As one of the largest cities in Texas, Dallas has plenty to offer. This city is known for its incredible culture. There are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants here. Not to mention, the city has a thriving nightlife scene.
This guide will provide all information you need to know about all the greatest Dallas getaways. We’ve also given you tons of useful information so that you can choose the perfect location.
So if you’re looking to escape the city, we’ve got tons of perfect locations for you. If you’ve got a free weekend coming up, why not try some of these amazing getaways? You could have a wonderful weekend away!
Galveston, Texas, is a beloved vacation spot among families. It’s not hard to see why this area is so popular among holidaymakers.
The coastal resort allows people to escape from the city and experience the incredible coast.
One of the most well-liked attractions in Galveston is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
Opened in 2012, this pleasure pier will provide you with plenty of adrenaline and excitement. This is because it’s packed with rides and a roller coaster. Plus, there are carnival games that are fun for all the family.
Alternatively, you can educate yourself thanks to the Galveston Railroad Museum. If you’ve got an interest in trains, this is the place to be! This non-profit organization offers a unique insight into railroad history.
Just bear in mind that Galveston is particularly popular when the sun is in the sky. So expect it to be busy during the spring and summer months.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking spot of natural beauty, you cannot go wrong with Marble Falls. Located in Burnet County, Marble Falls is a city that is renowned for its lovely Lake Marble Falls.
This reservoir acts as a recreational lake. Not only can you enjoy the stunning scenery, but you can also get stuck into a range of enjoyable activities.
This includes fishing and boating. Who knows, you may even manage to catch a rare species of native fish!
Marble Falls has also developed a positive reputation for its brilliant breweries. During your visit, you may want to check out Save the World Brewery, Bear King Brewing Company, or Double Horn Brewing.
There are also some wineries in the area, which are great for wine lovers.
As the fifth largest city in Texas, Fort Worth is an ideal destination for people who want to remain within the city.
This urban space has plenty of amazing activities for you to dive into. Yet, there are also some more rural elements to this lively city.
One of the best activities that you can experience is the Fort Worth Zoo. Open since 1909, Fort Worth Zoo is home to a range of impressive species, including Asian elephants, African penguins, and Sumatran orangutans.
We encourage you to give this zoo a try if you love wildlife.
If you prefer something a little more intellectual, Fort Worth also features a range of magnificent museums. This includes the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
These museums are fantastic places to immerse yourself in culture and history.
Up next, Padre Island is a phenomenal weekend destination that you can easily reach from Dallas. Did you know that this is one of the largest barrier islands in the world (Also check out Best Islands In The US)?
Offering scenic coastal views, Padres Island is a gorgeous location that’s perfect for taking stunning pictures. These pictures are perfect for sharing on social media!
You can also find fantastic fishing spots across Padre Island, particularly toward the upper regions.
If you are interested in wildlife preservation, it’s worth checking out Sea Turtle Inc. This outstanding organization is dedicated to protecting and preserving sea turtles.
By visiting Sea Turtle Inc, you can learn all about the preservation efforts that go into protecting these creatures.
For people who adore delightful walks through nature, the Laguna Madre Nature Trail is ideal.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is a charming destination with a small destination. In fact, it has a population of just over 10,000 people.
This German-inspired location is great if you want to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture. Fredericksburg is approximately 4 hours away from Dallas.
Fredericksburg has an interesting history that tells the tale of German settlers. You can explore this history through the delightful architecture of this city.
This amazing architecture is kept through the Pioneer Museum Complex. In particular, Fredericksburg is home to The Vereins Kirche building.
The streets of this vintage town are lined with divine restaurants. You’re bound to find plenty of delicious places to eat.
If you have a passion for history, the German-influenced town of Fredericksburg is the perfect holiday destination for you. So why not immerse yourself in this charming Germanic town that’s found in Texas?
Nestled in Hays County, Wimberley is one of the jewels of Texas. In particular, it offers divine areas of natural beauty.
One of the best ways of seeing all the nature that wonderful Wimberley has to offer is through an exhilarating zipline adventure.
You can also experience the blossoming nature through the Blue Hole Regional Park. The park is beautiful thanks to its crystal-clear waters and impressive plants.
