Texas Triangle Family Road Trip: Dallas, Austin, San Antonio

Pack the car, cue the playlist, and get ready for a Texas road trip that keeps the whole family smiling.

The Texas Triangle links Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio in a loop of about 535 miles, with the option to swing east to Houston for even more adventure.

Each city adds its own spark. Dallas brimming with parks and museums, Austin buzzing with music and creativity, and San Antonio weaving history into kid-friendly fun. Houston, if you add it, piles up even more with space exploration and sprawling green parks.

It’s a trip where Texas feels bigger than ever, but the journey stays easy, playful, and packed with memories.

🛎️ Start Your Texas Adventure with Sonesta Hotels

Planning Your Trip: Logistics, Best Time to Go, and What to Pack

The Texas Triangle Road trip covers about 550–600 miles, with drives broken into easy segments.

Dallas to Austin is roughly 195 miles, or three hours on the road, while Austin to San Antonio is just 80 miles, about an hour and a half. From San Antonio back to Dallas, you’ll cover around 275 miles, which usually takes four to four and a half hours depending on traffic.

With a few detours in Waco or New Braunfels, the total comes together as a comfortable loop that most families spread across seven to ten days.

Two or three nights in each city gives enough time for sightseeing while leaving room for rest days or pool time.

When to Go

The best seasons to travel are spring and fall, when the weather is warm but not punishing. In March through May, wildflowers line the highways and daytime temperatures hover between 70–85°F, perfect for parks and outdoor walks.

September through November brings cooler air and plenty of family festivals. Summer is less forgiving, with highs in the 95–100°F range that make zoo trips or even short walks downtown a sweaty ordeal.

Winter stays mild, often in the 55–65°F range, though they are known to drop to 45°F in Dallas and Waco. The holidays bring festive lights to San Antonio’s River Walk and Dallas’s parks, though popular attractions tend to be busier.

What It Costs

Fuel costs in Texas are lower than in many states, though it’s still good to plan for them.

In 2025, gas prices ranged between $3.15 – $3.25 per gallon. Driving a family SUV or minivan that gets 22 to 25 miles per gallon, you’ll likely spend between $75 and $90 to complete the loop, plus a little extra for detours or side trips.

Adding in tolls and parking fees, setting aside a minimum of $120–$150 for the driving budget. Note that parking fees can add up quickly, specifically in big cities, so plan your stops in advance to keep the costs at bay.

Other expenses to factor in are hotel stays (unless you’re traveling in a camper), meals, and tickets to museums and experiences. These are variable and will depend largely on your family’s travel needs and preferences.

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Dallas, Texas

Day 1–2: Exploring Dallas – Urban Adventures and History

Dallas is a lively first stop, with attractions that work well for kids of different ages.

• The Dallas Zoo is an easy half-day outing where little ones can ride the monorail or feed giraffes, while older kids can enjoy watching big cats and elephants.
• The Perot Museum of Nature and Science packs interactive exhibits, including dinosaur fossils and hands-on robotics.
• Klyde Warren Park is a downtown green space built over a freeway that has food trucks, playgrounds, and shady lawns ideal for a picnic day.

Families looking for big city views can head up Reunion Tower, and if you are road tripping with your teens, you may want to spend time at the Sixth Floor Museum, which tells the story of JFK’s presidency and assassination.

Where to Eat in Dallas

Eating well in Dallas is easy, with plenty of casual spots that welcome kids. Food trucks often park around Klyde Warren Park at lunchtime, so parents can grab a bite while kids play nearby.

Barbecue is a Texas classic, and family-style BBQ restaurants are an easy way to pass around brisket, ribs, and sides without the fuss of multiple orders.

What to Look Out For (with Tips)

The Dallas–Fort Worth area is notorious for heavy traffic and confusing highway interchanges, which can be overwhelming if you’re not used to big-city driving. To ease the stress, try to plan arrival and departure times outside of peak rush hours, and consider using navigation apps that adjust for real-time congestion.

