Area Attractions

Southwestern Adventist University is located in North Central Texas, just minutes south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the center of everything there is to do. From amusement parks and water activities, to museums and tourist attractions, the classic Texan experience includes shopping, food, and a multitude of cities and parks to explore. North Texas officially has it all! Not to mention, you are likely to spot an iconic longhorn before you even leave campus: some SWAU buggies happen to grow longhorns
 
Texas draws in tourists for a good reason: whether you find yourself down south in Waco enjoying a warm summer day at Magnolia Farms, or in Arlington at the Texas Rangers Stadium (Globe Life Park) for a game, you’re bound to find someone from out of town.
 
Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth is a huge tourist attraction. The city is filled with unique places to eat, incredible museums and beautiful views. Located just over 30 minutes north of SWAU, you’ll find some of the best things to do here. One of the most popular places to explore with friends include the Stockyards—where you can find western stores, catch a rodeo, and eat some delicious food. Other fan favorite adventures include Mexican street food from Salsa Limón, walking around Sundance Square, the Water Gardens or the Botanic Garden. Fort Worth is home to incredible museums like the Modern Art Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and so many more.
 
Arlington
Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor, two of DFW’s major amusement and water parks, are located across the freeway from each other in Arlington, a 40-minute drive northeast of SWAU. Six Flags Over Texas is a highlight to DFW, offering rides, food and live shows. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor offers water rides, food and shopping. Texas is known for its triple-digit temperatures, so if you find yourself one summer day looking for a way to cool down, grab your people, load up the car and head to Arlington!
 
Waco
If you are looking for a day’s worth of fun, Waco is an hour south of our campus. There you can find yourself at Magnolia Market, where they offer shopping, food and live music. Waco is also home to Baylor University, a great place to exercise, catch a football game or visit some coffee shops around campus like the popular Common Grounds. Got a sweet tooth? Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum; you can create your own soda and learn the history behind Dr. Pepper. Waco is also home to the Mayborn Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, Waco Mammoth National Monument and Cameron Park Zoo.
 
Lake Whitney
For years students have enjoyed driving out to Lake Whitney to camp, hike and the most popular activity: cliff jumping! Lake Whitney is located 30 miles south of SWAU, making it about a 40-minute drive. With beautiful views and great company, you will find yourself smiling and cooling off in the lake with friends.
 
Johnson County
If you are interested in something more local, SWAU is surrounded by cities including Cleburne, Burleson and Alvarado. In these cities, you can find great food, parks and trails, local grocery stores and plenty of shopping.
 
Wherever you find yourself while trekking around the metroplex, you can always find your way back home to rest your spirit and tired feet on the SWAU campus.