Dallas to San Antonio

Dallas to San Antonio is a road trip easily driven in five hours, but you must make the most of all the stops along I-35. This stretch of highway is punctuated with some of the best things to do and sights to see on a Texas road trip. Here’s the list and you’ll be glad you stopped!

DESTINATIONS


Waxahachie Exit #401B
Population 24,000
26.2 miles from Dallas

Take exit #401B off interstate 35 and go East into Waxahachie. This exit leads you on to Main Street where you will find a concentration of Gingerbread houses lining the streets of a bygone era. It is easy to imagine a world that is taking an evening stroll to the library (which you will find on your right before you enter the square).

SPECIAL EVENTS
Gingerbread Trail - First weekend in June each year Candlelight Christmas - Last weekend in November

POINTS OF INTEREST

Ellis County Courthouse

Exit #399B
101 West Main Street
Waxahachie, Texas 75165
972.825.5000

DINING

The Dove's Nest (perfect for a ladies lunch)

Exit #401A
105 W. Jefferson
Waxahachie, Texas 75165
972.938.3683
The Doves Nest Restaurant

The Chisholm Trail Steakhouse

Exit #401A
11 S. College
Waxahachie, Texas 75165
972.937.7261
Check out the Texas Theater for off-the-wall entertainment. Take the walking tour! But don’t expect to find a Gap or an ATM machine on every corner. The square and surrounding blocks provide some great “antiquing”.

Remember to visit Waxahachie in our Citiessection for a complete list of the great stores in this historic town!

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Hillsboro Exit #368B
Population 8,899
33.0 miles from Waxahachie

Take exit #368B for some of the finest outlet shopping in the South. Prime Outlets offers the best prices around from retailers like: J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Harry & David, Nike Factory Outlet, Bombay Co., Osh Kosh B’Gosh!, Guess, Mikasa and Liz Claiborne.

But there's more to Hillsboro than outlet shopping. Don't miss the historic downtown area where you'll find more than 200 antique dealers and historical sites.


West Exit #353
Population 2,715
15.7 miles from Hillsboro

Take exit #353 off Interstate Highway 35 for an off-the-wall eating fest at the Czech Stop. (This is a bakery and deli in a Shell gas station on the highway.) The “kolaches” are worth the stop. You will also find good food at the Old Czech Smokehouse and Bakery on Oak Street. (A parking lot full of pick-up trucks at lunchtime is the Texas symbol of fine food.)


Elm Mott Exit #346
Population 200
7 miles from West

Shopping

Style Station

17265 N. I-35
Elm Mott, Texas 76640
252.289.0447
An old dance hall filled with marvelous goods such as vintage cocktail dresses, custume jewelry from the '60s & '70s and more!

Waco Exit #332
Population 121,496
19.0 miles from West

POINTS OF INTEREST
Some of our favorite stops along I-35 are in Waco, Texas. You can’t drive through Waco without a stop at the Health Camp (exit #332). This hole-in-the-wall burger joint is home to some of the best milkshakes in the world.

Bloom & Bee Swanky

Exit #335A
210 S. 5th Street
Waco, Texas 76701
254.752.2081
Vintage finds, offbeat antiques and handmade gifts. 2009 Best Store.

Health Camp

Exit #333A
2601 Circle Rd.
Waco, Texas 75701
254.752.2081

Honey's Home + Style

Exit #334
1706 Austin Avenue
Waco, Texas 76701
254.754.3311
Shop antique iron beds, one-of-a-kind armoires, slip covered sotas and great art.

George's
"Home of the Bigo"

Exit #334
1925 Speight Ave.
Waco, Texas 76706
254.753.1421

Dr Pepper Museum

Exit #335A
300 S. 5th St.
Waco, Texas 76702
254.757.1025
Exit #335A will bring you to the Dr Pepper Museum, (Don’t wait until you have children to stop at this traditional spot.)

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Exit # 335B
100 Texas Ranger Trail
Waco, Texas 76706
254.750.8631
Exit #335B is the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, (and gift shop!) full of fabulous Ranger memorabilia and the best of Texas’ tradition.

The Shops of River Square

Exit #335B
2nd & Franklin
Downtown Waco
254.757.0921
Head west on Martin Luther King Blvd. toward downtown Waco. Cross the Brazos River on the one lane trellis bridge at Washington Ave.
Hang a left (when you stop oohing over the cool bridge) to Franklin Ave. At 2nd Street and Franklin you’ll find a 100-year-old warehouse that is The Shops of River Square. You’ll find several places to dine here, but the best part is a wonderful shop called Spice.

