35 Best Day Trips From San Antonio — Places Nearby!

Want to experience a fun escape from San Antonio?

Guess what?

I’m here to infuse some flavor into your adventure and inspire your spirit with the best day trips from San Antonio. 

As someone who has relished these journeys, I can assure you that there’s a whole world of beauty and excitement within an arm’s reach of this lively Texan city.

Tired of the hustle and bustle? 

Longing for a change of scenery? 

Craving a dose of nature? 

Or seeking a new city to explore? 

We’ve got all these bases covered.

Prepare to embark on a revitalizing escapade. 

Each option I’ll share with you offers a unique mix of urban charm or natural tranquility, depending on your taste. 

So buckle up, and let’s dive into these incredible adventures waiting for you beyond the heart of San Antonio.

Best Day Trips From San Antonio Compared

Ready to make lifelong memories? 

From quaint historic towns to serene nature retreats, these top picks for the best day trips from San Antonio will leave your family beaming with joy. 

Here are top 35 day trips from San Antonio.

1. Austin (Editor’s Choice)

Austin, TX
(512) 478-0098
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Family friendliness: 4/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun factor: 5/5

Pros

• Culinary delights: From food trucks to fine dining, the city boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, with numerous local and international cuisines to choose from.
• Outdoor activities: Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding in places like Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and the Greenbelt, providing a refreshing escape from city life.

Cons

• Traffic congestion: Austin’s popularity as a tourist destination, combined with its growing population, can lead to heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak times. 
• Limited public transportation: Austin’s public transportation system may not be as extensive or efficient as in some other major cities.

Austin is Texas’s capital city and a little over an hour’s drive from San Antonio.

Austin can offer you an exciting and entertaining day, allowing you to explore some museums, parks, trails, galleries and other such local attractions.

For instance, you can visit places like the Lady Bird Lake, Barton Creek Greenbelt, O. Henry House Museum, Zilker Park, Austic Public Library, Paramount Theater, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, South Austin Museum of Popular Culture and Texas State Capitol.

Many sporting events are held here in case you want to visit the city just to see them.

You can also be a part of various festivals, markets and parades.

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

Also See:
Fun Day Trips From Dallas
Day Trips Around Fort Worth

2. Natural Bridge Caverns

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
San Antonio, TX 78266
(210) 651-6101
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Family friendliness: 4/5
• Safety: 5/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Fun factor: 4/5

Pros

• Natural wonder: Exploring the caverns allows visitors to witness stunning geological formations, including magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and vast chambers, providing a fascinating glimpse into the natural world.
• Educational opportunities: Natural Bridge Caverns provides educational tours and programs that offer valuable insights into geology, cave formation, and the natural history of the region. 

Cons

• Weather considerations: The weather above ground can impact activities such as zip-lining and the canopy challenge course. 
• Additional costs: Visitors should consider their budget and prioritize activities accordingly, as the overall expenses may increase beyond the standard tour fees.

Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas is another 35-minute drive from San Antonio and can be an intriguing trip away from the city.

These caverns are made from limestone and include various unique elements that you can observe and learn about, usually in the form of guided programs, trails and tours taking place here.

There are various kinds of geological and rock structures in these caverns that you might enjoy, such as stalactites, stalagmites and other layered structures and shapes.

Some parts of the caverns are also lit up with bridges built inside to make them more accessible.

You might also be able to spot some interesting artifacts here.

Recommended Hotel: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

3. Canyon Lake

3934 FM-2673
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
(830) 964-2223
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Family friendliness: 5/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Fun factor: 5/5

Pros

• Water recreation: The lake’s expansive size and clean waters provide ample opportunities for fun and relaxation on the water.
• Peaceful escape: It offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, solitude, or a chance to connect with nature.

Cons

• Limited amenities: Visitors should plan accordingly and be prepared for potential limited dining options or shopping choices in the immediate vicinity.
• Seasonal crowds: During popular vacation seasons or weekends, Canyon Lake can attract a significant number of visitors. 

Canyon Lake is an hour’s drive from San Antonio.

This location is actually a census-designated place but rests around the lake gorge that provides it its name.

