Brisbane has a new golden ticket to United States travel, with convenient nonstop flights to Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) airport with American Airlines.
Get swept up in the cultural richness of Dallas’s Art District, home to world-class museums and historic architecture, or dive into Fort Worth’s modern western scene, complete with live country music and delectable American barbeque in the city of the first indoor rodeo.
Sure, you could base your entire trip in Dallas and Fort Worth alone, however, if you’re looking to broaden your American horizons with the help of a simple connecting flight and endless possibilities, check out our favourite destinations less than three hours from DFW.
Dallas, Texas
Enter the modern metropolis of Dallas, Texas, as soon as you step off your direct flight from Brisbane. This is a city of culture, art and architecture. Stroll through USA’s largest urban art district, recipient of the 2024’s Reader’s Choice Best Arts District by USA Today, and experience stunning street sculptures, award-winning museums and a hub of various performance venues stretching over 20 blocks.
While you’re soaking up the arts of the area make a rest stop in Downtown Dallas. Splurge on a glamorous hotel such as The Statler or The Adolphus Hotel for luxury rooms and skyline views in the middle of the city. Enjoy the rooftop restaurants before exploring Downtown nightlife with a show at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and plenty of local cocktail bars open for celebrations till late.
Fort Worth, Texas
Did you know the first indoor rodeo took place in Fort Worth, Texas in 1918? Though Fort Worth’s country vibes are rooted in history, they are still just as present and buzzing through the city today.
During the day, visit Fort Worth Stock Yards to witness the world’s only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive. Stop by at 11:30 am or 4:00 pm any day of the week to observe a herd of cattle wander down East Exchange Avenue.
After the sun sets, don your cowboy boots and get into the groove at Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky-tonk, to dance along with thousands of others to live music with refreshing beer flowing into the night.
Houston, Texas
Flight time is approximately 1 hour from DFW
Venture to Houston, Texas, to find everything from sprawling parklands to rich culture and history in the museum district, each corner of this vibrant city offers plenty of opportunities to explore.
What to put first on the list? The NASA Space Center, where you can peruse impressive artifact collections, take a tram tour around the Center, and catch live shows and astronaut appearances. You may have already guessed it, but this is THE space station that presented the world with the iconic “Houston, we have a problem” line.
If exploring NASA with the crowds isn’t up your alley, gift yourself a nature-filled interlude within your city escape. Relax in Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, and Hermann Park before heading to the Epiphany Skyspace in the evening to soak up the city’s natural beauty.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Flight time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from DFW
Visit Bourbon Street and beyond in New Orleans, Louisiana, for vibrant live music, captivating culture, and downright irresistible food.
Make a beeline for Bourbon Street, the pulsing heart of the French Quarter. When the sun sets, the streets come to life with neon lights, jumping bars and live jazz music which will get you grooving every night of the week.
For those looking for a more serene New Orleans experience, shift your focus to the city’s renowned eateries. Check out restaurants and cafes offering local culinary delights such as Brigtsen’s, La Petite Grocery, and Li’l Dizzy’s Café to dig into gumbo, crab beignets, po’boys, along with many other mouth-watering specialties.
Denver, Colorado
Flight time is approximately 2 hours from DFW
Pack your bags for the Mile High City – Denver, Colorado – where there’s a whopping 300 days of sunshine only a short drive from the State’s renowned ski slopes. Whether you’re a couple seeking adventure, a solo traveller on the hunt for nightlife, or a family ready for a ski trip, Denver’s worth adding to the American adventure.
If nightlife is your scene, make sure to line up your visit with an event at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater. Nestled among colossal red rocks, this venue transforms into a concert paradise, setting the stage for unforgettable evenings under the stars.
For daytime explorations, gather the family and head to the nearby Rocky Mountains for lush hikes with epic views or chill out with powdery ski days depending on the season.
San Antonio, Texas
Flight time is approximately 1 hour from DFW
Step into the charm of San Antonio, Texas, and explore the miles-long River Walk on foot to take in the city scenery with many cafes and bars along the way – perhaps you’ll stumble upon your new favourite local hangout.
If a day on foot clashes with your holiday mantra of rest and relaxation, discover the river on a leisurely boat cruise to check off all the main sites from the comfort of your seat on the water.
