Abilene sits in a great spot for day trips, with a huge stretch of Texas to explore and still make it home by dinner, including the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Lubbock, and Fredericksburg. Even the shorter drives from Abilene lead to small towns, parks, and landscapes well worth exploring. Here's a look at the best day trips from Abilene, TX.  

Dallas / Fort Worth  

The drive from Abilene to Fort Worth takes about two hours and 15 minutes on I-20, and Dallas is another 30 to 40 minutes beyond that. You can visit one or both in a day, especially if you head out early.  

Fort Worth is a great first stop and has a lot going on beyond the famous Stockyards and their twice-daily cattle drive. The Fort Worth Cultural District is home to three world-class museums within walking distance of each other, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Sundance Square downtown is a lively stretch of restaurants, bars, and shops and the Fort Worth Water Gardens are completely free to visit.  

Heading on to Dallas, Deep Ellum is the go-to neighborhood for live music, street art, and a packed lineup of trendy food and drink options. The Bishop Arts District is another solid destination for boutique shopping and locally owned restaurants. If you're into sports, AT&T Stadium in Arlington sits right between the two cities and offers tours year-round, even when there's no game. 

Lubbock  

The drive from Abilene, TX to Lubbock, TX is about two and a half hours on US-84 West, mostly through open ranchland. Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University, which gives the city a college-town feel with plenty of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.  

The Buddy Holly Center downtown celebrates the rock and roll legend who grew up in Lubbock, and the National Ranching Heritage Center is a free outdoor museum with nearly 50 historic ranch structures. Prairie Dog Town in Mackenzie Park has been around since the 1930s and is a fun, quick stop. If you visit during football season, a Texas Tech Red Raiders game at Jones AT&T Stadium is one of the most electric atmospheres in college sports. For wine lovers, the Llano Estacado Winery and a handful of other vineyards along the Texas High Plains Wine Trail offer tastings throughout the week. 

Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country  

Fredericksburg is about three hours south of Abilene, and the scenic drive through the Hill Country is half the reason to go. The town is one of the most popular destinations in Central Texas, known for its German heritage, a walkable Main Street full of shops and restaurants, and a booming wine scene. Over 50 wineries and tasting rooms operate along Highway 290 and nearby back roads.  

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is about 18 miles north of Fredericksburg and is famous for its massive pink granite dome, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas. The hike to the summit takes about 45 minutes with panoramic views at the top. It's a popular spot, and day-use reservations are required on weekends and holidays, so plan ahead.  

Shorter Day Trips Close to Abilene  

Some of the best outings are right in Abilene's backyard, just 15 to 45 minutes away.  

• Buffalo Gap (20 minutes south): This tiny town is home to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, an open-air museum with restored frontier buildings from the 1800s, including a courthouse, a log cabin, and a one-room schoolhouse. Perini Ranch Steakhouse, just down the road, is one of the most well-known restaurants in West Texas and worth building into your trip.  
  
  
• Lake Fort Phantom Hill (about 15 minutes north): This reservoir is popular for fishing and kayaking. The ruins of the old Fort Phantom Hill military post are nearby and open to visitors.  
  
  
• Abilene State Park (20 minutes southwest): The park covers over 500 acres of trails, fishing, camping, and a historic swimming pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  
  
  
• Albany (35 minutes north): This small ranching town is home to the Old Jail Art Center, a unique art museum housed in a restored 1878 limestone jail with works by Picasso, Modigliani, and Renoir. Admission is free. Fort Griffin State Historic Site is about 15 miles north of Albany and features the ruins of a frontier-era military post and hiking trails.  
  
  
• Sweetwater (about 40 minutes west): Best known for hosting the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup every March, Sweetwater also has a charming downtown square and makes for a relaxed half-day outing.  

For more ideas on things to do in the area, visit the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.  

Your Home Base for Exploring West Texas  

If you're looking for Abilene apartments with easy access to I-20 and all the day trips West Texas has to offer, check out The Reserve at Abilene. Choose from 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans with granite countertops, in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and large windows with plenty of natural light. Community amenities include a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a dog park, a mini golf course, and a volleyball court. With downtown restaurants, parks, and open countryside all a short drive away, it's a great launching point for your next day trip. Schedule a tour today.