Dallas/Fort Worth to Austin & San Antonio: BBQ, Music & Missions
Trip Snapshot
- Distance & drive time: ~280 miles total (about 3 hours from DFW to Austin, plus ~1.5 hours Austin to San Antonio). Plan for 3–4 days to fully enjoy.
- Best time: October–April for milder temperatures. March–April brings bluebonnet blooms along the highways; December features holiday lights and festivals.
- Ideal for: Families, BBQ fans, live music lovers, history buffs, weekend explorers.
- Quick route summary: Take I-35E south from DFW through Waco to Austin, then continue on I-35 to San Antonio. (You can return via I-35 or loop back on scenic US-281 through Hill Country.)
- Top 3 highlights: Magnolia Market & Dr Pepper Museum • Barton Springs & Austin live music • The Alamo & San Antonio’s River Walk.
Route Overview
Roll out of Dallas–Fort Worth and settle into the rhythm of I-35. It’s a straight shot through the heart of Texas. Break up the drive with a stop in Waco before hitting Austin, where food trucks, live music, and cool swimming holes await. South of Austin, the landscape opens up into rolling Hill Country as you approach San Antonio. There you’ll find Spanish colonial missions and the lively River Walk, perfect for evening strolls. Keep some change for tolls in Austin (the area has electronic toll roads—TxTag or similar passes are used), and watch your speed especially near work zones and city centers.
Top Stops & Experiences
- Magnolia Market at the Silos (Waco) — Family-friendly. Browse the famous Silos complex created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, complete with lawn games and a tasty bakery. There’s plenty of shade and photo ops. Parking is available in paid lots nearby; weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
- Dr Pepper Museum (Waco) — Family-friendly. Dive into nostalgia at this museum located in a historic bottling plant. Enjoy classic soda floats and learn the story of Dr Pepper’s invention. It’s air-conditioned—a nice bonus on hot days. Find street or lot parking around 5th Street and Mary Avenue.
- Texas State Capitol (Austin) — Family-friendly. Take a free self-guided or docent-led tour of this magnificent pink-granite dome and historic halls. Kids can run around the grounds. The best parking option is the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage on San Jacinto, which is inexpensive and a short walk from the Capitol.
- Barton Springs Pool (Austin) — Family-friendly. A spring-fed swimming pool maintaining ~68–70°F year-round. It’s a refreshing dip on a warm day (bring water shoes for the natural limestone bottom). The pool is in Zilker Park; there’s a paid parking lot, but it can fill up on weekends.
- Sixth Street & Live Music Scene (Austin) — Adults-oriented in evenings (PG-13). Austin’s famed Sixth Street offers a stretch of bars and live music venues. Go in the early evening for a more relaxed vibe and perhaps catch some blues or country tunes. Later at night it gets rowdier and more adult-focused. If you drive, use a public garage around 5th–7th streets or consider a rideshare to avoid parking hassles.
- San Antonio River Walk — Family-friendly. A beautiful network of riverside pathways in downtown San Antonio lined with shops and cafes. Take a leisurely walk or hop on a guided river barge tour. In the evening, the twinkling lights and lively restaurants create a magical atmosphere. There are numerous parking garages within a few blocks of the River Walk.
- The Alamo (San Antonio) — Family-friendly. Visit the historic 18th-century mission where the famous battle took place. Timed entry is recommended to manage crowds. The adjacent plaza and Long Barrack museum offer additional context. Plan for about 60–90 minutes to explore the site and exhibits.
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) — Family-friendly. A large theme park set in a former limestone quarry, featuring roller coasters, water rides, and shows. Download the park’s mobile app to check ride wait times. There’s paid parking on-site and picnic areas if you want to bring your own snacks for the kids.
- SeaWorld San Antonio — Family-friendly. Marine park with dolphin, sea lion, and orca shows, plus aquariums and a water park area. Expect splash zones at certain shows, so pack towels or ponchos. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
- Buc‑ee’s (Temple) — Family-friendly. Not your average gas station! Buc-ee’s is a Texas-sized travel center known for spotless restrooms, endless snack options, and delicious barbecue brisket sandwiches. Kids (and adults) will be dazzled by the snack wall. There’s one conveniently located off I-35 in Temple, roughly halfway between DFW and Austin.
Where to Eat & Stay
Food (kid‑forward to PG‑13)
- Franklin Barbecue (Austin) — Legendary BBQ spot. Arrive before they open late morning; there’s always a line and they sell out daily. While you wait (sometimes hours), it's a bit of a tailgate atmosphere. (PG-13 in the sense that patience is required, and some folks drink beer in line.)
