Dallas is an incredible city—modern, buzzing, and full of things to see and do—but after a few days of skyscrapers, barbecue joints, and bustling streets, I felt the pull of the open road. One of the greatest things about Dallas is its location: it sits at the heart of North Texas, perfectly positioned for day trips that showcase the diverse beauty and culture of the Lone Star State.
I’ve learned that some of the most memorable experiences often happen just beyond the city limits. On my last Dallas trip, I carved out several days specifically for exploring nearby destinations. In this article, I’ll share three day trips I personally experienced and then four more I recommend based on research and conversations with locals.
I’ll also go into detail on how to get there, what to do, the services available, ticketing and discounts, booking platforms, pros and cons, and of course—my raw, honest feelings.
My Three Day Trips From Dallas
- Waco: Magnolia Market and More
Waco, about 95 miles south of Dallas, had been on my bucket list for a while. The drive along I-35 takes about 1.5 hours, making it a perfect day trip. I rented a car through Hertz at Dallas Love Field Airport, which cost me $58 for a full day (including insurance).
Highlights of My Waco Day
• Magnolia Market at the Silos – As someone who enjoys design and cozy spaces, walking into Magnolia Market felt like stepping into a lifestyle magazine. The bakery’s cupcakes ($4.25 each) lived up to the hype—especially the “Shiplap” vanilla. I spent about two hours browsing the home goods, sipping coffee, and people-watching.
• Dr Pepper Museum – Located just a few blocks away, admission was $10. I loved learning about the quirky history of Texas’s most famous soft drink. The best part? Sampling a hand-mixed Dr Pepper float for $5.
• Waco Suspension Bridge & Riverwalk – Toward the afternoon, I walked along the Brazos River, enjoying the calm atmosphere. The longhorn cattle statues near the bridge made for great photos.
Services and Amenities
Waco’s downtown area is walkable, with plenty of restrooms, cafés, and shaded areas. Parking near Magnolia Market was $10.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Easy drive, iconic attractions, and a laid-back vibe.
• Cons: Magnolia Market can get very crowded—try weekdays.
Personal Feelings
I left Waco with a full belly, a bag of souvenirs, and a smile. It felt like the perfect blend of kitsch, history, and small-town Texas charm.
- Fort Worth: Stockyards and Sundance Square
Although Fort Worth is technically part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, it feels like another world compared to Dallas. The drive was just 40 minutes west from my downtown Dallas hotel, and I used a Lyft that cost me $34 each way.
Highlights of My Fort Worth Day
• Fort Worth Stockyards – I arrived just in time for the 11:30 a.m. cattle drive, where longhorns marched down Exchange Avenue. It was touristy but fun. Entry to the Stockyards is free, but attractions like the Stockyards Museum charge $2.
• Cowtown Coliseum Rodeo – I splurged on a Saturday-night ticket ($30) and cheered loudly during the bull-riding events.
• Sundance Square – In the evening, I wandered through the downtown area. It’s vibrant, with twinkling lights, fountains, and restaurants. I grabbed dinner at Reata ($28 for a chicken-fried steak), and it was one of the best meals of my trip.
Services and Amenities
Fort Worth is well-developed for tourism. There are plenty of parking garages ($10–$15 daily) and public restrooms.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Authentic Western experiences, lots of free activities, easy access from Dallas.
• Cons: Weekends are crowded, and some attractions feel commercialized.
Personal Feelings
As I sat in Sundance Square watching families and couples stroll by, I thought: This is what Texas feels like in its most cinematic form. Fort Worth had grit, charm, and polish all in one.
- Lake Texoma: A Nature Escape
After the bustle of Dallas and Fort Worth, I craved something quieter. Lake Texoma, straddling the Texas–Oklahoma border, is about 90 minutes north of Dallas via US-75. I drove a rental car, and the open road was blissful.
Highlights of My Lake Texoma Day
• Kayaking on the Lake – I rented a kayak for $25/hour from a marina. Paddling on the calm waters under a wide Texas sky was liberating.
• Hiking the Eisenhower State Park Trails – Entry was $5, and the trails offered shaded walks with glimpses of the lake.
• Picnic Lunch – I packed sandwiches from a Dallas deli and ate on a lakeside bench. The breeze off the water made it feel like a true escape.
Services and Amenities
The marinas offer rentals for boats, jet skis, and kayaks. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and campgrounds for those who want to stay longer.
