San Antonio To Dallas Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

San Antonio to Dallas road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 273 miles of San Antonio to Dallas drive takes around 4 hours without stops.

This article includes 15 tips that turn your San Antonio to Dallas drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas, take your coffee and keep reading!

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From San Antonio To Dallas

On the San Antonio to Dallas road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the San Antonio – Dallas route!

1. Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the San Antonio to Dallas road trip. Driving from San Antonio to Fairmont Austin might take around 1 hour and 17 mins.

Fairmont Austin is a top-notch hotel with exceptional service and amenities. The hotel staff was friendly and attentive, and the food served was some of the best I’ve had at a hotel. While the room itself wasn’t anything to write home about, the quick response to my feedback on the mid-trip survey was impressive. The hotel is conveniently located near some of the most popular areas in Austin, including Historic Rainey Street and lively Sixth Street. The hotel’s 1,048 guest rooms and suites offer stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and the cityscape, making for a picturesque stay. In addition to its luxurious accommodations, Fairmont Austin also boasts an award-winning spa and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. For those looking to experience Austin’s vibrant music scene and celebrated cuisine, Fairmont Austin is a perfect choice.

Check Fairmont Austin, one of the best hotels in Austin, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Hampton Inn Temple

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Dallas from San Antonio is Hampton Inn Temple. Located in Temple, Texas, the hotel is 143 miles away from San Antonio, and it would take 2 hours and 15 mins to drive.

The Hampton Inn Temple is a reliable and comfortable option for travelers looking for a good place to stay on their San Antonio to Dallas road trip. The lobby and rooms are well-maintained and clean, with comfortable beds that will give you a good night’s rest. The staff is friendly and provides excellent service, making you feel right at home. The location of the hotel is convenient, with easy access to Interstate 35 and nearby shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Although the entrance can be a bit difficult to access due to its location behind several fast-food restaurants, this does not detract from the quality of the stay. Overall, the Hampton Inn Temple is a great choice for travelers looking for a comfortable, reliable, and affordable stay in Temple, Texas.

If you want to learn more about the Hampton Inn Temple, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.

3. Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel. Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel is located in Waco, Texas, and it’s 180 miles away from San Antonio. You can arrive there in 2 hours and 46 mins of non-stop driving.

Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel is a great stopover for those taking the San Antonio to Dallas road trip. From the moment we checked in to when we checked out, everything was seamless. Our room on the fourth floor was clean and comfortable, and we especially enjoyed the restaurant and bar. While we opted to dine at a nearby restaurant for dinner, we did stop by the hotel bar for a nightcap and were impressed by the quality of service. The only downside was that the room lighting could have been a bit brighter. Located in the heart of downtown Waco’s business hub, this hotel is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and nightlife near the Brazos Riverwalk. It’s also just a short walk from the popular Magnolia Market, making it the closest hotel to this must-visit attraction. All in all, a great stay at Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel, for more information.

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro

If you are taking the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas, Hillsboro, Texas is must have a place you should visit. Plus, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 213 miles from San Antonio, and it would take 3 hours and 14 mins to drive.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro in Hillsboro, Texas is a great place to stop during a road trip. The hotel was easy to access from the highway and had ample and well-lit parking. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and the room was extremely clean and comfortable. The bed was comfortable, and the amenities, such as the microwave and refrigerator, were a nice touch. In the morning, the free Bright Side BreakfastTM was a great way to start the day. If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel is pet-friendly. Additionally, the hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, meeting room, and business center. Overall, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro was a wonderful place to rest and recharge during our road trip. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone passing through Hillsboro.

If you need more info about the price and availability of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

Our next hotel is The Adolphus, Autograph Collection, Dallas, Texas. It will take 4 hours of car ride o reach this hotel from San Antonio.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection in Dallas, Texas, is a fantastic place to stay on your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. This historic hotel is located right in the heart of downtown and offers a unique blend of ambiance and charm. The many attractions of the city are within easy walking distance, and the hotel’s menu is full of delicious and diverse dishes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the city or just have a comfortable place to stay, this hotel is a great choice.

