19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (2024)

Planning a quick escape from the city and looking for the best weekend getaways from Dallas?

From small towns to state parks to funky cities, we’ve rounded up the best road trips from Dallas (or Fort Worth) here!

With one exception, each of these Dallas weekend getaway ideas is located between 3 and 8 hours from Dallas, making these destinations ideal for trips that last 1-3 nights away (if you’re looking for destinations a bit closer to Dallas, check out our guide to the best day trips from Dallas here).

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a weekend full of family memories, an adventure with friends, or even a solo escape, one of these weekend getaways from Dallas is no doubt right for you.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (1)

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Best Cities for Weekend Getaways from Dallas

Austin, TX

The capital of Texas and self-proclaimed Live Music Capital of the World is the perfect weekend trip from Dallas for those looking to keep things just a little weird.

READ NEXTThe Ultimate 3 Day Weekend in Austin Itinerary

Take a dip in one of Austin’s many nearby natural swimming holes, go hunting for street art on South Congress, tour the Texas State Capitol Building, watch the sunset at Mount Bonnell, escape to the Texas Hill Country for the day, and of course enjoy plenty of nightlife!

With a huge variety of fun things to do, Austin is perfect for travelers looking for a great mix of city fun and outdoor adventure.

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (2)

New Orleans, LA

Featuring some of the best food, music, and culture in all of the country, having a city as incredible as NOLA reachable as a road trip from Dallas is definitely something to take advantage of!

While you’re there, be sure to enjoy Bourbon Street, but get off of it, as well: NOLA is more than just its incredible partying (though the partying does indeed live up to the legends).

READ NEXT25+ Fun Things to Do in North Texas

Consider visiting the Garden District, taking a ghost tour, visiting the nearby bayou, taking a steamboat cruise, and of course, eating plenty of excellent food, from po’boys to beignets, during the course of your weekend getaway in New Orleans.

Driving Distance from Dallas

7 hours, 45 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (3)

San Antonio, TX

As the most-visited city in all of Texas, San Antonio knows how to show visitors a good time, and it is absolutely one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas!

Be sure to visit the famous Alamo, as well as the rest of the San Antonio Missions.

All five missions, including the Alamo, are recognized together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site–the only UNESCO site that exists in Texas!

READ NEXTThe Ultimate Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary

You’ll also want to sample the Riverwalk, of course, as well as visit the San Fernando Cathedral, go shopping at the Historic Market Square and in La Villita, and visit one of San Antonio’s incredible museums.

When driving from Dallas to San Antonio, you’ll also find plenty to do along the way–if you have time, consider adding a pitstop in Waco or Austin to your trip!

Driving Distance from Dallas

4 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (4)

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City may not be what you immediately think of when considering getting away from Dallas for a weekend, but this smaller city to the north offers a surprising number of things to see and do!

Consider visiting the Bricktown entertainment district, checking out the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, strolling through the beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens, and paying your respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Head a bit north of the city, and you’ll quickly find yourself on Route 66, with quirky roadside attractions like the Arcadia Round Barn within easy reach.

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours, 15 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (5)

Houston, TX

As the 4th-largest city in the USA, Houston is positively packed with interesting things to do, starting with its most famous attraction of all: the incredible Johnson Space Center!

Once you finish up at the Space Center, though, there’s still plenty to see in Houston, including several parks to visit, an enormous number of museums and art galleries, and plenty of delicious food to eat–Houston is home to one of the best (and most diverse) food scenes in Texas!

Want to squeeze in a quick trip to the beach?

With some careful planning, you can enjoy some time on the sand in Galveston into your weekend in Houston!

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours, 30 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (6)

Tulsa, OK

Located on the Arkansas River–and more importantly, along Route 66–Tulsa is an unexpectedly fun place to spend a weekend!

This unexpectedly charming city is complete with Art Deco architecture, plenty of interesting museums (don’t miss the stunningly beautiful Philbrook Museum of Art), and the fun Blue Dome District.