Pros and Cons
• Pros: Scenic, less crowded, affordable activities.
• Cons: Limited dining options nearby—bring snacks.
Personal Feelings
Lake Texoma gave me the peace I didn’t know I needed. After days of city exploring, sitting by the water watching the sunset was almost meditative.
Four More Recommended Day Trips
Even though I couldn’t fit everything into my itinerary, I researched and gathered recommendations for more day trips from Dallas that I’d suggest to fellow travelers.
- Grapevine
• Just 30 minutes northwest of Dallas.
• Known for its wineries and historic Main Street.
• Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers scenic rides ($18–$26 tickets).
• Why I recommend it: Perfect for wine lovers or families seeking a charming small-town vibe. - Denton
• About 45 minutes north.
• College-town energy with live music, quirky shops, and craft breweries.
• Why I recommend it: Great if you enjoy artsy neighborhoods and a lively music scene without big-city crowds. - Glen Rose
• About 1.5 hours southwest.
• Famous for Dinosaur Valley State Park (entry $8). You can literally see dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed.
• Why I recommend it: Fun, educational, and unique—especially for families with kids. - Athens
• About 1.5 hours southeast.
• Known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World.”
• Offers fishing at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (entry $5.50).
• Why I recommend it: A quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination with authentic Texas charm.
Booking Tips and Discounts
• Car Rentals: Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis at Dallas airports are reliable. Booking via platforms like Kayak or Expedia often gives you 10–20% discounts.
• Attractions: Websites like Viator and GetYourGuide occasionally offer bundled deals for places like the Stockyards and museums.
• Fuel Costs: For road trips, budget about $3.20 per gallon (as of my trip).
Day trips from Dallas turned out to be some of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Waco gave me a taste of Texas pop culture and history, Fort Worth delivered cowboy spirit, and Lake Texoma restored my sense of calm. The recommended spots—Grapevine, Denton, Glen Rose, and Athens—show that Dallas is more than just a starting point; it’s a gateway to dozens of experiences that capture the essence of Texas.
If I could give advice to anyone planning a Dallas trip, it’s this: save at least two or three days for excursions outside the city. Dallas itself is dazzling, but stepping beyond its borders lets you see the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles that make Texas so magnetic.
For me, these day trips felt like flipping through different chapters of the same book—each place with its own plot, characters, and surprises. And as I drove back into Dallas each evening, skyline glowing in the distance, I realized that exploring beyond the city limits had deepened my appreciation for the city itself.
Why Day Trips Matter
What surprised me most was how accessible all these adventures were. None of the destinations required exhausting drives or complicated planning. Most places were just one to two hours away, meaning I could leave after breakfast and still be back in Dallas in time for a late dinner. That balance—exploring during the day and returning to the comfort of a Dallas hotel at night—felt perfect.
Day trips also allowed me to see the “many Texases” people talk about. From cowboy culture to lakeside serenity, from wine-tasting towns to fossil-filled riverbeds, the diversity is astounding. I started to understand why locals are so proud of their state: it isn’t one-note; it’s a whole symphony.
My Personal Takeaway
Travel, for me, is about stories—ones I get to live and ones I get to share. In Waco, I stood under the silos eating a cupcake baked by a TV-famous bakery. In Fort Worth, I cheered at a rodeo until my voice was hoarse. At Lake Texoma, I floated on calm waters while hawks circled above. These moments stitched together into a patchwork of memories I’ll never forget.
The lesson? Dallas may draw you in with its bright lights, big business, and vibrant food scene, but it’s the day trips that will fill your travel diary with variety and surprise.
If you’re reading this while planning your own Dallas trip, here’s my heartfelt suggestion: don’t just stick to the city. Rent that car, book that train ticket, or hop into a rideshare and see what lies beyond. The adventures waiting for you are worth every mile.
And remember, travel isn’t only about the destinations—it’s also about the little things along the way: the roadside diners you stumble into, the conversations with locals who give you tips, and the unexpected detours that often become the highlight of your trip.
For me, Dallas’s day trips weren’t just “extras” to fill an itinerary. They became the soul of my journey, reminding me once again why I fell in love with travel in the first place: the joy of discovery, the thrill of variety, and the simple happiness of experiencing life beyond the familiar.
So pack your curiosity, lace up your shoes, and let the roads around Dallas lead you to new adventures. You’ll come back richer in memories, hungrier for more, and with a deeper connection to Texas than you ever thought possible.
