Around 35 Minutes From Fort Worth
Every large city has a particular landmark building that stands out amongst its busy skyline. For Dallas, that honor belongs to Reunion Tower. Its GeO-Deck viewing platform is situated almost 500 feet above the ground, giving you unparalleled panoramic views of the city below and beyond. Interactive touch screens provide useful information and plenty of entertainment to keep little ones engaged. The tower schedules events regularly, such as painting, sunset yoga, and wine tasting.
The assassination of President John F Kennedy remains one of the most shocking chapters in American political history. This tour offers to take you to the Grassy Knoll in Dealey Plaza where the former president was slain, the JFK Memorial Museum, and Lee Harvey Oswald’s rooming house. This fully-guided tour lasts for three hours, with multiple sessions a day to allow you to fit it into your schedule. It costs about $80 per adult.
The Katy Trail is a jogging, walking, inline skating, and bicycling trail that runs through Dallas' Uptown and Oak Lawn neighborhoods. It follows the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, sometimes known as the MKT or the Katy. This historic Trail, privately funded and supported by the community, has quickly become an iconic attraction.
Around 3 Hours 15 Minutes From Fort Worth
Frontier City is Oklahoma's only amusement park, and it is a terrific spot for the whole family to enjoy a good time. Over 40 acres of roller coasters, exciting games, and entertainment await tourists of all ages at this western-themed amusement park. The Silver Bullet and Diamond Back roller coasters will entice you to test gravity's limits. Family-friendly rides, water rides, and live shows inspired by the Wild West are fantastic attractions for those who prefer to stay closer to the ground.
On a hot day, cool off at Wild West Water Works, the nearby water park that is included in admission. The admission fee for attractions and museums varies, and prices are subject to change; adult admission is $39.99, children's admission is $29.99 (but free for children under the age of 2), and senior admission is $29.99.
Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City is the perfect place to cool off during the summertime. There are 25 acres of cold pools and super-soaking slides for everyone in the family to enjoy. Bermuda Triangle, Blackbeard's Revenge, and Mega Wedgie are some of the thrilling rides. One-day tickets cost $25 to $65 and you can discover more about Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma.
The historically-themed guided tours offered by Bricktown Water Taxi are a fun way to see the heart of downtown Oklahoma City's Bricktown community in an enjoyable and relaxing way. Private charters and dinner cruises are also provided, and the water taxi is wheelchair accessible and convenient for tourists of all ages.
The Water Taxi ticket is $12 for regular admission, $9.00 for children (6-12 years old), $4.00 for children (under the age of 5), and $10.00 for seniors aged 65+, active-duty military (ID required), and people with disabilities.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial houses the Field of Empty Chairs, East Gate of Time, Reflecting Pool, and The Survival Tree, which serve as memorials to victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995.
The Museum charges $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (62 and above), $13 for military (with ID), and $12 for students aged 6 to 17. Children under the age of 5 are admitted free of charge.
Around 3.5 Hours From Fort Worth
The Austin City Limits Music Event is a two-weekend music festival held at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, on two consecutive weekends. The event is produced by Austin-based C3 Presents, which also produces Chicago's Lollapalooza. It is inspired by the KLRU/PBS music series of the same name.
Several barbecue joints in Austin stand out from the crowd, including Franklin BBQ, Interstellar BBQ, Stiles Switch, Black's Barbecue, and Sam's BBQ. Franklin’s world-renowned brisket with peppery exterior draws Austinites from across the city. If you are aching for barbecue and music, Stubb's Bar-B-Q serves the best brisket and music. This cozy venue once hosted Johnny Cash.
Total cost varies depending on your barbecue appetite.
Lady Bird Lake is a 416-acre reservoir along the Colorado River, named after the wife of President Lyndon Johnson. It is one of Austin’s top recreation areas, with a 10.2-mile boardwalk circling the lake. This loop allows you to cycle around the reservoir. But the lake also has miles of trails along its shoreline, ideal for pedestrians and cyclists. Take kayaking lessons at the Texas Rowing Center on the north shore. When you’re ready, rent a kayak to explore Lady Bird Lake. This lake is close to other top tourist sites in downtown Austin. You can hit several spots in a 1-day tour of Austin. There is no admission, but renting a kayak will cost you between $15/hour and $30/hour.