For some families, the sheer size of Dallas can feel a little overwhelming at first. Some children are fascinated by skyscrapers, busy roads, crowded sidewalks, and all the sounds of the metropolis, while others may find it intimidating.

That’s where places like Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Arboretum, or local playgrounds come in handy. Breaking up museum visits and sightseeing with time to run, climb, play, or just relax on the grass balances the day and keeps kids from getting restless.

Here are some additional tips for a smooth family visit to Dallas:

• Parking near attractions: Downtown parking garages fill quickly on weekends. Arrive before 10AM, especially around Klyde Warren Park and the Perot Museum. Most garages take cards, but a few smaller lots are still cash only.
• Best times to visit: Mornings are quieter at the Dallas Zoo and Perot Museum. Arriving right at opening to avoid crowds and make the experience cooler in summer.
• Food breaks: Klyde Warren Park is a built-in lunch stop, since food trucks start lining up around 11AM.
• Getting around: If you want to skip traffic and parking hassles, the DART light rail stops near the zoo and downtown museums. Kids under 5 ride for free, and day passes are cheaper than paying for multiple short parking sessions.
• Weather planning: Dallas summers can be brutally hot. Indoor attractions are lifesavers when temperatures soar. Always carry extra water, even for short walks downtown.
• Breaks in nature: If the city feels overwhelming, the Dallas Arboretum on White Rock Lake is a good half-day escape. Shaded trails and wide-open lawns are stroller-friendly and calmer than the downtown parks.

Where to Stay in Dallas, TX

Staying at Sonesta hotels in Dallas means the whole family can unwind with ease. Locations are close to major attractions, which means less time is spent in the car and more enjoying the city.

Day 2-3: Drive from Dallas to Austin with Scenic Stops and Breaks

The drive from Dallas to Austin takes about three hours, which makes it one of the longer stretches of the loop.

Without breaks, the highway can start to feel monotonous, and restless kids may turn the car ride into a challenge. Planning stops along the way turns what could be a grind into part of the trip.

Waco is a natural midway pause. Families often head to Magnolia Market at the Silos, where parents can browse the shops while kids can explore the open lawn and food trucks parked nearby.

The Waco Mammoth National Monument is another fascinating stop, with shaded trails leading to a dig site where mammoth fossils were uncovered.

If you have extra time, Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose adds even more adventure. Kids can hunt for actual dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed and hike short trails that balance out the long hours in the car.

Even with stops, parents often find this leg stressful. Leaving Dallas after rush hour, packing a picnic lunch, and giving kids time to run or climb at each stop makes the journey smoother.

Where to Stay in Waco, TX

If you decide to stay the night, enjoy a simple and convenient Sonesta stay in Waco.

Texas State Capitol Building, Austin, Texas

Day 3–4: Austin – Weird, Wonderful, and Outdoorsy

Austin has a reputation for being quirky and creative, which, along with its many outdoorsy activities, make it a fun stop for families.

• The Texas State Capitol is free to visit and surprisingly kid-friendly, with wide halls and open grounds for exploring.
• In the evening, especially in the months between March and October, crowds gather at the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch thousands of bats stream into the sky at sunset, an unforgettable, and free, show for kids.
• The Thinkery isn’t your typical museum. It feels more like a giant play zone disguised as school. Kids dart between splash tables, climbing towers, and science experiments, discovering new things without even realizing how much they’re learning.
• On hot days, Barton Springs Pool is a lifesaver. This spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park stays a cool 68–70°F year-round and is a favorite with both locals and visitors.
• Families who want to burn off extra energy can stroll or bike the trails along Lady Bird Lake.

Where to Eat in Austin

Food is huge part of the Austin experience!

Food trailer parks are scattered around the city with options ranging from tacos to pizza.

Open your map app and you’ll find plenty of family-friendly spots, some with wide-open patios, live music, and plenty of hearty choices.

What to Look Out For (with Tips)

Austin can feel small but chaotic at the same time.

Traffic gets backed up easily with limited parking in and around the city center, while walking with kids through humid streets can be draining.

To avoid the worst of it, plan morning activities before the heat builds and keep an indoor option like the Thinkery or the Bullock Texas State History Museum in your back pocket for afternoons.

