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6 Amazing Dallas Weekend Getaways That Are Road Trip Worthy

When you’re needing a break from city life, a Dallas weekend getaway is the perfect way to relax and enjoy life. These Dallas road trip ideas will take you anywhere from a weekend Texas Hill Country escape to an African safari right here in our state.

Looking to stay a little closer to home? Why not Go On an EPIC Dallas Mini Vacation.

These amazing destinations are within reach of the metroplex. I made sure to include Texas travel destinations that fit every budget and lifestyle too. Here’s where to go on your next Dallas road trip:

6 Amazing Dallas Road Trip Weekend Getaways

These Dallas weekend getaways are road trip worthy and will please adventurous spirits, romantics, and elevated lifestyles alike.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa

Escape to luxury at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. This amazing Hill Country resort in Texas sits on 600 acres of oak-covered hills offering stylish accommodations and 2 PGA Certified TPC Golf Courses just moments from Austin.

You’ll respite in upscale accommodations with expansive floor plans, plush furnishing, premium amenities, and breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. Bring the little ones along for a thrilling experience with the onsite nine-acre water park featuring a 1,100-foot lazy river.

Explore nearby attractions including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera (I love this place!), Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. After a day exploring and sight-seeing, kick it back and enjoy a meal from one of the six resort restaurants or rejuvenate at the onsite luxury spa.

You’re not gonna want to leave this place.

Drive time:
5 hours

Cost per night:
$349

Must do:
Play the Oaks course

Side trip:
Pearl District

Address: 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, Texas

Wildcatter Ranch and Resort – Graham

Nestled deep within the Palo Pinto mountains of North Texas is Wildcatter Ranch. Here, you can take in 1,500 acres of the most beautiful Texas country you’ve ever seen. Sitting atop the North Texas hills, this destination ranch is located just 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth in Graham, Texas.

Expect a vacation where you can enjoy the sunset from the back porch of your guest room or spend your day horseback riding, shooting sporting clays, or canoeing, Wildcatter Ranch offers an authentic Texas experience like no other.

With 32 guestrooms and suites and one historic guesthouse, Wildcatter Ranch provides all the comforts of home with a special rustic Texas charm best described as affordable luxury. You’ll love the upscale guest rooms, horseback riding, outdoor activities, and great onsite steakhouse restaurant.

A unique escape from the city, Wildcatter Ranch is located in the heart of the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. With nature and history surrounding the ranch, experience a one of a kind stay with upscale western accommodations, guided activities with local Texas cowboys, and enjoy hand-cut mesquite grilled steaks at Wildcatter Steakhouse.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, conference or wedding venue, Wildcatter Ranch is an unforgettable Dallas road trip destination.

Drive time:
90 minutes

Cost per night:
$159+

Must do:
Jeep Tour

Side trip:
Possum Kingdom Lake

Address: 6062 Hwy 16 South, Graham, Texas

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose

It’s easy to imagine you’re on an African safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. 

Overnight guests are treated to a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and they also get a free pass to the 7.2-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive. They also have the option to experience a Morning Safari Tour or Behind-the-Scenes Morning Safari Tour, both at a discount from standard rates. Guests are picked up right after breakfast and dropped back off at their vehicles.

Fossil Rim has some of the most beautiful views among northern edge of the Texas Hill Country. Tucked away on 1,800 acres, the wildlife center has multiple hideaway options for your enjoyment. We feature The Lodge, Foothills Safari Cabins and our Wolf Ridge Bunkhouses.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, conducting scientific research, training of professionals, responsible management of natural resources and public education. Through these activities, Fossil Rim provides a diversity of compelling learning experiences that inspire positive change in the way people think, feel and act towards nature.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity, specializing in captive breeding programs for indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species.

Fossil Rim is just three miles southwest of Glen Rose off U.S. 67. Fossil Rim is an easy drive one hour from Ft. Worth and one-and-a-half hours from Dallas and DFW Airport making it the perfect destination for a Dallas road trip.

