10 Easy Road Trips From Fort Worth, Texas: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Tarrant County
If you live in
Fort Worth, Texas and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you don’t have to hop on a plane. There are plenty of
short road trips near Fort Worth that will have you out of Tarrant County and into something new in under an hour or two.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 out-of-county day trips to nearby spots in:
- Dallas County
- Denton County
- Ellis County
- Johnson County
- Parker County
- Wise County
All are easy drives from Fort Worth and packed with things to do, see, eat, and enjoy.
1. Explore Big-City Vibes in Downtown Dallas (Dallas County)
If you’re craving a different skyline, head east about 35–45 minutes and spend the day in
downtown Dallas. It feels like a whole different world compared to Fort Worth, even though it’s just down the highway.
What to do in downtown Dallas:
- Walk around Klyde Warren Park, a green space built over a freeway, with food trucks, live music, and people-watching.
- Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn about the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
- Check out the Dallas Arts District for museums, sculptures, and cool photo spots.
I still remember my first time standing in Dealey Plaza. I’d seen it on TV plenty of times, but actually standing there, looking up at the building, felt surreal. It’s one of those places you don’t fully “get” until you go.
Driving tip: Parking downtown can be tight. Consider using a paid garage so you’re not circling the block for 20 minutes.
2. Cheer on the Home Team at American Airlines Center (Dallas County)
Love sports or live concerts? Make a short road trip from Fort Worth to the
American Airlines Center in Dallas’ Victory Park area.
Why go:
- Watch the Dallas Mavericks (NBA) or Dallas Stars (NHL).
- Catch a big-name artist on tour.
- Walk around Victory Park’s restaurants and bars before or after the event.
Even if you’re not a hardcore sports fan, the energy inside that arena during a close game is pretty contagious. You might walk in as a casual fan and leave yelling stats on the way home.
Pro tip: Plan to arrive early and grab dinner nearby. Traffic gets heavy right before game time, especially on weekends.
3. Family Fun at the Dallas Zoo (Dallas County)
Looking for a kid-friendly day trip from Fort Worth? The
Dallas Zoo is about 40–50 minutes away and makes an easy full-day outing.
Highlights:
- Giants of the Savanna exhibit with giraffes, elephants, and more.
- A fun children’s zoo with interactive play areas.
- Plenty of shaded spots and rest areas for hot Texas afternoons.
Pack some snacks, wear comfy shoes, and give yourself time to wander. The zoo is big enough to be interesting but not so huge that you’re exhausted by noon.
Travel hint: Go early in the day when it’s cooler. The animals are usually more active in the morning.
4. Wander Historic Denton Square (Denton County)
Head about 45–55 minutes north of Fort Worth and you’ll reach
Denton, a college town with a laid-back, artsy feel. The
Denton Square is the heart of it all.
Things to do on Denton Square:
- Stroll around the historic courthouse and grab photos of the vintage architecture.
- Pop into local bookstores, record shops, and boutiques.
- Enjoy coffee, ice cream, or a casual meal at one of the many cafes and diners.
If you’re used to the busier feel of Fort Worth, Denton’s quirky charm and walkable square can feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s an easy place to just park once and explore on foot.
Weekend idea: Visit during a local festival or live music event on the square for extra fun.
5. Get on the Water at Lewisville Lake (Denton County)
When summer hits, nothing feels better than being near the water. Around an hour from Fort Worth,
Lewisville Lake in Denton County is a popular spot for a quick nature escape.
What you can do:
- Rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski from a local marina.
- Set up a picnic by the shore and let the kids play.
- Try some casual fishing from the bank or a dock.
You don’t have to be an expert boater to enjoy it. Even just sitting by the water with a cooler and a folding chair can reset your mood after a busy week.
Packing tip: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Texas lakes can be beautiful but brutally sunny.
6. Visit Charming Waxahachie and Its Historic Homes (Ellis County)
About 50–60 minutes southeast of Fort Worth,
Waxahachie in Ellis County is known for its
Victorian homes and old-fashioned small-town charm.
Why Waxahachie is worth the drive:
- Check out beautifully restored historic houses and tree-lined streets.
- Walk around the Ellis County Courthouse, one of the most striking courthouses in Texas.
- Browse antique shops and grab a meal at a local diner or café.