There are several things you can do if you visit this region, such as tour the gorge through boats or kayaks or carry out some fishing in some parts of the lake.

There are some hiking trails and picnic spots around the lake as well that you can consider visiting.

The town of Canyon Lake also has a 72-par golf course in case you and your group are interested in playing a round or two.

Recommended Hotel: Canyon Lakeview Resort

4. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 997-6523
Visit Website
Social MediaCorpus Christi
Open in Google Maps

Fredericksburg is a city in Texas that can take you only over an hour to drive to from the city of San Antonio.

This city has a rich cultural and artistic history whose remnants are also present even today for you to witness in the form of museums and buildings.

You can visit some of these during your day trip, such as the Fredericksburg Historic District, Fort Martin Scott Historic Site, Crosswind Aviation, Fred Moped, Bit and Bridle Stables, Fredericksburg Pioneer Museum and National Museum of the Pacific War.

This city is also pretty well known for its ripe and delicious peaches, so much so that this city is called the Peach Capital of the state.

Recommended Hotel: Peach Tree Inn & Suites

5. Shiner

Shiner, TX
(361) 245-0561‬
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Shiner is a city in Texas that is barely a 10-minute drive from San Antonio.

San Antonio trips made to this city can, therefore, be quite convenient to undertake due to the minimal travel time involved.

Shiner has several places that might be of interest to you, such as the Welhausen Park, Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, Gaslight Theater, Green-Dickson Municipal Park, Edwin Wolters Memorial Museum and Bluestem.

The Spoetzl Brewery is particularly reputed and popular in this city, allowing you to sample, taste, drink and buy some great beer if you are interested.

You can also attend a few events that you might enjoy here.

Recommended Hotel: Black Gold Inn

Related: Activities in San Antonio

6. Guadalupe River State Park

3350 Park Rd 31
Texas 78070
(830) 438-2656
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Guadalupe River State Park is situated 42 minutes from San Antonio.

And, it offers a picturesque refuge and getaway from the noise and rush of the city.

This state park has a section of the river where you can try out some pastimes and recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, paddling, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, tubing, birdwatching, mountain biking and hiking.

If you are interested in observing some flora and fauna, you can find several species here of various kinds, including white-tailed deer, Cypress trees, raccoons, skunks, Ashe junipers and warblers, among others.

You can find a nice picnic spot on one of the lawns and fields as well so that you can enjoy some refreshments.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn By Hilton Bulverde Texas Hill Country

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From San Antonio

7. Blue Hole Regional Park

100 Blue Hole Ln
Wimberley, TX 78676
(512) 660-9111
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Blue Hole Regional Park is slightly more than an hour’s drive from San Antonio and can be an invigorating experience for your day off.

This regional park comprises pristine waters inside a swimming hole, with the water mainly coming from natural springs.

There are many activities you can carry out in these springs, including swimming, tubing and playing some fun water sports.

This swimming area is further surrounded by beautiful Cypress trees along with lawns nearby where you can sit in the shade or light to have a picnic and have some rest.

There are some trails and rope swings here as well that can offer some additional recreation.

Recommended Hotel: Wimberley Inn

8. Marble Falls

Marble Falls, TX
(830) 693-4449
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Marble Falls is another close enough city in Texas where you can spend your time, especially since it is only a 1.5-hour drive from Texas.

Marble Falls can be a lovely place if you want to explore some new restaurants, sip on wine or beer and look at some art curations in the gallery.

In fact, whether you want to spend your time having adventures and exploring the outdoors or seeing museums and indoor points of interest, you can find some or the other option for you.

Examples of such locations include Lake Marble Falls, Inks Lake, Krause Springs, Balcones Canyonlands, Eagle Eye Observatory, Iron Wolf Distillery, Lakeside Park and Beach and Downtown Marble Falls.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Marble Falls

9. Gorman Falls

Gorman Falls, TX 76853
Open in Google Maps

Gorman Falls is a spring-fed waterfall in San Antonio where you can enjoy a cool breeze alongside enjoying water recreation as well as gorgeous views.

