Ready for a weekend getaway way near Dallas escape that’s just a short drive from the city? Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, these romantic destinations around Texas are perfect for couples. With scenic views, cozy accommodations, and plenty of activities to keep the sparks flying, get ready to plan the ultimate weekend getaways!
Enjoy detailed itineraries, dining spots, and must-see attractions that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
1. Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country Wine & Romance
Perfect for: Wine lovers and couples seeking countryside charm
Drive Time: 4 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Arrive and check in at The Trueheart Hotel (201 N Llano St. )
- Head to Main Street for boutique shopping and art galleries
- Dinner: Dine at Vaudeville (230 E Main St), offering an elegant European-style menu
- End the night with wine and live music at Grape Creek Vineyards (10587 E US Hwy 290)
- Day 2:
- Start with breakfast at Hill Country Donuts & Kolaches (605 E Main St)
- Spend the morning exploring Enchanted Rock for a romantic hike (16710 RM-965)
- Afternoon wine-tasting tour at Becker Vineyards (464 Becker Farms Rd)
- Dinner: Enjoy sunset views and a farm-to-table dinner at The Farm Haus Bistro (405 Whitney St)
- Day 3:
- Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War (311 E Austin St)
- Drive back with a stop at Wildseed Farms (100 Legacy Dr) to pick up some wildflowers for home.
2. Waco – Magnolia Dreams and Lakeside Views
Perfect for: Couples who love home décor, history, and nature
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Arrive in Waco and check in at Hotel Indigo (211 Clay Ave)
- Head straight to Magnolia Market (601 Webster Ave) for home décor shopping
- Grab lunch at Magnolia Table (2132 S Valley Mills Dr), a popular spot for Southern comfort food
- Explore the Dr Pepper Museum (300 S 5th St)
- Dinner: Dine at Pivovar (320 S Eighth St), a casual brewery with hearty food options
- Day 2:
- Morning hike at Cameron Park (2601 Sturgis Rd) – stop at Lovers Leap for incredible views
- Rent kayaks at Waco Paddle Company and paddle the Brazos River (200 S University Parks Dr)
- Lunch: Picnic by the water with local treats from Common Grounds Coffee (1123 S Eighth St)
- Dinner: Try Di Campli’s Italian Ristorante (6500 Woodway Dr) for an intimate, candlelit dinner
- Day 3:
- Take a stroll through Waco Mammoth National Monument (6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr)
- Head back to Dallas with Magnolia Market souvenirs in tow.
3. Granbury – Lakeside Serenity Meets Small Town Charm
Perfect for: Relaxation and history buffs
Drive Time: 1 hour
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check in to the cozy Inn on Lake Granbury (205 W Doyle St)
- Stroll through Granbury’s historic square and visit the Hood County Courthouse (100 E Pearl St)
- Dinner: Feast on Texas cuisine at The Eighteen Ninety Grille & Lounge (115 E Pearl St)
- Day 2:
- Enjoy breakfast at Paradise Bistro & Coffee Co. (129 E Pearl St)
- Spend the day by Lake Granbury, rent a boat, or go for a swim
- Lunch: Try Farina’s Winery & Café (202 N Houston St) for a romantic midday meal
- Take an afternoon walk on the Granbury Hike and Bike Trail (510 N Brazos St)
- Dinner: For a unique experience, have dinner at Barking Rocks Winery (1919 Allen Ct)
- Day 3:
- Stop by Revolver Brewing (5650 Matlock Rd) for a beer tasting before heading home.
4. Glen Rose – Adventure Meets Glamping
Perfect for: Couples who want to combine adventure with relaxation
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Arrive in Glen Rose and check in at The Cliff House (1319 Fm-205)—a charming bed-and-breakfast with stunning views of the Brazos River.
- Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park (1629 Park Rd 59) for hiking and walking in real dinosaur tracks. Don’t forget your camera for those dino footprints!
- Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at The Green Pickle (212 N Elm St), a fun local burger joint
- Day 2:
- Breakfast at Storiebook Café (502 NE Barnard St)
- Take a safari tour at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, feeding giraffes and other exotic animals
- Afternoon river kayaking on the Paluxy River
- Dinner: Head back to the safari tent and grill out with supplies from Brookshire’s in Glen Rose
- Day 3:
- Explore Big Rocks Park (1014 NE Barnard St) before heading back to Dallas.
5. Dripping Springs – Hill Country Romance and Natural Beauty
Perfect for: Wine aficionados and nature lovers
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check into Camp Lucy (3509 Creek Rd), a romantic hilltop getaway
- Enjoy wine tasting at Driftwood Estate Winery (4001 Elder Hill Rd)
- Dinner: Have an upscale farm-to-table dinner at The Tillery (5301 Camp Lucy Rd)
- Day 2:
- Morning dip at Hamilton Pool Preserve (24300 Hamilton Pool Rd)
- Visit Pedernales Falls State Park (2585 Park Rd 6026) for a scenic hike
- Lunch: Stop at Rolling in Thyme & Dough (333 W Hwy 290) for a cozy, homemade lunch
- Spend the afternoon exploring Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery (2250 E Hwy 290)
- Dinner: Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails at The Salt Lick BBQ (18300 FM 1826)
- Day 3:
- Swing by Twisted X Brewing Co. (23455 W RR 150) for a brewery tour before the drive back.
