If you need ideas for the best romantic getaways from Dallas, you're in the right place!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day routine and forget to make time for romantic gestures. A weekend escape is the perfect escape from the daily grind and a great way to reconnect with your significant other. And you don't have go far or spend a lot of money to have a great trip. Most of these ideas are small towns and state parks, making them inexpensive weekend getaways near Dallas.
If you are looking for a romantic escape from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, let this list serve as a guide for the best places to stay and the best adventures to have once you arrive. All destinations are within a five hour drive of Dallas, Texas.
10 of the Best Romantic Getaways from Dallas, Texas
1. Fredericksburg
Drive time from Dallas - 4 ½ hours
Nestled in Texas Hill Country among beautiful rolling hills and cacti, the German town of Fredericksburg is full of small town charm and delicious wine. It’s the perfect location to cozy up with your partner for a long weekend.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
Stay at a bed and breakfast in town and enjoy made-from-scratch breakfast in a quaint atmosphere. A couple of the best B&B's in Fredericksburg are Southern Charm Bed and Breakfast and Hoffman Haus.
Magnolia House changed ownership in 2021 and is no longer a B&B. However, it is now an Airbnb, and you can rent out the entire home for yourself (breakfast not included). Other bed and breakfasts to look at are Southern Charm Bed and Breakfast and Hoffman Haus.
I recommend the Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, the hosts will make you feel completely at home and there is a beautiful outdoor patio and pond to enjoy.
Activities
- Enjoy the area’s many wineries. Signor Vineyards is great for an intimate destination with gorgeous landscaping and decor.
- Hike atop mystical pink granite at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. This Hill Country park is one of a kind and must see while in the area.
- Visit Das Peach Haus to try local jams and wines beside a lily-pad filled pond.
- Stroll through fields of flowers at Wildseed Farms and create your own bouquet.
For more to do in the area, be sure to read my full guide on visiting Fredericksburg.
2. Dripping Springs
Drive time from Dallas - 3 ½ Hours
Dripping Springs is just minutes from Austin and known as “The Gateway to Hill Country.” The small town is known for beautiful natural attractions as well as a large variety of wineries, distilleries and breweries.
Where to Stay in Dripping Springs
Stay in a magical tiny cabin at Havenwald. The cabin is colorful and rustic. You’ll feel as if you’re inside of a fairytale as you gaze at the stained glass windows and medieval touches.
Activities
- Visit nearby Pedernales Falls State Park to walk on a waterfall, swim and hike.
- Check out the natural wonder that is Hamilton Pool Preserve. You can experience a grotto, swimming area and 50 foot waterfall. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
- Visit Jester King Brewery to enjoy delicious sour beer and pizza in a large farm setting. You might even see some goats roaming about the property!
- Tour an olive orchard at Texas Hill Country Olive Co. You can learn all about the growth and production of local olive oil.
Read my full guide on visiting Dripping Springs in this post!
3. The Piney Woods
Drive time from Dallas - 1 ½ Hours
For a cozy location close to Dallas, escape to the Piney Woods forest. The Piney Woods is a region of east Texas named for its dense concentration of pine trees and rolling terrain with wet bottomlands. There are several great parks in the Piney Woods for hiking and plenty to do in the nearby small towns.
Where to Stay in the Texas Piney Woods
Enjoy a romantic and cozy cabin getaway at the Piney Woods Getaway House. Getaway House has assembled natural-feeling tiny cabins outside of several major cities across the US.
The cabins come equipped with a kitchen, firepit, comfortable bed, books and more. They encourage you to put down the phones and connect with your significant other. The property has a few trails to explore and the windows have views of the forest.
Activities
- Explore the forest with a hike in Daingerfield or Tyler State Park. Daingerfield is a charming park that’s small enough to hike all the trails in one day, while Tyler is larger with more options for exploration.
- Visit the town of Tyler and check out the Municipal Rose Garden. It is the largest rose garden in the United States and truly stunning when in bloom.
- Visit a winery or brewery. Check out the Kiepersol Winery to enjoy wine among a beautiful vineyard or the True Vine Brewing Company for a fun brewery with lots of outdoor seating.
