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The 6 Best Weekend Getaways From Dallas Every Born-And-Raised Texan Brags About
You know you’ve lived in Dallas long enough when you’re idea of “stretching your legs” means driving until the FM radio fuzzes out.
Last Saturday, I told myself I’d just run to Fort Worth for tacos and somehow wound up floating down the Guadalupe like an overcaffeinated armadillo on vacation.
That’s the thing about Dallas folks: give us an open highway, a Stanley tumbler full of iced tea, and a playlist that starts with George Strait and ends with Beyoncé, and we’re liable to brag about a two-day escape like we discovered the concept of weekends.
So, where do we point the hood ornament when wanderlust nips at our cowboy-boot heels? Let me walk you through these getaways every born-and-raised Texan won’t shut up about—places I’ve broken in more than one pair of flip-flops on!
1. Fort Worth, Texas
Media credit: visitfortworth
Distance from Dallas: 32 miles
Driving time: 35 minutes
We Dallasites like to joke that Fort Worth is just “the other half” of DFW—but honestly, it’s got its own aura that feels like a whole different world.
First stop? The Stockyards. I always tell visiting friends to catch the twice-daily cattle drive. Real longhorns, real cowboys, and brick-paved streets—it’s like stepping into a Western movie.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably itching to do a little boot shopping. I popped into Lucchese just to browse… and walked out with a pair I still wear today.
Once you’re geared up, Billy Bob’s a must. It’s the world’s largest honky-tonk—equal parts concert venue, dance hall, and full-blown cowboy party, complete with indoor bull riding! Wild, right?
Now, if you prefer a quieter afternoon, Fort Worth’s museum district is seriously underrated. I’ve spent entire days just wandering from one gallery to the next.
The Kimbell is small but packed with stunning art. The Amon Carter is ideal for people who love classic American works. And if you have kids or just love dinosaurs, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is a solid pick.
For overnight stays, I recommend the Omni. It’s downtown, comfy, and close to everything. Bonus: rooftop pool!
Oh, and the food—come hungry! I usually steer folks to Texas de Brazil—an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse.
Pro Tip:
Most places around town offer free parking, but downtown can be a bit of a maze when it comes to finding a good spot.
Best bet? Check out the parking garages—they’re usually affordable, and they save you from the hassle of circling around.
2. Dripping Springs, Texas
Media credit: cityofdrippingsprings
Distance from Dallas: 215 miles
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Dripping Springs is about a 3.5-hour drive from Dallas, just west of Austin, and once you roll in, you’ll get why they call it the Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.
The mix of rolling hills, winding backroads, and that chill small-town vibe makes you want to ditch your schedule and just be for a while.
Last time I went, we kicked things off at Hamilton Pool Preserve—a stunning natural grotto with a waterfall pouring into the swimming hole.
After that, we wandered over to Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park. Not as popular, which is a plus—fewer people mean more space!
We hiked a bit, then found a shady spot by the river and just relaxed. That was probably my fave part—sitting there, feet in the water, no agenda.
Now, if you’re into food and wine (who isn’t on a weekend trip?), one of my top recs is the Texas Hill Country Olive Company. It’s a gorgeous Tuscan-style villa nestled in the hills, and they press their own olive oil from local orchards.
They also offer tours and tastings. You can try the oil drizzled on paninis, charcuterie boards, and pizzas. I bought a bottle and instantly wished I’d gotten more.
As for where to stay, we were trying to keep things lowkey, so we booked a room at Sleep Inn & Suites. It was clean, homey, and close to everything.
But if you’re willing to spend more money, Camp Lucy is absolutely worth it. A resort set on a hilltop with stunning views—ideal if you want to treat yourself.
Pro Tip:
The best time to visit Dripping Springs is during spring and fall. The weather’s just right—not too hot, not too cold—and the wildflowers are something else.
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
Media credit: visitfredtx
Distance from Dallas: 250 miles
Driving time: 4.5 hours
Sure, folks rave about the Oktoberfest scene at Fredericksburg, but the town’s charm spills well beyond lederhosen season.
Lately, the local vineyards have been on fire (in the best possible way!), and with more than 50 tasting rooms dotting the back roads, you can practically tiptoe from one flight to the next.
Picture yourself swirling a cab-sav, nibbling Hill Country cheese, and tapping your foot to a bluegrass duo on the patio. That’s a Saturday done right!
Whatever you do, time your visit around Trade Days at Sunday Farms. It’s this once-a-month treasure hunt where 350-plus vendors set up shop with antiques, jewelry, and handmade candles—you name it.
I’ve seen people haggle for a weathered saddle and then high-five over bratwursts in the biergarten next door. Trust me, your trunk will leave heavier than when you arrived!