San Antonio proudly holds the title of being one of only two UNESCO-designated Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States. So, once your day of exploration winds down, don’t forget to dig into the Tex-Mex food scene and fill up on local favourites such as puffy tacos, sweet potato fries, and esquites.
Chicago, Illinois
Flight time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from DFW
Be blown away by the sights and scenery of the Windy City – Chicago, Illinois – only 2 hours 30 minutes from DFW airport. Explore the city on foot or by bike to take in the innovative Chicago architecture as you go. Don’t forget to take a picture with The Bean in Millennium Park to add to your holiday photo dump.
Join a public art tour to discover the myriad of public artworks and galleries the city has to offer with incredible creations from the likes of Caldwell and Picasso.
Time your trip with the Lollapalooza festival if you want to add a little excitement to your exploration. Experience the city in full swing with music blasting from the lakefront of Grant Park, welcoming around 100,000 music fans worldwide each year.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Flight time is approximately 2 hours from DFW
Known for its diverse Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultural influence, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the oldest capital city in the United States and a must-visit creative arts mecca for any art-culture buff.
Start your weekend with a visit to the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce and mouth-watering meals every Saturday year-round to fuel up for days of discovery.
Make sure to take a stroll around Canyon Road Arts District with over 80 contemporary galleries, studios, and designers to uncover. Whether you’re interested in contemporary fashion design or searching for vintage artwork as meaningful mementos of your travel, it’ll be easy to spend hours wandering Canyon Road with many up-and-coming and established studios making this district their home.
Nashville, Tennessee
Flight time is approximately 2 hours from DFW
Hop on a two-hour flight to Nashville, Tennessee, a city overflowing with music where the country scene is always on trend. Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum for legendary only-in-Nashville experiences.
Nashville has established its “It City” reputation with an evergreen music scene, boutique shopping, tasty American foods, and iconic neighbourhoods around the city each with its own cultures and personality.
Head to East Nashville to discover new trendy bars and underground shows alongside young local crowds, perfect for the solo traveller looking to meet friends abroad. Or hang around downtown Nashville for strips of honky-tonks and classic American barbeque dining, ideal for those in search of a typical country American experience within the hustle and bustle of a bigger city.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Flight time is approximately 3 hours from DFW
Las Vegas, Nevada, is set right in the Mojave Desert and attracts tourists from around the globe for its extravagant party life, world-famous sporting events, incredible music concerts, 24/7 casinos, and, of course, the renowned Sphere entertainment arena.
Though Las Vegas is always popular among crowds who love to party and celebrate well into the night, there are plenty of otherworldly Las Vegas exclusive experiences for the whole family.
Discover AREA15 – the all-ages immersive entertainment district right near the Vegas Strip. Get lost in jaw-dropping interactive art exhibitions, mind-bending installations, rides, and performances all reminiscent of another alien world.
Phoenix, Arizona
Flight time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from DFW
Is a deluxe desert escape spent by the pool all you’ve been daydreaming about? Visit Phoenix Arizona for a luxurious break from the busier cities with year-round sun, high-end resorts, glamorous spa locations, and Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses.
Though Phoenix is a great choice as a luxury holiday location, it’s still easy to explore on a budget for savvy spenders. Make the most of the free visit days for must-see attractions such as the Desert Botanical Gardens and Phoenix Art Museum, or explore the outdoor desert trails surrounding the city with a variety of tracks for every level of experience.
Save some time to day trip over to Grand Canyon National Park while you’re nearby to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Miami, Florida
Flight time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from DFW
Enter a coastal paradise in Miami, Florida, and enjoy the surf, sand, and sun alongside the hustle and excitement of a busy city.
Whether you’re planning on spending days relaxing by the beach with a cocktail in hand with nights out on the town until sunrise, or you’re making the most of the high-end designer shopping and fine-dining restaurants in between contemporary art tours, Miami has lifelong memories awaiting travellers of all kinds.
No matter your holiday style, make sure to park your towel and umbrella at South Beach for an unforgettable Miami experience with the waves only a short walk from many popular shops, bars, and cafes. Searching for an offshore ocean experience? Jump on board a boat tour from Coconut Grove to explore nearby islands or snorkel through reefs and shipwrecks and have a shell of a good time!
GETTING THERE