Learn more about the Piney Woods in my guide!
4. Oklahoma City
Drive time from Dallas - 3 Hours
Oklahoma City is a city where western culture coincides with a bustling art scene and interesting architecture. The city is often overlooked for nearby cities like Austin, but is worth the trip for a great urban escape.
Where to Stay in Oklahoma City
Sleep inside a modern art museum at the 21C Museum and Hotel, a modern hotel and contemporary art museum in one. The Oklahoma City 21C is located within a former Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, which comes through in the industrial details.
With a nice restaurant and cocktail bar downstairs, the hotel museum is perfect for a nice weekend that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.
Activities
- Interact with rooms of colorful and unique art at Factory Obscura, an immersive art collective that invites you to touch the art.
- Enjoy the beautiful greenery and architecture at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The gardens include 17-acres of an urban park with a glass cylindrical greenhouse as the focal point. Visit at night for a light show!
- Enjoy the great food that Oklahoma City has to offer. Check out Cheever’s Cafe for a nice restaurant located in a former flower shop and Stitch Cafe for a delicious brunch attached to a plant store.
Find more things to do in Oklahoma City here!
5. Caddo Lake
Drive time from Dallas - 3 Hours
The mysteriously beautiful Caddo Lake is located on the border of Louisiana and Texas and feels like nowhere else in Texas. The lake creates a feeling of eeriness with clumps of spanish moss hanging from 400 year old cypress trees. Paddle or boat across the lake for a fun and relaxing adventure.
Where to Stay near Caddo Lake
If you are interested in a cabin with lake access, check out the cabins at Spatterdock Guest Houses. The property has 6 standalone cabins decorated with homey touches. If you prefer a bed and breakfast, stay in the nearby town of Jefferson. Bed and breakfast options include the Carriage House, a home from the 1920’s, or the haunted Excelsior House Hotel.
Activities
- Visit Caddo Lake State Park and see the beautiful Mill Pond, an offshoot of Caddo Lake. You’ll have great views of the water from the dock but I recommend renting kayaks to get the full experience.
- Take a boat tour around Caddo Lake starting from the town of Uncertain, TX. The guides can navigate the water with ease and teach you about the wildlife and history of the area.
- Go antique shopping in Jefferson. The town is full of boutiques with unique household items and gifts.
Read more about visiting in the area in my guide to visiting Caddo Lake!
6. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Drive time from Dallas - 4 ½ Hours
Hot Springs, Arkansas is known as “America’s First Resort” for good reason! The town offers a great balance of relaxing spas, outdoor beauty and historical sights. The town is a wonderful option for a weekend away with your partner.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Stay in a former bathhouse at the elegant Hotel Hale, centrally located on Bathhouse Row. The hotel only has nine suites and features hot spring mineral water in each room.
Activities
- Walk down Bathhouse Row and admire the unique deco-style architecture. Each of the eight bathhouses serve different purposes today. There is a brewery, a visitor center, spas and more.
- Get a full spa treatment and relax in the thermal springs at the 100+ year old Buckstaff Bathhouse or the more modern Quapaw Bathhouse.
- Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens to experience a unique combination of plant life and architecture. It is made up of 210 acres of trails with many beautiful water features, flowers and more. The most famous feature is the Anthony Chapel, a chapel made of intricate cross-beams and glass walls.
- Go hiking in Hot Springs National Park. Check out the Goat Rock Trail and ascend to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for views of the surrounding area.
Read this for more details about visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas.
7. San Antonio
Drive time from Dallas - 4 Hours
San Antonio is the most visited city in all of Texas, but it doesn’t feel that way. The vibe is completely different than the other major cities in Texas because of the city's walkability, the Riverwalk and Spanish culture. There is a huge variety of activities, making it an amazing quick trip from Dallas.
Where to Stay in San Antonio
Stay in a cozy Airbnb or inn within the historic King William neighborhood. The neighborhood feels residential and cozy but is within steps of the riverwalk and downtown. This guesthouse Airbnb is a great option in the yard of a historic home and featuring a gorgeous rock garden.
Activities
- Bike between the lesser known Missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Park. The most picturesque is Mission San Jose, known as the “Queen of the Missions.” The Mission is surrounded by brightly colored flowers during much of the year.
