Fun Day Trips and Inexpensive Weekend Getaways Near Dallas

Dallas is a wonderful place to be during the weekend. There is so much to do and experience within the city.

Nevertheless, sometimes you just need to get out to refresh your soul.

Plus, quite honestly, it is not just about rejuvenation. There are so many enticing places near Dallas that you just can’t keep away from them.

Today, I am exploring these places near Dallas that are all within driving distance.

All of these locations, towns or cities make for the ideal day trips and weekend getaways.

Best part, they are quite cheap and inexpensive. It is actually the beauty of Texas that you have so much to do without having to break the bank.

The Best Inexpensive Weekend Getaways Near Dallas

Pretty much all of the places suggested here are perfect for both day trips and inexpensive weekend getaways near Dallas.

They are great for all types of vacations, whether you want a romantic getaway or a fun family trip.

Some of these locations are obvious. However, I do hope to discover a hidden gem or two that may surprise you.

Fort Worth

Distance from Dallas: 32 miles – About 35-minute drive.

Fort Worth is the quickest getaway from Dallas at just over a half hour drive.

Now the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is often seen as one city with a network of suburbs between them.

Please make no mistake, Dallas and Fort Worth are two distinct cities with their own respective charm.

If you haven’t truly explored Fort Worth, please do so. The distance is such that Fort Worth is perfect for a day trip from Dallas.

At the same time, the city has enough to warrant an overnight stay.

For the perfect weekend stay, I suggest gorgeous bed and breakfast places such as Azalea Plantation and Rosen House Inn.

If you want to stay in the vibrant downtown area, you can try The Ashton Hotel.

All of these places provide good value, great guest rooms and impeccable service in Fort Worth.

In terms of things to do in Fort Worth or places of interest, here are a few suggestions:

1) Explore historic sites of Fort Worth such as the Log Cabin Village, Fort Worth Stockyards and Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House.

2) Go on the Fort Worth Heritage Trails.

3) Visit the cultural district.

4) If you are with kids, don’t forget the Fort Worth Zoo.

5) Check out the Botanical Gardens, Water Gardens and other parks in Fort Worth.

You can learn a lot about Texas history and the state’s cultural scene at Fort Worth and its surroundings.

The city is definitely worth the trip. If visiting from Dallas, Fort Worth is one of best cheap weekend getaways you can find.

Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose

Distance from Dallas: 80 miles – About one and half hour drive.

Talk about weekend trips that are fun, cheap and exciting, Dinosaur Valley State Park, at Glen Rose is the perfect place.

It takes less than 90 minutes to reach Dinosaur Valley State Park from Dallas.

As the name suggests, this is where you get to see actual Dinosaur footprints, millions of years old.

I feel this is one of the best and most thrilling state parks in Texas.

First, you have the dinosaur prints near the fantastic banks of Paluxy River.

Second, there is so much to do and explore within the park.

You can go camping, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, swimming, take a river walk or check out the nature trails.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is also a popular place for a picnic.

It does not matter if you are a couple, with family or a solo-traveler, Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the best places to visit from Dallas.

The state park even allows you to get your own horse if you can. That itself along with the dinosaur footprints, make it a unique place for a weekend trip.

While at the park, do not forget to check out the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. It is one of the best wildlife centers you will come across in Texas. They have several endangered species and over one thousand animals in total.

Apart from Dinosaur Valley State Park, we have to speak about Glen Rose itself.

Glen Rose is not just the ‘dinosaur capital of Texas’.

The city has a rich history and breathtaking natural landscape.

There are plenty of options for glamping at Glen Rose offering fantastic log cabins with all modern amenities.

For me, Glen Rose is one of the best glamping options from Dallas for both romantic and family holidays.

Texas Hill Country

Distance from Dallas: 315 miles – About 5 hours 10-minute drive.

If you are up for a fun road trip taking you through quintessential Texas, then visit Texas Hill Country.

Now, Texas Hill Country is an entire region covering parts of Central and South Texas.

To fully appreciate the region, we need a dedicated article just on Texas Hill Country.

I honestly do not know where to begin or how to describe the brilliance of Texas Hill Country.

Therefore, let me just try and give a few points on what makes Texas Hill Country so good.

First, you get to go through some of the best small towns in the state of Texas.

Second, it is a nature lovers paradise with spectacular natural landscape and distinct terrain.

You have canyons, plateaus, hills, forests, rivers, lakes and so much more. You have miles of trails that you can explore with rich biodiversity.

