19 Best Day Trips From Fort Worth – Under 2-Hour Drive

If you are looking for the best day trips from Fort Worth, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Provided below is a list of cities less than 2 hours drive from Fort Worth. It’s simple; leave in the morning and return in the evening. It is ideal for solo, couple, or family travelers who visit Fort Worth, even the city residents.

My family and I enjoy exploring Texas from our home, about 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. Like most families, we are part-time travelers. It means we can only go somewhere far when the holidays arrive. We spend our weekends exploring the cities surrounding Fort Worth.

So, in alphabetical order, here are the best day trips from Fort Worth you can take next time you are in the city.

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Best Day Trips From Fort Worth That Are Under 2-Hour Drive

ACTON

Acton is a small town located less than an hour southwest of Fort Worth. Acton State Historic Site, Texas’s smallest state park, is located here. It is the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, Davy Crockett’s second wife. It is only 0.01 acre in size.

Acton Nature Center is about 1.8 miles from the historic site. A lovely spot for some peace in nature. With wildflowers blooming and monarch butterflies covering the garden, spring is the best time to visit.

Granbury is approximately 15 minutes from Acton. If you continue a trip from Acton to Granbury, it makes a great one-day trip from Fort Worth.

Distance: 45-minute drive to the southwest.

CANTON

Canton is your destination if you enjoy shopping or strolling through a flea market. It is home to the world-famous First Monday Trade Days, America’s largest flea market. This market has everything, from rare antiques and collectibles to furniture, home decor, arts and crafts, plants, tools, animals, clothing, jewelry, and various foods. It takes place every month from Thursday to Sunday before the first Monday, and dogs are welcome.

Canton’s First Monday Trade Days is a huge event. During Trade Days, some people spend their weekends here. For us, a day trip is sufficient. We can always return for another, especially when the weather is nice.

Canton is one of our favorite Fort Worth day trips. Don’t forget to bring your shopping cart with you. 

Distance: 2 hours to the east.

CORSICANA

I think you must visit the birthplace of the famous fruitcake from Collin Street Bakery. They also serve a variety of delicious cookies and pastries. When the weather warms up, you can enjoy them outside.

Of course, Corsicana has more to offer than just the bakery. Pioneer Village is a fun place to start your visit. You will learn about Corsicana’s history and the famous people born in this city. (Did you know Wolf Brand Chili originated in this city?) Do the Bronze Tour in conjunction with the downtown historic walking tour.

During your day trip to Corsicana, you can also visit museums and parks, take a driving tour, and go on the House of Prayers Tour.

Reminder. Corsicana became famous recently as a result of Netflix’s “Cheer” docuseries.

Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast.

DALLAS

The majority of Dallas’ attractions are in Central Dallas. There are four districts in the vicinity: Downtown, Uptown, Design District, and Deep Ellum. 

The downtown district is expanding all the time. There’s a lot to do and see here, and it’ll take a lot of walking. In the West End District, you can immerse yourself in Dallas history. Some of the attractions in this area include the Old Red Museum, JFK Memorial Plaza, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Reunion Tower, and Giant Eyeball. You will find rows of restaurants, high-end stores, and the Dallas Farmers Market.

Uptown District is linked to the north by Klyde Warren Park. A vibrant district with shopping, restaurants, and nightlife options. Attend a Dallas Mavericks or Dallas Stars game at Victory Park, or visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. These are some things to do that interest visitors of all ages.

The Design District is the place to go if you enjoy arts and antiques. A slew of upscale art galleries and antique shops are here, next to high-end interior design showrooms. You can end your visit with a cup of coffee or a meal at one of the district’s restaurants. Choose from burgers and BBQ to home cooking, Thai, Mexican, and Italian dishes while you sip a glass of wine or cocktail.

Deep Ellum District is a hotspot for live music, cool bars, and casual eateries at night. It also hosts art and street festivals. You can find colorful murals, Traveling Man sculptures, and vibrant graffiti here. Start your day trip to Dallas in the morning and end in one of the nightclubs. Or, start late in the afternoon and finish with breakfast in the morning before heading home. It is here where you’ll find the famous Pecan Lodge BBQ. 

When you have an out-of-town company, it’s easy to say that Dallas is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Fort Worth.

Distance: 50 minutes to the east.

DENISON

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was born in Denison. In fact, in this city, you can visit the original two-story house where he was born. It is managed by the National Park and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, as well as on Sunday afternoons. 

Eisenhower State Park is another popular attraction in Denison. Summertime activities include hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming. You should also visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. A haven for migratory birds and an excellent location for wildlife photography.

You can also visit wineries and distilleries in Denison. To name a few, Homestead Winery, Ironroot Republic Distillery, and Hidden Hangar.

Because Denison is the furthest destination from Fort Worth, you may need to leave early in the morning.

