If you want to get away from the rush and bustle of Dallas for a day, you are in luck! The neighboring surroundings provide a choice of lovely sites ideal for a brief getaway. From stunning tiny towns to bustling cities, each location has its distinct personality and attractions that will capture your heart.
Whether you want outdoor adventures, cultural encounters, or simply a slower pace, these five-day vacations will provide you with amazing memories. Prepare to visit some of the top spots near Dallas that may motivate you to make a permanent move!
1. Fort Worth, Texas
We get what you are thinking: Fort Worth is right next door! This does not qualify as a day excursion! When was the last time you went to Fort Worth and didn’t wind up dancing the night away with too many tequila shots at Billy Bob’s? Fort Worth has a lot to offer, and it’s worth a visit during the day! Begin your day at the major museums.
There are several museums in Fort Worth, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the National Cowgirl Museum the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Wander through the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, which span 109 acres and contain over 2500 plant species.
At sunset, visit Sundance Square, named after the city’s most famous bandit, the Sundance Kid. Attend a show at Bass Performance Hall or the Circle Theater, or simply enjoy the people-watching in Sundance Square. After a day of culture, you’ve certainly earned those tequila shots at Billy Bob’s.
2. Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Texas
Don’t have time for a proper beach weekend? Don’t worry. Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Dallas.
This 3,000-acre reservoir is so large that you might mistake it for a beach. This natural playground, located an hour north of the metroplex, is ideal for hiking, trekking, horseback riding, and getting away from it all.
The Ray Roberts Marina provides full-service marina services, including boat storage, fishing licenses, and bait. Book your campground soon for busy summer weekends to avoid the triple-digit heat and make the most of the park’s superb boating, water skiing, and swimming opportunities.
3. Waco, Texas
There’s more to Waco than simply the Dr. Pepper Museum, though that alone is worth a day trip. Visit the Waco Mammoth Site (where over 20 mammoth skeletons and a saber tooth tiger skeleton have been discovered since the 1970s), Balcones Distilling (named after the eponymous fault line that runs through the region), and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
Plan your trip to coincide with a game at McLane Stadium, the Fighting Baylor Bears’ new, cutting-edge football facility. Get ready to “Sic ’em” alongside the throngs!
4. Dripping Springs, Texas
Okay, this is a bit of a lengthy drive for a day excursion, but hear us out. When you want to visit Hill Country but don’t want the kitsch of Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs is the place to go. Take 35 south to Austin, then a little further west to Dripping Springs, which is located on the edge of Hill Country.
There’s something for everyone here, from breweries and distilleries (such as the nationally known Jester King and Deep Eddy Vodka) to world-famous BBQ (at the Salt Lick in adjacent Driftwood) and the calm jade-colored waters of Hamilton Pool (a natural grotto and swimming hole). Make it a weekend trip and spend one night in Austin. Bonus: go out in late March to capture Instagram-worthy bluebonnet shots.
5. Denton, Texas
There’s a good reason why Denton bills itself as “a little bit of history, a little bit of shopping, and a lot of fun” in the city’s downtown core. Begin at the Bayless-Selby House Museum, a historic home that depicts the city’s history. Then, visit the Denton County African American Museum to learn about the city’s rich African-American history.
Visit the Historic Costume Collection of Texas First Ladies at Texas Woman’s University. Finish the afternoon by perusing the dozens of vintage shops that line downtown Denton. Denton is also the entryway to North Texas Horse Country, which has one of the highest concentrations of horse farms in the United States. Visit the Denton Visitor Center for information about a self-guided driving tour.
Final Words
These five-day vacations from Dallas provide a refreshing break from city life, with each offering unique sites and activities. Whether you explore Fort Worth’s lively culture, relax at Ray Roberts Lake, learn about Waco’s history, appreciate the elegance of Dripping Springs, or delve into Denton’s past, you’re sure to have unforgettable experiences.