Sometimes, the best way to unwind isn’t by arriving at a destination — it’s by enjoying the road itself. While Dallas is known for its energy and urban sprawl, a short drive in any direction reveals peaceful highways, charming small towns, and stretches of Texas countryside that beg to be explored slowly.
Whether you’re looking for winding rural backroads, lakeside views, or flower-lined fields, these scenic drives near Dallas are perfect for a relaxing road trip. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, families, or anyone needing a break from the city grind, these routes offer open skies, beautiful scenery, and moments that invite you to just breathe and enjoy the ride.
Why Take a Scenic Drive from Dallas?
In a world that’s always rushing, scenic drives offer something rare — the chance to slow down. Just an hour or two from Dallas, you’ll find roads that wind through historic towns, wildflower fields, wooded hills, and open farmland. There’s no itinerary required — just a tank of gas, a good playlist, and the freedom to explore.
Scenic drives are one of the easiest, most affordable ways to reset. They’re perfect for a quiet afternoon getaway, a romantic weekend drive, or even a creative recharge for photographers and writers. No flights or planning headaches — just you, the road, and Texas at its most peaceful.
1. FM 4: Grandview to Glen Rose
This stretch of Farm-to-Market Road 4 is one of the most underrated scenic drives in North Texas. Starting near Grandview and continuing south to Glen Rose, this two-lane road offers gently curving hills, wide-open fields, and glimpses of longhorns grazing beneath big Texas skies. As you approach Glen Rose, the landscape gets rockier and more dramatic, setting the scene for a peaceful afternoon of driving.
Distance: ~50 miles (about 1–1.5 hours one way)
Best For: Rolling hills, rural Texas views, relaxed driving
Highlights: Stop in Glen Rose for coffee, explore Dinosaur Valley State Park, or picnic by the Paluxy River
Tip: Drive during golden hour for amazing light on the surrounding pastures and wildflowers in spring.
2. Highway 16: Comanche to Llano
Highway 16 from Comanche to Llano is often called one of the most scenic stretches in all of Texas. Though a bit farther from Dallas (about 2.5 hours to the starting point), it’s well worth the trip for a full-day or weekend road adventure. The route winds through rocky hills, granite outcrops, clear rivers, and charming Hill Country towns. Each bend in the road brings a new view — especially in fall when leaves turn golden-red.
Distance: ~90 miles (about 2 hours one way)
Best For: Hill Country beauty, peaceful elevation changes, long scenic drives
Highlights: Llano’s courthouse square, Colorado River views, BBQ stops, and antique shopping
Tip: Start early and time your arrival in Llano for a late lunch — Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is legendary.
3. Talimena Scenic Drive (Start in Mena, AR – Weekend Worthy)
Though not in Texas, the Talimena Scenic Drive is a must-do for Dallas road trippers. Starting in Mena, Arkansas — about 3.5 hours northeast of Dallas — this National Scenic Byway stretches 54 miles through the Ouachita Mountains and into Oklahoma. The winding route offers jaw-dropping overlooks, forested ridges, and panoramic views perfect for a weekend escape. In fall, it’s arguably the most colorful drive within reach of North Texas.
Distance: ~54 miles (scenic portion), ~3.5 hours from Dallas to starting point
Best For: Mountain views, fall foliage, motorcycle or convertible rides
Highlights: Queen Wilhelmina State Park, panoramic vistas, hiking trails
Tip: Go in late October or early November for peak leaf color, and stay overnight in Mena or nearby cabins for the full experience.
4. FM 455: Pilot Point to Montague
FM 455 is a lesser-known gem that rolls through North Texas ranchland, small towns, and wide-open vistas. Starting near Lake Ray Roberts in Pilot Point and heading west toward Montague, this drive offers peaceful farmland views, wildflower patches in spring, and old barns that seem frozen in time. It’s ideal for a slow Sunday drive with windows down and no rush to be anywhere.
Distance: ~65 miles (about 1.5 hours one way)
Best For: Quiet country roads, wildflower spotting, and photography
Highlights: Stop at Lake Ray Roberts for a lakeside break, visit ancient courthouse squares in towns like Saint Jo or Montague
Tip: In spring, this road becomes a corridor of bluebonnets — bring your camera and picnic gear.
5. I-35 to Salado via Old Stagecoach Road
Skip the highway rush and take a detour from I-35 to Salado via the Old Stagecoach Road — a scenic and historic route that once connected stagecoaches between Austin and Waco. This gentle drive winds through rolling pastures, limestone fences, and canopy-lined stretches, ending in the artsy, walkable village of Salado. It’s a great mix of history, nature, and small-town charm, just about 2 hours south of Dallas.
