Top 12 Day Trips From Fort Worth, Texas - Updated 2024

day trips from fort worth
Faith
Faith 
Updated
| 5 min read

Fort Worth is a bustling city located in north-central Texas and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the States. Its thriving tourism industry equates to excellent accommodations, which is why luxury hotels and resorts are abundant. Additionally, humble abodes such as vacation rentals and townhomes for rent are available for budget travelers. The city is also dotted with shops and entertainment centers, which sounds great for those looking to enjoy the metro’s vibrant scene. However, there might be times when you just want the serenity that only smaller cities could bring. What better way to unwind than to go on a day trip from Fort Worth? We’ll give you something to look forward to this weekend where we let you in on places to explore in one day. Read on to find out more about the top day trips from Fort Worth, Texas.

1. Greenville, TX

Greenville, TX
Source: Pixabay

Greenville, Texas is known to be the cotton capital of the world as it has the largest cotton compress in the world! That aside, Greenville has many attractions that are sure to keep your day packed! If you’re interested in the historical side of Greenville, you can make a trip to Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum. Greenville is also family-friendly as you can visit Warren Park or Ja-Lu Community Park where children can play in playgrounds or even have a picnic!

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2. Fredericksburg, TX

ChrisLitherlandFredricksburg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Photolitherland used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Fredericksburg is a sightseeing location near Fort Worth best known for its wineries. It is also known to be the origin of Texas German which is a dialect spoken by the first generations of Germans here who did not learn the English language. The main attractions would be National Museum of the Pacific War and Fredericksburg Winery.

If history or wine is not your cup of tea, you can also check out Wildseed Farms or Fredericksburg Nature Center Trail Head if you’re a nature lover!

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3. Granbury, TX

Town Square in Granbury, Texas
Source: Photo by user Dana Smith used under CC BY 2.0

Granbury is a city in Texas which has the charm and warmth of a small town. Though it may be small, it has a rich and unique culture. You can start your adventure at Downtown Historic Granbury Square which houses several quaint and unique shops and restaurants. You might also catch some live performances and festivals if you’re lucky! Other must-visits include Revolver Brewing, Lake Granbury, and Brazos Drive-In Theater where you can catch a movie.

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4. Dallas, TX (from USD 62.0)

The vibrant city of Dallas offers a rich blend of southern hospitality and cultural diversity. Explore the dynamic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks that define this bustling metropolis. Immerse yourself in the city’s arts scene as you visit world-class museums like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

During the afternoons, indulge in retail therapy at the upscale boutiques of the renowned Highland Park Village or explore the trendy shops and galleries in the historic Deep Ellum district. When hunger strikes, savor the flavors of Texas cuisine, from finger-licking barbecue to Tex-Mex delights, and embark on a culinary adventure at the famous Dallas Farmers Market.

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Sightseeing Tour of Dallas

Duration: 3 hours

603 reviews

5. Waco, TX

Waco Suspension Bridge in Waco, Texas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 10chumphreys used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Waco is a city situated in central Texas and one of the highlights would be visiting Cameron Park Zoo which is home to more than 1,730 animals and 300 species. Another must-visit place would be Magnolia Market which is has a food truck and picnic tables where you can dine at, a garden store, bakery, and lawn. At times, events like Spring at the Silos and Christmas at the Silos are held here too. If you’re interested in the historic side of things, you might want to visit Waco Mammoth National Monument which came about because it had the largest concentration of mammoths dying from what is believed to be flash floods.

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6. Lake Murray, OK

Lake Murray
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Isis4563 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Lake Murray is a lake situated in Oklahoma and perfect for those wanting a calm and peaceful getaway to disconnect from their phones and computers and instead, reconnect with nature. Lake Murray can be found in Lake Murray State Park, which is the city’s largest state park. Aside from admiring Lake Murray, you can also visit Lake Murray Marina Beach or Sunset Beach at Lake Murray. To get a beautiful view of the lake and its surroundings, you can visit Tucker Tower where you would be able to climb to the top of the tower!

