10 Best Short Road Trips from Plano, Texas for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From Plano, Texas (All Within About 90 Minutes)

Looking for fun road trips from Plano, TX that don’t take all day? You’re in the right place. Plano sits in Collin County, but you don’t have to go far to explore a whole mix of small towns, lakes, museums, and tasty food in the counties around you. Below are 10 short out‑of‑county day trips from Plano, focused on nearby spots in:
  • Dallas County
  • Denton County
  • Fannin County
  • Grayson County
  • Hunt County
  • Rockwall County
Each one is an easy drive, perfect for a Saturday adventure or a lazy Sunday drive.

1. Dallas Arts District & Downtown Dallas (Dallas County)

If you want a classic day trip from Plano to Dallas, start with downtown and the Dallas Arts District. It’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic. Why go: Big-city energy, museums, skyline views, and great food. Things to do:
  • Visit the Dallas Museum of Art – free general admission and plenty to see.
  • Walk through Klyde Warren Park and grab a bite from a food truck.
  • Snap photos of the skyline from the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge area.
  • Explore the Nasher Sculpture Center if you enjoy modern art.
You can easily park once and walk around most of the day. If you like mixing food and culture, plan a late lunch in Uptown or Deep Ellum before heading back to Plano.

2. Dealey Plaza & The Sixth Floor Museum (Dallas County)

This one deserves its own spot because it’s such an iconic Dallas attraction and a major part of U.S. history. Drive time from Plano: Around 30–40 minutes to downtown Dallas. Highlights:
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – learn about President John F. Kennedy’s life, death, and legacy.
  • Walk through Dealey Plaza and see the grassy knoll area you’ve probably seen in documentaries.
  • Check out the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza nearby.
It’s a heavy, emotional stop, but also a meaningful one. If you’ve got teens, this is one of those road trips that doubles as a history lesson they’ll actually remember.

3. White Rock Lake & Dallas Arboretum (Dallas County)

When you need a nature break without driving too far, White Rock Lake is a calm escape right in Dallas. Drive time from Plano: About 30–40 minutes. What to do:
  • Walk or bike the 9‑mile path around White Rock Lake.
  • Pack a picnic and find a shady spot by the water.
  • Visit the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on the lake’s southeast shore.
On a nice spring or fall day, this can be a full, relaxing day trip. If you go in the summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the Texas heat.

4. Denton’s Historic Square & Live Music (Denton County)

Denton has a laid‑back, college‑town feel with a creative twist. It’s great if you enjoy music, local shops, and people‑watching. Drive time from Plano: Around 45–55 minutes. Why visit Denton:
  • The Denton Historic Square is full of local shops, antique stores, and coffee spots.
  • There’s a strong live music scene, especially on weekends.
  • The CourtHouse-on-the-Square Museum gives you a quick peek into local history.
I once spent a lazy Sunday here drifting between a used bookstore, a record shop, and a taco spot. It’s that kind of town—slow, friendly, and easygoing.

5. Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Isle du Bois (Denton County)

If you love the outdoors, Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a solid alternative to busy urban parks. Drive time from Plano: About 1 hour to the Isle du Bois unit. Things to enjoy:
  • Swim or wade along the sandy beaches of Ray Roberts Lake.
  • Hike or bike on easy, shaded trails.
  • Bring a fishing pole and try your luck from the shore or a pier.
  • Pack a cooler and grab a picnic table with a lake view.
If you’ve been meaning to try a state park but don’t want to drive all day, this makes a simple first step into Texas outdoors.

6. Lake Texoma & Eisenhower State Park (Grayson County)

Looking for more of a “mini‑lake getaway”? Lake Texoma on the Texas‑Oklahoma border is a local favorite. Drive time from Plano: Around 1 hour 15 minutes. Top spots:
  • Eisenhower State Park – cliffs, coves, and great lookout spots over Lake Texoma.
  • Rocky little swim areas and places to launch kayaks.
  • Plenty of picnic and grilling areas if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
Standing on the bluffs and looking across the water, it almost feels like you’ve driven way farther than just a bit over an hour from Plano.

