From a city beach to dinosaur tracks, 10 Texas towns that’ll make perfect summer getaways

Brayden Garcia
·6 min read
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Memorial Day weekend lifts the curtains for summer fun, with many families gearing up for weekend trips.

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been recognized as a federal holiday observed on the final Monday of May. The holiday was established as a way to honor those who died fighting in the Civil War, but grew to cover soldiers lost in all wars, according to the History Channel.

The three-day weekend gives families plenty of time to plan a getaway. Here are 10 weekend trip destinations outside of Fort Worth:

Glen Rose

  • Distance from Fort Worth: One hour

  • Major attractions: Dinosaur Valley Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and downtown Glen Rose

Better known as the “Dinosaur Capitol of Texas,” Glen Rose offers a plethora of activities for families.

Millions of years ago dinosaurs traveled across present day Glen Rose, leaving fossils and footprints visible today. Dinosaur Valley Park is home to many of these footprints and has other amenities such as hiking and kayaking.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center allows people to take a self-guided tour among dozens of different animals from a cheetah and emu, to giraffes and zebras. After the dinosaur and animal fun, Glen Rose’s downtown area offers food and shops.

Waco

Distance from Fort Worth: One hour and a half Major attractions: Dr. Pepper Museum, Magnolia Market and Cameron Park Zoo

Waco is a central Texas hub with plenty to offer families or couples looking for a getaway.

Chip and Joana Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame have transformed a section of the town into the Magnolia Market and Silos. From shopping and entertainment, there’s a little something for everyone here.

A fun stop in Waco is the Dr. Pepper Museum to learn about the history of the drink with 23 flavors. The Cameron Park Zoo is another stop families will enjoy.

Mineral Wells

Distance from Fort Worth: One hour Major attractions: Crazy Water Hotel, Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Possum Kingdom Lake

Mineral Wells is a tranquil getaway about 50 miles west of Fort Worth.

The nearby Possum Kingdom Lake offers visitors a variety of water activities from swimming and boating, fishing and kayaking. Lake Mineral Wells State Park is another scenic option closer to town, with the added benefits of hiking and rock climbing.

In town, the newly renovated Crazy Water Hotel is back in business in the city known for its magical elixir. The bottom of the hotel houses several shops, a brewery and even a water bar.

Grapevine

Distance from Fort Worth: 30 minutes Major attractions: Grapevine Lake, Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills mall

This is the shortest getaway from Fort Worth on the list — just about 22 miles northeast of Cowtown.

Grapevine Lake is a major attraction to the area with over 8,000 acres of outdoor fun. From hiking and biking, to boating and fishing, if it can be done on the water, Grapevine Lake has it.

For family fun look no further than the 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and resort Great Wolf Lodge. Another familial entertainment center is the Grapevine Mills mall, which contains a multitude of shops and a even an aquarium.

Wichita Falls

Distance from Fort Worth: One hour and 45 minutes Major attractions: Castaway Cove Water Park, Backdoor Theatre and Lucy Park

Just below the Oklahoma border lies the quaint Texas town, Wichita Falls.

To cool off during the hot Texas summer, families can visit Castaway Cove Water Park to soak in the fun. The Backdoor Theatre is well known for its live entertainment, from dramas to musicals.

A major draw for the city is Lucy Park , the 178-acre area located in the center of Wichita Falls. The park has many hiking and biking trails, along with the River Bend Nature Center.

Granbury

Distance from Fort Worth: One hour Major attractions: City Beach Park, Granbury Opera House and historic downtown square

This scenic resort town about 45 miles southwest of Fort Worth makes a perfect getaway.

Families don’t have to head to the coast for sandy beaches, since Granbury’s City Beach Park has its own. Along with water activities, the park has volleyball courts, picnic spots and its own boardwalk.

For indoor activities, the Granbury Theater Company regularly hosts shows at the historic Opera House. But for all day and night fun, Granbury’s historic downtown square is the place to be with shops, restaurants and live entertainment.

New Braunfels

  • Distance from Fort Worth: Three and half hours

  • Major attractions: Landa Park, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

New Braunfels is a serene southern getaway located between Austin and San Antonio.

Landa Park is a 51-acre outdoor area where families can lounge by the lake, go hiking or ride the park’s miniature train. As summer temperatures soar, Schlitterbahn Waterpark will be a popular destination for many families looking to cool off.

For something different, pack up the car and head over to Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo. The zoo’s featured animal is the black mamba, which is the fastest land snake and one of the deadliest reptiles in the world.

San Antonio

Distance from Fort Worth: Four hours Major attractions: River Walk, San Antonio Zoo and Museum of Art

San Antonio is a longer drive but has the most to do.

One of the city’s biggest travel destinations outside of The Alamo is its River Walk . At this venue, the San Antonio River meets with premiere shopping and dining for an iconic night or day out.

For families looking to get a little wild, the San Antonio Zoo is lively and entertaining with animals from all over. While the San Antonio Museum of Art is a quieter and artful stop that’s sure to leave a cultural impression.

Tyler

Distance from Fort Worth: Two hours Major attractions: Rose Garden, Tyler State Park and the Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum

Known as the “Rose Capital of Texas,” Tyler is an east Texas town with plenty to do and see.

Chief among the things to do in Tyler, is a visit to the 14-acre Rose Garden . It’s here where families can see thousands of flowers and over 200 varieties of roses.

Tyler State Park is a peaceful stop — full of 100-foot trees and a 64-acre spring-fed lake. The Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum offers visitors a trip back to the 1800s, full of 19th century photographs and memorabilia.

Abilene

Distance from Fort Worth: Two hours Major attractions: Frontier Texas, Abilene Zoo and The Grace Museum

Abilene is a west Texas town full of history and fun.

Frontier Texas is one of Abilene’s biggest tourist attractions and is all about western heritage and history. The museum covers every inch of the west, from cowboys and the military, to frontier life and western towns.

The Abilene Zoo has over 600 animals, including Albert, one the oldest alligators in a zoo in the country. Finally, the Grace Museum is a cultural epicenter full of art and photographs that tell the history of Texas.