Around 3.5 Hours From Fort Worth
Mardi Gras is a celebration right before the season of Lent begins. In the Catholic Church, Lent is a preparatory period before Easter that is somber, reflective, and free from excess. There are multiple days of fasting. Thus, many years ago, Mardi Gras was a time to consume butter, sugar, milk, and meat...all the things that were forgone during Lent. It was also marked by large celebrations and street parties.
Today, the tradition continues in French-influenced Louisiana. Even though Northern Louisiana is much less Catholic than the Southern part of the state, Shreveport still has its share of large parades. The streets are closed. Double-decker floats line up and fill the streets. Visitors and locals alike crowd the curbs and sidewalks to catch beads, candy, and more thrown at them. It's something you have to experience at least once. Mardi Gras happens in February or March (depending upon when Easter falls).
The Shreveport Aquarium offers a glimpse of marine life, which will fill you with wonder. Visitors can make their way through tropical lagoons, dark ocean caves, creaking shipwrecks, and coral reefs with bright colors. Guests can get up close and personal with jellyfish, rays, sharks, and many other species of marine life through one of several touch tanks in the aquarium. While here, you can travel the ocean's depths to see strange creatures hiding in the dark of the deepest waters...without ever leaving dry land.
The Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel is truly an experience if you want to try your hand with lady luck while in town. This center aims to provide visitors with a premium gaming environment via a massive gaming space. It has over 50 table games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette.
If you would rather want to try one of the 1,400 slot machines, those are also available. Throughout the casino, the food is abundant, and the entertainment is never lacking. They offer live events, day and night. So stop by and wish that luck will indeed be a lady, tonight! Other nearby casinos include Sam's Town and Horseshoe Bossier City.
Around 4 Hours From Fort Worth
Rice University's Shepherd School of Music is home to one of the most iconic structures in the city: the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. This edifice was designed by famous artist James Turrell and erected in 2012. Turrell is also popularly known for The Light Inside the tunnel, exhibited at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
The Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is a pyramid structure with built-in LED lighting which is projected to the roof. The facility is open to the general public, and you can catch a display of special lighting and sound at both sunrise and sunset.
The official name is Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, but Houstonians will know what you're talking about if you just asked around for the Water Wall. Located near the Galleria in the Uptown neighborhood, you can't miss this 64-foot tall waterfall in the middle of an urban park. The semicircular wall has cascading water on both sides. One side faces the park while the other has a plaza. It's a great place for pictures, and all the relaxing falling water drowns out the noise of the city. Best of all, it's free!
Space Center Houston is a scientific museum that serves as the NASA Johnson Space Center's official visitor center in Houston. In 2014, it was designated as a Smithsonian Affiliate institution. At Space Center Houston, there is always something new to see. Touch a Moon Rock, Discover Real Spacecraft, and Explore Historic Space Suits, among other things. Space Center Houston is a premier scientific and space exploration educational facility.
Around 4.5 Hours From Fort Worth
To fully appreciate the scale of San Antonio, head up to the observation deck in the Tower of the Americas. We recommend booking a ticket for sunset here as it’s the best time of day to view the city from up above.
This 750-foot-tall tower is also home to a revolving restaurant called the Chart House Restaurant. Teens will want to have a go on the 4D Theater Ride, which takes them on an exciting tour of Texas.
After a day of exploring some of the area’s best attractions, head to the San Antonio River Walk to finish off the day. We recommend arriving in the late afternoon, and you can follow the river itself on foot.
On the walk, you’ll find there are plenty of amazing spots to stop for something to eat or drink, like the notorious Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar, or the infamous Saltgrass Steak House. You could easily spend the whole evening exploring the area. If you need a break from walking, take one of the River Walk boats along the river to continue your exploration.
No trip to San Antonio is complete without visiting The Alamo. It's one of the most important historical sites in the country and was home to the Battle of the Alamo back in 1836. Visitors can enjoy walking around the library and museum on the site, where you’ll learn more about the history of the state of Texas.
