The Best Road Trips from Dallas

Are you looking for inspiration for a weekend getaway from Dallas? There are a lot of nearby towns and cities with cultural attractions, historical sites, amazing festivals, and more all within an easy driving distance. 

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, here are some of the best road trips from Dallas.

Popular Destinations for a Road Trip from Dallas

Fort Worth, Texas (About a 1-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

If you’re looking for a day trip from Dallas, keep Fort Worth at the top of your list. 

You can check out the Fort Worth Zoo, home to Safari Splash, or visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Art lovers can tour the Adobe Western Art Gallery or the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 

Active tourists can go cycling and hiking in the parks or fishing along the Trinity River. Visit the heart of the city in Downtown Fort Worth, where you can jump on Molly the Trolley, which stops at major landmarks and entertainment venues. Don’t’ forget to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards Sundance Square®. 

Austin, Texas (About a 3-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

For delicious food, live music, and a bit of history, look no further than this city in Hill Country. Visit the Texas Capitol or Bullock Texas State History Museum and go on a tour to learn about the history of the Lone Star State. 

Those planning a summer road trip can head to Zilker Park, featuring picnic sites, a springs pool, and outdoor concerts. If you fancy a walk, the surrounding attractions near Lady Bird Lake are worth seeing. Catch the sunset at the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can watch Mexican free-tailed bats take to the skies. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will love taking a walk around McKinney Falls State Park or hiking up Mount Bonnell for a spectacular view of Austin’s skyline.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (About a 3-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

In the southern part of the Great Plains sits Oklahoma City. This bustling capital is practically synonymous with oil and the Wild West. It has a mix of historical sites, museums, and beautiful nature spots. 

The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a touching and thought-provoking tribute to the victims of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing incident. 

Families can head to the Oklahoma City Zoo for an interactive experience like feeding giraffes or touching stingrays. If cowboy culture and the Wild West fascinate you, check out the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

Houston, Texas (About a 4-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

Houston is a popular tourist destination in Texas with museums, a space center, and other interesting attractions. You can tour the Museum of Natural Science and check out their special exhibits featuring large dinosaur fossils. 

A visit to Space Center Houston is a must-do for space fans. Go behind the scenes and catch a glimpse of the center’s history and check out rockets and spacesuits.

If you’re into marine life, you can visit the Downtown Aquarium with its 200 exotic species. Kids will love the rides while adults can enjoy shopping or dining at the restaurant.

Galveston, Texas (About a 5-hour Road Trip from Dallas)

Galveston is a beautiful town with historic buildings and an endless stretch of beaches. 

Soak up the sun or wade in the calm waters at this coastal destination—one of the best weekend trips from Dallas. Immerse yourself in nature at Galveston Island State Park, where you can take a stroll, go bird watching, or kayak in the bayou. 

You might want do some shopping, dining, and sightseeing at the Strand Historic District, featuring Victorian-era buildings. Nearby, you can find the wharf area with old restored warehouses and other popular tourist attractions. 

If you love vintage architecture, be sure to check out the Bryan Museum, Moody Mansion, and the Grand 1894 Opera House. You won’t want to miss fun along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier or at Moody Gardens®.

San Antonio, Texas (About a 5-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

With its various cultural attractions and picturesque parks and gardens, San Antonio is a favorite among those looking for driving vacations from Dallas. 

Nature lovers can tour Brackenridge Park and the Natural Bridge Caverns while history buffs can visit The Alamo™ and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. 

Tourists flock to the San Antonio River Walk, which is the city’s most-visited tourist attraction. Stroll along the banks of the San Antonio River and grab a bite at the restaurants and cafes with their colorful umbrellas. You might even be able to see a few street performers and hear their mariachi music. 

New Orleans, Louisiana (About a 8-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

A longer, more ambitious weekend getaway from Dallas takes you to New Orleans, Louisiana. Here, you can immerse yourself in the city’s culture when you taste the local cuisine, learn about the vibrant history, or attend music festivals. 

The French Quarter is a must see, featuring breathtaking architecture, delicious food, and street performers. Check out historical attractions like the National WWII Museum or view stunning works in the New Orleans Museum of Art. 

If you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon, make your way to City Park, where you can walk under majestic oaks or rent a swan boat. Shop and dine at Magazine Street—home to local boutiques and restaurants—or stroll through the Garden District and see its historic establishments. 

Memphis, Tennessee (About a 8-Hour Road Trip from Dallas)

Music lovers might embark on a road-trip adventure to Memphis, Tennessee. Home to Elvis Presley’s recording room at Sun Studio, Memphis is also the perfect weekend getaway for history fans and foodies. 

Enjoy the Stax® Museum of American Soul Music, where you can catch traces of the American soul legends, and spend time at Graceland—Elvis Presley’s home.

History enthusiasts can visit the National Civil Rights Museum and the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum.  

Families with kids should head over to Memphis Zoo, which is home around 4,500 animals. Foodies can take a stroll down Beale Street to satisfy their appetites while listening to live music that comes from various clubs along the street.

Go on a Short Road Trip from Dallas

If you ever feel like you could use a weekend getaway to recharge, there are a lot of great destinations just a few hours away from Dallas. Explore the sights and sounds of bustling cities or relax and unwind in some quieter places.

Ready to explore places beyond Dallas? Book your Texas road trip accommodations today.