No need to pay for expensive plane tickets out of the country when there’s still so much left to explore in Texas! Whether you’re new here or you were born and raised in the Lone Star State, at least one of these 11 amazing day trips in Texas is perfect for you.

1. Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Grapevine)
705 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA
Visit Grapevine/Facebook
This railroad takes you to Fort Worth's historic Stockyards District, where you'll be whisked back in time to the Old West with the world's largest Honky Tonk, saloons, cattle drives, and some good Texas grub at Cattlemen's Steakhouse. Even if you've been here, arriving on a train takes the experience to a whole new level. Read about it and four more day trips by train here.
2. The Laurel Tree (Utopia)
18956 RM 187, Utopia, TX 78884, USA
The Laurel Tree/Facebook
If you're looking for a restaurant that has mastered both atmosphere and food quality, look no further. The Laurel Tree, sitting on acres of beautiful gardens, serves up unrivaled Southern-French fusion cuisine...in a treehouse. More information here.
3. The Hill Country
High Country, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA
Darrell Miller/Flickr
The iconic Texas Hill Country was named the top travel destination in Texas back in 2017, and for good reason. From crystal-clear swimming holes to expansive underground caves to America's #1 waterpark, there's practically nothing you CAN'T do there. Start planning your trip here.
4. Palo Duro Canyon (Canyon)
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas 79226, USA
Sarah Richter/Flickr
We're blessed to be the home of America's second-largest canyon, and boy, is it a sight to see. Lush greenery meets towering red rock for a breathtaking view you won't find anywhere else in the world. Find out more about this marvel here.
5. Trinity River Park (Coming Soon to Dallas)
Dallas, TX, USA
Facebook/trinityriverdallas
Dallas will eventually be home to the largest urban nature park in the country - yes, even larger than New York's famed Central Park. It's going to be environmentally friendly and encourage people to spend more time outdoors. For updates on the park's construction, click here.

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6. T. C. Lindsey & Co. General Store (Jonesville)
2293 FM 134, Waskom, TX 75692, USA
T. C. Lindsey & Co. General Store/Facebook
We're all about slow living and reminiscing on simpler times here in Texas, and general stores are perfect for doing so. This one in particular has been in operation since 1847, and is certain to act as a time machine as soon as you step inside. Read more about it here.
7. Cattail Falls (Big Bend)
Cattail Falls, Texas 79834, USA
michaelhwhitten/Flickr
This 80-foot tall hidden waterfall in the heart of the Chisos mountains will transport you to a faraway tropical paradise. Find out how to access it here.
8. Guadalupe Peak Trail (Salt Flat)
Guadalupe Peak Trail, Texas 79847, USA
Chuck 55/Flickr
The peak of the Guadalupe Mountains towers at over 8,000 feet, making it the highest point in all of Texas - and you can stand on it! More information here.
9. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (San Antonio)
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Karen/Flickr
Not only does this unique ranch afford you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of nature's most exotic animals, but you'll also get to feed them! Find out more here.
10. Holland Hotel (Alpine)
209 W Holland Ave, Alpine, TX 79830, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
The tiny town of Alpine is like an oasis in the desert, one of the only signs of civilization for miles out West. It also happens to have one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Turn on a light and read more about it here.
11. Big D Fun Tours (Dallas)
411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Big D Fun Tours/Facebook
Trolley rides aren't just a phenomenon in England - we most certainly have them here in the Lone Star State. This one lets you see Dallas in a whole new light from the comfort of an old-fashioned trolley car. More information here.

Have you taken any of these trips? Which one is the most appealing to you? Tell us all about your favorites in the comments!

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More to Explore

Day Trips Near Me in Texas

Tori Jane | August 24, 2021

What are some must-visit places in Texas?  

There are plenty of places in Texas that you’ve definitely got to visit, including (but absolutely not limited to) the famous things like the Alamo, but what you’ll really want to do is go places that are a little less expected. For example, nestled within Dallas is an awesome arts district known as Deep Ellum, and you absolutely need to see it at least once. It’s home to plenty of great breweries and local restaurants, plus it’s where lots of awesome events take place. Texas is also enormous, which means it’s got parks galore; amazingly, there are 80 state parks here, and two national parks. Big Bend State Park is a big one you’ve got to see.  

What should I add to my Texas bucket list?  

You mean other than the above ideas? There are so many that it’s hard to keep track! If you’re looking for a great bucket list date night, you should walk the San Antonio Riverwalk with that special someone. Other amazing city-based must-dos include the Dallas Museum of Art, and the world-famous Houston Zoo. There’s also Cadillac Ranch, which is one of the most unique art installations in the country, which sits beside the I-40 outside of Amarillo. Speaking of Amarillo, you’ll want to check out the downtown area – it's adorable and full of boutique shops and local coffee spots. For more ideas, make sure to visit this article.  

What are the best day trips in Texas I can take?  

There are just as many day trips you could possibly plan in Texas as there are square miles. Basically, if you can dream it, you can day-trip it! Make a day out of exploring Texas’s eerie ghost towns, or maybe take an afternoon and visit some of Texas’s most infamous abandoned places. For something a little lighter, at least in mood, create a day trip itinerary by listing the best ice cream shops in Texas...and then go visit them. Yum! Alternatively, you could check out any one of the amazing zoos and museums throughout the state.  

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