Inexpensive Weekend Getaways near Dallas: Budget-Friendly Retreats

Inexpensive Weekend Getaways near-Dallas

Introduction to Inexpensive Weekend Getaways near Dallas

Dallas is a great city, but if you need a break, plenty of excellent weekend getaways are nearby. Here’s where I recommend going:

Why Dallas

Dallas is a great city. It has a lot to offer, and you can find the perfect weekend getaway in Dallas near your home or office.

Dallas is a great place to visit. You’ll love the art museums, the aquariums and zoos, the science centres and planetariums. 

There’s something for everyone here: History buffs will enjoy exploring Fort Worth’s historic district; families with young kids will appreciate that they’re close enough to enjoy some family-friendly attractions like Six Flags Over Texas (a theme park) or Dinosaur World (an animal park).

If you’re looking for somewhere new where you can launch your business career by opening up shop downtown or in one of its many neighbourhoods such as Deep Ellum or Downtown Dallas, then this might be just what we’ve been waiting for.

Glen Rose

Glen Rose, Texas, is a small town located about an hour and a half from Dallas. It’s famous for Dinosaur Valley State Park, which features dinosaur tracks discovered in the area. 

Glen Rose has many other attractions, including museums and art galleries.

The town has just over 3,000 people, but it’s surrounded by ranch land, so you’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilization when you’re there.

Waco

Waco is a great city for families and couples, as it offers plenty of things to do. You can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or eat at home with your family. 

If you want to go out, there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can meet new people and have fun. 

The weather in Waco is also very nice all year round so this place would make an excellent weekend getaway destination.

Texarkana

Texarkana is a city in the state of Texas. Located on the border between Texas and Arkansas, it’s an easy drive from Dallas and has a lot to offer as a weekend getaway destination. 

If you’re looking for something close by that won’t break the bank, consider visiting Texarkana.

Texarkana offers several things that make it worth exploring:

  • A beautiful riverfront park with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking
  • A variety of delicious restaurants (including some great Mexican joints) for both lunch and dinner
  • An active history museum that tells stories about this town’s past

Tyler

Tyler is the county seat of Smith County, Texas, United States. Tyler has a population of 103,123 as of the 2010 census. It is 100 miles east-southeast of Dallas and 50 miles west of Fort Worth.

Tyler was founded in 1868 by Lewis Ransom Darby, who named it after his wife’s hometown in Tennessee. 

Native Americans from the Caddo tribe first settled in the area before being taken over by European immigrants who brought along their culture and customs, which became ingrained in our modern society today. 

Today these influences are still visible throughout town, from its architecture to how you pronounce words.

Elk City

Elk City is a small town in the panhandle of Texas near Amarillo. It’s home to many outdoor enthusiasts who love to get active and explore the area while they’re here.

Elk City has many festivals throughout the year that are perfect for families with young children or friends who want an inexpensive weekend getaway without spending much money on accommodations.

Columbus

Columbus, Texas, is the county seat of Colorado County. It’s located just north of Dallas and has a population of 5,000 people. 

The town was founded in 1824 by Don Pedro Vidal, who was born in Spain and came to America due to persecution for his political beliefs. 

He settled near the current location of Columbus, where he built a home for himself and his family, which still stands today as part of a historic site called “Old Towne Gardens”.

Columbus also became known for its antique shops, restaurants, and museums that showcase various aspects of its rich history, including:

  • The Columbus Museum: This museum features exhibits about both Native American artefacts found here during exploration, along with other pieces from settlers’ travels throughout Texas;
  • Texas Heritage Museum: This museum features artefacts relating to Spanish exploration when Europeans first landed on North America’s shores;
  • Spanish Colonial Revival Style Buildings around town, such as the Town Hall building, house many different types of businesses, including one run by local historians who offer tours into their archives at no charge if requested ahead of certain circumstances.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is one of the best weekend getaways near Dallas. It’s a small town with plenty to do and home to some great wineries.

Fredericksburg has been around since 1746 when German settlers founded the town after migrating from Pennsylvania. 

The city boasts a rich history that includes being an important stopping point for travellers travelling to Mexico during the Mexican-American War. 

Fredericksburg has grown but still maintains its small-town feel and friendly atmosphere.

Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake is a beautiful place to visit. It has much to offer for fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and camping. 

The lake is located in north Texas, about an hour south of Dallas. This might be the perfect spot if you’re looking for outdoor fun on your next weekend getaway near Dallas.

Huntsville State Park

The park is located in Huntsville, Texas and has various things to do. There are more than 3 miles of hiking trails and several lakes to explore. 