READ NEXT21+ Most Instagrammable Places in Dallas

Want to see some classic Route 66 quirkiness while you’re there?

The famous Blue Whale of Catoosa is just outside the city!

Driving Distance from Dallas

4 hours, 30 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (7)

Nature-Focused Road Trips from Dallas

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

The second-largest canyon in the USA is reachable as a weekend trip from Dallas–and it’s one of the coolest places in all of Texas!

While you’re there, be sure to soak in the excellent views from the top of the canyon, drive the park loop road, and hike a couple of trails. Most importantly, be sure to hike to the Lighthouse formation!

READ NEXT11 Best Things to Do in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas (+ Travel Tips)

It’s the most famous formation in the park for good reason.

Driving Distance from Dallas

6 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (8)

Colorado Bend State Park, TX

Want to feel like you’ve left Texas behind… without actually leaving Texas?

Staring up at 70-foot Gorman Falls can definitely have that effect: this stunning living waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas, and looks more like it belongs in Hawaii than in the Lone Star State!

READ NEXT13 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

Come to Colorado Bend State Park for hiking, swimming, and beautiful views in the heart of Texas.

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours, 30 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (9)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

Located in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Cavern is one of the most impressive caves in the USA.

It’s one of the most unique weekend getaways from Dallas!

READ NEXTThe 16 National Parks in Texas: A Complete Guide

While you can tour the main cavern, including the aptly-named Big Room, in a single day, with some extra time you can also add some more hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert to your trip… or you can combine your Dallas road trip to New Mexico with our next destination in this guide.

Driving Distance from Dallas

7 hours, 15 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (10)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Set just south of the New Mexico border in west Texas–only half an hour from Carlsbad Caverns National Park–sits the beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

READ NEXT7 Epic Texas Road Trip Ideas

Here, you can find the four highest peaks in Texas and some excellent hiking, making it another fantastic option for weekend getaways from Dallas.

If you happen to be planning your road trip in the fall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park also happens to be home to some of the prettiest fall foliage in Texas!

Driving Distance from Dallas

7 hours, 45 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (11)

Lake Texoma, TX/OK

Located right on the Oklahoma/Texas border, Lake Texoma is a doable day trip from Dallas but definitely deserves to be called out in any guide cataloging road trips from Dallas, as it’s absolutely one of the most popular weekend getaways for locals.

READ NEXT21 Best Lakes in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

Popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking, Lake Texoma is a fun outdoor getaway for the whole family!

Driving Distance from Dallas

1 hour, 40 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (12)

Hot Springs National Park, AR

Aptly named Hot Springs National Park is the perfect Dallas getaway destination for those looking for a relaxing weekend away, complete with a soak in a thermal spa!

Located in an urban setting surrounded by shops, restaurants, and more, Hot Springs offers a fantastic mix of natural highlights and small-town charm.

READ NEXT17 Wildly Romantic Getaways in Texas

Nine historic bathhouses line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two of which you can still take a soak in today!

Driving Distance from Dallas

4 hours, 30 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (13)

Broken Bow, OK

As the gateway to beautiful Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow is one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas for those looking for a quiet retreat into nature near a small town.

READ NEXT6 Fun Lakes In + Near Dallas to Visit

While in Broken Bow, you can go canoeing on the lake, take a hike, stay in a cozy cabin, and enjoy a relaxing trip that feels worlds away from the city.

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (14)

Best Small-Town Weekend Trips from Dallas

Fredericksburg, TX

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is definitely one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas!

Featuring plenty of nods to its German heritage, a beautiful downtown packed with shops and restaurants, great antiquing, and–most famously of all–plenty of easily accessible wineries to choose from, Fredericksburg is a fantastic change of pace from Dallas.

