27 Worthy Day Trips from Dallas: All Under 4 Hours!
So, you’ve finally got a day to spare in Dallas, and you’re itching to explore. No worries!
There are tons of fun day trips from Dallas that are just a short drive away, like walking in real dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park or literally stopping to smell the roses in the small town of Tyler. Texas is a big place, but all the spots on this list are less than 4 hours away and ranked by distance.
I understand how tricky it can be to choose the perfect spot when you’re short on time. I used to juggle corporate with weekend escapes that were always just a bit too far away.
Fortunately, adopting the van living lifestyle let me work full-time while going all over the West Coast. So, after exploring all the best of Dallas during my month+ Texas adventure, here are my top picks for places to visit near Dallas that are just a short drive away.
Easy Day Trips from Dallas: Less than 1 Hour
1. Fort Worth, Texas
Distance: ~32 miles/30 minutes
Type: Urban
Best Time to Go to Fort Worth: Spring or fall
Merging the nostalgia of the Old West with urban sophistication, Fort Worth is more than just cowboy boots and rodeos. The Stockyards National Historic District, with its cattle drives and Western saloons, is the heart of cowboy culture and the chance to two-step in Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. I personally went just to see the Fort Worth Water Gardens.
Fort Worth is worth visiting for its well-preserved history and art scene, and it is absolutely one of the quickest Dallas day trips to take. The city is a jewel for those wanting to experience the Texan bravado without straying too far from downtown Dallas. Also, if you’re an art aficionado, the Cultural District houses masterpieces by the likes of Warhol and Picasso.
2. Arlington, Texas
Distance: ~20 miles/30 minutes
Type: Entertainment
Best Time to Go: Year-round
Arlington is your go-to spot for thrills and spills. As the home of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, you can catch a game and soak up the electric atmosphere at AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Park. The energy at the stadiums is contagious, regardless of whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the hot dogs and halftime shows.
Nearby, the Six Flags Over Texas offers roller coasters galore for those who dare to ride!
3. Denton, Texas
Distance: ~40 miles/45 minutes
Type: College Town Charm
Best Time to Go: Spring or fall
Feel the youthful energy and quirky vibes of Denton, a small town with a big personality that lies just north of Dallas. Known for its vibrant music scene, it’s often referred to as “Little Austin.” The town square is sprinkled with vintage shops, cool cafes, and upbeat music venues.
If you’re someone who delights in discovering local artistry and musical talent, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University always make sure there’s something happening. Don’t miss the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival if you’re around in the fall.
4. Canton (Canton Trade Days)
Distance: ~60 miles/1 hour
Type: Shopping & Cultural
Best Time to Go: First Monday of each month
Experience one of the largest and most famous flea markets in the world! The First Monday Trade Days are a massive event that consumes the small town of Canton each month.
Canton Trade Days is worth it for its sheer scale and variety. You’ll find everything from unique home decor to farm animals for sale at this flea market. It’s a treasure hunter’s dream with the added bonus of hearty Texas food and live entertainment. Plus, the friendly Southern atmosphere makes it as much a social occasion as a shopping spree.
Best Day Trips from Dallas: Less than 2 Hours
5. Athens, Texas
Distance: ~73 miles/1.25 hours
Type: Nature & Adventure
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall
Affectionately labeled as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World,” Athens, Texas, is set in the lush, green rolling hills of East Texas.
Dive into freshwater fun at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center where fishing and interactive exhibits make a splash with the entire family. The East Texas Arboretum showcases nature trails and beautiful gardens.
Cultural curiosity is also satisfied with historical landmarks like the Henderson County Courthouse and the Athens Scuba Park for those up for underwater exploration. After working up an appetite, savor the local cuisine with down-home eateries that serve up more than just black-eyed peas. Think succulent barbecue and sweet slices of pie that taste like Southern hospitality.
6. Granbury, Texas
Distance: ~70 miles/1.25 hours
Type: Historic Town & Lake Retreat
Best Time to Go: Spring to fall
Stroll around the well-preserved 19th-century buildings of Granbury. It’s an attractive spot for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a slower pace of life.
With Lake Granbury at its doorstep, pull up for a day of boating, fishing, or chilling on a lakefront bench. Add to that a lineup of unique boutiques, wineries, and cozy eateries, and you’re in for a treat.
Check out Granbury Opera House for a show, and the night-time Ghosts and Legends tour is a must for a spooky encounter with the town’s past residents.
