Living in Austin means I’m lucky enough to be within driving distance of some of Texas’s most beautiful escapes—and San Antonio makes the perfect hub for exploring them. Whether I’m craving a quiet hike, a cool swim, a glass of wine, or a brush with Texas history, there’s always somewhere nearby that speaks to exactly what I need. These day trips from San Antonio are all places I’ve wandered, explored, and come home from feeling fuller somehow. They’re close in miles, but feel worlds away once you arrive.
Best Day Trips from San Antonio, Texas:
Cooling off in the crystal waters of Blue Hole - a 1 hour and 45-minute drive
Blue Hole Nature Park felt like a hidden sanctuary tucked beneath a canopy of green. The water was impossibly clear and cold—the kind of refreshing that makes you gasp and grin at the same time. I floated on my back, watching sunlight filter through the cypress trees, and I remember thinking, “I could stay right here forever.” There’s something magical about a place that feels untouched, where time slows down and nature takes the lead.
What I Loved Most: Jumping off the rock ledges into the spring-fed water and stretching out in the shade afterward, toes in the sand and heart at peace.
My highlights? A laid-back lunch at The Leaning Pear in nearby Wimberley. I had their wood-fired chicken sandwich with arugula and garlic aioli, plus a side of truffle fries. Sitting out on the deck with a view of Cypress Creek, it felt like summer was giving me a personal invitation to stay a little longer.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Antonio: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Refreshing, quiet, tucked-away
- Highlights: Spring swimming hole, shaded trails, small-town charm nearby
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for swimming
- Cost: Reservation required; approx. $12 per adult
- Hours: 9am–6pm; reservations strongly encouraged during summer
Soaking up sunshine and lake views at Canyon Lake - 1 hour from San Antonio
Canyon Lake felt wide open and sun-drenched—the kind of place that reminds you how good it feels to just be outdoors. The water shimmered in that perfect Texas way, and every breeze off the lake carried laughter and the scent of sunscreen. I remember thinking, “This is summer exactly how I hoped it would feel.” Whether I was walking the dam or sitting on the rocky shoreline, everything in me felt a little lighter here.
What I Loved Most: Watching boats glide across the turquoise water, hiking the Madrone Trail with lake views through the trees, and wading into the cool shallows near Overlook Park.
My highlights? An early dinner at Gennaro’s Trattoria in Startzville. I had the fettuccine Alfredo with grilled shrimp and a glass of chilled white wine. The patio was breezy, the food was comforting, and the view of the hill country in golden hour light was everything I needed.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Antonio: ~1 hour northeast
- Vibe: Open, sunny, relaxed
- Highlights: Swimming, hiking, boating, dam walk, picnic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for water activities; fall for quiet lake hikes
- Cost: Free to access parks and trails; optional boat rentals available
- Hours: Public areas open dawn to dusk
Sipping slow at Kuhlman Cellars - 1 hour and 30 minutes
Kuhlman Cellars wasn’t just about the wine—it was about the feeling of being right where you’re meant to be. Nestled in the rolling Texas Hill Country, it felt like a soft exhale the moment I arrived. Rows of vines stretched under the sun, and time moved a little slower between sips. I remember thinking, “Why don’t I do this more often?” It was a pause, a palette cleanser for the soul.
What I Loved Most: The guided tasting experience on the shaded patio, where each pour came with stories of soil and sun. The rosé was bright and crisp, but it was the earthy red blend that lingered with me longest.
My highlights? The food pairing bites curated by Kuhlman’s kitchen—rosemary almonds, herbed goat cheese, and a warm baguette with olive tapenade. Simple, fresh, and thoughtfully matched with each glass. Every bite made the wine—and the moment—sing.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Antonio: ~1.5 hours north (near Stonewall)
- Vibe: Refined, slow-paced, scenic
- Highlights: Wine tastings, hill country views, food pairings
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for breezy patio weather
- Cost: Tasting experiences start around $25
- Hours: 11am–5pm; reservations recommended
Climbing above the city at Comanche Lookout Park - a 25-minute drive
Comanche Lookout Park felt like one of those local secrets that you don’t expect to stick with you—but it does. Right on the edge of San Antonio, I followed the winding trails up past mesquite trees and limestone paths until I reached the tower at the top. The view stretched far beyond the city, and I remember thinking, “Sometimes, the best escapes are this close to home.” It was quiet up there, in the best way.
