Tag: Dallas Road Trips

5 Epic Week-Long Road Trips From Dallas You’ll Want to Take This Year

Posted in Arizona, Beach, Colorado, Destinations, Florida, National Parks, State Parks, Tennessee, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you’ve got a full week off and are looking for an unforgettable road trip from Dallas, these five destinations should be at the top of your list. From white-sand beaches and desert landscapes to waterfalls and mountain adventures, each of these trips can be done in about a week and is packed with memorable stops along the way.

1. Destin, Florida

Drive Time: 10–11 hours (about 700 miles)

Perfect For

Families, beach lovers, couples, and anyone craving emerald water and sugar-white sand.

Don’t Miss

  • Henderson Beach State Park
  • Crab Island (pontoon rental)
  • HarborWalk Village
  • Sunset Tiki Boat Cruise
  • Dolphin Cruise
  • Gulf beaches

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dallas to Destin

Day 2: Henderson Beach State Park

Day 3: Rent a pontoon boat and spend the day at Crab Island

Day 4: Relax by the beach or pool

Day 5: HarborWalk Village, shopping, Sunset Tiki Cruise

Day 6: One last beach day

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Sterling Sands
  • Henderson Beach Resort
  • Pelican Beach Resort

Great Places to Eat

  • Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
  • The Back Porch
  • Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant
  • McGuire’s Irish Pub

2. Kanab, Utah

Drive Time: About 16 hours (split into two driving days if possible)

Perfect For

Adventure lovers, hikers, photographers, and national park enthusiasts.

Don’t Miss

  • Peekaboo Slot Canyon
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
  • Toadstool Hoodoos
  • Moqui Cave
  • Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Day trips to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to New Mexico or Arizona

Day 2: Arrive in Kanab

Day 3: Peekaboo Slot Canyon Tour

Day 4: Zion National Park

Day 5: Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Moqui Cave

Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 7: Begin drive home

Where to Stay

  • Comfort Suites Kanab
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Kanab
  • Best Friends Roadhouse

Great Places to Eat

  • Sego Restaurant
  • Rocking V Cafe
  • Wild Thyme Café

3. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Drive Time: 11–12 hours

Perfect For

Families, hikers, mountain lovers, and anyone wanting incredible scenery without driving deep into the Rockies.

Don’t Miss

  • Pikes Peak
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Seven Falls
  • Manitou Springs
  • Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Colorado Springs

Day 2: Garden of the Gods and Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Day 3: Pikes Peak

Day 4: Seven Falls

Day 5: Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Day 6: Cave of the Winds or explore downtown

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
  • Cheyenne Mountain Resort
  • Drury Inn & Suites Colorado Springs

Great Places to Eat

  • The Rabbit Hole
  • Urban Egg
  • Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
  • Colorado Mountain Brewery

4. Tucson, Arizona

Drive Time: 14–15 hours

Perfect For

Desert scenery, scenic drives, unique hiking, and incredible Southwestern food.

Don’t Miss

  • Saguaro National Park
  • Sabino Canyon
  • Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Mission San Xavier del Bac
  • Gates Pass at sunset

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive toward New Mexico

Day 2: Arrive in Tucson

Day 3: Saguaro National Park

Day 4: Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Day 5: Sabino Canyon and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Day 6: Mission San Xavier and Gates Pass

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
  • Lodge on the Desert
  • Hampton Inn Tucson

Great Places to Eat

  • El Charro Café
  • The Monica
  • Baja Café
  • Seis Kitchen

5. Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee

Drive Time: 11–12 hours

Perfect For

Waterfalls, hiking, camping, and outdoor family adventures.

Don’t Miss

  • Fall Creek Falls
  • Cane Creek Falls
  • Cane Creek Cascades
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Rocky Point Overlook
  • Kayak or paddle the lake

Suggested 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Tennessee

Day 2: Explore Fall Creek Falls

Day 3: Hike to Cane Creek Falls and Cascades

Day 4: Paddle the lake

Day 5: Visit overlooks and enjoy another hike

Day 6: Relax or explore nearby Sparta and Cookeville

Day 7: Drive home

Where to Stay

  • Fall Creek Falls Lodge
  • Cabins inside the state park
  • Nearby vacation cabins

Great Places to Eat

  • Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls Lodge
  • The Breakfast Barn (Sparta)
  • Father Tom’s Pub (Cookeville)

Which Road Trip Will You Choose?

Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on the beach in Destin, exploring Utah’s famous red rocks, standing on top of Pikes Peak, discovering Arizona’s giant saguaros, or chasing waterfalls in Tennessee, each of these road trips is worth using a week of vacation.