Check The Adolphus, Autograph Collection on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Adolphus, Autograph Collection for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take San Antonio to Dallas route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from San Antonio to Dallas. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The San Antonio To Dallas Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your San Antonio to Dallas road trip. This section lists five restaurants to dine at on the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Stella San Jac, Austin

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on San Antonio to Dallas road trip with Stella San Jac, Austin. Stella San Jac, Austin is located in Austin, Texas, and is 79.3 miles from San Antonio. It would take 1 hour and 19 mins of driving.

Stella San Jac in Austin, Texas is a must-stop for anyone taking the San Antonio to Dallas road trip. The restaurant offers a unique take on Southern cuisine that perfectly captures the essence of Austin. The service we received from Logan was outstanding and made our brunch experience unforgettable. He recommended the chicken and waffles, which were delicious. The beet salad with arugula was a great addition and the seared chicken was a standout dish. The bar area had a cozy atmosphere and we were quickly seated at a nice table. JR, our server, was hospitable and provided excellent menu suggestions. Stella San Jac is a great spot for anyone looking for a memorable meal in Austin. The restaurant is also accommodating to dietary restrictions, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and highly recommend this restaurant.

For more information about Stella San Jac, Austin, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Stella San Jac, Austin.

2. Buc-ee’s, Temple

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Dallas from San Antonio is Buc-ee’s, Temple. Located in Temple, Texas, Buc-ee’s, Temple is 148 miles from San Antonio and would take 2 hours and 18 mins of driving.

Buc-ee’s in Temple, Texas is a must-visit for anyone road-tripping through the Lone Star State. This service center is not just a place to refuel your car and grab a bite to eat; it’s a destination in itself. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the store and the variety of items on offer. And the food? Well, it’s worth the stop. While they don’t have a sit-down restaurant, their ready-made sandwiches, salads, and snacks are perfect for a quick bite on the go. I highly recommend trying the BBQ brisket sandwich – it’s the star of the show. And don’t forget to stock up on their famous Buc-ee’s chips, they make for a great snack to enjoy during the rest of your road trip. So, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty stop on your San Antonio to Dallas road trip, be sure to swing by Buc-ee’s in Temple.

If you want to learn more about Buc-ee’s, Temple, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

3. Cafe Homestead, Waco

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Cafe Homestead, Waco. It will take 2 hours and 57 mins of car drive to take 190 miles from San Antonio to Cafe Homestead, Waco, Waco, Texas.

Cafe Homestead in Waco, Texas is a must-stop for anyone on a road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and efficient, making for a delightful dining experience. The menu features fresh, natural food that is true to the setting of Homestead Heritage, a traditional farming community. The pastrami sandwich was the highlight of the meal, with its mouth-watering taste and tender meat. The chicken salad sandwich was also a standout, and we would highly recommend it. Be sure to save room for dessert because the carrot cake is to die for. If you have time, take a tour of the farm and gardens or enjoy a hayride to a scenic vista overlooking the Brazos River. Cafe Homestead is worth a visit, just be sure to make reservations in advance as it can get quite busy.

You can check Cafe Homestead, Waco, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Lone Star Cafe, Hillsboro

Lone Star Cafe, Hillsboro deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Hillsboro, Texas.

If you’re on a road trip from San Antonio to Dallas and looking for a good place to eat, you should check out Lone Star Cafe in Hillsboro, Texas. The restaurant offers American and Southwestern cuisines for both lunch and dinner. My experience at Lone Star Cafe was delightful as the food was delicious and the staff was attentive. I had the pleasure of trying their chicken fried chicken and onion rings, which were both scrumptious. The bar area was quite busy, but I was seated immediately on the restaurant side. Although it took a while to place my order, the food arrived promptly, and I was impressed by the quality and taste of each dish. The catfish was particularly flavorful, and the Redfish tacos had the perfect blend of spice. The onion rings were massive and a great complement to the main course. Overall, Lone Star Cafe is an excellent spot to stop and eat during your road trip. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing break from the drive.

