Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas
Best weekend trips from Dallas. Amazing travel destinations in Texas and neighboring states, up to 4.5 hours driving from DFW.
Month: February 2020
The Best Places in Texas to Travel this Spring
Have you Heard?
These 12 Travel Destinations near Dallas are the Places to Visit This Spring Season.
Enjoy the beautiful weather and gorgeous Spring colors at unique Texas destinations.
Spring vacations in Texas are the best. No insane high-season prices as in the winter holidays. No excruciating heat as in the summer.
The weather is mild and pleasant – and warm enough even to hit the coast. The landscape absolutely stunning with the trees coming back to life and gorgeous wildflowers covering the fields. Two potential long weekends lie ahead – Good Friday and Memorial Day. Overall Spring is an amazing season to explore around!
There are tons of places to choose from for a Springtime escape. This is one of the best times of the year to visit virtually all the travel destinations in Texas and surrounding states covered in our Trips from Dallas page.
But some places scream Spring louder than others, and here in Texas we’re blessed with amazing travel destinations to explore in Spring season.
In this post you’ll find 12 Spring travel ideas, including day trips, weekend getaways, and farther destinations for long weekends and vacations.
Pick your favorites, plan your spring trips and hit the road!
I. BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DALLAS IN SPRING
Need some fresh air but a night out is not a possibility? These three Spring day trip destinations from Dallas will do the trick!
1. Waxahachie
Distance: 30 miles/ 0 h 30 min from Dallas
Every Spring a huge and unique Renaissance themed festival happens in Waxahachie, only 30 minutes driving from Dallas. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival takes place in a 35-acre re-created 16th century English village, celebrating the visit of King Henry III.
It’s a place to spend the whole day outdoors having fun – we are talking about a space about the size of 26 football fields together, filled with family-friendly interactive entertainment options.
The Scarborough Renaissance Festival is in its 40th edition in 2020 and runs on weekends from April 4 through Memorial Day. You can expect to find there, among other tons of attractions, over 25 stages with non-stop Renaissance performances and activities, 200 artisans demonstrating their skills and selling their work, 5 food courts, rides, a restaurant, pubs and taverns, wine and beer tastings.
If you still have some energy (and appetite) left when you leave the festival, consider stopping at nearby Catfish Plantation for dinner before heading back to Dallas. A supposedly haunted restaurant in a cute historic house with cool ambiance, known for its Cajun catfish.
2. Ennis
Distance: 35 miles/ 0 h 40 min from Dallas
Ennis is less than 40 minutes driving from Downtown Dallas and the place where Dallasites head each Spring in search of the famous Bluebonnets, Texas official state flower.
Throughout April, the small town is home to the ‘Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas’, an over 40-mile long drive. It’s one of the best places in Texas – and the closest one to Dallas among those – to spot these beautiful wildflowers protected by law and take that perfect Spring snapshot.
A perfect spring day trip to Ennis? Plan to go from mid to end-April. Arrive there by lunchtime and get you Texas brisket fix at Bubba’s BBQ. Drive then the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas in a slow pace taking in the landscape and stopping for some cool photo ops. Top off with an old-fashioned movie session under the stars at Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater.
3. Tyler
100 miles/ 1h 30 m from Dallas
When I think about Spring, two things come immediately to my mind: outdoors and flower trails. Tyler offer them both in a superb way. Pair it with lunch at one of the top 50 barbecue joints in the world and you have a winner for a spring day trip destination!
From late March to early April Tyler presents the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, with over 10 miles of historic homes and private gardens blooming these stunning beautiful flowers and welcoming Spring season.
Tyler is also home to beautiful Tyler State Park, one of my favorite Texas State Parks close to Dallas. A secluded and relatively small nature area, with great hiking trails, a sandy beach for picnics and a lake where you can paddle surrounded by tall pine trees (rentals available on site).
And award-winning Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, considered one of the top 50 barbecue joints in the world, is there – the opinion may be slightly biased here as this list belongs to a famous Texan newspaper LOL, but you get the idea, it’s a very VERY good barbecue joint!
