Where to go on a Texas summer road trip this year

This collection of Star-Telegram stories highlights popular Texas road trip destinations and great day trip options for when you want to get away this summer.

There are many options for fun day trips within a couple of hours of Fort Worth.

NO. 1: THESE 10 TRIPS WITHIN AN HOUR OF FORT WORTH OFFER A SUMMER TRIP THAT WON’T GUZZLE GAS

Ready for a summer road trip, but don’t want to spend a fortune on gas? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. | Published March 4, 2022 | Read Full Story by Megan Cardona

Exhibit attendees take photos at the Neon Kingdom in the Meow Wolf Grapevine ‘The Real Unreal’ at the Grapevine Mills Shopping Mall in Grapevine, Texas on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

NO. 2: GUIDE TO THE GRAPEVINE: WHAT TO KNOW, THINGS TO DO IN TEXAS TOWN WITH MIX OF OLD AND NEW

This community in northeast Tarrant County is only 10 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. It’s also the oldest settlement in Tarrant County. | Published September 9, 2023 | Read Full Story by Brayden Garcia

The sun sets on a summer day in Possum Kingdom State Park in Palo Pinto County. By Yffy Yossifor

NO. 3: NORTH TEXAS STATE PARKS WORTH VISITING: DINOSAURS, WATERFALLS AND KARAOKE

Check out these state parks less than three hours from Fort Worth. | Published May 19, 2023 | Read Full Story by Dalia Faheid

The Paluxy River runs through Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.

NO. 4: TEXAS TOWNS THAT’LL MAKE PERFECT SUMMER GETAWAYS

These destinations offer history and relaxation no more than a four-hour drive from Fort Worth. | Published May 24, 2023 | Read Full Story by Brayden Garcia

Tim Zuber cast a line along the seawall in Corpus Christi, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. Zuber is from Portland, Texas, and loves coming out, “For pleasure and to get away from the wife for a few minutes,” he said laughing. Just down Zuber’s fishing spot are a series of beaches accessible from Ocean Drive in the heart of the city. By DAVID MONTESINO

NO. 5: TEXAS BEACHES TO DIP YOUR TOES IN THE SAND DURING THE STICKY, HOT SUMMER DAYS TO COME

Make a quick getaway to these beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s what we know. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ella Gonzales

HoneyHive is the No. 1 most saved Airbnb in Texas to user’s wish list. Located in Wills Point, only an hour a half from Fort Worth, this tiny home is the perfect romantic getaway.

NO. 6: THIS BEE HIVE-SHAPED ROMANTIC RENTAL NEAR FORT WORTH IS THE MOST PRIZED AIRBNB IN TEXAS

The most sought after Airbnb in the state is just a 90 minute drive from Fort Worth. | Published July 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ella Gonzales

The Pinnacles Trail in Big Bend National Park.

NO. 7: THE TEXAS PARK MOST PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT, ACCORDING TO NEW LIST

Texas has more than 100 state and national parks to visit. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ella Gonzales

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.