10 Awesome Road Trips from San Antonio
By Dejan B.. Published on May 12, 2017
San Antonio is an amazing city with numerous sightseeing options, but it's always good to take a break from all the hustle and bustle and check out some of the cool places in the area. Buckle up and take a look at our list of top 10 awesome road trips from San Antonio.
Schlitterbahn
Distance: 29 mi, 38 minutes
If you are into water parks with giant slides, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is the place to go. Located just a 40-minute drive from San Antonio which makes it a perfect day trip, Schlitterbahn offers plenty of attractions including an awesome lazy river, superb water slides, a big wave pool, and many other water activities. Schlitterbahn resort also includes a number of heated pools, a sand volleyball court, ladder ball, BBQ pits, and horseshoes.
Don't forget to check out some of the services at the resort like fly fishing, scuba diving, bike rentals, and winery tours. The good news is that while there are many places to eat at the resort, you can also pack your own lunch and make a nice little picnic.
Entrance Fee: All-day general admission costs around $60 for adults and $39 for children and seniors.
Nearby Attractions: Did you know that oldest dance hall in Texas is situated in the area? Check out the Gruene Hall and dance the night away.
Austin, TX
Distance: 80 mi, 1 hour 19 minutes
The capital of Texas and the second largest capital in the USA, Austin is definitely a city worth visiting. There are many tourist attractions in the city and it would be a good idea to make this trip a weekend getaway, rather than just a day trip. Head out to the Texas Memorial Museum, explore the Governor's Mansion, and go to Old Pecan Street where all the fun is.
Bonus Tips: In the evenings, watch a local band perform in one of the bars and try authentic Austin dishes at one of the cool restaurants. My personal favorite is the Moonshine Grill where you can try local specialties such as Seared Rainbow Trout, Green Chile Macaroni, and Texas Akaushi Beef Meatloaf.
Canyon Lake
Distance: 44 mi, 57 minutes
Canyon Lake is a perfect place for everyone who loves to spend time in nature and go swimming, camping, boating, or fishing. Although it may get crowded during the summer season with all the local students and families from nearby cities, Canyon Lake is still worth the trip because of its activities like bird watching, camping, outdoor concerts, and stargazing. Did you know that Canyon Paradise is considered being one of the best places in Texas to watch the sunset?
Bonus Tips: You can also book a lodge and spend the night at the Canyon Lake. Make a campfire and spend some quality time with family and friendly.
Shiner Beer Brewery
Distance: 93 mi, 1 hour 33 minutes
Spoetzl brewery has been around for over 100 years and produces high-quality Shiner beer. It's a family run business and a must-see attraction for everyone who loves beers. 40 years ago, this brewery was only known to people in Texas, but today Shiner beer is shipped across the country.
There are free tours from Monday to Friday every week. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and includes beer tasting, a visit to the hospitality room, and stories about the history of Spoetzl brewery.
Interesting Fact: Although Spoetzl brewery has become quite popular, they still make their beer exclusively at this small brewery.
Luling, TX
Distance: 54 mi, 57 minutes
If you are looking for premium barbecue in Texas, Luling should be definitely included in your list of road trips from San Antonio. There is a famous City Market, as well as several restaurants that serve delicious barbecue. The town is also famous for their watermelons and they even have the Watermelon Thump festival. There are several attractions in Luling worth visiting including Central Texas Oil Patch Museum, Luling Icehouse Pottery, and Zedler Mill.
Bonus Tips: There are a few pumpjacks in the city. You can pick up a map and go on a Pumpjack Tour while visiting Luling.
Cascade Caverns
Distance: 26 mi, 34 minutes
One of the best natural landmarks in Texas, Cascade Caverns offers a guided tour which is perfect for families with children. Explore the cave formations and see some of the most unusual animals in the region such as Leopard Frogs, Salamanders, and Pipistrelle Bats. Keep in mind that it can get quite cold down here, so make sure to dress warmly.
Quick Tips: There are several camping grounds provided for visitors, so you can spend the night here and make it a weekend trip. There is also a giant underground waterfall which is a must-see attraction.
Mustang Island State Park
Distance: 163 mi, 2 hours 21 minutes
Located close to Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park is an amazing place where visitors can chill in the sun during the hot summer season. It offers plenty of activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, and bird watching. You can also make a nice picnic here.
What to See: If you happen to visit Mustang Island State Park sometime between April and August, you will have a chance to see small turtles laying eggs in the sand.
Gonzales, TX
Distance: 74 mi, 1 hour 13 minutes
Gonzales is an old town that is known for its cobbled streets, history, and sightseeing spots. The town courthouse is one of the prettiest in the country and features many paintings and a well-preserved interior. Dating back to the late 19th century, the Old Jailhouse is also one of the popular attractions in the city. The most famous prisoner of the jailhouse was probably John Wesley Harden who was a son of a Methodist preacher.
Extra Tips: Explore the Pioneer Village that has a collection of buildings from the 19th century. There is a ranch house, a saloon, and a cabin on-site. There are also guided tours available and the admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Distance: 28 mi, 36 min
Ideal for families with children, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a number of activities including the famous Discovery Tour, exploring caves, seeing bats fly, and gem mining. The good news is that there is so much to do at Natural Bridge Caverns and you will probably want to spend the whole day here, so make sure to come early in the morning.
Where to Eat: There are a couple of great restaurants in the area like Oak Valley Vineyard Restaurant and The Reel Seafood & Grill. If you want to try the best tacos in Texas, go to Taqueria El Tapatio.
Bandera, TX
Distance: 54 mi, 1 hour 2 minutes
Do you want to dance to live country music and discover why this town is often referred to as the cowboy capital of the world? Go for a day trip to Bandera, home to giant chicken-fried steaks and the famous Old Spanish Trail Restaurant where you can try their amazing catfish platter, pot roast, and chicken strips. If you are into museums and culture, make sure to visit the Frontier Times Museum where you will find a collection of arrowheads and mounted animals.
Go Bar Hopping: Bandera is famous for its bars. Each and every one is designed in a unique style and there are always live shows here. My favorite place to grab a drink is definitely the Long Horn Saloon. They host some of the best country bands in Texas.
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