The ideal spring itinerary in Tyler? Start early in the morning strolling through the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. Have lunch at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. Then go to Tyler State Park to hike, paddle the lake and watch a beautiful sunset before heading back to Dallas.
II. BEST SPRING WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DALLAS
4. Burnet
Distance: 200 miles/ 3 h 00 min from Dallas
Nestled in the Texas Hill country, one of the best regions to spot bluebonnets in the state, Burnet in an amazing weekend travel destination in Texas on spring season.
The small town is home to the Bluebonnet Festival, in April (10 – 12 this year), and surrounded by amazing nature spots guaranteed to keep you busy and astonished an entire weekend.
Breath in the amazing Texas Hill Country landscape covered by beautiful bluebonnets on springtime. Tour stunning Longhorn Caverns, one of the only places on earth where you can experience complete darkness. Take a scenic cruise or paddle gorgeous Colorado River Canyon, on Lake Buchanan. Hike at Inks Lake State Park, a top-rated Texas State Park.
You can stay in a hotel in Burnet or camp at Inks Lake State Park. I have plans to try the second option this spring and will get back here to share the experience with you!
5. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 210 miles/ 3 h 10 min from Dallas
A beautiful nature preserve in neighboring Oklahoma and outdoorsy’s paradise, Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is the place to be on spring, especially (but not only) in the Easter weekend.
Every April, the longest running Easter Passion Play in the U.S is held in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of the most visited wildlife refuges in the country. The play takes place outdoors in the Holy City of the Wichitas, a replica the Holy Land resembling Israel in biblical times, with the inspiring Wichita Mountains as a backdrop.
The Wichita Mountains Easter Passion Play has been happening annually for almost a century now. It’s a narrated dramatization of the life of Jesus Christ and attracts thousands of people from all over the country. A beautiful event worth attending, but not the only reason why Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge made this list.
The nature setting there is gorgeous, with over 60,000 acres of prairies, forest and rocks nestled between two rocky mountains ranges. Not something you would expect to find so close to Dallas, a truly escape into the wild. There are tons of miles of hiking trails to explore. Wildlife is abundant and everywhere – bison, elk and deer are some of the animals you can spot there.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is also one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the Southwest, with climbing opportunities for all skill levels. And you can fish and camp there as well.
The nearby small-town of Medicine Park offers lodging options and good restaurants, if camping is not your thing.
6. Llano
Distance: 220 miles/ 3 h 35 min from Dallas
Spring mild-weather and inspiring landscape make it the perfect time of the year to explore two Texas gems: Gorman Falls and Enchanted Rock. Llano is your base to reach both destinations. And its surroundings completely breathtaking on spring season, with the Llano River cutting through the bluebonnet fields.
Spend the day exploring the outdoors at Colorado Bend State Park. Hike Gorman Falls Trail to reach an awe-inspiring set of three gorgeous waterfalls, among the most impressive in Texas. Take a cave tour. Find more info in this post (destination # 6).
Head then to Llano to spend the night. Have dinner at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q, considered by some one of the best barbecue joints in Texas.
In the following morning, hike to the top of Enchanted Rock for superb panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. This is one of the most iconic and unique hikes in Texas, a short but steep and unshaded trail best suited for mild-weather days (did I hear spring?). For more info read this post (destination # 14).
Explore Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, have a picnic and get back to Dallas with your batteries recharged for the week.
7. Round Top
Distance: 220 miles/ 3 h 30 min from Dallas
The tiny town of Round Top (population 90!) is an escape from reality in style. A spring travel destination to have mind if unwinding is what you need, and if you love unique and exclusive experiences.
Round Top is home to two exquisite and totally out of ordinary hotels, for luxury glamping, and hosts a famous antiques and vintage fair every spring.
Flophouze Shipping Container Hotel offers 6 tiny houses made of recycled containers and amenities such as a container pool & spa, fire pits and hammocks. It’s a place to literally disconnect from the world – forget the TV, your room will come with a record player, vinyl collections and books instead.
