Best Day Trips From Dallas to Take This Summer

Dallas is an enchanting city in Texas with countless activities and sights. Within easy reach of this bustling metropolis are delightful spots worth exploring on a beautiful summer day. Plan a fabulous day trip and immerse yourself in history, nature, and uniquely Texan experiences. From the charming town of Grapevine, with its festivals, wineries, and serene botanical gardens, to the Victorian elegance of McKinney's downtown area and its array of shops and restaurants, each day's trip promises its distinctive charm.

Nature enthusiasts can bask in the tranquility of Lake Tawakoni State Park or venture into the prehistoric era at Dinosaur Valley State Park. With its rich cowboy heritage, cultural attractions, and scenic water gardens, Fort Worth offers a blend of history and modernity. And for those seeking fragrant beauty, the Tyler Rose Garden Center boasts the largest public collection of roses in the United States. These day trips from Dallas will leave visitors with cherished memories and a longing for more exploration.

Grapevine

Grapevine is just half an hour's drive from Dallas, making it a lovely destination for a summer day trip. Grapevine offers a variety of attractions and amenities to cater to tourists. Historic Main Street is a popular destination with its festivals, shops, and restaurants. Wine lovers can enjoy a tour and wine sampling at Delaney Vineyards, a family-owned winery that offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines. Enjoy the interactive displays and building experiences at the amusing LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Check out the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to ride on "Puffy," one of the South's oldest continuously working steam engines. The Grapevine Botanical Gardens is another popular local attraction. Walk the many trails in this serene and lush park to reconnect with nature. Visitors can also explore the Farmers Market of Grapevine, an indoor market offering a variety of locally grown produce, honey, baked goods, and more. Check out this charming town on your next summer day trip from Dallas. 

McKinney

Located just 40 minutes north of Dallas, McKinney is a charming city perfect for a summer day trip. The downtown area is a must-visit, with its well-preserved Victorian architecture and charming shops and restaurants. Visit Towne Lake Park, a 108-acre natural area perfect for a picnic, fishing, or a lovely stroll. Learn about the city's history and explore restored homes at Chestnut Square Historic Village. There are plenty of restaurants in McKinney, but Hutchins' Famous BBQ is a local favorite for brisket and homemade mac and cheese. McKinney may have a population of nearly 200,000 residents, but it has small-town charm to spare. Whether you're looking for a day of shopping, dining, or exploring, you will find plenty to do in McKinney.

Lake Tawakoni

Leisurely summer days at the lake are perfect for when you want to relax and disconnect. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to Lake Tawakoni State Park. Located about 50 miles east of Dallas, the park is a great summer destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for some of the critters who call the park home, like red and gray foxes, red and gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, turtles, frogs, snakes, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, armadillos, minks, and white-tailed deer.

Birders have identified hundreds of bird species, and the lake has a diverse fish population, including striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and blue catfish. The lake is an excellent spot for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking. Visitors who decide to stay overnight can camp in tents or RVs. The park also features a four-lane boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and kayak rentals. Splash into Lake Tawakoni, an outstanding Dallas day trip for the summer season.

Fort Worth

Looking for a fun summer day trip from Dallas? Look no further than Fort Worth, which is not far at all. As the fifth-largest city in Texas and the 13th-largest in the US, Fort Worth offers a fascinating Dallas day trip. Known as the "City of Cowboys and Culture," this city has much to offer. For the cowboy part, visit the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. The Stockyards have been open since 1890, and have been a symbol of the city ever since. At its peak, the stockyards sold a million cattle a year. Today, it is a historic district that celebrates all things cowboy, from boots, to hats to country music. You will even find the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in the Stockyards, celebrating the women who helped shape the West. Don't miss the daily cattle drive, a unique experience only found in Fort Worth.

For the city's cultural side, explore world-class museums such as the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Admire the Fort Worth Water Gardens, an architectural and engineering marvel built in 1974. There’s also something for nature lovers in this Texan metropolis. The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge spans over 3,600 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands and gives visitors a glimpse into what the area once looked like. So saddle up and head to Fort Worth for a fanciful Texas adventure.

