7 Romantic Day Trips From Dallas You Will Love

Looking for a list of incredibly romantic day trips from Dallas, TX? We got you covered. These are our top picks for amazing destinations less than 3 hours away you are sure to love.

Romantic Day Trips from Dallas

Looking for a day trip from Dallas with your sweetheart? You have come to the right place. Dallas is within a short driving distance to some incredible destinations you should absolutely check out while in town. So whether you are just visiting for a few days, or live in the great metropolitan city, you are sure to find an amazing array of romantic attractions nearby.

Life is full of surprises and travel is one of those things that lifts up the spirit and makes you truly feel alive. It’s no accident that it’s one of our top recommendations for easy ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You never know what you will find when you venture out. So how about an adventure, even if a short drive from the big city? However small a trip, it can make a great impact. So here are some of our favorite romantic trips within 3 hours from Dallas we have taken recently. We hope they bring you as much joy as they have brought us.

This post is all about the best romantic day trips from Dallas you are sure to love.

TOP ROMANTIC DAY TRIPS FROM DALLAS

YOU ARE SURE TO LOVE

1. Jefferson, TX | The Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas

When it comes to a charming town with rich history, breathtaking nature, unique museums, charming restaurants and romantic stays Jefferson doesn’t disappoint. Known as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas the pre-civil war town is always ready to welcome visitors for a delightfully romantic time. Stepping into Jefferson is like stepping back in time. You need only walk down it’s scenic streets or take in the picturesque landscapes to quiet your mind and enjoy every moment to the fullest. Nestled in the Piney Woods between two beautiful lakes, Jefferson is a paradise for nature lovers. Tour lake Caddo, kayak through the Cypress Bayou, or boat on Lake O’ The Pines to take in the sights and observe wildlife.

Once one of the most important ports in Texas, Jefferson’s rich history is everywhere you look. With over 135 recognized historic structures, the East Texas town is also a great destination for those who love history. If that’s you be sure to visit the Jefferson Historical Museum, the Museum of Time and Measurement, the Carnegie Library or the Scarlet o’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum. Don’t miss the quaint historic downtown home to the historic Excelsior Hotel, charming stores, and restaurants that offer varied cuisines in settings from Medieval feasts and French or Italian indulgence to a historic 1800s Saloon. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, history, sightseeing, food, or shopping, Jefferson is no doubt one of the best day trips from Dallas you will ever take.

2. Paris, TX | A Delightfully Romantic North Texas Day Trip

Ahh…Paris, TX! A small town with big charm and history of strength and perseverance. We went on a visit for the romance. You know – the tower, the lights, the French bakery, the antique shops and tasty food, but after spending a few short hours in town talking to the locals we left with hearts full of hope and joy. Paris is the kind of town where you can not only spend a lovely day or weekend out, but also gain a new sense of purpose and feel inspired. After a devastating fire in 1916, that destroyed over 200 acres and 1400 buildings, the community united to rebuild this charming Texas town. It is the heart of the town and it’s people that we found to be its greatest attraction.

If you happen to stay in town or nearby, start your day early by greeting the sunrise at nearby Lake Crook or Pat Mayse lake. Right after head over for coffee or tea and breakfast at the charming Paris Bakery in downtown. Be sure to get there early as they open at 7am and by 10 they are usually sold out. After breakfast walk the downtown square for some great antique shopping and unique boutiques including Olive Paris to taste some of the best oils and vinegars.

For lunch check out Jaxx Gourmet Burgers or 107 Restaurant where the menus will have you wanting to order more than you can eat. Better yet pick up some food to go and have a picnic at the Eiffel Tower and Veteran Memorial located at the Love Civic Center. If you do have a chance to visit the Center in the evening, do so. The lights are beautiful and great memory and photo opportunity with your sweetheart.

3. Tyler, TX | A Visit to Rose City Texas

Places to visit near Dallas

Known as the Rose city, Tyler has a lot to offer it’s visitors. Piney Woods, lakes, rolling hills and valleys, vineyards, roses and azaleas. All that and more waiting for you just an hour and a half from the metroplex. With no shortage of attractions Tyler is a great choice for a day trip from Dallas. Visit in October for the Rose Festival, or stroll down the Azalea trails in the Spring. Get up close and personal with the wildlife at the Cherokee Trace Drive Through Safari, or admire the big cats at Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary. Are you a nature lover? Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler and Tyler State Parks will not disappoint.

Tyler has no shortage of Historical landmarks, either. You can visit Camp Ford, the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp during the Civil War or one of the many museums in town including an Aviation museum, a Rose Museum, many historical houses and even a Plantation to tour. Stay at a charming historical Bed & Breakfast or a cottage in the Piney Woods for a relaxing romantic escape. Enjoy the local Wineries and Breweries, try East Texas and international cuisines in one of the many restaurants, and enjoy a night out with live music and entertainment. With so much to see and do you can visit Tyler again and again, and never run out of options for a fantastic time.