7. Waco, Texas
Distance: ~95 miles/1.5 hours
Type: Eclectic Attractions & Heritage
Best Time to Go to Waco: Late spring or early fall
Before going, I used to only know Waco from that miniseries, but it really is a hidden gem for those looking for an authentic slice of Texan life.
Why should Waco be on your go-to list? For starters, it’s home to the renowned Magnolia Market at the Silos, birthed by the visionaries Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” fame. Here, shopping, dining, and leisure converge, all set in a rustic, beautifully landscaped space. Here, you can sample some of the best food trucks in the area.
Learn something from the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum or the Dr. Pepper Museum, which is all about the nation’s oldest major soft drink. The Cameron Park Zoo has exotic animals, while the Waco Mammoth National Monument offers a jaw-dropping peek at the remains of mammoths that roamed the region thousands of years ago.
8. Tyler, Texas
Distance: ~98 miles/1.5 hours
Type: Roses and Outdoor Activities
Best Time to Go: Spring for the Rose Festival or fall
Dubbed as the “Rose Capital of America,” Tyler, Texas is a city renowned for its enchanting rose gardens and charming historic district. Wander through the Tyler Rose Garden to experience one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S., home to thousands of rose bushes and myriad vibrant blooms. It is especially breathtaking during the annual Texas Rose Festival in October.
Other than roses, go visit the historic Carnegie Library, the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum, the contemporary exhibits at the Tyler Museum of Art, or go chill by Lake Tyler.
9. Lake Texoma, Oklahoma
Distance: ~95 miles/1.5 hours
Type: Water Recreation & Nature
Best Time to Go: Early summer through fall
Straddling the border between Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is a massive reservoir, one of the largest in the United States, for fishing, boating, and windsurfing fun. It covers an impressive 89,000 acres.
Anglers from everywhere come to test their skills against this sought-after game, Striped Bass. But with over a hundred miles of shoreline dotted with scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds, Lake Texoma is a great spot to get into nature without venturing too far from the conveniences of the city.
10. Glen Rose (Dinosaur Valley State Park)
Distance: ~80 miles/1.5 hours
Type: Historical & Family Fun
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
Travel back in time at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, where you’ll find real dinosaur footprints preserved in the riverbed. Take a dip in the Paluxy River while keeping an eye out for these ancient tracks, or walk along the park’s hiking and biking trails.
For even more dino fun, visit Dinosaur World to see life-size replicas of various species and take part in interactive exhibits. At the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, you can drive through and see over 1,000 animals, including bison and giraffes, in their natural habitats.
Nearby, there is another park filled with unusually large rock formations creatively named Big Rocks Park.
11. Mineral Wells Fossil Park, Texas
Distance: 88 miles/1.5 hours
Type: Outdoor & Nature
Best Time to Go: Year-round
For the young or young at heart, Mineral Wells Fossil Park is a great spot for fossil hunting and learning about Earth’s history.
The park is open to the public, and you can keep whatever fossils you find. The park is a treasure trove from the Pennsylvanian Period, meaning you can literally pick up fossils that are over 300 million years old. Just BYOT – bring your own tools.
12. Paris, Texas
Distance: ~100 miles/1.75 hours
Type: Quaint Small Town Charm
Best Time to Go: Spring for the annual Dogwood Festival
Just a short drive from Dallas is a charming town named after its French counterpart. Paris, Texas, boasts gorgeous architecture with a mix of Victorian and Art Deco styles.
Take a tour of the Eiffel Tower with a replica built in Paris, or visit the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to those who have served our country. And there’s an annual Dogwood Festival in spring, where you can see thousands of blooming dogwood trees throughout the city.
13. Dublin, Texas
Distance: ~122 miles/2 hours
Type: Small Town Charm
Best Time to Go: Spring for the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration
Dublin, Texas, may be a small town, but it is known as the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. You can actually go taste the original formula at the Dublin Bottling Works. Take a stroll through the historic downtown area to admire its collection of murals, or stop by the Ben Hogan Museum to learn about the legendary golfer’s roots.
Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a total highlight, complete with a parade and plenty of Irish-inspired activities. And for a dose of outdoor adventure, head to nearby Lake Proctor for fishing and boating.
14. Davis, Oklahoma (Turner Falls Park)
Distance: ~130 miles/2 hours
Type: Natural Landmark & Water Recreation
Best Time to Go: Summer for swimming
Turner Falls State Park in Davis, Oklahoma, boasts the state’s highest waterfall, measuring at seventy-seven feet. This landscape set in the Arbuckle Mountains is filled with miles of trails, swimming, and photography.