Rancho Pillow Hotel oozes rustic charm and offers cozy and colorful accommodations, including teepees. There you’ll also find an outdoor bathtub to soak under the stars and a heated saltwater pool, among other laid-back luxuries.
Experience one of them and consider booking your stay end of March/ beginning of April, during the famous and traditional Round Top Antiques Fair week. The event has been happening for a half a century and changes the small-town landscape, which hosts over 50 other antique shows in the original one surroundings.
8. New Braunfels
Distance: 240 miles/ 3 h 40 min from Dallas
Stay in a tree house. Take your Texan rite of passage tubing the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. Spend the day splashing and taking thrill rides at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
New Braunfels is tons of fun and an amazing spring travel destination in Texas. It’s the perfect weekend spring trip from Dallas to enjoy nature at its best and build family memories.
It’s also just next door from historic Gruene and its beautiful nature surroundings, a great ad on to your spring weekend escape. Check here the top things to do in and around Gruene (destination # 13) and plan your trip.
III. BEST SPRING LONG WEEKEND AND VACATION DESTINATIONS FROM DALLAS
9. Bandera
Distance: 310 miles/ 4 h 45 min from Dallas
Bandera is a unique Texas Hill Country destination, a tiny town known for its dude ranches and beautiful nature surroundings, even more stunning in spring with the beautiful bluebonnet fields.
Stay in a Dude Ranch in Bandera for a true cowboy experience. Explore Hill Country State Natural Area hiking or horseback riding. Paddle or tube crystal clear Medina River.
Take then a scenic drive on Hwy 337 and reach Lost Maple Natural Area. Go wine tasting at Lost Maples Winery, just next door. Check this post for more info and things to do in the Lost Maples area (destination # 8)
10. Palo Duro Canyon
380 miles/5 h 45 m from Dallas
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the U.S, only behind the Grand Canyon itself. A Texas gem with a gorgeous and inspiring landscape, better enjoyed in mild-weather months – spring included here.
Best way to explore Palo Duro Canyon is spending the night inside the State Park, to breath in the jaw-dropping sunrises, sunsets and star-filled skies.
Camping spots and cabins (with gorgeous panoramic views) are available and relatively inexpensive. Make sure to make reservations in advance though – lodging is limited inside Palo Duro Canyon State Park and spots fill up pretty fast.
Hiking Lighthouse Trail is a must there. Ziplining and horseback riding are fun activities to try. Other than that, simply explore the Palo Duro Canyon grounds at your own pace, hiking or cycling the several trails. And soak in the vast and imposing landscape at this fine sample of the Texas nature diversity.
11. Padre Island National Seashore
440 miles/ 6 h 20 m from Dallas
Summer kicks off earlier in Texas. By late April temps are already more than pleasant to enjoy a weekend by the beach. And I don’t know about you, but at this time of the year I’m usually already more than ready to bury my feet on the sand!
The Padre Island National Seashore is my favorite part of the Texas Coast to date – and one that is really worth the drive. It’s a nature preserve and longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, meaning miles and miles (over 60) of gorgeous white sand and blue water untouched beaches.
Malaquite Beach, the first 5 miles of the Padre Island National Seashore, is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. With luck you can see tons of birds there – I saw literally thousands of pelicans together, one of the most incredible sights of my life. Malaquite Beach is also the only portion of the Padre Island National Seashore closed to the traffic and accessible without a 4-wheel drive.
You can camp inside Padre Island National Seashore and get serious about your beach fix. Or, if you’re more of an urban being, stay in Port Aransas or Corpus Christi to explore the area (I personally prefer Port Aransas, a charming small coastal town).
Find in this post all the info you need to plan your trip to the Padre Island National Seashore and surroundings. Including the beaches to visit or avoid, as well as the best things to do in and around Port Aransas and Corpus Christi.
12. Marfa and Big Bend National Park
520 miles/ 7h 30 m from Dallas
Marfa is a tiny town in the middle of nowhere and one of the most unique and acclaimed travel destinations in the US. The Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote National Parks in the country and a true Texas nature gem. Take advantage of the mild spring temperatures, ideal to explore the outdoors and the desert, and combine both destinations in an amazing spring road trip through West Texas.
