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The Perfect Guide to the Best Day Trips from Frisco TX

Discover the perfect escapes just a stone’s throw away from Frisco, in the Lone Star State, with this guide to the best day trips from Frisco. Whether you fancy spending time at a cat cafe, soaring high on a hot air balloon ride, or indulging in the offerings of local wineries, why not take the scenic route for some unforgettable adventures? This list of fun places is so comprehensive that you will have a good reason to explore them all! As a frequent visitor to these fantastic destinations, I’m thrilled to share my top picks with you.

Table of Contents

Day Trips Less Than 1 Hour From Frisco

McKinney (20 mins)

It’s truly awesome that within just a short drive from Frisco, you can explore a world of wonders in McKinney! From encountering dinosaurs and butterflies to exploring a Croatian village and even having your face printed on a coffee, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on visiting Crape Myrtle Park during the spring and summer months. And for an unforgettable experience, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon?

A triptych of a butterfly on flowers, a woman by blooming shrubs, and a street with eclectic storefronts.

Carrollton (20 mins)

Get ready to break a sweat at the North Texas Outdoor Pursuit Center, where you can experience climbing the tallest indoor climbing gym in North America! What makes it even cooler is that you’ll be scaling old grain silos! Alternatively, if you’re in the mood to unwind and relax, consider visiting a Russian spa in Carrollton for a rejuvenating experience. This great destination is full of unique things to do to have some fun!

Lewisville (20 mins)

Experience the purr-fect ambiance at the Charming Cat Corner, where you can spend quality time with some very cute feline friends. In Lewisville, the fun doesn’t stop there; you can explore a distillery for a taste of local spirits and immerse yourself in a real-life video game adventure.

Plano (20 mins)

Looking for summer road trip options from Frisco? Plano has you covered with some of the best summer activities. Personally, one of my best things to do in Plano is their challenging ropes course and treating myself to afternoon tea along the scenic Granite Park Boardwalk. When it comes to food, Plano’s culinary scene is unbeatable, offering a tantalizing variety of international flavors and cuisines to explore.

Three-part image: outdoor bowling, child in mermaid costume in pool, woman painting a canvas.

Downtown Dallas (30 mins)

For a family-friendly outing or an all-day adventure near the Big D, downtown Dallas always delivers. Take a stroll through the weekend Dallas Farmer’s Market, discover unique local shops in Bishop Arts, or treat yourselves to dinner and a captivating show in the vibrant Dallas Cultural District. 

Irving (30 mins)

For a romantic day trip from Dallas, Irving is a wonderful option! You don’t have to visit Italy for a romantic Gondola boat ride through the Las Colinas Canals. You also have the colorful and retro diner for an amazing breakfast or milkshakes!

Grapevine (30 mins)

Venture into downtown Grapevine square for a delightful day of winery hopping and exploring charming shops. Alternatively, go on a leisurely sailing excursion on Grapevine Lake, soaking in the picturesque views. A day trip to Grapevine promises endless enjoyment for all.

Triptych image showing grapes on left, couple in park center, sailboat at sunset on right.

Grand Prairie (40 mins)

Year-round, just 40 minutes from Frisco, you can indulge in a resort retreat! Dive into endless fun at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, where the climate is always perfect for surfing, regardless of the weather outside. If you fancy some fresh air, enjoy their beach area too.

Don’t miss out on exploring Trader’s Village, a hidden gem offering free entry, themed days, vibrant vendors, and a charming small amusement park. These are just a taste of the many delights that Grand Prairie has in store for you!

Fort Worth (45 mins)

Fort Worth offers a bunch of delightful day trip options near Frisco, each brimming with exciting activities. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Fort Worth Botanical Garden and the tranquil Fort Worth Water Gardens, or delve into the rich history of the National Cowgirl Museum.

For a family-friendly adventure, spend a day exploring the Fort Worth Zoo or experiencing the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards. With so much to see and do, you can easily plan multiple day trips to Fort Worth and discover even more hidden treasures along the way!

Fort Worth Botanical Garden

Rockwall (45 mins)

Rockwall offers the perfect setting for catching a sunset on a sailboat. During the day, indulge in a wine-tasting experience at San Martino Winery.

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Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours From Frisco

Ennis (1 hour 5 mins)

Experience the beauty of spring by looking at the vibrant bluebonnets and going to the annual Bluebonnet Festival. For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Czech Polka Festival. Even outside of special events, Ennis offers plenty of fun with its diverse nature areas, drive-in movie screenings at Galaxy Theatre, and thrilling races at the Texas Motorplex.