What I Loved Most: The mix of shaded trails and open overlooks, and that final moment at the summit when everything—traffic, to-do lists, time—fell away for a while.
My highlights? A casual brunch afterward at The Bread Box at The Alley on Bitters. I had their savory croissant sandwich with scrambled eggs, Gruyère, and a side of rosemary potatoes. Paired with a lavender latte and good conversation, it was the perfect way to stay in that calm headspace just a little longer.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from downtown San Antonio: ~20 minutes northeast
- Vibe: Serene, local, lightly adventurous
- Highlights: Hilltop views, hiking trails, picnic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 5am–11pm daily
Stepping back in time at Dr. Pound Farmstead
Dr. Pound Farmstead felt like opening a storybook and stepping into the pages. Tucked beneath oak trees in the heart of Dripping Springs, this lovingly preserved home told quiet tales of frontier medicine, family, and grit. I wandered through the herb garden and creaked across the wooden porch, imagining what life once looked like under these same skies. I remember thinking, “They lived simply—but they lived fully.” It was history you could feel with your hands.
What I Loved Most: Touring the original log cabin, barns, and kitchen house—each filled with authentic artifacts and old whispers—and hearing how Dr. Pound balanced roles as physician, farmer, and community leader.
My highlights? A peaceful lunch under the trees at Rolling in Thyme and Dough, a charming European-style bakery nearby. I had their chicken pesto panini with roasted red peppers and a lemon bar for dessert. It felt rustic, comforting, and perfectly in tune with the day’s slower rhythm.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Antonio: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Historical, humble, reflective
- Highlights: Log home tour, pioneer medicine, shady grounds, vintage artifacts
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant walking weather
- Cost: Suggested donation ~$5 per person
- Hours: Fri–Sun, 12pm–3pm (check local hours before visiting)
Finding clarity at the top of Enchanted Rock
Climbing Enchanted Rock felt like ascending into stillness. The pink granite dome rose from the Hill Country like a sleeping giant, and every step upward peeled away another layer of noise. When I reached the summit, the wind was soft and the sky wide open—I remember thinking, “This is where clarity lives.” The view stretched endlessly, and I felt small in the best, most grounding way.
What I Loved Most: Standing on the summit at sunset, watching the light spill across the rock’s curves, and hiking the Loop Trail around its massive base, where wildflowers popped up like little bursts of joy.
My highlights? A post-hike meal at Sunset Grill in Fredericksburg. I had the green chile cheeseburger with house-cut fries and an icy lime soda. The patio was breezy, and my legs were tired in that satisfying way that comes from earning your view.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from San Antonio: ~1.5–2 hours north
- Vibe: Majestic, quiet, meditative
- Highlights: Summit hike, Loop Trail, bouldering, stargazing
- Best Time to Visit: Fall to spring for cooler hiking weather
- Cost: $8 per adult; free with Texas State Parks Pass
- Hours: 6:30am–10pm; day-use reservations required weekends/holidays
Why These Places Stay With Me
Each of these destinations gave me something different—refreshment, perspective, connection, quiet. From floating in the spring-fed waters of Blue Hole to standing atop Enchanted Rock at sunset, these trips reminded me just how rich the Hill Country and South Texas region can be. It’s not about ticking off stops—it’s about how you feel when you're there. If you're looking to reset without going far, these day trips offer the kind of moments that stay with you long after the car ride home.
More ideas for your next vacation:
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Cooling off in the crystal waters of Blue Hole - a 1 hour and 45-minute drive
- • Soaking up sunshine and lake views at Canyon Lake - 1 hour from San Antonio
- • Sipping slow at Kuhlman Cellars - 1 hour and 30 minutes
- • Climbing above the city at Comanche Lookout Park - a 25-minute drive
- • Stepping back in time at Dr. Pound Farmstead
- • Finding clarity at the top of Enchanted Rock