Looking to get away over Thanksgiving break? These eight road trips offer everything from national parks and mountain hikes to scenic canyons and charming towns.
I’ve explored these destinations on trips throughout the fall and early winter, and they’re all worth considering for a holiday getaway!
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan, including drive times from Dallas, must-see attractions, affordable lodging options, and where to eat.
Drive times are approximate and one-way from Dallas, Texas.
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Drive from Dallas: 15 hours | 1,037 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Mather Point – Iconic canyon views
- South Rim Trail – Scenic, mostly easy walking
- Desert View Watchtower – Panoramic views
- Yavapai Point – Incredible sunrise and sunset views
- South Kaibab Trail – Hike a short section for unforgettable scenery, weather permitting
Where to Stay
- Red Feather Lodge – Convenient, good-value option in Tusayan
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon – Comfortable chain hotel near the South Entrance
Where to Eat: We Cook Pizza and Pasta – Casual, family-friendly pizza in Tusayan.
Good to Know: November can bring snow and ice to the South Rim. Check road and trail conditions before visiting.
2. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
Drive from Dallas: 5 hours | 350 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Cedar Falls Trail – Hike to a 95-foot waterfall
- Cedar Falls Overlook – Beautiful views without the strenuous hike
- Seven Hollows Trail – Unique rock formations and natural arches
- Stout’s Point – Panoramic Arkansas River Valley views
- Rock House Cave – Explore fascinating rock formations and ancient pictographs
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morrilton – Chain hotel with complimentary breakfast
- Mather Lodge – Rustic accommodations inside the state park
Where to Eat: Mather Lodge Restaurant – Southern comfort food with beautiful canyon views.
Good to Know: Late November is usually past peak fall foliage, but the trails and overlooks are beautiful year-round.
3. Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Drive from Dallas: 13 hours | 935 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Natural Bridge – Hike to an impressive sandstone arch
- Kayak Underground with Gorge Underground
- Sky Bridge – Short scenic hike with gorgeous views
- Chimney Top Rock – Dramatic gorge overlook
- Red River Gorge Underground – Kayak through a flooded underground mine
- Nada Tunnel – Drive through a historic rock tunnel
Where to Stay
- Li’l Abner Motel & Cottages – Simple, convenient lodging in Slade
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park – Lodge accommodations close to hiking
Where to Eat: Miguel’s Pizza – A popular stop for hikers and outdoor adventurers.
Good to Know: Reserve underground kayaking in advance and check November operating dates.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Drive from Dallas: 5.5 hours | 380 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Lighthouse Trail – Hike to the canyon’s famous rock formation
- Scenic Park Drive – Colorful canyon views and photo stops
- Paseo del Rio Trail – Easy, family-friendly hiking
- CCC Trail – Beautiful canyon scenery
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum – Great additional stop in Canyon
Where to Stay
- Best Western Palo Duro Canyon Inn & Suites – Convenient location in Canyon
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Canyon – Chain hotel with breakfast included
Where to Eat: Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner – Family-friendly comfort food and a fun atmosphere.
Good to Know: November is often a great time for hiking, but cold temperatures and strong winds are possible. Reserve park entry ahead of time.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Drive from Dallas: 9 hours 15 minutes | 640 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Santa Fe Plaza – Historic downtown, shopping, and restaurants
- Bandelier National Monument – Ancient cliff dwellings and hiking
- Canyon Road – Art galleries and beautiful architecture
- Loretto Chapel – Famous spiral staircase
- Santa Fe National Forest – Scenic mountain views, weather permitting
Where to Stay
- Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe – Practical option outside downtown
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Fe – Convenient chain hotel
Where to Eat: Tomasita’s – Classic New Mexican food, especially enchiladas with red or green chile.
Good to Know: Santa Fe’s elevation means snow and freezing temperatures are possible in November. Check conditions before heading into the mountains.
6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Drive from Dallas: 7.5 hours | 484 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Natural Entrance Trail – Walk down into the cavern
- Big Room Trail – Explore the massive underground chamber
- Cave Formations – See incredible stalactites and stalagmites
- Visitor Center – Learn about the cave system
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Add a second national park to your trip
Where to Stay
- Comfort Suites Carlsbad – Comfortable chain hotel
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Carlsbad – Another convenient lodging option
Where to Eat: Yellow Brix Restaurant – Casual dining in a historic Carlsbad home.
Good to Know: Carlsbad Caverns is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Plan your visit for another day and reserve timed cavern entry.
7. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Drive from Dallas: 3 hours | 205 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Mount Scott – Drive to the summit for mountain views when the road is open
- Forty Foot Hole – Scenic canyon hike
- Parallel Forest – Unique forest with trees planted in rows
- Wildlife Viewing – Look for bison, longhorns, and prairie dogs
- Medicine Park – Explore the charming cobblestone town
Where to Stay
- Sleep Inn & Suites Lawton – Practical chain hotel
- Hampton Inn & Suites Lawton – Another comfortable option with breakfast
Where to Eat: Meers Store & Restaurant – Famous for its enormous burgers near the refuge.
Good to Know: This is one of the easiest weekend getaways from Dallas. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and check road closures before visiting.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Drive from Dallas: 7 hours 40 minutes | 523 miles
Must-Do Activities
- Guadalupe Peak Trail – Challenging hike to the highest point in Texas
- McKittrick Canyon – Beautiful canyon hiking and seasonal fall color
- Devil’s Hall Trail – Rocky trail leading to a natural stone corridor
- Frijole Ranch – Historic ranch and mountain scenery
- Pine Springs – Beautiful views and access to popular trails
Where to Stay
- White’s City Cavern Inn – Basic lodging between the national parks
- Comfort Suites Carlsbad – More amenities and dining options, approximately an hour from the park
Where to Eat: Yellow Brix Restaurant in Carlsbad – A convenient dinner stop if staying in town.
Good to Know: November can bring high winds and freezing temperatures. Bring plenty of water and check trail conditions before hiking.
Ready to Plan Your Thanksgiving Road Trip?
Whether you have a long weekend or the entire Thanksgiving break, there’s a destination on this list worth exploring!
My tip: If you have several days, consider combining Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks into one road trip. They’re less than an hour apart.
Before heading out, confirm park hours, holiday closures, restaurant schedules, and weather conditions. Hotel prices and availability can also change during Thanksgiving week.
For more road trip ideas, itineraries, and family-friendly adventures, follow @road.trip.queen on Instagram!
Happy travels!
Road Trip Queen
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