Three-panel collage: Painted window frames, person in field of flowers, close-up of bluebonnets.

Lake Texoma (1 hour 5 mins)

Experience the ultimate lake getaway near Frisco at Lake Texoma, where you can enjoy a romantic dinner on a boat, spend the day lounging on an island, and embark on a kayaking adventure or take your own paddle boards. With an abundance of water activities to choose from, Lake Texoma promises endless fun and relaxation.

Sunset over water, two people sitting on a rocky overhang, and a modern cabin with a deck and chairs.

Weatherford (1 hour 15 mins)

Discover a slice of English charm just over an hour outside of Frisco in Weatherford, where you’ll find some of the most exquisite English gardens in Texas. With not just one, but two gardens to explore, Weatherford offers a picturesque escape. Additionally, don’t miss the vintage car museum, complete with a restaurant and fantastic live music venues.

Three-panel collage of a lotus pond, a stone building with arches, and a pergola covered in pink flowers.

Canton (1 hour 20 mins)

Discover the fascinating Salt Palace Museum in nearby Grand Saline during your visit to Canton, offering a glimpse into the region’s history. Alternatively, unwind with a delightful wine-tasting experience at Cannon Creek Vineyard.

A triptych showing grapes on a vine, a person among signposts, and a pottery-filled market stall.

Cleburne (1 hour 20 mins)

Cleburne excels at immersing you in history, boasting multiple interactive museums and a captivating historic village that breathes life into the past. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast or visiting with kids, exploring the charming old town promises a memorable and exciting experience for all.

Wooden facade of a rustic "Sheriff" office with a sign reading "Wardville, Texas."

Yesterland Farm (1 hour 20 mins)

Yesterland Farm, a delightful day trip near Frisco, offers a bunch of enjoyable activities for visitors of all ages. From exploring the petting zoo to capturing fun photo ops, and wandering through sunflower fields in the summer and fall, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and pumpkin patches, Yesterland Farm ensures a memorable experience.

Ardmore, Oklahoma (1 hour 35 mins)

Nestled in Chickasaw Country, Lake Murray State Park offers a bunch of fun activities, including jet ski, paddleboat, and kayak rentals, mini golf, an inflatable obstacle course, fishing, and exploration of Tucker Tower and the Lake Murray Nature Center. For weekend getaways from Frisco, Chickasaw Country beckons with its diverse offerings and natural beauty.

Kayaks and inflatable obstacle course

Glen Rose (1 hour 40 mins)

Head out on a thrilling safari adventure and hand-feed giraffes at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose. Delve into prehistoric wonders as you search for dinosaur bones at Dinosaur Valley State Park, then treat yourself to one of the best burgers, featuring Jack Daniels-infused brisket, fried pickles, and onion rings. Explore the town’s intriguing history by visiting an abandoned speakeasy rumored to have ties to Bonnie and Clyde. 

Triptych of a cozy A-frame cabin, a stacked burger, and a scenic river with fish and a person walking.

Waco (1 hour 55 mins)

Discover the unique culture of Waco, offering many activities for nature lovers and families alike. Immerse yourself in the history of Dr. Pepper and delve into beverage chemistry at the Dr. Pepper Museum. You can also witness mammoth skeleton dig sites at the Waco Mammoth National Monument and explore the iconic Magnolia Market. For a scenic adventure, embark on a boat tour along the Brazos River, completing your unforgettable Waco experience.

Tyler (1 hour 55 mins)

Tyler is known as the Rose Capital of America and boasts the breathtaking Tyler Rose Garden, where blooms enchant visitors twice a year. Dive into the cultural scene with the Tyler Museum of Art, unwind amidst nature at Tyler State Park and Lake Tyler, and delight in wildlife encounters at the Caldwell Zoo.

Day Trips Less Than 3 Hours From Frisco

Hico (2 hours 5 mins)

A visit to Hico is a fun day trip option from Frisco, being just over a 2-hour drive away. Upon arrival, lose yourself in the charm of Hico’s downtown, where cute boutiques and eateries offer a glimpse of the local culture. For a unique adventure, go to Siloville, where you can explore inside silo walls and experience a zip-line and ropes courses. If that’s not your thing, the area also boasts a superb golf course and a bunch of fun outdoor activities to enjoy.

Palestine (2 hours 15 mins)

In Palestine, you can go on a historic train ride through the piney woods, visit a fairytale forest, and discover scenic waterfalls—all within close proximity to Frisco. With its diverse offering of attractions, Palestine offers an enchanting escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.