• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Tyler (1 hour 30 min from Dallas) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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2. Terrell (35 min) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4 hours)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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4. Kimbell Art Museum (40 min from Dallas)

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
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5. Longview (2 hours)

© Longview

6. Jefferson (2 hours 30 min)

© Jefferson

7. Athens (1 hour)

© Athens

8. Greenville (1 hour)

© Greenville

9. Fort Worth (40 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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10. Turner Falls (2 hours 10 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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11. Lake Murray State Park (2 hours)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Lake Murray State Park

12. Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute (1 hour 30 min)

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute

13. Lake Texoma (1 hour 40 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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14. Davy Crockett National Forest (2 hours 40 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Gary Saxe - Fotolia.com

15. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (3 hours 15 min)

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

16. Pat Mayse State Wildlife Management Area (2 hours)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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17. Angelina National Forest (2 hours 50 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
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18. Hawaiian Falls Mansfield (Seasonal)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Damian/stock.adobe.com

19. The Houston Museum of Natural Science (3 hours 40 min)

Category: Kids & Family Fun
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20. State Capitol (3 hours)

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21. Palestine (1 hour 50 min Day Trip from Dallas)

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22. George Bush Presidential Library and Museum (2 hours 50 min)

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

23. Caddo Lake State Park (2 hours 30 min)

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© nat693/stock.adobe.com

24. Fort Worth Zoo (45 min)

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of yod77 - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Summary & FAQ Tyler (1 hour 30 min from Dallas) Terrell (35 min) Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4 hours) Kimbell Art Museum (40 min from Dallas) Longview (2 hours) Jefferson (2 hours 30 min) Athens (1 hour) Greenville (1 hour) Fort Worth (40 min) Turner Falls (2 hours 10 min) Lake Murray State Park (2 hours) Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute (1 hour 30 min) Lake Texoma (1 hour 40 min) Davy Crockett National Forest (2 hours 40 min) National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (3 hours 15 min) Pat Mayse State Wildlife Management Area (2 hours) Angelina National Forest (2 hours 50 min) Hawaiian Falls Mansfield (Seasonal) The Houston Museum of Natural Science (3 hours 40 min) State Capitol (3 hours) Palestine (1 hour 50 min Day Trip from Dallas) George Bush Presidential Library and Museum (2 hours 50 min) Caddo Lake State Park (2 hours 30 min) Fort Worth Zoo (45 min)

Dallas is conveniently located near many historical sites, interesting small towns, outdoor recreational parks and lakes. Whether you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle or just want to see something new, each of these Texas places offers an exciting opportunity to do just that.

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