Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Dallas, Texas
Living in Dallas, Texas you get access to amazing museums and parks. In addition, just a short day trip from the city, you can find even more to enjoy. Here are my favorite ways to get away (organized by approximate distance from downtown Dallas), and I hope you love them too.
Irving - 20 minutes from Dallas
Just a short drive from Dallas, this city has become one of my favorite underrated gems in North Texas. Why? Every time I visit, I find a mix of vibrant city energy and hidden spots that make it a cool weekend escape or even just a quick day trip.
Irving's Las Colinas area is absolutely the coolest part of town for me because I admire its sleek modern skyline, and waterfront vibe. At the center of it all, is Gondola Adventures, where the spirit of Venice lives right here in Texas. I wasn’t expecting to find gondolas here, (real ones!) wondered in a second if I was teleported to Italy...but as soon as you step aboard, the city melts away.
When I get hungry, I can never resist stopping at affordable Bread Zeppelin serving fresh salads stuffed into warm, artisan baguettes and every time I eat there, I feel like I’ve stumbled onto one of the coolest foodie secrets in the state.
Plano - 30 minutes from Dallas
This suburban town charmed me with its restored red-brick heritage buildings, eateries, and nature preserves.
A quick 25–30 minute drive north from Dallas brought me into Downtown Plano Arts District, where the atmosphere felt cozy yet contemporary.
There’s plenty to do here. Stroll through the brick-lined streets of Historic Downtown Plano, then explore the tranquil trails at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Even better, experience the artistry at the Courtyard Theater. We had tons of fun bowling and riding bumper cars at Pinstack so don't underestimate this place for some easy-going family fun on your road trip!
Dinner was at Urban Crust, a wood-fired pizzeria in a historic building. Snag a rooftop spot at sunset. The warm setting that made us feel right at home.
Or make a reservation at Seasons 52, an upscale spot well-known for its seasonally inspired menu and impressive wine list. Alternatively, for something extra special, enjoy a fine dining experience at Fogo de Chao.
Unwinding for the night at the luxurious 4-star Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel was ideal, with its sleek modern design, rooftop pool, and sweeping views of the city.
Arlington - 30 minutes from Dallas
This was one of my favorite places for a Texas day trip because it blends excitement, and family fun, right between Dallas and Fort Worth.
One of the absolute best highlights for in Arlington is catching a game or event at AT&T Stadium or Globe Life Field because even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the energy is electric, and the atmosphere is just spectacular.
For thrills, Six Flags Over Texas is always a cool option for riding roller coasters with my son and having a worry-free day outside.
One of my favorite hidden treasures in Arlington is dining at Mariano’s Hacienda, an iconic spot where the frozen margarita machine was actually invented! We ordered spicy pulled chicken enchiladas ($16) and other tasty eats and stayed for a while.
Frisco - 30 minutes from Dallas
Just north of Dallas (about 30 minutes by car!), Frisco is one of the most underrated towns I’ve explored in North Texas, and I think it’s one of the absolute best low-key road trip stops to make near the metroplex.
First, strolling through the Rail District, we admired the blend of historic charm and modern touches, discovering unique boutiques and local spots that encouraged us to slow down and enjoy the moment together.
My favorite next stop was a cozy café tucked along Main Street, where we shared flaky pastries and perfectly made lattes—it felt like the absolute best way to start the day.
After coffee and snacks, we wandered into small specialty shops and antique-style stores filled with quirky finds, laughing as certain items sparked memories of childhood and family stories.
A short drive took us to nearby parks like Frisco Commons, where winding trails, open green spaces, and quiet ponds gave us a refreshing chance to walk side by side this month and soak up the Texas sunshine.
In the afternoon, a favorite highlight of mine was strolling through the Frisco Heritage Center with historic buildings - it gave me a look into small-town Texas life from over a century ago.
I loved that Frisco had such an underrated vibe—polished yet relaxed, welcoming without feeling rushed—which made it feel like our own little escape despite being close to the city.
We also stopped by the local farmers market, where fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items gave us a real sense of community and plenty of snacks to bring along for later.
Our last stop was Stonebriar Centre, with its fun dining, entertainment, as well as KidZania for kids, perfect for a family day trip from Dallas, Texas.
Fort Worth - 30 minutes from Dallas
Just a short drive west from Dallas, this city feels like a world of its own and I think it's one of the most captivating weekend getaways in the Lone Star State. Once I arrived, I quickly understood why Fort Worth is often called the place “where the West begins”, because of its cool cowboy culture.
Start your visit in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can witness a real-life cattle drive, browse Western boutiques, and grab a drink at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk. Then, make your way downtown to Sundance Square, a lively district filled with upscale shops, live music, and art-filled courtyards.
Afterwards, art lovers will find plenty to explore in the Cultural District, like the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Although these are walking distance of each other, I recommend leaving plenty of time to enjoy them. You can also join one of the many organized tours on offer to cover more ground in a shorter time.
In the evening, treat yourself to an elegant dinner at Grace, a chic downtown steakhouse with a reputation for exceptional service and a superb wine list. Or, for a more relaxed meal, try the legendary Heim Barbecue (yes, you have to wait a bit, but it was so worth it!).
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
