in Waco
The iconic silos at Magnolia Market in Waco

Galveston

With a warm tropical temperature year-round, Galveston Island is a great place for a beach getaway.

Galveston Island is known for its sandy beaches, historic sites in the downtown Strand District, Moody Gardens, and the Historic Pleasure Pier.

Enjoy a day on the beach and an evening stroll on the Seawall.

Visit Galveston Island State Park to bird-watch, hike, kayak, or simply enjoy a fun family picnic.

The Galveston historic district is full of charming buildings and stunning Victorian architecture
The Galveston historic district is full of charming buildings and stunning Victorian architecture

Oklahoma City

Located just across the border, Oklahoma City makes a perfect weekend getaway from Dallas.

This road trip is just three and a half hours long and has plenty of attractions for cultural travelers.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum features Western art, artifacts, and history exhibits.

Other attractions in the city include Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Oklahoma City Zoo.

Kayak rentals in Houston The Bayou City
Kayak rentals in Houston The Bayou City

Houston

Houston, located less than 4 hours south of the city, is one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas.

The city of Houston is a great place to visit with kids.

Visit Houston Space Center to learn more about Texas’ role in space exploration and to get a close look at the Space Shuttle.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great place to take dinosaur crazy kids to see T-Rex and Triceratops skeletons.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit for art lovers.

Houston has several other attractions including Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Downtown Aquarium, Historic Heights, and Kemah Boardwalk.

If you are in search of some fun outdoor activities to do on this weekend trip, consider kayaking the Buffalo Bayou.

Also Read: Dallas to Houston Drive

Historic Victorian homes in Houstons The Heights district
Historic Victorian homes in Houstons The Heights district

Palestine

Palestine located in the Piney Woods Region of East Texas is one of the most popular weekend trips from Dallas.

Downtown Palestine has beautifully restored historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants.

The Texas State Railroad offers vintage train rides.

During winter, the railroad features the special Excursion, Polar Express.

On the ride, kids can meet Santa Claus and visit the North Pole, making Palestine an extremely popular destination during the holiday season.

Palestine Texas Polar Express Train Ride
Palestine Texas Polar Express Train Ride

The region is also known for its wine.

Visit the wineries along the Piney Woods wine trail.

Step into a tasting room and sip a glass of merlot or Pinot Noir.

Beautiful and serene Lake Palestine is great for those who love the outdoors.

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is one of the most underrated national parks in the country.

The urban park has thermal springs with water as hot as 116 degrees!

These hot spring pools are an ideal setting for a relaxing weekend trip from Dallas.

Hot Springs National Park is also known for its hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic bathhouses.

The best time to visit Hot Springs National Park is in fall.

Beautiful sunrise at Garner State Park in the fall
Beautiful sunrise at Garner State Park in the fall

Talimena National Scenic byway

For an amazing fall Road Trip near Dallas, drive the beautiful Talimena National Scenic byway.

The byway takes you on a drive through the Ouachita Mountains.

En route, stop at the Winding Stairs Mountain overlook to take in sweeping views of the mountains and valleys below.

Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake located in East Texas is the largest natural lake in the state.

Here you will find a unique landscape of bald cypress trees, Spanish moss hanging from oak trees, and diverse wildlife species.

Caddo Lake State Park, located along the lakeshore, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Texas.

Spend some time outdoors exploring the beautiful landscape on foot or canoe.

Caddo Lake State Park also offers camping, fishing, hiking trails, historic sites, wildlife watching, and more.

Beautiful bald cypress in autumn at Caddo Lake State Park Texas
Beautiful bald cypress in autumn at Caddo Lake State Park Texas

Beavers Bend State Park

Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Beavers Bend State Park is known for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the many trails that wind through the park, or relax by the serene lakeside.

Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend or a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the park is a great weekend trip from Dallas.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries
Texas Hill Country is famous for its wineries

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a charming German Town located in the Texas Hill Country.

It is one of the most popular small towns in Texas and has plenty of attractions.

Browse through the art galleries on Main Street and check the souvenir shops.

Military enthusiasts should visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Fredericksburg is also located smack dab in the middle of the Texas Wine Country.

You will find several wineries and tasting rooms downtown as well as around the city.

One of the best times to plan the Dallas Fredericksburg trip is during Christmas.

Fredericksburg is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

The city has a traditional German pyramid and a popular night parade to ring in the holidays.