Even if you think the site looks quite small upon your approach, you’ll be impressed by how much history is hidden within its walls. It gets pretty busy here at the weekend, so try to visit during the week or first thing in the morning for the best experience.
Around 4.5 Hours From Fort Worth
Gathering Place is a 66.5-acre park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, near the Arkansas River. It is a natural area with widely diversified programs created by the George Kaiser Family Foundation to provide inclusive and engaging experiences for all Tulsans to come together to explore, learn, and play. This inclusive space strives to engage, educate and excite while creating distinct memories for all who gather.
Pursuing knowledge and history through art is a great way to understand American culture at its core. That’s exactly what visitors can enjoy when they put the Gilcrease Museum at the top of their must-visit list.
This destination is brimming over with artwork and artifacts. The collection showcases the history of Central and South America with a close lens on the American West. Those who make their way here will find that the concept of American identity is a central theme, explored through artistic expression specific to various groups, including Europeans, Mexicans, African Americans, Native Americans, and beyond. Before you go, make sure to check out the museum’s 23 acres of themed gardens and stroll through sections designed to reflect everything from the Victorian era to the pre-Columbian period. Currently, the museum is having a major renovation is temporarily closed.
Route 66 Historical Village is an open-air experience found at 3770 Southwest Boulevard. Visitors who head this way will enjoy a chance to step into the past.
This historic location celebrates Tulsa's oil boom era by opening up grounds hosting authentic steam trains, oil derricks, and gas stations from a bygone era. It’s an homage to the city’s golden years that led to the prosperity Tulsa enjoys today.
Around 5 Hours From Fort Worth
Galveston is one of the best places in America for birdwatching and outdoor living. In Galveston State Park, you can camp just 1.5 miles from the beach. For avid birdwatchers, you can expect to see spoonbills, egrets, and of course, pelicans.
FeatherFest is a birding and nature photography festival catered to the birdwatching faithful. Galveston is known for its 32 miles of coastline- and there’s always a perfect beach to fit your vibe. While Stewart and Seawall Beach offer unparalleled views of the gulf, East Beach is a different funky vibe altogether and allows alcoholic beverages. Soak up the Vitamin SEA and partake in a sandcastle competition or two.
If you’re longing for a Coney Island, Santa Monica, or Chicago Navy Pier experience, look no further than Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This hot spot features waterfront fun and entertainment like no other Gulf Coast destination. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier has family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues, and retail shops.
The pier had its origin as a recreational facility for the US Military during WWII as one of the largest dance floors of its kind. Hurricane Carla swept it away and a new pier was built. Today, rides reach out over the Gulf of Mexico that include coasters, water rides, a carousel, and a wonderous Galaxy Wheel. Multiple shops and dining options like Rainforest Café, Fish Tales, and Saltgrass Steakhouse line the pier for an all-inclusive experience.
Wild water fun is your ticket to happiness, and Schlitterbahn Water Park in Galveston is definitely your jam. From excitement-seeking teens to small kids, there is something for everyone at Schlitterbahn with the largest collection of heart-pounding, fast, tall, and thrilling attractions in the Schlitterbahn family of water parks.
If you prefer rivers, wave pools, and lounging in the sun, Galveston is a great place to visit. You can upgrade your experience to include cabanas, over 6 restaurants, and a swim-up bar for adults. Book early - Schlitterbahn has been known to fill up on the busiest of weekends.
Around 5 Hours From Fort Worth
Amarillo is a destination known for providing a variety of options for fun to visitors. That said, if you’re an enthusiast of the arts, booking tickets for the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts is a must.
Found at 500 S. Buchanan Street, this performing arts center sits in the heart of downtown Amarillo. It’s home to the Lone Star Ballet and the Amarillo Symphony, just to name a few. A variety of events are hosted here throughout the year spanning ballet, opera, theater, and concerts. Altogether, this performing arts center enjoys three seating levels and undeniably intriguing architectural features. It can easily seat up to 1,300 audience members in the main auditorium.
If you happen to be an adventurer that brings artistic inspiration with you wherever you go, stopping by Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo will likely be the highlight of your trip. Found at 1-40 Frontage Road, Cadillac Ranch is decidedly more of a public art installation than a ranch at all.
