The Best Route for a Dallas to Destin Road Trip

Key trip details

Itinerary

Start in Dallas

Where to stay in Dallas

CANVAS Hotel
: Barely south of downtown, the CANVAS Hotel has an infinity pool, local artwork, and a popular onsite restaurant. Cost per night: from $145

Where to eat in Dallas

Lee Harveys’
($-$$): Don’t be turned off by the tasteless name! This place is legendary with locals—and for good reason. You’ll be greeted by fireside picnic tables and perhaps even some friendly dogs. The menu includes paninis, fish tacos, and some vegetarian options for a nice variety.

STIRR
($$): If you like skyline views and impressive New American cuisine then head to STIRR. The duck-fat marbled potatoes and the grilled halloumi are two of the best dishes here, but you truly can’t go wrong.

What to do in Dallas

 
Dallas Museum of Art
(Free): Established in 1903, the DMA has an impressive collection of art spanning contemporary and reliquary items. From Jean-Michel Basquiat to ancient Islamic art, there’s something for everyone here.

 
The Wild Detectives
(Free): This is an indie bookstore/bar that makes for a wonderful morning or afternoon sojourn. Where else can you peruse the shelves with a Pisco Sour in hand? Come for the curated book collection and stay for the live storytelling events.

Pro Tip: There isn’t much free parking in Dallas, so we recommend using public transit or exploring by foot. You’ll see a ton of great public art this way, too!

Dallas to Shreveport

Where to stay

 
Hilton Shreveport
: This hotel is eco-certified and has a stunning rooftop pool. It’s well-situated near downtown, but it’s away from noisy traffic—just three blocks from the Red River. If you need to stay the night in Shreveport, this is a great choice. Cost per night: From $137

Where to eat

 
Mabry House
($$): This restaurant is hugely popular with an average rating of 4.8/5 stars. It’s tucked into a quaint Victorian house, but the cuisine is anything but outdated. With great service, a huge wine list, and a rotating seasonal menu, your belly will be pleased.

Blind Tiger
($$): Chow down on delicious Cajun food in a saloon-esque environment. Try the classic red beans and rice or go for the blackened catfish. Blind Tiger opens at 11 AM so you can grab lunch or dinner, but note that it is closed on Sundays.

What to do

Agora Borealis
(Free): This is an art gallery/event space run by local Katy Larsen. Look for handmade home furnishings like jewelry and soaps or pick up a custom piece of furniture. If you want a quiet place to recover from the road, this is it.

 
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
(Free): Stretch your legs and enjoy the view at this wildlife refuge, where you can spot wading birds and other animals amongst the peaceful 50,000-acre park. The wide walkways are perfect for families with young children.

Pro Tips: Shreveport has several casinos if you and your friends care to spend a few hours trying your luck. Who knows, maybe you’ll win some gas money!

Shreveport to Jackson

Where to stay

Westin Jackson
: Chic and pristine, the Westin Jackson is in proximity to some of the city’s best attractions. There’s an indoor pool and spa, and the ground-level restaurant will please even the pickiest eaters. It’s also near public transit, so you can ditch your car and easily explore. Cost per night: From $212

Where to eat

Mayflower Cafe
($$): An iconic restaurant featured in The Help and other blockbuster movies, this cafe serves up Greek-inspired fare in a comfortable diner setting. Get their specialty (the redfish) or treat yourself to the Captain’s Platter and nom on seafood delights until you’re stuffed to the gills.

 
E & L Barbecue
($): If saucy ribs are more your style, then go to E & L’s for smoked wings and mouth-watering side dishes. Come hungry, because you’ll want to try it all! One final “tip”: If you fall in love with their BBQ sauce, you can buy it by the gallon.

What to do

Fondren District
(Free): This arts district is slightly outside of town, but it’s worth a quick bus ride to spend a vibrant afternoon in the company of gourmet chefs, up-and-coming musicians, and neighborhood festivals.

 
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
($2 per person, ages 5 and under are free): Spanning 300 acres on the Pearl River, this is the perfect place to relax and explore Mississippi’s backcountry—without leaving the city limits. There are trails, picnic spots, a disc golf course, and a lake that’s suited for swimming.

Pro Tips: There’s nothing better than live music, but don’t worry if your schedule doesn’t line up with a concert. Many local restaurants host musicians in the evenings.

Jackson to Destin

Where to stay

 
Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
: The best part of Destin is the view, and this hotel has a good one. Emerald waters and bright white beaches are just one block away, and the Henderson Beach State Park is right next door. The pool, soaking tubs, and five-star dining don’t hurt, either. Cost per night: From $329

Where to eat

East Pass Coffee Company
($): Sip your morning cuppa at this bright, beachy cafe overlooking Destin Harbor. The Vietnamese cold brew is blissful, and you can enjoy an acai granola bowl or breakfast sandwich along with your coffee.

Louisiana Lagniappe
($$$): Enjoy a meal you’ll never forget. You can expect crisp white tablecloths and local seafood prepared with style. The stuffed grouper is particularly sumptuous, and we like the peanut butter pie for dessert.

What to do

Hurricane Lanes
($): Once you’ve soaked up the sun, head indoors for a retro round of bowling and some arcade games. This joint is guaranteed to satisfy kids (and the young at heart, too). It’s $14 per person for unlimited bowling after 10 PM.

Escapology
($$): Most people come to Destin to get away from it all. If you’re “escaping” the doldrums of modern life, too, then you might like to try an escape room. For $29 per person, you can attempt to stop the Cuban Missile Crisis or solve a submarine-themed mystery before time runs out.

Pro Tip: It’s all about the beaches in Destin, but you may need to head off the beaten path to get some peace and quiet away from the crowds.

The best time of year to drive from Dallas to Destin

Why you need roadside assistance

Finding cheap car insurance