Distance: 2 hours to the northeast.

DENTON

Denton is a college town known for its vibrant music scene. But it does not mean you have to wait until the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival to visit.

Begin your day trip by visiting the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. It has over ten miles of family-friendly hiking trails that take you through different habitats, including wetlands and bottomland forests. You can even schedule a hike with a Master Naturalist if you have five or more people in your group. Isn’t that amazing?

Then, for lunch, proceed to Courthouse square. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, but they recommend that out-of-towners visit LSA Burger Co. for both the burgers and the views. Denton Square is lovely, and the best view of the square is from the rooftop of LSA Burger. The burger joint also has a rotating mural wall where local artists can display their work. It’s a great Instagram background!

After lunch, visit the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, open from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Denton County Historical Park, a few blocks to the south, is home to the Bayless-Selby House Museum, the Quakertown House Museum, and the city’s Welcome Center. It is a historic Denton structure. All of these museums are free to the public.

You can go mural hunting if you prefer street art. Local artists display their work on the sides of old buildings and in secret coves around the square. Perfect for Instagram.

Of course, there are boutiques and antique stores around the squares, and the big purple bookstore across the Courthouse has a vintage book collection. When you need a break, get some ice cream or a snow cone and sit by the Courthouse and people-watch. Alternatively, go to one of the nearby coffee shops. In addition, there are more beer taps in town than musicians.

If you know the story of the goatman, you must end your visit to the Old Alton Bridge in the late afternoon.     

Distance: 45 minutes to the north.

DUBLIN

To visit Dublin, all you need is a car with a full tank. Dublin Bottling Works is, without a doubt, the most crucial attraction in this small town. They provide tours of their historic bottling facilities and the W.P. Kloster Museum. Don’t forget to stop by Old Doc’s Soda Shop inside the Dublin Bottling Works for a bottle of pure cane sugar soda.

Veldhuizen Cheese is one place that visitors seem to overlook. They offer cheese and farm tours in their location between Dublin and Stephenville. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience for your day trips from Fort Worth.

Dublin is also the birthplace of golf legend Ben Hogan. Visit the Ben Hogan Museum if you want to learn everything there is to know about him. Other museums worth visiting in Dublin include the Rodeo Heritage Museum and the National Health & Public Safety Museum.

Before you leave the Irish Capital of Texas, make a stop at Things Celtic to pick up some Irish souvenirs.

Distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes southwest.

ENNIS

Spring is the best time to visit Ennis when bluebonnet carpeted the suburb in April. Visit during the week to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to download the Ennis Y’all mobile app, which includes a bluebonnet trail map and information on local restaurants, shops, hotels, and events.

Ennis is stunning in the spring, and it’s no surprise it is designated as the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas. Another event not to be missed is the National Polka Festival, which takes place every Memorial Day Weekend in May. It would be fantastic if you could plan your day trip from Fort Worth during these times!

Distance: 1-hour southeast.

GLEN ROSE

As the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, the number one thing to do in Glen Rose is visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. A place where you don’t only see dinosaur prints, but you can also step on it or swim with it. Miles of hiking trails are waiting for you here, too. Right before the park is Dinosaur World, where your young Paleontologist will be fascinated by more than 100 life-size dinosaurs roaming around 20 acres of land.

If you dream of going on a safari in Africa, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose is the closest to your dream. Giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, zebra, wildebeest, and bongo are some wild animals you will see during the safari.

Glen Rose has so many attractions for you to explore, and don’t forget to stop downtown for shopping and eating. It is also a place for the Somervell Historic Courthouse and historical architecture.     

Distance: 1 hour to the southwest.

GRANBURY

Voted as the #1 Best Historic Small Town by USA Today in 2019, you can’t go wrong with your day trip to this small town southwest of Fort Worth. Park your car around downtown Historic Granbury Square, and start your day exploring the area.

Historic buildings surround Granbury Square, and in the middle of them is the iconic Hood County Courthouse, built in 1890-1891. There’s a museum in the courthouse that you can visit every Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The historic buildings around the courthouse house more than 40 boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants, bars, and even an Opera House built in 1886.

Walk one to two blocks from the square to see Hood County Jail Museum, a Doll Museum, and a Historical House with a Log Cabin inside it. It’s pretty cool. Then walk to the other side of the square, and you will arrive at Lake Granbury Beach.

When you need a break, stop at a pie place, ice cream parlor, bar, brewery, coffee shop, or winery around the Square. Or, take a free trolley ride that begins and ends at the Visitor Center. I took a trolley ride to rest my feet from walking, and I wasn’t disappointed. The trolley is a shuttle for Bed & Breakfast and hotel guests to and from the Square. So, I got to see some of the beautiful Bed & Breakfasts, hotels, and old houses in town.  

