Looking for outdoor fun near Dallas? Escape to Cedar Hill, Texas! Set on scenic hills just south of the city, Cedar Hill offers nature trails, lake views, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re hiking, shopping, or simply relaxing, this charming community blends small-town peace with big-city access.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Cedar Hill is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These months bring pleasant temperatures for hiking, biking, and exploring local parks. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for lake days and outdoor festivals.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Cedar Hill is located off US-67, just 20 miles southwest of downtown Dallas.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), both about 30–40 minutes away by car.
- By Public Transit: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) buses serve nearby cities, but a car is recommended for easy access.
Where I like to stay
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cedar Hill – Modern hotel with free breakfast, a pool, and easy access to highways.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Comfortable option near shopping and restaurants.
- Local Airbnbs – Find cozy stays near Joe Pool Lake or downtown Cedar Hill.
Top Attractions
1. Hike, Camp, or Fish in Nature’s Backyard at Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill State Park is located around twenty miles away from downtown Dallas and offers an oasis for nature enthusiasts in the middle of a metropolitan area. Tourists and locals alike head to the state park for swimming or picnicking, but visitors can also bring their gear to enjoy the many camping, biking, hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities found throughout the Cedar Hill State Park. Amenities here include more than two hundred picnic tables, over 350 wooded campsites, and the Penn Farm Agriculture Center, where guests can learn about the farming history of Texas or participate in a variety of fun events.
570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, Phone: 972-291-3900
2. If You’re Looking for Birdwatching, Visit Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Visitors can explore the hiking trails of the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, named for the flowering dogwood on the property, to see a wide array of plants and animals. The center’s rich vegetation offers a perfect habitat for nesting and migrating birds, including woodpeckers, warblers, hummingbirds, and orioles. An ideal thing to do in Cedar Hill, Texas for any nature lover, the grounds feature two canyon trails for viewing the natural surroundings without much disturbance. The Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center also hosts many different events during the year, such as Stars and S’mores, summer camps, and guided hikes.
206 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, Phone: 469-526-1980
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Historic Downtown Cedar Hill – Enjoy local shops, eateries, and a small-town vibe with historic charm.
- Plaza at Cedar Hill – Outdoor shopping center with national retailers, dining, and a movie theater.
- Joe Pool Lake – Popular for boating, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside picnicking.
Where I Like to Eat
- Babe’s Chicken Dinner House – Southern-style comfort food served family-style in a fun, rustic atmosphere.
- Sam’s Pizza – Locally loved spot for classic pizza, pasta, and subs.
- Veracruz Café – Regional Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Local Events
- Country Day on the Hill (October) – Annual festival with a parade, live music, food vendors, and crafts.
- Music in the Park (Summer) – Free outdoor concerts at Valley Ridge Park Amphitheater.
- Holiday on the Hill (December) – Family-friendly holiday celebration with lights, Santa visits, and more downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Cedar Hill, Texas
- Joe Pool Lake (10–15 min) – Swim, paddle, or enjoy a lakeside picnic at this popular recreational spot.
- Downtown Waxahachie (25–30 min) – Browse antique stores, admire historic architecture, and enjoy local dining in a charming small-town setting.
- Hillside Village (Shopping in Cedar Hill) (5–10 min) – Shop name-brand stores, grab a bite, or catch a seasonal outdoor concert or market.
- Downtown Midlothian (20–25 min) – Discover local boutiques, bakeries, and a relaxed small-town vibe just southwest of Cedar Hill.
- Lynn Creek Park (20–25 min) – Enjoy sandy swimming beaches, picnic areas, and boat access along the north shore of Joe Pool Lake.
- Grand Prairie Premium Outlets (20–25 min) – Hunt for deals at over 100 designer and name-brand stores in a stylish open-air mall.
- Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Grand Prairie) (25–30 min) – Splash year-round at this massive indoor waterpark with slides, wave pool, and lazy river.
- Bishop Arts District (Dallas) (25–30 min) – Explore artsy shops, hip cafés, galleries, and local makers in one of Dallas’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Plan Your Trip