READ NEXT31 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX

The town is also easily accessible to plenty of hiking (including Enchanted Rock) and other beautiful small Texas towns (like Luckenbach, Johnson City, and Wimberley).

Driving Distance from Dallas

4 hours, 15 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (15)

Round Top, TX

The tiny town of Round Top, Texas, is best known for its antique shows… but you can shop thousands of antiques, meander through a small town, and enjoy the famous (and delicious) pies at Royers Pie Haven year-round on a Dallas weekend getaway to Round Top!

Don’t miss Henkel Square Market or Rummel Square while you’re there!

READ NEXT25+ Best Small Towns in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

And, if you’re into unique roadside stops on your road trips from Dallas, don’t miss the charming nearby St. Martin Catholic Church, which is considered the smallest Catholic church on Earth!

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours, 45 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (16)

Waco, TX

Long known as the home of Baylor University, Waco has become one of the most popular road trips from Dallas in recent years for a very different reason: the opening of Magnolia Market, owned by Chip & Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame.

Even beyond the immensely popular Silos, though, Waco has plenty to see!

Consider also stopping by the Dr. Pepper Museum, enjoying Baylor’s beautiful campus, and checking out the Wooly Mammoth National Monument during your visit.

Driving Distance from Dallas

1 hour, 30 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (17)

Jefferson, TX

The small town of Jefferson, Texas, combined with nearby Caddo Lake State Park, makes one of the best and most diverse Dallas getaway ideas (for the lovebirds out there, it’s arguably one of the most romantic getaways from Dallas, too).

The best things to do in Jefferson itself include antiquing in the historic downtown center, shopping at the famous Jefferson General Store, staying in one ofthe many bed and breakfaststhat the town is famous for, and learning about Jefferson’s railroad history–touring Jay Gould’s opulent private rail car is a great place to start.

READ NEXT9 Fun Things to Do in Jefferson, TX

From there, head to Caddo Lake, where you’ll find avery different side of the Lone Star State–one dotted with giant cypress trees that drip Spanish moss and leisurely canoe rides.

This isn’t a lake for swimming–the alligators who live in the lake are best avoided–but it is utterly beautiful, and a fantastic road trip from Dallas for those looking to leave city vibes behind entirely.

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (18)

Branson, MO

Tucked into the Ozarks, Branson is a (polarizing) regional favorite, with a distinct flair that draws in visitors from surrounding states–including people looking for fun road trips from Dallas!

READ NEXT10 Fun Places to Go Shopping in Dallas

Branson is known for its live entertainment and shows (typically with a country music twist), its easy access to Table Rock Lake, and for being the home of Silver Dollar City, an amusement park that’s a favorite of families visiting the area.

Driving Distance from Dallas

7 hours.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (19)

New Braunfels, TX

For a fairly small town, New Braunfels is positively packed with things to do, from the beautiful Gruene Historic District (home to the iconic Gruene Hall), to floating the river, to visiting Schlitterbahn, to touring the incredible Natural Bridge Caverns.

READ NEXT17 Fun Things to Do in New Braunfels, TX

Whether your ideal weekend getaway from Dallas includes natural beauty, dancing the night away, or one of the best theme parks in Texas, you’ll find it in New Braunfels!

Driving Distance from Dallas

3 hours, 40 minutes.

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (20)

19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) (2024)

FAQs

Where should I go 2 hours from Dallas? ›

Here are our Best 10 Day Trips from Dallas & Road Trips from North Texas
  • Glen Rose, Texas – 1 hour 45m drive.
  • Paris, Texas – 1 hour 30m drive.
  • Lake Texoma – 1 hour 20m drive.
  • Fort Worth – About an hour from Dallas.
  • Turner Falls in Davis, Oklahoma – 2 hour drive.
  • Waco, TX – 2 hour drive.
  • Canton, TX – 1 hour drive.
Mar 19, 2024

Where should I drive in Dallas? ›

Top 10 Best Scenic Drive Near Dallas, Texas
  • All "Scenic Drive" results in Dallas, Texas - July 2024. Showing 1-38 of 38.
  • White Rock Lake. 4.6 (317 reviews) ...
  • Vitruvian Park. 4.7 (83 reviews) ...
  • Cedar Ridge Preserve. 4.7 (275 reviews) ...
  • Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. ...
  • Mandalay Canal Walk At Las Colinas. ...
  • Lewisville Lake Park. ...
  • Grapevine Lake.

