THE 30 BEST Road Trips from Dallas - 2024 (with Map) (2024)

1.

🚗 195 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Perfect long weekend road trip for foodies and music lovers, Austin is famous for its live music scene and outdoor spaces like Zilker Park. The buzzing city is also home to world-class BBQ joints to farm-to-table bistros.

There is something for everyone on this drive and the amazing places you can visit en route include Silos at Magnolia in Waco and Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

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2.

🚗 370 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

Visit the historic site of the Alamo, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Walk, or have a scenic meal by the river—there is plenty to do in San Antonio, no matter what you are looking for in a road trip!

En route, we recommend stopping at Waco to visit Dr Pepper Museum or grab a meal at Silos at Magnolia and spend some time in Austin.

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3.

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Whether you are looking to explore the Museum District's 19 museums or learn more about space exploration at the famous Space Center, Houston is the perfect place to visit for curious minds.

As you drive to Houston, you can make the best of this road trip by visiting Pearce Museum in Corsicana, Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville and enjoy the small town charm of Conroe.

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4.

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 10 minutes

If you want the perfect combination of urban fun and a great outdoor adventure, Denver will deliver. This hip city has many up-and-coming breweries, amazing museums and the majestic Rocky Mountains as its backdrop!

There is plenty to see and do en route, and we highly recommend putting aside some time to visit Wichita Falls, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

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5.

🚗 1,060 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, and for good reason! Here, you will find plenty of stunning vistas and hiking trails for all fitness levels, and you will even get to see an unforgettable sunset.

As you travel to the Grand Canyon, make sure to check out Amarillo, Albuquerque, the fascinating Petrified Forest National Park and Flagstaff, home to Lowell Observatory.

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6.

🚗 1,220 miles ⏱️ 18 hours

Las Vegas needs little introduction; from its neon-lit Strip, glamorous casinos, and amazing shows where you can watch your favorite artists perform to world-class dining, welcome to the world's entertainment capital!

On this sizeable drive, you will have plenty of amazing places to visit. If you are after Route 66 nostalgia, make sure to stop by Albuquerque and stop at Flagstaff to make a detour to the Grand Canyon en route.

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7.

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

The party never stops in New Orleans! Time your road trip with the legendary Mardi Gras celebrations and explore the French Quarter, or plan for a quieter adventure in the Garden District and admire the beautiful architecture.

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can extend your trip to visit Splash Kingdom Paradise Island, a great stop if you are traveling with family, and spend some time in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

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8.

🚗 655 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Santa Fe is a colorful New Mexican City with an artistic soul. You will find beautiful adobe buildings and some of the most vibrant markets here. Don't miss out on indulging in the delicious Southwestern cuisine!

There are plenty of unique and quirky things to see on this drive, such as the World's Littlest Skyscraper in Wichita Falls and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo.

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9.

🚗 730 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Visit Colorado Springs to experience the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Here you can explore Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods to admire the stunning natural landscapes.

Some of the amazing places you can visit on this drive include Wichita Falls, Amarillo, Trinidad and beautiful Pueblo.

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10.

🚗 1,240 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 30 minutes

Looking for a magical destination? Orlando is the perfect destination for families and adventurers alike. Home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, Orlando offers endless fun and excitement for all ages.

As you make your way to Florida, you will get to spend time in historic cities like Shreveport and Jackson, admire the Gulf Coast views in Mobile and make a detour to Tallahassee.

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11.

🚗 670 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Nashville is the quintessential destination for any music lover. During your visit, make sure to spend some time at the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and catch a gig or two during your visit to Music City.

On the way to Nashville, you can also visit Sulphur Springs, Texarkana, Little Rock and get a taste of live music and follow in the footsteps of the King in Memphis.

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12.

🚗 680 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Prepare to be amazed by some of Texas' most stunning landscapes in Big Bend National Park. Bring your hiking boots and set off on a trail or simply enjoy the scenery of Rio Grande's dramatic canyons, and enjoy star-filled nights.

The drive to Big Bend showcases the best of Texas metropolises with something for all travelers, and you can visit Waco, Austin and historic San Antonio en route.

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13.

🚗 810 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 10 minutes

There is so much to explore in Atlanta, from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to the expansive Georgia Aquarium and the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden, where you can see the Earth Goddess, pictured above.

This drive is the perfect adventure for history lovers with world-class museums in the cities that dot this route, such as Shreveport, Jackson and Montgomery.

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14.

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 7 hours

Amarillo, the gateway to the Texas Panhandle, offers a slice of classic Americana with attractions like the Cadillac Ranch. The charming city sits on the historic Route 66 and is only a stone's throw from the majestic Palo Duro Canyon.

You will get to experience the best of small town and Southern charm on this drive to Amarillo as you drive past the friendly communities of Abilene and Lubbock.

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15.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Waco is home to the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, the brainchild of Joanna and Chip Gaines of HGTV's popular reality series "Fixer Upper". This charming Texan city is perfect for a day trip or a laid-back weekend getaway.

Instead of driving directly to Waco, you can extend your trip on this drive to visit Fort Worth, Big Rocks Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

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16.

🚗 940 miles ⏱️ 14 hours

Windy City is the perfect place to head to if you are looking to do some museum-hopping. While here, don't miss the views from the Willis Tower Skydeck or the art at Millennium Park, and sample some delicious deep-dish pizza.

As you drive to the shores of Lake Michigan, we recommend spending some time in Texarkana, taking a relaxing soak in Hot Springs, and exploring Little Rock and St Louis.