This waterfall is a 2.5-hour drive from San Antonio, so it can be a good idea to set out relatively early on from the city.

You can also drive to parts around the falls to start off on a hiking and biking trail that can end with a stunning view of the falls and the lush greenery around them.

This can serve as a beautiful spot for a picnic too.

Additionally, there are several other scenic spots around Gorman Falls where you can explore for a bit, such as Spicewood Springs, Colorado Bend as well as caves and rock formations.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Lampasas Inn & Suites

Related: Beaches Near San Antonio

10. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX
(361) 561-2000
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

San Antonio day trips to Corpus Christi can make for a two-hour road trip, taking you to an enjoyable and calm coastal city that can give you a nice break from the inland cities of Texas.

Corpus Christi has many popular spots for visitors, such as the Texas State Aquarium, North Beach, USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, Padre Island, Blucher Park and others.

In many of these outdoor locations, you can participate in activities including fishing, boating, sailing, paddling, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, windsurfing, skating and licensed hunting.

You can also simply walk around the streets of this town.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Corpus Christi Downtown Marina, an IHG Hotel

11. Cascade Caverns

226 Cascade Cavern
Boerne, TX 78015
(830) 755-8080
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Cascade Caverns is a limestone cave that can offer some fascinating views and sights that can be a good idea for a day off, especially if you have some kids you might want to bring here.

These caverns can give you a variety of guided tours that can take you through different sections of the caves, with various elements also being lit up.

The walking tour usually lasts for up to an hour, although there are other adventure tours as well that can last for 3-4 hours where you can try out some spelunking as well as swimming in the water bodies passing through the cave.

There are many educational programs taking place here too.

And, did we mention that it’s just a 40-minute drive from San Antonio?

Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott San Antonio Boerne

Also See:
Best Day Trips From El Paso
Day Trips From Austin

12. New Braunfels

New Braunfels, TX
(830) 221-4000
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

The city of New Braunfels in Texas is only 35 minutes away from the city of San Antonio.

There are several places here that might be interesting enough to try out, such as the Schlitterbahn WaterPark Resort, Ernest Eikel Skate Park, Unicorn Stadium, Gruene Historic District, Downtown New Braunfels, Sophienburg Museum & Archives, Fischer Park, Landa Park, Prince Solms Park & Tube Chute, Hinman Island Park and others.

New Braunfels also hosts many festivals and events here, including the Wurstfest, Troutfest, Folkfest, Wine Wednesdays, along with many concerts, markets and food festivals.

There are plenty of waterparks in this city too, along with some great restaurants and bars.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Braunfels, an IHG Hotel

13. Pedernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Rd 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636
(830) 868-7304
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Pedernales Falls State Park spans around 5,200 acres and is a 1.5-hour drive from San Antonio.

You can spend your day in the midst of nature and breathe in some fresh air away from the usual buzz of San Antonio.

Most of the activities that you can carry out while you are here tend to be associated with the Pedernales River.

For instance, you can swim, tube, float, fish and more in the river, although there are many land-based activities here too, including hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, camping and lots more.

There are many limestone preserves, along with various forms of wildlife here.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Dripping Springs – Austin Area, an IHG Hotel

Related: Weekend Trips in Texas

14. Gruene

New Braunfels, TX
(830) 629-5077
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Gruene is a town in Texas that is a 40-minute drive from San Antonio and can provide you with some lovely historical views because of the architectural styles and designs.

The entire town of Gruene is now listed under the National Register of Historic Places, so if you are interested in seeing some of these places, Gruene can be an ideal option for you.

Some specific sites that you might enjoy here include the Gruene Historic District, Gruene Family Home and Gruene Hall.

You can also access the nearby ponds and rivers where you can undertake some water-based activities and sports.

Guided tours can often take you through the town too.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites New Braunfels, an IHG Hotel

15. Lockhart State Park

2012 State Park Rd
Lockhart, TX 78644
(512) 398-3479
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

If you are looking for places to visit near San Antonio, you should think about spending your day at Lockhart State Park where you can carry out a bunch of outdoor activities.

For instance, you can try out some recreation in the form of fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, geocaching, golfing, camping, biking and more.