Is Texas good for road trips? ›

Texas is the best state for such a journey, a new study says. Texas ranks No. 1, followed by Minnesota and New York, according to the study by personal-finance website WalletHub. The study compared all 50 states based on 32 metrics in three categories: cost, safety and activities.

Is Dallas a good place for a holiday? ›

The Family Fun

With plenty of kid-friendly attractions and places to explore, Dallas is the perfect place for your next family vacation. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has towering dinosaur bones, an earthquake simulator and tons of activities for little ones to get their hands on.

Where can I go on a spontaneous road trip? ›

If this sounds like you, here are some fun ideas for a spontaneous trip or weekend getaway!
  • Beach Weekend in Puerto Rico. ...
  • See a Broadway Show in New York City. ...
  • Relax in Cape Cod. ...
  • Go Skiing in Canada. ...
  • Explore Washington D.C. ...
  • Hike in Austin, Texas. ...
  • Visit the Grand Canyon.

What is within 3 hours of Dallas? ›

Unique getaways near Dallas include a B&B capital, a geological wonder, and the Rose capital of America. Inner Space Cavern offers guided tours through stunning limestone formations in a 25-million-year-old cave. Fort Worth, just 44 minutes away, is a city of cowboys and culture with daily cattle drives and rodeos.

What is the number 1 tourist destination in Texas? ›

The Alamo. The Alamo is the top national historic landmark in Texas, where visitors spend much of their vacations. San Antonio gets lots of visitors because of the Alamo. This historic site was built as a mission and turned into a frontier outpost.

Where can I go on a road trip to in Texas? ›

Here's a list of the most popular road trip stops in Texas.
  • Cadillac Ranch.
  • The Alamo.
  • Big Bend National Park.
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
  • Prada Marfa.
  • VW Slug Bug Ranch.
  • The Big Texan Steak Ranch.

What is the best part of Texas to go to? ›

Best Places to Visit in Texas
  • Austin.
  • Mustang Island.
  • Boca Chica.
  • Houston.
  • Corpus Christi.
  • Grapevine.
  • Galveston.
  • San José Island.

What is the nicest part of Dallas? ›

Dallas neighborhoods such as Uptown, Cedars, Junius Heights, Bishop Arts District, Kessler, Highland Park, Deep Ellum, and Bluffview offer a variety of unique characteristics, nightlife, dining options, entertainment venues, and accessibility to urban amenities.

What part of Dallas to stay away from? ›

Dallas is known for its great nightlife, music venues, and skyline. However this iconic Texas city has a crime rate that is well above the national average, and many areas of the city are best avoided. The most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas are South Boulevard-Park Row, South Dallas, and Cedar Crest.

What area of Dallas is the best to stay in? ›

Finally, downtown Dallas is a great choice for those looking to stay close to all the action. With its skyscrapers, museums, and performing arts venues, downtown Dallas is the city's heart and a great place to stay if you want to be in the middle of everything.

What city is halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth? ›

The city at the geographic halfway point from Dallas, TX to Fort Worth, TX is Arlington, Texas.

What is halfway from Dallas to LA? ›

The halfway point between Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California is: Deming, NM.

Which city is very close to Dallas Texas? ›

Major cities close to Dallas include: Irving (12 miles) Arlington (20 miles) Plano (20 miles)

What city is halfway between Dallas and Florida? ›

The halfway point between Dallas, Texas and Tampa, Florida is: Lucedale, MS.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6217

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.