Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is a family-friendly vacation destination where there’s fun for everyone, from the kiddos to mom and dad. This city is known for its collection of charming shops, restaurants, attractions, winery tasting rooms and of course, Lake Grapevine.
Where to Stay
If resorts are your thing, and let’s be honest, they’re everyone’s thing—then the Gaylord Texan is the place for your summer getaway! This sprawling resort boasts 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens, a 25,000-square-foot spa and a 10-acre Western-themed water park, resort pool and lazy river complex known as Paradise Springs. Make sure to check out the waterfront event experience, Glass Cactus, for an adults-only night of fun. This summer the Gaylord is hosting its 17th annual SummerFest featuring Once Upon A Story, which will offer larger-than-life nursery rhyme themed décor, escape rooms, scavenger hunts, dance parties and lots more to keep the kids busy!
If you’re looking for something more family-oriented, you can also make a splash at Great Wolf Lodge, famously known for its indoor water park. Other attractions at Great Wolf Lodge include the Elements Spa, Scooops Kid Spa and Howlers Peak Ropes Course!
The Hilton DFW Lakes is another great choice, located on a lakeside property that’s super convenient to some of Grapevine’s top attractions, such as SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium and all of the best shopping.
Where to Shop
No summer getaway is complete without some retail therapy, and Grapevine delivers! Start at Grapevine Mills, home to Saks OFF 5th and Last Call by Neiman Marcus, where you’ll discover designer labels for a steal. If you have the kiddos in tow, be sure to take them to one of the many attractions within the mall, such as SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm and Sunday: 12-6pm
Next, head to Bass Pro Shops to get the supplies you need for all of your outdoorsy adventures, be it a weekend spent hunting on the ranch or a holiday at the lake. With a 30,000 gallon aquarium, shooting gallery, Uncle Buck’s Brewery and Steakhouse, and Fudge and Nut Cart—yes, daily homemade fudge, this is way more than a sporting goods store. It’s an experience.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 9am-8pm and Sunday: 10am-7pm
The shopping on Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine is a must when visiting Grapevine.
If you want to add a few fun and fabulous pieces to your wardrobe, The Palm Tree Boutique will have just what you’re looking for. The store has a beachy theme with some Texas flair. Shopping at this tropical boutique is like taking a mini-vacation in itself, so be sure to stop in during your Grapevine getaway.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11am-6pm, Thursday: 11am-7pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-9pm and Sunday: 12-5pm
Red Shed Antiques, just off Main Street, is an especially charming shop with beautiful vintage antiques.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Another great place to find unique pieces for your home is Vetro Glass Blowing. This store has all hand-blown glass pieces that will leave you in awe and definitely wanting more! They are offering Curbside Creates, where you can work with an artist to create a unique piece for yourself or a loved one from your car. Give them a call at 817-251-1668 to schedule an appointment for Curbside Creates, or visit them in person to check out their incredible inventory!
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Where to Eat
Along with great shopping, Grapevine also has great food, and Mi Dia From Scratch is at the top of our list. We love the blended menu of traditional and modern Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes. The perfect end to any day is sipping margaritas, made from one of the many different tequilas offered on the tequila tower, while sitting on the patio enjoying the atmosphere!
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9pm, and Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm
Winewood GrillIf you are a wino, Winewood Grill is a great place for lunch or dinner! With a wine list a mile long and a great steak to pair it with, you can’t go wrong. If you find yourself there on a weekday, then be sure to check out their Happy Hour from 3-7pm, or find other great deals on their Facebook page.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm and Sunday: 11am-9pm
A local favorite for dinner is Esparza’s. Go early to snag a patio seat, then walk around the corner on Main Street for a two-step and shot of tequila at Tolbert’s.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11am-9:30pm and Friday-Saturday:11am-10pm
Before you leave Grapevine, you will want to stop and refuel with some of the best comfort food this side of the Mississippi at Old West Café. You can’t beat a place that serves banana-nut pancakes with peanut butter syrup all day, so don’t forget to stop by and try it out!
Hours: 7am-2pm daily
What To Do
Did you know Grapevine is host to the premier Urban Wine Trail in Texas? Texas is the 5th largest wine-producing state in the country, with no shortages of winemakers, wineries or tasting rooms in Grapevine!
With three courses to choose from, you’ll find Grapevine’s golf game in full swing! Cowboys Golf Club, the only NFL-themed golf club in the world, is also one of the region’s only all-inclusive resort golf properties. Named one of the “10 Great Places to Play Golf” by the Wall Street Journal, Bear Creek Golf Club boasts two Ted Robinson-designed championship layouts. Rated the #1 course in Texas under $40, you can birdie on a budget at Grapevine Golf Course.
Grapevine Pioneers Storybook Passport is a family-fun summer program, including heritage activities with Nash Farm, Settlement to City Museums, Grapevine Tin Shop and Cottonbelt Railroad Depot.
In the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine, you’ll find The Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Travel back in time on a one-hour ride on authentic 1920s Victorian coaches. While this is an amazing family activity, adult-only Jazz Wine Trains make a perfect date night option for the parents. Purchase tickets here.
Get up close and personal with the creatures of the deep at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, both located in the Grapevine Mills Mall. Explore Grapevine’s history at Nash Farm or discover mysterious characters and figure out whodunit at the Texas Star Dinner Theatre.
With all the summer festivities going on, we recommend planning your Grapevine summer getaway in advance. Check here for even more suggestions on where to stay, dine, shop and most importantly, where to sip some wine!
While you’re at it, you might as well book your stay over the holidays, as well—after all, Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas!
