If you’re anything like me, you want road trips that are worth the drive, easy to plan, and actually fun with kids.

These are my Top 5 road trips from Dallas—a mix of iconic destinations and unexpected gems that deliver big on views, adventure, and family memories.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN

If you want a destination that feels like a true escape without complicated planning, this is it.

Best Route: Dallas → Little Rock → Memphis → Nashville → Fall Creek Falls

Drive time: ~10–11 hours
Best for: Waterfalls + easy adventure

Best Stops Along the Way:

• Little Rock – Quick riverfront stop, bathrooms, stretch
• Memphis – Great lunch stop (easy + lots of options)
  • Optional: Beale Street quick walk
• Nashville – Dinner stop or overnight if splitting drive

Skip This:

• Overpacking stops after Memphis → push through
• Trying to do Nashville + park same day (too rushed)

Best Overnight Option: Nashville (breaks drive perfectly)

Why we loved it:

• One of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern U.S.
• You can hike to the base OR enjoy stunning overlooks
• On-site lodge, restaurant, and activities (huge win for families)
• Horseback riding + wide open space for kids to explore

Don’t miss:

• Fall Creek Falls overlook
• The hike down to the base (worth it!)
• Cane Creek Falls

Road Trip Queen Tip: Stay at the lodge—it makes everything so much easier with kids.

Bonus Stop (Different Route): Stephens Gap Cave (Hidden Gem Alert)

Near Woodville, Alabama (about 40 min off route)

If you’re up for a little adventure, this is one of the coolest hidden stops on the way to Fall Creek Falls State Park.

What makes it special:

• A massive cave opening with light beams shining down
• Seasonal waterfall flowing into the cave (incredible after rain)
• Feels like something straight out of a movie

⚠️ What to know before you go:

• Permit required (this is key!)
• Best after rain for waterfall views
• Short hike in, but can be muddy/slippery
• Not ideal for very young kids unless you’re prepared

Road Trip Queen Tip: If you want something easy and stress-free, skip it. If you want a wow-factor hidden gem, it’s absolutely worth the detour.

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Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this is one of the most accessible epic landscapes you’ll find.

Best Route: Dallas → Wichita Falls → Amarillo → Palo Duro

Drive time: ~6 hours
Best for: Big views without big effort

Best Stops:

• Wichita Falls – Quick stretch + snack stop
• Amarillo – Lunch stop before heading into canyon

Why it’s perfect:

• You can see SO much from your car
• Tons of overlooks + scenic drives
• Great intro to canyon landscapes for kids

Don’t miss:

• The Lighthouse formation (iconic!)
• Scenic drive through the canyon
• Sunset views (trust me on this one)

Road Trip Queen Tip: Go early or later in the day—Texas heat is no joke.

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Colorado Springs, CO

This is one of the best home bases for a road trip—you can do a TON without constantly packing up.

Best Route: Dallas → Amarillo → Raton → Colorado Springs

Drive time: ~10–11 hours
Best for: Variety + easy adventure basecamp

Best Stops:

• Amarillo – Same as above—easy lunch stop
• Raton – Scenic mountain views start here

Skip This:

• Overpacking your itinerary (this is a BASECAMP trip)
• Trying to do Denver + everything nearby in one trip

Why families love it:

• Drive to the top of Pikes Peak (no hiking required)
• Explore Garden of the Gods (free + stunning)
• So many nearby day trips + easy stops

Don’t miss:

• Pikes Peak Highway
• Garden of the Gods scenic loop
• Manitou Springs for a fun stop

Road Trip Queen Tip: This is the kind of place you’ll wish you had one more day, so plan accordingly!

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Zion National Park, UT

Yes—it’s a longer drive, but if you’re planning a bigger trip, this one is 100% worth it.

Best Route (2-day drive recommended):

Day 1: Dallas → Amarillo → Albuquerque
Day 2: Albuquerque → Flagstaff → Zion

Drive time: ~ 17 hours (best as part of a longer trip)
Best for: Bucket list scenery

Best Stops:

• Albuquerque – Perfect overnight stop
• Flagstaff – Coffee + mountain town vibes

Why it stands out:

• Some of the most breathtaking views in the U.S.
• Shuttle system makes it manageable
• Great options even if you’re not a big hiker

Don’t miss:

• Riverside Walk
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Scenic shuttle ride through the canyon

Road Trip Queen Tip: Pair this with other Southwest stops to maximize the drive.

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Maquoketa Caves State Park, IA

This one completely surprised us—and ended up being one of the most memorable stops we’ve ever done.

Best Route: Dallas → Oklahoma City → Kansas City → Des Moines → Maquoketa

Drive time: ~13 hours
Best for: Unique, unforgettable adventure

Best Stops:

• Oklahoma City – Easy breakfast or early stop
• Kansas City – GREAT food stop (worth timing this right)
• Des Moines – Final stretch break

Best Overnight: Kansas City (perfect halfway point)

Why it’s so cool:

• You can walk THROUGH caves (yes, really)
• Narrow passageways + rock formations
• Feels like a hidden adventure park

Don’t miss:

• Dancehall Cave (huge + easy to access)
• The full cave trail loop
• Exploring multiple cave entrances

Road Trip Queen Tip: Bring a flashlight or headlamp—it makes it way more fun (and easier).

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Final Planning Tips

✔️ Start early (beat traffic + maximize day)
✔️ Download maps offline
✔️ Pack snacks = less stops, more time
✔️ Don’t overpack your itinerary

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Which Road Trip Should You Pick?

If you want:

• Easy + relaxing: Fall Creek Falls
• Short + stunning: Palo Duro Canyon
• Variety + flexibility: Colorado Springs
• Bucket list adventure: Zion
• Something totally different: Maquoketa Caves

You really can’t go wrong—but if you want my honest take…Maquoketa Caves is the one people don’t see coming—and ends up loving the most.