Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is home to a wonderful fusion of colorful cultures, including Mexican, Tejano, German, Irish, Czechoslovakian, and more! Home of the San Antonio Spurs, the Alamo, the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, and iconic amusement parks, this Texas Hill Country city is a mecca of entertainment, dining, and attractions.
Whether you are from San Antonio looking for a weekend getaway or are traveling in the area and need a good road trip recommendation, we have compiled the family-friendly best day trips from San Antonio for whatever your occasion may be!
7 Family-Friendly Day Trips From San Antonio
1. Fredericksburg
A small town with a big German Heritage in central Texas, just 70 miles from San Antonio, Fredericksburg offers fun for the whole family. While most of the town is focused on its wonderful selection of wineries and breweries, you can definitely make this day trip family-centered. Visit the Pioneer Museum, stroll around the town square, and check out the Vereins Kirche (a replica of a 19th-century German church).
2. Austin
Located 90 minutes from San Antonio lies the Lone Star State's capital city of Austin. Known for its live music, BBQ, the legendary Austin City Limits Music Festival, and its wide array of outdoor activities, you could simply spend a day biking or kayaking the Colorado River, which runs through the middle of the city and offers amazing views and hiking trails. When the kids go to bed, the adults can catch a show at one of the historic music venues in town.
3. San Marcos
Situated on the San Marcos River, this small town presents an oasis for those looking to swim, play, and shop. San Marcos is home to Texas State University and two nationally-acclaimed outlet malls — the Premium Outlets and the Tanger Factory Outlet Center. The combined shopping malls have over 240 stores and span over 1,000,000 square feet!
4. New Braunfels
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Situated just over 30 minutes from San Antonio, New Braunfels is an old-German town nestled on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. With a rich German heritage, this town is also where one of the highest-rated waterparks in all over the country resides. Spend a day or two at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, float one of the rivers, or take a guided tour of the Natural Bridge Caverns. Another hot spot in the area is Guadalupe River State Park, which offers even more opportunities to kayak, sunbathe, or float!
5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
For a truly day trip, head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and explore the hiking trails centered around the gigantic pink-granite mound in the middle of the rolling hills of Texas. This rock has been around for thousands of years and Texans and tourists have been hiking all the way to the top to take in 360 views for decades.
6. Wimberley
An idyllic Hill Country town, there is no denying Wimberley's charm and beauty. Just an hour's drive from San Antonio, Wimberley features a charming town square, spring-fed rivers and creeks, and world-renowned swimming spots. Make a reservation to spend time at Blue Hole Regional Park or Jacob's Well.
7. Corpus Christi
What would a best day trip list be without a Gulf coast beach town? Located two hours from the city, Corpus Christi is a wonderful landing point for spending time on the Texas coast. This coastal city has a wide array of nearby day trips as well including the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington.
Other Notable Texas Destinations
- Houston
- Canyon Lake
- Dripping Springs
- Dallas
- Johnson City
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