Workweeks are notorious for spawning daydreams of getaways. Lazy Sundays slip away faster than expected, and by Monday morning, people are already planning elaborate trips to take them away from the unfortunate obligations of adulthood. The modern metropolis of Dallas boasts plenty of things to do to keep entertained, but even life in a big city can start to feel repetitive after a person's visited their favorite haunt for the twentieth time this year.

Sometimes all a person needs to recharge is a quick weekend trip to a place that offers something a little different from what they're used to at home. Dallas dwellers can exhale a sigh of relief because this list covers all the bases, with a few road trip destinations for nature enthusiasts, small-town lovers, and city seekers.

10 Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately seven hours and forty-five minutes

The long drive from Dallas to the Guadalupe Mountains is an ideal way to absorb the therapeutic effects of the open road. Once travelers arrive, they'll have plenty of room to stretch their legs. Numerous trails take hikers through canyons, to the tops of mountains, and across salt basin dunes. It's the perfect escape for campers eager to dust off their tents and unplug in an isolated place. There are also a few nearby Airbnb's should travelers prefer a hot shower after a long day of roughing it.

9 Fredericksburg, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately four hours and fifteen minutes

Fredericksburg offers the best opportunity for people looking for a bit of friendly human interaction in a small town. It's an especially great spot for couples who want a bit of romance, as Fredericksburg is known for its fine dining and wineries. There are several lodging options suitable for all sorts of travel budgets, all with high ratings from previous guests. Visitors can spend the entire day perusing the charming shops filled with the work of local artisans or get a dose of the area's German history at the Pioneer Museum.

Related: These Texas Hill Country Cabins Combine Majestic Views and Rustic Charm

8 Austin, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately three and a half hours

Austin is the place to go for people who enjoy a laid-back city experience. Outdoor activities abound at Zilker Park, a sprawling recreational area with trails for hiking and biking. In a city known for its love of music, guests can bet they'll hear musicians performing in the streets, live music pumping from the diverse eateries, and concerts spread over numerous venues. The progressive southern city also has an affinity for art, so even strolling down the sidewalks is an enjoyable experience. Colorful murals decorate the buildings, and several museums exhibit art in all its forms.

7 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

  • Drive time from Dallas: Approximately seven and a half hours

What better way to escape from it all than by literally going underground? Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 100 caves. The namesake cavern is the largest of them all, and tourists head to the park for an unforgettable subterranean experience. Stalactites cling like icicles to the cave ceiling and glimmer in the dimly lit Big Room.

Above ground, trails weave through the desert landscape, offering glimpses of hundreds of kinds of plants and several species of animals. Primitive camping is available with a backcountry permit, allowing restless city slickers the opportunity to witness the night sky lit up like it never is back home.

6 Branson, Missouri

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately seven and a half hours

Due to its starkly different atmosphere, it might seem like Branson is a million miles away from Dallas. The drive takes less than a traditional workday, and the small city offers attractions that appeal to all sorts of travelers. Branson lies in the heart of the picturesque Ozarks, meaning a jaunt into nature is only a short drive away. The historic downtown features an abundance of live entertainment suitable for diverse tastes and guests of all ages. Wherever a person chooses to go, they're sure to be met with Ozark Mountain hospitality, which might have them considering a more permanent arrangement.

5 Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately four and a half hours

Known for its unique art deco architecture, Tulsa is arguably the coolest place in Oklahoma. The city experienced a construction boom in the 20th century that allowed an array of eye-catching buildings to breathe fresh life into the city. The Blue Dome Entertainment District contains nine full blocks of eateries, shops, bars, and nightlife venues guaranteed to take a person's mind off Monday. Guests can spend half a day wandering the prestigious museums and the other half indulging in some hard-earned luxury retail therapy in Utica Square, Tulsa's upscale shopping district.

Related: Is There Anything To Do In Oklahoma? For Starters, These Attractions Are Worth Seeing

4 Colorado Bend State Park, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately three and a half hours

Located in Hill Country, Colorado Bend State Park offers a lush natural landscape perfect for some weekend meditation. 70-foot tall spring-fed Gorman Falls pours over a rock formation studded in flora so green guests will wonder if they're still in Texas. Guests can take a refreshing dip in one of the spring-fed swimming holes after hitting a trail or two for a recharging hike through the forest. To lean into the intimate experience with nature, visitors can choose from an abundance of Airbnb cabins at different price points, equipped with everything a person needs to stay comfortable.

3 Lockhart, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately three and a half hours

Sometimes all a person wants to do is eat, and there is no shortage of options to fill up the bellies of visitors to Lockhart, considered by many to be the barbecue capital of Texas. Some of the oldest BBQ restaurants still stand in the small town, serving up a variety of smoked meats, comfort sides, and delectable desserts. Weekenders can get moving at Lockhart State Park, lose track of time at the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches, or take a stroll through town to admire the 19th-century architecture.

2 New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately seven and a half hours

Though it'd be easy to get lost in New Orleans for an entire week, a couple of days is plenty of time to get a taste of all The Big Easy has to offer. Flower boxes decorate the windows of the historic French Quarter, and knowledgeable guides are ready to take guests on tours that highlight the best architecture in town. Guests can indulge in a cup of chicory roasted coffee and a beignet at famous Cafe Du Monde, take in the soothing sounds of jazz at the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club, and tuck away some Creole cuisine at Muriel's.

1 Caddo Lake State Park, Texas

  • Drive time from Dallas: approximately two and a half hours

Kayaking down the winding passageways of Caddo Lake is like a choose your own adventure novel. Draped in greige Spanish moss, Bald cypress trees rise from the swamp and demand admiration. Alligators loom in the murky water, and hundreds of species of birds fly from branch to branch, singing in the fresh Texas air. There are over 40 campsites for those who'd like to pitch a tent and several screened-in shelters and historic cabins for guests who prefer to listen to the swamp sounds from the safety of a walled enclosure.

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