The waterfall isn’t the only attraction here; there are also caves, rock formations, and natural pools to explore. For those wanting to extend their stay, there are campsites and cabins available for rent. Plus, the nearby town of Davis offers a variety of restaurants and shops to complete your trip.
15. Texas State Railroad, Palestine & Rusk, Texas
Distance: ~127 miles/2 hours
Type: Train ride and historical tour
Best Time to Go: Spring through fall
Ride on the Texas State Railroad, a historic train chugging through the piney woods of East Texas. The railroad has both vintage steam and diesel locomotives, with different themes for each car, such as the first-class First Lady or open-air coach Sunset Limited.
The trip includes a stop at an 1880s-style train depot where you can explore exhibits and watch a traditional train robbery reenactment. You can also opt for a themed ride, like the popular Polar Express during the holiday season or a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner train.
Dallas Day Trips: Less than 3 Hours
16. Old Zoo Nature Trails, Cisco, Texas
Distance: 140 miles/2.5 hours
Type: Outdoor Adventure & Nature
Best Time to Go: Anytime except for during hunting season
Los Angeles isn’t the only place with an abandoned old zoo to wander around. If you’re up for some hikes in a unique spot, check out the Old Zoo Nature Trails in Cisco, Texas.
Opened in the 1920s, the local residents were delighted to have some tourism come to their part of town. Despite its limited animal variety compared to today, people loved it. That is, until the zoo’s closure was triggered by a murder mystery involving a poisoned bear and suspicious deer deaths.
Abandoned in the 1930s, a local nonprofit later transformed the site into a hiking trail. Visitors can still walk by the old enclosures, shelters, and staff offices, creating an eerie yet tranquil 1.5-mile track.
17. Austin, Texas
Distance: ~200 miles/3 hours
Type: Urban & Foodie Adventures
Best Time to Go to Austin: Spring or Fall
Probably better for weekend trips than an Austin day trip, I was surprised by how much I loved this city! I’ve since gone back three more times, staying 2 weeks to a month each. It helps when one of your best buds just became a homeowner.
As the state capital of Texas, Austin is a young city filled with fun activities, music, and delicious food, especially Terry Black’s Texan BBQ. Stroll South Congress Avenue to see street art, boutique shops, and tasty food trucks. Watch the bats fly out from under Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset (best in summer months).
And, of course, paddleboard Ladybird Lake or catch a live music show along Sixth Street (Dirty Six) or at one of the many music festivals throughout the year, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) or Austin City Limits.
18. Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack, Texas
Distance: 168 miles/3 hours
Type: Water Recreation & Wildlife Watching
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
Caddo Lake is a hidden gem in Northeast Texas, bordering Louisiana. This magnificent bayou is created by a 25,400-acre mix of swamps and ponds. Spanish moss hangs over bald cypress trees, and in winter, the moss turns silver, resembling long gray hair on the trees. Birds chirp, frogs croak, and alligators swim through the water.
The lake’s rich history dates back to the pearl rush of 1910 when freshwater pearls were found in the mussels. The rush lasted three years until rising water levels made it hard to reach the mussels. Though the pearl seekers are gone, Today, most visitors journey by boat through the sloughs and ponds to fish, observe the birds, or search the murky waters for signs of its reptilian inhabitants.
Travel Tip: Beware the alligators here!
19. Colorado Bend State Park
Distance: ~186 miles/3 hours
Type: Outdoor Adventure
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Colorado Bend State Park is over 5,000 acres of stunning landscapes, rivers, moss, and caves. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and investigating the many caves within its boundaries.
One of the highlights of the park is Gorman Falls, a 60-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
20. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Distance: ~205 miles/3 hours
Type: Urban Exploration
Best Time to Go to Oklahoma City: Spring and Fall
Although it’s not in Texas, Oklahoma City is still a great option for a day trip from Dallas. The city has a rich history with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, as well as the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 bombing.
For some family fun, visit the Oklahoma City Zoo or Frontier City amusement park. And Oklahoma is also quite famous for its barbecue joints.