Drive time:
1.5 hours

Cost per night:
$125 standard; $225 peak season

Must do:
Morning Safari Tour

Side trip:
Dinosaur World Texas

Address: 2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas

Texas State Railroad – Rusk and Palestine

When was the last time that you enjoyed riding behind 1200 horses without having to mount a saddle or balance in a stagecoach?
Look no further than the Piney Woods of East Texas, home to Texas State Railroad, the Official Railroad of Texas, to find antique steam and vintage diesel locomotives ready to whisk you back to an era void of electronics and video games, for a scenic round trip excursion.
History is only part of the fun-filled journey aboard Texas State Railroad. In addition to the year-round four-hour excursions that travel 50 miles through the picturesque Piney Woods and hardwood creek bottoms of East Texas.
The Railroad serves up loads of fun with its seasonal favorites: Easter Egg Express, Memorial Weekend Brunch Train, Summer Friday Night Romance on the Rails excursions featuring Wine in the Pines and Pints in the Pines, Pumpkin Patch Express and The Polar Express®.
This scenic rail line runs from both Palestine and Rusk, Texas. You’ll want to visit their website for departure dates and points. www.TexasStateRailroad.net
Get lost and forget you have your cell phone when you visit this affordable East Texas train ride.

Drive time:
2 hours

Cost per ticket:
$10-$800

Must do:
Take a ride on The Polar Express® during the holidays

Side trip:
Tyler, Texas — Rose Capitol of America

Address: 789 Park Rd 70, Palestine, Texas

Turner Falls – Davis, Oklahoma

Turner Falls Park in Davis, OK is an adventurous and family-friendly annual destination nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains and home to a 77′ waterfall. Turner Falls Park is the home of Oklahoma’s largest waterfall! You’ll definitely want to go swimming, but you’re also gonna love the hiking, camping, caves, and rock castle.

After a long day of swimming and exploring Turner Falls Park, rest comfortably in one of their twelve beautiful, cozy cabins which you can book online.

Turner Falls Park is the oldest park in Oklahoma and is named for Mazeppa Thomas Turner. Turner was born in Virginia and married a Chickasaw named Laura Johnson. He then became a farmer in Murray County and in 1878 he and is wife settled in a cabin along Honey Creek. Turner then discovered the nearby waterfall, which earned his name.

The recreational area came under the ownership of the city of Davis in 1919. Davis purchased 370 acres for the park from the Turner family in 1925, paying a reported sum of $17,000.

Visit Turner Falls Park less than 2 hours north of the DFW metroplex and create unforgettable memories!

Drive time:
1.5 hours

Cost per day:
$14 summer rate; $5 winter rate

Cost per night:
$250 summer; $125 winter

Must do:
Explore the Castle!

Side trip:
Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Address: I-35 & HWY-77, Davis, Oklahoma

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa – Cedar Creek

Situated along the banks of the Lower Colorado River between Austin and Bastrop, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa offers a memorable Texas escape on 405 acres of scenic terrain.

The AAA Four Diamond resort features 491 guest rooms, more than 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and over 240,000 square feet of outdoor function space with pavilions and an amphitheater. Amenities include the Wolfdancer Golf Club, Spa Django and Renegade Trailhead equestrian facility.

Beyond golf, spa and horseback riding, guests will enjoy exploring the adjoining 1,100-acre McKinney Roughs Nature Park; kayaking and rafting; hiking and birding along 18 miles of trails; archery and trap shooting; swimming and floating at the Crooked River Water Park; nightly s’mores roasts at outdoor fire pits; and a lengthy lineup of recreation activities.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines showcases a blend of year-round and seasonal dining options with everything from a light snack and a beverage to a fine dining experience at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Stories restaurant.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is a memorable Dallas road trip destination located on the banks of the Lower Colorado River.

Drive time:
3.5 hours

Cost per night:
$166+

Must do:
Go horseback riding

Side trip:
Pearl District

Address: 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek, Texas

Get Lost On These Dallas Weekend Road Trips!

You deserve a much needed vacation which is why you need these Dallas road trip destinations. There’s so many amazing places to see in Texas!

Have you been to any of these destinations? Let us know in the comments below! Also be sure to check us out on social media by searching @metroplexsocial.