From a city beach to dinosaur tracks, 10 Texas towns that’ll make perfect summer getaways
Memorial Day weekend lifts the curtains for summer fun, with many families gearing up for weekend trips.
Since 1971, Memorial Day has been recognized as a federal holiday observed on the final Monday of May. The holiday was established as a way to honor those who died fighting in the Civil War, but grew to cover soldiers lost in all wars, according to the History Channel.
The three-day weekend gives families plenty of time to plan a getaway. Here are 10 weekend trip destinations outside of Fort Worth:
Glen Rose
- Distance from Fort Worth: One hour
- Major attractions: Dinosaur Valley Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and downtown Glen Rose
Better known as the “Dinosaur Capitol of Texas,” Glen Rose offers a plethora of activities for families.
Millions of years ago dinosaurs traveled across present day Glen Rose, leaving fossils and footprints visible today. Dinosaur Valley Park is home to many of these footprints and has other amenities such as hiking and kayaking.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center allows people to take a self-guided tour among dozens of different animals from a cheetah and emu, to giraffes and zebras. After the dinosaur and animal fun, Glen Rose’s downtown area offers food and shops.
Waco
Waco is a central Texas hub with plenty to offer families or couples looking for a getaway.
Chip and Joana Gaines of “Fixer Upper” fame have transformed a section of the town into the Magnolia Market and Silos. From shopping and entertainment, there’s a little something for everyone here.
A fun stop in Waco is the Dr. Pepper Museum to learn about the history of the drink with 23 flavors. The Cameron Park Zoo is another stop families will enjoy.
Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells is a tranquil getaway about 50 miles west of Fort Worth.
The nearby Possum Kingdom Lake offers visitors a variety of water activities from swimming and boating, fishing and kayaking. Lake Mineral Wells State Park is another scenic option closer to town, with the added benefits of hiking and rock climbing.
In town, the newly renovated Crazy Water Hotel is back in business in the city known for its magical elixir. The bottom of the hotel houses several shops, a brewery and even a water bar.
Grapevine
This is the shortest getaway from Fort Worth on the list — just about 22 miles northeast of Cowtown.
Grapevine Lake is a major attraction to the area with over 8,000 acres of outdoor fun. From hiking and biking, to boating and fishing, if it can be done on the water, Grapevine Lake has it.
For family fun look no further than the 80,000-square-foot indoor water park and resort Great Wolf Lodge. Another familial entertainment center is the Grapevine Mills mall, which contains a multitude of shops and a even an aquarium.
Wichita Falls
Granbury
This scenic resort town about 45 miles southwest of Fort Worth makes a perfect getaway.
Families don’t have to head to the coast for sandy beaches, since Granbury’s City Beach Park has its own. Along with water activities, the park has volleyball courts, picnic spots and its own boardwalk.
For indoor activities, the Granbury Theater Company regularly hosts shows at the historic Opera House. But for all day and night fun, Granbury’s historic downtown square is the place to be with shops, restaurants and live entertainment.
New Braunfels
- Distance from Fort Worth: Three and half hours
- Major attractions: Landa Park, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
New Braunfels is a serene southern getaway located between Austin and San Antonio.
Landa Park is a 51-acre outdoor area where families can lounge by the lake, go hiking or ride the park’s miniature train. As summer temperatures soar, Schlitterbahn Waterpark will be a popular destination for many families looking to cool off.
For something different, pack up the car and head over to Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo. The zoo’s featured animal is the black mamba, which is the fastest land snake and one of the deadliest reptiles in the world.
San Antonio
San Antonio is a longer drive but has the most to do.
Tyler
Abilene
Abilene is a west Texas town full of history and fun.
Frontier Texas is one of Abilene’s biggest tourist attractions and is all about western heritage and history. The museum covers every inch of the west, from cowboys and the military, to frontier life and western towns.
The Abilene Zoo has over 600 animals, including Albert, one the oldest alligators in a zoo in the country. Finally, the Grace Museum is a cultural epicenter full of art and photographs that tell the history of Texas.
