As the 9th largest city in the United States, Dallas keeps locals busy and entertained. However, visitors, transplants, and anyone Big D born and raised should also know about the places to visit within a short drive of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. While you may think you can find everything you need within the city limits, a few relaxing and rejuvenating day trips belong on your bucket list. So, whether it is your first time, your fifth time, or your hundredth time exploring the area, here are some of the best day trips from Dallas worth every minute, every mile, and every “Are we there yet?”
Related: Living in Dallas Vs. Houston
Fun Day Trips from Dallas
First Monday Trade Days – Canton, Texas
Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour
Distance: 60 miles
First Monday Trade Days is, allegedly, the largest flea market in the world. Located in Canton, Texas, the 450-acre market has been around since the 1850s and actually starts on the Thursday before the first Monday of every month. With over 5,000 vendors, you will certainly find the clothing, furniture, art, food, crafts, knickknacks, antiques, and any arcane objects you hunt for.
Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose, Texas
Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Distance: 80 miles
The world-famous Dinosaur Valley State Park gets its name from the fossilized dinosaur footprints found along the Paluxy River. Though not always visible due to changes in the river’s height, the park provides a beautiful getaway from the Big D and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Come for the remarkable history, stay for the remarkable beauty.
Magnolia Market – Waco, Texas
Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Distance: 95 miles
Magnolia Market at the Silos is hard to describe. Part marketplace, part boutique, part restaurant, part true Texas history, part garden and green space, HGTV’s very own Joanna and Chip Gaines perfectly curated the grounds and buildings here. Spend the day basking in the beauty of it all, grab a bite at the food truck, peruse the shops, and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos.
Turner Falls Park – Davis, Oklahoma
Approximate Drive Time: 2 hours
Distance: 130 miles
More than just jaw-dropping waterfalls, Turner Falls Park houses ancient castles, extensive caves, and well-kept hiking trails. With over 1,500 acres to explore and a daily cap on visitors, you’ll need to get there early and plan on spending the whole day.
Burger’s Lake – Fort Worth, Texas
Approximate Drive Time: 45 minutes
Distance: 40 miles
A bit closer to Dallas, Burger’s Lake has served as a place for locals to cool down and burn off some steam during the hot summer months for over 95 years. With sandy beaches, grills, volleyball courts, diving boards, slides, bounce balloons, and a 25-foot trapeze, this park entertains everyone. The common denominator is cool summer fun for the whole family.
Tyler State Park – Tyler, Texas
Approximate Drive Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Distance: 100 miles
On the shores of a beautiful lake by the same name, Tyler State Park presents an oasis of aquatic fun. Perfect for boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and camping, the park contains some of the tallest trees in the area. Setting up camp in their shade and exploring the lake helps visitors truly unwind and disconnect from life in the city.
Piney Woods Wine Trail
Approximate Drive Time: Various
Distance: Various
While in the vicinity of Tyler State Park, take advantage of the delicious offerings on the Piney Woods Wine Trail. With 22 locations across East Texas, it may take more than a day to enjoy the award-winning wines this region produces.
Make Dallas Your Home Base
If you are moving to Dallas, or moving within Dallas, the process of finding your dream home can feel daunting. Our team of Locators at AptAmigo can help. We apply our in-depth knowledge of luxury apartments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as we get to know your needs. Then, we compile a list of buildings and neighborhoods that best fit you. Once we find the perfect matches, we share them with you, schedule tours of the ones you like most, and even help you finalize the paperwork. In other words, we take the hassle out of the apartment search process so that you can get out and explore all that Dallas and the surrounding area offer.
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Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
