Looking for a weekend getaway from Dallas? Look no further, we have you covered with top scenic drives from Dallas. Whether, you are looking for a road trip from Dallas with family, friends, or a romantic getaway with your partner, these places are going to leave you spellbound with the beauty and the experience they have to offer you. Let’s dive deep into it.
1. Hot Springs, Arkansas
A four-hour drive from Dallas, Arkansas’ hot spring is the perfect destination for road tripping from Dallas. Renowned for its thermal springs, the place is great for a weekend getaway. The region has major tourist spots like National parks and hiking trails, while the city’s art deco architecture is also a major attraction.
Things to do:
- Garvan Woodland Gardens, located on Lake Hamilton, is a stunning botanical garden spread across 210 acres. Open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm. For entry, there is a fee that can be paid by cash or credit card.
- Fordye Bathhouse: Once a bathhouse, now a major attraction for tourists as a visitor center.
- Hot Springs National Park: Historical bath houses are located around lush trails and mountain scenery with stunning flora and fauna. Takes you back in history with its local spa culture and a visitor center.
- Lake Catherine State Park: Stunning state park well well-maintained with campgrounds. The state park leads to a stunning lake. There are short trails along the way.
- Lake Ouachita: Enjoy eagle watching tours and houseboats on a pristine lake with lakeside beaches.
2. Houston, Texas
Another great place to road trip from Dallas. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Houston from Dallas. Famously known as the energy capital of the world, Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States. It has a vibrant city culture and has things to do for all age groups.
Things to do:
- Space Center Houston: Go back in time at this historical space center. Great place to learn about space.
- Houston Zoo: Visit the local zoo a fun way to experience different species.
- Children’s Museum, Houston: The best way to keep your kids engaged with interactive exhibits, STEM activities, and experience kid kid-sized city in the museum. The entry fee starts from $20.
- Downtown Aquarium: Spot alligators, giant octopuses, and hundreds of other marine species while you’re at Downtown Aquarium. Entry starts at $27 you can opt for a day pass to make the most of your visit.
- Miller Outdoor Theatre: It offers 8 8-month season of free outdoor performances like concerts, dance, and theater. Great if you’re looking for some entertainment in the city.
3. Colorado Bend State Park
Spread over 5300 acres, situated in Hill Country along the Colorado river is a stunning park where you can enjoy activities like kayaking, hiking, and fishing, etc.
Things to do:
- Spicewood springs: Hike to wood springs, swim, and enjoy trails and waterfalls along the way.
- German Falls: You can hike to German Falls to enjoy nature at its best.
- Bend Cave Tour: To make your visit adventurous, its a must-do activity to take a tour and explore the caves. Take a guide along to know better.
- Kayak in the Colorado River: Rent out a kayak and enjoy kayaking with your loved ones.
- Fiesta Winenary: A haven for wine lovers, lies feist winery 20 minutes away from the state park, indulge in wine tatsing and dine in and enjoy the view of vineyard.
4. Glaveston
Located on Galveston Island on the Texas Gulf Coast is a coastal resort city known for its vibrant culture and rich history. It is around 6 hours away from Dallas and one of the a great best roadtrips from Dallas.
Things to do:
- Baywatch Dolphin Tour: Book a tour and tour around the island, discovering dolphins. Boating fee starts at $20. check for coupons and discounts.
- Historic Galveston Ghost tour: Take a tour around the ghost house listing local ghost tales of the city and experience the thrill it provides.
- Moody Gardens: To make your visit memorable and adventurous, visit moody gardens where you can enjoy activities like zip lining, rope courses, and enjoy 3d and 4D theatres while also exploring the rainforest pyramid and the Aquarium Pyramid.
- Pleasure pier: A place for fun and entertainment where you can enjoy live performances and take rides over water and splash away all your boredom.
- Museums: Explore the historical richness of Galveston with many museums present here, like the Bryan Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, or Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum.
5. Fredericksburg
A charming small town situated in the heart of Texas, about a four-hour drive from Dallas, makes a great choice for a road trip from Dallas if you’re looking to experience the charm that a small town brings. The town is famous for its wineries that date back hundreds of years and have a German connection. It’s one of the largest viticultural areas around.