Third, the towns of Central Texas and South Texas making up the region are quite a unique place.

They allow you to experience the real Texas that you just can’t get in the big cities.

For example, the town of Bandera is known for being the ‘cowboy capital of the world’.

Fourth, you get a comprehensive and diverse holiday with so much to do and see.

I have no doubt that Texas Hill Country makes for one of the best weekend trips from anywhere in Texas.

Just remember, there are so many places to explore that you may need multiple trips or several days on road.

For specific towns or places to visit within Texas Hill Country, keep reading below.

Dripping Springs

Distance from Dallas: 217 miles – About 3 hours 30-minute drive.

According to me, Dripping Springs is one of the best weekend getaways from Dallas or other major cities in Texas.

This small rural town in the Hays County is an absolute breath of fresh air.

Dripping Springs and its surroundings are replete with some of the best wineries in the United States.

You also have gorgeous state parks, nature reserves, beautiful natural landscapes to explore.

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a must-explore place when in Dripping Springs.

Being only 23 miles from Austin, it has its own distinct music scene with brilliant culinary options as well.

Apart from this, Dripping Springs is the best base to explore Texas Hill Country.

It is pretty much considered the gateway to Texas Hill Country. With your base in Dripping Springs, you can explore the best of the entire region with ease.

Top things to do at Dripping Springs

• Go wine tasting.
• Experience live music, events and concerts.
• Visit the various nature reserves and state parks.
• Go on nature trails.
• Go glamping.
• Explore Texas Hill Country and its various towns.
• Explore Austin.

The most value for money places to stay at Dripping Springs

• Star House – Bed and Breakfast
• Mt Gainor Inn – Bed and Breakfast
• Hill Country Casitas – Villa
• The Alexander at Creek Road – Cottage
• Camp Lucy – Hotel
• Sleep Inn & Suites – Hotel

There are plenty of camping, glamping and RV sites as well in and around Dripping Springs.

Colorado Bend State Park

Distance from Dallas: 186 miles – About 3 hours 15 minute-drive.

Colorado Bend State Park is one of the best state parks in Texas.

You get almost five and half thousand acres of pristine wilderness that includes extraordinary waterfalls and hidden caves.

The park is located within Texas Hill Country, only couple of hours from Austin towards northwest.

It is actually quite easily accessible from Dallas and the best place to go camping or hiking.

There is plenty to do within the park including hiking, nature trails, swimming, cave hunting and kayaking.

However, the absolute number one activity in Colorado Bend State Park is to hike up to the stunning Gorman Falls.

This is a 70-foot waterfall with gorgeous views and is one of the greenest parts of Texas.

The hike up to Gorman Falls is about a 3-mile roundtrip that has a moderate difficulty level. More than anything, you just need to be mindful of the slippery rocks at certain points.

Overall, the greenery all around Colorado Bend State Park is one of the best in the state. It is definitely a nature lover’s paradise with the ability to explore hidden caves as a bonus.

While you can go camping within Colorado Bend State Park, you could also stay in villas or cottages nearby.

There are plenty of stay options via Airbnb and even glamping choices. There are wineries nearby that make a wonderful place for dining and of course, wine tasting.

Austin

Distance from Dallas: 195 miles – About 3-hour drive.

We have spoken about Texas Hill Country and Dripping Springs above. Hence, its but natural to now talk about Austin.

Both of those places above are near to Austin and can be easily explored while staying in the city.

Now Austin prides itself on its uniqueness. Its distinctiveness from rest of Texas while being an integral part of the state’s culture and way of life.

Therefore, Austin is a place that makes a great holiday for families, couples and solo-travelers.

As a big city in Texas, there is so much to see, explore and experience.

Depending upon your preference, you can explore Austin’s history, its local culture, its surroundings or its massive entertainment options.

If you love live music and outdoor activities, Austin is the place for you.

Another reason to visit Austin, be part of its weirdness. Yeah, we all know one of its mottos is ‘Keep Austin Weird’. You need to visit the city to see how seriously the residents take this slogan.

You can do some really weird things here like literally visiting the ‘Museum of the Weird’.

You also need to try some weird but delicious food when in Austin. The city’s culinary scene is quite unlike other places in the country.

San Antonio

Distance from Dallas: 292 miles – About 4 hours 20-minute drive.

San Antonio is one of the best cities to visit, not just in Texas but in the United States.

The city’s history, culture and entertainment scene are hard to beat anywhere in the country.

