As we head into the spring and summer months, your thoughts may turn toward beautiful vacation spots around the country (or the world). But did you know that you don’t have to go far (or spend lots of time and money) to enjoy a tranquil respite from your busy life? In fact, you can take a peaceful daycation right here. All you need is your car and a little bit of knowledge about the Dallas area.
The following destinations are close to home and well-worth the short drive.
- Ennis Bluebonnet Trail
Did you know that, as of 1997, Ennis is the Official Bluebonnet City and the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail? Ennis showcases their breathtaking blue bonnets from April 1st to the 30th. The hills along the Bluebonnet Trail are also resplendent with other stunning wildflowers and dotted with charming farms. Visitors can drive over 40 miles of mapped trails—the oldest such trails in the state. The bluebonnets typically peak around the 3rd week in April, though the peak can vary year to year due to weather conditions and terrain.
The Ennis Bluebonnet Trail is located about an hour south of Dallas and is sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. You can check out their website at https://www.bluebonnettrail.org/ and make plans to enjoy this spectacular drive this spring. You may also want to attend the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, which this year is scheduled for April 11-13. The festival features live music, local crafts, food vendors, and more floral displays.
- The Great Trinity Forest
The Great Trinity Forest is possibly the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in America. An 11-mile stretch of land that follows the Trinity River, it’s located within view of downtown Dallas. It rivals New York City’s Central Park in terms of size and recreational possibilities. Since everything is bigger in Texas, the Great Trinity Forest spans 6,000 acres compared to Central Park’s modest 840 acres. Driving through this incredible natural oasis situated just southeast of Dallas, you’ll witness a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes that showcases the diverse beauty of the area. Winding roads through the forest’s dense canopies, lush vegetation, and massive trees offer a peaceful and immersive experience. Glimpses of the Trinity River add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Located within the Great Trinity Forest is the beautiful Big Spring Preserve, an historic landmark for the City of Dallas—a first-of-its-kind designation. It’s open for visitors and tours several times throughout the year.
The Great Trinity Forest also boasts the Trinity River Audubon Center, the Texas Horse Park, the Lower Chain of Wetlands, William Blair Jr. Park, Kiest Park, and the Texas Buckeye Trail.
- White Rock Lake
Take a driving loop around White Rock Lake and discover serene waterside views, verdant green spaces, and captivating neighborhoods along the way. After your drive, you can stop and enjoy all that White Rock Lake has to offer. Once again, you will experience natural beauty and wildlife in an urban setting.
White Rock Lake covers 1,015 acres and is located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. It’s a great place to picnic, hike, bike, and fish. You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding year-round—with rentals offered on-property. You can also hike, bike, or rollerblade the 9-mile trail around the lake anytime.
White Rock Lake also features a dog park, wetlands, an Audubon Society bird-watching area, the White Rock Lake Museum, and the Bath House Cultural Center. And White Rock Lake is just a 2.7-mile drive from the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens which features 66 acres filled with 11 lush display gardens with seasonal flowers and other vegetation year-round.
- Cedar Hill/Cedar Hill State Park
As you travel to Cedar Hill, about 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenic rolling hills and picturesque fields. Cedar Hill itself has an unwavering commitment to preserving the environment with 20% of the city dedicated to parks and green spaces—far exceeding any other Texas city and double the national average. In fact, Cedar Hill has received the recognition of Scenic City. At 880 feet above sea level, Cedar Hill boasts the highest elevation between the Red River border with Oklahoma and the Gulf of Mexico, which makes for spectacular scenic outlooks.
While you’re at it, take a drive through Cedar Hill State Park and enjoy panoramic views of Joe Pool Lake and the surrounding landscape. The diverse terrain of Cedar Hill State Park includes grand hills and grassy, open fields surrounding the still waters of the lake. While there, enjoy the numerous hiking and biking trails, have a picnic beside the lake, or take a bracing dip.
- Lake Ray Hubbard Loop
Situated northeast of Dallas, Lake Ray Hubbard is a expansive reservoir known for its pristine beauty. Just getting to the lake from Dallas is one of the area’s most picturesque drives as the roads wind past small-town Texas charm. Once you get to the lake, take the Lake Ray Hubbard Loop. It circles around the lake providing continuous vistas of the water and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The views are especially stunning in early morning or late afternoon. You can even expect to spot some local wildlife on your journey.
Afterwards you can enjoy a meal at The Harbor Rockwall, a waterfront area featuring dining, shopping, an entertainment. Or, head to Lake Ray Hubbard Park for a lake view picnic.
- Swiss Avenue Historic District/Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Not all our scenic drives showcase Texas’ natural beauty. The Swiss Avenue Historic District in the heart of Dallas is a thing to behold. Enjoy oak-lined streets displaying homes built in a variety of architectural styles. From Colonial Revival mansions to Tudor style cottages, each home is uniquely its own.
Then head to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Designed by internationally renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, the iconic landmark features a 440-foot center arch with 58 cables radiating from. From the bridge, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Dallas skyline in one direction and the lush Trinity River Corridor on the other.
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge connects Dallas to the vibrant Trinity Groves district with exciting restaurants and entertainment in newly renovated buildings or on community-style outdoor patios.
These are just some of the options available here for you to enjoy. Before taking a daycation drive, make sure your car is in great working order before heading out, keep plenty of gas in the gas tank, and if you enjoy one of many of the great restaurants along your journey, please don’t drink and drive. Be safe, and remember, if you are in a wreck, come to one of the Accident & Injury clinics near you. Happy driving!