15+ Awesome Mini Road Trips You Can Take Around Dallas
Dallas is one of the most fascinating places in the US. Read on to discover some of the best mini road trips from Dallas. Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the US. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Dallas was founded in 1841 and officially became a city in 1856. The city quickly became a regional commercial and financial center due to its strategic location along trade routes. Dallas was also a major stop on the Texas and Pacific Railway.
What are the best mini-road trips to take around Dallas?
In Dallas, you can travel to amazing places like Grapevine, Fort Worth, Turner Falls, Dripping Springs, Caddo Lake State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Oklahoma City, Houston, Galveston, and Austin. Here, you’ll find plenty of attractions and things to do.
Dallas continued to grow in the twentieth century, becoming an industrial and financial powerhouse. Dallas is known for its skyline, tourist attractions, and rich history. It is home to many Fortune 500 companies and is a leading center for business and finance. The city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene. Dallas is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone.
As residents of Dallas, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you plan mini road trips from Dallas and see all there is to see.
Grapevine
Grapevine, Texas, is a city with a rich history and a wide variety of things to do. The city was first settled in the 1840s and was originally called Grape Vine Prairie. Today, Grapevine is home to more than 60,000 people and is a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
The city is known for its many wineries and grapevines, as well as its outdoor activities and attractions.
Visitors to Grapevine can enjoy hiking and biking trails, fishing and tubing on the Trinity River, or exploring the downtown area with its many shops and restaurants.
There are also various annual events held in Grapevine, including the Main Street Days festival, the Texas Wine and Art Festival, and the Victorian Christmas celebration.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, Grapevine is sure to have something for everyone.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is a city in Texas with a rich history and plenty of things to do. The city is home to the Fort Worth Stockyards, once a major stop on the Chisholm Trail for cattle drives.
Today, the stockyards are a popular tourist destination, with restaurants, shops, and museums.
Visitors can also tour the Historic Trinity River Fort, built in 1849 to protect settlers from Indian attacks. For a taste of the city’s cowboy culture, visitors can attend a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum.
Other things to do in Fort Worth include exploring the Kimbell Art Museum, catching a show at Bass Performance Hall, and strolling through the Japanese Garden. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Fort Worth is one of Texas’s most popular cities.
Turner Falls
Turner Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. The falls are located on the Big Wichita River and offer a scenic spot for picnicking, swimming, and hiking.
There are also a variety of things to do at Turner Falls, including visiting the waterfall, exploring the hiking trails, and checking out the nearby swimming holes.
Visitors can also take advantage of the many things to do at Turner Falls Park, including camping, fishing, and bird-watching.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Turner Falls is one of Texas’s most popular tourist destinations.
Dripping Springs
There’s no shortage of things to do at Dripping Springs, Texas. This charming town is situated near some of the best hiking and biking trails in the state, and there are also plenty of great shopping and dining options.
Plus, the scenic Dripping Springs waterfall is a must-see for any visitors. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy.
And, of course, no trip to Dripping Springs would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local wines.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Dripping Springs is one of the most popular destinations in Texas.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is located in East Texas and is well known for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The park also offers a variety of other activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s many amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a swimming beach. Caddo Lake State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, snakes, and fish.
Visitors can take a scenic boat tour of the lake to see the sights and learn about its history. With so much to offer, Caddo Lake State Park is a great destination for a day trip or an extended vacation.
Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park is a must-see for any nature lover visiting Texas. The park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, as well as a variety of outdoor activities.
Hiking, biking, and camping are all popular activities, and the scenic views are not to be missed. The park also features a number of caves that are open to the public, and visitors can cool off in the refreshing waters of the Colorado River.
With so much to see and do, Colorado Bend State Park is sure to please everyone in the family.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is the capital of Texas and the largest city in the state. With a population of over 1.3 million people, it is the fifth-largest city in the United States.
Oklahoma City is a thriving metropolis with a diverse economy, a rich cultural scene, and plenty of things to do. The city is home to some of the best museums in the country, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum.
