Jefferson
Jefferson is a city located in the Piney Woods region of Texas, and it is home to many historic homes, landmarks, and museums. Several of the area’s historic homes are available for touring, and some of them operate as bed and breakfasts. Jefferson is located in the center of the Big Cypress Bayou, one of the four bayous attached to Caddo Lake.
Visitors can take a tour of the Big Cypress Bayou by river boat. The city is a shopper’s paradise with boutique shopping as well as antique shops to browse. If you want to learn a bit more about the history of Jefferson and the Piney Woods region, check out one of the town’s museums.
Glen Rose
About an hour and a half outside the city, you’ll find one of the best parks around – Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Giraffes, emus, zebra, bison, and even gazelles roam these gated parts of Texas. The 1,700 acres of land is a leisurely drive for the whole family as up to 50 different species come to say ‘hello’ and eat some treats out of your hand. Stop halfway through the park to check out the petting zoo and amazing views of the park.
Cedar Hill
Just 20 minutes from Irving is a huge state park! It spans almost 1,900 acres and has tons of camping space and amenities. There’s also spots to bike, swim, and fish. This is an awesome getaway!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Head up north near Denton for this beautiful property in Pilot Point, TX. The sunset can’t be beat as you take advantage of the full-service marina for boat rentals. It’s all worth the drive for some amazing opportunities to camp, hike, bike, ride horses, or go backpacking. Who says you have to travel hundreds of miles for some good, old-fashioned summer fun?
Know of any other day trips? Comment your favorite spots below!