Additional tips for a seamless visit to Austin include:

• Parking downtown: Parking near Lady Bird Lake and the Texas State Capitol can be tight. The Capitol Visitors Garage usually has space before 11AM, and street parking near Lady Bird Lake fills early on weekends. Download the ParkATX app for easier payment.
• Getting around without stress: Staying near the city center means you can walk or use scooters for short distances, while pedicabs and rideshares are handy around Rainey Street and South Congress when kids are tired of walking.
• Food breaks with kids: Trailer parks with multiple food trucks are a smart solution if everyone wants something different.
• Crowd-free bat watching: Congress Avenue Bridge gets packed at sunset. For a calmer experience, grab a spot on the grassy hillside at the Statesman Bat Observation Center, or book a riverboat tour so kids can watch without being jostled in the crowd.
• Keeping cool: Even with swimming, hydration is key. Refill stations are scattered throughout Zilker Park, and many family attractions allow refillable bottles. Bring a small misting fan or cooling towel for younger kids.

Where to Stay in Austin, TX

Families visiting Austin often split their days between downtown landmarks, outdoor time at Zilker Park, and trails around Lady Bird Lake.

Sonesta Austin hotels are within easy reach of these spots, so visiting the most popular attractions doesn’t have to be a long trek across town.

The Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the U.S. state of Texas, New Braunfels.

Day 4-5: A Quick and Easy Drive from Austin to San Antonio

The stretch between Austin and San Antonio is short, usually around an hour and a half, but it’s worth slowing down to make it more fun for kids.

• New Braunfels is a great midway stop, with the Natural Bridge Caverns drawing families underground into vast chambers filled with dramatic rock formations.
• In summer, tubing on the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers adds a different kind of adventure, with calm stretches that suit older children and teens.

Even with these highlights, parents often find the drive trickier than expected.

The humidity inside the caves or along the rivers can leave kids uncomfortable and cranky. Packing lightweight clothes and a spare change of outfits helps, especially after a tubing trip or sweaty hike.

The drive itself is quick, but without a planned stop, it can feel uneventful for younger travelers. Building on a cave tour or river break keeps kids entertained and turns the short journey between cities into part of the adventure rather than just a transfer.

Mexican Market Square, San Antonio, Texas

Day 5–7: San Antonio – Where History Meets Fun

Families see San Antonio as the heart of their Texas Triangle trip. San Antonio feels like the part of the trip kids will remember most. It’s historic and full of energy, all wrapped up in a city that knows how to entertain families.

The Alamo anchors San Antonio’s story as a living landmark where kids can roam shaded courtyards, run their hands along weathered stone, and connect the lessons they’ve heard in school with the real thing.

• A short stroll away, the River Walk winds through downtown with boat rides that give tired feet a rest while parents can enjoy a cup of coffee.
• The San Antonio Zoo is a family favorite, with shaded paths, a miniature train, and animal encounters that keep kids running and playing even in the Texas heat.
• Hemisfair Park adds a different kind of adventure, with one of the state’s best playgrounds with towering climbing structures, splash pads, and wide-open lawns built for free play.
• The Tower of the Americas gives families a chance to see the whole city in one glance, a panorama of rooftops, river bends, and rolling hills beyond.
• Not far away, Kiddie Park trades big views for small joys, with vintage rides and carnival games that let younger kids feel like the day was designed just for them.

Where to Eat in San Antonio

Eating in San Antonio is easy and relaxed. You’ll find plenty of casual restaurants along the River Walk, many with outdoor patios.

What to Look Out For (with Tips)

The Alamo and River Walk draw heavy crowds, and pushing strollers through narrow walkways can be frustrating.

Downtown streets are lively and can feel overwhelming during weekends or festivals. A smoother approach is to plan attractions early in the morning, save playgrounds as midday breaks, and enjoy cooler evening hours for walks, boat rides, or light shows.