Spice Home Furniture

Exit # 335B
213 Mary Ave.
Waco, Texas 76701
254.757.1066
Spice Home Furniture
Spice, (founded by Amy, Christy, Jennifer and Honey), has put together one of the finest collections of home furnishings and design services we’ve seenanywhere! Major market taste with hometown prices. A must visit! Call 254.757.1066 for store hours and directions. 2009 Best Store.

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Temple Exit #301
Population 54,925
35.5 miles from Waco

Temple is home to Scott and White, one of the most renowned medical facilities in the world.

The Texas legislature has designated Temple as the Wildflower Capital of Texas!


Salado Exit #285
Population approx 3,500
17.2 miles from Temple

Salado was established in the mid 1800’s as a stagecoach and Pony Express stop on the Chisholm Trail. This small community maintains its 1850 charm with a wealth of Bed and Breakfast locations, unique shopping and beautiful golf courses.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Many of the historic homes in Salado have been converted into charming bed and breakfast locations. Call in advance for reservations. (Everyone else has the same idea.) Call 254.947.5040 and ask for the complete list of all 22 bed and breakfasts here.

DINING

Stagecoach Inn

Exit #285
401 S. Stagecoach Rd.
Salado, 76571
254.947.5111
Stagecoach Inn
The historic Stagecoach Inn dining room has won "The Taste of Texas" for its delicious roast prime rib.

Round Rock Exit #256
Population 92,392
30.7 from Salado
Take exit 256 toward RM-1431/Chandler Rd

SHOPPING

Round Rock Premium Outlets

Exit #256
4401 North IH-35
Round Rock, Texas 78664
512.863.6688
Upscale, fashion conscious shoppers can choose between 125 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, White House/Black Market and more.

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Austin Exit #236B
Population 709,893
50 miles from Salado

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" with more than a hundred live music venues throughout the city. You can't miss the University of Texas campus on your right as you come into town.

SPECIAL EVENTS

South by Southwest

For a week in mid-March if you are a music lover this is the event for you. This festival showcases more than 1,000 bands. SXSW

Austin City Limits

Listen live to all your favorites and new favorites at the famous three-day music festival hosts more than 130 bands rock, country, folk, indie, Americana, hip-hop, reggae, and bluegrass

HOTELS
Check out www.austintexas.org.(select "Visiting Austin" and then "Where to Stay"). This will give you a broad spectrum of hotels and rates.

If you're looking for some serious charm and don't mind spending some money, take a look at these Austin landmark hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Exit #236B
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78701
512.478.4500
If scenery and luxury is your forte, the Four Seasons Austin is a perfect place for a peaceful get-away. Have lunch on the patio after jogging around the lake.

Driskill Hotel

Exit #236B
604 Brazos St. Downtown
512.474.5911
800.252.9367
This hotel was built in 1886 and restored in 1999. The old world luxury is apparent the moment you walk into this magnificent hotel. If you have plenty of room on your credit card you must stay in the Cattle Baron suites. The Driskill is expensive but well worth it. If you are lucky you might see a star!

Hotel San Jose

Exit #236B
1316 S. Congress
512.444.7322
800.574.8897
This 1936 hotel has become the hottest thing in Austin. Nestled on South Congress in one of the hippest parts of the city, this urban bungalow-style hotel comes with an art gallery and discount rates for upscale musicians. If this is your style, make your reservation in advance. Only 40 rooms and suites in this amazing hotel.

Austin Motel

Exit # 236B
1220 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
512.441.1157
Austin Motel
Family owned and operated since 1938 and that’s the way they like it. Known for their 41 uniquely decorated rooms and friendly service. Located on famous SoCo (South Congress) right next to some of the best shopping, dining and people watching.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Texas State Capitol

Exit #236B
Texas has one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the country. Located in the heart of Austin, the Capitol is open daily for tours beginning at 8:30 (9:30 weekends). The Gift Shop in the Capitol Extension is well worth the visit.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Exit #236B
Austin, Texas 78711
Corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and N. Congress Ave.
512.936.8746
Make time for this fabulous look at Texas history. Excellent exhibits, interactive experiences and a 400 seat IMAX theater. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm.; Sunday 1-6pm admission. Don't forget your checkbook, the museum has an incredible gift shop.

