Day Trippin' › Texas › From Dallas › Barton Springs Pool
The drive from Dallas to Barton Springs Pool takes about 2 hr 52 min (south of Dallas), by real roads from ZIP 75201. Along the way we found 89 stops within a short detour: 18 coffee shops, 6 bakeries, 20 ice cream and treats and 29 places to eat.
The list below is the best few of each kind, in driving order, with how far into the drive you reach each one (counted from Dallas) and the detour it adds. Stops marked Our pick are chosen by us; the rest come from OpenStreetMap listings, so confirm hours before you count on them.
Photo: Downtown Austin, Public domain
Swimming
A three-acre spring-fed pool in Austin's Zilker Park that stays around 68-70 degrees all year. It is home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
Heads-up: Closed Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for cleaning. No pets. Weekend parking fee March through Labor Day. Entry is cashless or at the Zilker Cafe kiosk during construction.
First third Middle third Last third Barton Springs Pool
About 2 hr 52 min by road, heading south from the middle of ZIP 75201. Traffic and weather change that.
Good ones to start with: Czech Stop (West). The page lists 30 in all, in driving order.
Starbucks in De Soto, Sweet Somethings Bakery in Waxahachie, Twisty Donuts in Italy and Starbucks in Hillsboro. Check hours first; they come from OpenStreetMap listings.
Zac's Phillysteaks & Shakes in Lancaster, Mariscos La Marea Mexican & Seafood in Lancaster, Pollo Regio in Red Oak and Rice Box Express in Italy.
Snake Encounters in Lancaster, Bruco, The Texas Italian Caterpillar in Italy, Waco Traffic Circle in Beverly and Old Town Salado in Salado.
Drive times are by road on a typical day from ZIP <class 'zip'> (OpenStreetMap data with the OSRM route planner). Stops come from our own picks and OpenStreetMap listings; hours and detours change, so check before you go. We do not store anyone's location.