9 Easy Weekend Road Trips from Dallas
Dallas is perfectly positioned for fun weekend escapes. Wine country, hill country, historic cities, and outdoor adventures are all just a short drive away. Here are some of the best weekend road trips from Dallas, Texas, for a Friday-to-Sunday getaway.
1. Grapevine (about 30 minutes)
Why go: Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas and home to a thriving urban wine scene, Grapevine is a quick and festive escape that’s full of charm, especially during the holidays.
Highlights:
Wine tasting on Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail, with standout spots like Messina Hof and Sloan & Williams, located within walking distance of Historic Main Street. We loved sitting at the bar at Sloan & Williams Winery on our recent day trip to Grapevine from Dallas.
Riding the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, a restored 1920s train offering themed rides throughout the year, including the beloved North Pole Express during the holidays.
Strolling Historic Main Street, lined with boutiques, tasting rooms, galleries, and cozy cafés.
🎄 Seasonal Tip: Visit during Christmas Capital of Texas celebrations, when the town transforms with millions of lights, parades, ice skating, holiday markets, and more than 1,400 seasonal events throughout November and December.
2. Fort Worth (about 45 minutes)
Why go: Whether you're catching a live rodeo, museum-hopping, or sipping cocktails downtown, Fort Worth makes for a well-rounded weekend escape just outside Dallas. Every time we have friends or family in town, we make a point to spend a day or two in Fort Worth. It always ends up being a highlight of their visit!
Highlights:
Exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can watch the daily cattle drive, shop Western boutiques, and catch a live rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum.
Strolling through the Cultural District, home to renowned museums like the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
Enjoying dinner and drinks in Sundance Square, a vibrant downtown district full of patios, shops, live music, and twinkling lights.
Visiting the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or Fort Worth Water Gardens for a peaceful outdoor escape.
Catching a show at Bass Performance Hall or two-stepping at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk.
3. Waco (about 1.5 hours)
Why go: An easy, low-stress drive from Dallas, Waco is the perfect weekend spot for fans of home design, riverside strolls, and laid-back small-city charm.
Highlights:
Visiting the Magnolia Silos, where you can shop Joanna Gaines’ signature home decor, browse local vendors, enjoy the garden and lawn games, and grab lunch from one of the many food trucks.
Exploring the Dr Pepper Museum, housed in the soft drink’s original bottling plant and full of quirky soda history.
Walking or biking the Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk, a scenic stretch along the Brazos River lined with public art and beautiful views.
Touring Baylor University’s campus, including the Armstrong Browning Library and Bear Habitat.
Spending time at Cameron Park Zoo or hiking the scenic trails in Cameron Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Texas.
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4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma (about 3 hours)
Why go: With tall pines, cozy cabins, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Broken Bow is perfect for couples or families who want mountain vibes without leaving the region.
Highlights:
Renting a modern cabin tucked in the pines, complete with a hot tub, fire pit, and cozy interiors. It’s the perfect location for couples or friend groups.
Hiking at Beavers Bend State Park, with popular trails like the Friends Trail Loop, a 1.5-mile riverside hike with scenic ridge views and a small waterfall, and the Tree Trail Loop, an easy 1.2-mile path known for its creekside beauty and variety of native trees.
Boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding on Broken Bow Lake, a crystal-clear reservoir surrounded by tree-covered hills and hidden coves.
Visiting Hochatown for local breweries, wineries, ice cream shops, and mini-golf, all within a short drive of many cabin stays.
🍂 Seasonal Tip: Fall is especially stunning in Broken Bow, when the trees light up in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, usually peaking from late October to early November.
5. Austin (about 3 hours)
Why go: Live music, legendary BBQ, lakes, and that classic “Keep Austin Weird” energy, all in one weekend!
Highlights:
Live music on South Congress or at Mohawk.
Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake paddling, or hiking to Hamilton Pool (reservations required).
Explore Austin’s Food Truck Parks. Some of the best eats are found in dedicated food truck parks across the city. Check out Arbor Food Park, The Picnic, Ira & Bevs Food Court, South First Food Court, and Thicket Food Truck Park.
Visiting the Texas State Capitol.
6. Caddo Lake (about 3.5 hours)
Why go: Unlike anywhere else in Texas, Caddo Lake is home to the largest cypress forest in the world. With moss-draped trees rising from still, bayou-like waters, this East Texas gem feels more like Louisiana than the Lone Star State.
Highlights:
Taking a guided boat tour or renting a canoe/kayak to explore the maze of bayous, sloughs, and channels. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical on the water.
Exploring Caddo Lake State Park, where you can hike, fish, birdwatch, and picnic among towering bald cypress trees.
Visiting the nearby historic town of Jefferson, known for antique shops, riverboat history, and charming B&Bs.
Booking a waterfront cabin or stilted cottage for a peaceful weekend stay with a view of the cypress-studded lake.
🍁 Seasonal Tip: Fall is an ideal time to visit, when the cypress trees turn golden and rust-colored, and early morning fog adds an otherworldly feel to the lake.
7. Fredericksburg (about 4 hours)
Why go: With tons of wineries, German heritage, and the iconic Enchanted Rock State Park, Fredericksburg is perfect for romantic weekends or girls’ trips! It’s one of my personal favorite getaways in the state.
Highlights:
Wine tasting at Grape Creek, Becker Vineyards, and August Vin Winery.
Altstadt Brewery, which features a large beer garden and serves tasty German-inspired cuisine.
Hiking Enchanted Rock. This iconic pink granite dome is one of the largest batholiths in the United States and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country.
Visiting Wildseed Farms for spring wildflowers.
Longneck Manor, a luxury conservation retreat just outside Fredericksburg where you can stay in an upscale villa or the unique Giraffe Suite and enjoy close-up encounters with giraffes, rhinos, and even a sloth.
8. San Antonio (about 4.5 hours)
Why go: History, culture, and romance with the Alamo, River Walk, and colorful markets. It’s an instant change of scenery.
Highlights:
The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Boat ride along the River Walk, then prickly pear margaritas from Boudro’s on the Riverwalk.
Historic Market Square shopping.
Pearl District for dining and nightlife.
9. Hot Springs, Arkansas (about 5 hours)
Why go: A national park, historic bathhouses, and nature escapes. A classic weekend trip for Dallasites willing to go a little further.
Highlights:
Soaking at Buckstaff or Quapaw Bathhouse.
Hiking Hot Springs National Park.
Touring Bathhouse Row.
Scenic drives through Ouachita Mountains.
All of these trips are easy to pull off with a Friday afternoon departure and a Sunday return, making them perfect for a quick weekend escape. While each destination offers something special year-round, some shine even brighter in certain seasons, like Fredericksburg during spring wildflower season or Grapevine when it transforms into the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Whether you’re craving a peaceful nature escape (think Broken Bow or Hot Springs), an urban adventure (Austin or San Antonio), or wine and small-town charm (Fredericksburg and Grapevine), there’s a weekend getaway to match your mood.
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