Before you leave the town, you might want to join the Ghosts and Legends Tours. In this tour, you will hear about the legends of historic Granbury and probably come face to face with the Lady in Red, the Faceless Girl, and Indian Joe. Then end your trip with the best-fried catfish or barbecue in Granbury.      

Distance: 1 hour to the southwest.

HICO

It’s a place to experience a historic small-town charm. Park your car, walk around to shop, eat, admire the vintage murals, find a perfect art piece, and take a fun picture with the Hico sign.

The city has a variety of restaurants to satisfy your appetite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose Hill Country style BBQ, traditional Italian food, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, or delicious Mexican food.

If you like outdoor activities, don’t forget to visit Siloville Climbing Gym. One-of-a-kind climbing experience where the owner converted a grain silo to wall climbing – inside and outside. A walking trail meanders along the Bosque River, and Meridian State Park is around 30 minutes from town.

Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes to the southwest.

HILLSBORO

Hillsboro is rich with local history and historical sites. It’s a perfect spot for history enthusiasts. Hill County Courthouse, MKT (Katy) Depot, Hillsboro City Library, and Hill County Cell Block Museum are some of them. Don’t miss it while in the downtown area.

Hillsboro City Library has a unique story. It is an adaptation of the Foundling Hospital for Children of Florence in Italy. It was built by Brunelleschi in 1419, marking the birth of Renaissance architecture in Florence. Google the hospital, and you will see the similarity.

You must visit the Texas Heritage Museum at Hill College if you have an interest in Texans during war times. You will learn a lot about the history of Texans in the Civil War, WWI, and WWII. There are exhibits on Audy Murphy, Vietnam War, and the Weapons Gallery.

Outdoor lovers, Lake Whitney State Park is only 15 minutes from town. It’s a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts during the summertime. Visitors like to fish, boat, ski, swim, and cliff jump in and around the lake. It is also one of the favorite destinations for day trippers from Dallas.

Distance: 50 minutes to the south.

JACKSBORO

A little over an hour northeast of Fort Worth is Jacksboro. It is the destination for Texas frontier history enthusiasts. Explore the grounds and buildings of Fort Richardson, established in 1860, at the Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site. Then hike or bike the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway.

Then stop at Jack County Museum to learn about local history. Its location is in one of the oldest houses in Jack County. Built-in 1882 with materials freighted in by wagon from Jefferson, Texas, and paid for with $20 gold pieces.

Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes to the northeast.

MEXIA & GROESBECK

If the story of Quanah Parker always intrigued you, then a day trip to Mexia and Groesbeck is for you. Old Fort Parker in Groesbeck was the beginning of the story of Quanah when the Comanches captured Cynthia Ann Parker (Quanah’s mother) in May of 1836.

Fort Parker State Park is located in Mexia, around 3 mile or 6-minute drive from the Old Fort. Birds are abundant, and the sunset looks spectacular from the pier. Kayaking along the Navasota River is one of the activities that visitors enjoy in the park, besides hiking/biking, fishing, or swimming and geocaching.

Other places to visit are the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site in Mexia and Limestone County Courthouse in Groesbeck.

Don’t forget to stop at Tehuacana on your way back to Fort Worth. This small town is the highest point between Dallas and Houston, and was nominated for the state capital of Texas several years ago!

Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes to the south.

MINERAL WELLS

One of the best places to do natural rock climbing in North Texas is Penitentiary Hollow in Lake Mineral Wells State Park, just around 4 miles from downtown Mineral Wells. It is a park for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and stargazing. We like to set up our tent in one of their campgrounds on Friday night and leave on Sunday morning.

Another outdoor activity in Mineral Wells that you shouldn’t miss is digging for fossils at the Mineral Wells Fossil Park. And you can take them home with you. You can use the fossil reference sign near the entrance to identify the type of fossils you have discovered. We discovered a lot of crinoids here. If it’s your lucky day, the Dallas Paleontological Society might have an activity here. You can learn more about fossils from them.

Mineral Wells is a small town, so don’t forget to stop at the downtown area. You can shop at one of the boutiques, furniture stores, and antique shops. Or, stroll along the street level of the famous Baker Hotel and read about the attractions and history of Mineral Wells and The Baker Hotel.

If you like outdoor activity, this is one of the bests for your day trips from Fort Worth. You can also bike from the Lake Mineral Wells SP to Weatherford.   

Distance: 1 hour to the west.

WACO

Thanks to the Fixer Upper home improvement tv show, Waco climbed rapidly to the top 3 destinations in Texas. Even people from Australia came to Magnolia Market to see what Chip and Joanna had for them in the store. Of course, there is more to see and do in this city. Do you know that Columbian mammoths used to roam in this area approximately 67,000 years ago? Head to Waco Mammoth National Monument to see “in situ” fossils and learn about them. Our family has been there at least four times over the past two years.

