As the weather here in Dallas begins to warm up, SMU students are counting down the days until spring break. While some students plan trips months in advance, others wait until the last minute. Never fear: We’ve got you covered with 3 easy and fun spring break trips within driving distance of Dallas.
1. Marfa, Texas
Looking to escape the big city? Take a trip out west to Marfa, Texas. Made famous by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset’s Prada Marfa art installation, this small town is located 520 miles—about a 7 and a half hour drive—from Dallas, and has tons to offer.
The area is packed full of art galleries and museums like The Chinati Foundation and Marfa Contemporary, as well as natural wonders like the Davis Mountains State Park. There are plenty of boutique hotels to stay in — our pick is El Cosmico, which offers renovated vintage trailers, safari tents, Sioux-style tepees, and yurts. With so much to offer, this out-of-the-box desert gem is a perfect last-minute spring break option.
2. Fredericksburg, Texas
Get the Napa Valley experience right here in Texas with a trip down to Fredericksburg, about a 4-hour drive from Dallas. This Hill Country town is the epicenter of Texas’ wine country, with 50 wineries and tasting rooms in the area. Wine production is a huge part of the town’s history, dating back to its original settlers who used the native mustang grape.
After an afternoon of wine tasting, wander around Fredericksburg’s historic downtown, which features several live music venues. If you’re looking for some adventure, take a 20-minute drive to nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for a hike. Settle down at night in one of the town’s many quaint and historic guesthouses available for rent. If you’re looking for a relaxing and eclectic spring break, Fredericksburg is the place for you.
3. San Antonio, Texas
If a visit to the country isn’t for you, take a trip down to San Antonio, one of Texas’ big-four cities. Home of the historic Alamo and the San Antonio Missions, this city is also famous for the Riverwalk, lined with amazing Mexican restaurants and lively nightlife. About a 4.5-hour drive from Dallas, this iconic Texas city is known for its Hispanic heritage and friendly population.
Take a trip underground into the Natural Bridge Caverns, or explore the newly-renovated Pearl Brewery in downtown. We recommend staying at Hotel Emma, a boutique hotel along the Riverwalk within walking distance of the San Antonio Museum of Art. At night, take a river cruise to see the murals and art installations along the famed Riverwalk. There’s a reason the Alamo City is consistently rated as one of the best places to visit in the U.S.