- Torchy’s Tacos (various locations) — A local chain turned national favorite for inventive tacos. Super casual and quick, with options picky eaters (and kids) will enjoy. You’ll find them in both Austin and San Antonio, great for a fast lunch.
- Mi Tierra Café y Panadería (San Antonio) — A 24/7 institution in Market Square serving Tex-Mex classics. The festive decor with Christmas lights and roaming mariachis makes it fun for all ages. Don’t forget to grab some sweet bread from the bakery on your way out.
- Pearl District Eateries (San Antonio) — The Pearl is a revitalized historic brewery complex that now houses many chef-run restaurants and a fantastic food hall. It’s great for an adults’ evening out (cocktails on patios, etc.), but also fine during the day with kids due to its open plazas and occasional live music.
Lodging (budget → boutique)
- Waco: If you want to break up the drive, stay near the Silos for walkability to downtown Waco’s attractions.
- Austin: Downtown hotels around Congress Avenue or 2nd Street put you in the middle of the action (and near food trucks and music venues). Just note that prices spike on weekends and parking may cost extra.
- San Antonio: Stay by the River Walk for the best atmosphere (many options from big hotels to boutique historic inns). Rooms book up quickly around holidays and big events, so plan ahead if traveling during those times.
Detours & Extensions
- Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs) — add 2–3 hours. A picturesque natural grotto and waterfall west of Austin. Reservations are required to limit crowds. It’s a nice hike and swim if you have a half-day free while in Austin or on the way to San Antonio.
- LBJ Ranch & Johnson City — add 2–4 hours. Detour west of Austin into Texas Hill Country to see the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. You can do a self-guided driving tour of President Johnson’s ranch (the Texas White House) and visit Johnson City for the boyhood home site and a taste of small-town Texas history.
Practical Tips
- Tolls & payment: Austin’s area has some toll roads and express lanes that are all electronic (no cash). If your car has a TxTag or compatible toll tag (such as Dallas’s NTTA TollTag), you can use those. Otherwise, the rental company may bill you via your license plate. Plan your route if you want to avoid tolls (I-35 through Austin is toll-free but often congested).
- Heat & hydration: Summer in Texas is very hot (often 95°F or higher). Always carry extra water, sunscreen, and perhaps electrolyte drinks. Sightseeing is best done in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
- Traffic: Austin's stretch of I-35 is notorious for rush-hour jams, especially 7-9am and 4-6pm. If possible, time your drives through downtown Austin during midday or later in the evening. San Antonio traffic is lighter but can still back up near downtown at rush hour.
- One-way rentals: If you’re thinking of driving one-way (say Dallas to San Antonio and flying out), intra-Texas drop fees are sometimes reasonable. It’s worth comparing rental quotes if a one-way fits your plans.
Rentals & Logistics
- Families: Consider renting a minivan for this trip. The sliding doors and extra space are great for car seats, strollers, and all the souvenirs (or BBQ sauce bottles) you might collect.
- Couples or small groups: A midsize SUV provides highway comfort plus a bit of extra room if you plan to bring back treasures from antique shops or cases of that favorite Texas wine.
- Extras: Most rental agencies offer child seats if you need them (reserve in advance). Also ask about an electronic toll pass to make toll roads hassle-free.
Reserve the perfect vehicle in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, fall through spring (October to April) is best. You'll avoid the extreme Texas heat and enjoy events like spring wildflowers and holiday festivities. Summer is doable but be prepared for very high temperatures and plan midday breaks in air conditioning.
Between Dallas and San Antonio, the main highways are toll-free. However, both the DFW area and Austin have optional toll roads and express lanes that could save time. These all use electronic billing. If your rental car has a toll tag, you’re all set; if not, you’ll be billed by plate. You can also stick to the non-toll routes if you prefer.
Absolutely. There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like the Dr Pepper Museum, Barton Springs Pool, and the San Antonio Zoo (near the Broadway area). Restaurants and hotels in Texas are very accustomed to families. Just plan for rest stops (Buc-ee’s is a godsend for clean bathrooms and snacks) and maybe schedule some play breaks at parks.
Try to go through Austin in off-peak hours (mid-morning, early afternoon, or later in the evening). If you’re stuck traveling at rush hour, consider taking SH-130 toll road east of Austin as a bypass; it’s a longer loop but can be faster than stop-and-go traffic downtown. Also, staying overnight in Austin and exploring the city on foot or via public transport for a day can break up the driving.
It’s a lot to pack into 2 days, so 3-4 days is more comfortable. If a weekend is all you have, consider focusing on one destination (either Austin or San Antonio) and the attractions on the way, rather than trying to see both major cities thoroughly. For example, drive to Austin Friday night, explore Austin Saturday, then San Antonio on Sunday and drive back.