Governor’s Mansion

Exit #236B
1010 Colorado
Austin, Texas 78701
512.463-5518
Near the Capitol, this historic mansion is actually home to the Governor. First floor tours Monday - Friday, every 20 minutes from 10 am - 11:40 am.

East Sixth Street

Exit #236B
Seven blocks between I-35 and Congress Avenue
National Register District reborn with restaurants, nightclubs, galleries and shops. On weekends the street scene is lively.

DINING

Guero’s Taco Bar

Exit #236B
1412 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78704
512.447.7688
Located in a 100-year old central feed and seed building on South Congress, you can imagine the character(s) this place has. Stop by this popular go-to spot for your Mexican fix and don’t skip the hand-shaken margaritas.

Jeffrey's(Fine Dining)

Exit #236B
1204 West Lynn
Austin, TX 78703
512.477.5584
Very expensive. Fabulous food. This is the spot where the movie stars dine. Chef David Garrido.

County Line (Barbecue)

On the Hill: Located on Bee Cave Road just past Highway 360
512.327.1742
On the Lake: Located on FM 222 just before Highway 360
512.346.3664
With spectacular views and the best barbeque in Texas, the County Line is legendary in Austin.

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San Marcos Exit #200
Population 47,181
35 miles from Austin
Visit the San Marcos Convention and Visitors Bureau.

First things first, go to the discount section of our website and print off the free coupon book from ShopAcrossTexas.Com for Prime and Tanger, worth hundreds in savings. Then put your tennis shoes on and take exit 200 off I-35 to the outlet malls.

SHOPPING

Prime Outlets at San Marcos

Exit #200
3939 IH-35 South, # 900
San Marcos , Texas
A true shoppers haven with over 130 luxury and brand names such as; Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center, Giorgio Armani General Store, Lacoste, Kate Spade, Salvatore Ferragamo, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Coach, Crate and Barrel Outlet, Pottery Barn Outlet, Restoration Hardware, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Tahari, St. John Company Store, Michael Kors, bebe O, Tommy Bahama and many more! The center features architecture designed after the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.

Tanger Outlet Center

Exit #200
4015 IH-35 South
San Marcos , Texas 78666
512.396.7446
Shop Tanger Outlet Center and buy direct from over 100 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores such as; Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, DKNY Jeans, Puma, Van Heusen and many more!

POINTS OF INTEREST

AquarenaCenter

Exit # 206
2 minutes west of I-35, exit 206 (Aquarena Springs Drive)
601 University Dr.
San Marcos, Texas 7866
512.245.7570
The San Marcos Springs discharge 150 million gallons of pristine artesian water daily. The critical habitat created by the San Marcos Springs is home to five endangered species. Glass bottom boat tours are available to view these rare creatures. This is an amazing place, and worth the stop.

Wonder World

Exit 200 off I-35 (Wonder World Drive)
Go right on Hunter, left on Bishop, right on Prospect.
1000 Prospect St.
San Marcos 78666
512.392.3760
At Wonder World you can explore an earthquake-formed cave and ride to the peak of the 110-foot Tejas Observation Tower. There you will experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country like never before.

DINING

Texas Reds

Exit #204A
120 Grove Street
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512.754.8808
After you have shopped till you drop, head to Texas Reds for nourishment! This Texas-styled steakhouse features just about any type of meat you like made just the way you like it. This restaurant has a unique history - you decide whether it's fact or fiction. One thing that is fact is that they make a great steak.

Palmer's

Exit #205
218 West Moore
San Marcos 78666
512.353.3500
Palmer's is a beautifully renovated building from the 20’s. It has something for everyone. Be sure you go hungry-they serve Texas-sized portions.

Remember to visit San Marcos in our Cities section for a complete list of the great stores in this historic town!

New Braunfels Exit #189
Population 36,494
19 miles from San Marcos

Visit the New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Floating down the Guadalupe river in New Braunfels is a Texas tradition, but there is much more to this historic town than inner tubes and water!

POINTS OF INTEREST

Schlitterbahn

Exit #189
305 W. Austin
New Braunfels,Texas 78130
830.625.2351 Ext. 0
Take exit #189 to loop 337 and head west. Make a left on Common Street and right on Liberty. Look for the Schlitterbahn castle!
If you are traveling with kids or you are still a kid at heart, Schlitterbahn is the nation's most popular summertime water park. This 65-acre water park is open weekends beginning April 28th and daily from May 19th.