Have questions about any of these trips? Leave a comment below!

State Park Road Trips Worth the Drive From Dallas, Texas

Posted in Oklahoma, Tennessee, TexasTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you’re planning your first big state park road trip from Dallas, these four parks are absolutely worth adding to your list. From canyon views and waterfalls to hidden caves and lush forest trails, each one offers a completely different experience — and all are drivable for a long weekend adventure.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas’ “Grand Canyon”

Park Website | Phone Number: (806) 488-2227 | Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015

Why Visit

Massive red rock canyons, dramatic overlooks, iconic hiking trails, and some of the best scenery in Texas. This is one of the most epic road trips from Dallas for first-time canyon explorers.

Drive Time From Dallas

  • About 5-6 hours

Admission

  • $8 per adult (13+)
  • Kids 12 and under: free

Hours

  • Gate Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Reservations strongly recommended, especially weekends.

Best Things To Do

  • Hike the Lighthouse Trail
  • Watch sunrise/sunset from canyon overlooks
  • Horseback riding tours
  • Camping inside the canyon
  • Scenic drives through the park

Lodging Options

  • Doves Rest Cabins — luxury canyon-view cabins near the park
  • Camping and glamping available inside the park
  • Amarillo hotels are about 30–40 minutes away

Nearby Food

  • Sad Monkey Mercantile — perfect casual stop near the canyon
  • Coyote Bluff Cafe — famous burgers in Amarillo

First-Time Visitor Tips

  • Summer heat gets intense very early
  • Start hikes at sunrise when possible
  • Cell service can be limited inside the canyon
  • Bring more water than you think you’ll need

2. Fall Creek Falls State Park — Tennessee Waterfall Paradise

Park Website | Phone Number: (423) 881-5298 | Address: 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585

Why Visit

This park feels completely different from Texas — lush forests, huge waterfalls, suspension bridges, lakes, and endless hiking. It’s one of the most beautiful state parks in the Southeast.

Drive Time From Dallas

  • About 10–11 hours

Admission

  • Free admission to the park.

Best Things To Do

  • See the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls waterfall
  • Hike to multiple waterfall overlooks
  • Walk the suspension bridge
  • Kayak or paddle the lake
  • Visit Cane Creek Cascades

Lodging Options

  • Lodge at Fall Creek Falls — newly renovated lodge inside the park
  • Cabins and campgrounds throughout the park

Nearby Dining

  • Gaul’s Gallery at Fall Creek Falls — scenic lodge dining with lake views

First-Time Visitor Tips

  • Trails can become slippery after rain
  • Expect lots of stairs on waterfall hikes
  • Fall foliage season is especially stunning
  • Great destination for families because there are easy scenic stops too

3. Alabaster Caverns State Park — Oklahoma’s Hidden Cave Adventure

Park Website | Phone Number: (580) 621-3381 | Address: 217036 SH 50A, Freedom, OK 73842

Why Visit

This is one of the most unique state parks near Texas because the main attraction is an enormous gypsum cave system. It feels like stepping into another world.

Drive Time From Dallas

  • About 5–6 hours

Admission

  • Park entry is free
  • Cave tours require tickets
  • Guided cave tours run daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Wild Caving available in 4 caves

Cave Tour Pricing

  • Adults: about $10
  • Kids: discounted admission available
  • Wild Caving: $9 per person

Best Things To Do

  • Guided cave tour
  • Wild caving (advanced)
  • Hiking trails
  • Stargazing
  • Camping

Lodging Options

  • RV and tent camping inside the park
  • Small-town lodging in nearby Freedom, Oklahoma
  • Woodward hotels are about an hour away

Nearby Dining

  • Freedom Chophouse — local steakhouse option nearby

First-Time Visitor Tips

  • Bring a light jacket — caves stay cool year-round
  • Reserve cave tours ahead during busy weekends
  • Very remote area with limited services
  • Excellent dark skies for night photography

4. Natural Falls State Park — Oklahoma’s Hidden Waterfall

Park Website | Phone Number: 918-422-5802 | Address: 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338

Why Visit

This hidden gem near the Arkansas border has one of the prettiest waterfalls in Oklahoma. The waterfall sits inside a mossy canyon that honestly feels more like the Pacific Northwest than Oklahoma.

Drive Time From Dallas

  • About 4.5–5 hours

Admission

  • $8 day-use parking fee may apply depending on season/camping reservations.

