If you’re planning a Dallas to Houston road trip, there are plenty of great places to stop along the way for gas, food, and a quick break. From iconic Buc-ee’s stops to small towns like Corsicana and Madisonville, this drive can easily turn into a fun mini road trip instead of just a straight shot down I-45.
Here’s exactly how we spent our weekend plus a few extra stops worth adding next time.
Buc-ee’s Stops Between Dallas and Houston
No Dallas to Houston road trip is complete without stopping at Buc-ee’s. It’s easily one of the best places to stretch your legs, grab food, and reset before getting back on the road.
If you’re making the full drive, here are a few Buc-ee’s locations along the route:
- Ennis Buc-ee’s
- 1402 S Interstate 45, Ennis, TX
- Madisonville Buc-ee’s
- 205 I-45 S, Madisonville, TX
We always stop to use the restroom, gas up, and grab snacks. The bathrooms are consistently clean, and there are so many food options it’s hard to choose.
A stop in Corsicana
Corsicana is one of those spots that’s easy to drive past, but definitely worth pulling off for, especially if you want a break from the highway.
It has that small-town feel with a cute downtown area, and it’s a great place to grab a bite or just get out and walk around for a bit. If you’re hungry, there are so many options depending on what you’re craving. You can go classic diner style at Across the Street Diner, grab BBQ from local spots like Tucker Town, or sit down somewhere a little more relaxed like Italian Village.
One place I’d definitely recommend stopping at is Collin Street Bakery. It’s kind of a staple in Corsicana and perfect if you want a coffee and something sweet before getting back on the road.
If you have a little extra time, Corsicana also has some unique things to do. Pioneer Village is a great place to step back in time and learn about Navarro County history, while the Pearce Museum offers exhibits focused on the Civil War and the American West.
Copper Farms in Fairfield
If you’re looking for something a little different, Copper Farms in Fairfield is a fun stop to add, especially during seasonal events.
They are located at 301 I-45, Fairfield.
Where we stayed in Dallas: Hilton Garden Inn Duncanville
For this trip, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Duncanville, which ended up being a really convenient location just outside of Dallas.
It was close to everything we had planned, easy to get in and out of, and perfect for a quick weekend stay. If you’re looking for something affordable and comfortable without staying right in downtown Dallas, this is a great option.
Another bonus was having food options nearby, which made late-night plans super easy.
Dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
For dinner, we went to Pappadeaux, which is always one of our favorite places for Cajun seafood.
I ordered the fried shrimp with a baked potato, and Kyle got the redfish ponchartrain. Everything was so good, and the service was just as great.
If you’re looking for a reliable dinner spot in Dallas with bold flavors and generous portions, Pappadeaux is definitely worth adding to your list.
Seeing Halsey at South Side Ballroom
One of the highlights of the trip was seeing Halsey live at the South Side Ballroom during her Back to the Badlands tour.
She put on an amazing performance, and it felt so special to see this album live. The venue itself has a more intimate feel, which makes concerts there even better.
If you’re planning a Dallas trip, it’s always worth checking what shows are happening while you’re in town.
After the concert, we grabbed a quick late night bite at Jack in the Box right next to our hotel.
Sometimes you just need something quick and easy after a long day, and this definitely hit the spot.
Breakfast at Keke’s Breakfast Café
The next morning, we made it to Keke’s Breakfast Café, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
We met up with friends and their adorable baby for a slow morning, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip.
READ MORE: The Best Keke’s Breakfast Café Dishes You’ll Want to Try Again
Kyle ordered the Florida waffle, which was fluffy, golden, and topped with fresh fruit. I went with the Greek omelet and loved the feta. Our friends ordered the stuffed French toast, which looked incredible and is definitely on my list for next time.
Prices were around $10 to $15 per plate, which felt totally worth it. And free parking is always a win.
Tips for a Dallas to Houston road trip
If you’re planning the drive, here are a few quick tips:
- Plan at least one Buc-ee’s stop along the way
- The drive is about 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic
- Stop in towns like Corsicana or Madisonville to break things up
- Visit Fairfield if you want something more activity-based
- Try to avoid peak traffic leaving Dallas
