The best day trips from Dallas are at Possum Kingdom Lake

The best day trips from Dallas to enjoy this weekend

At this point, maybe you can’t remember the last time you “got away.” A happy life comes with a lot of responsibilities, so taking off for adventure somewhere else – anywhere else seems unreasonable. Just when you can’t imagine taking a break from your life, means it’s time to make it a priority. 

Now, you don’t need to go to Bora Bora or Italy to get away, and you don’t even need to go away for a long time. Heck, it doesn’t even need to take a lot of planning. 

A simple day trip will do the trick. The best day trips from Dallas are to Possum Kingdom Lake. Lucky for you, whether you’re looking for a short road trip, the cutest romantic couple activities, or something everyone in the family can enjoy, we have an itinerary for you. 

Easy day trip to The Cliffs Resort

Possum Kingdom Lake is a two-hour ride from Dallas, but an easy one: straight out Route 30 to 254 until you see a blue expanse. It’s close enough to explore and far enough to feel like Dallas is in your rearview mirror. 

Leave early in the morning to take a swing at an early tee-time at The Cliffs Resort 18-hole golf course. The Cliffs Resort golf course is not just any golf course, but a championship-level course designed by architectural gurus Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge. Devlin and Von Hagge have harnessed the natural beauty that is Possum Kingdom Lake to make the golf course one of the most picturesque in Texas.

 

 

After a memorable 18 holes, stomachs will begin to rumble and the heat of the Texas sun starts to hit you. Time to eat. Conveniently, The Chaparral Grille & Spurs Bar welcomes hungry golfers and diners all day long. 

Try The Cliff’s Calamari – juicy pieces of calamari fillet carved into sticks with a side of lemon-garlic aioli for dipping, or the PK Club decked out with ham, cheddar, turkey, Swiss, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes on three pieces of Texas toast. Okay, one more: Try the Chef’s Salmon Dijon – the chef’s favorite way to prepare salmon. 

Soon, you’re munching on a delicious meal with gorgeous lake views, far, far, away from a cubicle.

 

 

Day trips from Dallas for couples

Romance is in the air for couples visiting Possum Kingdom Lake from Dallas. 

The first step is to begin at The Cliffs Marina. Book either an 18-foot pontoon boat or an available Sea-Doo rental on The Cliffs Marina website for a morning or afternoon of magnificent cliff faces and cool spray jumping up off the water.

 

 

Booking a pontoon boat rental makes for a relaxing day on Possum Kingdom Lake, whereas the Sea-Doos offer more fun and excitement.

Fill your cooler with ice and refreshing drinks, bring savory snacks like pretzels and jerky, stock up on plenty of Banana Boat, and don’t forget the Bluetooth speaker for a private day on the pontoon. Once you and your loved one have boarded, cruise down the bendy fingers of Possum Kingdom Lake and enjoy the lake’s beauty until you reach the natural wonder that is Hell’s Gate. Anchor here for a bit of quality time with a view. If you go on a Saturday, chances are there will be others anchored nearby, hanging loose and taking in the lake.

 

 

If you opt for the jet skis, you can count on The Cliffs Marina to have everything you need to enjoy lake thrills safely. The marina’s staff of experts maintains and services each rental to the highest standards so you feel safe and secure as you explore. Your partner might get your heart pumping on land, but these jet ski rentals will get your heart pumping on the water!

 

 

Romance can look different to couples everywhere. Whether you and your partner value peace, quiet, and privacy or the high-speed thrills, no romantic getaway is complete without a romantic dinner. 

Top off a lovely day with a romantic dinner at Hemmingway’s, right on their outdoor patio at sunset for the ultimate ambiance. Enjoy crafted cocktails like a refreshing Strawberry Blossom made with Hendrick’s gin, Aperol, strawberry purée, soda, and edible flowers or an Espresso Martini mixed with espresso, whipped cream-flavored vodka, Frangelico, and Baileys. Then order flavorful menu items like the Strawberry Spinach Salad or filet mignon topped with melting garlic butter. 

Best day trips from Dallas for families

There comes a time when even the kids need a break from their iPads and the hustle and bustle of Dallas. On the list of best day trips from Dallas for families is a trip to Possum Kingdom State Park. 

Texas’ Possum Kingdom State Park is a central location for whatever outdoor activities your family members want to do. Start the morning off by taking everyone on the Longhorn Trail overlook for rewarding exercise and lake views. Once you’ve captured a family picture at the overlook, perfect for this year’s Christmas card, make your way down to the Possum Kingdom Park Store. 

The park store has everything you need for a quick break between your morning of hiking and your upcoming afternoon of swimming! For lunch, order up some corndogs and burgers for the family and finish it off with ice-cold sno cones. 

As you digest and cool down in the air-conditioned store, explore their selection of Possum Kingdom Lake souvenirs and merchandise, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.

 

 

Next is an afternoon of relaxation in the sun and swimming in Possum Kingdom Lake, which provides crisp temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s in the spring and early summer. We understand if you don’t cool off as well in mid-August – the Texas water temperature will often settle into the low-80s in the peak summer months. However, the Brazos River Authority considers the lake to be their “most pristine water body.” Bring snacks and water and post up at one of the park’s designated swimming spots for a low-key afternoon getaway. 

Sure enough, the kids soon tire out and the sun begins to set, signaling it’s time to go back to Dallas. A Possum Kingdom State Park itinerary like this is why PK Lake makes for one of the best day trips from Dallas for families. 

Possum Kingdom Lake: The best day trip

No matter what your interests or priorities are in life, it’s always worth taking a break and getting away from your routine. Possum Kingdom Lake offers plenty of opportunities for Dallas residents to step outside the city and explore nature during their next day trip. 

Whether you’re interested in booking a Cliffs Marina boat rental for a private day with a significant other on the water or taking your family to visit one of Texas’s beautiful state parks, The Cliffs Marina’s team can answer any of your Possum Kingdom Lake questions.

Contact the marina at 940-779-2308 or email the informative team at with all your boat rental and Possum Kingdom Lake questions.