10 driving destinations within two hours of Fort Worth that are worth the price of gas
With gas prices continuing to rise, road trips are seemingly expensive diversions.
But there are plenty of destinations within a short drive from Fort Worth. It’s not too early to begin planning for these trips as summer is just around the corner. As the days get warmer, with 100-degree days becoming the norm deep into summer, here are places to visit with plenty of opportunities to take a dip in cool water or shop indoors.
GRAPEVINE
- Distance from Fort Worth: Less than 30 minutes, public transportation available.
- Attractions: Amusements galore for kids, global dining, wineries, farmers market
- Need to know: Downtown is quaint with shops, restaurants and wine tastings.
CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE
- Distance from Fort Worth: 45 minutes
- Location: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas
- Attractions: Hiking trails, fishing, swimming
- Need to know: Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m. until dusk. More info here
DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK
- Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hour
- Attractions: Fossilized dinosaur tracks, live animals, swimming, trails, fishing
- Need to know: Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; wildlife center is open 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
GRANBURY
- Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hour
- Location: East Pearl Street, Granbury
- Attractions: Shopping, dining, beach, bed and breakfast spots. More here
DR PEPPER MUSEUM
- Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes
- Location: 300 S. 5th St., Waco
- Attractions: Tours, games, Dr Pepper soda fountain
- Need to know: Hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, noon-5:30 p.m.
STEPHENVILLE HISTORICAL HOUSE MUSEUM
- Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes
- Location: 525 E. Washington St., Stephenville
- Attractions: Historical buildings, self-guided tours
- Need to know: Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
LLAMALAND TENT CAMPING
- Distance from Fort Worth: 90 minutes
- Location: 9059 Co Road 2403, Tool
- Hours: Daily 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m
- Need to know: Visitors can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy nature and llamas, book your visit before driving out.
BLUE HILLS RANCH
- Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hours
- Location: 2032 Blue Cut Road N., McGregor
- Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Need to know: Animal encounters, dining with giraffes, cabins, RV resort
MOTHER NEFF STATE PARK
- Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hours
- Location: 1921 State Park Road 14, Moody
- Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Need to know: Trails for beginner and skilled hikers, entrance fee is $2 for visitors over 12.
PALESTINE, TEXAS
- Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hours
- Attractions: Goat yoga, swimming, fishing, kayak/canoe rides, hiking, baked goods
- Need to know: The annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration is March 17-April 2
Megan Cardona
Fort Worth Star-Telegram