The best day trips from Dallas should leave you able to return to Dallas at the end of the day, right?
This is easier said than done- Texas is massive, and it takes an entire day to get from one end to another. Dallas is also huge, and it takes an hour (or more, depending on traffic) to get from one neighborhood to the other. Luckily, there are a ton of cool places you can get to from Dallas (and back) in just a day.
As a Texas native, I’m excited to share these day trip ideas with you!
Here are the best day trips from Dallas:
Fort Worth
Dallas and Fort Worth are often lumped together as one big Metroplex. Make no mistake- these cities are sisters, but not twins.
There is a huge difference in activities and attitude, and no list of day trips from Dallas would be complete without Fort Worth.
Fort Worth is known as Cowtown, and there, you’re more likely to see more cowboy hats and attire than in the more modernized Dallas. Consider a guided tour.
Note: If you want to dress up for the Stockyards without spending a fortune, I like these ankle boots that come in a ton of colors or these adorable fringe boots. This cowgirl hat is simple enough to go with anything.
Can’t miss things to do in Fort Worth
Catch one of the two daily cattle drives (11:30 AM and 4PM) in the Fort Worth Stockyards, snap pics at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and soak up the views of Sundance Square.
Pro-Tip
If you’re staying in Dallas and don’t have a rental car, consider this Fort Worth tour that will pick you up, take you to the top spots in Fort Worth, and return you to the Big D.
Where to Stay in Fort Worth
- The Stockyards Hotel has western-themed rooms; it’s said the famous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde stayed here.
- The Worthington is a luxurious fixture of Fort Worth’s downtown area.
Waco
In the middle of Austin and Dallas is one of the Lone Star State’s most charming small towns.
Waco is famous for a few things:
- The Silos
- Other things to do in Waco include horseback riding or taking a river cruise down the Brazos.
Where to Stay in Waco
- Pivovar is a half-mile from the silos and is in a beautiful historic building once used as a train station.
- Hotel Indigo has a neutral, modern design and is close to everything.
Turner Falls, OK
This is one of the best day trips from Dallas for nature lovers. Make sure you pack for a day hike!
Turner Falls Park has swimming holes, picnic spots, hiking trails, 3 natural caves, castle ruins (yes, a castle!), and Oklahoma’s biggest waterfall, a 77-foot stunner.
Should you decide to make your day trip a weekend, Turner Falls has many cabin options for glampers, plus RV hookups and camping.
Where to Stay in Turner Falls
- The Turner Falls Cabins are less than half a mile from Turner Falls and come with fully stocked kitchens plus beautiful deck areas.
- Courtyard by Marriott Ardmore is located 16 miles from Turner Falls and centrally located to shops and restaurants.
Lake Arrowhead State Park
While visiting Wichita Falls, swing by Lake Arrowhead State Park. Lake Arrowhead has 5 miles of trails open to hikers and equestrians.
The trails at Lake Arrowhead pass over grassy, flat earth (in other words, Texas terrain). Campers have also reported seeing Black-tailed Prairie Dogs– if you’ve never seen them in the wild, you NEED to put them on your animal bucket list.
Maybe it’s a Texas thing, but I am obsessed with prairie dogs. I could literally watch them for hours.
Where to Stay near Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Arrowhead is near Wichita Falls, so stay in that area to get an early start on hiking.
Wichita Falls
Home to the “world’s littlest skyscraper” and a small man-made waterfall, Wichita Falls is definitely close enough for a day trip but has enough to-do list items for a weekend trip.
Some call it the “Gateway to Texas,” as this charming town is the portal between Oklahoma and Dallas.
Now back to that Waterfall- it sits along the (red) Wichita River, and you’re likely to get a glance of it when going south on Interstate 44. To visit the falls, you need to GPS Lucy Park and walk about half a mile.
I recommend parking as close as possible to the park entrance- remember, Texas is HOT. The city commissioners clearly understood this because there are many shady trees on the path to the falls.
Where to Stay in Wichita Falls
Tru has modern rooms with an urban, hipster vibe.
Lake Texoma, TX/OK Border
This is a classic Dallas day trip: Lake Texoma is home to water sports, boating, tons of camping, and hiking trails. With over 50 different parks bordering the lake, some in Texas and some in Oklahoma, you’ll have plenty of options to explore!
Where to Stay near Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is huge and rather spread out: start here.
Glen Rose Dinosaur Park
Who knew Dinosaurs are only a day trip from Dallas?
