If you could use only one word to describe Dallas, that word would be “big.” Big buildings, big personalities, and big fun. Fortunately, that fun isn’t confined to the city limits. When the time comes to take a vacation from the city, look no further than your own backyard.
Venture out from the city in any direction and you’re bound to run into Texas-size eats (hint: there’s plenty of beef), great camping, and unique attractions! From wonders of the great outdoors to soda-based attractions (there’s two!), there’s no shortage of wonderful places to see and KOA’s to stay at around the Dallas area. And the best part? They’re all only one tank of gas away.
Whether you want to head North, South, East or West, we’ve got great things to see and do in every direction!
North
KOAs along the way:
- Durant/Choctaw Casino
- Oklahoma City
- Burkburnett/Wichita Falls
- El Reno West
- Checotah/Eufaula West
- Tulsa NE/Will Rogers Downs
- Sallisaw/Fort Smith
Places To See And Things To Do:
- ArcadiaLocated along Route 66, The Round Barn is a two-story national landmark you won’t want to miss.
- Arcadia Pops – Stop in to this great soda museum on historic Route 66, which comes complete with a 4 ton, 66-foot tall pop bottle.
- Ardmore Lake Murray – Known for great smallmouth bass fishing. You can also boat, water ski and scuba dive
- Clinton Experience the history, look and feel of “The Mother Road” at the Route 66 Museum.
Places To Eat:
- Arcadia Pops – Grab a “Ripper” Dog and side a side of Chili Cheese Fries for a meal you won’t soon forget.
- Oklahoma City (Historic Stockyard City) Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has a unique western history all its own and food that is legendary.
- Muenster Bayer’s Kolonialwaren is the perfect spot to sample authentic German pastries and baked goods.
South
KOAs along the way:
- Lake Conroe/Houston North
- San Antonio
- Waco North/Hillsboro
- Leander/NW Austin
- Columbus
- Fredericksburg
- Kerrville
- Baytown/Galveston Bay
Places To See And Things To Do:
- Leander Inner Space Caverns – go explore the fascinating story of the discovery and history of the caverns.
- Fredericksburg Luckenbach, Texas – Country music fans will want to see this famous little town
- Waco Dr. Pepper Museum – stop by and see all things Dr. Pepper.
- Brenham Blue Bell Ice Cream – tour the facility and see how Blue Bell ice cream is made!
Places To Eat:
- Fredericksburg Hondo’s on Main – Live music and touts “Texas Music – Texas Fun – Texas Food.”
- Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 – Wine and dine your way at 10 Texas wineries along U.S. Highway 290.
- Waco Uncle Dan’s BBQ – Voted best BBQ in Waco for more than a decade
East
KOAs along the way:
Places To See And Things To Do:
- Texarkana Discovery Place Children’s Museum – take your kids to a place of discovery and amazement.
- Sulphur Springs Southwest Dairy Museum – go tour everything dairy
- Rusk Texas State Railroad – enjoy a meal, or just enjoy the relaxation or scenery the Pineywoods of East Texas
Places To Eat:
- Rusk KT Seafood Grill – apparently it’s not much to look at, but according to reviews they have great seafood.
- Sulphur Springs LouViney’s Restaurant & Pub
West
KOAs along the way:
Places To See And Things To Do:
- Mineral Wells Mineral Wells Fossil Park – dig around and find relics of ancient life
- Abilene Prime Time – A mega fun center for kids/teens
- Abilene Abilene Zoo – featuring over 600 animals from around the world, the zoo claims they are Abilene’s number one attraction
Places To Eat:
- Buffalo Gap Perini Ranch – this ranch features a gourmet restaurant that boasts the 3rd best steak in all of Texas. Food Network Magazine (June 2009) rated Perini’s with the best burger in Texas.
Need help planning your route? Click here.
Now that you’ve read our recommendations, we want to hear yours. Share your ideas for fun things to do in and around Dallas by commenting below!
