As the warm weather settles in Texas, the Summer season always feels like it begins a little early all over the state. Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine, Texas captures the spirit of a classic small town with the energy of a buzzing destination. With walkable streets, a growing arts scene, and a deep appreciation for Texas heritage, Grapevine is a perfect spring or summer escape — whether you’re looking for family adventure, romantic weekends, or a little bit of both.
Best Places to Stay in Grapevine
Set along the shores of Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is an iconic Texas-sized retreat where lush indoor gardens, sparkling pools, and expansive restaurants create a mini-city under glass. The 10-acre Paradise Springs water park is the ultimate summer attraction, with lazy rivers and waterslides perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
For families seeking a one-stop adventure, Great Wolf Lodge delivers nonstop waterpark fun for the entire family. This lodge-style resort features a massive indoor waterpark complete with slides, wave pools, and water fort treehouses, offering entertainment rain or shine. Beyond the water, there’s an arcade, MagiQuest adventures, nightly story times, and cozy cabin-themed suites that kids will adore. With multiple dining options and family-focused activities, Great Wolf Lodge offers an immersive experience where memories are made from sunrise to well after sunset.
Best Things to Do in Grapevine
Start your weekend with a visit to Chicken N Pickle where you’ll find more than a dozen indoor/outdoor pickleball courts. You can grab a paddle for a casual game or lounge outside with giant Jenga, corn hole, and a plate of wood-fired rotisserie chicken in between matches, or while you watch sports on one of my screens spread across the venue.
For one of the best views in town, the Grapevine Observation Tower at Main Street Station lifts you 150 feet into the sky. From the top, downtown Grapevine, shimmering Lake Grapevine, and even distant DFW Airport come into view, offering a unique look at the surrounding Metroplex.
Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to step back into the golden age of travel. Restored 1920s coaches glide along the tracks as lively characters like Mustang Jones and Ms. Rosé bring Grapevine’s playful Wild West history to life. It’s theatrical, nostalgic, and fun for every age. They even host a jazz dinner series and wine tasting eperience that adds a little extra flavor to the historic tour.
Spend an afternoon wandering the Historic Main Street District, where you’ll enjoy boutique shops, winery tasting rooms, and public art in a walk-friendly journey along Main Street. Antique shops, indie bookstores, and local galleries create a leisurely atmosphere, making Main Street feel like you stepped in to a Hallmark movie set come to life.
Step back even further in time with a visit to Historic Nash Farm. This beautifully preserved 19th-century farm offers a glimpse into life on the Grape Vine Prairie, complete with heritage animals, blacksmith demonstrations, and historic reenactments that transport you straight to Texas’s frontier days.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy a truly surreal experience at Meow Wolf Grapevine, where the reality of the real world transforms the imagination into an immersive and incredibly massive indoor playground. “The Real Unreal” invites you to journey through fantastical rooms of what looks like a suburban home, filled with interactive art installations and story-driven exhibits that blur the lines between reality and dream.
While at Grapevine Mills, explore the massive 1.8 million-square-foot mall also houses SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and AMC’s dine-in theaters — making it a full-day destination, especially for families seeking cool indoor fun.
Where To Dine in Grapevine
For dinner, Farina’s Winery & Café is a Grapevine staple known for its hearty bowls of spaghetti, hand-tossed pizzas, and generous pours of wine. The cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for relaxed, lingering meals with family and friends.
For a lively evening, Harvest Hall brings together chef-driven kitchens, craft cocktails, and Third Rail — a sleek, intimate music venue where live performances stretch late into the night. With flavors ranging from international street food to local Texas specialties, it’s a culinary adventure under one roof.
Breakfast calls for a visit to Chez Fabien, a European-style bakery and café tucked into Main Street’s bustle. Fresh almond croissants, artisan coffee, and farm-to-table breakfast classics create the perfect start to a leisurely day.
When it’s time for lunch, Weinberger’s Deli is the place to go for towering sandwiches stuffed with bold flavors. With more than 120 options to choose from, including the iconic “Settler Sandwich” and stacked Italian Beef, it’s where classic deli tradition meets Texas-sized appetite.
Best Time to Visit Grapevine
Spring and early summer are simply magical in Grapevine. Sunny mornings invite long walks down Main Street, patio brunches, and lakeside adventures, while warm afternoons are ideal for poolside lounging or cooling off inside art exhibits and shopping destinations. Festivals fill the calendar with music, wine, and local crafts, bringing an extra buzz of excitement to the season.
Conveniently located just five minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Grapevine is easy to reach whether you’re flying in for the weekend or making the drive from Austin. Once you arrive, downtown’s walkable layout, combined with rideshares and hotel shuttles, makes getting around effortless.
Grapevine, with its blend of history, creativity, and Texas hospitality, offers a kind of weekend magic that lingers long after the last glass of wine is sipped and the last shopping bag is packed. In the warm glow of spring and summer, this welcoming town invites you to slow down, explore, and savor every sun-soaked moment.