Road Trips from Arlington, TX
Planning a quick escape from Arlington? You've got options ranging from short, scenic drives with park access to longer hauls that make a weekend of it. There are several destinations about 4 hours away that offer park access, perfect for a day trip. If you're looking to go further, there are a few multi-day options that stretch 7-9 hours, taking you to the southern tip of Texas, all featuring mostly flat terrain and park proximity. Your choice depends on how much time you have and what kind of scenery you prefer.
Total Routes
32
Shortest
3.7h
With Parks Nearby
29
Full-day getaway
Mustang Ridge, TX
3h 48m217.5 mi one way
This is a straightforward, mostly highway drive, just under 4 hours. It's one of the closer options and includes access to Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an easy drive if you're looking for a simple day trip.
The Hills, TX
3h 52m205.2 mi one way
Similar to Mustang Ridge, this route is around 3.9 hours and predominantly highway driving. It also offers park access at Waco Mammoth National Monument. The flat terrain makes this a predictable and easy drive for a day out.
Garfield, TX
3h 41m208.9 mi one way
At 3.7 hours, this is one of the quickest routes from Arlington. It’s a mostly highway drive with a drive score of 9. You'll have access to Waco Mammoth National Monument, and the mostly flat terrain ensures a smooth journey.
Weekend trip
22 total in this range
Batesville, TX
6h 29m359.6 mi one way
This longer drive, about 6.5 hours, offers a mixed highway and surface road experience with a perfect drive score. It's one of the few routes that provides access to both Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The terrain is mostly flat.
Blanco, TX
4h 33m246.7 mi one way
This mostly highway drive takes about 4.6 hours. It stands out by offering access to both Waco Mammoth National Monument and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. The terrain shifts slightly to gently rolling, offering a bit more variation than other nearby options.
Flatonia, TX
4h 41m241.2 mi one way
Covering 241.2 miles and taking 4.7 hours, this mostly highway route is similar in distance to Blanco, TX. It also provides access to Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain remains mostly flat, making it a comfortable drive.
La Vernia, TX
4h 54m281.9 mi one way
This route is a 4.9-hour drive, predominantly on highways. It offers park access to both Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, making it a good option if you want to visit multiple sites. The terrain is mostly flat.
Benavides, TX
7h 37m434.3 mi one way
This is a longer haul at 7.6 hours, mostly on highways. It’s a good option if you're looking to get further south and offers access to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat.
Long-haul ideas
7 total in this range
Falcon Lake Estates, TX
8h 43m483.5 mi one way
This 8.7-hour drive is recommended for an overnight stay. It features mixed highway and surface roads and offers access to Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The terrain is mostly flat.
West Sharyland, TX
9h 17m526.2 mi one way
At 9.3 hours, this is a long-haul destination requiring an overnight stay. It's a longer drive than most options, with access to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat.
La Blanca, TX
9h 5m519.3 mi one way
This is another long-haul option, clocking in at 9.1 hours and requiring an overnight stop. It offers park access to Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The terrain is mostly flat.
Rio Hondo, TX
9h 21m508.5 mi one way
This longest drive at 9.4 hours necessitates an overnight stay. It's a long-haul route with park access to Waco Mammoth National Monument, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, and Padre Island National Seashore. The terrain is mostly flat.
La Paloma, TX
9h 32m517.1 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Batesville, TX
6h 29m359.6 mi one way
Mustang Ridge, TX
3h 48m217.5 mi one way
Blanco, TX
4h 33m246.7 mi one way
Flatonia, TX
4h 41m241.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the parks accessible from Arlington, like Waco Mammoth National Monument. The mostly flat terrain makes for easy drives.
Summer
Summer drives are manageable with mostly flat terrain, but park visits might require planning around heat, especially for longer routes.
Fall
Fall is ideal for driving, with comfortable weather for visiting parks such as San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and enjoying the mostly flat terrain.
Winter
Winter drives are generally smooth on the mostly flat terrain, and park visits remain feasible, especially for the closer destinations.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Arlington, TX city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.