Dallas is set to host more matches than any other U.S. city in 2026, making it one of the central hubs of soccer’s biggest stage. With AT&T Stadium in Arlington drawing fans from around the world, Dallas will be buzzing with matchday energy, international crowds, and soccer history in the making. But what about the days in between games?
That’s where Dallas really shines. Beyond the stadium and city limits, North Texas offers an incredible variety of day trips—whether you’re a family looking for kid-friendly adventures, couples looking for scenic escapes, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Texas culture. Here are six unforgettable options that showcase the best of the Lone Star State, all within a few hours of Dallas.
Fort Worth
Travel time: ~30 minutes west of Dallas
Best for: Families, groups, or first-time Texas visitors
If Dallas is sleek and modern, Fort Worth is where Texas heritage comes alive. Start at the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can watch the daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue, shop for cowboy boots, or stop in at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, for live music and line dancing. Families will love the Fort Worth Zoo, consistently ranked among the nation’s best, while art lovers should make time for the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. For dinner, grab a plate of barbecue at Heim Barbecue or sip craft beer at Martin House Brewing Company before heading back to Dallas for the night.
Waco
Travel time: ~1.5 hours south of Dallas
Best for: Couples, shoppers, and foodies
Thanks to HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco has become a style and design pilgrimage. Their Magnolia Market at the Silos is a must-visit, with boutique shopping, food trucks, and a sprawling lawn perfect for lounging. History buffs can stop at the Dr Pepper Museum, while families might prefer the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where real fossilized mammoths were uncovered. If you’re hungry, try Helberg Barbecue or grab kolaches (Czech pastries beloved in Texas) at Czech Stop on the drive back.
Grapevine
Travel time: ~25 minutes from Dallas (right near DFW Airport)
Best for: Families, groups, or laid-back travelers
Often overlooked, Grapevine is one of North Texas’s hidden gems. Its historic Main Street is lined with local shops, wine tasting rooms, and galleries. Families can spend the day at Great Wolf Lodge, complete with indoor waterpark, while couples might enjoy a lakefront walk around Grapevine Lake. Don’t miss the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which takes passengers on scenic rides through the countryside. For dining, try Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano for Tex-Mex and margaritas or sip wine flights at Messina Hof Grapevine Winery.
Lake Texoma
Travel time: ~1.5 hours north of Dallas
Best for: Families, couples, or anyone who loves the outdoors
Straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S., offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Visitors can rent boats, go fishing, or hike scenic trails. Families might prefer a day swimming at Eisenhower State Park, while couples can book a lakeside cabin or enjoy a sunset picnic on the shore. For a local bite, Pelican’s Landing Waterfront Restaurant serves fresh catfish and classic Southern fare with a view of the lake.
Denton
Travel time: ~45 minutes northwest of Dallas
Best for: Young travelers, music lovers, and artsy explorers
Home to the University of North Texas, Denton is known for its indie music scene and creative energy. The heart of it all is the Denton Square, with colorful murals, vintage shops, and coffee houses. Catch live music at Dan’s Silverleaf or browse quirky finds at Recycled Books & Records. For food, locals swear by LSA Burger Co. (a rooftop bar with Texas-themed burgers) and Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, a square staple.
Glen Rose
Travel time: ~1.5 hours southwest of Dallas
Best for: Families with kids, history buffs, and nature lovers
Step back in time in Glen Rose, nicknamed the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas.” At Dinosaur Valley State Park, visitors can literally walk in preserved dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River. Families can also visit the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a drive-through safari with giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Afterward, wander Glen Rose’s quaint downtown square for antique shopping and dinner at Riverhouse Grill, a local favorite.
Why These Day Trips Work
Dallas might be the tournament’s biggest stage, but exploring beyond the city adds depth to the experience. Each destination offers a different flavor of Texas—cowboy history in Fort Worth, design-forward Waco, lakeside escapes at Texoma, or dinosaur tracks in Glen Rose. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, these day trips give you a way to balance the high energy of matchdays with cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure.
So while Dallas makes history hosting the most matches of 2026, fans who venture beyond the stadium will discover the real Texas spirit—diverse, bold, and unforgettable.
