10 Easy Road Trips Near Mesquite, Texas (All Outside Dallas County)
If you live in Mesquite, TX (in Dallas County) and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find small towns, lakes, wineries, and historic districts that feel a world away—without blowing your gas budget.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Mesquite, all in nearby counties like Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. Each one is perfect for a day trip or a laid-back weekend escape.
1. Rockwall Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard (Rockwall County)
Head northeast about 20–25 minutes from Mesquite and you’ll hit
Rockwall Harbor, one of the easiest “mini-getaways” in North Texas.
At the Harbor you’ll find:
- Waterfront restaurants with patio seating
- Live music on many weekends
- Boat tours and sunset cruises
- A lakeside walking trail
On a warm evening, grab dinner, watch the boats, and enjoy the breeze coming off
Lake Ray Hubbard. If you time it right, the sunsets here can be pretty stunning. It’s a simple trip, but it really doesn’t feel like you’re just a short drive from Mesquite.
2. Historic Downtown McKinney (Collin County)
Looking for small-town charm with big-city options?
Historic Downtown McKinney is about 45–55 minutes north of Mesquite, depending on traffic, and it makes a great day trip.
You’ll find:
- Brick streets lined with boutiques and antique shops
- Local coffee shops and dessert spots
- Farm-to-table restaurants and cozy wine bars
- Seasonal festivals and live music
It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon wandering from shop to shop. I once “popped in” for a quick coffee here and ended up staying six hours, poking around bookstores and talking with local shop owners. It has that relaxed, walkable feel that a lot of us miss in bigger suburbs.
3. The Stockyards in Fort Worth (Tarrant County)
If you want to lean into the classic Texas vibe, head west about an hour to the
Fort Worth Stockyards in Tarrant County.
Here’s what you can do:
- Watch the twice-daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue
- Tour the historic livestock pens and museums
- Shop for cowboy boots, hats, and Western wear
- Catch live country music and maybe even a rodeo
It can feel a little touristy, sure—but in a fun way. If you’ve got kids or out-of-town visitors, this is the kind of road trip from Mesquite that makes you say, “Yep, this is definitely Texas.”
4. Grapevine Main Street & Wineries (Tarrant County)
Also in Tarrant County, about 50 minutes from Mesquite, is the charming city of
Grapevine. Its
Main Street District is full of character and makes for a relaxed, walkable day trip.
You’ll find:
- Multiple wine tasting rooms (Grapevine really leans into its name)
- Local boutiques and art galleries
- Seasonal festivals like GrapeFest and Christmas Capital of Texas events
- The Grapevine Vintage Railroad (fun for families)
If you enjoy wine but don’t want to drive all the way to the Hill Country, this is a nice “starter” wine trip that’s still close to Mesquite.
5. Downtown Denton & Courthouse Square (Denton County)
Drive about an hour northwest and you’ll land in
Denton, a college town with a creative spirit and a lively central square.
Around the
Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square, you’ll find:
- Record shops and quirky bookstores
- Local bars with live music (especially at night)
- Food trucks and casual eateries
- Unique thrift and vintage shops
The vibe here is laid-back and artsy. It’s the kind of place where you might sit on a bench, drink a coffee, and listen to a street musician while people-watching for an hour. If you like towns with personality, Denton is worth the trip from Mesquite.
6. Lake Lewisville & Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area – LLELA (Denton County)
If you’d rather be on a trail or by the water, head a little south of Denton to
Lake Lewisville and the
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA). It’s about 55–65 minutes from Mesquite, depending on your exact route.
At LLELA, you can:
- Hike several miles of easy to moderate trails
- Go birdwatching and spot wildlife
- Fish along the river
- Kayak or canoe in some areas (check current rules)
This is a good choice if you want a nature-heavy day without driving deep into East Texas. Pack snacks, plenty of water, and maybe some bug spray, and you’re set.
7. Ennis: Bluebonnets, Lake Bardwell & Historic Downtown (Ellis County)
About 40–45 minutes south of Mesquite,
Ennis in Ellis County offers a little bit of everything: nature, history, and small-town charm.
Here’s why it’s popular:
- Bluebonnet Trails (seasonal): In spring, Ennis is famous for its mapped bluebonnet driving trails.
- Lake Bardwell: A peaceful lake for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
- Historic downtown: Cute shops, diners, and old brick buildings.
If you’ve ever wanted those classic Texas wildflower photos, Ennis is one of the closest and easiest road trips from Mesquite to make that happen. Even outside wildflower season, it’s a quiet, relaxing spot.
8. Waxahachie: Gingerbread Houses & Downtown Square (Ellis County)
Just a little farther southwest in Ellis County, about 45–55 minutes from Mesquite, is
Waxahachie. This town is known for its beautifully detailed Victorian homes and historic charm.
Don’t miss:
- Gingerbread-style homes: Take a drive through older neighborhoods to see ornate Victorian architecture.
- Ellis County Courthouse: A striking historic building on the square.
- Local festivals: Depending on the time of year, you might catch a storytelling festival, craft fair, or holiday event.
If you enjoy photography or architecture, Waxahachie is a goldmine. Even just grabbing a burger on the square and strolling around is a nice break from big-box suburbs.
9. Cedar Creek Reservoir & Small-Town Stops (Kaufman County + Nearby)
Head southeast from Mesquite for about 45–60 minutes and you’ll reach the edges of
Cedar Creek Reservoir, one of the larger lakes in the region. Parts of the lake stretch through or near
Kaufman County, bringing with it a string of lake communities.
On and around the lake, you can:
- Rent a boat or join a fishing guide
- Find casual lakeside restaurants and bars
- Enjoy swimming and water sports in warmer months
- Take a slow drive through small lakeside neighborhoods
It’s one of those places where time moves a little slower. If you’ve been staring at screens all week, a day by the water can feel like a reset button.
10. Terrell’s Historic District & Antique Shopping (Kaufman County)
Just east of Mesquite, about 25–35 minutes away, is
Terrell in Kaufman County. It’s close enough for a half-day trip but has enough going on to fill a whole day if you want.
Things to check out:
- Historic downtown area with local shops
- Antique stores and vintage finds
- Murals and historic buildings for photo stops
Terrell is one of those under-the-radar road trip ideas near Mesquite that people often skip—but if you enjoy antiques, history, or just quieter streets, it’s a nice change of pace.
Tips for Planning Your Mesquite Road Trips
To make these short trips even smoother:
- Pick a theme: One weekend for lakes, another for small-town squares, another for wine or live music.
- Check events calendars: Towns like McKinney, Grapevine, Denton, Waxahachie, and Ennis often have festivals, markets, and concerts.
- Leave a little early: Morning departures help you beat traffic and give you more daylight to explore.
- Keep it flexible: Some of the best moments happen when you wander off the main street or take the “long way” around a lake.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips from Mesquite
Now it’s your turn.
Which of these
out-of-county road trips near Mesquite are you most excited to try first? Have you found a hidden gem in Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, or Tarrant County that deserves a shoutout?
Drop your suggestions and stories in the comments so other Mesquite travelers can discover them too.
And if you know someone who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,” go ahead and
share this post with them. They might be surprised by how many easy, fun road trips are just down the highway.
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