Tag: family travel ideas

Where I’d Go If… The Ultimate Road Trip Guide from Texas

Posted in Beach, Colorado, Destinations, Florida, Hiking, National Parks, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountain National Park, State Parks, Tennessee, Texas, WaterfallsTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Not every road trip is the same. Some travelers want beaches, some want mountains, some want history, and some just want an unforgettable weekend away.

If you’re wondering where to go next, here are seven incredible destinations that are absolutely worth the drive from Texas. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking epic trails, exploring ancient history, or relaxing by the water, this guide will help you plan your next adventure.

If I Was a Beach Lover…

Destin, Florida

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 11-12 hours

Why Go

Destin is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald water. It’s one of the most beautiful beach destinations within driving distance of Texas.

Don’t Miss

  • Henderson Beach State Park
  • Crab Island
  • HarborWalk Village
  • Dolphin cruises
  • Sunset tiki boat cruises
  • The Destin Boardwalk

Where to Stay

  • Sterling Sands
  • Henderson Beach Resort
  • Pelican Beach Resort
  • Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Where to Eat

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

Helpful Tips

  • Visit Crab Island on a pontoon boat.
  • Arrive early for beach parking.
  • Consider staying beachfront to avoid daily parking fees.
  • Summer crowds are heavy, so book lodging early.

If I Was a History Buff…

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 12-13 hours

Why Go

Mesa Verde protects thousands of ancient Puebloan archaeological sites, including some of the most impressive cliff dwellings in North America.

Don’t Miss

  • Cliff Palace
  • Balcony House
  • Spruce Tree House Overlook
  • Mesa Top Loop Road
  • Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum

Where to Stay

  • Far View Lodge
  • Durango hotels
  • Mancos vacation rentals

Where to Eat

  • Far View Terrace
  • Steamworks Brewing Company (Durango)
  • Serious Texas BBQ (Durango)

Helpful Tips

  • Reserve cliff dwelling tours early.
  • Summer temperatures can be hot.
  • Bring plenty of water.
  • Combine with a visit to Durango or Ouray.

If I Wanted to Chase Waterfalls…

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 10-11 hours

Why Go

Home to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, this state park is packed with waterfalls, hiking trails, overlooks, and family-friendly adventures.

Don’t Miss

  • Fall Creek Falls
  • Cane Creek Falls
  • Piney Falls
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Nature Center

Where to Stay

  • Fall Creek Falls Lodge
  • State park cabins
  • Spencer vacation rentals

Where to Eat

  • Fall Creek Falls Restaurant
  • The Farmer’s Daughter
  • McDonald’s in Spencer (for quick meals)

Helpful Tips

  • Visit waterfalls after recent rain for the best views.
  • Wear shoes with good traction.
  • Plan at least two days if you love hiking.
  • Bring a camera—this park is incredibly photogenic.

If I Needed an Adventure…

Alabaster Caverns State Park, Oklahoma

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 4.5-5 hours

Why Go

One of the most unique road trips near Texas, featuring the world’s largest natural gypsum cave open to the public.

Don’t Miss

  • Guided cave tours
  • Wild cave tours
  • Bat watching
  • Stargazing
  • Gloss Mountain State Park nearby

Where to Stay

  • Woodward hotels
  • Boiling Springs State Park cabins
  • Local vacation rentals

Where to Eat

  • Ramiro’s Mexican Restaurant
  • Big Dan’s Steakhouse
  • Café 412

Helpful Tips

  • Cave temperatures stay cool year-round.
  • Bring a light jacket.
  • Reserve specialty cave tours in advance.
  • Pair with Natural Falls and Gloss Mountain for an epic Oklahoma weekend.

If I Was Looking for an Epic Hike…

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 12-14 hours

Why Go

Towering mountains, alpine lakes, wildlife, and some of the most spectacular hiking trails in America.

Don’t Miss

  • Bear Lake
  • Emerald Lake
  • Lake Haiyaha
  • Trail Ridge Road
  • Moraine Park

Where to Stay

  • Estes Park cabins
  • YMCA of the Rockies
  • Stanley Hotel
  • Vacation rentals in Estes Park

Where to Eat

  • Bird & Jim
  • Claire’s Restaurant
  • Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Helpful Tips

  • Reserve timed entry permits if required.
  • Start hikes early.
  • Afternoon storms are common.
  • Pack layers, even during summer.

If I Needed a Nearby Lake Getaway…

Callender Lake, Texas

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 2 hours

Why Go

A quick and easy escape from the city with lake views, fishing, boating, kayaking, and relaxing sunsets.