The best part is the city can be what you want out of it. It’s a great place for family vacations. It has outstanding options for a romantic getaway. You can spend your day at the golf course or explore the many historic buildings.

Basically, it has something for everyone. The list of things to do in San Antonio is quite endless.

The two things that you absolutely must do is, firstly visit the famous River Walk. Second, check out the Alamo.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is the most famous tourist attraction in Texas. You have 15 miles of exceptional river waterways that is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, attractions, parks, entertainment etc.

This is the best place to experience San Antonio’s nightlife as well.

Near to the San Antonio Riverwalk, is the Alamo. It is the most famous of the five Spanish Colonial Missions in the city.

The Alamo is not just one of the most famous tourist attractions of Texas, it is it’s oldest building.

As far as stay options are concerned, you can easily get beautiful Airbnb’s or villas to rent.

You could also stay at the historic hotel, Emma at Pearl, one of the highest rated hotels in the US. For something cheaper and closer to the heart of San Antonio, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is the best option.

New Braunfels

Distance from Dallas: 242 miles – About 3 hours 40 minute-dive.

New Braunfels is a delightful little town almost equidistant between Austin and San Antonio.

It is one of the best places to stay within Texas Hill Country.

The famous Comal and Guadalupe rivers flow through New Braunfels providing superb natural scenery and biodiversity.

The rising popularity of New Braunfels is mainly thanks to its natural beauty, distinct landscape, rich history and astounding waterbodies.

Thanks to all of these attributes, you can spend a lot of time indulging in various outdoor activities.

Landa Park and Cypress Bend Park alongside its rivers lined with cypress trees is especially popular with visitors.

With two great rivers, there are plenty of water activities for tourists. Boating, Kayaking, Tubing and fishing are the most popular water-based activities in the city.

Another thing to note about New Braunfels is its German heritage. Thanks to this, the city has quite a distinct feel to it.

Its buildings, antique shops, hotels and restaurants proudly portray their rich heritage and make for a wonderful weekend getaway.

South Padre Island

Distance from Dallas: 565 miles – About 8 hours 30-minute drive.

South Padre Island is one of the best beach towns of Texas.

It is quite a long drive taking 8 and half hours to reach from Dallas.

Having said that, the drive is completely worth it.

If you love walking on gorgeous white sandy beaches with pristine turquoise waters, South Padre Island is for you.

With 34 miles of breathtaking beaches, you can have a little slice of paradise all to yourself.

Being a barrier island as well as a tropical island, the weather is great all year round. You can indulge in various water based or outdoor activities while at the island.

The Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center plus Birding and Nature Center are a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts.

There are some incredible boat tours available as well that take you through the waters of Gulf of Mexico.

Padre Boulevard, the main street of the island is filled with some of the best restaurants, cafes, shopping and entertainment options you can find in Southern Texas.

Overall, South Padre Island is brilliant for both couples looking for a romantic time or families wanting a beach vacation.

Just remember, considering the distance from Dallas, it is best only for long weekend getaways.

Big Bend National Park

Distance from Dallas: 572 miles – About 9 hours 10-minute drive.

There are two main national parks in the state of Texas. The Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Both are superb and must be explored by all.

For today, I am specifically talking about the Big Bend National Park.

It takes a little over 9 hours to reach Big Bend from Dallas by road. Hence, you do need to visit during a long weekend or when you have three to four days in hand.

Regardless of the distance, Big Bend National Park is an absolute must-visit.

It does not matter if you are a nature lover or feel the need for natural open spaces.

Big Bend National Park with its mesmerizing terrain, landscape and scenic beauty will leave you spellbound.

The picturesque drive to the park and within Big Bend is known for being one of the best in Texas.

You have 150 miles of incredible terrain that includes deserts, mountains, hills, rivers etc. You get historical archeological sites to 2000 species of plants, birds, animals and more.

The natural beauty of Big Bend National Park is the reason to visit and explore as much as you can.

To make the best of your trip, you can stay within Big Bend National Park at the Chisos Mountains Lodge.

They offer well-appointed guest rooms and cottages. For a private, romantic time, I do suggest the cottages as they come with additional amenities and privacy.

Apart from that, Chisos Mountains Lodge has convenient access to some of the best trails and activities in Big Bend.

There are plenty of stay options just outside of the park as well. You can choose between a villa, cottage or a lovely log cabin depending upon your requirements.

You do need to book in advance though. Most of the accommodation options especially cottages within Chisos Mountains Lodge get booked well in advance.

