All aboard! Get ready to plan a road trip with family or friends from the vibrant city of Dallas to Shreveport, Louisiana! We’ve rounded up the best restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems along the way — including an unforgettable stop at Jellystone Park™ Tyler, home to the best camping in East Texas. Our road trip guide starts in Dallas and ends in Shreveport, but you can easily flip the itinerary if you're heading the opposite direction from Shreveport to Dallas. Keep reading for a road trip that's packed with fun for all ages!
Dallas: Starting Your Road Trip
Let the adventure begin! Before you hit the road, take some time to explore everything Dallas has to offer. Whether you visit the Dallas Arboretum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or stop for a bite at the Dallas Farmers Market, there’s no shortage of excitement.
Once you're fueled up and ready, it’s time to hit the road and head east!
Stop #1: The Gentle Zoo – Forney, TX
Located just outside Dallas in Forney, The Gentle Zoo is a fantastic first stop, especially if you're traveling with kids. This animal rescue and children’s educational zoo features a petting zoo, playground, train rides, and even a giant maze! Stretch your legs, snap some pics, and enjoy this interactive experience before continuing your Dallas to Shreveport road trip.
Stop #2: East Texas Arboretum – Athens, TX
Swap out the water slides for winding trails, lush gardens, and peaceful nature walks at the East Texas Arboretum in Athens. This 100-acre hidden gem is perfect for stretching your legs while enjoying scenic bridges, wildlife, native plants, and even a historic log cabin. It’s a calm and refreshing stop between the busier attractions, and ideal for nature lovers of all ages.
Whether you're packing a picnic or just passing through, it’s a peaceful way to reconnect with nature before hitting the road again.
Stop #3: Jellystone Park™ Tyler – Tyler, TX
It’s time for your overnight stay or day of play at Jellystone Park™ Tyler, one of the best road trips from Dallas wouldn’t be complete without this memorable detour! Nestled on 107 acres in the rolling hills of East Texas, this campground near Dallas offers cabin camping, RV sites, and tent camping — with plenty of activities for all ages.
Enjoy the Water Zone, mini golf, laser tag, jumping pillows, nature trails, themed events, and so much more! Whether you're looking for camping near Dallas or just a fun way to break up the drive, Jellystone Park™ Tyler is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
📍 Explore Jellystone Park™ Tyler
Photo Credit: The Grove / https://www.thegrovetyler.com/
Stop #4: The Grove Kitchen & Gardens – Tyler, TX
Before you leave Tyler, treat yourself to a delicious farm-to-table meal at The Grove Kitchen & Gardens. With a spacious patio, seasonal ingredients, and Southern charm, this restaurant is a favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Stop #5: Kilgore Oil Museum – Kilgore, TX
Get a glimpse of East Texas history at the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore. This fascinating stop showcases how oil changed the region during the 1930s and is a great educational break during your road trip from Dallas to Shreveport.
Stop #6: Herby-K’s – Shreveport, LA
Welcome to Shreveport! You made it — but don’t end your road trip just yet. Your first stop should be Herby-K’s, a Shreveport institution known for its Shrimp Buster and old-school vibes. It's the perfect place to celebrate the end of your road trip with a great meal.
Shreveport: Road Trip Complete
Now that you've arrived, explore everything Shreveport has to offer! Visit Sci-Port Discovery Center, stroll the Red River District, or try your luck at a local casino. Looking for more road trip ideas from Dallas? This route is one of our favorites, thanks to the variety of family-friendly attractions and beautiful scenery along the way.
Whether you're planning road trips from Dallas or looking for road trips from Shreveport, this itinerary offers unforgettable memories, unique stops, and plenty of reasons to pull over and explore. From petting zoos to wineries and the best camping in East Texas, your Dallas to Shreveport road trip is bound to be a hit.