Public library in Fredericksburg has stunning limestone facade
Public library in Fredericksburg has stunning limestone facade

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Glen Rose, the Dinosaur capital of Texas is one of the most unique weekend getaways near Dallas.

The most popular attraction in Glen Rose is the Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Here you will find several hiking trails that lead you to hundreds of fossilized dinosaur tracks.

Walking through the Paluxy River bed in Dinosaur Valley State Park and searching for footsteps left behind by the prehistoric beasts is the ultimate outdoor adventure for dinosaur crazy kids.

Birds eye view of Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas
Birds eye view of Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas

Dinosaur World, located nearby, is an excellent place to see life-size dinosaur sculptures including Stegosaurus, T-Rex, and Brachiosaurus.

Another most visited attraction in Glen Rose is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

In this drive-through animal safari, kids can feed deer, llamas, zebras, and more animals.

Downtown Glen Rose also has many attractions and makes a popular weekend getaway in the Lone Star State.

Texas state capitol building in Austin is a must visit attraction
Texas state capitol building in Austin is a must visit attraction

Austin

The Dallas Austin Road Trip is one of our favorite weekend trips in the area.

Austin is the state capital of Texas and a vibrant, bustling city.

It is home to several attractions including the state capitol building, Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue bat colony, and Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs.

Austin is also famous for its music scene and is known as the live music capital of the world.

On a visit to the city, you can enjoy a variety of performances and events at the city’s live music venues.

Austin also enjoys a prime location to visit the state parks in Central Texas.

Waterfall at McKinney Falls State Park Austin
Waterfall at McKinney Falls State Park Austin

Wimberley

Looking for a quick and easy Dallas weekend getaway? Consider Wimberley, Texas.

This small town is located just outside of Austin and is well known for its charming shops and restaurants.

Visitors can explore the scenic Hill Country or take a dip in the famous Blue Hole regional park.

With its laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to Dallas, Wimberley makes the perfect weekend getaway destination.

Blanco River near Wimberley is perfect for floating
Blanco River near Wimberley is perfect for floating

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is one of our favorite small towns for weekend trips.

In downtown, you will find the beautiful Courthouse, historic buildings, street art, Farmers Market, and local cafes.

The popular Natural Bridge Caverns are also located here.

The town is located 30 miles Northeast of San Antonio and is a gateway to the Guadalupe River.

The Guadalupe River as it makes its way through Gruene and New Braunfels in autumn
The Guadalupe River as it makes its way through Gruene and New Braunfels in autumn

Some popular outdoor activities in New Braunfels include tubing, kayaking, hiking, and camping along the river.

New Braunfels also has several amusement parks including Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort.

Historic Gruene, located close to New Braunfels, is home to the oldest dance hall in Texas.

Visitors can see a concert, dine at the Old Grist Mill Cafe, and also shop for antiques in Gruene.

Oldest dance hall in Texas in Historic Gruene
Oldest dance hall in Texas in Historic Gruene

Texas Hill Country bluebonnet road trip

The Bluebonnet trails in the Texas Hill Country are one of our favorite weekend getaways from Dallas during spring.

Visitors can take a road trip around the Highland Lakes region from late March to early April to enjoy the gorgeous bluebonnet fields.

Some of the best places to see the bluebonnets in the Hill Country include Llano, Burnet, and Marble Falls.

Burnet has a bluebonnet Festival while the summit trail at Enchanted Rock offers a panoramic view of the blooming flowers.

Milky Way over the abundant blooming bluebonnets near Ennis, Texas
Milky Way over the abundant blooming bluebonnets near Ennis, Texas

Salado

Located in Central Texas, Salado is a small town with a big history.

Founded in the 1850s, Salado was a key stop on the Chisholm Trail, and later became an important center for cotton production.

Today, visitors can explore Salado’s rich past at the Stagecoach Inn Museum as well as the Mill Village Historic Site.

The town is also home to a number of art galleries and shops, as well as annual festivals like the Art in the Park celebration.

Chalk Ridge Falls Park in Belton is a hidden gem near Salado, Texas.

Chalk Ridge Falls Trail near Belton Texas
Chalk Ridge Falls Trail near Belton Texas

The park features a beautiful waterfall that cascades over limestone cliffs into a creek below.

If you live in Dallas and want a quick, exciting weekend getaway with the family while experiencing some of Texas’ best scenery, consider these destinations.

What is your favorite weekend getaway from Dallas? Let us know in the comments!

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