You can also enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking or canoeing on the lake. The park offers picnic facilities with tables, grills, fireplaces and restrooms available at the pavillions and cabins for rent during the summer.

A historical site that opened in 2009 due to its importance as one of America’s earliest settlements, Huntsville State Park is also home to an impressive fortification built by Spanish soldiers who had come here looking for gold following their arrival from Mexico in 1528.

Jefferson

Jefferson is a small town in Texas, located just off the interstate and about an hour from Dallas. It’s not as big as some of Texas’ bigger cities, but it has plenty to offer visitors.

Jefferson is known for its arts and crafts district, which features several galleries and shops selling handmade goods. 

The town also has many historic buildings that have been preserved over time, including one originally built in 1880.

If you’re looking for a place to stay for the weekend, there are several hotels and motels in Jefferson; however, if you’re planning on exploring around town first thing Monday morning, consider renting an Airbnb instead.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located about an hour and a half north of Dallas, on the city’s southern edge. 

The park sits in the middle of Palo Duro Canyon, a deep gorge carved by water over time. It’s open year-round and features hiking trails, camping areas and even golf courses if you’re looking for something to do while there.

The park can get pretty busy during the summer due to its location near several major cities like Dallas and San Antonio. 

If you want some solitude this time or need some downtime away from your daily routine, this might not be your best bet, as it gets very busy during peak tourist season between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend each year.

But suppose you don’t mind crowds on occasion. In that case, it might be worth considering visiting this beautiful state park nestled among towering mesas with dramatic rock formations that make them seem like they’ve been transported straight out of another planet.

Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is a great place to visit, and it’s home to some of the best museums in the state. 

The city has a rich history that includes oil-boom days and modern-day struggles, which makes it an interesting place to explore. 

You can also see wildlife while you’re there. Wichita Falls is home to two national parks featuring native wildlife: Big Thicket National Preserve and Texas State Parks.

This may be just what you need if you want to see some amazing architecture or want some time away from crowds.

Mineral Wells State Park and Possum Kingdom Lake

Mineral Wells State Park and Possum Kingdom Lake are both great weekend getaways. These two parks are hard to beat if you’re looking for an inexpensive weekend getaway.

Possum Kingdom Lake is in Texas, a reservoir on the Brazos River. The lake has lots of activities for visitors: swimming, boating, camping and fishing are just some of them. 

Mineral Wells State Park is an excellent place for camping as well. Cabins are available at this park if you want to stay overnight with your loved ones. 

You can also enjoy hiking trails through beautiful forested areas or go surfing on nearby lakes during high tide periods. 

Mineral Wells State Park & Possum Kingdom Lake would make great choices when looking at cheap weekend getaways near Dallas.

Texas hill country

Hill Country is a great place to go for a weekend getaway. It’s not too far from Dallas and has many things to do and see. 

The scenery is beautiful, with rolling hills covered in cactus and mesquite trees, which are common sights in the area. 

There are wineries along the roads that wind through the hillsides, so if you’re looking for something more than just an inexpensive place to stay while you visit this area of Texas, there are plenty of options.

Colorado bend state

Colorado Bend State Park is a great place to go camping, fishing, and hiking. It is also one of the most beautiful state parks in Texas. 

The park has several different trails you can take on your trip and is very close to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The park offers several campsites with water hookups at each site, so you don’t have to worry about running out of water while you’re there. 

Some cabins are available if you want more privacy or space than what they offer at their campsites.

Texas wine country

Texas wine country is a great place to visit. There are many different wineries to visit, and you can enjoy the local culture, nature and outdoor activities.

Texas wine country has many attractions for people who want to relax and enjoy themselves. Some of these attractions include:

  • The Grapevine Craft Center – This centre offers classes in art, photography and more. It also has an indoor theater that shows movies every weekend during summer.
  • The Dallas Arboretum – This arboretum offers beautiful views of nature while walking around its trails or enjoying its gardens during springtime when everything blooms with flowers. It also has an observatory where visitors can see stars through telescopes at night if they like.

Conclusion

Dallas is an excellent choice when you’re looking for a weekend getaway. It has something for everyone and offers a wide variety of attractions, activities, and events to make your visit unique and memorable. 

If you’re new to the city or need some time off from work, this list should help narrow down what trip will fit your needs.

More from Travel & Getaways

Affilate disclaimer

Please note that some of the links on this website, Budgetella, are affiliate links. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

About us

Budget travel blog where we believe in living the mantra, “Travel More, Spend Less”. We are a passionate team of travel enthusiasts, budget analysts, and global explorers

© Budgetella - Travel More, Spend Less | 2024