You can also find the charming Jacob’s Well Natural Area. During your visit, you should be sure to check out the spectacular underwater caves. This 80-acre creek is a sensational swimming spot.
So if you plan to visit this location, remember to pack your swimming costume!
Glen Rose is an overlooked gem in Texas. Specifically, this city is found in the Somervell County area of Texas.
Though there are plenty of reasons to visit Glen Rose, the most popular attraction in this area is Dinosaur Valley State Park. This is both a state park and a National Natural Landmark, so you should be sure to check it out!
When walking alongside the calming Paluxy River, visitors can spot massive dinosaur prints. This trail is ideal for people who have a passion for dinosaurs and history.
In particular, kids love walking alongside these dinosaur prints, as it allows them to have the archeological adventure of their dreams.
Whilst you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the fantastic Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a conservation program that allows you to experience lots of wonderful wildlife.
If you want to experience another city that’s nearby Dallas, the superb San Antonio is an excellent choice.
San Antonio is fabulous because it has a rich and diverse culture. In particular, you can observe the Spanish influence on culture, which dates back to the 18th century.
There are tons of shops, boutiques, and restaurants here. The San Antonio River Walk is home to an assortment of dining options, as well as a pedestrianized waterway.
Found in the heart of San Antonio, you must visit this river during your stay. It is especially dazzling at night when illuminated by the nightlights.
On the natural side, San Antonio’s Natural Bridge Caverns are certainly worth visiting. These distinctive caves offer unmissable views. Tours are regularly held here to illuminate the unique limestone formations.
San Antonio is an especially excellent place to see during the Fall, as the warm colors highlight the natural beauty of this city.
Dripping Springs is one of the most breathtaking places you can find in Texas. Roughly three hours away from Dallas, Dripping Spring is a charming town that offers exceptional nature.
Perhaps the most beautiful place in Dripping Springs is Hamilton Pool. This recreational pool preserve features a wonderful waterfall that is the ideal place for relaxation.
You can easily relax as you watch the water elegantly cascade down this 50-foot waterfall.
Of course, this is not the only extraordinary attraction in Dripping Springs. This includes the Bell Springs Winery, which provides unique wine brands that you’re bound to love.
You can also experience the beautiful Reimers Ranch, a park that offers sensational rock climbing facilities.
You may find it odd that we’ve suggested going to Austin. But the truth is that as the capital of Texas, it makes sense to suggest this city as a getaway that you can easily reach from Dallas. These locations are just 3 hours apart!
While Austin may not be the top choice if you want to escape the city, it’s a fine option if you wish to explore the vibrant nightlife. Not to mention, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Texas.
Some outstanding natural spots in Austin will provide a brief respite from city life. This includes the Zilker Metropolitan Park. This park consists of more than 350 acres of land and is considered one of the most beloved spots in the city.
The relaxing park is in the center of downtown Austin, making it extremely easy to access.
Another way in which you can get in touch with nature in Austin is through the Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve.
This pretty park is most famous for its beautiful botanical gardens and the free-roaming peacocks, which give it an unmissable touch of elegance.
If you want to experience the rich culture, you may want to attend one of the many museums in Austin. In particular, it’s advised that you explore the Mexic-Arte Museum, which showcases Latino and Mexican art.
A short journey of just 20 minutes will take you from Dallas to Grapevine. This suburb is worth checking out if you don’t want to travel too far. Not to mention, traveling here from Dallas will be cheap, making it a budget-friendly option.
During nice weather, the Botanical Garden at Heritage Park is one of the prettiest destinations in Grapevine. There are lots of nature walks that are blooming with elegant plants, as well as water that’s filled with fabulous fish.
If you’re looking for some indoor activities, the Grapevine Aquarium is perfect for you.
This long underwater tunnel allows you to experience lots of unique species, including rescued sea turtles. Kids tend to love this aquarium, so it’s an ideal getaway for families.
For people with a passion for shopping, you should add Grapevine Mills to your itinerary. This is the largest shopping area in North Texas.
It is also home to a variety of restaurants and forms of entertainment, including a brilliant bowling alley and theater.