There are some lovely fields around the creek too where you can spend your time, such as by having a picnic.

There are also various kinds of guided options in this state park, including some educational and training events that you or your kids might be interested in attending.

The park is also within an hour’s drive from San Antonio.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Lockhart Hotel & Suites

16. Boerne

Boerne, TX
(830) 249-7277
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Boerne is a city in Texas that is only a 30-minute drive from San Antonio.

Some places of interest that are specific to Boerne can offer you some opportunities for sightseeing, some of which include the Hill Country Mile, Alpine Tower and Zipline, Boerne Stage Airfield, Old Jail Museum, Herff Farm, Boerne City Lake Park, Cibolo Nature Center and others.

You can also find many activities you can try out here, including ziplining, camping, hiking, horseback riding, shopping and lots more.

There are many guided tours that can take you through some of the major attractions here as well.

You can also locate restaurants, breweries and wineries here.

Recommended Hotel: The Kendall

17. Kerrville-Schreiner State Park

2385 Bandera Hwy
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 257-7300
Visit Website
Open in Google Maps

Kerrville-Schreiner State Park is only an hour’s drive away from San Antonio.

This state park is another natural region that is situated on the Guadalupe River and serves as a home to many kinds of creatures, including birds and animals along with several diverse species of plants.

For instance, while you are here, you might be able to spot some deer, blackbuck, butterflies, rabbits and several migratory birds.

You can also carry out various kinds of activities here, such as hiking, biking, picnicking, camping or simply exploring the rest of the park.

The river can provide some options like boating and fishing as well.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Kerrville

18. San Marcos

San Marcos, TX
(512) 393-5930
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

San Marcos is another major city in Texas that is not too far from San Antonio, taking only around 50 minutes for you to make the drive between the two.

San Marcos tends to play host to many unique and amusing events that might tickle your fancy, such as the Mermaid Festival, Art Squared Art Market, Celtic Fest, Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration and Hill Country Jazz Festival, Mardi Gras Parade, Martian Arts Festival and Sacred Springs Powwow.

There are also many places that you can visit while you are here, depending on what your interests are.

Some of the more popular ones here are the Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos River, Purgatory Creek Natural Area, Downtown San Marcos, Texas State University and Wonder World Cave.

Recommended Hotel: Wingate by Wyndham San Marcos

19. Comanche Lookout Park

15551 Nacogdoches Rd
San Antonio, TX 78247
(210) 207-7275
Visit Website
Open in Google Maps

Comanche Lookout Park is only 20 minutes away from different parts of San Antonio and can be a beautiful place that can make it well worth it for you to spend your day here.

There are trails of varying lengths and routes in this park that you can take to get some exercise as well as fresh air, especially since these can also provide you with an opportunity to explore the views of the park and its surrounding regions.

There is a high vantage point or tower in this park that you can climb to get some stunning views of the nearby tree covers and the cities in the distance.

Playgrounds and picnic shelters are also available here.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Garden Inn

20. Luckenbach

Fredericksburg, TX
(830) 997-3224
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

For some things to do outside San Antonio, the small town and community of Luckenbach can make for a nice little exploration.

Luckenbach is only an hour away from San Antonio by car, so it can be quite convenient for you to drive there and back in time while also making for a pleasant journey.

This small community town is popular for its live music events that it tends to host every weekend or so, with professional artists occasionally performing too.

The main focus, however, is on the visitors bringing in their own musical instruments and playing with others around them.

Other community events are held often too.

Recommended Hotel: Fredericksburg Inn and Suites

21. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

16710 Ranch Rd 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 685-3636
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a 1.5-hour drive from San Antonio, making for another adventure-filled and refreshing visit and escape from the city.

Enchanted Rock itself is a granite mountainous structure that is located only a few miles from the city of Fredericksburg, with the mountain being surrounded by a natural area.

This is quite a popular location in Texas due to its variety of hiking trails, although there are several other kinds of activities that are possible to carry out here, such as exploring caves, biking, picnicking, rock climbing and lots more.

A variety of flora and fauna are available here too, allowing you to spend your time observing them.

You can also undertake some tours of the park that can provide some enriching information about the region too.

