Top 7 Weekend Destinations from Dallas
Dallas has an enriching history deep-rooted in ranching, farming, and oil production, growing rapidly as a center for trade after railroad was introduced here in 1873. The city is home to a wide variety of architecture, especially modern and postmodern edifices such as the Gothic revival Kirby Building, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Victorian and Neoclassical homes on Swiss Avenue.
List of Top 7 Weekend Destinations from Dallas
If you are looking for fun-filled options around the city for a mini holiday, here is a list of the top 7 weekend destinations from Dallas.
Austin, Texas
An important center for culture, education, and administration, Austin is home to several fascinating museums such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. Though it is one of the fastest developing cities in the US, Austin offers you ample opportunities to connect with nature at places such as Lady Bird Lake, the legendary Congress Avenue bridge, and Barton Springs Pool. Top weekend getaways from Austin.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Austin is between March to May and September to November.
How to Reach: The simplest and the fastest way between the two cities is via direct bus that takes under four hours and costs between $16 to $35.
Garner State Park, Texas
A bucket-list place for many visitors from the country and the world, Garner State Park is not only the perfect summer camping getaway but is also synonymous with tubing. When here, you cannot miss a chance to rent a tube within the park and float the Frio River. You can also try kayaking and paddle boarding. For something more physical, enjoy a hike up the Old Baldy or get on the back of a horse at the Elm Creek Stables.
Best Time to Visit: The State Park can be visited throughout the year; however, spring and summer months draw the majority of tourists.
How to Reach: The most convenient way of travel between the two locations is to drive as it takes just over six hours and costs $38 to $55 in fuel. However, you could also take a bus or train to Sabinal via San Antonio and get a taxi till the State Park.
A trip to southern California isn’t justified without a visit to the serene beaches of San Diego. Nestled on the stunning coastline of Pacific Ocean, the oldest town in California is perfect for outdoor activities and boasts several museums, Spanish Colonial-dated architecture, manicured gardens, and the world-famous San Diego zoo.
San Marcos
Adventure lovers would enjoy kayaking, tubing snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding on the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River. If you a music fanatic, enjoy an evening filled with progressive country music and a lot more at the Cheatham Street Warehouse. And, if you are an art lover, you absolutely cannot miss seeing artisans creating magic with glasses at Wimberley Glassworks.
Best Time to Visit: The summer months are the most popular months to visit San Marcos, but people also like to come here during the off-season.
How to Reach: There are direct buses between Dallas and San Marcos that take under five hours and costs between $29 to $40 in ticket fares.
Fredericksburg, Texas
A stone’s throw away from Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg is one of the most popular weekend destinations for a quick break from Houston. With its intriguing German heritage, bustling wineries, remarkable museums, and plenty of shopping avenues, the town have something to offer everyone. Over the last decade, Fredericksburg has gained quite the popularity and fame for being home to over 40 award-winning wineries and tasting rooms. Other attractions here include the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Japanese Garden of Peace, and Old Tunnel State Park.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to enjoy the gorgeous wildflowers here in Fredericksburg is during the spring season.
How to Reach: The easiest way to commute between the two locations is to get on a Greyhound till San Antonio and change over for Fredericksburg.
Having celebrated its 300 years in May 2018, San Antonio is one of the oldest and most famous towns not only in Texas but the United States of America. Home of several remarkable historic attractions, amazing restaurants, and plenty of things to do, the city is a great place for a vacation.
Galveston Island, Texas
Less than an hour from Houston, the historic downtown of Galveston, along with its stunning beaches, is one of the most favorable weekend destinations for visitors. The town is home to astonishing beaches known for their turquoise waters such as Stewart Beach. If you prefer spending time amidst nature, enjoy kayaking through the bayou and birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park. History lovers should miss the opportunity to stroll along the Strand Historic District which is dotted with Victorian-era buildings, most of which survived the Great Storm of 1900.
Best Time to Visit: The most favorable time to visit Galveston Island is either between October to November or March to May.
How to Reach: You could easily rent a car or drive your own to Galveston Island. The drive only takes under 5 hours and costs approximately $29 to $42 in fuel.
Lockhart, Texas
Famed as the ‘Barbecue Capital of Texas’, Lockhart is where the foodies go for a heartwarming vacation. Once a cowboy town, the city is a total hit among visitors. The birthplace of smoky meat, Lockhart has been the backdrop of several Hollywood movies and TV shows including What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Apart from its crazy barbeque scene, the town is also home to wonderful attractions such as Dr. Eugene Clark Library, Gaslight-Baker Theatre, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters.
Best Time to Visit: You could visit the city throughout the year, but October and November are known to have the best weather conditions.
How to Reach: Hop on a bus from Dallas to San Marcos and then get a taxi for the remaining 30 km to Lockhart. The entire journey takes around four and a half hours.
San Antonio, Texas
One of the most amazing cities in Texas, San Antonio is popular as the home of some of the most iconic sites in the state. One of the most popular places, San Antonio River Walk is perfect for taking a nice stroll, enjoying dinner at one of the outdoor patios, or go on a dinner cruise. And, you absolutely cannot miss touring the Alamo, one of the most significant historic sites in the USA which commemorates the legendary Battle of Alamo of 1836.
Best Time to Visit: November to April are the best months to come to the city as the weather is pleasant and things are more affordable.
How to Reach: There are direct buses between Dallas and San Antonio. The bus journey takes between 5 to 6 hours and costs between $21 to $50.