Hot Springs National Park

Distance from Dallas: 296 miles – About 4 hours 30-minute drive.

It is time to visit the lovely state of Arkansas, to Hot Springs National Park.

Experience nature’s hot tub with 47 hot springs with thermal water believed to have therapeutic properties.

Emerging from the Hot Springs Mountains, the thermal waters have the perfect temperature to bathe and relax within natural pools.

For bathing in the hot springs water, you need to visit designated areas such as the Bathhouse Row. You can bathe in private or public hot tubs, take massages and other therapeutic spa treatments.

I personally feel taking a private, couples’ bath in a hot springs tub is one of the most romantic things to do.

If you would like to explore the natural scenery of the park, you could stay at the Gulpha Gorge Campground.

Just like other national parks, Hot Springs National Park is also replete with beautiful natural landscape, waterfalls, forest trails etc.

You can explore these areas with your partner or your family quite easily.

There are plenty of inexpensive stay options near Hot Springs National Park. Nevertheless, for a unique experience, you should stay at Hotel Hale.

It is a historic hotel, located at Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs. Thanks to its location and history, each room has a fantastic hot tub with direct hot springs thermal water.

Just soak in your bathtub with the magic of minerals working on your body for as long as you like.

Oklahoma City

Distance from Dallas: 206 miles – About 3 hours 10-minute drive.

At just over 200 miles north of Dallas, is Oklahoma City. Renowned for its cowboy culture, it is one of the best places to visit in the United States.

I particularly love Oklahoma City for its rich history and serene natural landscape.

It has several must-visit museums such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Numerous events take place each month that range from art, culture, sports, live music, food and drinks. All of these are fun events that you can enjoy on any given weekend.

For glamping enthusiasts, you can have a unique experience staying at Orr Family Farm inside historic Conestoga wagons.

These Conestoga wagons are perfect replicas of old pioneer wagons but with much more luxurious interiors.

Apart from this, you can choose to stay in various historical hotels, romantic villas, one-of-a-kind lodgings and nature-rich campsites.

Oklahoma City is easily accessible from Dallas with an easy drive. It is recommended for both romantic getaways as well as family vacations.

Grapevine

Distance from Dallas: 23 miles – 30-minute drive.

One of the closest places near Dallas for a brilliant weekend getaway is the city of Grapevine.

It is only 23 miles from Dallas making it perfect even if you are planning a last minute getaway.

If you are traveling with kids, then Grapevine has plenty of fun attractions to keep them busy. This includes its popular aquarium, Legoland and other amusement parks.

There is also the Grapevine Vintage Railroad that provides one of the best vintage railway experiences in Texas.

For couples, there are several romantic things to do in Grapevine. You must try one of the many winery tasting rooms and have a go at the art of glass blowing.

You can go boating at the 8000-acre lake, attend a festival, visit an art gallery and explore the historic downtown area.

Main street at downtown Grapevine is famous for its restored historical buildings, cafes, shopping options and galleries.

Considering its just a half hour drive from Dallas, you can easily visit Grapevine for a day trip.

If you wish to stay overnight, there is the famous Gaylord Texan Resort, but it isn’t exactly cheap.

You can easily find several value options that include cottages, inns, hotels and Airbnb guesthouses.

One last thing, you will love Grapevine if you are into antiques. There are several antique shops and also an antique market housing hundreds of vendors.

Caddo Lake State Park

Distance from Dallas: 168 miles – About 2 hours 40-minute drive.

Caddo Lake is the largest naturally formed lake in Texas.

Located towards East Texas, near the town of Karnack, you will find the Caddo Lake State Park.

Half of the lake falls under Texas while the other half is in Louisiana.

This is a really beautiful place with the largest cypress forest that you can find anywhere in the country.

Cypress trees in Caddo Lake State Park are not just high in numbers but are massive in size as well.

They are quite a sight to behold and exploring the forest is a thrilling adventure.

Boating, fishing, hiking, camping, exploring historical attractions and discovering various animal and bird species are popular activities at Caddo Lake.

While you can technically go swimming as well at Caddo Lake, it is not recommended due to presence of alligators.

You can go overnight camping if you wish to stay within Caddo Lake State Park.

The recommended option would be one of the many gorgeous lake cabins, cottages, inns and guesthouses near the park.

Corpus Christi

Distance from Dallas: 412 miles – About 6-hour drive.

Corpus Christi is one of the most popular cities in Texas for a weekend getaway.

