Top Summer Getaway Destinations to Visit in the Dallas Area and Oklahoma

Oklahoma City | Gerson Repreza

The region comprising Dallas and Oklahoma offers a perfect summer getaway with its vibrant cities, enchanting historic towns, and incredible natural attractions. Let’s look at some of the communities in the Dallas area and Oklahoma to consider for your next getaway.

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, the biggest city in Oklahoma, is a thriving metropolitan center with a unique culture. This city is a popular getaway spot, offering visitors many attractions and experiences to enjoy. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is just one of Oklahoma City’s many world-class museums, and the city’s delicious food scene is highlighted by famous barbecue dishes. 

During the summer, Oklahoma City accommodates a variety of recreational activities and hosts a huge range of events and festivals. The Chuck Wagon Festival is a well-known event that features country and western dancing, family-friendly activities, and Native American food samples. And floating along the Oklahoma River in a kayak or on a paddle board are fun summer activities in Oklahoma City. 

Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City | Gerson Repreza

McKinney, TX

McKinney is a charming destination roughly 30 miles north of Dallas. Home to around 200,000, it is a large city in its own right and a popular destination during the summer. McKinney boasts renowned local golf courses, historical sites, delicious restaurants, and unique attractions. 

Known for its lush public greenery and excellent parks, McKinney offers many perfect places to enjoy a summer day, such as Towne Lake Recreation Area, which is ideal for picnics, hiking, and biking and has a tranquil lake for fishing or kayaking. Historic Downtown McKinney draws many visitors to the city. This area, featuring many nostalgic buildings that date back over a century, is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, wineries, and restaurants.

McKinney | Doug Morris

Broken Arrow, OK

Broken Arrow is a large suburb of Tulsa home to more than 115,000 residents. It is a pleasant urban community with many attractions that draw a large influx of visitors. Broken Arrow’s downtown Rose District is the city’s historic art and entertainment center. It has more than 50 restaurants and shops to explore and houses many of Broken Arrow’s largest cultural institutions, including the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center and the Rose District Farmers Market.

Broken Arrow’s gorgeous natural attractions are best visited in the warmth of summer. Just a short drive from Broken Arrow, Lake Bixhoma is a large reservoir popular for fishing, picnics, and hiking. And the family-friendly Ray Harral Nature Center in Broken Arrow has scenic trails, hands-on displays, live animals, and more.

Broken Arrow | Tyler Fulk

Terrell, TX

Terrell is an underrated vacation destination approximately 30 miles east of Dallas. Terrell’s historic downtown has a timeless look with brick buildings and vintage lighting, and it houses many shops ranging from boutiques to antique stores. There are also several delicious eateries, including high-quality Texas barbecue spots.

Terrell has fascinating local museums, including the Terrell Heritage Museum and the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, which reflects on the town’s intriguing World War II history. Also in Terrell, Ben Gill Park is an oft-visited recreational destination, popular for its trails, sports facilities, rentable pavilion, and 2.5-acre lake.