Boerne’s new River Road Park made for the perfect day trip...just under two hours from my home near Austin, but it felt like a complete change of scenery. Nestled along the banks of Cibolo Creek, this spot is exactly what I needed: peaceful, walkable, and full of that charming small-town Hill Country atmosphere.
See the dam located at the east end of the park
We started our visit with a slow stroll along the paved trail that runs beside the river. The weather was ideal...sunny but not too hot. The path offered beautiful views of the water framed by big, shady trees. Along the way, we passed friendly locals walking their dogs, families with strollers, and a few other day trippers who, like us, were soaking up the peaceful surroundings.
You can see the Robert E. Lee House Marker along the Cibolo Creek
The real stars of the walk, though, were the birds. We saw clusters of ducks waddling along the shoreline, elegant swans gliding across the water, and more geese than I could count. At one point, a whole group of them gathered near a footbridge, and we couldn’t resist stopping to snap a few photos. They seemed totally unbothered by us. I thought to myself: "they were used to being the main attraction."
After our walk, we grabbed lunch at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus which is basically part of the park (just across the street, to be accurate). It had that cozy, neighborhood feel—locally owned, with outdoor seating and a menu full of homemade favorites. We lingered over our burger and salad, still buzzing from the fresh air and calm vibe of the morning.
My Final Thoughts & Why I Thought This Trip Worked
Boerne’s River Road Park turned out to be one of those hidden-gem day trips that I know I’ll do again. It’s scenic, easy to explore, and close enough to make it an easy getaway when I’m craving nature, quiet, and a little time away from the Austin bustle. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with small-town charm and plenty of space to breathe, I can’t recommend it enough. I love that the Cibolo Trail is paved and ADA-accessible.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Stroll along the paved path
- • Learn about the history of the area
- • See the dam located at the east end of the park
- • Take a picture with this adorable goose statue
- • You can see the Robert E. Lee House Marker along the Cibolo Creek
- • There are many turtles of all sizes
- • My Final Thoughts & Why I Thought This Trip Worked
- • Stop for a bite to eat
- • There is plenty of space to relax near the water
- • Follow the trail up and down the river