Five Amazing Day Trips: Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that also relates to the distances you may have to drive to discover the amazing sites, hidden gems, and recreational activities in this vast state. Texas is home to five of the twenty largest cities in the United States, with no shortage of world-class museums, historic landmarks, performing arts, entertainment and shopping districts, and sports venues. To appreciate the history and culture of Texas, you should venture beyond the major cities to the more rural but stunning regions of West Texas and the Panhandle. Experience the landscapes and natural beauty of the 89 state parks and 14 national park units, including Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Explore the Prairies and Lakes near Dallas, the Gulf Coast near Houston, and the Hill Country a short drive from the great capital city of Austin. Don’t forget San Antonio, with two of the must-see places in the country— the Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk. Our day trip recommendations are amazing places that you can easily reach from Dallas. 

Here are five great day trip destinations across the Lone Star State: 

Fort Worth (Museums & Attractions) 

The historic Fort Worth Stockyards District is located 30 miles west of Dallas. This day trip celebrates Western heritage while exploring the major entertainment district encompassing over 35 blocks around Sundance Square. The area includes museums, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, western-wear stores, and unique hotels. Start the day at the Stockyards Museum with exhibits that take you back to the cattle drive era, when over a million head of cattle would have been penned and auctioned from that very site. To further appreciate the former bustling livestock center, go behind the scenes on a guided walking tour. After completing the historic portion of the day, it’s now time for the entertainment– lunch, shopping, and honkytonk. Don’t miss the cattle drive, when the Fort Worth Herd is guided along East Exchange Avenue at 11:30am and 4:00pm every day. 

Granbury (Small Town Experience) 

The small town of Granbury is the perfect day trip destination, located 70 miles southwest of Dallas. The historic downtown is centered around Historic Granbury Square, home to local history museums, boutique shops, and restaurants serving southern cuisine. This day trip explores the local heritage with visits to the Hood County Jail Museum, Granbury Opera House, and the Bridge Street History Center Museum. Take a break and have lunch on the square at one of the highly rated cafés and restaurants. Extend this day trip into the evening on the Granbury Ghosts and Legends walking tour. Hear the spooky stories first hand and determine for yourself if John Wilkes Booth tended bar in a Granbury saloon long after he was officially dead!! 

Grapevine (Tours & Experiences) 

Located 25 miles northwest of Dallas, Grapevine is a great day trip destination for family fun and outdoor adventure or heading to the historic downtown for the shopping, culinary scene, and nightlife. Let’s discover the area’s pioneer past and agricultural heritage on this day trip to Nash Farm. Self-guided tours of the 5.2-acre living history museum include the 1869 farmhouse, historic barn, and family cemetery. The farm is well known for hosting seasonal events and festivals. Check the  website for upcoming events like a good old-fashioned barn dance, farm-to-fork dinner, or Victorian holiday celebration. If you have a few extra hours, swing by the award-winning Grapevine Botanical Garden at Heritage Park before concluding your North Texas day trip.         

Courtesy of Waco CVB

Waco (Museums & Attractions) 

Located 100 miles south of Dallas, the city of Waco is home to museums showcasing the arts, culture, heritage, and sports history of Texas. Enjoyable outdoor destinations include the seven-mile scenic Brazos Riverwalk, Waco Suspension Bridge Sculpture Park, Cameron Zoo, and Carleen Bright Arboretum. This day trip takes you to the unique Waco Mammoth National Monument. Tours introduce guests to the dig site, identifying and commenting on fossils of mammoth, antelope, alligator, giant tortoise, and ancient relatives of camel. After learning about one of the most important paleotropical sites in the United States, enjoy the remainder of the day in the downtown cultural district with unique shops, theaters, cafés, restaurants, and bars. 

Wills Point (Parks & Recreation) 

Located about 50 miles east of Dallas, Lake Tawakoni State Park is ideal for a day of outdoor recreational activities. The park includes hundreds of acres of forests surrounding the 37,879-acre reservoir with over five miles of shoreline. This day trip is geared toward the fishing enthusiast angling to catch striped and hybrid striped bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. There are also miles of hiking and biking trails to explore within the extensive park. Extend your stay at Lake Tawakoni by securing an RV or camping site for a multi-day getaway.   

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours at attractions may be limited. Make sure to check the websites and add to your list for future travels!