Dallas Day Trips: Less than 4 Hours
21. San Marcos, Texas
Distance: ~225 miles/3.5 hours
Type: Water Recreation & Outdoor Adventure
Best Time to Go to San Marcos: Spring to fall
Located halfway between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is another great spot for river tubing on the crystal-clear San Marcos River. Although tubing here is a bit far from Dallas, I can attest to how fun this is, even if we got caught in a lightning storm the day we went.
After a day of outdoor fun, head to one of the many local breweries or wineries for some craft drinks.
22. Pedernales Falls State Park
Distance: ~235 miles/3.5 hours
Type: Outdoor Adventure
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
Located just west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is a peaceful retreat. The highlight of the park is the beautiful Pedernales River, which flows over limestone ledges and large smooth rocks.
Dive into the cool waters at the limestone falls, a local favorite for swimming and tubing, or lace up your hiking boots to explore trails that lead you to sunset views atop white cliffs.
23. Houston, Texas
Distance: ~240 miles/3.5 hours
Type: Cultural & Urban Exploration
Best Time to Go to Houston: Spring and fall
As the largest city in Texas, there’s no shortage of things to do on a Houston itinerary. This is another city that shocked me. I spent three days running around trying to fit everything in and just couldn’t, so this city might be better left for a longer road trip.
If you don’t get to anything else, go see the Space Center Houston to learn about NASA’s space exploration missions, or go see the immersive art at Seismique or famous works at the Menil Collection. Although it’s just a centerpiece for a park, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is pretty darn cool too.
If you really want to spend another hour driving, you can reach the coast of Galveston Island.
24. Wimberley, Texas
Distance: ~230 miles/3.5 hours
Type: Small Town Charm & Outdoor Adventure
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
For a peaceful day trip with small-town charm, head to Wimberley. This Hill Country gem is known for its quaint shops, art galleries, and beautiful scenery. Take a dip in the amazing-looking Blue Hole or hike to Jacob’s Well, an artesian spring that is actually a submerged cave system that divers have explored to depths of over 100 feet!
Try a new activity at the Wimberley Glassworks for a glass-blowing experience and some of the delicious local wines at one of the many wineries in town.
25. New Braunfels, Texas
Distance: ~240 miles/3.5 hours
Type: Water Recreation & Outdoor Adventure
Best Time to Go to New Braunfels: Summer for river tubing and water parks
Between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is a popular summer destination for its two main attractions: the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. These beautiful bodies of water are a fun and popular way to beat the Texas heat with river tubing, kayaking, and rafting.
You’ll see hordes of groups tie tubes together and float down the river, with packed coolers of beer and snacks. There’s also a city tube chute in town for a more intense experience.
If you’re more into traditional water parks, check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort or Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
26. Fredericksburg, Texas
Distance: ~249 miles/4 hours
Type: Small Town & Wine Country
Best Time to Go to Fredericksburg: Spring and fall for Oktoberfest celebrations
Known as the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a small town with a German background. Although best known as the Napa of Texas for its many wineries and tastings, you can also explore the historic Main Street or take a scenic drive to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. And try some German cuisine while you’re in town!
During the spring, check out the beautiful wildflower fields, and in the fall, don’t miss out on their annual Oktoberfest celebration. I love bat caves, so there’s also a deserted railroad tunnel 10 miles away that’s home to up to 3 million bats if that’s something you want to see up close.
27. San Antonio, Texas
Distance: ~275 miles/4 hours
Type: Historical & Family Fun
Best Time to Go to San Antonio: Fall and spring
Now, this is starting to be a long drive, but San Antonio is a must-visit destination in Texas and a pretty small city good for one day. The city’s beloved River Walk is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with its beautiful waterway lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You can also visit the historic Alamo for a lesson in Texas history.
For some family fun, head to SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas for roller coasters and water rides. And eat delicious Tex-Mex food while you’re in town!
Final Thoughts: Best Mini Road Trips from Dallas
Isn’t it wild how much there is to see just outside of Dallas? This list should guide you to some surprisingly fun spots like Canton Trade Days or lead you to natural gems like Pedernales Falls State Park.
And if you’re eager to explore other parts of Texas, don’t forget to check out our other guides on the Lone Star State.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in Texas?
I’ve stayed with friends and vanlifed around, about, and through much of Texas. If you’re looking for more information on the Lone Star State, check out these other destination itineraries.
- One Day in Dallas Itinerary: Perfect First-Timers Day Trip
- One Day in Big Bend National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
- One Day In San Antonio Itinerary: What To Do In 24 Hours
- Perfect One Day In Houston Itinerary For First Timers
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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