Day Trips From San Antonio – Unforgettable Getaways Just a Short Drive from Alamo City!

Best Day Trips from San Antonio 

Hill Country Getaways

History Buffs Must-Sees

Nature Lovers’ Paradises

Shopping Galore

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San Antonio offers a vibrant cultural scene, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and iconic landmarks like the Alamo. But sometimes, you crave a change of scenery. Luckily, San Antonio’s central location in Texas makes it the perfect jumping-off point for diverse day trips, catering to various interests and budgets.

Immerse yourself in the German heritage of Fredericksburg or cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole Regional Park. 

Looking for some of the best day trips from San Antonio? Texas’s capital city, Austin, boasts a vibrant music scene, delicious food trucks, and quirky museums. 

For some fresh air and sunshine, make your way to Corpus Christi and explore the Texas Gulf Coast beaches, visit the USS Lexington museum, or go dolphin-watching. 

For more historical and cultural cities in Texas near San Antonio, Gruene: This charming historic town features unique shops, live music venues, and delicious Texas fare. Or make your way to Boerne! Experience the German heritage of this town with its art galleries, wineries, and historic Main Street.

No matter your preference, this list of day trips from San Antonio has something for everyone.

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Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Also, remember to check out our other posts: Indoor Activities San Antonio, Spring Break Camps San Antonio, and San Antonio Spring Break!

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Day Trips From San Antonio – City Getaway

Gruene

Step back in time and explore the charming historic town of Gruene. Browse through unique shops housed in restored 19th-century buildings, catch a live music performance at Gruene Hall, the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas, and savor delicious Texas cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Where: Gruene, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Far: 36.6 miles
Interests: Shopping, music, food
Budget: Moderate
Best time to visit: Year-round (avoid peak summer heat)
Best for: Families, couples, friend groups

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Fredericksburg 

Stroll down Fredericksburg’s Main Street lined with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the town’s German heritage at the National Museum of the Pacific War or explore the Pioneer Museum Complex. Don’t miss a wine-tasting experience at one of the many wineries in the Texas Hill Country.

Where: Fredericksburg, TX 78624
How Far: 69.5 miles
Interests: History, culture, shopping, wineries
Budget: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Bandera 

Experience the true spirit of the Wild West in Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Go horseback riding through the scenic Texas Hill Country, stay at a dude ranch for a unique experience, or visit the Frontier Times Museum and learn about the town’s rich history.

Where: Bandera, TX 78003
How Far:  53.3 miles
Interests: Adventure, horseback riding, dude ranches
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Kerrville

Kerrville is known as the “Hill Country Music Capital.” Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene by attending the Kerrville Folk Festival, held annually in May, or explore the museums and historical sites that tell the story of the town’s rich heritage. Enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area by hiking or biking through the Kerrville Hill Country Nature Center.

Where: Kerrville, TX 78028
How Far: 64.9 miles
Interests: Music, history, nature
Budget: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Families, couples, friend groups

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Utopia 

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and unwind in the peaceful Hill Country town of Utopia. Relax at a luxurious spa resort, go stargazing under the clear night sky, or explore the scenic trails in Garner State Park.

Where: Utopia, TX 78884
How Far: 83.0 miles
Interests: Relaxation, nature, stargazing
Budget: Varies depending on accommodation
Best time to visit: Year-round (avoid peak summer heat)
Best for: Couples, solo travelers

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Boerne

Immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Boerne. Explore the numerous art galleries showcasing local and regional talent, visit the Cibolo Nature Center and learn about the Texas Hill Country ecosystem, or go wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the area.

Where: Boerne, TX 78006
How Far: 31.1 miles
Interests: Art, wineries, shopping
Budget: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Couples, friend groups

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Wimberley

Enjoy the natural beauty of Wimberley. Hike or bike through the scenic trails at Wimberley Trail Market, take a dip in the cool waters of Jacob’s Well, a natural spring-fed swimming hole, or explore the unique shops and art galleries in the charming downtown area.

Where: Wimberley, TX
How Far: 64.5 miles
Interests: Nature, hiking, swimming, shopping
Budget: Moderate
Best time to visit: Spring and fall 
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Cities Nearby San Antonio TX – History Buffs Must-Sees

Houston

Explore the world-class museums in Houston, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. Visit the Houston Space Center and learn about the history of space exploration, or catch a game at the Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros baseball team.

