By Trisha Atwood
One of the things I genuinely love about living and working in Southlake is how well-positioned we are for getting out of town. DFW sits near the center of an enormous stretch of Texas and surrounding states, and that means weekend options in nearly every direction — Hill Country wineries, canyon hikes, Gulf Coast beaches, charming small towns, and some genuinely spectacular nature within a few hours' drive. Here are my favorite weekend trips from Southlake.
Key Takeaways
- Southlake's location and DFW Airport access make both road trips and quick flights a realistic weekend option
- Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country are the most popular weekend destination from DFW — and for good reason
- Broken Bow, Oklahoma is a 3-hour drive with cabin rentals, rivers, and hiking that rival destinations twice as far
- Waco, Glen Rose, and Granbury offer compelling day-trip or overnight options within 2 hours
Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country
At roughly 4.5 hours southwest of Southlake, Fredericksburg is the gold standard of Texas weekend trips — and it has been for generations. The town sits in the heart of Hill Country wine country, with more than 50 wineries within driving distance and a charming historic main street lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and the Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War.
What to Do in Fredericksburg
How to spend a weekend in Hill Country:
- Wine tasting along the Fredericksburg Wine Road — the concentration of quality Texas wineries in this corridor is unmatched in the state; plan ahead for tastings and consider a guided tour if you're visiting with a group
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — a massive pink granite dome with hikes for all levels and genuinely spectacular views from the summit; arrive early on weekends, as the park reaches capacity
- Historic Main Street — the German heritage of Fredericksburg's founding families is alive in the architecture, the food, and the community events that run through the year
- Wildseed Farms — one of the largest working wildflower farms in the U.S., with seasonal blooms and a market; particularly stunning in spring bluebonnet season
Fredericksburg is consistently booked on weekends, particularly spring and fall — reserve accommodations well in advance.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Broken Bow is the Southlake area's best-kept secret for a cabin weekend — and it's only about 3 hours north. The McCurtain County Wilderness Area and Beavers Bend State Park put serious outdoor recreation right outside your cabin door, with kayaking and float trips on the Mountain Fork River, hiking through stands of old-growth pine, and fishing in Broken Bow Lake.
What to Do in Broken Bow
Why this Oklahoma getaway punches above its distance:
- Beavers Bend State Park — one of Oklahoma's most beautiful state parks, with waterfall hikes, paddleboat rentals, a nature center, and trails through spectacular cedar and pine forest
- Float trips on the Mountain Fork River — Class II rapids with outfitters available for kayak and canoe rentals; an accessible, genuinely fun half-day activity for families and couples alike
- Downtown Broken Bow — a growing collection of breweries, wineries, and restaurants that have developed alongside the cabin tourism boom; Mountain Fork Brewery is a local favorite
- Cabin accommodations — Broken Bow's cabin rental market is exceptional; you can find everything from cozy couples retreats to full-size luxury cabins with hot tubs and game rooms on forested lots
Waco
At just under 2 hours south, Waco has transformed into one of Texas's most compelling short getaways — anchored by Magnolia Market at the Silos, Chip and Joanna Gaines's retail and restaurant hub that draws visitors from across the country. But Waco's draw extends beyond Magnolia.
What to Do in Waco
A Waco weekend itinerary worth the drive:
- Magnolia Market at the Silos — the flagship Magnolia retail experience with a sprawling outdoor market, food trucks, and the signature Silos Baking Co. arrive on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds
- Cameron Park Zoo — one of the best mid-size zoos in Texas, with riverfront trails and excellent animal exhibits that make it a genuine full-day destination for families
- The Dr Pepper Museum — Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper, and the museum in the original bottling plant is a legitimately fun piece of Texas history
- Homestead Craft Village — artisan makers and craftspeople in an open-air market setting; a great complement to Magnolia for buyers who enjoy independent shopping
Glen Rose
Glen Rose is 90 minutes southwest of Southlake and is one of the most underrated family day trips in the region. Dinosaur Valley State Park has actual dinosaur tracks preserved in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River — something genuinely remarkable that kids and adults alike remember for years.
What to Do in Glen Rose
A Glen Rose day trip or overnight:
- Dinosaur Valley State Park — the dinosaur tracks in the riverbed are the main attraction, but the park also has good hiking trails, swimming holes, and scenic river access
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center — a 1,800-acre wildlife conservation center where you drive through open-range habitats; giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and dozens of other species; one of the truly special wildlife experiences in Texas
- Granbury — just 30 minutes from Glen Rose, Granbury's historic lakeside town square with wine shops, boutiques, and Granbury Opera House performances makes a natural pairing with a Glen Rose day
Palo Duro Canyon
For a longer weekend adventure — about 5.5 hours northwest — Palo Duro Canyon is worth every mile. Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, the 120-mile long canyon near Amarillo offers hiking, mountain biking, and the outdoor musical drama "TEXAS" performed on a natural amphitheater stage during summer months. It's a weekend that most Texans haven't yet made happen — and consistently surprises everyone who does.
FAQs
What's the best weekend trip from Southlake for families with kids?
Glen Rose and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in a single trip is hard to beat — real dinosaur tracks and a safari-style wildlife experience within 90 minutes of home. Waco is another excellent family option with the Cameron Park Zoo and Magnolia.
What's the best romantic weekend getaway from Southlake?
Fredericksburg with a winery itinerary and a Hill Country bed-and-breakfast or vineyard rental is consistently the top answer. Broken Bow's luxury cabin rentals are an increasingly popular alternative, particularly in fall when the foliage adds a remarkable backdrop.
Are there good weekend options that don't require a car?
With DFW International Airport just 10 minutes from Southlake, a quick flight to Austin, San Antonio, or New Orleans opens up full weekend options that don't involve a road trip at all. Southwest and American both operate out of DFW with frequent routes to Texas cities, making a Friday-to-Sunday air getaway very achievable.
Love Living in Southlake — But Ready for a Change?
Whether you're looking for a home in Southlake or thinking about your next move, I'd love to be part of that conversation. This community is one I know deeply — the neighborhoods, the market, and the lifestyle that makes it worth staying close to home.
Reach out to me,
Trisha Atwood, and let's talk about your real estate goals in Southlake.
