
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Arlington, Texas, United States
1. Dallas Fort Worth National Forest
A tranquil escape with hiking trails and camping sites, perfect for nature lovers seeking peace away from the city.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a variety of landscapes including forests, lakes, and wildlife.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Distance from Arlington: Located just a short drive away, perfect for a quick weekend escape.
2. Lake Grapevine
A scenic lake offering boating, fishing, and water sports, an ideal spot for water enthusiasts.
- Water Activities: Offers a variety of water activities such as boating, kayaking, and jet-skiing.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by picturesque parks and landscapes, perfect for picnics or photography.
- Proximity to Arlington: Lies within a convenient driving distance from Arlington, making it an accessible weekend getaway.
3. Hot Springs State Park
Relax and rejuvenate at the hot springs amidst stunning natural surroundings.
- Natural Hot Springs: Features four thermal baths for a relaxing soak.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding canyons.
- Historical Significance: Has a rich history dating back to Native American and frontier era settlers.
4. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Step back in time at the historic Stockyards, filled with Western culture and traditions.
- Western Culture: Preserves the rich cowboy culture of the American West.
- Unique Experiences: Offers daily longhorn cattle drives, rodeo shows, and nightly entertainment.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a short drive from Arlington, providing an easy weekend trip.
5. Caddo Lake State Park
Explore the largest natural lake in Texas, home to diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for birdwatching, alligator spotting, and deer sightings.
- Boating and Fishing: Offers boating and fishing in the vast, scenic lake.
- Cabins and Camping: Provides cabins for rent and campsites for a peaceful weekend retreat.
6. Palestine Historic District
Experience small-town Texas charm in the historic district of Palestine.
- Historic Architecture: Features beautifully preserved Victorian homes and buildings.
- Local Artisans: Home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and studios of local artisans.
- Proximity to Arlington: Situated a convenient driving distance from Arlington, ideal for a weekend getaway.
7. Texas Motor Speedway
Rev your engines at the largest motorsports complex in Texas.
- Motorsports Events: Hosts major NASCAR and IndyCar races throughout the year.
- Speedway Tours: Offers behind-the-scenes tours of the speedway for an immersive experience.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located near Arlington, making it a convenient weekend destination.
8. Lake Ray Hubbard
Enjoy water activities on this expansive lake with beautiful views and nearby attractions.
- Water Activities: Offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and other water sports.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by parks and offering scenic views of the surrounding cityscape.
- Proximity to Arlington: Situated close to Arlington, perfect for a quick weekend escape.
9. Cleburne Railroad and Heritage Museum
Step back in time at this museum dedicated to the history of railroads and Cleburne.
- Railroad History: Features exhibits on the history of railroads and their impact on Cleburne.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive displays, including a replica train cab.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located within a reasonable driving distance from Arlington.
10. Tyler State Park
Experience the beauty of Texas' largest municipal park with hiking trails, cabins, and a lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of pine forests, rolling hills, and Lake Tyler.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and horseback riding.
- Proximity to Arlington: Situated a reasonable driving distance from Arlington.
11. Lake Texoma
Enjoy water sports, fishing, and scenic beauty at this vast lake shared by Texas and Oklahoma.
- Water Activities: Offers boating, skiing, swimming, and fishing.
- Scenic Beauty: Features breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and water.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a few hours' drive from Arlington, perfect for a weekend getaway.
12. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at this park with fossilized tracks and hiking trails.
- Dinosaur Fossils: Features dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails through scenic hills and forests.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a convenient driving distance from Arlington.
13. Waco Mammoth National Monument
Explore the history of ancient mammoths and other fossils at this national monument.
- Fossil Discoveries: Features a large collection of fossilized mammoth bones.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and exhibits about the site's history.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a few hours' drive from Arlington, suitable for a weekend trip.
14. Longhorn Cavern State Park
Explore the underground beauty of Longhorn Cavern on a guided tour.
- Cave Tours: Offers guided tours through the cavern, revealing its geological wonders.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a reasonable driving distance from Arlington.
15. Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Experience the charm of vintage train travel through historic Grapevine.
- Vintage Train Rides: Offers scenic train rides through the picturesque town of Grapevine.
- Historical Significance: Trains have been running since 1885, connecting communities and providing transportation.
- Proximity to Arlington: Located a short drive from Arlington, making it an easy weekend getaway.