The 10 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas

Dallas has plenty to keep even the most ambitious of weekend warriors occupied from every Friday happy hour to every Monday morning commute. But for those with a hankering to escape the city for a well-earned 48-hour escape, the Big D is also within easy road trip distance to several intriguing destinations.

Whether you’re keen to explore the rural outer reaches of the Lone Star State or its other major cities, we have you covered. All you need is a full tank of gas, a decent playlist, and an appetite for exploration. Read on for the best weekend getaways from Dallas, including:

1. Fort Worth, Texas
2. Dripping Springs, Texas
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas
7. Austin, Texas
8. Tulsa, Oklahoma
9. Galveston, Texas
10. San Antonio, Texas

Let’s get started!

1. Fort Worth, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 32 miles

Driving time: 35 minutes

The “other half” of the DFW metroplex, Fort Worth is a great weekend getaway in its own right, with plenty to see and do—particularly around the Stockyards National Historic District. Here, you should check out the twice-daily cattle drive through the old streets before buying yourself some Lucchese boots and joining the two-stepping at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky tonk. (Or, just kick back with an ice-cold Lone Star beer and watch the locals show you how it’s done!)

For something a little more highbrow, Fort Worth boasts one of the country’s most impressive collections of museums, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the world-renowned Kimbell Art Museum.

Don’t miss: The Woodshed Smokehouse for its lip-smacking BBQ served on a laid-back riverfront patio.

2. Dripping Springs, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 215 miles

Driving time: 3.5 hours

Texas Hill Country is studded with gems, but few gleam brighter than Dripping Springs, a small town that blends the best of southern hospitality with the best of Texas nature. The star of the show is Hamilton Pool, where a 50-foot waterfall cascades dramatically into one of the state’s most astonishingly beautiful natural swimming holes.

After a hike or two, there’s also plenty to check out in the town itself, including dozens of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. In particular, look out for Deep Eddy Vodka and its legendary tasting room on your weekend getaway.

Don’t miss: Texas Hill Country Olive Company, a Tuscan-inspired villa in the hills where they press the most incredible olive oil from the local orchards and invite you to taste it on paninis, charcuterie, and pizzas during their popular tours.

3. Fredericksburg, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 250 miles

Driving time: 4.5 hours

Fredericksburg has always been celebrated as the most German place in Texas, but it’s considerably more than just a cool spot to experience Oktoberfest and enjoy a bracing hike or two. This revered small town also happens to be in the heart of Texas wine country, which is having a serious renaissance right now.

Grab your lederhosen and head south to take your pick from more than 50 places to sample delicious wines, while listening to live music and snacking on local meats and cheeses. It’s the perfect romantic weekend getaway spot!

Don’t miss: Trade Days, the monthly bonanza at Sunday Farms where you can shop antiques, art, jewelry, and homewares from more than 350 vendors before toasting your bargains with a frothing stein in the neighboring biergarten.

4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Distance from Dallas: 170 miles

Driving time: 3 hours

One of the most popular weekend getaways from Dallas, Broken Bow sits northeast of the city, just across the border between Texas and Oklahoma. The town itself is tiny, but its surrounding countryside is the big draw, with an abundance of towering pine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and excellent campsites to choose from, particularly in the Ouachita National Forest.

For those who prefer four solid walls over flapping canvas will be spoiled with choices, as the area also features luxury, dog-friendly cabins with speedy Wi-Fi and even hot tubs!

Don’t miss: Beavers Bend State Park, a state park centered on the shores of Broken Bow Lake that is a superb spot to head out for a gentle hike or rent a boat for a relaxing day on the water.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

Distance from Dallas: 520 miles

Driving time: 7.5 hours

Just over seven hours might sound like a long haul to some, but Texans don’t flinch at the road trip from Dallas to New Orleans, building in fun pitstops along the way in destinations like Shreveport, Alexandria, or Baton Rouge. One of the most famously laid-back cities in the U.S., New Orleans is also home to some of the country’s finest cocktail bars, particularly Cure, Jewel of the South, and Hot Tin, as well as the new multi-floor, multi-media, and multi-million-dollar cocktail museum, Sazerac House. Position yourself in the French Quarter and prepare for a weekend of partying.