Recommended Hotel: Contigo Ranch Fredericksburg

22. Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country, TX
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Texas Hill Country is a region in Texas that covers several cities and counties and can be a nice countryside experience if you want to spend your day away in the middle of nature.

This region has many beautiful roads and views due to the surrounding forest covers, farmlands and distant mountains.

Moreover, there are many designated trails available in this region where you can drive, bike or even hike for several hours at a time.

There are quite a few granite hills and domes that can provide some unique views.

A trail of wineries and breweries in this region can mean that you can take a more specific route while sampling various beverages.

And, the best part is, it’s an easy 90-minute drive from San Antonio.

Recommended Hotel: Horseshoe Bay Resort

23. Round Top

Round Top, TX
(979) 249-5885
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Round Top is a couple of hours away from the city of San Antonio and is actually a pretty small town, giving you that peace and quiet that you might be in search of.

It can be an enjoyable experience for you to visit this small town and stroll its streets, especially its downtown region.

Round Top has some attractions worth checking out too, including the Round Top Area Historical Society’s Wood Campus Museum, Round Top Family Library, Round Top Festival Institute, Shakespeare at Winedale and Winedale Historical Complex.

There are several antique shops and charming restaurants worth visiting too.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Brenham South, an IHG Hotel

24. Garner State Park

234 RR 1050
Concan, TX 78838
(830) 232-6132
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Garner State Park is located in Concan in Texas and is roughly 1.5 hours away from San Antonio.

This state park is quite popular for camping due to its special campgrounds for RVs and tents, although you can also just spend the day here.

You can access an eatery called Garner Grill here in case you want to grab a hearty meal before you head back to San Antonio.

Some recreational options here include boating and fishing in the Frio River, hiking on the trails or picnicking.

Further, you can buy some souvenirs from the gift shop.

Recommended Hotel: The Historic Leakey Inn

25. Johnson City

Johnson City, TX
(830) 868-7111
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Johnson City is a small city in Texas that is an hour and 15 minutes from San Antonio.

It can be an agreeable location if you are considering options for a one day trip from San Antonio.

There are several places to eat, drink and shop in Johnson City, so you can easily just roam around the streets and soak in the vibe.

You can also visit some points of interest here, including the JL Haynes Gallery, Science Mill, Johnson Ranch, McCarty Spring and Bamberger Ranch Preserve.

Local events like farmers’ markets, food and wine festivals and citywide light displays can be worth coming down here for.

Recommended Hotel: Horseshoe Bay Resort

26. Schulenburg

Schulenburg, TX
(979) 743-4126
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Located at a 1.5-hour driving distance from San Antonio, Schulenburg is a Texan city where you can enjoy the charms of a small town.

Visiting the downtown district of this city can allow you to spend your time enjoying the fresh air while also trying out the cuisine, shopping and exploring the pubs and cafes.

There are some lovely churches in this city that might offer some splendor as part of your visit, with examples including St. Mary’s Church High Hill and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Other locations here include the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, Wolters Park, Sengelmann Hall and many vineyards and wineries.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schulenburg, an IHG Hotel

27. Lost Maples State Natural Area

37221 RM 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885
(830) 966-3413
Visit Website
See Menu
Open in Google Maps

Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, the Lost Maples State Natural Area will barely take you a two-hour car journey from San Antonio.

This natural area is home to a beautiful ecosystem with many species of plants, birds and animals, many of which you are likely to come across here.

Examples include wild turkeys, armadillos, bobcats, coyotes, raptors and raccoons, although the larger animals are a bit rare.

Given its aim to preserve these natural elements, the area only offers limited access to some of its parts, allowing you to take marked trails and have picnics only in sheltered regions.

Recommended Hotel: The Historic Leakey Inn

28. Padre Island

Padre Island, TX
(800) 213-5869
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

It might take you 2.5 hours to make your way from San Antonio to Padre Island, but the journey as well as the destination can be worth it.

This island is a barrier island and is, in fact, the longest one in the world.

There are several birds you can spot here, although the island is famous for its sea turtle population, allowing you to observe them through tours and trails.

