- Q: What makes San Antonio a great base for exploring nearby destinations?
- A: San Antonio is well-positioned near many interesting destinations within an hour or two of the city, including parks, wineries, lakes, and scenic spots.
- Q: What historic sites can visitors explore near San Antonio?
- A: History buffs can head to historic New Braunfels or explore San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which is just ten minutes from downtown.
- Q: Are there coastal resorts near San Antonio?
- A: The wonderful coastal resorts of the Gulf Coast are located a little more than four hours from San Antonio – you can pack an overnight bag and have some fun on the beaches of Galveston Island, Corpus Christi, Rockport, or Mustang Island.
Best Time for Day Trips from San Antonio, Texas:
- March to May – Spring brings blooming wildflowers, perfect weather for river walks, scenic drives, and Hill Country adventures.
- June to August – Hot summer days are great for tubing, swimming holes, and early-morning hikes—just stay cool in the heat!
- September to October – Mild temps and fall festivals make this ideal for wine tastings, harvest fun, and small-town escapes.
- November – Pleasant weather and thinner crowds are great for missions, nature trails, and local markets.
- December to February – Winter offers festive charm, cozy Hill Country towns, and peaceful cultural getaways.
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1. Austin
Explore vibrant live music scenes, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy a quick city trip.
A day trip to Austin is definitely on the cards for anyone who is even remotely interested in music. The city is often called the Live Music Capital of the world and you will find out why when you visit a few of the city’s 250 music venues. Besides wonderful live music venues too numerous to mention, Austin offers plenty of culture too – you can look forward to visiting a few of the city’s 45 museums and art galleries which include the Blanton Museum of Art, the Elizabeth Ney Museum and the fabulous Contemporary Austin. If you are visiting for the first time you could join a historic walking tour or get an overview of the most popular attractions on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Austin, TX 73301-8799
2. Blue Hole Nature Park
Swim in crystal-clear waters, walk along scenic trails, and admire towering cypress trees.
If you would like to spend a relaxing day in scenic surrounding you can make your way to Georgetown, where you will find the Blue Hole Nature Park along the south fork of the San Gabriel River. The park surrounds a lagoon and natural swimming hole that offers hours of family fun. There is a beach area with shallow water for younger children to wade in and you can bring along flotation devices. There are areas where you can go fishing and a pleasant picnic area with grills and restrooms. Best of all, this is a free attraction and there is even free public parking.
Blue Hole Nature Park, 100 Blue Hole Park, Georgetown, TX 78626
3. Canyon Lake, New Braunfels
Go boating on turquoise waters, explore hiking trails, and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Water sport enthusiasts are fortunate to have a wonderful resource within easy driving distance from San Antonio. Canyon Lake is located on the Guadeloupe River between San Antonia and Austin, and is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Texas, boasting 80 miles of shoreline and a large variety of water sport options. A great way to spend your day out would be to tube the river along the famous Horseshoe Loop – Riversport Tube Rentals have all you need and offer one-way shuttles. You will find everything you need for fishing, boating, sailing, kayaking and more at the Canyon Lake Marina or Cranes Mill Marina. Other popular lake activities include walking or hiking the shore line, wildlife observation and picnicking.
Highway 306 West, New Braunfels, TX
4. Kuhlman Cellars
Visit a boutique winery, admire vineyard views, and taste locally crafted Texas wines.
Kuhlman Cellars is perfectly located along the famous Highway 290 wine route which runs between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Kuhlman Cellars is a perfect day-trip destination for wine-loving visitors, providing a beautiful vineyard backdrop to your wine-tasting experience. The estate offers more than just tasting – visitors can enjoy a meal at the bistro, a wine and food tasting in the Tasting Room or bring along their own snacks to enjoy with a bottle of their favorite Kuhlman wine in the picnic area. Enthusiasts who would like a more in-depth experience can book a behind-the-scenes vineyard and winery tour followed by a tasting.
