DFW is one stop from RST. Get there in about 5 hours, then take a short drive to three classic Western destinations.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t mean your travel experience has to be. Trade bustling Dallas for scenic drives, Western charm and a slower pace by “townsizing” your next Texas getaway. (Townsizing — a hot travel trend — means skipping the hustle of major metros to explore the small cities and towns nearby.)
Here are three easy road trips from DFW that promise all the local flavor with few of the hassles.
Waco, TX
Distance from DFW: About 95 miles
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Population: Approximately 144,000
If you’re a fan of home design, cozy aesthetics, or all things Fixer Upper, Waco is your dream destination. Home to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia empire, this laid-back city (and home of Baylor University) invites visitors to slow down and soak in the style.
Must-see highlights:
- Magnolia Market at the Silos: Stroll through the beautifully restored grounds featuring boutiques, a bakery, a lush lawn and food trucks.
- Magnolia Table: Savor a scratch-made Southern breakfast or lunch at the Gaines’ signature restaurant — just be sure to reserve in advance!
- Waco Suspension Bridge & Riverwalk: Stretch your legs along the scenic Brazos River and snap a photo by the historic cattle drive sculptures.
- Dr. Pepper Museum: Experience the history of America’s oldest soft drink history, invented in 1885 in Waco, through a range of interactive exhibitions.
- Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum: Discover the legendary history of the iconic Texas Rangers, exploring their impactful role in law enforcement and the Old West through exhibits and artifacts.
Vibe: Relaxed, homey and full of character.
Paris, TX
Distance from DFW: About 115 miles
Drive time: 2 hours
Population: Approximately 25,000
Oui, you read that right. Paris, Texas may not have the Louvre—but it does have an Eiffel Tower topped with a cowboy hat. Quirky and quiet, it’s a great stop for offbeat photo ops, antique shopping, and small-town hospitality.
Must-see highlights:
- Paris Eiffel Tower & Red Cowboy Hat: Snap a photo at this 65-foot-tall local landmark—it’s kitschy and proud of it.
- Paris Town Square: Head to the center of the revitalized historic downtown and throw a coin (along with a wish!) into Culbertson Fountain. Explore local boutiques, bakeries, and cafes set around a charming 19th-century courthouse.
- Sam Bell Maxey House: Check out this state historic site, built in 1868 in High Victorian Italianate style, built by a prominent local attorney and later two-term U.S. Senator.
Vibe: Whimsical, laid-back and off the beaten path.
Fort Worth, TX
Distance from DFW: About 35 miles
Drive time: 40 minutes
Population: Approximately 1 million
Admittedly, with a population of around 1 million, Fort Worth is more city than town. But it’s still got that classic Western feel, steeped in cowboy culture and high-energy fun. It’s the perfect place to experience the state’s proud heritage just a stone’s throw away from Dallas.
Must-see highlights:
- Stockyards National Historic District: Watch the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive — 19 longhorn steers driven by drovers — pass you by, and catch a cowboy shootout reenactment near the historic depot.
- Billy Bob’s Texas: Visit the world’s largest honky-tonk, complete with live music, dancing, local BBQ, and even indoor bull riding.
- Sundance Square: Shop, dine, and sip in this 37-square-block downtown entertainment district packed with Texas charm.
Vibe: Bold, boots-on and unmistakably Texan.
Start your Texas vacation at RST. Book your flight today.
