Need a vacation without the hassles of traveling? If you’re a DFW resident, you’re in luck. We’ve come up with 10 staycation ideas that you can do right here in the metroplex.
1. Stay at one of DFW’s amazing hotels
The Hilton Anatole offers an on-site spa, health club, and a fantastic outdoor swimming complex complete with a water playground, slides, and a lazy river. The hotel also boasts one of the largest Asian art collections in the world along with a 7-acre sculpture park, offering something for everyone in the family.
Website: The Hilton Anatole
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations in a convenient downtown location, Hotel Crescent Court is another great option. Located in Uptown and close to American Airlines Center, the hotel features a year-round pool and spa center, terrace, and modern styling and amenities. You also have access to concierge services that can arrange tours, event tickets, and other activities. If you’re a couple looking for a luxurious staycation, this is a great option!
Some other great hotls for your next staycation: 12 Great Hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth for a Staycation
2. Spend a few days as a tourist in downtown Dallas
Dallas is a city rich with history and culture, and a great place to spend a staycation of a few days (or more) exploring. Whether your interests include art, food, history, or nature, there is really something for everyone.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a standout recommendation, offering dynamic experiences for those of any age, with 5 floors and 11 exhibit halls. Other popular attractions include Reunion Tower, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, the Museum of Illusions, the famous Eye sculpture at The Joule, Pioneer Plaza, Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Aquarium, and so much more.
If you’re looking for an area to simply walk and explore for the day, Victory Park offers excellent dining and nightlife options along with American Airlines Center, and the Arts District offers a cultural hub full of interest.
3. Let your inner cowboy out in Fort Worth
Once a trading post for cowboys, Fort Worth has blossomed into a modern city full of old world charm. The Stockyards are a must visit. You’ll be transported back into an old western setting that features a twice-daily cattle drive, wooden corrals, horse-and-cart rides, and the world’s largest honky-tonk. You can also grab some authentic Texas cuisine while you’re there!
If you love the outdoors, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge offers 3,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairies teeming with wildlife. You can hike, go for a canoe ride, and even spot bison while you’re there.
Moving into the city, the Kimbell Art Museum offers a wide range of art from the likes of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso, all situated within an open floor plan filled with natural light. The Fort Worth Water Gardens features 4.3 acres of pools, waterfalls, and fountains, and is magnificently lit at night. Whichever attractions you choose, Fort Worth delivers a true Texas experience.
Website: Fort Worth Stock Yards
4. Enjoy some time out on the water
Courtesy of whiterocklake.org
Looking for a change of scenery that’s close to home? The DFW area features some stunning lakes located throughout the metroplex. You can spend your days hiking around the lake, out on the water, or simply relaxing and enjoying the view. Some of favorites include White Rock Lake, Lake Lewisville, and Lavon Lake, to name just a few.
Not sure where to stay? Check out these cool rentals!
Favorite #1: Super cute 1930’s home blocks from White Rock Lake
Favorite #2: Stay right on the shores of Lake Lewisville
Favorite #3: Rest and relax in this secluded Lavon Lake cabin
5. Rent a condo in Uptown
Courtesy of visitdallas.com
If living the life is more of your vacation style, for the price of a hotel stay you can rent a condo on AirBnB and get the full Uptown experience. If you currently live in the suburbs or country and want a change of pace, this is the spot for you. This popular neighborhood features some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in the city — most of which is within convenient walking distance.
Check it out: This Instagrammable condo will have you feeling like an Uptown
6. Visit Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine
Need a staycation that allows you to let your inner child out, or simply keep the kids entertained? A weekend stay at an indoor waterpark may be just what the doctor ordered. Well known for it’s locations across the country, Great Wolf Lodge features an indoor water park that you have to see to believe, along with events and multiple dining options. They even have an on-site candy store!
Website: Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine
7. Go glamping outside of Fort Worth
Ever dreamed of staying in a treehouse? We’ve got you covered. This one-of-a-kind hobbit treehouse in Weatherford is perfect for glamping, and even has its own waterfall! The stunning two-bedroom treehouse has a full kitchen and full bathroom. It sits on a magnificent deck on the edge of a waterfall 15 feet off the ground giving guests some amazing views of the forest and idyllic surroundings. Guests will have access to a hot tub, a fire pit, rocking chairs, and a grill. While enjoying their stay guests can also hike or drive to the river for tubing and kayaking!
Website: Hobbit Treehouse with Waterfall on the Brazos River
8. Plan a sports weekend in Arlington
Courtesy of dallasnews.com
The metroplex is no slouch when it comes to sports, and features some of the best venues out there. AT&T Stadium’s array of shops, restaurants, art, and more warrants a tour even if you’re not attending a game. Newly-opened Globe Life Field features a 5.5 acre retractable roof that features clear roof panels allowing natural light into the ballpark when it is closed. Want the best seat in the house? One of the most unique premium seating areas is the Dugout Club, sunken seating areas directly along each dugout to the foul poles, providing fans with an extremely closeup view of the action on the field. Make your trip during the early fall and you can catch both football and baseball games!
When not taking in one of these awe-inspiring venues, grab a drink and a bite to eat at Texas Live!, located right in between the parks, which features live music, events, and a variety of dining options.
Website: Check out Globe Life Field
Website: Get Ranger Tickets
9. Make a local Barbecue bucket list
Courtesy of dallasnews.com
It’s no secret that Texas is home to some of the best barbecue in the world (in our opinion, THE best). Here’s an idea: make your barbecue bucket list and see how many spots you can hit over the course of a few days. Odds are you’ll need a day or two to recover, but it will be oh so worth it.
Need some inspiration to get your list started? Here’s a great list to work off.
10. Go all-out and rent your dream home
If a home away from home appeals to you more than a hotel stay, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some amazing properties available for rent. Perhaps you have always wanted a pool, a private deck with a stunning view, or a spa-like primary bath. You get all of the comforts of home while experiencing a new environment or perhaps some features that your current home lacks.
Check out some of these AirBnb’s that we would personally love to stay at!
This beautifully updated home by Benbrook Lake: Turtle Manor
This Plano home that features a private oasis: Luxury Life In Plano
This spacious Highland Park ranch home: Fit The Whole Family
This ranch with stunning views: Rancho De Los Arbres
Have a staycation idea of your own? We’d love to hear about it!