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17.

🚗 750 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 45 minutes

Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin is home to an amazing array of marine wildlife, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can expect to find world-class fishing, challenging golf courses, and the freshest seafood in Destin.

This is the perfect "surf and turf" adventure where you can explore historic cities like Shreveport and Jackson inland before heading to the Gulf Coast to enjoy the sun in Gulf Shores and Pensacola en route.

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18.

Padre Island

🚗 440 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

Relax on the sandy beaches of Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world. Enjoy bird watching, the Padre Island National Seashore, and activities like fishing and kiteboarding in this coastal paradise.

On this drive towards the Gulf of Mexico, you can visit bustling towns and cities like Waco, Austin and San Antonio for an unforgettable urban adventure.

19.

Shreveport

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Visit Shreveport for a taste of Louisiana culture and entertainment. Enjoy the casinos, vibrant music scene, and Southern cuisine. Don't miss the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and the lush American Rose Center gardens.

There is plenty to visit on this drive, such as the pretty small town of Canton, the famous Lonestar Speedway and Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum.

20.

Oklahoma City

🚗 210 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Oklahoma City is famous for its cowboy heritage, which you can learn about at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Don't miss out on visiting the vibrant Bricktown district.

You can visit Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Frank Buck Zoo and beautiful Turner Falls Park on your way to Oklahoma City.

21.

Caddo Lake

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Caddo Lake, with its hauntingly beautiful cypress swamps, offers a mystical boating or kayaking experience. Discover diverse wildlife and hidden bayous.

You can also add Canton, a charming small town, East Texas Zoo & Gator Park and Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum to your itinerary en route.

22.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

🚗 510 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 50 minutes

Hike in the stunning Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peak in Texas. Experience the rugged beauty of the desert landscape, extensive hiking trails, and the beautiful wilderness.

We recommend also visiting Abilene Zoo, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns National Park en route.

23.

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

Reconnect with nature at Lake Ouachita, and unwind at the healing waters of Hot Springs in Arkansas. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, secluded islands, and thermal baths for a relaxing retreat. Make sure to check out the famous Bathhouse Row.

You can take a little extra time on this drive to visit Sulphur Springs and Texarkana en route to make the best of your road trip.

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24.

🚗 470 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

A relatively short road trip to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico will take you to Corpus Christi for a blissful beach getaway. Enjoy the soft sands of Padre Island, explore the Texas State Aquarium, and have fun with watersports if feeling adventurous!

On this road trip, you can also visit Waco, Temple, the iconic metropolis of Austin, New Braunfels and fascinating Natural Bridge Caverns.

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25.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

If you are looking for a peaceful experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Broken Bow is nestled near Beavers Bend State Park; a paradise for fishing and even camping by the river. Nearby, you will also find restaurants by Broken Bow Lake.

There are plenty of interesting places to see on this drive, including Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville, Cooper Lake State Park and Paris, Texas.

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26.

🚗 520 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 40 minutes

Branson is a family-friendly destination known for its live shows, beautiful Ozark Mountains scenery, and fun attractions like Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park. The area is especially stunning during spring and fall, so you might want to plan accordingly!

En route, you can also make stops at Texarkana, beautiful Hot Springs and Little Rock in Arkansas and explore Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

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27.

🚗 320 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 30 minutes

Possibly home to some of the most quirky attractions on our list, Tulsa is known for its Art Deco heritage and beautiful green spaces like the Gathering Place. Make sure to visit the Philbrook Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum.

If you'd like to explore the area more, we recommend making stops at Sulphur Springs, quirky town of Paris, Texas and pretty Lake Eufaula.

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28.

Grapevine

🚗 20 miles ⏱️ 25 minutes

Grapevine is home to a historic downtown with its boutique shops, wineries, and festivals. Don't miss the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and the beautiful Lake Grapevine for outdoor activities.

Grapevine sits adjacent to Dallas, so this will be a very short drive. En route, you can stop by Cowboys Red River Dancehall & Saloon for a spot of nostalgia.

29.

Terrell

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 35 minutes

In the charming small town of Terrell, you can visit the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, the historic downtown, and enjoy local dining. Terrell's friendly atmosphere makes it a delightful stop on any road trip.

To make the best of this short drive, we recommend stopping at Spellman Museum of Forney History en route to Terrell.

30.

Canton

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Canton is a pretty small town best known for hosting the world's largest flea market, First Monday Trade Days. Explore this vast market for unique finds and local crafts.

On your way to Canton, you can also visit the Spellman Museum of Forney History and Splash Kingdom Paradise Island, which is a seasonal attraction.

1.

🚗 1,360 miles ⏱️ 20 hours

If you are looking for a beachy road trip, then San Diego is the destination to add to your list! Home to stunning shorelines, this sunny Cali city is home to San Diego Zoo and historic Old Town. Make sure to check out the popular breweries while there!

2.

🚗 1,440 miles ⏱️ 21 hours

Sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles is famously home to the iconic Hollywood sign, sunny beaches, many museums and eclectic neighborhoods that make the city a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.

3.

🚗 1,385 miles ⏱️ 22 hours

Explore the wild heart of Yellowstone National Park, where you will find world-famous geysers, hot springs, and fascinating wildlife. Make sure to add majestic Old Faithful and stunning Grand Prismatic Spring to your list of things to see!

4.

🚗 1,550 miles ⏱️ 23 hours, 35 minutes

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Big Apple is an amazing destination for some retail therapy, visiting world-class museums, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and spending some time at Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.