- Walking along the San Antonio Riverwalk is a must-do while in town. Rosita’s Bridge is the perfect romantic backdrop for photos and a great spot for taking in the surrounding Riverwalk sights.
- Explore the free Japanese Tea Garden to experience stone arch bridges, waterfalls and a beautiful collection of plants.
- Grab a bite to eat the Pearl District, a mixed used area with a variety of shops and restaurants. The area was formerly a brewery and incorporates industrial architecture throughout the space. You can also spread out with a picnic in a lawn space.
There is so much to do in San Antonio, check out my three day itinerary for more ideas!
8. Buchanan Lake
Drive time from Dallas - 3 ½ Hours
Buchanan Lake is located in the northern part of Hill Country and is known for beautiful sunsets and relaxing nature. The lake is also a great base point for exploring more of the area.
Where to Stay at Buchanan Lake
Stay right on the water at the Painted Sky Inn. The modest but modern cabins make for the perfect lakeside property, with incredible sunsets every night.
Activities
- Go hiking at the nearby Inks Lake State Park and tour a unique cave at Longhorn Caverns. Both of these state parks are located about a half hour from the Painted Sky Inn.
- Visit a Hill Country winery or brewery. Torr Na Lochs Vineyard is nearby and offers amazing views of Buchanan Lake and Inks Lake State Park.
- Relax and unwind next to the lake with the Painted Sky Inn’s hammocks, firepits and kayak rentals.
9. Salado
Drive time from Dallas - 2 ½ Hours
Salado is a small town north of Austin known for beautiful nature, a variety of art and delicious wine. The town is also full of history and exudes a welcoming atmosphere. In my opinion, this is definitely a more hidden weekend getaway in Texas.
Where to Stay in Salado
Sleep in a Victorian Hotel at the Inn on the Creek. The inn is right on the banks of Salado Creek and represents Southern hospitality with a large porch, hammocks and fine dining.
Activities
- Visit Salado Glassworks and watch expert artists work before your eyes. During some events, you can create your own blown glass art.
- Enjoy the outdoors by swimming in Salado Creek or exploring the Salado Sculpture Garden. Also nearby is Chalk Ridge Falls Park, which features an impressive waterfall and suspension bridge.
- Enjoy some wine at the Salado Winery. The tasting room is located inside of a log cabin and showcases local art.
- Explore the Royal Street District, where you’ll find the Barrow Brewing Company along with a selection of boutiques and art galleries.
10. Glen Rose
Drive time from Dallas - 1 ½ Hours
Glen Rose is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas” for its impressive display of preserved dinosaur tracks. Dinosaur Valley State Park is the focal point of the area but you can also find other natural sights and things to do in the small town.
Where to Stay in Glen Rose
Sleep in a treehouse at Skybox Cabins. The serene property is built on 50 acres of nature, is less than a mile away from the scenic Dinosaur Valley State Park and has a unique selection of cabins ranging from rustic tree houses to glamping tents.
Activities
- Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and adventure on trails that lead to incredible Paluxy River Valley views. Spend a hot day cooling off by swimming in the river and be sure to stop by the dinosaur track sights.
- Just a half hour away, Cleburne State Park also offers amazing hiking trails. The park features an impressive limestone quarry spillway.
- Explore the Glen Rose Historic Square and learn more about the history of the area at the Somervell County Museum.
Find out more things to do in Glen Rose in this post!
Final Thoughts
I hope this list gives you some great ideas for a weekend trip from Dallas! Whether you're looking for an anniversary idea, a relaxing trip or an adventurous getaway, Texas is full of variety. Your next vacation doesn't have to be far away.
For More Texas Travel Guides, check out these blogs:
- 40+ Weekend Getaways from Dallas
- The Best Hiking Trails near Dallas
- 40+ Things To Do in Texas Hill Country
- A Guide to Visiting Amarillo
- How to Spend 4 Days in Austin
- How to Spend 3 Days in San Antonio
- A Guide to Visiting Caddo Lake
- A Guide to Visiting Enchanted Rock
Thanks for Reading!
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