• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

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

Tyler (1 hour 30 min from Dallas)
© Courtesy of Lori Martin - Fotolia.com

2. Terrell (35 min) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Terrell (35 min)
© Courtesy of leekris - Fotolia.com

3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4 hours)

Category: Activities
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4 hours)
© Courtesy of dfikar - Fotolia.com

4. Kimbell Art Museum (40 min from Dallas)

Category: Museums & Culture
Kimbell Art Museum (40 min from Dallas)
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

5. Longview (2 hours)

Longview (2 hours)
© Longview

6. Jefferson (2 hours 30 min)

Jefferson (2 hours 30 min)
© Jefferson

7. Athens (1 hour)

8. Greenville (1 hour)

Greenville (1 hour)
© Greenville

9. Fort Worth (40 min)

Category: Activities
Fort Worth (40 min)
© Courtesy of leekris - Fotolia.com

10. Turner Falls (2 hours 10 min)

Category: Activities
Turner Falls (2 hours 10 min)
© Courtesy of crotonoil - Fotolia.com

11. Lake Murray State Park (2 hours)

Category: Activities
Lake Murray State Park (2 hours)
© Lake Murray State Park

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

Category: Museums & Culture
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute (1 hour 30 min)
© Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute

13. Lake Texoma (1 hour 40 min)

Category: Activities
Lake Texoma (1 hour 40 min)
© Courtesy of tamdesigns - Fotolia.com

14. Davy Crockett National Forest (2 hours 40 min)

Category: Activities
Davy Crockett National Forest (2 hours 40 min)
© Courtesy of Gary Saxe - Fotolia.com

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

Category: Museums & Culture
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (3 hours 15 min)
© National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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

Category: Activities
Pat Mayse State Wildlife Management Area (2 hours)
© Courtesy of watcherfox - Fotolia.com

17. Angelina National Forest (2 hours 50 min)

Category: Activities
Angelina National Forest (2 hours 50 min)
© Courtesy of omune - Fotolia.com

18. Hawaiian Falls Mansfield (Seasonal)

Category: Activities
Hawaiian Falls Mansfield (Seasonal)
© Damian/stock.adobe.com

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

Category: Kids & Family
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (3 hours 40 min)
© Courtesy of alexandros33 - Fotolia.com

20. State Capitol (3 hours)

State Capitol (3 hours)
© Courtesy of amadeustx - Fotolia.com

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

Palestine (1 hour 50 min Day Trip from Dallas)
© Courtesy of ilcianotico - Fotolia.com

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

Category: Kids & Family
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum (2 hours 50 min)
© George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

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

Category: Activities
Caddo Lake State Park (2 hours 30 min)
© nat693/stock.adobe.com

24. Fort Worth Zoo (45 min)

Category: Kids & Family
Fort Worth Zoo (45 min)
© Courtesy of yod77 - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

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.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.