7 Weekend Getaways for Dallas College Students
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
As a college student at Dallas Baptist University, our core values mean your commitment to the Lord, your studies, and your community come first. But it's nice to step away from routines every so often to recharge, explore, and have fun! Taking a short trip from Dallas with a group of friends can be an opportunity to experience new places and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Campus life can leave you eager for exciting new adventures or relaxing, calm getaways. These trips are all within a few hours of Dallas, making them the perfect college student travel ideas for a quick weekend away.
Weekend Trips from Dallas
Houston, TX
Experience a different big city, just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Dallas. A weekend getaway to Houston is perfect for a group of friends who might be looking for a variety of activities. Science and history enthusiasts can visit Johnson Space Center, beachgoers can head to Galveston, and everyone else will enjoy the diverse art and food scene.
While you're in Houston, make sure to visit the Dunham Bible Museum at Houston Christian University. You can see one of the best collections of Bibles in the world, including ancient manuscripts, examples of the earliest Bibles printed in various countries, and even the Bible taken to the moon in 1971.
Waco, TX
Just an hour-and-a-half drive from DBU is the City of Waco, a small, lively town with numerous activities perfect for college students. Among the many things to do here are mountain biking, hiking, strolling through downtown, and exploring the city's vibrant cultural and historical district. You can also book an art or river tour, enjoy one of the many live music performances throughout the year, or learn about the area's fascinating history at one of its museums — it truly makes for an excellent weekend getaway with friends.
San Antonio, TX
About four hours from Dallas, San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist spots in Texas. There's something for everyone here: shopping and good food, strolling along the Riverwalk, and many fascinating and beautiful museums.
The Alamo is one of the biggest attractions in San Antonio. Visiting this monument will give you an immersive experience full of Texas and United States history. There are live reenactments, historical buildings, and several different models of important battles. If you'd like to visit the Alamo Church (and we suggest that you do!), you'll need reservations ahead of time. Be sure to save time to view the Sacristy Exhibit, too!
Hot Springs, AR
A weekend trip to Hot Springs in Arkansas is a great combination of city and nature life for any group of college students. The national park's hot springs flow into bathhouses located in the downtown area — you can experience the relaxing natural beauty of the state and then head to a fun dinner reservation down the street. Take a fun bicycle tour of the city or hop on board the duck boats to see things from the road and the water. The town's activities page has ideas for all ages and interests, so you won't spend a minute feeling bored.
Austin, TX
Austin is a music-lover's paradise — with musicians playing everywhere, from grocery stores to downtown to clubs, coffee shops, restaurants, and everything in between. This vibrant city located about a three-hour drive from DBU also has plenty to offer for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide array of outdoor playgrounds, particularly in Hill County, that run the gamut — from rugged terrain to rolling hills, as well as tons of trails, parks, and swimming holes. And, of course, Austin's food scene, shopping, and entertainment districts are just the thing for a fun night out on the town.
Colorado Bend State Park, TX
If you're looking for travel ideas that lead you further away from city life, head to this beautiful state park only three-and-a-half hours from Dallas. There's plenty to do here for a whole weekend getaway if you want to camp overnight, and you can easily make it a day trip as well. There are more than 35 miles of trails for hikes, or you can try your hand fishing for bass in the waterways. Book a cave exploration tour for some of the most spectacular sights in the state.
Davis, OK
A two-hour drive to Davis, Oklahoma, is another ideal weekend trip that helps you get out of the city to enjoy God's natural creations. Visit Turner Falls Park to see the state's tallest waterfall at just over 77 feet. You can even stay overnight in a modern-day covered wagon. The next day, head to Arbuckle Wilderness for a drive-through safari adventure complete with camels, zebras, yaks, and more.
Whether you travel to another big city or head out of town to enjoy the wilderness, taking time to explore and have some fun helps you to recharge and prepare for your time back in the classroom.
