Dallas is a beautiful city with diverse travel offerings, from gorgeous parks to charming historic districts and a vibrant arts and culture scene. However, a change of scenery and experience will always be worth it. Whether you want to take a break from the city’s bustling nature, enjoy a variety of adventures, or discover a unique side of Texas, these 15 under-two-hour day trips have it all.
Terrell – 35 minutes away
Terrell, only 35 minutes away from Dallas, has much to offer. Get an insight into its rich history at the Terrell Heritage Museum in the historic Carnegie Library building. The downtown area is brimming with various shopping experiences, from vintage shops to boutiques and art galleries. For an outdoor experience, head to Scuba Ranch, one of Texas’s best freshwater diving facilities.
Arlington – 24 minutes away
Arlington is a premier destination for sports and entertainment fans. Enjoy a tour of the AT&T Stadium, home of the iconic Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Whether taking a guided tour or attending a game, it’s a unique experience worth a day trip from Dallas. Another must-visit is the Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers and a venue for various events, concerts, and conventions. Don’t miss Six Flags Over Texas for its incredible thrills.
Grand Prairie – 15 minutes away
Grand Prairie is a unique Texas town worth a day’s escape from Dallas. Apart from its world-class entertainment scene, it offers incredible shopping experiences. Explore the Grant Berg Gallery or the Art Gallery of Grand Prairie for their impressive art experiences. If you want to spend time outdoors, go for Lone Star Park’s top-notch horse racing adventures. Alternatively, you can visit Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake for diverse outdoor activities, including group camping, boating, and hiking.
Grapevine – 25 minutes away
Grapevine is most known for being Texas’ Capital of Christmas, thanks to its vibrant holiday scene with over 1,400 events. Beyond that, it boasts a fantastic wine scene with various wineries and tasting experiences. Delaney Vineyards and Farinas Winery are some of the top options. Have fun perusing Grapevine Mills Mall’s over 180 stores of varying offerings, including dining and entertainment options. Lake Grapevine is a wonderful place to enjoy some time outdoors.
Irving – 19 minutes away
Irving is a beautiful, vibrant community with incredible art, cultural, and outdoor offerings. Stroll through Las Colinas Entertainment District for entertainment, shopping, and culinary opportunities. Toyota Music Factory, which hosts an array of events and festivals, is one of the major contributors to the town’s lively energy.
Fort Worth – 31 minutes away
Experience Texas cowboy charm in Fort Worth, only 31 minutes from Dallas. Dubbed the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” it offers a unique mix of Wild West charm and a vibrant arts and cultural community. Stroll through the Stockyards National Historic District and enjoy Western vibes with rodeos and cattle drives. Visit the Kimbell Art Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum, and the Hall of Fame for a taste of the town’s rich heritage.
Cedar Hill State Park – 20 minutes away
Cedar Hill State Park enjoys a scenic location on Joe Pool Lake and offers plenty of fun recreational and historical experiences worth leaving Dallas for. You can relax and enjoy the scenery or engage in swimming, boating, or fishing at the lake. If you’d rather stay overnight, the park offers ample camping opportunities, including developed campsites and primitive options. It also includes a historic site, Penn Farm, whose incredible displays of farm tools will transport you back to the community’s early agricultural days.
Glen Rose – 1 hour 18 minutes away
Dubbed the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” Glen Rose is most recognized for its prehistoric and wildlife experiences. Dinosaur Valley State Park, which allows you to stroll through dinosaur footsteps, is the town’s star attraction. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers up-close encounters with various exotic and endangered creatures. Meanwhile, Big Rocks Park provides a range of outdoor activities in a quiet setting, making it a perfect place to unwind. Glen Rose’s downtown is a hub of unique shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities.
Frisco – 30 minutes away
Frisco, 30 minutes from Dallas, is another fun day trip that sports fanatics will enjoy checking off their bucket lists. It’s home to the Star, where the headquarters and training facility of the Dallas Cowboys are located. Catch a glimpse of America’s soccer history through various interactive exhibits at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Don’t miss HALL Park for its impressive art experiences, including the Texas Sculpture Garden.
Ennis – 35 minutes away
Famous for its vibrant bluebonnet blooms, Ennis is one of Texas’ unique destinations you can easily enjoy as a day trip from Dallas. Its abundant bluebonnet trails (over 40 miles), the state’s longest and oldest, earned it the name “the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” It’s also recognized for its rich Czech heritage, which you can experience through events like the National Polka Festival. Stroll the downtown area for one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and art experiences.
Denton – 42 minutes away
Denton is one of Texas’ top college towns. It’s home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, which you can tour to feel the town’s youthful vibe and diverse culture. The town’s rich, vibrant scene is one of its main highlights, and there are numerous music venues where you can watch live performances. It also offers exceptional art and cultural experiences.
McKinney – 34 minutes away
The most attractive thing about McKinney is its charming historic downtown, one of the oldest and most well-preserved in the state. A stroll through downtown lets you discover the town’s thriving arts scene, including galleries, museums, and live music venues. Connect with nature at the 212-acre Erwin Park, where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, and more.
Lake Lavon – 53 minutes away
Lake Lavon and its surroundings are a mecca for recreational activities. It offers excellent fishing experiences, with largemouth bass and blue catfish being popular catches. Numerous campgrounds around the lake, including Lavonia Park and Lavonland RV Resort, allow you to connect with Texas’ unique landscape.
Athens – 1 hour 10 minutes away
Many factors make Athens worth the one-hour 10-minute drive from Dallas, including its rich agricultural history, which earned it the name “the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World.” It’s also an excellent outdoor destination, with Lake Athens offering various opportunities for water adventure lovers. If scuba diving is your thing, don’t miss Athens Scuba Park. There are numerous hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities to enjoy as well.
Granbury – 1 hour 13 minutes away
With its charming, well-preserved historic downtown square, Granbury is considered one of Texas’s best small towns. It has a rich Old West history and was associated with some of the most notorious names from that period. Take a stroll downtown to marvel at some of Texas’ best examples of Victorian architecture and explore the unique boutiques, vintage shops, and diverse culinary offerings. Lake Granbury is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors.
