1. Austin, Texas
The state capital of Texas is renowned as the world's live music capital because of its flourishing art, culture, and food, making it one of the best day excursions from Dallas.
Explore Austin's many concert venues in the historic Sixth Street District, bars, eateries, and art galleries.
The 2nd Street District is a wonderful location to go shopping and contains more than 40 boutique and retail stores.
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum and the historic State Capitol provide free guided tours.
There are only a handful of the various outdoor recreational choices, including Lady Bird Lake Trail, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Metropolitan Park, and Mount Bonnell.
During the night visit Congress Avenue Bridge, to see hundreds of bats flying once a lifetime.
Distance and driving time: Austin is at a distance of 195 miles, roughly 3 hours drive from Dallas.
2. Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Beavers Bend State Park, one of Oklahoma's finest state parks, attracts nature enthusiasts to the town of Broken Bow.
Whether you love great food, hiking in the outdoors, kid's activities, or simply relaxing in your cabin, Broken Bow & Beavers Bend State Park has so much to make a memorable vacation for you and your family.
Broken Bow Lake is a 14,000-acre stretch of water nestled in the Ouachita Mountains' foothills. It boasts 180 miles of beautiful, tree-lined natural coastline that is ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water activities.
Beavers Bend State Park is an ideal place to spend the day hiking through, bird watching, and enjoying nature in Ouachita National Forest.
During your hikes, you may enjoy beautiful views of the Mountain Fork River or observe wildlife such as eagles, deer, turkeys, and a variety of birds and other creatures. Whether you choose Skyline Trail, an 11.6-mile challenging hike winding through waterfalls and mountain peaks, or Lookout Mountain, a 1.9-mile easy trail with incredible views, or hike up and down the Lower Mountain Fork River, these parks have wonderful hiking among towering pines, rivers, and vistas.
The region is renowned for its long fall color season, which starts from late October to early November and is transformed from luxuriant green to dazzling colors like gold and crimson.
The Mountain Fork River is a year-round location for some of the finest trout fishing in the area. Brown and Rainbow Trout, ideal for fly fishing, are located in colder water below Broken Bow Dam all year round.
Distance and driving time: Broken Bow and Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma are about 3 hours from Dallas covering approximately 183 miles.
3. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is often grouped alongside Dallas as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. But you'd be wrong if you believed the two cities' activities and attitudes were identical.
Cowtown, as its name suggests, is Dallas' country cousin, where cowboy hats are more common than business casual clothing.
Fort Worth offers excellent cuisine, fantastic museums, a vibrant cowboy culture, and lively nightlife.
Sundance Square in Fort Worth offers excellent cuisine, museums, shopping, and live entertainment. Sundance Square is bustling with activities. Before dinner, get a coffee and relax by the fountains in Sundance Square to watch people.
Foodies will appreciate visiting the city's West 7th Street district, while history buffs will enjoy visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Billy Bob's, dubbed "The World's Largest Honky-Tonk," is a must-see when visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Billy Bob's is a Fort Worth institution and the ideal spot for live music and dancing in the evening. That's the honky-tonk way of life! If Billy Bob's isn't your thing, there are plenty of other honky-tonk clubs to choose from in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Fort Worth Water Gardens, Trinity Trails, Fort Worth Zoo, and Fort Worth Botanical Gardens are all popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The Kimbell Art Museum and the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum are both worth exploring.
Distance and driving time: Fort Worth is at a distance of 32 miles, roughly 30 minutes drive from Dallas.
4. Jefferson, Texas
History enthusiasts will enjoy a day trip to Jefferson, Texas. There is no lack of structures and museums with more than 70 historical settings around the city.
Try visiting the Jefferson Museum of History. The museum is situated in an elegant red-brick structure, constructed in 1888, in the old Jefferson Federal Courthouse and Post Office.
Inside, there are exhibits of Civil War antiques, Caddo Indian artifacts, early pioneer tools, and implements, and much more from the region's history. Behind the museum, a replica early 1900's train depot houses an intricate scale model of the Texas & Pacific Railway that was over 30 years in the making.
After touring the museum, sit back and enjoy the lush scenery from your seat on the Historic Jefferson Railway. The locomotive takes you on a 40-minute ride through the Big Cypress Bayou.
The Big Cypress Bayou, a series of wetlands on the border of Caddo Lake, is a significant attraction to this region. The Big Cypress Bayou is said to have the largest variety of fish in any river in Texas. Fishing and canoeing are popular activities here.