6. Tyler – Gardens, Lakes, and Serenity
Perfect for: Garden lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check in at Kiepersol B&B (21508 Merlot Ln) set amidst a vineyard
- Visit Tyler Rose Garden (420 Rose Park Dr) for a romantic stroll through 14 acres of roses
- Dinner: Treat yourselves to an intimate dinner at The Grove Kitchen & Gardens (3500 Old Jacksonville Hwy)
- Day 2:
- Start the day with breakfast at The Foundry Coffee House (202 S Broadway Ave)
- Spend your afternoon at Lake Tyler with a rented kayak or paddleboard
- Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab sandwiches from Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant (1313 E Erwin St)
- Afternoon visit to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary (17552 FM 14), home to rescued tigers
- Dinner: Savor local flavors at Texas de Brazil (2376 Dueling Oaks Dr)
- Day 3:
- Stop by Caldwell Zoo (2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) before heading back to Dallas.
7. Canton – Antiques and Relaxation
Perfect for: Treasure hunters and those looking for laid-back charm
Drive Time: 1 hour
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check into Mill Creek Ranch Resort (1880 N Trade Days Blvd)
- Spend your afternoon treasure hunting at First Monday Trade Days (if it’s the first weekend of the month)
- Dinner: Dine at Ole West Bean & Burger 1350 S Buffalo St.), a local favorite
- Day 2:
- Enjoy breakfast at DownHome (400 SH-243 W)
- Explore the Canton Farmers Market (700 SH-243) for fresh produce and local crafts before heading to the Canton Historical Museum to learn about the area’s rich history.
- Lunch: Enjoy a burger at The Bunker (17960 Interstate 20)
- Afternoon visit to Splash Kingdom Waterpark (18814 Interstate 20) for some water fun
- Dinner: Finish the day at Val’s Italian Restaurant (116 S Capitol St.)
- Day 3:
- Take a morning stroll through Purtis Creek State Park before heading back to Dallas from your weekend getaway.
8. Palestine – Historic Charm and Outdoor Adventure
Perfect for: Couples seeking a mix of history, outdoor fun, and small-town charm
Drive Time: 2 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check in at The Redlands Hotel (400 N Queen St), a charming, historic hotel offering cozy suites in the heart of downtown Palestine
- Take a stroll through Historic Downtown Palestine (100 W Oak St), where you can explore quaint antique shops and art galleries
- Dinner: Dine at Pint and Barrel Drafthouse (302 E Crawford St), known for its craft beers and Southern comfort food in a laid-back setting
- Day 2:
- Start your day with breakfast at Oxbow Bakery & Antiques (215 E Crawford St), famous for its delicious pies and homemade treats
- Hop aboard the Texas State Railroad (789 Park Rd 70), where you can enjoy a scenic vintage train ride through the Piney Woods and immerse yourself in the beauty of East Texas
- Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the Dogwood Junction Café near the train depot before exploring the nearby parks
- Spend the afternoon hiking or biking through Davey Dogwood Park (900 N Link St), especially stunning during wildflower season
- Dinner: Treat yourself to an elegant dinner at Sabor a Pasion (110 E Spring St), a hidden gem offering farm-to-table dining with global flavors
- Day 3:
- Before heading home, visit the Museum for East Texas Culture (400 Micheaux Ave) to learn about the history and culture of the region
- Stop by The Shelton Gin (310 E Crawford St) for a quick coffee or bite, and enjoy a final leisurely walk through the quiet streets of Palestine’s downtown.
9. Marble Falls – Lakeside Adventure and Wine Tastings
Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers and wine enthusiasts
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check in at Horseshoe Bay Resort (200 Hi Cir N), located on the shores of Lake LBJ
- Relax by the pool or rent a kayak to explore the lake
- Dinner: Enjoy a lakeside meal at The Yacht Club (200 Hi Cir N)
- Day 2:
- Breakfast at Blue Bonnet Café (211 US Hwy 281), famous for its pies
- Visit Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (24518 FM 1431) for hiking trails with stunning hill country views
- Spend the afternoon wine tasting at Flat Creek Estate Winery (24912 Singleton Bend E)
- Lunch: Stop by Opie’s Barbecue (9504 E State Hwy 71) for some of the best BBQ around
- Dinner: End the day with fine dining at River City Grille (700 1st St)
- Day 3:
- Before heading home, swing by Sweet Berry Farm (1801 FM 1980) to pick fresh berries or enjoy seasonal activities like pumpkin picking.
