In only 30 minutes to an hour from San Antonio, you’ll uncover quaint cities that offer educational and cultural experiences from fine arts to the rustic outdoors. Take advantage of San Antonio’s close proximity to many towns and festivities that capture the diverse Texas spirit. Here are a few ideas.
Day Trip Map
Cowboy for a Day in Bandera, 40 miles
Treat your rugged side to a taste of the wild, wild West with a day on a dude ranch. All summer long, Bandera offers daily horseback riding and trail hikes through the beautiful Hill Country, and nightly rodeo shows at either Twin Elm Guest Ranch or Lightning Ranch. Make a day of it and plan a horseback riding trek with a local stable. Some outings include meals and other ranch activities. For an authentic cowboy welcome, celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy in Courthouse Square, when Bandera hosts “Cowboys on Main,” a tribute to the pioneers of the frontier land. (800) 364-3833, www.banderacowboycapital.com
History Comes to Life in Johnson City, 50 miles
The city named for the ancestors of the country’s 36th president, Lyndon B. Johnson, mixes history with outdoor adventure. Tour LBJ’s boyhood home or visit the Johnson Settlement, the original residence of Sam Johnson—first in the family to leave a mark on the Lone Star State. In nearby Stonewall, the LBJ Ranch District includes a state park and the longtime home of LBJ. Downtown Johnson City shelters a wilderness like no other: the Exotic Zoo Resort offers a safari-style tour past numerous animals and formerly endangered species in a re-created natural habitat. Continue your outdoor adventure by hiking in Pedernales Falls State Park or fishing in the Pedernales River. (830) 868-7128, http://www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com
Wine and Dine in the Vineyards of Fredericksburg, 60 miles
The city surrounded by lavender is the perfect place for indulging your taste buds—several notable wineries offer tastings within the city limits, and their passion is easy to absorb with an organized three-stop tour. After exploring Bell Mountain Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, Oberhof Wine Cellars at Das Peach Haus and the Torre di Pietra, indulge in a massage or facial to round out a truly relaxing day. Fredericksburg’s top-notch day spas specialize in both holistic and modern experiences. (866) 621-9463, www.fredericksburg-texas.com
An Antique Treasure Hunt in Comfort, 35 miles
Pace yourself; the city of Comfort packs a treasure trove of antique goodies, from outdoor decorations to paintings and jewelry. Make the best of your time by plotting a stop ‘n shop schedule of Comfort’s best boutiques. In between purchases, stop by a gallery and then break for lunch or dinner at a contemporary bistro. Or, fill up on mouth-watering catfish and Cajun cuisine at an al fresco diner or restaurant set on the banks of the Guadalupe River. (830) 995-3131, www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com
Water Adventures in San Marcos, 35 miles
Embark on a watery adventure in San Marcos (home to the Prime Outlets San Marcos, recently ranked the “3rd Best Place to Shop in the world” by ABC’s The View) and surrounding Canyon Lake and New Braunfels. Gear up for trout fishing at the Guadalupe River, at the base of New Braunfels’ Canyon Dam. Go rafting, tubing or wading at one of Canyon Lake's eight parks. Visit the Aquarena Texas Rivers Center and take a glass-bottom boat tour. Dry off with a nature walk at the Aquarena Wetlands Boardwalk, a 24-hour viewing of plants and wildlife in a picturesque atmosphere, and head underground to the cavernous landmark, WonderWorld Park. Inside this earthquake-formed cave, you can spot a supernatural wonder from an observation tower over 100 feet high. (888) 200-5620, www.sanmarcostexas.com
Arts & Crafts Fill the Streets of Gruene, 20 miles
Take in a day of art and culture in the historic city of Gruene at its monthly Gruene Market Days, a juried art show incorporating mediums from painting to sculpture. You can also browse the displays of up to 100 artisans and craftsmen. Downtown Gruene comes alive with music and authentic German cuisine, an ode to the heritage of this European-influenced city. As the sun sets, the lights come up on the Gruene Dance Hall, the state’s oldest dance venue that’s sure to entertain with foot-tapping tunes and rug-cutting jams steeped
in a rich country and Tejano music tradition. (830) 832-1721, www.gruenemarketdays.com
At One with Nature in Boerne, 30 miles
Be awakened by nature in Boerne and teach your kids the value of earth preservation with a day at the Cibolo Nature Center. Families can learn hands-on about the Texas landscape and its unique climate at the center’s 100 acres of Hill Country wilderness. Once a plot of abandoned land, Cibolo Nature Center is now restored to its natural beauty as a haven for four ecosystems and a dynamite site for bird watching. The Boerne Birders set out for sightings from the center monthly, so don’t forget your binoculars. (830) 249-7277, www.visitboerne.org
Sweet Poteet, 20 miles
Feed your sweet tooth with a flavorful experience at the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival, where you can get your fill of dessert, rodeo thrills and live entertainment. This small town produces big fruit—after all, it is the “Strawberry Capital of Texas” and home to the world’s largest strawberry, eh, sculpture. The city is also responsible for growing 40 percent of the state’s strawberries. Unwind and familiarize yourself with the hospitality of Poteet, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the home of Strawberry Shortcake. (888) 742-8144, www.strawberryfestival.com
More Day Trips
New Braunfels, 20 miles
On the banks of the Guadalupe River, the city of New Braunfels overflows with old world heritage and small town charm. You’ll find world famous tourist attractions like the Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch as well as Schlitterbahn, the country's number one waterpark. (800) 572-2626, http://www.newbraunfels.com
Castroville, 20 miles
Visit the Little Alsace of Texas, Castroville, a charming and historically unique town of about 3,000 people west of San Antonio on Highway 90. Established in 1844 by French Alsatian colonists, Castroville has significant architecture, like the Steinbach House, pictured at left, dating back to the early 1600s. Enjoy the historical walking tour, great restaurants and wonderful shops. (800) 778-6775, www.castroville.com
Seguin, 25 miles
Seguin’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and delightful shops adorn city streets. Group tour packages are available for day trips. 830-379-6382, www.visitseguin.com
Pleasanton, 30 miles
Pleasanton is located south of San Antonio. Known for its claim to fame as "the Birthplace of the Cowboy," Pleasanton is also called the town with live oaks and friendly folks. Among the events held annually is the Cowboy Homecoming at the end of each summer. www.pleasantontexas.com
Canyon Lake, 40 miles
Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River provide a tranquil and beautiful experience with cool, refreshing waters, friendly folks, tasty food, spectacular sunsets and all the comforts of the country. (800) 528-2104, www.canyonlakechamber.com
Hondo, 40 miles
West of San Antonio, Hondo’s beautiful parks include a brand new state-of-the-art skate park. Shop in nostalgic historical buildings and find that the shopkeepers and townspeople are as friendly as they come. (830) 426-3037, www.hondochamber.com
Kerrville, 55 miles
Kerrville is an hour northwest of San Antonio on IH-10 where sparkling, spring-fed creeks meander through the rugged terrain and rolling hills of the Guadalupe River Valley. The Guadalupe River, along with a mild climate provides the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor pursuits. Every season, Kerrville offers an array of activities. (800) 221-7958, http://kervilletexascvb.com
Luckenbach, 65 miles
Luckenbach embodies the Texas state of mind. It’s a place where you can kick back, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Go out for a dance on a Friday night or spend an afternoon under the gorgeous oak trees listening to live music. (888)311-8990, http://www.luckenbachtexas.com
Austin, 70 miles
Austin is just simply not like the rest of Texas. From the quirky cast of characters that populate Congress Avenue to burnt orange-clad University of Texas students, bats to Longhorns, four-star restaurants to down-home barbecue joints, corporate CEOs to struggling musicians, Texas' capital city stands apart from the rest. (866) GO-AUSTIN, www.austintexas.org
