The Lone Star State is home to a plethora of fantastic destinations that you must visit. If you can be in the area, don’t miss out on some of these must-see day trips from Dallas.
Within a few hours’ drive of Dallas, you’ll find rich history, delectable cuisine, and stunning parks just waiting to be discovered.
You’ll find all of the top places to visit from Dallas in this post, which will make you want to follow your wanderlust. Sorry for adding to your list of locations to visit in the United States.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Continue reading to learn about all of Texas’s top cities and towns that your trip to the state would be incomplete without.
Are you still looking for a place to stay in Dallas? Then have a look at our comprehensive guide on places to stay in Dallas. If you prefer a more local stay, you may also check out our favorite Dallas VRBO.
The Best Day Trips from Dallas
Some of the top sites to visit around Dallas are listed below. Some are located within Texas, but others allow you to travel to another state, which can be quite enjoyable!
1. Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the greatest day trips from Dallas. It’s roughly 40 minutes west of the city and a 32-mile journey from Dallas, making it the shortest road trip from the metropolis.
Despite its modern appearance, Fort Worth is one of the largest cities in the United States and has a history with cowboys.
The Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the magnificent Fort Worth Water Gardens are just a few of the main attractions in Fort Worth.
This cowboy-themed city is one you won’t want to miss if you’re in the Dallas region!
2. Terrell, TX
Terrell is one of the top day trips from Dallas. It’s a 35-mile drive east of Dallas that takes 43 minutes. With a population of only 20,000 people, the city is far smaller than other cities in the area.
The fact that this Texan hamlet isn’t as modern as other cities add to its allure. By visiting, you will feel as if you are walking back in time, which makes it an ideal destination.
The Books and Crannies bookshop, the Terrell Heritage Museum, and the No. 1 British Flying Training School are among Terrell’s most incredible places to visit.
3. Denton, TX
If you enjoy music, Denton, Texas, is one of the greatest day trips from Dallas for you.
Depending on traffic it’s 40 miles northwest of Dallas and takes around an hour to get there. The yearly 35 Denton Music Festival and the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival are held in this city.
Denton is especially popular with millennials since it has so many Instagrammable spots, including murals all across the city.
Since it is a college town, top-rated restaurants such as Barley & Board are a must-visit.
The Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, and Ray Roberts Lake, one of the nicest state parks near Dallas, are all fantastic places to visit in Denton.
4. Greenville, TX
Greenville is an easy day excursion from Texas. It’s about a 51-mile journey northeast of Dallas in one hour. Greenville’s lively downtown center is the ideal place to visit. It’s full of fantastic local shops where you can support your neighbors.
Two theatres are also located in this area of town, which are ideal for artistic entertainment.
If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, make a point of stopping by the Greenville Farmers Market. This market, which is run entirely by volunteers, sells high-quality vegetables and souvenirs!
5. Canton, TX
Canton, about an hour southeast of Dallas, is accessible through a 59-mile journey. With a population of just 3,500 people, this beautiful hamlet is even smaller than Terrell, ensuring a very local experience when you come. People who reside in the region are more likely to meet you than tourists.
Canton is one of the best Dallas day trips, and it’s home to the country’s largest flea market, First Monday Trade Days.
This flea market is jam-packed with fantastic deals, and you could easily spend a whole day there.
6. Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is a terrific weekend trip from Dallas, albeit it is a little further away than some other destinations on this list. It’s about three hours’ drive north of Dallas, at 206 miles.
However, the journey is well worth it because Oklahoma City is brimming with Wild West culture and historical landmarks.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum are fantastic museums and venues to learn about history in this destination, commonly known as OKC. Look no further than OKC if you want to get away from Texas for the weekend.
7. Beavers Bend State Park, OK
Another great site to explore near Dallas is Beavers Bend State Park, roughly three hours away from the city.
It takes about 178 kilometers to get to this breathtakingly beautiful outdoor destination.
Paddleboarding, hiking, ziplining, and golfing are just a few of the exciting activities available at this park.
You can even try your hand at riding a yakanoe, canoe, and kayak combination if you’re feeling adventurous! Talk about having a good time.
8. Jefferson, TX
Jefferson is around 166 miles east of Dallas and takes two and a half hours to get there. This small town is well recognized for having a long history with artificial lighting. It was the first town in Texas to employ natural gas as a source of light.
The Big Cypress Bayou, a network of wetlands in this state, runs through this city.
The Jefferson Historical Museum and the Historic Jefferson Railway, which will take you past some of the best sights in the area, are two more fantastic destinations to explore in Jefferson.
9. Grapevine, TX
Grapevine, a suburb of Dallas, is a great place to visit for a day trip. It’s only around 23 miles outside of the city, and it’s only 20 minutes away.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is one of the many exciting activities available at this destination. Guests will be able to ride in elegant cars from the 1920s on this train ride.
As you might expect, Grapevine is also recognized for the wine it produces, given the town’s name. Attend Grapefest, an event dedicated to Grapevine’s wines, sample local wines, and meet local producers.