18421 E. US 290, Stonewall, TX 78671, 512 920 2675
5. Comanche Lookout Park
Hike scenic hilltop trails, admire panoramic city views, and explore historic ruins.
Once a lookout point for the Comanche Indians who used to hunt along the nearby Cibolo Creek, Comanche Lookout Park is now a 96 acre public park. The park is a popular outdoor recreational area for San Antonio residents who come to walk, run and cycle or just to relax and enjoy the fresh air. At the heart of the park you will find a network of trails which cover around four and half miles – along the Library Trail there are nine interactive fitness stations where you can exercise free of charge. There is a picnic shelter (first-come-first-served) and a playground for the youngest park visitors.
15551 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
6. Corpus Christi
Walk along sandy beaches, visit the Texas State Aquarium, and explore lively waterfront districts.
Boasting no fewer than nine beautiful beaches along the spectacular Gulf of Mexico, the city of Corpus Christi is hard to beat for day trippers from San Antonio. Although the city is primarily famous for its pristine beaches, there are also several other attractions for visitors. The best swimming beaches are probably North Beach and McGee Beach, both of which have several restaurants, while surfers find great breaks at North Packery Beach. If you fancy some birding you can visit Padre Island National Seashore or Mustang Island State Park. Corpus Christi activities and attractions include visiting the WWII USS Lexington aircraft carrier, the Texas State Aquarium and the Selena Museum.
Corpus Christi, TX 78336-8480
7. Weekend in Dallas
Discover world-class museums, visit trendy shopping districts, and explore vibrant nightlife.
We all know that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and the city of Dallas is no exception. Whether you are visiting for the first or the twentieth time, there is always something new to discover in this vibrant city. Foodies can lose themselves among the diverse and eclectic eateries in Trinity Groves, while the Design District begs to be explored by everyone who is interested in arts, antiques and one-off boutiques. Other weekend Dallas attractions which deserve a place on your itinerary include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the Dallas Museum of Art.
Dallas, TX 75001-6217
8. Davy Crockett National Forest
Hike through towering pines, admire diverse wildlife, and explore Texas’s natural beauty.
Covering over 16,000 acres in East Texas, the Davy Crockett National Forest encompasses streams and woodlands, wildlife habitats and recreational areas situated about four hour’s drive from San Antonio. It is a little far to be considered a day trip but perhaps you could pack up your tent or RV and spend a night or two getting back to nature at one of the campgrounds in the forest. There are trails waiting to be explored on foot or by mountain bike and the small lake at the heart of the forest is great for canoeing, kayaking and fishing and has a swimming beach. There is a picnic area and restrooms for day visitors.
18551 Texas 7, Kennard, TX 75847, Phone: 936-655-2299
9. Dr Pound Historical Farmstead Museum
Walk through historic homesteads, admire antique artifacts, and explore Texas pioneer history.
Located in the small town of Dripping Springs, ninety minutes by road from San Antonio, the Dr Pound Historical Farmstead Museum is an interesting day trip destination. Here visitors can step back in time to the pioneer days in Texas, when the young Dr Pound and his wife set up their home on the site. The original home has been carefully preserved and gives an insight into the trials and tribulations of pioneer living without many of the conveniences we all take for granted. The museum is open to the public on weekends (or by prior arrangement on a Wednesday and Thursday). If you visit on the annual Pioneer Day you can see demonstrations of pioneer crafts and skills.
Dr Pound Historical Farmstead, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
10. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Hike up a massive pink granite dome, admire stunning views, and explore rugged trails.
When you need to get out of the city and surround yourself with natural beauty you can pack a picnic and head to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area which is located close to Fredericksburg. The Enchanted Rock, a huge pink granite dome, lies at the heart of this beautiful natural area, offering exhilarating hiking and rock climbing. There are eleven miles of trails to explore including the Summit Trail which is considered to be quite challenging (due to the rapid change in elevation) and very rewarding. Most people can complete this trail in about two hours, out and back. Other activities include wildlife watching, geocaching and camping.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78643
Plan Your Trip
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