On your way from Dallas to Marfa, stop at Monahans Sandhills State Park for a taste of the Texas desert and to surf the dunes.
In Marfa, go glamping at El Cosmico, an unusual and top-rated nomadic hotel and campground. Visit Chinati Foundation (reservations required). Rent a bike and explore the desert. In the Marfa surroundings, observe the stars at Mc Donald Observatory (reservations required) and ride a horse at Prude Ranch.
Big Bend State Park is only 1h30 from Marfa. In this post (destination # 6) you find all the info you need to explore this wonderful National Park in Texas.
Summing Up
Spring is just around the corner. And you’re still in time to make travel plans for the upcoming holidays and weekends of late March, April, May and early June.
In this post you found 12 amazing spring travel ideas to explore in Texas.
Waxahachie, Ennis and Tyler are our picks for spring day trips from Dallas.
Burnet, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Llano, Round Top and New Braunfels amazing spring weekend travel destinations.
Bandera, Palo Duro Canyon, Padre Island National Seashore and Marfa & Big Bend National Park the places to consider for the upcoming long weekends (there are 2 holidays ahead!) and for a perfect spring vacation.
Read the post to discover the reasons why these places are the best spring travel destinations close to Dallas. Choose your favorites and have a blast this season!
What is your favorite spring getaway from Dallas? Which is your favorite spring trip ever in Texas?
Leave a comment below, I’ll love to hear from you and explore new places!
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Weekend Itinerary in Austin, TX
Top things to do and see in Austin in two days
Explore Austin must-see attractions and have the time of your life at the “Live Music Capital of the World”!
Austin, TX
Distance: 135 miles/ 3 h 00 min from Dallas
‘Keep Austin weird” is the city motto and summarizes well what to expect from your trip to Austin!
Austin is quirky, unique and offers abounding options in gastronomy, culture and outdoors, making it the perfect weekend getaway from Dallas.
Austin is also the “Live Music Capital of the World”, with live music every day, everywhere in the over 200 live music venues spread over the city.
You have so many options of things to do in Austin that it is easy to get lost on what to do to make the most of your short visit there. Here you will find my personal faves, must-visit places in Austin that will give you a good glimpse on the city’s life.
Explore the ideas below, make your reservations and experience Austin at its best!
DAY 1
1. Zilker Park and Barton Springs
Start off your day at Barton Springs. Take a dip into this beautiful natural spring fed pool in the heart of the city, at Zilker Park.
Yes, Barton Springs is crowded, especially during the weekends. But yes, it is worth it. And fun. And beautiful! One of the best ways to beat the Texas heat during summer in Austin.
Check here fees, operating hours and other important info before heading there.
Coolers and food in general are not allowed inside Barton Springs. So, if you are planning to do a picnic, do it before or afterwards at Zilker Park. Or head to The Picnic, a food truck park down the road offering great food and treats.
2. Barton Creek and Colorado River
Walk to the nearby Zilker Park Boat Rentals.
Rent a kayak or stand up paddle for an amazing trip down the gorgeous and crystal-clear Barton Creek. It flows into the Colorado River, which is the largest river in Texas and runs through Austin.
From the Colorado River you can enjoy beautiful Downtown views before heading back to Zilker Park and preparing for your next stop.
3. SoCo
Head then to SoCo, the quirkiest part of South Congress Avenue, lined with shops and restaurants.
For a quick bite, try Home Slice Pizza. For a treat, head to Amy’s Ice Cream, an Austin staple. Then just stroll throughout the odd stores and attractions. Don’t forget to stop by the famous “I love you so much mural”, one of Austin’s most instagrammed spots.
For other ideas, check here the top 10 things to do in SoCo.
4. Congress Bridge Bats: Bat Watch Boat Tour
From March to October, walk towards the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch 1.5 million bats emerging from it at sunset.
The largest urban colony of bats in North America lives under this bridge and every day at dusk, at this time of the year, they leave their nests in search of food.
You can watch this amazing and unique spectacle from the top of the bridge or on the nearby lawn for free.
