Best known for the Spanish Missions and the Riverwalk, San Antonio rests in the heart of Texas. The streets of this dynamic city have a perfect blend of culture and historical spots. Thus serving as an ideal holiday destination. However, the city is not the end of the iconic experiences. Several spots outside its periphery are ideal for a perfect getaway.
If you are in San Antonio, you can not only enjoy a stroll or cruise at River Walk. You can go beyond the city to witness the exquisite landscapes and an array of adventurous locations. This blog will take you on a virtual journey of day trips near San Antonio.
In-city spots like The Alamo, River Walk, Pearl District and Farmers Market would not let you leave the city. However, if you have time on your watch, you must utilise your time better. So, here are some of the best places around San Antonio to explore!
Welcome to Texas! If you are a wine lover and would like a wine-tasting tour, Fredericksburg is the ideal location to pick. Resting in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, the town ranks on the top due to the preserved German heritage, wineries, peaches, and vineyards.
You can begin your tour with wine tasting. You can visit around 30 wineries in the city spread across 30 to 140 miles north of San Antonio. Taste the primary grape varieties of the county, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. After this, you can head to the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, where you can explore the town on foot. Old Tunnel State Park and Luckenbach are other great attractions nearby.
Austin is one of the best weekend getaways close to San Antonio. However, beware that though it is an hour and a half drive from San Antonio, be mindful of the rush hour traffic. The traffic can be irritating. Once you are in the Live Music Capital of the World, there is no shortage of fun.
You can begin with the bike trails if you like them. You choose from the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, those at McKinney Falls State Park or the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Further, if you like horror, take the Haunted History Tour and enjoy the thrill of ghostly stories. You can also visit some paranormal activity spots like the Driskill Hotel. Make your restaurant reservations on time, as it gets overcrowded easily.
If you love beaches and the calm surroundings of the seashore, Corpus Christi has it all for you. The southeastern city sitting on the Gulf of Mexico is primarily famous because of its two hotspots, Mustang Island and the Padre Island National Seashore. So, to experience the sweet melodies of the beach water, you have to take a two-hour drive.
Mustang Island is the perfect beach, hosting activities like kayaking, surfing, swimming, and more. If you like camping, you can camp here too. Head to the Padre Island National Seashore if you want more beach fun. Along with the glowing kayaking tour, you can also glimpse several migratory birds and some endangered sea turtles. If you have time, you can also enjoy the Paddle the Padre Island Canals tour.
To beat the summer heat, New Braunfels is one of the ideal tourist spots near San Antonio. Why? Tubing!! In the scorching heat of the summer, the northeast town allows you to experience the thrill of tubing down the Guadalupe River. It is best to go early as the area gets clogged with tourists.
Next to tubing, the town has a Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country. Here, you can see over 200 dinosaur footprints. Moreover, you also get to see active dinosaur fossil digs and hiking trails. If you are fond of painting, divert to Cypress Bend Park, where the host will provide you with all the supplies to paint the Guadalupe River and its surrounding scenery.
For those of you who love to sit and vibe with nature, Garner State Park ranks among the ideal San Antonio neighbouring destinations. Residing towards the west of San Antonio, the Garner State Park has several USPs for attracting tourists.
You can begin exploring the park with Summer Dance, a tradition since the 1940s. As the dance is lively and extremely popular, it gets crowded over there, so try to reach early. Besides, the park houses the Frio River, which is a must-visit for those who like outdoor adventures. You can enjoy kayaking down this freshwater river while gazing at the peaceful and exquisite landscape.
As the park is spread across 1,770 acres, it is ideal for you to swim, camp, and have a family picnic on the weekend.