With the arrival of summer, your mind is likely wandering toward the topic of vacation. And what represents summer fun better than a road trip? For folks living in the Katy area, Dallas is a perfect destination for an in-state trip. If you’re wondering, “How far is Katy TX from Dallas?” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all your road tripping needs covered, from distance and logistics to the best sights and stops along the way.

How Far Is Katy, TX from Dallas?

The best route to Dallas from Katy is taking I-45 N from I-10 E. It’s a fairly easy trip — driving straight through puts you at approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.

That said, a road trip to Dallas doesn’t have to be a straight-shot drive. With a little planning, you can arrive at your destination in a reasonable amount of time and still do a little meandering. Here are some of the best places to stop on the way to Dallas.

Perfect Pit Stops Along the Way

For the Foodie

Let’s face it — any good vacation calls for some extra-special dining experiences. Here are the top can’t-miss restaurants on your route:

    • For barbecue, stop at New Zion B-B-Q in Huntsville. The popular East Texas-style eatery, open only Thursday through Saturday, is affiliated with New Zion Missionary Baptist Church — their pastor smokes all the meats.
    • In the mood for Greek fare? Try the Gyros King food truck just outside Houston for some of the best spanakopita, hummus, dolmades — and, of course, gyros — around.
  • Try a sweet treat at Cooper Farms Store in Fairfield. Everything is peach-flavored, including cobblers, sodas, and ice cream.

For the Wanderer

If you don’t mind traveling off the beaten path, there are lots of great opportunities for sightseeing on the way to Dallas. Here are some of the best local sights:

    • Stop in Old Town Spring to shop, eat, and spend some time outside of your car. Be sure to check the website for upcoming festivals and events.
    • Visit the Pearce Museum in Corsicana to learn more about the Civil War and the American West.
  • Tour the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails for some of the prettiest wildflowers you’ll ever see. Enjoy the trails by car, or book a guided tour.

For the Schedule-Driven

Maybe you don’t have much time to spare, or perhaps you just want to get to your destination without any fuss. In that case, check out some of these one-stop shops for all of your road trip needs:

    • No list would be complete without mentioning Buc-ee’s, the gas station extraordinaire. Though there are several locations, the one in Madisonville is most convenient for your trip.
  • Woody’s Smokehouse is another great place to stop. Grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs, and refuel at this Centerville institution. It’s also halfway between Katy and Dallas.

As you can see, planning a road trip to Dallas is a little more complicated than just answering, “How far is Katy TX from Dallas?” Although the drive is fairly long for an in-state road trip, there are lots of opportunities for fun along the way.