Now, when the sun dips, crash at Peach Tree Inn & Suites. It’s comfy, easy on the wallet, and close enough that you can still smell the kolaches baking downtown.
And for dinner? Make a beeline for Otto’s German Bistro. The menu’s farm-to-table, the duck schnitzel is life-changing, and the wine list is basically a love letter to the very vineyards you spent the afternoon exploring.
Pro Tip:
Book your place to stay early! Fredericksburg is super popular, especially for weekend trips. Those cozy B&Bs and charming inns fill up faster than you think!
4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Media credit: kven.g
Distance from Dallas: 170 miles
Driving time: 3 hours
Broken Bow is kind of our unofficial backyard escape. Pop northeast out of Dallas, cross the Red River, and before you know it, traffic fades into pine-scented silence.
The town itself is so small, but the real draw is what surrounds it: skyscraper-tall pines in Ouachita National Forest, the crystal-clear curve of Broken Bow Lake, and campsites that’ll have you questioning why you ever paid city rent.
Not a tent person? Same. I like my critters outside and my coffee inside. The good news is the cabin game up here nails the balance—roomy, dog-friendly lodges with Wi–Fi that actually work and hot tubs that practically beg for a post-hike soak.
Oh, and make sure Beavers Bend State Park is on your radar too! It hugs the lake, so you can start the morning with an easy hike through pine-needle-soft trails and end it by renting a pontoon or kayak—whatever floats your boat, literally.
All that fresh air will earn you a serious appetite for sure, and when that happens, go to Papa Poblanos. Their fajitas arrive on a sizzling skillet, and the salsa’s got just enough kick to remind you you’re still close to Texas.
Pro Tip:
Lock down a cabin at Broken Bow as early as you can, like 5 or 6 months ahead of your trip.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Media credit: visitneworleans
Distance from Dallas: 520 miles
Driving time: 7.5 hours
You’re thinking about trading Big D for The Big Easy this weekend? Good call!
Believe me, that 7-ish-hour hop down I-20 feels a lot shorter once you’ve turned the drive into a marathon playlist session!
Everything’s a stroll or a streetcar ride, and half the fun is pretending you’re lost when you’re really just following the best-smelling breeze.
As for drinks, head straight to cocktail royalty: Cure’s inventive concoctions, Jewel of the South’s martini perfection, and Hot Tin’s rooftop views that’ll make your Insta jealous.
And don’t skip the shiny new Sazerac House—3 stories of interactive exhibits and generous tastings that’ll school you on the city’s liquid history.
For one truly unforgettable dinner, snag a seat at Mosquito Supper Club. It’s communal tables, multi-course coastal Cajun magic, and the aura is so effortlessly cool you’ll swear the gentle wind came straight off Bayou Lafourche.
Need a crash pad? The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is my go-to: modern rooms, a killer pool deck, and close enough to the action that you won’t have any precious beignet time in transit.
Pro Tip:
The best time to visit is during spring (February through May). That’s when the city really comes alive with festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.
6. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas
Media credit: dinovalleysp
Distance from Dallas: 80 miles
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Dinosaur Valley State Park down in Glen Rose is one of our family-favorite quick trips—just about an hour and a half southwest of DFW—close enough that the complaints barely hit full volume.
As soon as you step into the Paluxy Riverbed, there are 113-million-year-old dinosaur tracks under your sneakers.
The big-clawed ones belong to Acrocanthosaurus (local cousin of T-Rex), and the dinner-plate footprints are Sauroposeidon, the long-necked giant.
Even grown-ups get giddy seeing those for the first time, and the water’s shallow enough that little explorers can splash around while you play amateur paleontologist.
After dino fever, swap fossils for motion: take a slow paddle down the Paluxy, rent bikes along the riverside trail, or tackle rock climbs and guided horseback rides.
And before you leave, make a detour to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. It’s a drive-through safari, so you can roll the windows down and hand-feed a zebra or a gazelle. Just watch the rearview mirror—those emus have zero respect for personal space!
For the night, I always recommend Anderson Creek Cabins. They’re tucked beneath the oaks, super cozy, and far enough from the highway that the only alarm clock you’ll hear is birdsong.
Come morning, point your GPS to Big Cup Eatery downtown—they have legendary breakfast tacos and gloriously messy burgers—just the fuel you need before heading back up I-35.
Pro Tip:
Rainy days might sound cozy, but they make the Paluxy River rise, and that means those famous dinosaur tracks could be underwater.
If you really want to see the tracks clearly, aim for a stretch of sunny weather. Plus, you’ll avoid the mud—it’s a win-win!