Where: Houston, TX
How Far: 205 miles
Interests: Art, science, museums
Budget: Varies depending on activities and accommodation
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (avoid peak summer heat)
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Austin 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Austin, the live music capital of the world. Explore the Sixth Street entertainment district, visit the quirky museums, or sample the diverse culinary scene, from food trucks to upscale restaurants.

Where: Austin, TX
How Far: 79.8 miles
Interests: Music, culture, food
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Spring and fall 
Best for: Friend groups, solo travelers

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Nearest  City to San Antonio – Nature Lovers’ Paradises

Corpus Christi

Build sandcastles on the sandy beaches of Corpus Christi, visit the Texas State Aquarium and learn about the marine life of the Gulf of Mexico, or explore the USS Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum.

Where: Corpus Christi, TX
How Far: 144 miles
Interests: Beach, family activities, history
Budget: Varies depending on activities and accommodation
Best time to visit: Spring, summer, and fall
Best for: Families

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Canyon Lake 

Enjoy the refreshing waters of Canyon Lake. Go boating, fishing, or swimming in the lake, or relax on the shores and soak up the sun. Visit the nearby Canyon Lake Gorge and witness the breathtaking natural beauty of the area.

Where: Canyon Lake, TX
How Far: 44.1 miles
Interests: Water activities, fishing, boating
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Spring, summer, and fall
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Hike the scenic trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, camp under the vast starry sky, and witness the breathtaking views from Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas.

Where: Dell City, TX 79847
How Far: 460 miles
Interests: Hiking, camping, stargazing
Budget: Affordable (park entrance fee)
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Adventurous travelers, solo travelers

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Lost Maples State Park

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lost Maples State Park. Hike through the scenic canyons and admire the vibrant fall foliage, go birdwatching, or camp under the starry sky.

Where: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
How Far: 92.0 miles
Interests: Hiking, camping, scenery
Budget: Affordable (park entrance fee)
Best time to visit: Fall (peak foliage season)
Best for: Families, couples

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New Braunfels 

New Braunfels offers a variety of outdoor activities for water enthusiasts. Float down the Guadalupe River on a tube or kayak, go for a refreshing swim in the Comal River, or visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark, a popular destination for families.

Where: New Braunfels, TX
How Far: 31.8 miles
Interests: Nature, water activities, theme parks
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Families, friend groups

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San Marcos

Float down the crystal-clear San Marcos River on a tube or kayak, explore the shops and restaurants in the vibrant downtown area, or visit the Hays County Courthouse, a beautiful example of Romanesque Revival architecture. San Marcos also offers a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from casual Tex-Mex to upscale restaurants.

Where: San Marcos, TX
How Far: 49.6 miles
Interests: Nature, food, recreation
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Year-round
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Blue Hole Regional Park

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole, a natural swimming hole located about an hour from San Antonio. Relax on the surrounding rocks, enjoy a picnic lunch, and soak up the Texas sunshine.

Where: 333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
How Far: 62.7 miles
Interests: Nature, swimming, relaxation
Budget: Free
Best time to visit: Summer 
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Day Trips From San Antonio – Shopping Galore

Johnson City 

Foodies won’t want to miss Johnson City, known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” Sample award-winning barbecue at one of the many smokehouses, explore the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and learn about the life of the 36th president, or visit the LBJ Ranch and immerse yourself in Texas history.

Where: Johnson City, TX 78636
How Far: 64.5 miles
Interests: Food, history, shopping
Budget: Varies depending on activities
Best time to visit: Year-round
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Wimberley Market Days

Explore the unique shops and art galleries at the Wimberley Market. Find locally-made crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, or browse the art galleries showcasing the works of talented artists.

Where: 601 Farm to Market Rd 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
How Far: 63.2 miles
Interests: Shopping, art, culture
Budget: Varies depending on spending habits
Best time to visit: Year-round
Best for: Families, friend groups

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Dallas

Immerse yourself in the art and culture scene of Dallas. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art, explore the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, or catch a performance at the Winspear Opera House. Indulge in some retail therapy at the Galleria Dallas, a luxurious shopping mall featuring high-end brands.

Where: Dallas, TX
How Far: 273 miles
Interests: Culture, museums, shopping
Budget: Varies depending on activities and accommodation
Best time to visit: Spring and fall (pleasant weather)
Best for: Families, friend groups

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