If you don’t mind leaving Texas, Oklahoma City is a great way of exploring another state. Specifically, it allows you to explore the state of Oklahoma. Just a three-and-a-half hour drive away from Dallas, Oklahoma is perfect for a weekend getaway.
To experience some wonderful wildlife, you may wish to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo. This zoo contains more than 1,900 species, meaning that there is plenty of wildlife for you to explore.
The zoo also offers exclusive wild encounters, which allows you to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.
Oklahoma also has a powerful cowboy culture. If you want to learn more about this culture, why not visit the amazing National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum?
If you prefer educational experiences, Science Museum Oklahoma gives you a phenomenal hands-on experience. In particular, the science museum is the perfect opportunity for family fun, especially for kids.
New Orleans is one of the most lively destinations in the entirety of the US. This city has an abundant culture that you can experience through its delicious cuisine and magnificent music.
You can also get involved with lots of fantastic festivals, including Madi Gras.
One of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans is the French Quarter. This is an essential spot to visit during your getaway.
Inspired by French culture, this charming neighborhood contains a lively nightlife and plenty of places to eat. It has traditional architecture that perfectly symbolizes the vital spirit of New Orleans.
Another great way of experiencing the lively culture of this city is through the various tours that are held here. This includes voodoo, vampire, and ghost tours, which are sure to provide a haunting experience.
Perfect for history fans, New Orleans contains the National WWII Museum. This incredible museum documents the role that America played in WWII, providing you with a better understanding of this monumental historical event.
During your visit to New Orleans, you may want to travel through the sensational streetcars.
These streetcars are not only a convenient way of getting around the city, but they also look great. They are usually designed with bold colors and intricate patterns to give them a vintage vibe.
During your weekend getaway to Jefferson, you will be thrust into the past. Jefferson is a quaint town in Texas that’s influenced by pre-civil war history.
This historic town is loaded with charming architecture and delightful restaurants. This destination is perfect if you love history!
This picturesque town is known for its extraordinary hospitality, so you’re bound to instantly feel welcome here. You can also try out one of the main ghost tours that are held in Jefferson.
We recommend that you visit the fantastic Historic Jefferson Railway. Constructed in 1985, this vintage railway is home to a range of old-fashioned trains and locomotives.
You can also take a journey through time when visiting the Jefferson Historical Museum.
Last but not least, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is around 4 hours away from Dallas. Though the drive is a little longer than some of the other getaway options on this list. The long car ride is worth it if you enjoy busy cities.
Tulsa is an exceptionally excellent weekend getaway over the spring and summer. This city is famed for its distinctive decor style.
When you visit the city, Tulsa Zoo is a must-see. The 84-acre zoo is an amazing way to see exotic animals. Among the animals that you can see here are the African lion, bog turtle, eyelash viper, meerkat, and grizzly bear.
Alternatively, you can stop by the glorious Gathering Place. This is the name of a large park that’s perfect for recreational activities.
This riverfront park is fun for all the family and has a plethora of activities for you to enjoy, such as boat riding. Plus, there are numerous dining options so that you can have some delectable food after you’ve had fun.
Final Thoughts
Dallas is a wonderful city to live in. However, you may feel the need to escape from the stress of the city so that you can experience urban landscapes.
If you live in Dallas but feel like taking a break, the aforementioned destinations are ideal for a staycation. Ideal for weekends away from the city, you are guaranteed to have fun in these destinations!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Should You Stay In Dallas?
If you’re taking a vacation to Dallas, it’s advised that you spend at least 3 days in this city. This will give you plenty of time to explore all that the area has to offer.
What Beaches Are Near Dallas?
Beachside holidays are always super fun. If you’re looking for some brilliant beaches near Dallas, you may want to check out Crystal Beach in Bolivar Peninsula, Malaquite Beach in Corpus Christi, or Grapevine Lake Beach.
These beautiful beaches are the perfect places to relax and have some fun!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Dallas?
If you want to visit Dallas, it’s recommended that you go there in either spring or fall. During these months, the weather will be less wet, but you won’t get the excessive heat associated with summer.
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