Cedar Hill State Park

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head into nature, but you also want to avoid driving too far, this next destination is just the ticket. The beautiful Cedar Hill State Park is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. This serene park offers a tranquil retreat, fun outdoor activities, and even an old farm. Explore Penn Farm Agricultural Center, which is open daily, to learn about farming in the area in the past and admire the farm’s pastoral setting.

Go for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Joe Pool Lake, or try fishing for black bass, catfish, and crappie. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will appreciate the park's scenic trails that wind through wooded areas and along the lake. One especially beautiful trail includes bridges that wind across the Texas marshlands. Bring a picnic, relax under the shade of tall trees, or set up camp and spend the night under the starry Texas sky. With its beautiful natural surroundings, Cedar Hill State Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Tyler Rose Garden Center

Ever wondered what it would be like to stop and smell the roses? The Tyler Rose Garden Center might be the Dallas day trip with the most beautiful fragrance. Known as the "Rose Capital of America," Tyler boasts the largest public collection of roses in the United States. Stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens and marvel at the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents of over 38,000 rose bushes. The garden features various themed areas, including a Heritage Garden and a Sensory Garden, a Children's Garden, and a Wedding Garden. Each showcases different rose varieties. Take a leisurely walk along the pathways or find a cozy bench to relax and enjoy this serene setting.

If you're visiting in the spring, don't miss the annual Texas Rose Festival, a grand celebration of roses with parades, pageantry, and live entertainment. While in town, check out some of Tyler’s other excellent attractions, like the beautiful Tyler State Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the Tyler Rose Garden and visit the enchanting nature surrounding this lovely Texan town.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Embark on a prehistoric adventure to Dinosaur Valley State Park, a marvelous destination. The park is about an hour and a half drive from Dallas. Dinosaur Valley State Park will transport you to the Mesozoic era. Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs as you explore the park's ancient riverbeds with real fossilized dinosaurs. The strange three-toed marks were discovered in 1909 by a small boy, George Adams, who was walking in the area. Scientists have since determined the tracks belonged to Theropods and Sauropods. Many tracks throughout the park and life-size dinosaur replicas provide a glimpse into the world of these magnificent creatures. The park has over 20 miles of scenic trails and is the perfect place to cool off after a summer’s hike. Splash into the cool waters of the Paluxy River, where you can swim, fish, or go tubing. Want to spend the night in the prehistoric era? The park offers campsites nestled among the trees, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Unleash your inner paleontologist and unearth a day of adventure at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Waco

Drive 90 minutes south of Dallas to the city of Waco, located along the banks of the Brazos River. Waco offers many attractions and experiences for all ages and has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in the last few years. Start your visit at the Magnolia Market, also known as “the Silos”, a vibrant shopping complex curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the popular HGTV show "Fixer Upper." This 2.5-acre property contains eclectic boutiques, bakeries, food trucks, and event space in giant grain silos from the 1950s.

Explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where you can inspect the fossils of 24 Columbian Mammoths who lived in the area some 70,000 years ago. Immerse yourself in history at the renowned Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can explore the rich heritage of the legendary law enforcement agency. Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum, a fascinating homage to the iconic soft drink that originated in Waco. Discover the secrets behind its creation and indulge in delicious soda tastings. Finish your Waco adventure with a tranquil river cruise along the Brazos River, soaking in the scenic beauty and serenity. You may not have considered visiting this Texas city, but it is a marvelous Dallas day trip destination with many wonderful activities.

As the vibrant city of Dallas beckons with its lively energy, the surrounding areas hold a treasure trove of enchanting day trips waiting to discover. From historic towns to serene natural landscapes, each destination offers a unique experience and an opportunity to create lasting memories. There is so much to do, all close enough to be home for dinner in Dallas. Explore dinosaur and mammoth fossils, camp under the Texan sky, explore the region’s history, and indulge in delicious food. These day trips from Dallas offer a chance to explore the diverse tapestry of Texas, a state full of vast landscapes, natural beauty, and friendly locals.