There are also plenty of things to do outdoors, from hiking and biking in Central Park to kayaking on the Hudson River. Oklahoma City is a great place to live, work, and play.
Houston
Houston, the largest city in Texas, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination with something to offer everyone. From world-class museums and restaurants to exciting nightlife and outdoor activities, Houston always has something to do.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich history and culture at the Museum of Fine Arts or the Houston Museum of Natural Science or enjoy a meal at one of the many award-winning restaurants.
For those looking for a more active experience, Houston also boasts a thriving nightlife scene and many parks and trails perfect for exploring. No matter your interests, you’re sure to find something to do in Houston.
Galveston
Galveston is a historic city located on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Galveston Island is home to 32 miles of beaches, as well as a number of historical sites and attractions.
Fun things to do in Galveston include visiting the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, taking a cruise on the pirate ship Elissa, exploring the Moody Gardens, and checking out the Victorian-style architecture in the Downtown Historic District.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing in the Gulf of Mexico. With its beautiful beaches and rich history, Galveston is a great place to visit for a fun-filled vacation.
Austin
Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do. From its world-famous music scene to its delicious food trucks, there’s something for everyone in Austin.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of parks and hiking trails to explore.
The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, making it the perfect place for culture lovers. And, of course, no visit to Austin would be complete without taking a dip in one of the many natural swimming holes!
Austin has something to offer whether you’re looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway.
San Antonio
San Antonio is a large city in south-central Texas with a rich history and plenty of things to do. The Alamo, an important landmark in the state’s history, is located here, as well as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which includes four 18th-century Spanish missions.
The River Walk, a network of waterways and pedestrian paths, runs through the city center and is lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and hotels.
Other attractions include the San Antonio Zoo, the McNay Art Museum, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
With its varied attractions and sunny climate, San Antonio is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Texas Wine Country
Texas Wine Country is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique combination of rural charm and world-class wine. The area is home to more than 50 wineries, each of which offers its own unique take on the vino experience.
Whether you’re looking to relax with a glass of Cabernet on a patio overlooking the vineyards or explore a new variety at a wine tasting, there’s something for everyone in Texas Wine Country.
In addition to its renowned wineries, the area also boasts scenic hiking trails, charming small towns, and plenty of stargazing opportunities.
So if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path wine destination, add Texas Wine Country to your list.
Palo Duro
Palo Duro is a beautiful geological feature located in the Texas Panhandle. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, making it the second largest canyon in the United States.
Visitors to Palo Duro can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, and picnicking. There are also several scenic drives that offer stunning views of the canyon.
For those looking for a more challenging experience, this Canyon also has several rock climbing and rappelling areas. No matter your interests, there is something for everyone at Palo Duro.
El Paso
El Paso is a city in western Texas with a population of over 650,000 people. The city is located on the Rio Grande river and is adjacent to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
El Paso is known for its diverse culture, beautiful scenery, and plentiful outdoor activities.
Popular tourist attractions include the Mission Trail, which includes three historic missions; the Magoffin Homestead, a 19th-century adobe house; and the El Paso Zoo. The city also has a variety of museums, including the El Paso Museum of Art and the Museum of Archaeology.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking in Franklin Mountains State Park or horseback riding in Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. With so much to see and do, El Paso is a great place to visit for any traveler.
Big Bend National Park
There’s no shortage of things to do in Big Bend National Park. With over 800,000 acres to explore, the options are nearly limitless. Hikers can take on one of the many trails that wind through the park, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Mountain bikers can hit the trail, while those looking for a relaxing ride can take a scenic drive through the park. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching, with over 450 species of birds and 75 species of mammals present in the park.
No visit to Big Bend would be complete without a dip in one of the many hot springs that dot the landscape.
Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone in Big Bend National Park.
Beavers Bend
There’s no shortage of things to do at Beavers Bend. For nature lovers, there’s hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Or you can just relax in the beautiful scenery.
There’s also a variety of historical sites to explore, including the Beavers Bend State Park Museum and the Forest Heritage Center.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the nearby towns of Broken Bow and Hochatown offer a variety of shops and restaurants.