Best Things To Do

  • View the 77-foot waterfall
  • Hike the scenic loop trails
  • Stay in yurts or cabins
  • Picnic at overlooks
  • RV camping

Lodging Options

  • Yurts and campgrounds inside the park
  • Hotels available near Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Nearby Dining

  • Pinch of Southern — casual Southern comfort food nearby

First-Time Visitor Tips

  • The main waterfall trail includes stairs
  • Spring and early summer are the greenest months
  • Great stop for beginner hikers and families
  • Smaller park, but extremely photogenic

Best Time To Visit These Parks

ParkBest Seasons
Palo Duro CanyonOctober–April
Fall Creek FallsSpring + Fall
Alabaster CavernsYear-round
Natural FallsSpring + Early Summer

What I’d Pack For All 4

  • Refillable water bottle
  • Portable charger
  • Hiking shoes
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Snacks for remote stretches
  • Offline maps downloaded ahead of time

Click here for a list of our favorite gear!

These parks each bring something totally different to a road trip itinerary — canyon landscapes, waterfalls, caves, forests, and scenic hikes — which is what makes these such fun “worth the drive” destinations from Dallas.

3 Epic Winter Road Trips from Dallas (Perfect for Hiking + Cooler Temps)

Posted in National Parks, State Parks, TexasTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Winter is one of the best-kept secrets for road tripping in Texas. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and wide-open trails make this season perfect for exploring some of the most epic landscapes in the state — all without hopping on a plane.

If you’re looking for winter road trips from Dallas, these three destinations are ideal for weekend getaways, outdoor lovers, and families who want adventure without the heat.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Texas Road Trips

Texas summers are brutal — but winter? That’s when the magic happens.

Here’s why winter road trips just make sense:

  • Cooler temps = more enjoyable hiking
  • Fewer crowds at popular parks
  • Easier planning for weekends or school breaks
  • Big scenery without peak-season chaos

Now let’s get into the road trips.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

📍 Approx. 6 hours from Dallas

Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is a must-see — and winter is hands-down the best time to explore it.

Why Palo Duro Is Perfect in Winter:

  • Mild daytime temperatures for hiking
  • Wide trails with fewer visitors
  • Massive canyon views that feel unreal for Texas

Don’t miss:

  • Lighthouse Trail (iconic and family-friendly)
  • Scenic overlooks along the park road
  • Sunrise or sunset for incredible lighting

👉 Great for: families, first-time Texas hikers, weekend trips

2. Caprock Canyons State Park

📍 Approx. 5.5 hours from Dallas

Caprock Canyons is quieter, more rugged, and feels like a hidden gem compared to Palo Duro — which is exactly why it’s so special.

Why Caprock Shines in Winter:

  • Cool temps make longer hikes doable
  • Peaceful trails with very few crowds
  • Home to the official Texas State Bison Herd

What makes it unique:

  • Wide-open red rock landscapes
  • Bison sightings along trails and roads
  • A remote, unplugged feel that’s perfect for slowing down

👉 Great for: adventurous families, photography lovers, quieter escapes

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

📍 Approx. 7.5 hours from Dallas

If you’re looking for epic hiking, Guadalupe Mountains National Park delivers. Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, this park is best tackled during cooler months.

Why Winter Is Ideal Here:

  • Cooler temps for strenuous hikes
  • Clear skies and incredible visibility
  • Less foot traffic on popular trails

Top experiences:

  • Devil’s Hall Trail (dramatic canyon hike)
  • Guadalupe Peak for experienced hikers
  • Scenic desert-mountain landscapes

👉 Great for: experienced hikers, national park lovers, winter adventure trips

Which Texas Winter Road Trip Is Right for You?

  • Go to Palo Duro if you want iconic views and family-friendly trails
  • Choose Caprock if you want solitude, wildlife, and quiet beauty
  • Pick Guadalupe Mountains if you’re craving a true hiking challenge

You truly can’t go wrong — it just depends on the kind of adventure you want.

Tips for Planning a Winter Road Trip from Dallas

  • Check weather forecasts (temps can vary by region)
  • Pack layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly
  • Start hikes earlier for daylight
  • Bring plenty of water (even in winter!)

Final Thoughts

Texas has some incredible landscapes, and winter is the perfect time to experience them. These road trips prove you don’t need a flight — just a good playlist, a packed cooler, and a sense of adventure.

If you’re planning a winter getaway or even looking ahead to spring break, add these destinations to your list.

Looking for more family-friendly road trips and hiking ideas?
Follow along here or on IG @Road.Trip.Queen for weekend itineraries, Texas adventures, and seasonal travel inspiration.