12 Day Trips from San Antonio Worth the Drive

But if you want to get away for day, we have a list of perfect day trips from San Antonio. From Austin and San Marcos to Fredericksburg and Marble Falls, these trips promise relaxation, the great outdoors, and much more.

1) Austin

Distance from San Antonio: 1 hr and 23 minutes; 79.5 miles

Less than an hour and a half away from San Antonio, Capital City features beloved country music halls, mouth-watering cuisines, beautiful parks, and quintessentially Texan history. And with music around every corner, it's hard not to relax and have a good time in Austin.

Austin Texas USA - perfect late summer September Sunset - Austin Texas Aerial drone view above City Panoramic Panorama Afternoon Sun on City Skyline Cityscape 2018 with the Tallest Tower in the City completed and no cranes

2) Canyon Lake

Distance from San Antonio: 57 minutes; 43.7 miles

Canyon Lake offers a host of activities for outdoor lovers. Set on the Guadalupe River, you can set up camp right near the water. Considered "The Jewel" of the Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake offers hiking, bank fishing, eight park areas, and even a well-kept par 72 golf course. Fun for the whole family, this is one of the best day trips from San Antonio.

3) Natural Bridge Caverns

Distance from San Antonio: 35 minutes; 28.4 miles

Just a short drive outside of San Antonio, you'll feel completely transported when exploring the underground chambers of the Natural Bridge Caverns. One of the only permanent outdoor mazes in Texas, visitors can pan for treasure, wander through the caverns with an expert guide, and test their agility against ropes courses and zip trails.

4) Hill Country State Natural Area

Distance from San Antonio: 1 hr 18 minutes; 63.2 miles

The Hill Country State Natural Area encompasses 5,369 acres of rugged terrain in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Not too far of a drive from San Antonio, this is a prime destination for mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders. In addition, when water levels are high enough, visitors can swim and go fishing.

5) San Marcos

Distance from San Antonio: 51 minutes; 49.8 miles

Home to Texas State University, this historic college city sits along the Guadalupe River and dates back to the mid-1800s. Although, archeologists have found artifacts of ancient native Americans dating back thousands of years. Guests can explore the lively downtown area, music venues, outlet malls, Tex-Mex havens, and more. I suggest you visit San Marcos to go tubing down the river in the summer, a popular activity for residents and visitors alike.

6) Honey Creek State Natural Area

Distance from San Antonio: 52 minutes; 37.2 miles

The Honey Creek State Natural Area is a protected natural site that requires a guided tour to enter because of the diverse geology, flora, and fauna within the area. The 2.5-hour led tour takes visitors on two miles of nature and interpretative trails; however, no pets are allowed. Moreover, tour times are limited, so check the Events page to confirm dates.

7) Guadalupe River State Park

Distance from San Antonio: 46 minutes; 36.4 miles

Adjacent to the Honey Creek State Natural Area, this state park resides in the middle of a nine-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Guests can participate in a variety of fun outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more.

8) Fredericksburg

Distance from San Antonio: 1 hr 15 minutes; 70.5 miles

Known for its German heritage and wineries, this charming Texas town features several museums such as the Pioneer Museum and the expansive National Museum of the Pacific War that displays WWII exhibits. Further, the town honors its German settlers with a replica of a 19th-century German church that once stood in the city titled Vereins Kirche.

9) Government Canyon State Natural Area

Distance from San Antonio: 36 minutes; 26.6 miles

Sprawling with hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, diverse wildlife, and beautiful flora, Government Canyon State Natural Area offers adventures right outside of San Antonio. Guests can also mountain bike, camp (somewhat limited because it's a state natural area), and geocache. One of the best day trips from San Antonio, I definitely recommend you visit.

10) Paradise Canyon

Distance from San Antonio: 44 minutes; 36.6 miles

This beautiful respite from city life rests less than an hour away from San Antonio. Swim, fish, canoe, picnic, kayak, camp, bird-watch, and much more along the Medina River. Further, if you wish to stay for the evening, the area offers cabins and a spacious lodge.

11) Marble Falls

Distance from San Antonio: 1 hr 36 minutes; 86.4 miles

Located in the middle of the Highland Lakes area on the Colorado River, Marble Falls offers hike and bike trails, areas to swim, plenty of parks, and pavilions to picnic. Not too far from San Antonio, Marble Falls presents a picturesque escape from the hustle of the city.

12) New Braunfels

Distance from San Antonio: 36 minutes; 32 miles

Close to San Antonio, New Braunfels began as a German prince's dream to establish "New Germany" in the Republic of Texas. Today, this small Texas town showcases charming German-American-influenced businesses, a massive waterpark (Schlitterbahn), farmer's markets, and more. Further, locals enjoy tubing down the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. One of the top day trips from San Antonio to take, you don't want to sleep on this charming town.

Which Day Trips from San Antonio Will You Take?

Now that you know the best spots surrounding San Antonio, where will you head to first? Let us know in the comments.

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Written By Talena

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