Lone Star Cafe, Hillsboro is 213 miles from San Antonio, and it would take 3 hours and 15 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Lone Star Cafe, Hillsboro, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

5. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas

If you enjoy dining, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas, would be an excellent choice in Dallas, Texas. It’s 282 miles from San Antonio and would take 4 hours and 13 mins of car driving.

If you’re a meat lover, you won’t want to miss this steakhouse on your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with wine and fireplace rooms that will transport you to a different place. The service is top-notch, and the menu is full of delicious options, from the classic shrimp cocktail to the prime ribeye to the succulent lobster. The Caesar salad and crab cakes are especially noteworthy. All of these items promise to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that you won’t soon forget.

If you want to learn more about Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 273 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Dallas road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from San Antonio to Dallas. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The San Antonio To Dallas Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Dallas. However, there are also some unique destinations like Austin, Texas on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Dallas route.

1. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail

Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your San Antonio to Dallas road trip. Located in Austin, Texas, Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail is 79.0 miles away from San Antonio, and it would take 1 hour and 18 mins to drive.

If you’re looking for a refreshing break on your San Antonio to Dallas road trip, consider stopping by Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail in Austin, Texas. This well-maintained trail offers a unique way to explore the city while taking in scenic views of Lady Bird Lake. Whether you’re on foot or two wheels, there’s plenty to see and do on the trail, which crosses multiple bridges and passes through lush green parks. One of the highlights of my visit was the chance to spot a variety of birds along the way, adding to the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the trail. While the weekends can be busy, the trail is always safe and enjoyable to explore. The trail is dog-friendly, making it an excellent option for travelers with pets. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll or bike ride along this beautiful trail.

If you want to learn more about the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

2. Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, Temple, Texas is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the San Antonio to Dallas route. It’s 146 miles from San Antonio, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 17 mins of driving.

The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum in Temple, Texas is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum is not only an operating Amtrak station, but it’s also home to a collection of fascinating artifacts from the heyday of rail travel. The exhibits are interactive and engaging, allowing visitors to type telegrams on an old-school manual typewriter, send telegraphs using an actual working telegraph, and even use conductor lights to send messages. One highlight for the kids was the hobo symbol scavenger hunt. The temporary exhibit during our visit was Harpers Weekly illustrations, which I found interesting. Admission is only $4, making it an affordable stop on your road trip. Although the museum is small, it has a lot to offer, and we easily spent a couple of hours exploring the displays. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see the passenger trains, which are only open on certain days. Don’t forget to check out the small gift shop before you go. Overall, the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is a fun and educational stop that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages.

If you want to learn more about Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.

3. Dr. Pepper Museum

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas is Waco, Texas. And if you visit Waco, Texas, we suggest you visit Dr. Pepper Museum. You can arrive at Dr. Pepper Museum after 2 hours and 46 mins of driving.

The Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco is a must-visit destination for soda lovers and history buffs alike. The museum tells the story of how Dr. Pepper became a staple of American culture, with fascinating exhibits featuring old advertisements, historic photos, and original memorabilia. The soda fountain is a great place to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink, and the gift shop is filled with unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the iconic Dr. Pepper delivery truck or the hand-painted advertising sign. Admission is reasonably priced, and you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck with the wealth of information and interactive displays. While the free Dr. Pepper at the end might not be the highlight of your visit, the overall experience is well worth the stop on your road trip.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Dr. Pepper Museum for more information.

4. Roadside America Museum

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Roadside America Museum, Hillsboro, Texas on the San Antonio to Dallas road trip. Roadside America Museum is 213 miles from San Antonio, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 13 mins of drive.

The Roadside America Museum in Hillsboro, Texas is a must-visit spot on your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. It’s a hidden gem that’s packed with vintage cars, trucks, and other memorabilia from the golden era of roadside Americana. The owner, who’s also the curator, is incredibly knowledgeable and will give you an informative and entertaining tour of the museum. The collection of classic cars and trucks is simply amazing, and you can see the love and care that has gone into restoring them. The museum is also a treasure trove of pop culture memorabilia, featuring everything from Mr. Peanut to the Looney Tunes Gang. You’ll find something interesting and nostalgic in every corner of the museum. And the best part is, it’s all located just off the highway, making it a great place to stop and stretch your legs on your road trip. Don’t miss out on this fascinating slice of Americana.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Roadside America Museum before going there.