Don’t miss: Mosquito Supper Club, an achingly-cool seafood restaurant where you’ll enjoy a communal, multi-course tasting menu with all the other cool kids passing through town.

6. Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 80 miles

Driving time: 1.5 hours

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly weekend away from Dallas-Fort Worth, look no further than Dinosaur Valley State Park. Not only are there the famous dinosaur tracks to hike in, but there’s also kayaking to be enjoyed on the Paluxy River, as well as biking, climbing, and horseback riding for burning off any excess energy during your weekend getaway.

This state park is an easy day trip from Dallas and Fort Worth, but for a longer weekend getaway, stay in nearby Glen Rose, a charming small town with a quaint historic core.

Don’t miss: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a nearby safari park where you can take your car down Gosdin Scenic Drive to observe animals up close, including gazelles, zebras, and giraffes.

7. Austin, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 195 miles

Driving time: 3 hours

Despite its famous slogan, the Texan capital hasn’t been truly “weird” for at least a decade, since the hipsters invaded from Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco by the thousands. The good news is that the city has genuinely benefitted from their arrival, going from a quirky small town to a genuine international player.

The old getaway favorites are all still here, from the ranch house bars of Rainey Street to the natural waters of Barton Springs Pool, but there are plenty of new pockets to explore, too, including resurgent shopping options on South Congress Avenue and a buoyant restaurant scene in East Austin. From Dallas, Austin is a straight shot down I-35 and still arguably the most popular weekend escape of the lot.

Don’t miss: Lady Bird Lake, one of Austin’s most popular weekend features where you can take to the water by canoe, kayak, water bike, or paddleboard. The area is particularly breathtaking at sunset!

8. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Distance from Dallas: 260 miles

Driving time: 4.5 hours

Too long in the shadow of larger Oklahoma City, Tulsa is now emerging as an awesome city break destination in its own right. Famed for its dramatic art deco architecture (the reborn Tulsa Arts District downtown is a must-see), it’s also home to both the Philbrook and the Gilcrease, two of the country’s top museums.

Add its own resident ballet, opera, and symphony orchestra, as well as the recent opening of the dynamic riverfront park Gathering Place, and you’ll find yourself genuinely short on time if you try to squeeze everything into a single weekend trip.

Don’t miss: Prairie Artisan Ales, a local craft brewery that serves some mind-blowing brews, including the aptly monikered “Bomb.”

9. Galveston, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 290 miles

Driving time: 4.5 hours

Texas is, frankly, enormous, and that means you sometimes have to drive a good distance if you want certain things. Beach trips are one of them, so if you have a hankering for sun, sand, and sea while you’re based in the Big D, your best bet for a getaway is Galveston.

Part genteel Southern belle, part sunburned beach bunny, Galveston Island is where Texans come to play, and there’s plenty to enjoy here, with 32 miles of coastline to explore, a classic Pleasure Pier, and scenic seafood restaurants right on the glittering Gulf of Mexico.

Don’t miss: Grand Galvez Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenating treatments in the heart of the action on Galveston Island.

10. San Antonio, Texas

Distance from Dallas: 275 miles

Driving time: 4 hours

Plenty of people will tell you about the River Walk (a row of lively restaurants and bars strung along the downtown section of the San Antonio River) and the historic Alamo (which is getting a major new museum in 2023). Both are absolute must-sees during any getaway, but what the locals are really excited about is the Pearl District, a converted brewery complex that’s now home to a magnificent collection of inventive cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and artisan stores. This is an absolute must-see while you’re on trips to Mission City.

Don’t miss: La Fonda on Main, a gorgeous old restaurant that celebrates San Antonio’s Tex-Mex roots.

Thinking about moving to Dallas?

If you’re weighing becoming a Dallasite to take advantage of the city’s proximity to many state parks, major cities, and other getaway spots, check out Landing, which offers fully furnished apartments throughout Dallas. Our apartments make for the perfect home base to check out everything Dallas has to offer, and our flexible leases make it easy to move on to somewhere new when you’ve checked everything off your travel bucket list. Learn more about what a Landing membership can do for you today!