4. Fort Worth, TX | A Must See Texas City

Places to visit near Dallas

Being the 12th largest and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. Fort Worth has more attraction and activities than a visitor can ever dream of. The fact that it is located so close to Dallas makes it the perfect weekend getaway or a day trip destination. I personally like to stay in downtown because I love how walkable it is. Horse drawn carriages await visitors for an evening ride. Fountains, gardens, waterfalls, delectable restaurants, charming boutiques and bakeries, art galleries and so much more await and promise an unforgettable time.

In Fort Worth you can experience the Stockyards National Historic District and witness the world’s only twice daily longhorn cattle drive, see a rodeo and stroll down the original brick walkways at the station for some great food, music and unique shopping experience. A must see are the Fort Worth Water Gardens, featuring an incredible display of fountains. Visit nearby Sundance Square which will delight with its rich selection of restaurants, galleries and shops.

For nature lovers Airfield Falls, Burgers Lake, Trinity Park and the FW Nature Center and Refuge are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t miss the incredible Botanical Gardens while in Fort Worth, home to the popular 7 acre Japanese Garden. Love history? Visit one of the many museums, watch how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing or travel back to experience the 1800s at the Log Cabin Village.

5. McKinney, TX | Visit a Croatian Village in Texas

Best day trips from Dallas

Arguably one of the most romantic day trips from Dallas is only 30 minutes away, but it feels like you are abroad. If you are in a mood for visiting a quaint Eastern European village, but you don’t have the time to take off across the ocean quite yet, head over to Adriatica in McKinney, TX. Designed to replicate an old-world Croatian village, Adriatica’s stone houses, cobblestone streets, bell tower, beautiful chapel and breath taking sunsets are sure to delight. Speaking about views, why not take an air balloon ride or take a walk down one of the many trails at the Heard Natural Science Museum.

Next stop downtown McKinney. One of the oldest and largest historic districts in Texas does not disappoint. Over 120 unique boutiques, art galleries as well as antique, furniture and gift shops await to greet visitors. more than two dozen of restaurants and cafes are sure to satisfy the foodie in you. What we love most is not just the variety of cuisine options, but also the fact that many of them source local farm ingredients. From winery patios and speak easy bars to the live entertainment and street hanging lights, McKinney is the perfect getaway.

6. Rockwall, TX | A Day at the Harbor

Things to do in Rockwall

If you have not yet been to the Rockwall Harbor, you are in for a treat. The town is built on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. The tranquil Harbor features beautiful fountains, great stores and many restaurants serving Mexican, BBQ, seafood and American fare. One of the most picturesque and romantic spots on the waterfront is the lighthouse. Excellent location for picnics by the water, birdwatching, taking a cruise, greeting the sunset or a romantic proposal. When in Rockwall, you can take a cruise on the lake, visit the historic downtown and go wine tasting at the local San Martino Winery and Vineyards.

If you are visiting in the Summer you could go picking your own blueberries at Blase Family Farm, or visit their pumpkin patch in the Fall. When in Rockwall, worth a stop is the impressive historic county courthouse. For more than 70 years Rockwall County has been known as the “Marriage Capital of Texas” and the courthouse used to have 27 hour marriage license office, to keep up with the high demand for the elegant marriage certificates. As it happens, my husband proposed on the Rockwall Harbor and we were legally married at the Courthouse. Just a short day trip from Dallas, the city of Rockwall has so much to offer that you could easily spend not just a day there but a lovely weekend.

7. Grapevine, TX | A Visit to the Christmas Capital of Texas

Day Trips from Dallas for Couples

One of the best and my most favorite day trips from Dallas is Grapevine. Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, it never disappoints come holiday season. Main Street transforms into a Wonderland with live Reindeer, decorations, daily activities and even a Christmas train. Add to that the magnificent Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge winter activities and you are in for a trip you will never forget. Ice sculptures, ice skating, rides, dinner in a gingerbread house, breathtaking atrium, plenty of shopping and entertainment are just a few of the many surprises awaiting. Don’t let the honorary title of Christmas capital keep you from visiting any other time of the year, though. With Lake Grapevine nearby this small Texas town is a true gem.

As the name suggests, Grapevine is home to many wineries and hosts the annual GrapeFest in September. Year round you could go for a boat ride, take a cruise, walk down the marina or grab a bite and a drink at Big Daddy’s Ship Store at Scott’s Landing. Main Street is a always a treat where you can go on a wine tasting tour, try some of the best BBQ and steaks in Texas or shop at the unique boutiques. Visit NashFarm, LegoLand and SeaWorld Aquarium. Go on a ride at the Vintage Railroad and visit Grapevine’s Main Train Station. If you happen to be there during the Summer, Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf lodge will not disappoint. Lazy river, water slides, plenty of activities and photo ops. No matter when you visit, Grapevine is delightful very walkable and full of life.

East Texas Travel

This post is all about some of the best romantic day trips a short drive from Dallas, TX.

These are some of the best romantic day trips from Dallas we have visited and loved. Whether you choose to visit one or all of them you are sure to have plenty to do and see. What are some of your favorite day trips from Dallas? Let us know your thoughts in comments below.