NaturalBridge Caverns

Exit #175
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Roads. Exit 175
Natural Bridge, Texas 78266
210.651.6101
This natural phenomenon is definitely worth the stop. One of the world’s premier show caves. Offers daily tours of huge subterranean rooms and passages.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Exit #175
Between New Braunfels and San Antonio off I-35 Exit 175
830.438.7400
Have you always dreamed of going on an African Safari? Well, here’s your chance to take a Texas Style Safari! This Hill Country sanctuary is home to 65 different species and you can see all this from the comfort of your car. You can even feed the animals.

DINING

The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar

Exit #191
1287 Gruene
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
830.625.0684
This restaurant, built in the remains of an old Gruene cotton gin, is known for amazing chicken fried steaks.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Visit nbcham.org for a full list of hotels and rates. If you're up for an historic bed and breakfast experience, we can recommend:

Prince Solms Inn

Exit #187
295 E. San Antonio
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
800.625.9169
Small, Texan exterior, exquisite antique furnishings, 14-foot ceilings. Eight rooms with baths and two suites.

Remember to visit New Braunfels in our Cities section for a complete list of the great stores in this historic town!

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San Antonio Exit #155C
Population 1.29Million
19 miles from New Braunfels

The ambiance of this city welcomes travelers from all over the world. The Alamo, the River Walk and the grand Spanish missions offer the romance of a foreign land within the borders of a bustling city.

There is a great deal to see and do in this exotic city. If you're planning a trip for the first time, check out sanantoniovisit.com.This site will give you a great overview of the city plus a head start on the broad spectrum of hotels and rates.

Check out sasave.comfor current discounts throughout San Antonio.

MUST VISIT

The Alamo

Downtown on the east side of Alamo Plaza
Exit #141A
300 Alamo Plz
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.281.0710
Visit The Alamo
The most famous spot in Texas. Established in 1718, the Chapel and the Long Barrack are all that remain of the original fort. The Alamo rests in a beautifully landscaped Plaza in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Even to a native Texan, this spot never grows old.

The River Walk | Visit Riverwalk in San Antonio Texas

Exit # 141A
The San Antonio River meanders several miles through downtown. Below street level, this enchanting river is edged by hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries and live music. Half-hour river cruises are available (but a stroll is just as nice).

El Mercado | Visit Market Square

Exit # 141A
Downtown at Santa Rosa and West Commerce
The largest Mexican Market in the United States. Piñatas, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, pottery, art galleries and a fiesta around every corner.

ATTRACTIONS

SeaWorld

Exit #555
Ray Ellison Drive and Westover Hills Blvd. off Texas 151. 16 miles northwest of downtown.
210.523.3611
The world's largest marine life adventure park with more than 25 major shows, rides and family attractions.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Exit #555 off Loop 1604 and I-10
210.697.5050
This 200-acre theme park rests in a limestone quarry surroundedby 100-foot cliffs. It's a beautiful setting for a fabulous attraction.

DINING

Chris Madrids (Burgers)

Exit #166
1900 Blanco Road
San Antonio, Texas 78212
210.735.3552
We never visit San Antonio without having a burger at Chris Madrids.

Mi Tierra (Mexican)

Exit #155C
218 Produce Row
San Antonio, Texas 78207
210.225.1262
Downtown next to El Mercado, it's all about the atmosphere.

La Fogata (Mexican)

Exit # 166
2427 Vance Jackson
San Antonio, Texas 78213
210.3401337
Where the locals eat. Lovely patio setting with strolling mariachis.

Le Reve (Upscale)

Exit # 157A
152 East Pecan
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.212.2221
Wonderful French food on the River.

The Silo (American)

Exit #166
1133 Austin Hwy.
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210.824.8686
Everything is made to order, so bring your appetite.

ACCOMMODATIONS
For a thorough listing of hotels and rates visit: sanantoniovisit.com

The Menger

Exit #158B
204 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.223.4361
Built in 1859, this historic hotel is just steps away from the The Alamo.
3 diamonds / 3 stars

The Saint Anthony

Exit #158B
300 East Travis
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.227.4392
This National and Texas Historical Landmark Hotel was built in 1909, renovated in 2001.

Riverwalk Vista

Exit #158B
262 Losoya St
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210.223.3200, Toll Free: 866.898.4782
This lovely 17-room inn is located just across the street from the river.

Remember to visit San Antonio in our Cities section for a complete list of the great stores in this historic town!

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