10. Fredericksburg, TX
Visit Fredericksburg, another weekend excursion from Dallas, to learn more about the Texas wine region. It’s around 250 miles south of Dallas.
Fredericksburg is regarded for being one of the most romantic retreats in Texas, if not the entire country, so if you’re looking for a romantic weekend vacation, look no further.
It’s also one of Texas’ nicest German towns, with several of its landmarks, such as the Vereins Kirche, bearing German names.
The local wineries, however, are the ultimate attraction of Fredericksburg. Booking a trip is the best way to see them all.
11. Turner Falls Park, OK
Consider visiting Turner Falls Park, one of the greatest day excursions from Dallas, for another excellent place to explore outside of the Lone Star State. It’s 128 miles north of Dallas, or two hours.
This location is breathtakingly beautiful. The tallest waterfall in Oklahoma may be found within Turner Falls Park. Hiking trails lead to a plethora of outdoor sites to explore.
While Turner Falls is a spot that can be visited in a single day, consider staying for a weekend for a relaxing vacation closer to nature.
12. Lake Texoma State Park, OK
The name Lake Texoma State Park comes from its location on the Texas-Oklahoma border. It’s only an 88-mile drive north of Dallas, and it takes about an hour and a half.
This state park is a true adventurer’s paradise. If you want to make it a weekend trip from Dallas, hiking paths, swimming holes, and even camping.
Lake Texoma is also Oklahoma’s second-largest lake, and it is regarded as one of the top fishing sites in the state.
13. Austin, TX
Austin is without a doubt one of the most popular day trips from Dallas, and its particular appeal has helped it earn a lot of popularity in recent years. It’s around 196 miles or 3 hours south of Dallas.
While the distance may make you think it’s more of a weekend vacation from Dallas, you can easily tour this wonderful city in a day if you get up early enough.
Austin is regarded as a foodie’s paradise, so make sure you stop for a bite to eat while you’re there.
Visit Odd Duck for a superb eating experience. Franklin Barbecue is a less expensive restaurant that serves outstanding meals.
14. San Antonio, TX
Make the drive to San Antonio, one of the greatest places to visit near Dallas, if you’re in the mood for a long road trip in Texas.
It’s around 274 miles or 4 hours south of Dallas. Most roads pass through Austin, so you can stop for a delicious meal.
San Antonio is a city steeped in history. Make time to visit The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.
Make a pit break at Buc- ee’s, one of the world’s largest petrol stations, on your way to San Antonio. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy here!
15. Houston, TX
Visit Houston, certainly one of the greatest day trips from Dallas, if you want to escape to a bigger city. It’s twice the size of Dallas and has plenty of things to see and do around every corner. It is 239 miles away and takes three and a half hours to get there.
Houston, while still a Texas metropolis, is noted for having its own distinct culture.
The NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston’s main attraction, and it should not be missed.
Houston is home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, both world-class museums.
16. Granbury, TX
Granbury is a convenient day excursion from Dallas, located 70 miles west of the city. This city is a little smaller, yet it still has a lot to offer. Stop by Lake Granbury or Granbury City Beach Park if you’re seeking an outdoor adventure or just want to relax. They both provide excellent swimming, water skiing, and boating options.
Barking Rocks Vineyard & Winery is a hidden gem in Granbury. This laid-back yet elegant winery produces some of the greatest Texas wines in the state and is dedicated to giving back to its community.
17. Waco, TX
Waco, located an hour and a half south of Dallas and 95 miles away, is a popular tourist destination. Waco, Texas’s capital, is home to a plethora of entertaining activities.
The Dr. Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum are two of Waco’s most popular attractions.
The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a terrific spot to visit if you want to learn more about the area’s fossils, which can provide a fascinating peek into the city’s past.
18. Davy Crockett National Forest, TX
The Davy Crockett National Forest, which spans over 150,000 acres, is the last but not least. This is the ideal place to get closer to Texas’s nature and wildlife while also getting away from the city.
It’s only 180 miles or slightly less than three hours from Dallas, so it’s undoubtedly one of Dallas’s most incredible day trips.
Many hiking paths go through the forest, allowing you to see the best areas of the park. If you visit during the summer, though, you can cool off by swimming or renting a boat.
19. Ennis-The Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas
Ennis, Texas, is roughly 35 miles south of Dallas in Ellis County, and it takes just under an hour (actually, about 30 minutes) to get there.
You will significantly enjoy visiting Ennis during the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival in April. You may travel across 40 miles of paths dotted with Texas’s state flower, the bluebonnet.
It’s a sight to behold, so bring your camera because it’s a terrific site to see Texas bluebonnets and one of the most distinctive day trips from Dallas.
The Bottom Line
There are many wonderful places to visit near Dallas that may be reached in a single day. Some of them even have a route that allows you to visit more than one Texas must-see attraction.
So, what exactly are you waiting for? Start making plans for your next trip to Dallas right now!
