Beyond Dallas

Day Trips from Dallas

Most World Cup visitors have 7–14 days. Between matches, Texas has some of the most unique destinations in the world — historic cattle towns, live music capitals, and river cities within a few hours' drive.

30 Minutes Away

Fort Worth Stockyards

30 min
Drive from Dallas
Free
Entry to district

The Fort Worth Stockyards is the most authentically Texan experience near the stadium. A working cattle town preserved from the 1800s — twice daily cattle drives down Exchange Avenue, world-famous honky-tonks, cowboy boot shops, and Heim BBQ is just down the road. Combined with a Dallas World Cup visit, this is a uniquely American experience no international fan should miss.

Daily cattle drive at 11:30am and 4pm on Exchange Ave
Billy Bob's Texas — world's largest honky-tonk, live music nightly
Cowtown Coliseum — rodeo events on weekends
Boot shops including Luskey's and M.L. Leddy's
Combine with Heim BBQ for a perfect Texas day
Getting There
Drive: 30 min from downtown Dallas via I-30 West. Parking is plentiful and inexpensive near the Stockyards.

Transit: TRE commuter rail from downtown Dallas to Fort Worth Central Station, then Uber (~10 min) to the Stockyards. Total ~1 hr each way.
Best time to visit
Arrive by 11am for the first cattle drive. Weekends are busy — weekday mornings are quieter. Allow a full day to explore properly.

3 Hours Away

Austin — Live Music Capital of the World

3 hrs
Drive from Dallas
2 nights
Recommended stay

Austin is worth an overnight stay rather than a day trip — the city comes alive at night. 6th Street is one of the greatest live music strips in the world, with dozens of free-entry bars with live bands every night of the week. The food scene is exceptional, the swimming holes at Barton Springs are a welcome escape from the heat, and the Texas State Capitol is worth a visit.

6th Street — live music every night, mostly free entry
Barton Springs Pool — natural swimming hole in the city
South Congress Avenue — independent shops and restaurants
Franklin Barbecue — arguably the best BBQ in Texas (arrive at 7am)
Texas State Capitol building — free tours available
Getting There
Drive: 3 hours via I-35 South. Straightforward highway drive. Rent a car for the most flexibility.

Bus: Greyhound and other intercity bus carriers operate Dallas–Austin routes for around $20–40 each way. Journey time ~3.5–4 hrs. Good budget option if you don't want to drive.
Tip
Book accommodation in Austin well in advance — the city is popular year-round and hotel prices are high during the World Cup period even though no matches are played there.

4.5 Hours Away

San Antonio — The Alamo & River Walk

4.5 hrs
Drive from Dallas
2 nights
Recommended stay

San Antonio is one of the most unique cities in the US — a blend of Mexican, Spanish colonial, and Texan culture that feels unlike anywhere else in the country. The River Walk is magical in the evening, lined with restaurants and bars along a network of canals. The Alamo is genuinely fascinating. Worth combining with Austin for a 4-5 day Texas road trip between matches.

The Alamo — iconic Texas history site, free entry
River Walk — 2.5 miles of riverside restaurants and bars
San Antonio Market Square — largest Mexican market outside Mexico
Pearl District — food halls, weekend farmers market
Road Trip Idea
Dallas → Austin (overnight) → San Antonio (overnight) → back to Dallas for your next match. Total driving ~8 hours spread over 3-4 days. This is the classic Texas triangle and one of the best road trips in the US.
Getting There
Drive via I-35 South through Austin. Most visitors combine Austin and San Antonio into one road trip rather than visiting separately from Dallas.

1.5 Hours Away

Waco — Magnolia Market

1.5 hrs
Drive from Dallas
Half day
Easy day trip

Waco is known internationally as the home of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Market — a popular home design and lifestyle destination with a food truck park, bakery, and shops. Easy half-day trip from Dallas. Combine with the Dr Pepper Museum (the drink was invented in Waco) and the Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Magnolia Market at the Silos — Fixer Upper fans' pilgrimage
Dr Pepper Museum — birthplace of the iconic Texas drink
Waco Mammoth National Monument — real mammoth fossils
Cameron Park Zoo — excellent zoo, very affordable

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