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7. McKinney, TX

Historic Downtown McKinney Square | McKinney, Texas
Source: Photo by user Rick Ray used under CC BY 2.0

McKinney is a great place to go if you don’t wish to pack your day with lots of activities and would much rather have a relaxing trip. You can spend the first half of the day at Historic Downtown McKinney having breakfast and admiring the historical landmarks. There are also several unique and quaint shops in this small town. After that, you can head to Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary which is perfect for both children and adults. There are nature trails and exhibits that are engaging and educational at the same time.

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8. Palestine, TX

Palestine City Hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Best known for its one-of-a-kind culture and beauty, Palestine is a worthy spot for a road trip from Fort Worth. It is perfect for those wanting to have a relaxing day out surrounded by greenery and nature. Davey Dogwood Park is a great place to take a nice relaxing stroll while taking in the fresh morning air. There is plenty of room to hike or have a picnic so you can pack along some snacks to keep yourself going!

Another popular destination would be Wolf Creek Lake where you get to enjoy the peace and quiet of the waterfall and its surroundings while taking a walk around this lake. This is definitely the place to be for nature lovers!

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9. Wichita Falls, TX

Wichita Falls
Source: Photo by user Nelo Hotsuma used under CC BY 2.0

Wichita Falls is another top destination for nature lovers as you’ll get to see the iconic multi-level waterfall at Lucy Park. At Lucy Park, you can have a picnic, have a dip in the community pool, take a short hike, or play at the playgrounds with your young ones. If you’re here with your children, they would be able to have a splashing good time at Castaway Cove Waterpark with slides and play areas for children of all ages. If you want to learn more about nature, do visit River Bend Nature Center where the knowledgeable staff would be able to give you more information on the flora and fauna at the center.

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10. Corsicana, TX

Downtown Corsicana facing south IMG 0613
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Corsicana is a city in Navarro County and has garnered some attention due to the recent Netflix docuseries, Cheer. In Corsicana, you can take a trip to Pearce Collections Museum which has two galleries where you can learn more about Western art and the American Civil War. Another place you can visit is Petroleum Park where you’ll have a unique experience learning about the city’s oil history and equipment.

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11. Athens, TX

Downtown Athens, TX
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Billy Hathorn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Athens, Texas, is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for some peace and quiet as well as a great location for a family day trip from Fort Worth. There are several nature spots you can visit to unwind and have some precious me time. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a museum as well as an aquarium which is great for kids as well.

Another landmark would be East Texas Arboretum where you would be able to admire a series of botanical gardens and historical buildings with great scenery and beautiful surroundings.

If you happen to be here on Christmas, you are in for a treat at Land of Lights Christmas Park which features up to 4 million lights and musical scenes.

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12. Glen Rose, TX

Downtown Glen Rose Texas (1 of 1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Renelibrary used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Glen Rose is a hidden gem in the heart of Texas that offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and rich history. Prepare to be enchanted by its breathtaking landscapes, ancient fossil sites, and warm small-town charm.

Embark on a journey through time as you explore Dinosaur Valley State Park, where massive dinosaur footprints preserve the prehistoric past. Delve into the town’s rich history by visiting the charming downtown area and the historic Glen Rose courthouse square. Learn about the region’s cowboy heritage at the Somervell County Museum, or experience a taste of the Wild West at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

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An adventure awaits

With this comprehensive list of day tours from Fort Worth, you don’t have an excuse not to treat yourself to a short break anymore! As these places are mostly in Texas, you’ll be able to save on plane tickets and use the money to treat yourself to a good meal instead. Whether you’re going solo or whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there is definitely a place for you to explore and relax this weekend!

Frequently asked questions about the day trips from Fort Worth, Texas


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Faith embarked on a transformative odyssey as a freelance writer and avid traveler. Her wanderlust ignited during a memorable exchange program in Lund, Sweden, where creativity and the passion for...Read more

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