But for the best views, take a bat watching boat tour, it is an amazing experience that I highly recommend (make reservations in advance).
5. Austin's Nightlife
6th Street is Austin’s most known and explored nightlife hub. Whether you love it or hate it, it is the most iconic street in Austin and the perfect place to understand why Austin is on the map as the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
For live music, head to The Parish or Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. To taste a drink in the early hours of the evening, Parkside is your best bet. And make sure to stop by the emblematic Driskill Hotel’s bar for a cocktail.
If 6th St is not your style – I admit it is not mine – you might want to check on Rainey Street, one of Austin’s trendiest entertainment areas.
Rainey is a historic street lined with cute remodeled cottages converted into awesome bars and restaurants. You might want to check on the charming Lucille Lounge Patio or the laid-back Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. But there are tons of options for every taste, so just stroll around and pick your favorite one. Take a look into this article for other ideas on bars and restaurants at Rainey Street.
DAY 2
1. Gospel Brunch
On Sundays, indulge yourself in an authentic Gospel Brunch at Stubbs Bar-B-Q.
A legitimate southern experience that will make you stand on your feet and put a smile on your face. The music and energy are amazing, making it a unique and once in a lifetime experience.
Reservations are required. If available, make sure to reserve a seat with view of the band. It is slightly more expensive but really makes the difference.
Another option, if you can’t get a table at Stubbs, is to have Sunday Brunch at Rainey Street instead, which is also a lot of fun! Banger’s is the most popular brunch spot on Rainey’s – and lines tend to be huge – but there are also tons of other charming options around, with a cool atmosphere. Just stroll down the street and choose your favorite.
2. Texas State Capitol
Explore the majestic Texas State Capitol building and grounds. Access is free to the public.
Tours can be self-guided (leaflets available at the entrance) but the Texas Capitol offers free guided-tours as well. A great and interesting way to learn more about politics and dive into the Texas history.
Take a step into the Texas Senate and House of Representative Chambers, among another important Capitol rooms.
Observe the beautiful and rich architecture and art collection and relax at the immaculate gardens.
3. Last but not least...
Top off your Austin weekend getaway with a late lunch/ early dinner before hitting the road back to Dallas.
For a quick but superb bite, head to Black’s Barbecue, an authentic and laid-back barbecue joint. Try their mouthwatering brisket and sides such as the potato salad, baked beans and mac’n cheese. You’re welcome.
Or, if you are not in a rush, take a 30 minutes side trip and head to Oasis on Lake Travis. Take in the lake views and finish your weekend watching a stunning sunset (for the brave ones, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a short drive away and offers the longest and fastest zipline in Texas).
Franklin Barbecue is also in town and considered the best barbecue joint in Texas. But it has the disadvantage of closing its doors at 3:00 pm, so it is not suitable for late lunch/dinner… Anyhow if you can squeeze Franklin’s for lunch in your itinerary somehow, go for it!
Summing Up
Austin is one of the most amazing trips you can take from Dallas, year-round.
It’s a lively city which offers tons of options. This 2-day itinerary covers all of Austin’s must-sees and is perfect when you have one weekend to spend in the city.
Experience the Austin amazing outdoors at Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Barton Creek and Colorado River. Spoil your eccentric inner self exploring SoCo and topping off with a bat watch experience. Enjoy Austin’s vibrant nightlife at 6th and Rainey Street. Attend an authentic Gospel Brunch at Stubbs BBQ. Visit the Texas State Capitol and step onto the real Texas Senate and House of Representatives Chamber. Try the delectable Texas barbecue at Black’s Barbecue or Franklin or watch the sunset from Oasis on Lake Travis. And, maybe, ride the longest and fastest zipline in Texas at Lake Travis.
Hit the road, head to Austin and have a blast this very next weekend!
And get back here to leave a comment and let me know how it was. I hope you fall in love with Austin as a did and as I do every time that I visit the city.
If you know of any amazing place in Austin I’m missing out, please leave a comment bellow. I’ll be more than happy to check it out on my next trip to the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
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