You can also carry out many seaside and water-based activities here, including boating, sailing, swimming, paddleboarding, surfing and camping.

You can also have fun trying out the seafood here while sipping on a chilled beverage.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach

29. Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs, TX
(512) 858-4725
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Dripping Springs is a city in Texas located an hour and 15 minutes from San Antonio, making for another short drive and day trip.

There are several interesting locations that you might enjoy visiting here, such as the Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs Ranch Park, Westcave Preserve, Mercer Street and Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead, among others.

Dripping Springs is home to several events and festivals that you can consider attending.

Some of these are the Dripping Springs Brewers Festival, Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo, Founders Weekend, Dripping with Taste and several more.

You can opt for some designated trails and guided tours that can take you through parts of the city too.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Dripping Springs – Austin Area, an IHG Hotel

Also See:
Day Trips Around Houston

30. Houston

Houston, TX
(800) 446-7866
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Houston is a huge city in Texas that is a three-hour drive from San Antonio, so it can be ideal for you to begin your journey early and plan out the destinations you want to visit.

Some options you can check out here are the Theater District, 1940 Air Terminal Museum, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Fort Bend Museum, Texas City Museum, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Houston Museum of Natural Science and Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

You can also make your way to this city for a specific sports match or to attend a special festival.

Recommended Hotel: Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center

31. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

1048 Park Road #49
Stonewall, TX 78671
(830) 868-7128
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

This national historical park is where the 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson, resided.

The park can take you less than 1.5 hours to access if you drive to it from San Antonio.

This is where Johnson was born and grew up for a while and contains his home and ranch, so you can easily spend your time touring his boyhood home while also visiting the cemetery here.

Most of the locations here are accessible simply by driving through them.

The LBJ ranch here is now also referred to as the Texas White House and can provide some great views of the surrounding forests and hills.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Fredericksburg

32. Blanco State Park

101 Park Rd 23
Blanco, TX 78606
(830) 833-4333
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Situated an hour from the city, Blanco State Park can work well for you if you are looking for some scenic places near San Antonio.

Covering 104 acres, you can spend a tranquil and pleasant day in this state park which can only take you an hour’s car journey from San Antonio.

There are many pecan and cedar trees in this state park that house a variety of birds and several other creatures.

The park rests on the Blanco River and includes land around it too, allowing you to carry out a combination of activities like tubing, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, picnicking, geocaching and shopping.

Recommended Hotel: Canyon Lakeview Resort

33. Castroville

Castroville, TX
(830) 931-4070
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Only half an hour from San Antonio, the city of Castroville might be small but is actually quite culturally and historically rich, especially when it comes to preserving Alsatian culture brought about by its settlers and early colonists.

As part of your visit here, see if you can visit places like the Castroville Regional Park, Medina River, Landmark Inn State Historic Site, Burger House, Steinbach Haus and Moye Center.

Given that this city is close enough, you can also drive to it for its special events like Fiorella Fridays, History Happy Hour, Tour de Castroville, Beer and Wine Fest and Alsatian Festival.

Recommended Hotel: Hillside Boutique Hotel

34. Wimberley

Wimberley, TX
(512) 847-0025
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

Wimberley is a charming little village in Texas that once served as a trading post and also contained a gristmill.

An hour’s drive from San Antonio, Wimberley continues to have several remnants of its past, along with various other cultural and natural attractions.

For instance, during your day-long trip, you can visit places like Winter’s Home, Blanco River, Jacobs Well Natural Area, Twin Sisters Dance Hall and The Cave.

Wimberly hosts many movie and music nights, food festivals, cultural events and workshops that you can attend.

Recommended Hotel: Wimberley Inn

35. Government Canyon State Natural Area

12861 Galm Rd
San Antonio, TX 78254
(210) 688-9055
Visit Website
Social Media
Open in Google Maps

You only need to drive for 35-40 minutes from San Antonio to reach the Government Canyon State Natural Area.

This region covers more than 12,200 acres and seeks to protect and preserve the canyons and hilly formations that are a part of this area.

As a result, there are only a limited number of spaces here that are open to the public, but these can be enough for revitalization and enjoyment.

