Are you located in the Dallas area and looking for quick and easy road trips to the surrounding areas in Texas? Luckily, Texas is one of the best places in the United States for finding exciting things to do within driving distance of a day trip. We’ve compiled a list of the top day trip destinations from Dallas, as well as many of the top attractions in each area.
In this post, we will cover 7 of the very best day trips from Dallas, Texas, including:
- Fort Worth, TX – 35 minutes from Dallas
- Austin, TX – 3 hours from Dallas
- Waco, TX – 1.5 hours from Dallas
- Galveston, TX 4 hours from Dallas
- Denton, TX 45 minutes from Dallas
- Tyler, TX 1.5 hours from Dallas
- Glen Rose, TX 1.5 hours from Dallas
1. Fort Worth, Texas: 35 minute day trip from Dallas
Just a short drive from Downtown Dallas, Fort Worth offers a unique vibe with its cowboy culture, iconic Fort Worth Stockyards, and renowned art galleries. This is a great place for both history buffs and art enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Fort Worth:
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District (cowboy culture, cattle drives)
- Sundance Square (shopping, dining, entertainment – within Stockyards District)
- Kimbell Art Museum (world-class art collection)
- Fort Worth Zoo (diverse animal exhibits)
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden (beautiful gardens with over 2,500 plant species)
- National Cowgirl Museum (celebrates women of the American West)
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (featuring artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Pablo Picasso)
2. Austin, Texas: 3 hour day trip from Dallas
A bit further from the Dallas metro area but still doable for a day trip, Austin is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and delicious food. You can explore attractions like the Texas State Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, and South Congress Avenue. Austin is a perfect place if you are looking for a getaway destination with a big city feel.
Top Attractions in Austin:
- Texas State Capitol (historic landmark)
- Barton Springs Pool (natural swimming pool)
- South Congress Avenue (trendy shops, restaurants, music scene)
- Lady Bird Lake (boating, kayaking, paddle boarding)
- Zilker Park (outdoor recreation, Zilker Metropolitan Park)
3. Waco, Texas: 1.5 hour day trip from Dallas
Home to Magnolia Market at the Silos, made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” Waco offers a charming downtown area, the Dr. Pepper Museum, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. Waco is about a two-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it one of the best day trips in the Lone Star State.
Top Attractions in Waco:
- Magnolia Market at the Silos (Fixer Upper fame, home decor)
- Cameron Park Zoo (family-friendly zoo, petting zoo)
- Waco Mammoth National Monument State Park (fossils of mammoths and other Ice Age creatures)
- Dr Pepper Museum (history of Dr Pepper soft drink)
- Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum (history of the Texas Rangers)
4. Galveston, Texas: 4 hour day trip from Dallas
If you’re up for a beach day, Galveston is around a 4-hour drive from Dallas. Enjoy the sun and sand as well as attractions like Moody Gardens, the Historic Pleasure Pier, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. With such a wide array of things to do, Galveston is a fabulous day trip destination for the whole family.
With Galveston being a bit farther from Dallas than our other suggestions, this destination would also make for an excellent weekend trip!
Top Attractions in Galveston:
- Moody Gardens (aquariums, rainforest exhibits, amusement park)
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (amusement rides, shops, restaurants)
- The Strand Historic District (historic buildings, shops, restaurants)
- Galveston Island State Park (beaches, birding, camping)
5. Denton, Texas: 45 minute day trip from Dallas
Closer to home, Denton has a thriving arts scene, quirky shops, and a historic downtown square. You can explore museums, enjoy live entertainment, check out a local restaurant, or take a stroll around the scenic Denton Square.
Top Attractions in Denton:
- Denton Square (historic square with shops, restaurants, entertainment)
- Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum (local history)
- Denton Arts and Jazz Festival (seasonal event, music and art)
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park (boating, fishing, hiking)
- Denton Community Market (seasonal event, local produce and crafts)
6. Tyler, Texas: 1.5 hour day trip from Dallas
Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler is famous for its beautiful rose gardens. You can visit the Tyler Rose Garden, enjoy outdoor activities at Tyler State Park, explore the city’s charming downtown area, or just take it easy and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Tyler is definitely one of the best places to visit for nature enthusiasts!
Top Attractions in Tyler:
- Tyler Rose Garden (renowned rose gardens)
- Caldwell Zoo (regional zoo)
- Tyler State Park (hiking, biking, camping)
- Discovery Science Center (interactive science exhibits, great for families)
7. Glen Rose, Texas: 1.5 hour day trip from Dallas
Glen Rose is another great option for nature lovers as well as those interested in wildlife. You can visit Dinosaur Valley State Park to see dinosaur tracks, explore Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for a safari experience, or hike along the Paluxy River. Glen Rose is an excellent road trip destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Attractions in Glen Rose:
- Dinosaur Valley State Park (dinosaur tracks)
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (drive-thru safari experience)
- Paluxy River (hiking, swimming)
- Big Rocks Park (scenic rock formations)
- Lake Texoma (boating, fishing, swimming, water activities)