7. Denison’s Historic Downtown & Eisenhower Birthplace (Grayson County)

While you’re up near Lake Texoma, make a stop in Denison, a small town with big history. Drive time from Plano: About 1 hour 15 minutes. What to see:
  • The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site – childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
  • Downtown Denison – restored buildings, murals, wine tasting rooms, and local shops.
  • Photo ops along Main Street that feel straight out of a movie set.
This is a good trip if you enjoy mixing history, small‑town charm, and a little window‑shopping.

8. Paris, Texas & Its Famous Eiffel Tower (Lamar County – Bonus Side Trip From Fannin/Grayson)

While Paris isn’t in the exact list of counties you mentioned, many North Texans pair a Fannin or Grayson County drive with a side trip here, so it’s worth including as a “bonus” option. Drive time from Plano: About 1 hour 45 minutes (a bit longer, but still doable as a day trip). Why people go:
  • See the quirky Eiffel Tower of Paris, Texas – complete with a bright red cowboy hat on top.
  • Walk around Downtown Paris with its historic courthouse and square.
  • Grab lunch at a local café and pretend you’ve “been to Paris” for the day.
If you like road trip photos, this one belongs on your Instagram list.

9. Historic Downtown McKinney & Beyond (Collin County – But As a Launchpad)

While you asked for out‑of‑county trips and we’re focusing on the surrounding counties, it’s hard not to mention that many Plano locals use Downtown McKinney as a starting point or “jumping‑off” base for heading north toward Fannin and Grayson. From there, you can easily continue your drive toward:
  • Bonham Lake & Bonham State Park in Fannin County
  • Lake Texoma and Denison in Grayson County
If you want to turn one of these drives into a full weekend, consider a night in a local inn or B&B north of Collin County for a slower pace.

10. Rockwall Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard (Rockwall County)

Rockwall calls itself the “Live Music Capital of North Texas,” and The Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard is a favorite lakeside stop. Drive time from Plano: About 35–45 minutes. What to do:
  • Walk the waterfront promenade and enjoy sunset views over the lake.
  • Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant with patio seating.
  • Catch occasional live music or events at The Harbor.
If you’re looking for a relaxed date night road trip from Plano without dealing with Dallas traffic, Rockwall Harbor hits the sweet spot.

11. Downtown Rockwall & Local Wineries (Rockwall County)

Just a few minutes from the lakefront, Downtown Rockwall is cozy and walkable, with a true small‑town Texas feel. Drive time from Plano: Around 40–50 minutes. Why go:
  • Stroll the historic downtown square with boutiques and cafés.
  • Check out seasonal events, markets, and concerts on the square.
  • Sample local wines at nearby wineries in Rockwall County.
This is a good choice if you want something calmer than Dallas, but still want good food, live music, and that “weekend getaway” mood.

Tips for Planning Your Plano Road Trips

A few quick pointers to make your short road trips from Plano smoother:
  • Check traffic: Dallas-area traffic can change fast. Leaving early often saves time.
  • Pack a small cooler: Water, snacks, and maybe a few drinks for picnics or long walks.
  • Watch park hours: State parks and museums often have set hours and entrance fees.
  • Dress for Texas weather: Layers in winter, light clothes and sunscreen in summer.
Even a simple half‑day trip can feel like a reset when you change the scenery and explore a new town.

Where Will You Go First?

From big‑city museums in Dallas County to lakes and small towns in Denton, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, and Rockwall counties, you’ve got a lot of options within a short drive of Plano. Now it’s your turn:
  • Which of these day trips from Plano have you already tried?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem in any of these counties?
Share your experiences in the comments—your tips might help someone else plan their next escape from Plano. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are always saying, “We should get out of town more.” Sometimes, the best adventure is just an hour down the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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