Don’t Miss

  • Swimming beach
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Sunset views over the water

Where to Stay

  • Lakefront cabins
  • Vacation rentals
  • RV parks

Where to Eat

  • Vernon’s Lakeside
  • Local cafés in nearby towns
  • Bring groceries for a lake-house weekend

Helpful Tips

  • Book lakefront accommodations early.
  • Bring water toys and kayaks.
  • Perfect for a quick weekend getaway.

If I Loved Chasing Sunsets…

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Drive Time from Dallas – Approximately 9-10 hours

Why Go

Albuquerque offers some of the most colorful sunsets you’ll ever see, thanks to the desert landscape and mountain backdrop.

Don’t Miss

  • Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Sandia Crest
  • Old Town Albuquerque
  • Petroglyph National Monument
  • Balloon Fiesta (October)

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Chaco
  • Drury Plaza Hotel
  • Sandia Resort & Casino

Where to Eat

  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Pinto
  • Sadie’s
  • Church Street Café

Helpful Tips

  • Plan a sunset at Sandia Crest.
  • Visit Old Town in the evening.
  • Stay an extra day to explore nearby Santa Fe.
  • Bring a camera—the sunset colors are unreal.

Final Thoughts

The best road trip isn’t necessarily the farthest one—it’s the one that matches the experience you’re craving.

Want beaches? Head to Destin.

Want history? Explore Mesa Verde.

Want waterfalls? Fall Creek Falls delivers.

Need adventure? Alabaster Caverns is unforgettable.

Looking for mountains? Rocky Mountain National Park never disappoints.

Need a quick weekend away? Callender Lake is an easy escape.

Love sunsets? Albuquerque belongs on your bucket list.

No matter which destination you choose, you’ll make memories that last far longer than the drive.

Safe travels and happy road-tripping!

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.

Hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos

Posted in Hiking, United States, UtahTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

If you have kids that enjoy short hikes with unique rock formations and lots to explore, then you should check out the Toadstool Hoodoos located near Kanab, Utah!

Hi, we’re the Fosters! Thank you for visiting my blog!

Our first stop on our recent road trip to Utah was to the Toadstool Hoodoos! My boys loved this trail and we all had such a fun time exploring the area. Plus, it was not crowded at all. Several different times during our visit we were the only people there!

What are Hoodoos?

Hoodoos are unique, thin spires of rock formed by weathering and erosion that can be caused by wind, ice and rain. There are several different sized hoodoos on this trail and it truly felt like we were on another planet! The entire landscape was nothing like we’d ever explored before. 

The Hike

The Toadstool Hoodoos – Distance: 1.8 miles | Time: 45 min. | Level: Easy

Photo from AllTrails app

The out and back hike to the toadstools is mostly flat and extremely easy. At the beginning of the trail you will find lots of rocks to climb and small caves to explore. My boys loved this part! The trail was easy to follow and the views were great.

To reach the toadstools, you’ll continue north on the trail. I don’t remember seeing any trail signs, but the sandy path was clear.

Once at the toadstools, you’ll find a couple of unique clusters of hoodoos! The area is beautiful with unique rock formations surrounded by white and orange hills.

Highlights

  • Kid-friendly trail – This is a fun family hike that has cool features to explore and is easy enough that our boys weren’t tired or complaining! If you are just getting into hiking with your kiddos, this is a great trail!
  • Caves – we really enjoy exploring caves, so when we happen to stumble across a few on our hikes, we’re pumped! This was an unexpected surprise!
  • Landscape – the toadstools, the desert plants, the sand, and the hills surrounding the trails really made for a gorgeous adventure!
  • Lack of Crowds – the best part was the lack of crowds we encountered during our hike. It’s always nice to have an entire place mostly to yourself, to spend as much time as you want taking in the sights!

When to Visit

Considering that this is a desert landscape, spring and fall is the ideal time to visit. We went during the middle of the day over our spring break and the temperatures were very pleasant. If you plan to go in the summer, I’d recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening so that you aren’t too hot.

Things to Know

  • This trail is located off Highway 89, 45 miles east of Kanab, Utah.  
  • There are no fees or permits required for this hike.
  • This dog-friendly trail is open year round.
  • The parking lot is small, but we didn’t encounter any crowds.
  • There are two small portable bathrooms in the parking lot.
  • Please follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can all continue to enjoy this trail!  

We had a fantastic hike and our first taste of Southern Utah at the Toadstool Hoodoos! Utah is such an amazing state and we cannot wait to venture back that way!

More Utah Adventures

If you are planning a trip in Southern Utah, then check out my complete 7-Day Itinerary that includes stops in Kanab, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park!