5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Located in Dallas, Texas, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. You must take 4 hours of driving to arrive at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is an enlightening stop for those on the San Antonio to Dallas road trip. This museum takes visitors on a journey through the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The exhibit space is designed to mimic the look and feel of the 1960s, allowing visitors to feel like they’ve stepped back in time. A must-visit for history buffs and those interested in learning about one of the most significant events in American history. A visit to this museum is not only an educational experience but also a unique opportunity to understand more about our country’s past. Don’t miss this fascinating stop on your road trip!

If you want to learn more about The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From San Antonio to Dallas

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the San Antonio to Dallas drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From San Antonio To Dallas?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the San Antonio to Dallas road trip takes approximately 4 hours to drive. The driving distance between San Antonio to Dallas is 273 miles.
• If you want to make the San Antonio to Dallas road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be 1 day and 1 hour.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the San Antonio-Dallas route, then you will have to walk for 3 days and 21 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From San Antonio To Dallas?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Dallas. You can visit Austin, Texas; Temple, Texas; Waco, Texas; Hillsboro, Texas; Dallas, Texas on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the San Antonio to Dallas journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The San Antonio To Dallas Road Trip.

1. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail: 79.0 miles / 1 hour and 18 mins to drive from San Antonio | 196 miles / 2 hours and 56 mins of driving to Dallas.
2. Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum: 146 miles / 2 hours and 17 mins to drive from San Antonio | 128 miles / 1 hour and 56 mins of driving to Dallas.
3. Dr. Pepper Museum: 180 miles / 2 hours and 46 mins to drive from San Antonio | 94.5 miles / 1 hour and 26 mins of driving to Dallas.
4. Roadside America Museum: 213 miles / 3 hours and 13 mins to drive from San Antonio | 62.3 miles / 58 mins of driving to Dallas.
5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: 274 miles / 4 hours to drive from San Antonio | 1.1 miles / 6 mins of driving to Dallas.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From San Antonio To Dallas?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Dallas From San Antonio section.

• Fairmont Austin: 78.7 miles / 1 hour and 17 mins to drive from San Antonio | 195 miles / 2 hours and 51 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Hampton Inn Temple: 143 miles / 2 hours and 15 mins to drive from San Antonio | 131 miles / 1 hour and 57 mins of driving to Dallas.
• Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor, an IHG Hotel: 180 miles / 2 hours and 46 mins to drive from San Antonio | 94.1 miles / 1 hour and 25 mins of driving to Dallas.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsboro: 213 miles / 3 hours and 14 mins to drive from San Antonio | 60.6 miles / 55 mins of driving to Dallas.
• The Adolphus, Autograph Collection: 274 miles / 4 hours to drive from San Antonio | 1.0 miles / 5 mins of driving to Dallas.

Where To Eat Between San Antonio to Dallas?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your San Antonio to Dallas drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The San Antonio To Dallas Road Trip.

1. Stella San Jac, Austin: 79.3 miles / 1 hour and 19 mins to drive from San Antonio | 195 miles / 2 hours and 53 mins of driving to Dallas.
2. Buc-ee’s, Temple: 148 miles / 2 hours and 18 mins to drive from San Antonio | 125 miles / 1 hour and 51 mins of driving to Dallas.
3. Cafe Homestead, Waco: 190 miles / 2 hours and 57 mins to drive from San Antonio | 90.5 miles / 1 hour and 24 mins of driving to Dallas.
4. Lone Star Cafe, Hillsboro: 213 miles / 3 hours and 15 mins to drive from San Antonio | 60.5 miles / 55 mins of driving to Dallas.
5. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas: 282 miles / 4 hours and 13 mins to drive from San Antonio | 10.9 miles / 15 mins of driving to Dallas.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from San Antonio to Dallas. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the San Antonio to Dallas drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from San Antonio to Dallas as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the San Antonio to Dallas road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from San Antonio to Dallas and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.