The large, sprawling city of Dallas can seem like quite a lot to tackle for anyone who has never been there. Despite the fact that the city is so spread out, there are a number of great Dallas day trips and day trips from Dallas to surrounding areas and attractions. Whether you hope to sample some of that famous Tex-Mex cuisine or view some of the historical attractions in Dallas, you’ll find something fitting for any Dallas tours and Dallas trips.

Museum Tour

If you love museums, then you’ll want to be sure to purchase the Fair Park Passport for you Dallas day trips. The Fair Park Passport grants purchasers access to eight of the most popular museums in Dallas for a discounted price. The eight museums include the African American Museum, the Hall of State, the Age of Steam Railroad Museum, the Science Place, the Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens, the Dallas Museum of Natural History, and the Women"s Museum. Many of these museums have gift shops and cafes right inside, so you can plan to have lunch at your favorite museum during the day. If you still have time after touring these museums, you might try to squeeze in a trip to the Arts District. The Art District, as the name suggests, is full of great art shops and galleries to tour.

Dallas Map

Downtown Tour

Although Dallas day trips are not widely noted for their iconic attractions, there are some things in downtown Dallas worth taking a look at. A walking tour of the outdoor sculpture collection in downtown Dallas is the perfect way to check out some art, learn about the significance of each piece, and learn a little something about downtown Dallas while you walk. Somewhat near the outdoor sculpture walking tour travelers will also find Reunion Tower, a 50 story tower with exterior elevators that whisk tourists to the top for an unparalleled view of Dallas below. An excellent cocktail lounge and bar is also located at the top of the tower where you can plan to have a drink and a snack while visiting.

Day Trips from Dallas

Day trips from Dallas are quite numerous. One of the most popular Dallas trips from the city is a drive to the Land of Dinosaurs and Indians, located in the small town of Glen Rose. A favorite among families and children in particular, the Land of Dinosaurs and Indians features actual dinosaur tracks in Dinosaur Valley State Park, as well as some original cabins left by original Texas settlers, many barely standing but appropriately restored.

Yet another of the most popular Dallas trips from the city is a trip to the Southfork Ranch. Fans of the TV show, “Dallas” will remember this ranch as the setting for most of the drama of the famous soap opera. Dallas tours of the Ranch are available during the day, and as the ranch is just a short drive from Dallas, many travelers choose to make the trek. Round out the second half of your Dallas tours day by heading over to the small town of Hico. Hico is the official birthplace of Billy the Kid, and travelers who head to Hico can take a tour of his home there. Dallas tours can also include trips to many of the other small towns that surround Dallas, where the wide open plains will offer a stark contrast to the bustle of downtown Dallas.