One of my favorite things about road trips is that the journey itself becomes part of the story.
Recently, I had a great conversation with Jenny Anchondo from Dallas’ Nexstar station about some of the best road trips families can take this year- from Texas Hill Country escapes and beach getaways to historic routes that connect us with America’s past.
In case you missed it on air, here are some of my favorite road trip ideas from Dallas, along with a reminder that the best vacations aren’t always measured by miles traveled. They’re measured by the memories you create along the way.
That’s the heart of what I call Memory-First Travel: prioritizing meaningful experiences, time together, and those unexpected moments you’ll talk about long after the trip ends.
And this is a particularly special year to hit the road. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and historic Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, families have an incredible opportunity to explore places that helped shape our country’s story while creating new memories of their own.
Why Dallas Is One of America’s Best Road Trip Hubs
Dallas is truly one of the best launching points for road trips. Within just a few hours, families can experience everything from beaches and outdoor adventures to incredible food, historic landmarks, charming small towns, and classic Americana.
You don’t always need a plane ticket to have an unforgettable vacation.
Sometimes the best adventures are just a tank of gas away.
Here are some of the top road trips from Dallas to add to your list this year.
Austin: Music, Food, and Outdoor Adventures
Driving time from Dallas: About 3–3.5 hours
For families looking for a mix of city energy and outdoor fun, Austin is an easy road trip win.
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin offers something for every generation- from incredible restaurants and iconic barbecue to outdoor adventures along the water.
Top stops:
- Texas State Capitol (great for kids about to learn about state capitals, or who just finished the lesson to lock it in)
- South Congress Avenue for shopping, murals, and local boutiques
- Barton Springs Pool
- Lady Bird Lake for kayaking and paddleboarding
- Live music venues throughout the city
- World-famous barbecue and Tex-Mex
Austin is one of those destinations where you can spend the morning exploring, the afternoon outdoors, and the evening enjoying incredible food and live music.
Fredericksburg: Hill Country Charm, Wine, and Small-Town Texas
Driving time from Dallas: About 4–4.5 hours
If you’re looking for a slower-paced escape, Fredericksburg delivers that quintessential Texas Hill Country experience.
With German heritage, charming boutiques, incredible food, wineries, and nearby outdoor adventures, it’s a destination that works for couples, families, and multi-generational trips.
Top stops:
- Historic Main Street with German bakeries and local shops
- More than 50 wineries and tasting rooms nearby
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for hiking
- Seasonal peach orchards
- Lavender farms (especially Spring and early Summer)
- Cozy B&Bs and luxury inns
This time of year is especially beautiful, with Hill Country flavors on full display- from fresh peaches to Texas wines like Viognier and Tempranillo. After delicious BBQ or German dishes, try a peach cobbler with a nice Viognier and let me know what you think.
San Antonio: A Road Trip Through Texas History
Driving time from Dallas: About 4–4.5 hours
For families who want a road trip that combines fun and education, San Antonio is one of the best choices.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, destinations like San Antonio offer a chance to step into the layers of history that existed long before the United States was founded.
The Alamo isn’t just a historic landmark- it’s where the 1836 Battle of the Alamo became one of America’s most famous stories of courage and sacrifice.
And the city’s Spanish missions tell another important chapter of history.
While many travelers are familiar with California’s missions, San Antonio’s missions tell a similar Spanish colonial story with a distinctly Texas perspective. The history runs deep: the Alamo was originally founded as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, more than 50 years before California’s first mission was established. These communities were built along the San Antonio River, where Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican histories came together.
Top stops:
- The Alamo
- San Antonio River Walk
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Pearl for restaurants and shopping
- San Antonio Zoo
- Incredible Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine
Galveston: A Classic Texas Beach Escape
Driving time from Dallas: About 4.5–5 hours
Sometimes a great road trip ends with your toes in the sand.
Galveston offers a classic coastal getaway with beaches, family attractions, history, and incredible Gulf seafood. It’s also great for a hybrid vacation of Road Trip + long weekend cruise.
Top stops:
- Galveston beaches and the Seawall
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
- The Strand Historic District
- Moody Gardens
- Victorian architecture throughout the island
- Fresh Gulf seafood
It’s also a great option for families who want a beach vacation without getting on a plane.
A Route 66 Road Trip Through Texas and Beyond
Dallas → Shamrock → Amarillo → Palo Duro Canyon → Route 66 highlights west
This is a particularly exciting year to explore Route 66 as the Mother Road celebrates its 100th anniversary.
For families who love classic Americana, this is the ultimate memory-making road trip.
From Dallas, travelers can head west through the Texas Panhandle, stopping at iconic roadside attractions like the famous Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo before continuing toward New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Possible stops:
- Shamrock, Texas
- Amarillo
- Cadillac Ranch
- Palo Duro Canyon
- Tucumcari, New Mexico
- Albuquerque
- Flagstaff
- Santa Monica
Route 66 reminds us that sometimes the quirky roadside stops- the giant attractions, local diners, and unexpected discoveries- become the moments kids remember most. Just remember one of the main rules of Memory-First Travel: do NOT overschedule or race to the next landmark. It’s those little stops along the way- the roadside barbecue you can smell a mile away and simply have to try, the quirky fruit stand you discover by chance, the breathtaking sunset you stop to capture on film, or the tiny shop where you find that one unexpected treasure that stays in your home for years- that create the memories you’ll carry with you long after the road trip ends.
Don’t Overlook a Staycation in Dallas
If a long road trip isn’t possible, Dallas itself has plenty to explore.
Local favorites include:
- Reunion Tower
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Klyde Warren Park
- Bishop Arts District
- World-class museums, sports, and restaurants
Sometimes the biggest adventures are waiting right in your own backyard.
Make the Road Trip the Memory
My biggest advice for families? Don’t rush to the destination.
Stop at the quirky roadside attractions. Try the local diners. Let kids choose a few stops along the way. Explore small towns. Take the scenic route when you can.
Those unexpected moments often become the stories your family tells for years.
Because the best road trips aren’t about how far you go.
They’re about who you’re with and what you experience together.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.