Also:

• Timing your visits: The Alamo and River Walk are busiest in the late morning and midday. Go early to avoid crowds and before the heat sets in.
• Managing the River Walk: Walkways can get crowded and tight for strollers. Folding lightweight strollers or using a baby carrier can be a good solution. Boat tours are a good break from walking, but plan to board just before sunset for cooler air and fewer crowds.
• Beating the heat: San Antonio warms up quickly, even in spring and fall. The zoo and Hemisfair Park both open early. Arrive right at the opening so kids enjoy the best parts before temperatures climb. Always keep refillable water bottles handy; you can find refill stations at all major attractions.
• Parking strategy: Downtown garages fill fast on weekends. Parking once in a central lot near the Alamo or River Walk and walking between sights saves money and avoids the frustration of circling for a new spot at every stop.
• Easy breaks for kids: Hemisfair Park’s playground is shaded and has splash areas, so it’s ideal for a rest spot between museums or sightseeing. Kiddie Park is another quick win for younger kids who need something lighthearted after a more serious stop like the Alamo.

Where to Stay in San Antonio, TX

Sonesta hotels in San Antonio place families right where the city comes alive. Stays near the Alamo and River Walk keep sightseeing within walking distance, while locations just outside downtown give parents quieter nights and easy access to highways for day trips.

Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas

Optional Extension: Houston – Big, Bold, and Family-Friendly

• If you have extra time, stretch the Texas Triangle into a Texas Diamond by adding Houston.
• Just three to four hours east of San Antonio, Houston has big-city energy and attractions that feel built for kids. Spend two or three days here before looping back to Dallas.
• Space Center Houston is the city’s marquee attraction. Rockets, shuttles, and astronaut gear turn science into a hands-on adventure, and kids light up when they see the towering Saturn V rocket.
• The Houston Zoo inside Hermann Park is another family favorite, home to elephants, gorillas, and over 6,000 other animals.
• Just down the street, the Museum District clusters 19 museums within walking distance, art, science, and history all in one neighborhood, with free admission days each Thursday.
• Families looking for fresh air can head to Buffalo Bayou Park, a stretch of urban trails with skyline views and bike rentals, or to the banks of the bayou at dusk to watch thousands of bats emerge into the evening sky.
• Downtown, the Aquarium doubles as both an exhibit hall and a small amusement park, with rides, a shark tunnel, and carnival games that keep kids entertained long after the fish tanks.

What to Look Out For (with Tips)

The heat and humidity can feel relentless in Houston, especially in summer, and the city’s sprawl means that getting between attractions often takes longer than expected.

Parking downtown is another headache, particularly near the Museum District or Aquarium.

Plan around these pain points and make your stay smoother. Outdoor spots like Buffalo Bayou Park or the zoo are best tackled in the morning before the sun peaks.

Houston’s METRORail runs right through the Museum District, so you can skip the parking hunt at least for these museums.

Booking Sonesta hotels near The Galleria or Downtown is a good option for getting around the city.

Where to Stay in Houston, TX

Sonesta hotels in Houston give families a comfortable home base in a city that can feel overwhelming in size.

Properties near The Galleria and Downtown place you close to major attractions like the Museum District, Buffalo Bayou Park, and the zoo.

Return Trip and Optional Extensions

After San Antonio or Houston, if you’ve added the extra leg, it’s time to circle back to Dallas.

The straight shot north on I-35 is the quickest route, but it can feel long and repetitive for kids who have already logged a lot of car hours. The return stretch is where fatigue sets in, and the miles feel heavier than on the way down.

One way to break the monotony is by changing your stops.

If you skipped Waco earlier in the trip, this is a good chance to see Magnolia Market or the Mammoth National Monument. Parks and small towns along the route can also be easy breaks, so everyone has a chance to stretch and reset before pushing on.

For families with more time, extend your trip east toward Galveston for a coastal twist. The drive from Houston takes about three to four hours, and the payoff is sandy beaches, a historic pier lined with rides and games, and a slower pace that contrasts with the Triangle’s big-city energy.

Find a Sonesta at Every Stop

Book your stays in advance to enjoy better rates and control costs. Find a Sonesta hotel at every stop of your Texas Triangle family road trip: