10 Best Road Trips near San Antonio

Canyon Lake hosts an endless array of watersports, ideal to beat the summer heat in San Antonio. Army Corps engineers created the artificial reservoir for flood control in the late 1950s, and it’s been a bustling recreation space ever since. This makes it one of the best road trips near San Antonio.

The official slogan, “Where Watersports Are King,” is on point. Everything from jetskiing to boating and kayaking to diving occurs here – grab a rental or organize lessons from the lakefront adventure outfits. Keen to extend your stay? Eight scenic campgrounds cater to tents and RVs. Canyon Lake lies 45 minutes north of San Antonio.

Bandera is the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” and its Wild West ambience feels worlds away from the razzle-dazzle of downtown San Antonio. An hour-long drive westward drive takes you through quaint south Texan villages and sunkissed plains. Upon arrival, Bandera’s authentic historic buildings and tangible cowboy vibe feel reminiscent of a Spaghetti Western set.

Take a self-guided tour of the top historic sites and pop into the Frontier Times Museum for an overview of the land. To get the full cowboy experience, come during a rodeo – or better yet, book yourself a Dude Ranch Vacation for cattle drives and horseback rides. Yee-haw. 

San Marcos attracts scores of San Antonians for its old-timey vibe and pristine waterways. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s a lovely area to wander around. As one of the best road trips near San Antonio, the charming town is a welcome break from modern San Antonio, which resides 55 minutes away.

The San Marcos River is the most sought-after waterway in the state for tubing (or toobin’, as the locals say) – grab a case, rent an inner tube from the Lions Club, and watch your worries drift off downstream. Spring Lake is another must, where natural 22°C springs are ideal for a dip. Boardwalks, hiking trails, and boat trips are available at the nearby wetlands.

The cute town of Boerne, which lies 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio, is a paradise for shopaholics and nature lovers. It’s not about soulless strip malls and big-name designer brands here – the retail scene in Boerne is a bit more bric-a-brac. Stroll down Main Street and pop into hip clothing boutiques, quirky antique stores, and funky galleries. Hit the monthly Boerne Market Day for fine artisanal wares.

The spelunking is superb at the Cascade Caverns, where a series of subterranean chambers and rivers make for an exciting underground excursion. On the surface, hit the Guadalupe River State Park or Cibolo Nature Center for activities like hiking, fishing, tubing, or canoeing.

Fredericksburg, located 1 hour north of San Antonio, is a wonderful wine-growing town with an unmistakable German flair. On Main Street and beyond, limestone Fachwerk houses and storied 19th-century churches set the scene, while the tempting aroma of bratwurst and kransky (Carniolan sausage) waft through the air.

Extend your drive by sampling the good stuff at a few local vineyards (the legal limit in Texas is 0.08%). If you rock up in spring or autumn, the Willow City Loop will impress with its blooming bluebonnets and ochre-hued foliage – both seasons are equally superb. Another great extension is the 20-minute drive to Enchanted Rock. Hike the haunted pink granite dome if you dare.

Garner State Park is a scenic spot to camp out under the stars near San Antonio. While the San Marcos River gets overrun with the boozy college-kid crowd, Garner State Park is a more family-friendly affair. Outdoor pursuits like swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, and geocaching make good use of the lush landscape and tranquil Frio River.

Bonfires, country music, and line-dancing give you a wholesome way to cap off the day. But be warned: the spectacular site lies 1.5 hours from San Antonio, the campgrounds pack out on holidays and weekends. Try the Permission Hill campsite if you want peace and quiet.  

The eery caves of Longhorn Cavern State Park offer much-needed respite from scorching temperatures in San Antonio (not uncommon in a southern Texas summer). These crisp underground caverns remain lovely and cool – they’ve long been a hideout for Native Americans and outlaws. Over the years, it has been used as a speakeasy, concert venue, and filming location. 

A guided tour will teach you the caves’ history and geology, and there’s a small series of hiking trails to explore above ground. Longhorn Cavern State Park is a 2-hour road trip from San Antonio (closer to Austin) but well worth the drive.

Lost Maples is a whimsical place for a nature escape, especially during the peak autumn foliage months (October–November). In this pretty state park, the scene bursts into immense auburn hues, a kaleidoscope of colour to rival New England.

If you can’t come during fall, Los Maples is still worth a visit as it boasts some of the finest hiking trails in Texas. Wild camping is another major drawcard – think tents and campfires rather than oversized RVs. The drive from San Antonio takes almost 2 hours.

Pedernales Falls State Park has gushing rivers, lush forests, and cascading falls, a pristine playground that’s heaven for outdoorsy types. The 5,200-acre expanse is a hot spot for horseriders, too, with scores of equestrian-friendly trails cross-crossing the park. Hiking is another prevalent pastime – don’t miss the 5.5-mile overlook loop.

One of the best things about Pedernales Falls is the distinct lack of people. Outside weekends and holidays, you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself, despite being a mere hour and a half from downtown San Antonio. Camp overnight for the full digital detox experience (you won’t get much reception out here).

Shiner in Texas is the home of the famous craft beer of the same name. Shiner Bock is a staple for every red-blooded Texan – the drop is enjoyed interstate and overseas as well. And no trip to this tiny south Texan town would be complete without a visit to the Spoetzl Brewery, where the famous dark lager is made. The tour takes you through the high-tech beer brewing facilities and finishes with 4 free samples.

Once you’ve got a good buzz on, soak up the suds with some classic southern comfort food at Friday’s Fried Chicken. Antiques Art and Beer is a good choice for eccentric souvenirs, while Howard’s, a gas station-cum-beer garden, is a lively place to kick on.