Things to do:
- Tour Local wineries: Drive along Wineroad 290, and you will find around 50 wineries. Soak up the views around and enjoy sipping your favorite wine.
- Try Local restaurants: Try local german food and beers and enjoy the essence of Germany.
- National Museum of Pacific War: Explore the museum, a great place for history buffs to enjoy the history of the Pacific War and indulge themselves in interactive exhibits and crafts.
- Rock state natural area: A unique pink-toned granite dome around 425 feet above the ground. Hike up and enjoy the views around. The entry fee starts from $8.
- Pioneer Museum: Step back in time at Pioneer Museum and get to know how frontier life and German settlers built their lives.
6. Buffalo National River
Home to elk, Buffalo National river is siatued on the Boston Mountains of Arkansas that offers amazing views and hiking trails for fun and adventure while admiring the beauty of nature and wildlife. It is around 7 hours away from Dallas.
Things to do:
- Kayaking: Paddle across the clean and crystal clear water of the river.
- Hike: Hike to Big bluff, Cecil cove Loop, Rush mine level trail, and buffalo river trail.
7. Eureka Springs
Known for its Natural springs and Victorian architecture, Eureka Springs in Arkansas is a unique town. The waters are believed to have healing properties and are around 6 hours from Dallas.
Things to do:
- Onnx Cave Park: Take a self-guided audio tour and explore the unique architecture of the cave and get to know the history of film use.
- Lake Leatherwood: Get yourself out in nature and visit Lake Leatherwood to reconnect with nature. Lots of wildlife to enjoy and experience different adventure activities like kayaking and boating on the lake.
- Back Bass Lake City Park: A secluded river that is free for you to enjoy kayaking, fishing, or boating. Pack a picnic and hike up and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Keels Creek Winery: Indulge in wine tasting at award award-winning winery in the town that serves locally sourced wines from vineyards in the Ozark Mountains.
8. San Antanio
Around 4 hours away from Dallas is a major tourist destination in Texas, known for its unique blend of Spanish, American, and Mexican influences. The city has a vibrant culture with a rich history. Another major attraction of the city are its iconic landmarks like the Alamo and Riverwalk.
Things to do:
- San Antonio River Walk: A river-lined walkway with the charm of historic buildings, where you can dine and shop in a lively atmosphere.
- The Alamo: A historical landmark that leads you back to the Battle of Alamo. It has a rich collection of artifacts and serene grounds.
- SeaWorld: Slash away all your worries at SeaWorld, a marine park with a focus on conservation featuring animal encounters and shows.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Enjoy roller coaster rides at this theme park, which also has a water park area. Great for a fun and adventurous day out.
- Natural Bridge Caverns: A major attraction in the city is its underground caverns. Take a guided tour to explore and make the most of your visit here.
9. Austin
Austin is 3 hours’ drive away from Dallas. While going to Austin, you pass through Waco, and you can even combine the two on your way to Austin. The city has a vibrant culture with rich musical scenes. There is something to do for every kind of traveler.
Things to do:
- Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring pool present in Zilker park. The water has a temperature of around 68-74. Pack a picnic and find a picnic spot amongst the major picnic areas there and swim around to make the most of your water experience.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum: A family-friendly museum with many exhibits, the museum is dedicated to Texas’s rich history. It has an IMAX theater.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: A botanical garden with family-friendly play areas with rich flora, and fauna present here. The trail leads to a local lake with a stunning view.
- Zilker Metropolitan Park: A green sanctuary with hiking trails, botanical gardens and a natural center. You can even enjoy biking on a river.
- Texas State capital: Historical pink granite building providing free tours. It showcases the history of Texas and its architecture.
10. Davy Crockett National Forest
Located in Hosutan and Trinity Counties is a national forest perfect for recreational activities. It contains around 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, and wildlife habitat. A great place to find peace and solitude.
Things to do:
- Hiking trails for amazing views.
- Kayak or go boating on serene lakes.
- Explore the wilderness of the forest.
Conclusion: Road trips from Dallas
These were the top 10 best road trips from Dallas that can be great for a weekend getaway. There you can enjoy many recreational activities, explore the local culture, and create lifelong memories with your loved ones. For more such articles, follow State Side Trip!