Migratory bird species are often easy to spot here in addition to various other fauna and flora.

You can also hike and bike on the designated trails.

All you must do to access some of the best day trips from San Antonio is select one or more of the aforementioned places, plan your day out and make the necessary arrangements so that you can set out.

Have a nice time!

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Northwest near Sea World, an IHG Hotel

Day Trip Guide 

Comparing Destinations: Which One Is Right For You?

Starting with Austin, just an hour’s drive from San Antonio, I found it to be a vibrant city brimming with live music, eclectic eateries, and a unique art scene. 

The laid-back vibe, combined with its rich history, made for an exciting yet relaxing trip. 

But, if the hustle and bustle of a city isn’t your speed, you might want to consider other options. 

Natural Bridge Caverns offered a different experience entirely. 

Exploring the underground wonders, the author was mesmerized by the majestic stalagmites and echoing chambers. 

It’s a must-visit for those keen on natural wonders. 

Although, it might be a tad claustrophobic for some.

Lastly, the serenity of Canyon Lake was a delightful surprise.

I basked in its scenic views and refreshing waters, deeming it perfect for those in search of relaxation.

In comparison, while Austin offers cultural richness, the caverns and Canyon Lake provide an escape into nature’s beauty. 

Your choice depends on whether you’re after urban energy or natural tranquility.

How I Picked The Destinations

In choosing these day trips, I leaned into my own experiences as a Texan. 

I’ve explored these gems personally and spent countless hours researching. 

Additionally, I chatted with fellow locals and travelers, listening to their perspectives. 

I was a woman on a mission: to uncover the most engaging and family-friendly experiences Texas has to offer. 

And trust me, these adventures are all that, and a bag of chips!

Our Rating Method

I rate these destinations based on the following criteria.

• Family friendliness: This criterion assesses the family-friendly appeal of every destination. Does it offer attractions suited for the whole family? Does it have facilities and services that entertain and engage all age groups? I use these questions to evaluate family friendliness. 
• Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Is public transportation secure? Are local authorities reliable and helpful? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety. 
• Affordability: This is used to assess affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it cheaper compared to the other options? I consider these factors when rating affordability. I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This criterion evaluates the accessibility of every location. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? How walkable is the area? How far is it from the base? These are the questions I ask myself when assessing accessibility. 
• Fun factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the day trip is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Does it offer attractions that promise fun experiences for the whole family? Are there theme parks, beaches, and hiking trails? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Cities Are 2 Hours Away From San Antonio, Texas?

Cities that are approximately 2 hours away from San Antonio, Texas include Austin, the state capital known for its vibrant music and food scene, Corpus Christi, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and water activities, and Houston, the largest city in Texas with a diverse range of cultural attractions and entertainment options.

How Many Days Is Enough In San Antonio?

The number of days needed in San Antonio depends on individual preferences and the desired level of exploration. However, typically, spending 3-4 days in San Antonio allows visitors to experience the major attractions such as the Alamo, the River Walk, and the vibrant downtown area, while also leaving room to explore additional landmarks, museums, and enjoy the city’s unique cuisine and cultural offerings.

What Towns To Visit Between San Antonio And Austin?

Several towns worth visiting between San Antonio and Austin include New Braunfels, known for its German heritage and the Schlitterbahn water park, San Marcos, home to Texas State University and the picturesque San Marcos River, and Wimberley, a charming town with boutique shops and the beautiful Blue Hole Regional Park. These towns offer unique attractions, natural beauty, and a chance to experience the Texas Hill Country along the route.

Conclusion 

As a Texan who’s deeply in love with our vast and vibrant state, I’ve wandered through every nook and cranny, from quiet rural gems to bustling urban centers. 

And let me tell you, the magic of Austin is something else. 

Out of all the best day trips from San Antonio I’ve been privileged to experience, Austin takes the cake. 

It’s our top choice for a reason. 

From its culinary highs to the outdoor highs, it’s a city that never fails to invigorate. 

So, while San Antonio is a treasure in itself, there’s a whole world of wonder awaiting you just beyond its borders. 

Let Texas surprise you.