The Lone Star State has a lot going for it and you'll find some of the best parts of Texas condensed in the Dallas metro area. Delectable cuisine, a lively arts scene and warm, friendly faces make a Texas-sized impression. You could spend days exploring the city itself, finding nooks and crannies that appeal to practically all interests without ever leaving the city limits.
Dallas is (arguably) the heart of the arts scene in Texas. Here, you'll find the renowned Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It's also a hotbed for foodies and those in search of some Texas-style nightlife. Fans of Tex-Mex will find world-class options here, from humble taco joints to upscale eateries and cafés. Those looking for shopping will find world-class shops and boutiques at Highland Park Village. The Bishop Arts District is another worthy stop for those inclined to unique art and boutique shopping.
Dallas offers plenty of attractions on its own and you could stay busy here year-round. But if you fancy a bit of a road trip, you'll also find a slew of fantastic day trips an hour or less from downtown. These top day trips in Dallas have something for everyone--and they're all less than an hour from downtown Dallas.
1. Denton, TX
Denton is just a 45-minute drive from central Dallas, but it has a distinct vibe of its own. A small city in its own right, Denton is home to just under 150,000 residents. A day trip here wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Courthouse on the Square, a distinctive landmark built in 1896. You'll find plenty of parking in the city center, but keep in mind that much of the parking at the courthouse itself is limited to 2 hours on weekdays. Take a stroll around the historic courthouse before grabbing lunch at one of the excellent restaurants in central Denton, many of which are within easy walking distance.
You could take in a show at the Campus Theatre, taste a few craft brews at one of the many local breweries, or spend a few hours surrounded by natural beauty at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. There's something for everyone here and you won't find a shortage of shops, restaurants, museums and other points of interest to explore.
2. Terrell, TX
Just a short skip and hop away from Dallas, you can drive to Terrell, TX in a brisk 35 minutes--and you'll feel like you've entered another world. Terrell embodies small-town Texas charm with its old-fashioned downtown and homey mom-and-pop shops. Old Town Terrell is bristling with historic buildings, many of which boast fun murals. You won't find upscale shopping and dining here. What you will find is to-die-for Tex-Mex and down-home Southern food.
Avid SCUBA divers flock to Terrell's Scuba Ranch for some quarry diving. The lucky few might just encounter Sisco the Shark, who currently claims the title of the largest freshwater shark in the U.S.
3. Fort Worth, TX
The famous "FW" portion of "DFW," Fort Worth has a culture, atmosphere and set of offerings all its own. Whereas Dallas is widely regarded as North Texas's center of art, shopping and culture, Fort Worth is known for its bulls. Depending on the time of year, Fort Worth turns into a world-class destination for rodeo fans and ranchers alike during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Fort Worth also feels a little more hipster than Dallas, with niche shops, restaurants and artsy hideaways that invite you to stop in and stay all day. The Magnolia Neighborhood is the heart of the arts scene, while the newly-renovated Stockyards are more well known as cowboy central.
The Fort Worth Zoo is world-class; it's easy to lose track of the hours there. The same goes for the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. Downtown Fort Worth is home to countless bike-share stations and it's uniquely walkable--perhaps more so than even Dallas. It's not usually too difficult to find parking, unless there's a big event going on (in which case you might want to reserve a spot in advance). A free trolley also services the downtown area, so once you're parked, getting around will be no trouble at all.
4. Weatherford, TX
Weatherford is another quintessential Texas town with a huge character. Known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World, Weatherford is deep in the heart of ranch country and it's only an hour away from Dallas. But the things to do in Weatherford go far beyond the ranches and horse trainers. You'll also find the beautiful Museum of the Americas, with its fascinating and heartrending displays on the history of Native Americans in North America. Chandor Gardens and Chandor Mansion are also worthwhile stops for those with a penchant for history and architecture. The historic garden and home was owned by a portrait painter in the first half of the 1900's; the gardens and home blend English and Chinese art and design choices in a gorgeous, relaxing setting that you can still visit today.
Clark Gardens, a botanical garden of great magnitude and almost universal appeal, is another gorgeous place to stop and wander. Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 20 minutes from Weatherford, is the perfect place for those in search of some solitude and nature therapy to spend a few hours (or a whole day).
5. Greenville, TX
Just 55 minutes from downtown Dallas, Greenville, TX is a hidden gem that gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the city. A small town of fewer than 30,000 residents, Greenville calls itself the Cotton Capital of the World. Its history reaches far back into the pre-dust-bowl cotton fields that characterized this part of the country. WWII aficionados and history buffs will appreciate the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, a fascinating stop that will take a couple of hours of your time.
For a taste of the prairie the way it used to be, stop by the 1,400-acre Clymer Meadow Preserve. The vast majority of America's tallgrass prairie land was decimated during the agricultural explosion in the 1800's; the Clymer Preserve aims to protect a small slice of that unique prairie, with all its native grasses and wildflowers. If you're visiting Greenville on a Saturday, it's worth stopping by the Greenville Farmer's Market for local specialties you won't find anywhere else.
6. The North Texas Wine Trail
Texas is home to three distinct wine districts--and one of them is in North Texas, a quick drive away from Dallas. Texas wine country is generally considered the more central part of the state (Fredericksburg, Nacogdoches and Wimberley are a few of the most popular towns for wining). But the North Texas Wine Trail is well worth a visit, as well--and with many locations less than an hour away from Dallas, it's a no-brainer for wine connoisseurs. Check out Blue Ostrich, Hidden Hangar and Caudalie Crest, to name a few.
Some locations are a bit more than an hour from Dallas, so keep that in mind as you winery-hop. You might find yourself planning another trip just for the Texas wineries.
Plan Your Trip to Dallas Today.
These are just a few of the top day trips in Dallas; let your imagination run wild and don't be afraid to make unscheduled stops along the way. There are countless interesting spots to stop and explore as you drive.
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