Dallas has always been a city I love for its energy, food, and cultural mix. But what really makes Dallas shine is what lies just beyond its bustling downtown: an entire playground of lakes, hiking trails, state parks, and hidden natural gems that you can reach in under two hours.
I often get asked: “What can I do outdoors if I’m staying in Dallas?” And every time, I smile—because the options are endless. From paddling on peaceful lakes to tackling rugged trails and wandering through old forests, Dallas is surrounded by natural escapes that offer the perfect break from urban life.
I’ll share three adventures I personally went on during my last few months of Dallas travel, and then highlight four more day trips that I think are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
My Personal Day Trips
- White Rock Lake – Dallas’s Outdoor Oasis
• Location: Northeast Dallas, about 5 miles from downtown.
• Getting There: I took a quick 15-minute drive from my Uptown hotel. If you don’t have a car, Uber/Lyft rides are usually around $12–$15. There’s also the DART White Rock Station nearby, though you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes.
My Experience
I started early in the morning with a rented kayak from White Rock Paddle Co. for $20/hour. The lake was calm, with mist rising off the water, and I remember thinking: “How is this place so close to downtown Dallas?”
After paddling, I switched gears and hit the 9-mile White Rock Lake Trail, which loops around the lake. Joggers, cyclists, and dog-walkers were everywhere, but it still felt peaceful. At one point, I stopped near the Bath House Cultural Center—a 1930s art deco gem that now hosts exhibitions—and sat with my coffee.
Highlights
• Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals right at the lake.
• The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden sits along the shore ($20 entry, totally worth it in spring).
• Picnic areas with gorgeous skyline views.
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Very close to the city, easy half-day trip.
• ✅ Tons of activities: running, fishing, kayaking.
• ❌ Gets busy on weekends—parking can be stressful.
Booking / Info
• Rentals: whiterockpaddle.com
• Arboretum tickets: dallasarboretum.org
- Cedar Ridge Preserve – A Hiker’s Paradise
• Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75249.
• Getting There: About a 20-minute drive south of downtown. No real public transit access, so definitely drive or grab a rideshare.
My Experience
As an avid hiker, I was blown away. The preserve has 600 acres of hill country terrain, and when I stepped onto the Cedar Brake Trail (about 2 miles), I felt transported out of Dallas completely. Birds sang, limestone bluffs jutted out, and wildflowers dotted the path.
I also joined a free guided nature walk offered by the Audubon Society on Saturday morning. The volunteer guide pointed out rare birds, and I finally spotted a painted bunting—something I’d wanted to see for years!
Highlights
• Nine miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
• Overlooks with sweeping views of the Dallas skyline.
• Free parking and free entry (donations suggested).
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Excellent for hikers and birdwatchers.
• ✅ Free entry makes it budget-friendly.
• ❌ Trails can be muddy after rain, and there’s little shade in summer.
Booking / Info
• Free entry, but I suggest checking audubondallas.org for guided tour schedules.
- Lake Ray Roberts State Park – My Perfect Weekend Escape
• Location: About 1 hour north of Dallas, near Pilot Point, TX.
• Getting There: I rented a car and drove via I-35N. Super easy drive, around 60 miles.
My Experience
I wanted a mix of water and trail, and Lake Ray Roberts delivered. I started with a bike ride along the Greenbelt Corridor, a shaded path that connects the lake to Lake Lewisville. Later, I set up a small picnic by the water before renting a kayak.
That evening, I stayed for sunset at the Johnson Branch unit, and wow—the water turned gold, and the air smelled of pine and barbecue smoke from families camping nearby. It was magical.
Highlights
• Kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking—all in one spot.
• Campsites and cabins for those wanting to stay overnight.
• Swimming coves with sandy beaches—rare for North Texas!
Entry Fees & Rentals
• Entrance: $7 per adult (kids 12 & under free).
• Rentals: Kayaks and bikes from Greenbelt Outdoors (about $15–20/hour).
Pros & Cons
• ✅ Great all-rounder for families and solo travelers.
• ✅ Affordable entry and activities.
• ❌ Gets very crowded on summer weekends—book campsites in advance.
Booking / Info
• tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ray-roberts-lake
Recommended Day Trips
- Possum Kingdom Lake
• Location: About 2.5 hours west of Dallas, near Graham, TX.
• How to Get There: I drove from Dallas along I-30 W and then cut through US-180 W. The road gets more scenic the closer you get—rolling hills, ranches, and glimpses of wide Texas skies. You’ll need a car, as there’s no reliable public transportation.
Why Go
Possum Kingdom Lake is a classic Texas summer destination. Known for its deep-blue, crystal-clear waters and the dramatic rock formation called Hell’s Gate, this place feels like a cross between a lake resort and an outdoor adventure park. It’s ideal if you love boating, fishing, diving, or just lounging on sandy coves.