Right on the Paluxy River is Dinosaur Valley State Park, with remnants of ancient creatures who stood in the exact same spot 113 million years ago.
Aside from dinosaur hunting, the Glenrose has twenty miles of trails that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback, or skip the trails and beat the Texas heat with one of the park’s many swimming holes.
Tip: the river here is remarkably clear for Texas, but it is rocky; bring some inexpensive water shoes.
Where to Stay near Glenrose Dinosaur Park
- Granbury Gardens Bed and Breakfast is a 20-minute walk to the river and has a lovely onsite garden.
- The Hilton Garden Inn has clean and modernized rooms within a mile of Granbury Opera House and Brazos Drive-In Theatre.
Mead, OK
The tiny town of Mead- is one of Dallas’s recently uncovered gems. There isn’t much to do except for the lake (and its respective watersports) and the adorable, affordable cabins that dot the lake shores.
If you want to make your day trip from Dallas a weekend trip, consider staying in a wooden cabin near the marina, like I did.
Note: Mead is so small that it has almost nothing in terms of food, especially during the offseason. Only six miles away, the town of Durant has major food chains and Winstar Casino.
Where to Stay near Mead, Oklahoma
- Lake Texoma Lodge and Resort has a hotel, cabins, and a Grand Villa home that can be rented. The property features a restaurant, bar, and activities with a tropical vibe.
- Carters Motel has cottages, suites, and a cabin available, they are a smaller destination, but with a love for hospitality, you can expect to make lasting memories on the lake!
Jefferson
This is the best Dallas day trip for tree lovers.
The Piney Woods region of Texas is home to several historical landmarks and museums. While in town, check out the Old Historic Library and Old Courthouse.
Jefferson is in the center of the Big Cypress Bayou, attached to Caddo Lake. Explorers can tour the Big Cypress Bayou by riverboat or spend the day boutique and antique shopping.
Check out this map of historical landmarks in the area.
Note: This city is adorable during the holidays. The town also hosts many seasonal events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in Jefferson
The Steamboat Inn is an adorable bed and breakfast close to Caddo Lake and serves a full English/Irish breakfast every morning.
Mineral Wells
Looking for the best quick and crazy day trip only an hour and a half from Dallas? You found it: Once where stars of Hollywood’s golden age search came in search of healing waters, today Mineral Wells is a combination of small-town appeal and modern amenities.
Listen to the story of how old Ed Dismuke turned the waters of a well said to have magical healing abilities into a mineral water company.
Once you’re done there, stop by the iconic Baker Hotel, one of the country’s most haunted spots, for a photo outside. You can also go for a hike at Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Note: though currently closed, work is underway to restore the Baker Hotel to its former beauty.
Where to Stay in Mineral Wells
Red Lion Inn and Suites are central to everything in Mineral Wells, and some rooms have hot tubs.
Austin
No list of best day trips from Dallas is complete without Texas’s weirdest city.
Austin is the capital of Texas, the live music capital of the world, and packed with craft breweries.
This Texas town has a thriving art scene, eccentric neighborhoods, one-of-a-kind shops and museums, and lots of natural spaces and history to explore. Austin has so much to offer, and while it can be reached in a day, it definitely can’t be done in a day. Consider a locally- guided tour to get the most out of your time in Austin.
Note
Note: Every August, Austin is home to Bat Fest– 1.5 million bats emerge from under the Congress bridge at dusk while enjoying live music and vendors.
Where to Stay in Austin
- If you want to be within walking distance of 6th Street and everything in Downtown Austin, The Stephen F. Austin Hotel is perfect. I love staying there because it’s right off the action of 6th Street but 2 minutes away at any time.
- East Austin has a trendy, young, and urban vibe, and the East Austin Hotel is close to everything, plus fun and vibrant.
Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro is more than just the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas.’ Although it is the second biggest canyon in the U.S. (behind The Grand Canyon), there is much more to it than that!
Palo Duro is 5.5 hours away from Dallas, but it is worth the drive to see one of Texas’s few big nature spots. With firey hoodoos and dramatic formations, it inspires a longing with a hint of desert adventure.
You’ll want to visit in early Spring or late Fall because it can get up to 115 degrees during the summer! No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll need a leakproof, refillable water bottle, plus oil-free sunscreen.
Where to Stay near Palo Duro Canyon
The Canyon Inn Express has an indoor pool and is 15 miles from Palo Duro.
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Let me know how you spent your time in Dallas and what day trips you took!
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