Giuseppa

We only have 2 1/2 days in Austin. Would a one-day car trip from Austin to Dealey Plaza, in Dallas be taking on too much? Don't know when we will get to Texas again and we would really like to tour Dealey Plaza. Also would we be able to get a tour of Dealey Plaza w/o reservations?
Your advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.

newtome

it's about a 3-3 and 1/2 hour drive each way. Only you know if that's worth it. If you want to go to the museum you need to buy advance tickets.

http://www.jfk.org/go/visit

Giuseppa

Thank you Newtome for your prompt and informative reply.
Still trying to decide if husband wants to take on the drive.

longhorn55

I'd also add that I-35 has some pretty heavy traffic. You won't encounter any wide, open roads from Austin to Dallas. As you leave Austin, I'd recommend taking the toll road toward Waco to avoid as much of the traffic around Austin as possible.

P_M

Personally I think it's a bit much for one day but it's up to you. It's not a pleasant drive up I-35. Aside from the traffic it's really boring scenery between here and Dallas.

BigRuss

There's not that much there. Tourists come all the time, but they really see a memorial and a bunch of cars running through the area - it's still the confluence of three major roads leading out of downtown. It's a long trip (7 hours) for 10 minutes of touring.

P_M

I agree the Plaza itself isn't much to see but the museum is pretty interesting. I still say it's not worth doing on a day trip but that is up to the OP.

Giuseppa

Thank you all so much for responding to my inquiry. Based on all your comments, we have decided not to attempt the drive to Dallas on this our first visit to Texas. On this trip, we fly into Austin A/P, pick up our rental car and drive to San Antonio for a 3 night stay and then drive back to Austin for the 2 night stay and then fly home. If you can recommend and day trips from Austin or S.A. that would be helpful.

doug_stallings

The Hill Country is beautiful. Maybe go out to Fredericksburg.

AustinTraveler

Stop in Gruene...really cute town. Eat at the Grist Mill Restaurant.

BigRuss

Mission Trail in and around San Antonio.

P_M

I think you have made a wise choice. There is so much to do in Austin/SA and your time here is short.

In addition to the great suggestions above here are some of my favorite day trips:

If you like animals check out this wildlife park between Austin and SA, closer to SA. I just went there in March and it was a lot of fun. You can also tour nearby Natural Bridge Caverns.

https://wildliferanchtexas.com/

The suggestion for Fredericksburg is a very good one. Along the way you can visit the LBJ Ranch and you can tour the Texas White House. Even if you are not a fan of LBJ the ranch is pretty interesting with a lot of history.

If you love hiking you could climb Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg but bring plenty of water, especially if it's a hot day.

If you could tell us more about your interests I might be able to make more suggestions.

jill_h

All good suggestions for staying around the Austin area.

Giuseppa

Thank you for all your suggestions which have been so helpful and which I have noted in my travel file. We are flying to Austin tomorrow, and we are looking forward to our first visit to the "Lone Star State"....

P_M

Welcome to Texas and thanks for coming!!

jill_h

Howdy! Hope y'all have a great time!!