Make sure you stop by the Jefferson General Store before you go back to Dallas. This business has been a store since the 1870s and retains an ancient look.
Distance and driving time: Jefferson is at a distance of 166.6 miles, roughly 2 hours and 36 minutes drive from Dallas.
5. Arbuckle Wilderness Park, Davis, Oklahoma
Arbuckle Wilderness Park in Davis, Oklahoma, is a private wildlife sanctuary featuring bison, emus, zebras, giraffes, and other exotic animals wandering freely across 200 acres. It's approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Dallas by Interstate 35. It's not nearly as spectacular as the aforementioned Fort Worth Zoo, but it's worth a visit if you're traveling through Oklahoma.
Take a drive-through safari to view the animals and feed them. The drive is quite challenging; although it only takes approximately 30 minutes, the experience is better if you’ve got access to an SUV or a truck.
Distance and driving time: Arbuckle Wilderness Park is at a distance of 130 miles, roughly 2 hours drive from Dallas.
6. Canton, Texas
Canton is a peaceful, charming town an hour east of Dallas with a great variety of parks, restaurants, historic buildings, and local businesses. It's also home to the First Monday Trade Days, which is touted as the world's biggest flea market - and if you're searching for a place to shop, you won't want to miss it.
Begin your shopping in the Original First Monday Park, and then stroll around the miles of paved aisles to your favorite station. Vendors selling anything from golf equipment to antique furniture.
Every month, the First Monday Trade Days take place from Thursday through Sunday before (you got it) the first Monday. Parking should be paid for in cash by non-residents.
Distance and driving time: Canton is about a 1-hour drive from Dallas covering approximately 60 miles.
7. Greenville, Texas
Greenville, approximately 50 miles northeast of Dallas, has a few notable historical and architectural attractions.
Start with a downtown walking tour, which will take you past the Katy Depot, the Greenville Post Office, the Hunt County Courthouse, and Central Christian Church, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All of these monuments have stunning architecture, and while you walk about admiring them, you'll see many historical markers that explain the town's rich past.
The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, which commemorates the town's most famous citizens, is a must-see for anybody interested in WWII. Murphy received every military combat medal for bravery bestowed by the United States Army during World War II, and he did it before the age of 21.
The museum also includes displays honoring other Texas soldiers, as well as exhibits devoted to the history of the American cotton industry, as its name suggests.
After you've gotten your fill of Texas history, visit the Landon Winery to taste award-winning wines or attend a show at the historic Texan Theater.
Distance and driving time: Greenville is roughly 55 minutes drive from Dallas.
8. Turner Falls
The magnificent 77-foot cascade known as Turner Falls – Oklahoma's biggest waterfall — is nestled under the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma, just under an hour from the Texas/Oklahoma border.
The waterfall descends into a pool of natural spring water where visitors from all over come to enjoy the ambiance of what Mother Nature has made.
Many people come here simply to stroll about the park and take in the beauty of its surroundings, which spans over 1,500 acres on three levels.
Turner Falls Park is a great place to spend the day hiking. There is a two-mile hiking trail featuring many detours to shorter trails that leads to views of the park's attractions. Set out to explore the park and keep an eye out for wildlife including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and other animals that have made it their home.
Trout fishing is available at Turner Falls from late November to the middle of March if you have a chance to be there during the winter months.
Picnicking in the park seems to be a common pastime.
During the summer, you may enjoy a whole day of swimming, hiking, exploring natural caves, viewing an ancient rock castle, and more from dawn to sunset.
Distance and driving time: Turner Falls is at a distance of 128 miles, roughly 2 hours drive from Dallas.
9. Terrell, Texas
Terrell is an excellent day trip from Dallas. Historic roots go deep in this town, which was founded in 1873 as a railroad town. Admire the historic shops and hand-painted murals in the beautiful Historic Downtown District.
Although Terrell is far from the Gulf, scuba-certified tourists may dive at Scuba Ranch, where they may see Sisco the Shark, the world's biggest freshwater shark.
Head to a high-flying adventure from the lake's depths. Visit the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum to commemorate the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Between 1941 and 1945, British cadets were deployed to fly training schools throughout the United States, with Terrell's school being the first and biggest, graduating over 2,200 Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Corps cadets.
Distance and driving time: Turner Falls is at a distance of 35.8 miles from Dallas. It's just 40 minutes east of the city.
10. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1,587-acre park that lies alongside the Paluxy River and is home to many dinosaur tracks left by prehistoric Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon.
The primary reason tourists visit Dinosaur Valley State Park is to look for dinosaur tracks. There are signs describing the different kinds of dinosaurs that previously roamed the park.
You may take your journey around the park in whatever direction you choose thanks to the area's 20 miles of nature trails. When you sign in, you'll be given a map that lists all of the trails and their difficulty levels. The trails are divided into two categories: easy and moderate.
While wandering among the woods on the Monarch Trail, if you're fortunate and at the park at the appropriate time, you may encounter fluttering birds and butterflies. Alternatively, you may be able to view tiny waterfalls when hiking the Buckeye Trail.
If you visit after a good heavy rain, the Paluxy transforms into a fast-moving whitewater river that is ideal for kayaking. However, navigating this situation may be very difficult. There is no kayaking if there has been no rain for weeks or even days.
The Blue Hole is a popular area to go swimming.
In the park, there is a designated picnic spot. There is a pavilion with a fireplace, picnic tables, and beautiful and clean toilets nearby that may be rented for the day by large groups, but there is no electricity.
Distance and driving time: Dinosaur Valley State Park is at a distance of 79.6 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 28 minutes drive from Dallas.
11. Hico
A journey to Hico, Texas is like a day excursion into the history of Texas. This charming little town is a fun and easy day trip from Dallas.
Siloville is a place worth visiting. Siloville has climbing walls on both the inside and outside of the silos, a ropes course, and a zip line, and is ideal for children, adults, beginners, and experienced climbers.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Bosque River's tree-lined walking trail, or have a picnic lunch at one of the many covered tables that overlook the river. The trail is paved and easily accessible, and it is located just north of Hico City Park, making it ideal for running or bicycling.
Explore the numerous boutique stores and restaurants that line the street in Hico's downtown district.
There is also a fantastic golf course and other enjoyable outdoor activities in the area.
Distance and driving time: Hico is at a distance of 101 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 45 minutes drive from Dallas.
12. Dublin, Texas
Dublin, Texas is a pleasant town located approximately 2 hours west of Dallas.
When you first arrive in Dublin, Texas, you're met by a green sign in the form of a four-leaf clover greeting you to town–in other words, there's no question that Dublin takes its title as the Irish capital of Texas very seriously!
Touring Dublin Bottling Works is a charming, colorful, and incredibly interesting experience that will allow you to learn about the company's 120-year history, bottle your own soda on a tour of the small but still-functioning plant and learn all about why the company's most famous product–Dr. Pepper–ceased to be bottled there in 2012.
If you take a tour of Dublin Bottling Works, you'll end up at Old Doc's Soda Shop, where you can sample some of Dublin Bottling Works' original soda–but even if you don't have time for the entire trip, it's still worth stopping by.
For more information about the establishment of Dublin Bottling Works in the late 1800s and the expansion efforts of its founders, see the W.P. Kloster Museum Annex.
The WM Wright Historical Park is worth a visit. It's a pleasant visit with a 19th-century log house and grist mill that doesn't take long to view.
The Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum recounts the story of the Lightning C Ranch, a Dublin-based business that produced rodeos as far away as New York and as large as the famous Houston Rodeo, before moving next door to the Dublin Historical Museum.
Distance and driving time: Dublin, Texas is at a distance of 122 miles from Dallas.
13. Lake Murray State Park
Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's first state park, is named after former Oklahoma governor William H. "Alfalfa Bill" Murray. This 12,500-acre park has a man-made reservoir, a big lodge, cottages, campsites, beaches, and recreational areas, as well as a human-made reservoir built in the 1930s.
Lake Murray is a recreational paradise for swimmers and fishers. Sunbathers and swimmers may nest on Sunset Beach on the east side of the lake and a smaller beach on the southwest side.
Lake Murray State Park's miles of multi-use trails provide a great chance to stroll, trek, or horseback ride in a natural environment.
Elephant Rock Trail (2.2-mile paved trail) is ideal for novice hikers and walkers looking to connect with nature. Buckhorn Hiking Trail offers great views of the lake and the park's wooded setting with a 3.4-mile out-and-back. The Ski Jump Trail begins near the Ski Jump Campground and leads into the woods, providing a beautiful view of the lake. This track is popular among mountain bikers.
Martin's Landing has a designated fishing pier, and the lake includes a number of tiny coves with calm waters for boat fishing.
A visit to Tucker Tower which offers a picturesque view of the lake is a must-do. Relax with a round of mini-golf or conventional golf on one of two 18-hole courses, one for each kind of golf.
There are nine campsites along the lake's beaches, ranging from Duke's Forest Campground in the north to those near the park's headquarters in the south. Each campsite has toilets and showers, as well as RV hookups, a playground, and boat ramps close by.
Day-use parking passes are issued throughout Lake Murray State Park, starting at $10 per vehicle.
Distance and driving time: Lake Murray State Park is at a distance of 105 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 36 minutes drive from Dallas.
14. Davy Crockett National Forest, Kennard, Texas
The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins. If you want to see the natural marvels of Texas and don't mind a little trekking, you'll enjoy your stay here.
The forest has 50 miles of horseback riding routes, as well as a swimming beach, hiking trails, and fishing and boating activities.
On the trails, magnificent trees give shade from the heat, while many campsites provide peace and quiet to campers. You could spend days trekking the paths, but if you want a less physically demanding excursion, the forest offers lots of picnic places for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
The Davy Crockett National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Squirrels, deer, quail, pigeon, turkey, and waterfowl are among the most common game animals. The red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, lives in a forest habitat that has been carefully maintained.
The forest is a popular spot for hunters, so avoid visiting during the fall deer season (unless you’re planning on hunting).
Distance and driving time: Davy Crockett National Forest is at a distance of 166.6 miles, roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes drive from Dallas.
15. Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is located in North Texas, about two hours north of the Dallas metroplex.
It is one of the biggest lake reservoirs in the United States, covering more than 74,000 acres. It's also known as the "Work Striper Fishing Capital."
Lake Texoma is a water lover's dream come true. You may participate in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and canoeing while visiting Lake Texoma. You may also enjoy shopping, spa treatments, restaurants, and nightlife in the Lake Texoma region.
You can enjoy several hours of striper fishing on Lake Texoma. You may either fish for stripers on your own boat or hire Sparky's Guide Service, the finest striper fishing guide in the region. All you have to do with Sparky is show up since all of your equipment, bait, and gear are supplied.
Willow Spring Marina is a great place to rent a cabin, camp, or launch your boat. On the Oklahoma shore of Lake Texoma, Willow Springs Marina is situated.
The Cross Timbers Trail is a 15-mile hiking trail that starts at the Juniper Point recreation area and runs west along the Lake Texoma shorelines for 15 kilometers. The path has a moderate difficulty rating.
Distance and driving time: Lake Texoma is at a distance of 88 miles from Dallas.
16. Ennis, Texas
The city of Ennis in Texas, USA, is a short drive from Dallas and offers a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Museums, parks, theaters, outdoor recreation areas, restaurants, bars, cafés, and more abound in this historic cotton farming and trading center.
The plethora of things to see and do in Ennis will leave visitors spoiled for choice. From catching the pretty bluebonnets in bloom at the annual Bluebonnet Trail, wine tasting at a Sugar Ridge Winery, reading books at the Ennis Public Library to visiting Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, there are a plethora of activities to keep you busy.
Distance and driving time: Ennis can be reached with a 35-minute drive from Dallas covering 35 miles.
17. Arlington
This busy city, located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, is home to two major sports teams (the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers), world-class stadiums, and two magnificent amusement parks. Arlington has something for everyone, whether you want to cheer on your favorite team, shop to your heart's content, experience some thrills, or just relax in the beautiful outdoors.
The Dallas Cowboys play their home games in AT&T Stadium, which is a world-class venue. From September through January, join thousands of other silver and blue-clad Cowboys supporters in cheering for their team, or attend a concert by an internationally famous band. Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers, has hosted two World Series Championships and the 1995 All-Star Game. The stadiums are open for tours year-round.
River Legacy Park, on the banks of the Trinity River, is the crown gem of Arlington's park system, with over 1,300 acres of North Texas hardwood forest. Hiking, riding, and wildlife watching are all recommended activities.
Arlington Highlands is home to upscale stores, world-class restaurants, and a variety of entertainment options. There are more than 50 shops and 250 restaurants, as well as a movie theater and an improv comedy club, in this outdoor mall.
Within the Arlington Entertainment District, Lincoln Square is a renowned shopping, eating, and entertainment destination.
Take a look around the Arlington Museum of Art to discover amazing pieces by well-known painters. This non-collecting museum features rotating exhibitions of Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works. The art museum's website provides information about current and future exhibitions.
Distance and driving time: Arlington is at a distance of 20.5 miles, just 23 minutes drive from Dallas.
18. Waco, Texas
Waco is an easy day trip from Dallas, surrounded by all of central Texas' natural beauty and home to two beautiful rivers.
Visitors come to Waco in the hopes of bumping into Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV's Fixer Upper or, at the least, fixing up their own house at Magnolia Market at the Silos, owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper. Magnolia Market is a true home décor paradise, nestled at the base of two historic silos and now spanning two acres.
Don't miss a visit to The Old Church, a restored 1894 church that is one of Waco's oldest structures.
When you think about surfing, Waco may be the last location that springs to mind. A sandy beach leads you into seas churned by a surf machine capable of producing waves similar to those seen on Oahu's North Shore, one of the world's most famous surfing spots.
Explore the Bosque and Brazos rivers with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Pura Vida Paddle for beautiful vistas of lush parks and Waco's historic bridges.
When it comes to swimming, Lake Waco isn't the only option. At Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park, you can add some thrills to your spills.
Hike the quiet trails of the Lake Waco Wetlands or the Lake Waco Dam, or go fishing, boating, or swimming at one of the five parks along the lake's coastline.
Explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Cameron Park Zoo, and the Waco Downtown Cultural District, where you can visit art galleries, view huge colorful murals, shop at boutique apparel and home goods shops, and sample locally produced food in a one-of-a-kind restaurant.
You'll find something local to tickle your taste buds in Waco, whether you're a craft beer consumer, a wine enthusiast, or a hard liquor lover.
Sugary-sweet and pleasantly carbonated, Dr. Pepper is not only a Waco original but also a symbol of everything Texan. The Dr. Pepper Museum, housed in a historic 1906 bottling facility in downtown Waco, is where the magic has been happening for over a century.
Distance and driving time: Waco is at a distance of 96.7 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 32 minutes drive from Dallas.
19. Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park in East Texas may be just the thing at your next outdoor excursion.
You may fish, paddle, walk, picnic, camp, or stay in a cabin at Caddo Lake State Park if tenting or RVing isn't your thing. While you're here, you can go geocaching and boating.
Access the 26,810-acre Caddo Lake for fishing, which is home to more than 70 kinds of fish. For convenient access to the sea, there is a fishing pier and a boat ramp. In a state park, you don't need a fishing license to fish from the shore.
Paddle through the twists and bends of Caddo Lake. You may hire a canoe or kayak at the park or bring your own. The more than 50 miles of paddling routes in the Caddo Lake region will entice you.
Caddo Lake State Park has 46 campsites ranging from water-only to full hookup RV sites.
You may also rent a historic cabin or overnight in a screened shelter. The cabins are available in sizes ranging from two to six people, with some being ADA accessible.
On foot, explore the woodland. The Caddo Forest Trail is ADA accessible for a quarter-mile.
The park store sells gifts and souvenirs.
Alligators reside in the park, and they don't like it when they're touched! Make sure you follow the safety precautions.
Distance and driving time: Caddo Lake State Park is at a distance of 168.3 miles, roughly 2 hours and 36 minutes drive from Dallas.
20. Possum Kingdom State Park
Possum Kingdom Lake, near Caddo, Texas, lies approximately midway between Fort Worth and Abilene and is just a couple of hours from Dallas.
West Texas isn't known for being lush and green, but Possum Kingdom Lake, one of the Brazos River Basin's oldest and biggest reservoirs, is an exception. Possum Kingdom Lake now resembles a natural lake rather than a man-made reservoir.
Possum Kingdom Lake has approximately 300 miles of coastline, so there are plenty of land-based activities to do, such as getting some exercise on one of the park's hiking or bike trails or gathering the family for a picnic or BBQ at one of the lake's picnic sites.
Possum Kingdom State Area is mostly a camping park, with excellent amenities, particularly at the RV campsite.
Hiking trails provide 360-degree views of the Palo Pinto Mountains and the Brazos River Valley.
Don't miss the Hell's Gate party cove, where you can get together with your friends and enjoy the day in the sun or watch one of Texas' finest Fourth of July fireworks shows!
Distance and driving time: Possum Kingdom State Park is at a distance of 134 miles, roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes drive from Dallas.
21. Tyler, Texas
Tyler is one of the best day excursions from Dallas, with everything from historic homes and art museums to a modern zoo and one of the country's largest rose gardens.
The world-famous Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is a tribute to the rose's color and beauty. The 14 beautiful acres of the garden are filled with more than 32,000 bright rose bushes of more than 500 kinds, offering a magnificent green area to explore.
Tyler State Park, situated less than 15 miles north of Tyler, offers a beautiful East Texas landscape and plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment.
The Rose Rudman Recreational Trail, a 4.2-mile trail suitable for hiking, running, and bicycling, offers all of East Texas' natural beauty right in the center of Tyler.
The Tyler Museum of Art has a varied collection of thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other works of art.
The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, a beautiful collection of historic aircraft situated at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, will appeal to aviation lovers. The Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum is a magnificent Civil War-era house packed with antique furniture, pictures, and other artifacts dating from the mid-nineteenth century. The Cotton Belt Museum contains a collection of over 2,000 model train engines and cars, which are kept in the former baggage area of a historic depot building.
Caldwell Zoo is an 85-acre zoological facility that contains over 3,400 species, including giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, white tigers, and capybaras.
Distance and driving time: Tyler is at a distance of 98 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 35 minutes drive from Dallas.
22. Granbury, Texas
Granbury is located on the banks of a lake and has one of the most gorgeous downtown squares in Texas, is a great day trip or weekend getaway from Dallas.
Granbury Square is not only the first Texas courthouse square to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it also serves as a thriving tourism and community hub, with restaurants, boutiques, wine tasting rooms, bed and breakfasts, the city's opera house, and more crowding the square's edges.
This kind of density is uncommon in Texas, especially in a tiny town, and exploring the square fully is undoubtedly one of the finest things to do in Granbury.
Rent a boat, go fishing, or just drop in for a swim: there are lots of ways to cool down on the lake at Lake Granbury!
City Beach Park is a sandy beach in North Texas that is located on the shores of Lake Granbury.
The Granbury Ghosts & Legends Tour is known for its suspense and narrative, and it's a great opportunity to see Granbury at night.
The Hood County Jail Museum is a must-see. This fascinating structure, which was built in 1886 (the same year as the neighboring Granbury Opera House), served as a prison until 1978, supervising almost a century of law enforcement in Granbury and Hood County.
Distance and driving time: Granbury is at a distance of 70 miles, roughly a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Dallas.
23. Athens, Texas
Athens, located a little over an hour southeast of Dallas, combines the beauty of a small town with the conveniences of a large metropolis.
The Henderson County Courthouse, a three-story Classic Revival style landmark, was constructed in 1913, and most of the buildings in its historic downtown were built in the early 1900s.
A visit to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, where you can view an operating fish hatchery and learn about native Texas species, will make nature enthusiasts feel right at home.
Scuba diving at Athens Scuba Park allows you to get even closer to local species by exploring the wreckage of a 60′ Hawker 600 Jet, a Lockheed C-140 Jet Star, Clint Eastwood's film crew's triple-deck party barge, and a DART bus.
Distance and driving time: Athens can be reached with a 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Dallas covering 73 miles.
24. Denton
Denton, a hip college town with all the charm of small-town Texas, is only 45 minutes from Dallas and one of the most accessible day excursions.
The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, a free museum focused on the town's culture and history, is located in the center of the charming main square. The courthouse, which was built in 1896 and was rebuilt in 2004 according to the original plans, is an iconic landmark of the city.
Enjoy the live music scene, which is boosted by local student talent; support the growing craft beer industry by visiting a local brewery; or see a play at the famous Campus Theatre, which first opened in 1949 as a movie theater and was subsequently reinvented as a performing arts venue.
Distance and driving time: Denton is at a distance of 40.5 miles from Dallas.
25. Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls is on the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country. The Pedernales River flows over large outcroppings of limestone, creating the perfect environment to enjoy the falls.
The park includes almost 20 miles of hiking trails, and something is available to everyone. Duration and challenges are different.
Pedernales Falls Trail System (1.8 miles), Twin Falls Nature Trail (0.5 miles), Wolf Mountain Trail Loop ( 5.8 miles) are some of the best trails in the park!
In Texas summer heat, the best way to chill is by taking a dip on the river. Make sure you swim only in designated points.
There is a large campground with 69 sites at Pedernales Falls State Park. They can accommodate up to 8 persons in each space for 20 dollars per night at campgrounds. Next to the nature trail and bathing area of Twin Falls.
The Juniper Ridge Trail is for the more adventurous mountain bikers. It’s a 10-mile advanced trail with plenty of obstacles.
$6 Daily entrance charge per individual aged 13 years and older.
$70 Texas State Park Annual Pass (covers the entire family for every Texas state park).
Distance and driving time: Pedernales Falls State Park can be reached with 3 hours and 45 minutes drive from Dallas covering 235 miles.
Other popular day trips in the United States!
