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.
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.
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!
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.
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).
Final Planning Tips
✔️ Start early (beat traffic + maximize day)
✔️ Download maps offline
✔️ Pack snacks = less stops, more time
✔️ Don’t overpack your itinerary
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.
Road Trip Queen 