Created by Hudson Marquez, Doug Michels, and Chip Lord, this art installation involves a collection of Cadillacs that have been placed nose-first into the ground. While all of the vehicles have been painted, the idea is to keep the installation evolving with every visit. Guests to Cadillac Ranch are encouraged to bring their own spray paint and put a personal touch on the exhibit before they go.
Perhaps one of the most iconic stops in all of Amarillo is the Route 66 Historic District. Made up of 13 blocks just west of Amarillo’s city center, this district showcases a collection of beautiful buildings that sit along with one of the most infamous highways in America.
A stroll through the Route 66 Historic District is a chance to admire architecture covering everything from art décor and Spanish Revival to styles that defined the early 20th century. From the Natatorium and Taylor’s Texaco Station to the Adkinson-Baker Tire Company, this district holds onto the past in a way that rivals the future.
Around 5.5 Hours From Fort Worth
Not many states can claim they have a presidential library, especially one run by the National Archives and Records Administration. Former President Clinton decided to locate his library in Little Rock. Visitors can tour the permanent collection that takes you through the history of the Clinton administration and showcases portions of its expansive archive that include over 79,000 artifacts, two million photographs, and eighty million pages of documents. There's even a scale model of the Oval Office you can step into.
Besides the permanent exhibit, the Clinton Presidential Center also hosts traveling exhibitions. These run the gamut from the fine arts to educational programming for children. Plus, the bottom floor has a great restaurant, 42 Bar and Table, which is honestly a hidden gem. Ask many people around town and they won't know that it has a wonderful patio overlooking the river. Admission to the exhibitions is $12 for adults, $7 for youth aged 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.
The River Market District is the entertainment hub of downtown Little Rock. A stay at a hotel here puts you in the center of the action, as well as a central location for checking off all of the activities we suggest on this list. Ottenheimer Market Hall is one of the distinctive buildings in this area for its tall "River Market" and "Little Rock" signs on the roof. Inside, the large open space houses numerous food stalls. The open-air pavilion behind the hall is the home of the Little Rock Farmers' Market.
President Clinton Avenue is the main thoroughfare through the River Market, and it is lined with restaurants, shops, and even piano bars that stay open later into the evening. Some of our favorite places include Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe, Willy D's, and Flying Saucer.
When the current building was completed in 1927, it was the largest and most expensive high school in the country. However, Little Rock Central High School took on a more infamous reputation in 1957. That year nine black students (known as the Little Rock Nine) enrolled at Central High. President Eisenhower had to order the Arkansas National Guard to escort the students, who were still subjected to verbal and physical abuse by mobs, into the school.
Today, a welcome center is operated by the National Park Service where visitors can learn more about this important Civil Rights moment and can even tour the school grounds. It may have been a dark time in Little Rock's history, but it's important to remember.
Around 5.5 Hours From Fort Worth
Get caffeinated with world-class coffee in Northwest Arkansas. This area features some of the best roasters in the country. After all, we all need a cup of joe to help us jump-start the day. In this area, thy cafes take coffee to a whole other level. Arsaga’s, located on the Razorback Regional Greenway, is famous for its medium blend, small-batch roasted varieties.
Onyx Coffee Lab was named Imbibe magazine’s Coffee Bar of the Year! The owners consider themselves a blend of artists and scientists—always tinkering with brewing techniques so they can offer the best experience for their regulars. There are multiple locations throughout Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville. Basecamp Coffee Co. features ethically sourced coffee in a relaxed environment. If you're on a bike adventure, we suggest a grab-and-go breakfast burrito. Others, sit and relax with some heavier fare.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary are must-visits in Northwest Arkansas. The museum is a stunning compilation of art, architecture, exhibitions, and nature. Its unique setting overtop two ponds within 120 acres of native Ozark forests places world-class art in a natural context.
Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the pavilions and glass bridges are remarkable to behold. Inside, the museum's curated collection features five centuries of American artwork. The permanent collection includes greats such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Thomas Eakins, and Jackson Pollock. The Momentary, opened in 2020, is a separate contemporary visual and performing art space in downtown Bentonville.
