I’ve taken 40+ weekend trips from Dallas. Here are the 12 that actually deliver.
The TL;DR by traveler type
- Couples: Texas Hill Country (Fredericksburg wine)
- Families: Galveston or San Antonio
- Foodies: Austin or New Orleans
- Nature: Big Bend or Hot Springs
- Weekend: Fort Worth or Austin
The 12 trips ranked
1. Austin (3.5 hours)
Texas BBQ + live music + Lady Bird Lake. Stay South Congress. Eat at Franklin Barbecue, Uchi, Esther’s Follies.
2. Fort Worth (45 min)
Stockyards + cattle drive + cowboy bars. Stay near Sundance Square.
3. Texas Hill Country (3 hours)
Wineries + Fredericksburg + Enchanted Rock. Stay at Cabernet Grill, Rancho Cucamonga.
4. Marfa (8 hours)
Donald Judd art installations + ghostly lights + minimalist hotel. Stay El Cosmico.
5. Hot Springs, Arkansas (5 hours)
Bathhouse Row + thermal baths + Ouachita Mountains. Stay Arlington Hotel.
6. Galveston (5 hours)
Gulf Coast beach + historic Strand district. Stay at Hotel Galvez.
7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas (5 hours)
Victorian architecture + hill town + art galleries. Stay Crescent Hotel.
8. San Antonio (4.5 hours)
Riverwalk + The Alamo + tacos. Stay Hotel Emma.
9. New Orleans (8 hours)
French Quarter + jazz + Creole food. Stay Hotel Monteleone. Long but worth it.
10. Big Bend National Park (8 hours)
Remote desert + Rio Grande + dark skies. Stay Chisos Mountains Lodge.
11. Caddo Lake (3 hours)
Bald cypress swamps + bayou + canoeing. Stay Mossy Brake Lodge.
12. Oklahoma City (3.5 hours)
Memorial + Bricktown + great food. Stay Skirvin Hilton (historic).
Travel essentials
FAQs
What’s the best weekend getaway from Dallas?
For most travelers: Fort Worth or Austin.
How far can I drive from Dallas in a weekend?
3 hours comfortable, 4-5 doable for 3-night weekends. Over 5 hours one-way is long weekend territory.
What’s the cheapest weekend trip from Dallas?
Closest destinations (1-2 hour drive) typically have lower hotel rates plus no flight costs. $200-400 total weekend possible.
When’s the best time for weekend trips from Dallas?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) for ideal weather most regional destinations.
Can I do weekend trips from Dallas without a car?
Limited but possible. Some Amtrak and bus options exist for specific routes. Rental cars typically required for full flexibility.