10 Easy Road Trips From Dallas, Texas: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Dallas County
If you live in
Dallas, Texas, chances are you’ve already hit the big attractions in the city. But what about all the cool things just
beyond Dallas County?
Today we’re going on 10 short, out-of-county road trips from Dallas into the nearby counties of
Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. Each spot is within roughly an hour or so of the city, making these perfect
day trips from Dallas or relaxed weekend escapes.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a date, or a solo adventure, these ideas will give you plenty of fresh things to do near Dallas.
1. Explore Historic Downtown McKinney (Collin County)
About 35–45 minutes north of Dallas,
McKinney feels like a small-town movie set in the best possible way.
Stroll around the
McKinney Historic Downtown Square and you’ll find:
- Brick streets lined with boutiques and antique shops
- Cozy coffee spots and ice cream parlors
- Farm-to-table restaurants and local wine bars
On weekends, you might catch:
- Live music on the square
- Seasonal festivals and art walks
- Farmers markets with Texas-made goodies
If you like relaxed, walkable places, this is an easy, low-stress road trip from Dallas. Park the car, grab a coffee, and just wander.
2. Sip Wine in the “Texas Tuscany” of Grapevine (Tarrant County)
Just west of Dallas, near DFW Airport, sits
Grapevine in Tarrant County. It’s one of the best
weekend getaways from Dallas if you enjoy wine, history, or both.
Head to
Historic Downtown Grapevine and you’ll find:
- Wine tasting rooms from local Texas wineries
- The scenic Grapevine Vintage Railroad
- Art galleries and mom-and-pop shops
For a lakeside break, swing by
Grapevine Lake:
- Walk or bike one of the shoreline trails
- Bring a picnic and watch the sunset
- Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking
It’s easy to spend a full day here: a late breakfast, wine tasting in the afternoon, then dinner and a stroll under the string lights downtown.
3. Enjoy the Waterfront Vibes of Rockwall Harbor (Rockwall County)
If you’re craving water views near Dallas, drive about 30 minutes east to
Rockwall on the shores of
Lake Ray Hubbard.
Head straight to
The Harbor in Rockwall:
- Lakeside restaurants with patios
- Waterfront walking paths and benches
- Occasional live music and events
During warmer months, you can:
- Take a sunset cruise on the lake
- Rent a boat or join friends on the water
- Grab ice cream and watch the boats roll in
It’s a simple escape from Dallas that still feels like a mini vacation, especially at sunset when the sky reflects off the lake.
4. Step Back in Time in Denton’s Courthouse Square (Denton County)
Denton has a laid-back, artsy vibe thanks to the nearby universities, and it’s only about 45–50 minutes from central Dallas.
Start at the
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square:
- A beautiful historic courthouse and museum
- Surrounded by coffee shops, bars, and record stores
- Street musicians and buskers on busy nights
You can:
- Grab lunch at a local diner or burger joint
- Pop into vintage and thrift stores
- Catch live music at a local bar in the evening
If you like Austin’s energy but don’t want to drive that far, Denton is like a smaller, easier-to-navigate version with its own soul.
5. Relax on the Shores of Lake Lewisville (Denton County)
Also in
Denton County,
Lake Lewisville is one of North Texas’s favorite spots for boating and beach days.
Popular areas include:
- Lewisville Lake Park – swimming, picnic tables, and playgrounds
- Little Elm Beach – sandy shoreline and volleyball courts
You can:
- Pack a cooler and grill out with friends
- Rent a boat or join a party barge
- Just lay out on the sand and listen to the water
On hot Dallas summer days, this is a quick way to feel like you’re on a lake vacation without the long drive.
6. Discover Small-Town Charm in Waxahachie (Ellis County)
About 35–45 minutes south of Dallas,
Waxahachie in Ellis County offers one of the most charming small-town downtowns in Texas.
Highlights include:
- The stunning Ellis County Courthouse — a must-see for architecture fans
- Beautiful historic homes and tree-lined streets
- Cute cafes, boutiques, and dessert shops
Depending on the season, you might catch:
- The Scarborough Renaissance Festival (nearby, spring)
- Summer and fall festivals around the square
- Holiday light displays in winter
If you enjoy taking photos, Waxahachie is incredible for Instagram-worthy backdrops and old-time Texas charm.
7. Ride & Dine in the Fort Worth Stockyards (Tarrant County)
You can’t talk about day trips from Dallas without mentioning
Fort Worth, especially the
Fort Worth Stockyards in Tarrant County.
This area celebrates classic Western culture:
- Twice-daily cattle drives down the main street
- Honky-tonks and live country music
- Old-timey Western shops and saloons
You can:
- Watch a rodeo (check schedules in advance)
- Grab Texas-sized barbecue or a steak
- Walk the cobblestone streets and soak up the history
If you have visitors from out of town asking, “What’s something really Texas-y to do near Dallas?”, this is your answer.
8. Go Antiquing & Cafe Hopping in Downtown Plano (Collin County)
Plano in Collin County is just a short drive from North Dallas, and its walkable
Downtown Plano Arts District is packed with character.
Once you park, you can easily:
- Browse antique stores and vintage shops
- Grab coffee or boba tea from a local cafe
- Check out murals and public art installations
Many evenings bring:
- Outdoor concerts and events
- Food and wine festivals
- Gallery openings and art shows
This is a great low-key road trip from Dallas if you want something fun but not exhausting. It’s perfect for couples or friends who love to eat, shop, and people-watch.
9. Slow Down in Terrell’s Historic District (Kaufman County)
Head east from Dallas into
Kaufman County and you’ll reach
Terrell, a quieter option if you prefer smaller crowds.
In Terrell you can:
- Walk through the Historic Downtown Terrell area
- Check out local murals and historic buildings
- Visit small shops and family-owned restaurants
Terrell also has aviation and World War II history ties, so if you enjoy learning local stories, this town has layers to explore.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours, enjoy a relaxed meal, and feel like you’ve stepped into a slower-paced Texas.
10. Drive the Country Roads & Lakes Around Kaufman County
If your ideal road trip from Dallas is more about open skies and quiet roads than big attractions, the backroads of
Kaufman County are for you.
Consider:
- Taking a scenic drive through the countryside east of Dallas
- Stopping at small-town cafes along the way
- Bringing a camera for wide-open field and sunset shots
You can mix and match:
- A quick stop in Kaufman or nearby towns
- A walk near local lakes or parks
- A slow drive back as the sun goes down
Sometimes the best
short road trips from Dallas are the simple ones: a tank of gas, good music, and not much of a plan.
Tips for Planning Your Dallas Day Trips
To make these
Dallas road trips easy and fun:
- Check drive times: Most of these are 30–60 minutes from central Dallas, depending on traffic.
- Go early or late: Leave after morning rush hour or head out mid-afternoon to catch a sunset.
- Look up events: Many of these towns have festivals, concerts, or markets on weekends.
- Pack a “just in case” bag: Sunscreen, water bottles, light jacket, phone charger, and maybe a picnic blanket.
Think of Dallas as your “home base” and these nearby counties as your playground.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Dallas?
Now it’s your turn.
Have you visited any of these places in
Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, or Tarrant County?
Did I miss a must-see spot within an easy drive of Dallas?
Share your favorite Dallas day trip ideas in the comments — I’d love to hear where you like to escape for the day.
And if you found this guide helpful, please:
- Share it with a friend who’s always asking, “What should we do this weekend near Dallas?”
- Bookmark it for your next spontaneous road trip.
More simple, fun Texas travel ideas are on the way, so stay tuned and keep exploring just beyond your own backyard.
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