Distance: ~20 miles off I-35, 2-hour total drive from Dallas
Best For: History buffs, antique lovers, and weekend wanderers
Highlights: Stop at Salado’s Main Street for artisan shops, coffee, wine tasting, and creekside dining
Tip: Visit on a Saturday and explore the local art galleries or attend one of the seasonal street festivals.
6. Loop through Possum Kingdom Lake via Hwy 16 & Hwy 337
Possum Kingdom Lake isn’t just for boating — it’s also surrounded by some of the most scenic backroads in North Texas. This loop, combining Highway 16 and Highway 337, takes you through rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and shimmering glimpses of the lake. It’s a peaceful, curvy drive with plenty of places to pull over for photos, picnics, or just admiring the view.
Distance: ~80 miles loop (about 2 hours driving time)
Best For: Lake lovers, scenic overlooks, and peaceful two-lane highways
Highlights: Scenic viewpoints, the famous cliffs at Hell’s Gate, hiking trails, and swimming spots
Tip: Plan this drive close to sunset — golden light reflecting off the lake and hills is truly breathtaking.
7. East Texas Pineywoods Drive (Tyler to Nacogdoches via Hwy 21)
For a tranquil drive through towering pine forests and Southern charm, the route from Tyler to Nacogdoches via Highway 21 is a perfect escape. This scenic drive winds through the heart of East Texas, offering a refreshing contrast to the dry landscapes of North and Central Texas. Expect moss-draped oaks, historic towns, quiet country churches, and peaceful state forests along the way.
Distance: ~90 miles (about 2 hours one way)
Best For: Forest scenery, fall color drives, slow-paced exploration
Highlights: Stop in Alto to explore Caddo Mounds State Historic Site; Nacogdoches offers antique shops, museums, and B&Bs
Tip: Ideal for a fall or early spring trip when the trees are either bursting with color or lush with new green growth.
8. Ennis Bluebonnet Trail (Seasonal, Spring)
Every April, the small town of Ennis transforms into a sea of color thanks to the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail, one of the most beloved spring drives in Texas. This self-guided route features over 40 miles of mapped backroads winding through rolling hills, blooming wildflowers, and picturesque farm fields. It’s especially popular among photographers and families looking for those classic Texas bluebonnet portraits.
Distance: ~40 miles (loop trail from Ennis and back)
Best For: Springtime wildflower drives, photoshoots, and family outings
Highlights: Bluebonnet Park, Sugar Ridge Loop, and old barns framed by flower fields
Tip: Visit mid-April for peak blooms and check the official Ennis Bluebonnet Trail website for updated route maps and bloom conditions.
9. Cedar Hill to Waxahachie via FM 1387
For a peaceful, rolling drive close to Dallas, the route from Cedar Hill to Waxahachie via FM 1387 delivers open pastures, wildflowers in spring, and quiet rural charm. The road meanders through Ellis County farmland, with wide horizons and barely a stoplight in sight. It’s perfect for a spontaneous evening drive or a Sunday morning cruise that ends with lunch and antique shopping in historic downtown Waxahachie.
Distance: ~25 miles (about 40–45 minutes one way)
Best For: Easy day drives, last-minute escapes, and scenic simplicity
Highlights: Visit Scarborough Renaissance Festival in spring or tour Victorian homes in Waxahachie
Tip: Make a loop by heading back via FM 664 for slightly different views and a few more photo stops.
Tips for a Great Scenic Road Trip
Scenic drives are meant to be relaxing, but a little preparation ensures they stay that way. Whether you’re heading out for an hour or an entire weekend, keep these tips in mind:
Drive during golden hour: Morning and late afternoon light enhances the beauty of Texas roads, casting warm glows on hills, lakes, and landscapes.
Bring snacks and water: Many rural routes have few stops, so a cooler and some trail mix can go a long way.
Fuel up early: Fill your tank before leaving major highways — scenic byways may not have frequent gas stations.
Download offline maps: Cell service can drop in remote areas, so save your route in Google Maps beforehand.
Pack a camera or phone with space: Scenic overlooks, wildflowers, and historic towns are all worth capturing along the way.
Final Thoughts: Take the Slow Road
In a world where everything moves fast, a scenic drive offers something rare — permission to slow down. Whether you’re watching bluebonnets dance in the breeze, winding through piney woods, or chasing golden light along a lakeshore, these scenic drives near Dallas offer more than just a route — they offer a reset.
You don’t need a big plan or a far-off destination to feel refreshed. Sometimes, all it takes is an open road, a quiet view, and the freedom to simply enjoy the ride. So turn off the GPS, roll down the windows, and let the Texas backroads lead the way.