If you want to learn about Texas Rangers, stop at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. A note for you, this is not about the baseball team, but the law enforcement. So, you will see lots of guns and badges here. If Dr Pepper is your favorite soda, you must visit Dr Pepper Museum.

Cameron Park has plenty of trails and playgrounds to enjoy for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t forget to climb Jacob’s Ladder with its nearly zigzagging 100 steps to the top. Or, for something lighter, visit the Suspension Bridge & Cattle Drive Sculptures, and have a stroll along the Waco Riverwalk.

Waco also has several wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Surprisingly, there is much to do and see besides the Magnolia Market.

WAXAHACHIE

One of the most photographed courthouses in Texas is Ellis County Courthouse in downtown Waxahachie. Built in 1895, the courthouse’s architectural style designed is the Richardsonian Romanesque. With its turrets and spires, and the pink granite and red limestone used for the building, the courthouse looks like a fairy tale palace.

Like other small towns in Texas, you can see beautiful and unique buildings around the courthouse square. These late 1800s to early 1900s buildings are home to specialty stores, restaurants, businesses, an art gallery, and a museum.

Grab a self-guided walking tour brochure from the Visitor Center inside the Museum. Just follow the arrows, and you will find yourselves fascinated by the history of the city and the old buildings around the square. If you want to do some shopping, do it while you do the walking tour. After all, some stores and restaurants’ locations are in old buildings.

Waxahachie also has several colorful and beautiful murals that you can find while doing the walking tour. But best of all is the oversized heart sculptures. You can find more than ten heart sculptures at various locations throughout the downtown area and Getzendaner Park. They also have a Love Lock fence one block east of the courthouse.

In the late 1880s, Waxahachie was one of the prosperous cotton producers. As a result, beautiful Queen Anne and Victorian homes with their ornate “gingerbread” trim line the road to the downtown square. You can see them on your way to the Square or take the self-guided driving tour brochure to learn more about the houses. Every year on the first weekend of June, the city conducts a Gingerbread Trail Home Tour.

Remember “The Munsters” 60’s sitcom show? You can find a replica of the house here in Waxahachie. The owner designed and built it based on the footage of the show.

If you like biking or hiking, you can start your day trip in the city by visiting Getzendaner Park. It has a separate trail for bikers and hikers, where you will find lots of interesting things along the way. I like hiking here.

To end your day trip, take a Waxahachie Haunted History Tour that starts at 8.30 p.m. from the Courthouse square on most Saturday nights. It will last around 2 hours, depending on the number of participants in the tour.

Distance: 1 hour to the southeast.

WEATHERFORD

Located between Fort Worth and Mineral Wells, Weatherford is home to two beautiful gardens. Chandor Gardens, which was designed and inspired by formal English gardens, and Clark Gardens, which got featured on HGTV’s “Great American Gardens.”

Weatherford is also the home of the First Monday Trade Days, always held the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the first Monday of each month. You will find farm animals, tools, antiques, collectibles, home decor, clothing and jewelry, and so much more at this market. Our son was excited when he found a vendor selling Lego pieces here.

When you drive to the downtown area, you will welcome from afar by the Parker County Courthouse. It stands tall in the middle of the downtown area, surrounded by antiques, boutiques, and specialty stores on one side. The Farmers Market is not too far from here, where you can find Weatherford’s famous peaches. My favorite time to visit the Farmers Market is the Fall season when all kinds and sizes of pumpkins decorate the areas.  

Distance: 40 minutes to the west.

WEST

A must stop when you drive on I-35 between Fort Worth and Waco for… kolaches. Of course, that’s not the only thing you can do in West.

Next time you drive by this Czech heritage capital of Texas, go a few miles to the historic downtown area. Visit the History of West Museum, where you will learn about this town. From the arrival of the first settlers in the 1850s, the railroad, farming & ranching, military veterans, the Czech and German immigrants, and the West Fertilizer Company explosion in 2013. It’s free, and the volunteers are friendly.

The West Depot is now home to a railroad museum and information center. You will find information and old photographs of the railroad and its connection to the West community.

A stop at West can easily make it on your way to Waco.

Distance: 1 hour to the south.

There are cities we still have to visit for day trips from Fort Worth. I will add them to the list whenever we visit those cities.

If you want to spend more time around Fort Worth, don’t worry. I’ve covered you with the best of Fort Worth photo spots. Put on your boots and cowboy hats, and you’ll get the best pictures for your next Christmas card or social media feed.

In the meantime, please pin and share this post with your family and friends who plan to visit Fort Worth. Or, if you live in the Fort Worth area, it is time to explore these cities. Traveling does not have to fly or drive for hours during vacation time. You can do it on the weekend.

Let me know your favorite day trips from Fort Worth by leaving a comment below. I will check it out if it’s not on the list yet. Remember. It has to be 2 hours or under 2 hours.