• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Austin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Austin
© jfortner2015/stock.adobe.com

2. Blue Hole Nature Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Blue Hole Nature Park
© Robert/stock.adobe.com

3. Canyon Lake, New Braunfels

Category: Activities
Canyon Lake, New Braunfels
© jfortner2015/stock.adobe.com

4. Kuhlman Cellars

Category: Food & Drink
Kuhlman Cellars
© Kuhlman Cellars

5. Comanche Lookout Park

Category: Activities
Comanche Lookout Park
© Kenneth Keifer/stock.adobe.com

6. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

7. Weekend in Dallas

Weekend in Dallas
© aphotostory/stock.adobe.com

8. Davy Crockett National Forest

Category: Activities
Davy Crockett National Forest
© Mosto/stock.adobe.com

9. Dr Pound Historical Farmstead Museum

Category: Activities
Dr Pound Historical Farmstead Museum
© Alta Oosthuizen/stock.adobe.com

10. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Category: Activities
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
© st_matty/stock.adobe.com

11. Fredericksburg, a Day Trip from San Antonio

Fredericksburg, a Day Trip from San Antonio
© Melanie/stock.adobe.com

12. Friedrich Wilderness Area

Category: Activities
Friedrich Wilderness Area
© Kiskadee Photography/stock.adobe.com

13. Galveston Island

Romantic Islands
Galveston Island
© C.A.Palmira Photos/stock.adobe.com

14. Government Canyon State Natural Area

Category: Activities
Government Canyon State Natural Area
© Camille Lamoureux/stock.adobe.com

15. Houston

Houston
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16. Lockhart

Category: Museums & Culture
Lockhart
© Philip/stock.adobe.com

17. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Category: Activities
Lost Maples State Natural Area
© Martha Marks/stock.adobe.com

18. Mustang Island State Park

Category: Activities
Mustang Island State Park
© cratervalley/stock.adobe.com

19. New Braunfels

New Braunfels
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20. Port Arthur

Category: Museums & Culture
Port Arthur
© Brian Lasenby/stock.adobe.com

21. Rockport - Fulton

Rockport - Fulton
© Cruk/stock.adobe.com

22. Round Rock

Round Rock
© GalinaSt/stock.adobe.com

23. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Category: Activities
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
© Ken/stock.adobe.com

24. Big Bend National Park

Category: Activities
Big Bend National Park
© skyoftexas/stock.adobe.com

25. San Marcos

San Marcos
© Ritu Jethani/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • 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.

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