Texas Road Trip: From Dallas to Houston – History, Culture & Big-Time Sports
Ready to hit the road? Buckle up for a scenic drive deep into the heart of Texas. Starting in Dallas and ending in Houston, this journey covers approximately 235 miles. While the quickest route is down I-45 South (around 3.5 hours), consider a more leisurely option via I-35 and Highway 6 for a scenic detour—adding about 45 extra minutes to your drive but plenty of nature, small towns, and photo ops.
First Stop: Dallas
From world-changing history to a booming arts scene and epic sports culture, Dallas has something for everyone.
Globe Life Field – Texas Rangers Baseball
Right next to AT&T Stadium is Globe Life Field, home of MLB’s Texas Rangers. Snap a pic with the Nolan Ryan statue and enjoy the interactive Texas Live! district, filled with bars, restaurants, and shopping. Don’t miss the hand-laid mosaic fountain or catching a game under the retractable roof.
Dealey Plaza & The Sixth Floor Museum
Step into history at Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum inside the former Texas School Book Depository to explore exhibits on JFK’s life, presidency, and legacy. Today, this area is also a peaceful urban park visited by thousands each year.
Deep Ellum
Just east of downtown, Deep Ellum is a vibrant neighborhood known for its live music roots—stretching back to jazz and blues legends of the early 20th century. Expect edgy murals, indie boutiques, craft breweries, and a booming foodie scene.
Dallas Arts District
Take a day to immerse yourself in the largest contiguous urban arts district in the U.S.—spanning 20 blocks of museums, theaters, and culinary gems. Must-visits include the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Winspear Opera House, and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
AT&T Stadium – Home of the Dallas Cowboys
Head over to Arlington to see the colossal AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Take the VIP tour to walk the field, explore locker rooms, and check out the stadium’s impressive art collection. Whether you’re a football fanatic or not, it’s worth the stop.
Scenic Route Pit Stops
If you’re taking the more scenic drive from Dallas to Houston, add these to your itinerary:
- Navarro Mills Lake – quiet and peaceful for a picnic or quick hike
- Huntsville State Park – hiking, swimming, or spotting wildlife
- Davy Crockett & Sam Houston National Forests – lush, forested views
- The Woodlands – upscale shopping and dining tucked in piney woods
- Todd Mission – quirky and known for the annual Texas Renaissance Festival
Destination: Houston
Houston, aka H-Town, is the fourth-largest city in the U.S. and packed with culture, history, shopping, space exploration, and world-class sports.
Minute Maid Park – Home of the Houston Astros
Catch a game or tour Minute Maid Park, home of the 2022 World Series champs, the Houston Astros. The stadium boasts a retractable roof and seats over 40,000 fans. Be sure to check out:
- The vintage-style train in left field
- The Crawford Boxes—a fan-favorite seating section
- The hand-operated out-of-town scoreboard
Even with the roof closed, giant glass panels offer skyline views and A/C relief in the summer heat.
Hermann Park
A 445-acre urban oasis, Hermann Park is perfect for families, nature lovers, and casual strollers alike. Explore the Japanese Garden, hop aboard the miniature train, or paddle boat around the lake. Bonus: it’s also home to the Houston Zoo and multiple museums!
Space Center Houston & Johnson Space Center
No visit to Houston is complete without experiencing NASA. Just 25 miles from downtown, Johnson Space Center is the real-life Mission Control, while the adjacent Space Center Houston is the visitor hub filled with exhibits, space shuttles, and hands-on experiences. It’s one of the top attractions in Texas for a reason.
Discovery Green
Right in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is an 11.78-acre urban park filled with art, events, food trucks, and even a lake for kayaking. Rent a decorated Art Cart, play bocce ball, or attend a live show under the stars. Great for kids, couples, or a midday break.
The Heart of Texas
Whether you’re a history buff, music lover, sports fanatic, or just in it for the scenic drive, the Dallas to Houston road trip has a little bit of everything. Be sure to plan your stops, enjoy the small towns in between, and—most importantly—enjoy the ride.
Another great road trip in the books. Happy travels!
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!