The drive from Dallas is fun as you go past Austin and San Antonio. Hence, there are plenty of options for great stopovers in between.

The best part about Corpus Christi is its fantastic coastline with a number of things to do near the shore.

There are beaches, aquariums with touch pools, marine exhibits and even a naval aviation museum.

Mind you Corpus Christi is much more than a beautiful coastal city with great water-based activities.

It is an important historical, religious and cultural city as well.

Therefore, a visit to Corpus Christi allows you to undertake a diverse range of activities.

Apart from things to do, Corpus Christi is also famous for its restaurants serving fresh local seafood.

I feel Corpus Christi is the ideal base if you want to explore the gorgeous Texas Gulf Coast region.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Distance from Dallas: 380 miles – About 5 hours 40-minute drive.

Did you know that the second largest canyon in the United States is in Texas?

Often compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Palo Duro Canyon is equally majestic but with its own distinct charm.

Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the US is 120 miles long and up to 800 feet deep.

It has some of the best hiking and biking trails you can find anywhere in Texas. Horseback riding is another popular activity at Palo Duro Canyon.

Exploring the outstanding natural landscape and rugged terrain feels sublime whether on foot, bike or on a horse.

The Palo Duro Canyon State Park has a number of campsites and few cabins as well.

You can opt to stay here or choose one of the many fantastic glamping sites a few miles away.

If you want to stay in the city, you should stay at Amarillo, which is about 30 miles away.

I highly recommend visiting Palo Duro Canyon as you can learn so much about our history and geology.

It is not just about natural beauty but also about educating ourselves on our planet’s evolution. Needless to say, the Great Canyon of Texas is a geology enthusiast’s paradise.

Lake Texoma

Distance from Dallas: 89 miles – About 1 hour 30-minute drive.

At just 90 miles from Dallas, between the states of Texas and Oklahoma is the beautifully serene Lake Texoma.

With 93,000 acres of surface area and 580 miles of shoreline, it is amongst the largest reservoirs in the US.

Whether you are at the Texas side or the Oklahoma side, Lake Texoma is a beautiful place with great biodiversity.

I associate Lake Texoma with superb greenery and tranquillity. There are several state parks around the lake such as the lovely Eisenhower State Park.

You can explore these parks, marinas, wildlife refuge and other attractions during your visit.

Of course, you have to experience the lake either on a boat or go swimming.

Birding is another major activity near Lake Texoma that everyone seems to enjoy.

There are ample stay options in the surrounding areas that are perfect for both couples and families.

Lake Texoma is an easy day trip from Dallas but of course, an overnight weekend getaway would be preferable.

Turner Falls Park

Distance from Dallas: 130 miles – About 2-hour drive.

Turner Falls Park is located within the city of Davis in Oklahoma. It is only a leisurely 2-hour drive from Dallas.

It has the distinction of being both the largest waterfall at 77-feet and the oldest park in Oklahoma.

The entire 1500-acre park with the Turner Falls as its focal point is nature-rich with great beauty.

Quite obviously, the 77-foot waterfall is the main attraction and the most crowded area in the park.

You do not want to miss dipping your feet in the cold waters surrounding the waterfall.

However, there is so much more to do here apart from the falls. There are excellent hiking trails, you can explore mesmerizing hidden caves and even check out a stone castle.

With gorgeous greenery all around, Turner Falls Park is one of the best places for a family picnic.

Overall, Turner Falls has a great family vibe and is brilliant for a weekend getaway.

Couples looking for a romantic time, finding a secluded spot within the forests of Arbuckle Mountains is just perfect.

You can stay inside Turner Falls Park at designated campsites and cabins. There are plenty of nice, inexpensive inns, hotels, motels, cabins and cottages in the city of Davis as well.

Do keep in mind that the experience of Turner Falls Park is different from winter to summer months. The timings differ slightly as well so do plan accordingly. Whichever month you visit, you are sure to have a great time.

Final thoughts

There are several options for brilliant inexpensive weekend getaways near Dallas.

They are all fun and have a variety of things to do that range from romantic to family friendly.

You just need to choose based on how much time you have in your hands. Whether you are on a day trip, weekend getaway or on a long weekend holiday.

The best time to visit the deserts and canyons is Spring or Fall. However, the cities and towns in Texas Hill Country can be visited all year round.

Another important thing to remember, the drive to these getaways is as fun as the destination itself. So, make the most of them and create memories of a lifetime.