Best Day Trips from San Antonio, Texas
Located between Texas Hill Country and the Gulf of Mexico, San Antonio serves as an excellent base for day trips into the surrounding region. Explore the mix of rolling hills, coastal plains filled with incredible wildlife, a thriving wine region, and charming towns with unique attractions, boutique shopping, and vibrant art scenes. After experiencing the best of central San Antonio, use this guide to navigate the top day trips and uncover the diverse flavors of Texas just a short journey away.
1. Soak up the vibes in Austin, Texas’ capital
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Austin and San Antonio compete for the top tourist destination in Texas. However, these two vibrant cities are close enough that you don’t need to choose; you can enjoy both in one adventure. Make your trip memorable by planning to spend at least a night in the capital of Texas, renowned for its fantastic barbecue, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a nightlife brimming with live music shows.
Start your day with a refreshing swim or invigorating hike. Lady Bird Lake draws many travelers for its water activities, but other local swimming spots are available as well. Barton Springs Pool and the Barton Creek Greenbelt offer picturesque landscapes surrounded by greenery. Austin is also home to 6th Street, the bustling entertainment district full of clubs, bars, and restaurants. Remember to explore different neighborhoods, such as South Congress Avenue and East Austin, to experience varying atmospheres.
How to get to Austin from San Antonio: The easiest and quickest route to Austin is driving north on I-35. Alternatively, consider savings by taking a bus or train; the Amtrak ride to Austin lasts approximately 3.5 hours, which is significantly longer than the hour and fifteen-minute car journey.
2. Take a hike in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
The iconic pink granite dome of the Enchanted Rock has attracted visitors for over 12,000 years, inspiring various legends among indigenous peoples. Beyond the tales, this area offers fantastic hiking opportunities for outdoor lovers near San Antonio. The dome rises 425 feet high and is the centerpiece of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. With 11 miles of hiking trails and excellent rock-climbing spots, there’s much to discover.
As an International Dark Sky Park, stargazing is exceptional here. Consider spending an overnight campout to witness the stunning night sky or attend one of the park’s Rock Star Parties to learn about constellations from knowledgeable rangers. Remember, making a reservation for visiting Enchanted Rock is mandatory, as the state park limits daily visitors.
How to get to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area from San Antonio: Driving is the quickest and most efficient way to reach Enchanted Rock. Alternatively, travelers can take a bus to Fredericksburg, known for its Texas wine industry, and arrange a private group tour to the natural area. However, plan accordingly to avoid timing issues, requiring overnight stays in Fredericksburg.
3. Have a beach day in Corpus Christi
Travel time: around 2 hours
Don’t miss the chance to relax on the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with a day or overnight trip to Corpus Christi. With over 100 miles of stunning sandy shores, enjoy various water activities such as surfing, kayaking, fishing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing in Corpus Christi Bay. Families can visit the Texas State Aquarium to learn about the diverse aquatic life in the bay.
How to get to Corpus Christi from San Antonio: To explore multiple beaches in Corpus Christi, consider renting a car and driving south on I-37, which offers more convenience than taking a bus, which would take three hours compared to the two-hour drive.
4. Experience German culture in Schulenburg
Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Surrounded by quaint towns rich in character, Schulenburg offers delightful country cooking and authentic German cuisine. Be sure to sample traditional kolaches (sweet pastries) and schnitzel before venturing through the city’s unique attractions. The Texas Polka Museum celebrates the local German and Czech polka music heritage.
The highlight of Schulenburg includes the famous Painted Churches, where ordinary-looking country churches reveal magnificent, colorful frescoes and ornate altars inside, reminiscent of European traditions. Don’t leave without picking up fresh pecans or treats from local stores.
How to get to Schulenburg from San Antonio: You can either drive or take a Greyhound bus, though the bus may take slightly longer. Keep in mind that Schulenburg is a small town, so finding transportation between attractions may be limited.
5. Discover the Cowboy Capital of the World in Bandera
Travel time: 1 hour
Northwest of San Antonio, the charming town of Bandera, also known for its cowboy culture, offers visitors a taste of the Wild West. Explore rustic boutiques, antique stores, and local eateries serving classic Texas cuisine. To learn more about the area’s history, visit local museums, including the Bandera Natural History Museum and the Frontier Times Museum.
Fun tip: If visiting in the fall, take a short drive to the Lost Maples State Natural Area for breathtaking fall colors. It’s only 45 minutes away and well worth the extra time.
How to get to Bandera from San Antonio: Driving is generally the easiest way to travel to Bandera; however, if opting for a bus, you can take Greyhound to Center Point and then taxi or rideshare to Bandera, which is a relatively short distance away.
6. Spend the day at Canyon Lake
Travel time: 1 hour
Experience Texas’ best-kept secrets with a lakeside day at Canyon Lake, a 8308-acre water recreation paradise. With 80 miles of shoreline, this destination provides ample opportunity to picnic, swim, fish, or kayak. Motorized boats are also allowed, making it perfect for renting a jet ski or pontoon boat for a fun-filled day.
Also, explore nearby hiking trails and visit the Canyon Lake Gorge, which formed after a significant flood in 2002, unearthing ancient dinosaur footprints and fossils. The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country offers insights into the area’s prehistoric activity.
How to get to Canyon Lake from San Antonio: Driving is the most efficient way to explore Canyon Lake. Alternatively, use rideshare options. More complicated routes include taking a bus or train to nearby cities and then arranging further transportation.