If you enjoy old architecture and slower-paced towns, Waxahachie is a relaxing day trip. It’s the kind of place where you actually hear your footsteps on the sidewalk and notice the details on old buildings.
Photo idea: Visit around golden hour in the late afternoon for the best light on the historic homes.
7. Step Back in Time at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Ellis County – Seasonal)
Each spring, just outside Waxahachie, the
Scarborough Renaissance Festival turns a patch of Ellis County into a full-on medieval village. It’s about an hour from Fort Worth and makes a unique road trip if you want something different.
At the festival you’ll find:
- Costumed performers, knights, and jesters roaming the grounds.
- Jousting shows, live music, and comedy acts.
- Turkey legs, handmade crafts, and all kinds of quirky souvenirs.
Even if you’re not into costumes, it’s hard not to smile when you’re watching a joust or hearing someone shout “Huzzah!” from across the field.
Planning tip: This is a
seasonal event, usually running in spring. Check dates and buy tickets in advance.
8. Enjoy Small-Town Texas in Cleburne (Johnson County)
Head about 35–45 minutes south of Fort Worth and you’ll reach
Cleburne in Johnson County, a classic Texas town that’s easy to explore in a day.
Things to do in Cleburne:
- Walk through the historic downtown and stop at local shops and eateries.
- Visit nearby Cleburne State Park (also in Johnson County) for hiking, picnicking, and lake views.
- Check out local museums or small-town events if they’re happening while you’re there.
It’s a simple trip, but sometimes that’s the point. If you want a quieter, slower escape from city traffic, Cleburne gives you that small-town feel without a long drive.
Day-trip combo: Spend the morning outdoors at the state park and the afternoon in town for dinner and a stroll.
9. Relax and Refuel in Weatherford (Parker County)
Just 30–40 minutes west of Fort Worth,
Weatherford in Parker County is often called the “Peach Capital of Texas.” It’s another great nearby spot for a chill day.
Why visit Weatherford:
- Explore the historic downtown square and courthouse.
- Grab some homestyle cooking at a local restaurant.
- Visit during peach season to find fresh fruit and peach-themed treats.
Weatherford has that classic Texas charm: friendly people, old buildings, and a slower pace that makes a short drive feel like a little vacation.
Bonus: The drive from Fort Worth to Weatherford is easy and usually pretty low-stress compared to heading east toward Dallas.
10. Go Underground at Wise County’s Natural Spots (Wise County)
Northwest of Fort Worth, a little under an hour away,
Wise County offers rural scenery and some unique outdoor experiences. One standout is the chance to explore
caves and natural areas in the region.
Ideas for your Wise County road trip:
- Check out local parks and trails for hiking and nature walks.
- Explore cave tours or guided outdoor activities when available.
- Enjoy scenic drives through rolling hills and open countryside.
If you’re used to city streets and busy freeways, the wide-open feel of Wise County can be a welcome change. It’s the kind of area where the night sky actually looks dark and full of stars.
Safety note: If you do any cave exploring, always stick with marked tours or guided experiences and follow instructions carefully.
Tips for Planning Your Fort Worth Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Fort Worth even smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times: Most of these are within 30–60 minutes, but traffic can stretch that, especially toward Dallas.
- Watch the weather: Texas heat, storms, and sudden changes can affect your plans, especially for outdoor activities.
- Plan parking: Big-city areas like downtown Dallas may require paid parking or garages.
- Bring basics: Water, snacks, phone charger, and a small cooler can turn a simple day trip into a comfortable one.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or burn a full tank of gas to explore beyond Fort Worth. A half-day or full-day outing to these
nearby Texas counties can give you new memories without the hassle of long-distance travel.
Where Will You Go First?
From the bright lights of
Dallas to the quiet charm of
Waxahachie, the artsy streets of
Denton, and the peach flavors of
Weatherford, there’s a road trip for every mood just outside Tarrant County.
Which of these
10 out-of-county road trips near Fort Worth sounds best to you?
- Are you more into city adventures and nightlife?
- Or do you prefer lakes, parks, and small-town squares?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you’ve already been to any of these spots, I’d love to hear your tips and favorite places.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trip ideas from Fort Worth. Your shares and comments help more travelers discover fun things to do just beyond Tarrant County’s borders.
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