If sports are your thing, you can hardly go wrong attending any sporting event at the University of Arkansas. Founded in 1871, the university is the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, a proud member of the SEC. There are 19 teams competing at the highest level of NCAA competition. Therefore, an event is happening nearly every weekend on campus.
Whatever the athletic event, grab your cardinal and white ensemble, and don't forget your plastic hog hat. Cheering for the home team is unavoidable as the famed "Woo Pig Sooie!" chant is quite infectious. You may even hear it spontaneously on the street or in a bar. It's the unofficial anthem of Northwest Arkansas.
Around 5.5 Hours From Fort Worth
Visitors are encouraged to do more than just drink the amazing water of Hot Springs; they’re enticed to relax in a spa bath. The thermal waters are piped directly into the bathhouses, making it one of the most leisurely, indulgent experiences available in the state. Of course, it just had to be our #1 thing to do in Hot Springs! Other former bathhouses along Bathhouse Row have been repurposed from their original use. Superior Bathhouse is now the first brewery operating within a U.S. national park! Prices vary according to location and services.
One of the top attractions in Hot Springs, Magic Springs houses both a full amusement park and a full water park. Get your thrills on one of the six roller coasters while the kids check out the less intense attractions. Watch a show or grab some great eats.
Need to cool off? Head over to the integrated water park for slides, splash islands, and Crystal Cove Wave Pool.
Open seasonally; prices vary.
Hot Springs is also blessed with abundant lakes: Lake Ouachita, Lake Catherine, DeGray Lake, and Lake Hamilton. Taking up roughly 78,000 acres of land, there are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, or waterskiing enthusiasts. Check with any of the local marinas for ski boat or pontoon rentals. Adventurists can even rent jet skis or take a parasail ride.
For fishing enthusiasts, there are abundant species stocked annually, including bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and walleye—you’ll be sure to catch your limit!
Boating and water sports prices vary according to location. Visitor Fishing licenses cost $6.50.
Around 6 Hours From Fort Worth
Downtown Conway is the place to be. Oak Street is the main drag, lined with quirky shops and local restaurants. E. Leigh's is a contemporary boutique with cute women's wear and accessories. Rock City Outfitters has more relaxed clothing options for both men and women. You'll find shirts, hats, and more with locally-relevant screenprints and sayings. Buff City Soaps has everything you could need for your face, body, bath, and shower.
Restaurants range from fine dining establishments to lunch sandwich shops. Mike's Place has been a local institution for years. It's the perfect place for a date night or anniversary. Pasta Grill is also a nice choice whose name describes the menu. JJ's Grill and Brick & Forge Taproom focus more on bar and pub food. If it's morning and you're hankering for breakfast, Bob's Grill has been a city morning spot since the 1980s. For something a little different, try Streetside Creperie.
Do you love snagging a good deal on a vintage item? Then Conway is exactly the right place for you to go antique shopping. According to our very unscientific count, it has more antique shops per capita than any other place in Arkansas. For those sticking around downtown, Jenifer's Antiques is right on Oak Street. If you're browsing around lunchtime, stop in at Cross Creek Sandwich Shop for a bite to eat.
The Painted Goat Flea Market and Painted Pug Flea Market are also in the immediate downtown area. North of downtown on Harkrider Street is Blue Ribbon Antiques. For those venturing further out, head east on Highway 64. There you'll find Small Town Shoppes Flea Market and Urban Renewal. Or you could plan your visit around one of the markets that Bella Rustina puts on two to three times a year.
Petit Jean State Park is only a 45-minute drive from downtown Conway. That makes it the perfect day trip for a free weekend on your calendar. The main draws here are the hiking trails and expansive views over the Arkansas River. The most notable hiking trail is Ceder Falls Trail which winds its way to the picturesque Cedar Falls waterfall. At 95 feet tall, it's one of the tallest in the state. During spring and summer, many hikers don bathing suits and stand underneath the falls to cool down from the 1-mile hike.
Petit Jean is also a popular camping area with accommodations ranging from yurts to cabins to lodges. There are also places to pitch a tent, if you want to go old school, or to park an RV, if glamping is more your style. The Mather Lodge Restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features a large eclectic menu.
