10 Easy Road Trips From Arlington, Texas (Tarrant County) You’ll Want To Take This Weekend
If you live in
Arlington, Texas, you already know it’s a fun place to be. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of Arlington, there are tons of great
day trips and
short road trips in nearby counties like
Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Parker, and Wise.
Below are 10 simple, easy-to-plan out-of-county road trips from Arlington that are perfect for couples, families, and even solo explorers.
1. Discover Skyline Views and Big-City Energy in Downtown Dallas (Dallas County)
Dallas is only about a 25–35 minute drive from Arlington, depending on traffic, and it feels like a completely different world.
If you’re craving a big-city vibe with skyscrapers, museums, and great food, this is your go-to road trip.
Don’t miss:
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck – Ride up to the top and soak in 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
- Dealey Plaza & The Sixth Floor Museum – A powerful and historic stop that tells the story of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Dallas.
- Klyde Warren Park – A lively city park built on top of a freeway with food trucks, live events, and a playground for kids.
This is a great “starter” trip if you’re new to exploring beyond Arlington. You can leave after breakfast, explore all day, and still be home before bedtime.
2. Stroll the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (Dallas County)
If you love flowers, trees, and walking paths, the
Dallas Arboretum on the shores of White Rock Lake is worth the short drive.
Picture this: shady paths, colorful blooms, and peaceful spots to sit and just breathe. It’s a completely different pace from city life.
Highlights:
- Beautiful seasonal displays (pumpkins in the fall, lights in the winter, tulips in the spring)
- A fun children’s garden with hands-on exhibits for kids
- Plenty of benches and picnic spots with lake views
Tip: Go early in the day during summer. It can get hot, and shady morning walks feel a lot more comfortable than afternoon heat.
3. Shop, Snack, and People-Watch in the Bishop Arts District (Dallas County)
If you like walkable neighborhoods with character, head to the
Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff, just southwest of downtown Dallas.
This area is full of:
- Independent boutiques
- Cute coffee shops
- Street art and murals
- Local restaurants with every kind of food you can think of
It’s a great spot for a laid-back date day or a girls’ trip. Park once, wander around, grab ice cream, and pop into little shops.
Ask yourself:
When was the last time you explored a neighborhood just to see what you’d find? Bishop Arts is perfect for that.
4. Go Wine Tasting in Historic Downtown Grapevine (Denton County)
Less than an hour from Arlington,
Grapevine in Denton County is a charming historic town that feels cozy and welcoming.
Main Street is lined with:
- Urban wineries and tasting rooms
- Antique shops and boutiques
- Local restaurants and bakeries
If you enjoy Texas wine, you can easily spend an afternoon walking from tasting room to tasting room. During the holidays, Grapevine is known as the
“Christmas Capital of Texas”, and the whole town lights up with decorations, events, and parades.
It’s a relaxed, easy trip where you don’t have to rush—just park and explore.
5. Explore the Campus and Vibes in Denton (Denton County)
Denton is a fun college town about 45–60 minutes from Arlington, home to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University.
The heart of the city is the
Denton Square, built around a classic old courthouse.
What to do in Denton:
- Grab coffee or a craft soda on the Square.
- Browse vintage stores, record shops, and bookstores.
- Catch live music in the evening—Denton has a strong music scene.
There’s an artsy, creative feel here that’s a nice change of pace. If you like places that feel a little quirky and local, Denton deserves a spot on your list.
6. Step Back in Time in Waxahachie (Ellis County)
About 35–45 minutes south of Arlington,
Waxahachie in Ellis County is a small town with big charm.
This is the place to go if you love:
- Historic homes and Victorian architecture
- Old-fashioned town squares
- Seasonal events and festivals
Don’t skip:
- Ellis County Courthouse – One of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas.
- A drive through the historic neighborhoods to admire the homes.
In the spring, the town is famous for its
Scarborough Renaissance Festival (just outside Waxahachie), which draws people from all over North Texas. That can turn your simple road trip into a full themed adventure.
7. Head into Horse Country Near Decatur (Wise County)
Wise County, especially the areas near
Decatur, gives you a real taste of rural North Texas. It’s only about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Arlington, but it feels much farther away in a good way.
The rolling pastures, ranch land, and open skies are a nice mental reset after busy city life.
Ideas for your Wise County road trip:
- Take a scenic drive around Decatur and nearby horse ranches.
- Stop in downtown Decatur for lunch and a walk around the historic square.
- Check out local shops and small-town cafes.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to see some open land and breathe for a bit,” this is your spot.
8. Enjoy Small-Town Texas in Cleburne (Johnson County)
About 45 minutes to an hour from Arlington,
Cleburne in Johnson County makes for a simple, relaxed day trip.
It offers a mix of:
- Small-town main streets
- Local diners and cafes
- Parks and outdoor spaces
You can walk around downtown, grab lunch, and just enjoy a slower pace. If your normal week feels rushed, an afternoon in Cleburne is like hitting the pause button.
9. Find Western Flavor in Weatherford (Parker County)
Drive about 45–60 minutes west of Arlington and you’ll reach
Weatherford in Parker County, known for its western heritage and friendly feel.
Things to do in Weatherford:
- Visit the historic downtown square and courthouse.
- Browse antique stores and western shops.
- Check the calendar for events like the Parker County Peach Festival in summer.
If you like small-town Texas with a cowboy flavor, this is a great pick.
10. Take a Scenic Country Drive Through Parker & Wise Counties
Sometimes, the best road trip isn’t about one attraction. It’s about the drive itself.
One of the simplest out-of-county trips from Arlington is to head west and northwest into
Parker and
Wise Counties, avoiding the main interstates and sticking to the farm-to-market roads and back highways.
How to enjoy it:
- Pick a general direction (for example: Arlington → Weatherford → Springtown → Decatur).
- Turn off your usual routes and take the smaller highways.
- Stop in little towns for a snack, coffee, or a late lunch.
You’ll see:
- Rolling fields and pastures
- Old barns and ranch entrances
- Classic Texas two-lane highways
If you have kids, you can make a game out of counting cows, red barns, or water towers along the way. It sounds simple, but these are the kinds of days that stick in your memory.
Tips for Easy Road Trips From Arlington
To make these
short Texas road trips from Arlington even smoother, keep a few things in mind:
- Start early: You’ll avoid the worst traffic and have more time to explore.
- Check hours: Small-town shops and museums sometimes close early or aren’t open every day.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, phone charger, and a light jacket in cooler months.
- Have a loose plan: Know your main stop, but leave room for surprises along the way.
Even if you only have half a day, you can still enjoy a change of scenery outside Tarrant County without driving for hours.
Ready to Hit the Road From Arlington?
Living in or near
Arlington, Texas puts you in a sweet spot. In under an hour or so, you can experience:
- Big-city adventures in Dallas
- College-town energy in Denton
- Historic main streets in Waxahachie, Grapevine, Cleburne, and Weatherford
- Rural escapes in Wise and Parker Counties
You don’t need a full vacation to feel like you “got away.” Sometimes all it takes is a tank of gas, a free afternoon, and a willingness to explore what’s just beyond your usual routine.
Which of these road trips from Arlington are you going to try first?
Share this post with friends and family who live in the Arlington area and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.” And I’d love to hear from you:
- Have you tried any of these out-of-county day trips?
- Do you have a favorite small town or hidden gem near Arlington?
Drop your thoughts, suggestions, and stories in the comments—let’s help each other discover more great things to do near Arlington, Texas!
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