Fort Worth Day Trips: Top 5 Exciting Escapes
So, you’re kinda itching to ditch the city for a day? That’s completely alright! Fort Worth is a fantastic place, yet sometimes you really just need to switch things up, or something like that. Thankfully, you have to know there are a lot of amazing spots within easy driving distance for quick travel adventures. Very get ready, too, because we’re covering the top five Fort Worth day trips that’ll totally recharge your batteries.
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park: Track Prehistoric Giants
Okay, so picture this: you are walking in the very footprints of dinosaurs, seriously. Dinosaur Valley State Park, in Glen Rose, is just a bit southwest of Fort Worth. That’s more or less a scenic drive that takes you back, oh, I don’t know, millions of years. You actually can see actual dinosaur footprints embedded in the Paluxy River bed. The kiddos are gonna go nuts over this, honestly. And honestly you kinda get the feeling they would, too. Very there’s hiking, camping, and even some horseback riding if you’re very inclined. The park is actually open year-round, so it’s very usually a good time to visit.
Yet, it’s always still a good idea to check the park’s website for any alerts related to the river levels or closures. When the river is low, these ancient prints appear so so very clearly. You are kinda able to almost picture these massive creatures roaming around, really, exploring this ancient terrain. Then again, the landscape kinda is great for photography, too.
2. Granbury: Historic Charm and Lake Fun
Granbury is almost a super cute town with a big, beautiful lake – Granbury Lake, oddly enough. Roughly about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, this historic town is seriously great for a relaxed day. It does seem as though the Granbury Square is like the heart of the town, and that it is filled with all kinds of antique stores, boutiques, and little restaurants. Just imagine yourself kind of strolling through the square, popping into different shops. I do have a feeling this would make it easier for you to do some shopping. Afterwards you actually might sit down for a bite at one of the local eateries.
Yet if you are thinking something outdoors, very head on over to Granbury Lake. Very there’s boating, fishing, swimming – basically any water activity you can dream up. Or, if you want something much slower, you know, I think you may also just kick back on the shore and soak up that Texas sun. Granbury so delivers a great mix of old-world charm and so lakeside fun, basically.
3. Waco: Magnolia Market and Baylor University
Now, you gotta know that Waco is seriously gaining popularity, more or less thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines and their Magnolia Market. Okay, so Waco is about an hour and a half south of Fort Worth, and is actually just so filled with neat things to check out. Now, the Magnolia Market at the Silos really seems to be like a must-see. Even just if you’re not a big fan of the show “Fixer Upper,” it’s obviously quite the place to experience.
I really feel that the whole area has shops, a bakery, a lawn with games, too, so you actually might spend several hours there. And as you can imagine, you also have Baylor University. Okay, so it actually has a pretty campus that is really worth exploring, possibly. Really get the Cameron Park. Also, it provides some incredible views of the Brazos River and a really few scenic hiking trails. Basically, Waco has more or less something for everyone, so very go figure, basically, a park to visit.
4. Mineral Wells: History and Natural Beauty
About an hour west of Fort Worth, you actually find Mineral Wells. It more or less has this great mix of history and just natural splendor. It just seems like the main draw there may be the Mineral Wells State Park, with that lovely Penitentiary Hollow. Penitentiary Hollow provides awesome rock climbing and that seriously challenging hiking trails. But just picture it this way you’re surrounded by these seriously rugged cliffs and scenic waters; it does have a way of taking your breath away. Plus, there’s Lake Mineral Wells, if that sounds just perfect for all types of outdoor water activities, so some fun outdoor activities.
Very Mineral Wells had also some historic fame due to, you’ll find, its supposedly curative mineral waters, actually. You actually could kinda still see a really little bit of that history in the town’s architecture and old bathhouses. If you really love history and the outside, just make a short road trip to this park in North Texas for this state park is one that won’t disappoint! Mineral Wells honestly does make a seriously captivating day trip, clearly.
5. Canton: First Monday Trade Days
So you actually like shopping? First Monday Trade Days in Canton more or less might be the biggest flea market you may see. Actually, it’s just a little east of Fort Worth, so First Monday Trade Days is like a huge monthly flea market that really does attract vendors and shoppers from all over. This can almost be just about anything. You know: antiques, furniture, clothes, home decor. You might be surprised. Obviously, they almost have everything, and even just taking a quick look around, there really isn’t any way of actually knowing what you’re likely to stumble upon.
Be prepared to walk, too; there’s really just a ton of ground to cover. Also make sure you’re there kind of early for the best deals, typically, as it seems you would have wanted to anyway, and honestly. Actually, the market gets so busy. So be that as it may, so make sure to pack snacks, too, since you may be out shopping all day, honestly. If you actually love finding a good bargain and, too, more or less like the excitement of hunting for treasure, well First Monday Trade Days are very just an experience that you’re basically gonna want to miss, honestly and a place of great bargains.