My Favorite Part
I visited in June, just before the Fourth of July. Locals were already setting up their lake houses for the legendary fireworks show. I rented a pontoon boat for about $250 for half a day (split among friends, so very affordable). Cruising through Hell’s Gate—the two massive cliffs that form a “gateway” into the lake—was jaw-dropping.
Activities & Costs
• Boat rentals: pontoons, jet skis, kayaks (starting from $20/hour).
• Scuba diving lessons available near Scuba Point Marina (~$120 for intro courses).
• Entry fee: $4 per adult, kids under 12 free.
Tips
• Arrive early if you’re renting equipment in summer—boats sell out fast.
• The July fireworks show at Hell’s Gate is one of Texas’s biggest and worth planning your trip around.
• Several lakefront cabins and campgrounds can be booked via pkchamber.com.
- Dinosaur Valley State Park
• Location: Glen Rose, TX (~1.5 hours southwest of Dallas).
• How to Get There: I took US-67 south, then turned west into Glen Rose. The drive is smooth, with plenty of small diners along the way—perfect for a pit stop.
Why Go
This park is every child’s (and adult’s) dream—actual fossilized dinosaur tracks embedded in the riverbed of the Paluxy River. The idea of walking where giant dinosaurs once roamed gives you goosebumps.
My Favorite Part
I slipped off my shoes, waded into the shallow Paluxy River, and there they were: enormous three-toed footprints preserved for millions of years. Standing there, I felt like I’d stepped into Jurassic Park.
Activities & Costs
• Hiking trails: Over 20 miles, from river walks to overlooks.
• Horseback riding available at nearby ranches.
• Entry fee: $8 per adult, free for kids under 12.
• Campgrounds: $15–$25 per night, with RV hookups available.
Tips
• Bring water shoes—the rocks are slippery, and some tracks are underwater.
• Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife site for river levels—if water is high, tracks may not be visible.
• For families, combine this with a stop at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center nearby, where you can drive through and see giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
- Turner Falls Park
• Location: Davis, Oklahoma (~2 hours north of Dallas).
• How to Get There: I drove I-35 N past the Texas-Oklahoma border, and it was a straight shot into the Arbuckle Mountains. The terrain changes dramatically—suddenly you’re in rolling, rocky hills instead of Texas flatland.
Why Go
This park is home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall at 77 feet, cascading into a natural swimming hole. Add in hidden caves and hiking trails, and it feels like a mountain retreat, even though it’s so close to Dallas.
My Favorite Part
Jumping into the cold, clear pool beneath the falls on a hot summer day. The sound of rushing water drowned out everything else, and I floated on my back staring up at the cliffs—it was bliss.
Activities & Costs
• Swimming under the waterfall (main attraction).
• Hiking the rocky Arbuckle Mountains.
• Exploring caves tucked into limestone cliffs.
• Entry fees: $14 adults, $7 kids (tickets cheaper online at turnerfallspark.com).
• Cabin rentals start at $95/night, campgrounds from $12.
Tips
• Arrive early in summer—the park has a daily capacity, and once full, no more cars are admitted.
• The rocks around the falls can be slippery—water shoes are a must.
• Food inside is basic, so bring your own picnic or cooler.
- Lake Texoma
• Location: About 1.5 hours north of Dallas, on the Texas–Oklahoma border.
• How to Get There: Drive I-75 N until you hit Denison, TX. The lake stretches for miles, so depending on your activity, you might head to Eisenhower State Park (Texas side) or one of the Oklahoma marinas.
Why Go
Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S., and it’s famous for striper bass fishing. If you love boating, sailing, or fishing trips, this is the place.
My Favorite Part
I booked a guided fishing charter out of Highport Marina—about $125 per person for a half-day trip. I’m no pro angler, but within an hour I caught my first striped bass, and the guide cleaned it right on the dock. That night, I grilled it with friends at a lakeside cabin. Fresh fish never tasted so good.
Activities & Costs
• Fishing charters: $125–$150/person.
• Boat rentals: ~$200 for half-day pontoon.
• Camping and RV sites available at Eisenhower State Park ($15–$25/night).
• Swimming beaches and hiking trails scattered around the shoreline.
Tips
• Book fishing charters early, especially on weekends—they sell out.
• If you’re not fishing, just rent a pontoon and explore hidden coves.
• Plenty of lake houses are available on Airbnb and Vrbo, making this a fun group getaway spot.
What I love about Dallas is that within an hour or two, you can completely swap out the city’s urban energy for lakes, waterfalls, dinosaur tracks, or even scuba diving cliffs.
From my early-morning kayak on White Rock Lake, to hiking Cedar Ridge Preserve, to watching a sunset at Lake Ray Roberts, each of my adventures reminded me how lucky Dallas travelers are to have these escapes at their doorstep.
And the best part? These outdoor trips are budget-friendly, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to plan—most tickets are under $10, and rentals can be booked online in minutes.
If you’re visiting Dallas, don’t just stay downtown. Pack a water bottle, lace up your shoes, rent a car if you need to, and spend a day out in the wild. I promise—it’ll be the highlight of your trip.