10. New Braunfels – River Fun and German Heritage
Perfect for: Couples seeking adventure on the water and cultural experiences
Drive Time: 3.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check in at Gruene Mansion Inn (1275 Gruene Rd), a cozy historic B&B in the heart of Gruene
- Explore Gruene Historic District and visit the legendary Gruene Hall (1281 Gruene Rd) for live music
- Dinner: Enjoy a romantic riverside meal at The Gristmill (1287 Gruene Rd)
- Day 2:
- Start with breakfast at Buttermilk Café (1324 E Common St)
- Spend the day tubing down the Guadalupe River (1405 Gruene Rd) or try paddleboarding
- Lunch: Pack a cooler for a riverside picnic or enjoy local flavors at Mozie’s (1601 Hunter Rd)
- Visit the New Braunfels Farmers Market (186 S Castell Ave) or tour Natural Bridge Caverns (26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd)
- Dinner: Try Huisache Grill (303 W San Antonio St) for a romantic garden dinner
- Day 3:
- Before leaving, stroll through Landa Park (164 Landa Park Dr) for a scenic walk along the Comal River.
11. Fort Worth – Cowtown Meets Modern Romance
Perfect for: A mix of Western heritage and cultural sophistication
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Arrive in Fort Worth and check in at Hotel Drover (200 Mule Alley Dr), a luxurious Western-inspired hotel in the Stockyards
- Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards (131 E Exchange Ave) and catch the cattle drive at 11:30 AM or 4 PM
- Dinner: Enjoy fine dining at Lonesome Dove (2406 N Main St), where modern Western cuisine shines
- Day 2:
- Breakfast at Paris Coffee Shop (704 W Magnolia Ave), a classic Fort Worth staple
- Spend the morning at the Kimbell Art Museum (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd) or the Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pkwy)
- Lunch: Try Joe T. Garcia’s (2201 N Commerce St) for a Tex-Mex experience in a beautiful garden setting
- Spend the afternoon strolling through the Botanic Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd)
- Dinner: Finish the night with cocktails and dinner at Wicked Butcher (512 Main St)
- Day 3:
- Visit Sundance Square (420 Main St) for local shopping before heading back to Dallas.
12. Salado – Art, Antiques, and Small-Town Charm
Perfect for: Couples seeking art galleries, antiques, and a peaceful vibe
Drive Time: 2.5 hours
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check into The Stagecoach Inn (416 S Main St), a historic inn with old-world charm
- Explore Salado’s local art galleries, including Salado Glassworks (2 Peddler’s Alley) and Sirril Art Gallery (1 Royal St)
- Dinner: Have dinner at Alexander’s Distillery (602 Center Cir), known for its stunning views and gourmet menu
- Day 2:
- Breakfast at The Shed (220 Royal St), known for its pancakes and Southern charm
- Visit Salado Sculpture Garden (113 Salado Plaza Dr) and walk through this tranquil garden showcasing local art
- Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Barrow Brewing Company (108 Royal St) and enjoy a brewery tour
- Spend the afternoon browsing local antique shops and take a scenic drive through Salado Creek
- Dinner: Try Johnny’s Steaks & BBQ (301 Thomas Arnold Rd) for a true Texas BBQ experience
- Day 3:
- End your weekend with a visit to the Salado Winery Company & Salado Wine Seller (841 N Main St) before heading home.
13. Ennis – Bluebonnet Trails and Quiet Countryside
Perfect for: Nature lovers and couples looking for tranquility
Drive Time: 40 minutes
Itinerary:
- Day 1:
- Check into the cozy Moore Ventura Bed and Breakfast (400 W Denton St.) for a peaceful, countryside stay
- Take a stroll through Bluebonnet Park (201 US-287 S) or drive along the Bluebonnet Trails if visiting in spring
- Dinner: Enjoy a quiet dinner at Home Grown Market (101 S Dallas St), featuring locally sourced ingredients
- Day 2:
- Start the morning with breakfast at Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant (2301 W Ennis Ave)
- Visit Lake Bardwell for fishing, kayaking, or a romantic picnic
- Lunch: Pick up sandwiches from Kolache Depot Bakery & Deli (1103 E Ennis Ave)
- Spend the afternoon exploring Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum (105 NE Main St)
- Dinner: Savor Texas comfort food at Bluebonnet City Grill (305 SW Main St)
- Day 3:
- Stop by Sugar Ridge Winery (353 Sugar Ridge Rd) for a wine tasting before heading back.
From riverside romance to historic towns, these 13 destinations provide the perfect Texas escape for any couple looking to recharge, relax, or explore new adventures. Whether you’re looking for luxurious stays, scenic hikes, or charming small towns, these weekend getaways, near Dallas, are sure to reignite that spark. Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable trip!