7 Activities
Road Trip From Dallas to San Antonio: Explore Texas History
Starts from
Dallas
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
13 hours
Length
256 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Dallas
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
13 hours
Length
256 mi
Courtney E. Smith
Travel Expert
- Do make a lunch reservation, all things Magnolia in Waco tend to be crowded.
- Take time to walk around the historic downtowns of Waxahachie and Gruene.
- Make time to look around the Pearl brewery after your dinner.
See some of the real Texas, modern and prehistoric, on this one-way route. It will take you through two beloved historic districts in small Texas towns to see their courthouses, back in time to when the wooly mammoth roamed the state, and back to the '50s when Howdy Doody roamed the airwaves.
And if you like American memorabilia, there is a roadside museum you have to see. You'll eat lunch in the revitalized area of Waco, Texas, at the restaurant owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, and dinner in a restaurant at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas.
And if you like American memorabilia, there is a roadside museum you have to see. You'll eat lunch in the revitalized area of Waco, Texas, at the restaurant owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, and dinner in a restaurant at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas.
See some of the real Texas, modern and prehistoric, on this one-way route. It will take you through two beloved historic districts in small Texas towns to see their courthouses, back in time to when the wooly mammoth roamed the state, and back to the '50s when Howdy Doody roamed the airwaves.
And if you like American memorabilia, there is a roadside museum you have to see. You'll eat lunch in the revitalized area of Waco, Texas, at the restaurant owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, and dinner in a restaurant at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas.
And if you like American memorabilia, there is a roadside museum you have to see. You'll eat lunch in the revitalized area of Waco, Texas, at the restaurant owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, and dinner in a restaurant at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas.
Courtney E. Smith
Travel Expert
- Do make a lunch reservation, all things Magnolia in Waco tend to be crowded.
- Take time to walk around the historic downtowns of Waxahachie and Gruene.
- Make time to look around the Pearl brewery after your dinner.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
256 mi
A Historical Drive Through Texas
The stretch of I-35 that goes through Texas takes you through stretches of the central and western parts of the state. It's a great opportunity to explore the state's history, from dinosaurs to former presidents.
09:3045 min
Ellis County Historic Court House
Capitol Building
Open Details
Waxahatichie's late 19th-century courthouse is defined by its turrets, spires, and multi-colored masonry, all done in the Romanesque Revival style. It almost looks like a Disney castle. If you want to ramble around the courthouse square a bit, there are dozens of antique shops to look in on also.
33.3 mi
40 min
11:0045 min
Roadside America Museum
Museum
Open Details
The ’40s and ’50s are still alive at the Roadside America Museum. This privately-owned collection of nostalgia and memorabilia contains classic cars, ephemera from classic American brands from Coca-Cola to McDonald's, and technology from a bygone era. Slip back in time with their collection.
34.1 mi
40 min
12:3045 min
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Landmark
Open Details
At this stop, you can really go back in time—way back. The site marks the 1978 discovery of an ancient Columbian mammoth from the Ice Age. See the dig site and get a picture of what creatures roamed Texas long, long ago.
8.4 mi
20 min
13:401 hr 30 min
Magnolia Table
Restaurant
Open Details
When in Waco, Texas, dine like the Fixer Upper-family does—at their own restaurant. This was the first restaurant opened by Chip and Joanna Gaines in their hometown and it focuses on all-day breakfast. Reservations are recommended but not required.
48.2 mi
50 min
16:0030 min
Salado Sculpture Garden
Sculpture Garden
Open Details
Stretch your legs in a small town garden filled with art. A pic with the broken heart sculpture is a must. The Texas Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists helped design this park, so its thoughtfully designed.
96.9 mi
1 hr 40 min
18:1545 min
Gruene Historic District
Historic Site
Open Details
One of the best places to stop in Texas Hill Country is Gruene. The town's historic district is home to the legendary music venue Gruene Hall, the Romanesque Gruene Mansion, and a slew of cute shops. Gruene was settled in the 1840s and revitalized in the 1970s by a University of Texas architecture student. The entire town was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it's a lovely spot to look back on what Texas in the mid-19th century was like.
35.3 mi
50 min
20:002 hrs
Southerleigh
Restaurant
Open Details
Breweries are some of the most popular destinations to eat at in San Antonio, Texas, and having barbecue while you're in town is a must. This restaurant is located in the Pearl, a former brewery that has been transformed into a cool and distinctive food hall, farmer's market, and amphitheater. Have a walk around after dinner.