10 Quick Getaways Near Dallas-Fort Worth

Everyone needs a list of easy getaways for those last-minute weekend vacations you need in order to keep your sanity.

So, if you're looking for some last-minute vacation ideas, here are 7 locations within "easy-getaway" distance to DFW that you might want to consider!

#1: Glen Rose (Approximately 1.5 Hours Away)

Sometimes it's nice to get away without the kiddos, but sometimes it's also really nice to take them with you for a fun getaway. And Glen Rose, Texas is the perfect family-friendly destination. Why, you may ask? Well, because it's home to:

• Dinosaur World where you can explore interactive exhibits and play on dino-themed playgrounds
• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center where you can get up close and personal with endangered species
• Wheeler Branch Reservoir where you can fish for bass, catfish, and more

#2: Waco (Approximately 2 Hours Away)

If you want to make your wife happy, take her to Magnolia for a day trip. Their Spring at the Silos event is happening March 14-16, 2019 and they'll have vendors from all over the country there showcasing their products. And speaking of Magnolia, you should also check out their breakfast and lunch restaurant, Magnolia Table. Other fun things to do in Waco include:

• Soak in some Texas history at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
• Take a trip to the Dr. Pepper Museum
• Catch a movie at the Hippodrome Theater
• Visit the five-acre Waco Mammoth National Monument
• Check out the animals at the Cameron Park Zoo
• Walk across the Waco Suspension Bridge

#3: Broken Bow (Approximately 3 Hours Away)

If you're looking for a destination that feels like you're in the mountains, Broken Bow, Oklahoma is your best bet. It's a small lake community in southeastern Oklahoma with beautify scenery, a lake, wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities. Some things to do while you're there include:

• Bring your own boat or rent a boat and take in the scenery of Broken Bow Lake
• Kayak down the Mtn. Fork River with Yippie Kayo Kayaks
• Visit any of the breweries or wineries found in the neighboring town of Hochatown including Girls Gone Wine
• Take a hike around Beavers Bend State Park
• Meet local wildlife at the Hochatown Petting Zoo
• Stop for pizza at The Grateful Head

#4: Austin (Approximately 3.5 Hours Away)

Every time I visit Austin, there's something new to explore. And ALWAYS somewhere new to eat! And if you're an outdoorsy kind of person, there are lots of activities for you to enjoy, including hiking up Mount Bonnell for an incredible view. Here are some other things we recommend you do in Austin:

• Kayak the Colorado River with Congress Avenue Kayaks
• Visit the Austin Zoo
• Take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool
• Stroll through the vibrant neighborhood on South Congress Avenue
• Take in some history at the LBJ Presidential Library
• See a show at the historic Paramount Theatre
• Schedule a walking tour at the Texas Governor's Mansion or the Texas State Capitol
• Eat at some iconic Austin restaurants including: Juan in a Million, Hula Hut, Oasis, Gourdough's, East Side King, Salt Lick BBQ and Franklin Barbecue

#5: Texas Hill Country (Approximately 4.5 Hours Away - to Fredericksburg)

There are a lot of different towns and cities that make up Texas Hill Country and each one of them is amazing. Some of our favorite Hill Country spots are New Braunfels (where you'll find Schlitterbahn) and Fredericksburg where you can visit any of their award-winning wineries and shop along Main Street. Other things to do while you're traveling through the Hill Country include:

• Hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock
• Eat at the Alamo Springs Cafe (their burger has been featured as one of the best in the state)
• Go antique shopping in Gruene
• Stop by the Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park
• Pick some fresh berries at Sweet Berry Farm
• Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns
• Float the Guadalupe River

#6: Houston (Approximately 4 Hours Away)

Maybe you want to explore another big city besides Dallas or Fort Worth. In that case, Houston is a great place to head for a few days. Houston is home to a wealth of activities and interesting sights for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to lovers of art. And space lovers' lives will be made if you take them to visit the Space Center Houston. Some other things you might want to do are:

• Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Take the kids to learn at the Children's Museum of Houston
• Shop around the Houston Galleria
• Enjoy a frisbee game at Waterwall Park
• Rock climb the over 14,000 square feet of climbable surface at the Texas Rock Gym

#7: San Antonio (Approximately 4.75 Hours Away)

San Antonio is perfect for Foodies, history buffs, and culture junkies alike. One of San Antonio's most popular attractions is the River Walk which provides access to several of the city's other top attractions, restaurants, hotels and other forms of entertainment. Other attractions you might want to check out are:

• The Alamo
• The McNay Art Museum which was the first museum of modern art opened in Texas
• San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Majestic Theatre
• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas

#8: Galveston (Approximately 5 Hours Away)

You don't have to travel to Florida or California for Spring Break in order to see the ocean. Galveston is just a few hours away and will help satisfy your thirst for some salt water. You can walk along the beach dipping your toes in the sand or go explore some of Galveston's history, including making a visit to the Moody Mansion, a four-story mansion which was once home to one of the state's most prominent families. Here are some other things to do while you're there:

• Have some family fun at Pleasure Pier
• Visit the aquarium or take on the ropes course and zip line at Moody Gardens
• Appease the adrenaline junkies in your party with Skydive Galveston
• Enjoy some of the best seafood in town at Fisherman's Wharf
• Go birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park

#9: Palo Duro Canyon (Approximately 5.5 Hours Away)

You may have heard Palo Duro Canyon called the "Grand Canyon of Texas," which is not at all illegitimate considering it is the nations' second-largest canyon. Did you even know Texas had a canyon? You may have heard of the painter Georgia O'Keeffe's relationship to Palo Duro Canyon - she wrote about and painted the canyon while she was an instructor and head of the art department at West Texas State Normal College back in the early 1900's. What else can you do at Palo Duro Canyon? You can:

• Purchase tickets for TEXAS, an outdoor musical held at the Palo Duro Canyon amphitheater 
• Rent one of the only private vacation homes overlooking Palo Duro Canyon State Park through Doves Rest Cabins
• Hike or Bike along any of the State Park trails
• Drive 30 minutes into Amarillo to visit any of their museums, golf courses, or restaurants like the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery

#10: Corpus Christi (Approximately 6.5 Hours Away)

It always amazes me that you can drive six hours and still be in Texas. Corpus Christi in South Texas is known for its beautiful, sandy beaches, great museums and attractions. I actually hate the ocean and am deathly afraid of sharks, so the beaches have no draw to me. I am, however, a fan of history - especially military history. So I'd recommend you check out the USS Lexington which is a museum and education facility dedicated to the US warship by the same name. But some other things you might want to do while you're there are:

• Visit the Texas State Aquarium
• Walk along the Padre Island National Seashore
• Take a horseback ride along the beach
• Eat at the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill in the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
• Go bird-watching at Blucher Park
• Grab some breakfast or lunch at Andy's Kitchen

We hope this post inspires you with some great getaway ideas! We can't wait to see pictures of your adventures. And if there's a place you love that we didn't include, send us an email and maybe we'll include it here!