10 driving destinations within two hours of Fort Worth that are worth the price of gas

Megan Cardona
·2 min read

With gas prices continuing to rise, road trips are seemingly expensive diversions.

But there are plenty of destinations within a short drive from Fort Worth. It’s not too early to begin planning for these trips as summer is just around the corner. As the days get warmer, with 100-degree days becoming the norm deep into summer, here are places to visit with plenty of opportunities to take a dip in cool water or shop indoors.

Piranha look out at visitors from an eight-foot-long walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel at Sea Life Aquarium Grapevine’s new Rainforest Adventure exhibit.
Piranha look out at visitors from an eight-foot-long walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel at Sea Life Aquarium Grapevine’s new Rainforest Adventure exhibit.

GRAPEVINE

  • Distance from Fort Worth: Less than 30 minutes, public transportation available.

  • Attractions: Amusements galore for kids, global dining, wineries, farmers market

  • Need to know: Downtown is quaint with shops, restaurants and wine tastings.

The butterfly gardens at Cedar Ridge Preserve.
The butterfly gardens at Cedar Ridge Preserve.

CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 45 minutes

  • Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas

  • Attractions: Hiking trails, fishing, swimming

  • Need to know: Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m. until dusk. More info here

Top left: Josh Winters of D’Vine Wine Granbury pulls out bottled for wine tasting Feb. 25 in Historic Granbury Square. The square has shops and restaurants surrounding the Hood County Courthouse, top right. Above: The Paluxy River runs through Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.
Top left: Josh Winters of D’Vine Wine Granbury pulls out bottled for wine tasting Feb. 25 in Historic Granbury Square. The square has shops and restaurants surrounding the Hood County Courthouse, top right. Above: The Paluxy River runs through Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.

DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hour

  • Attractions: Fossilized dinosaur tracks, live animals, swimming, trails, fishing

  • Need to know: Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; wildlife center is open 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Historic Granbury Square has shops and restaurants surrounding the Hood County Courthouse.
Historic Granbury Square has shops and restaurants surrounding the Hood County Courthouse.

GRANBURY

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hour

  • Location: East Pearl Street, Granbury

  • Attractions: Shopping, dining, beach, bed and breakfast spots. More here

Discover the history of the soft drink industry centered around Dr Pepper at this three-story museum in downtown Waco.
Discover the history of the soft drink industry centered around Dr Pepper at this three-story museum in downtown Waco.

DR PEPPER MUSEUM

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes

  • Location: 300 S. 5th St., Waco

  • Attractions: Tours, games, Dr Pepper soda fountain

  • Need to know: Hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5:30 p.m.

Stephenville Historical House Museum features buildings and machinery from local history.
Stephenville Historical House Museum features buildings and machinery from local history.

STEPHENVILLE HISTORICAL HOUSE MUSEUM

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes

  • Location: 525 E. Washington St., Stephenville

  • Attractions: Historical buildings, self-guided tours

  • Need to know: Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.

LLAMALAND TENT CAMPING

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes

  • Location: 9059 Co Road 2403, Tool

  • Hours: Daily 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m

  • Need to know: Visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy nature and llamas, book your visit before driving out.

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BLUE HILLS RANCH

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hours

  • Location: 2032 Blue Cut Road N., McGregor

  • Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

  • Need to know: Animal encounters, dining with giraffes, cabins, RV resort

MOTHER NEFF STATE PARK

  • Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hours

  • Location: 1921 State Park Road 14, Moody

  • Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Need to know: Trails for beginner and skilled hikers, entrance fee is $2 for visitors over 12.

With Oh My Goat yoga in Palestine, you’ll be practicing your sun salutation alongside Pygmy Nigerian cross goats.
With Oh My Goat yoga in Palestine, you’ll be practicing your sun salutation alongside Pygmy Nigerian cross goats.

PALESTINE, TEXAS