It's likely that while you're in school, or working all day long in the winter, you're dreaming of all the summer road trips you can take once summer comes. Well, I hate to break it to you, but if you're not careful summer will slip away from you before you do anything you wanted to.
The weather is hot, your responsibilities list is shrinking, and your need for an adventure is growing. Planning a road trip can be a ton of work, but we've done what we can to make it easier for you.
The following is a list of amazing spots that are just a short drive from San Antonio.No matter if you've got 2 hours or a whole weekend, you can for sure knock at least one of these off your bucket list. Text your friends, and get ready to make the most of your summer vacation:
Explore the Cascade Caverns
Time from San Antonio: 45 minutes
Unleash your inner Indian Jones with a trip down to the Cascade Caverns.These caves are incredibly interesting and offer guided tours or give you the chance to roll solo through the many twists and turns.
Spend the day in the sun on Mustang Island
@trecardenas_Time from San Antonio: 2 hours and 45 minutes
It may not be a tropical island, but it's still a relaxing getaway that's not too far from San Antonio. Mustang Island offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, and crystal clear water that's perfect for swimming.
Dig into some delicious BBQ in Lockhart
@vincentcrossTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Texas as a whole is known for its BBQ scene, but nobody does it quite like Lockhart. The city is home to many favorite spots, including Black's Barbecue and Kreuz Market to name just a few.
Let out some adrenaline at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
@avery.isabellaTime from San Antonio: 2 hours
You know those days when you're so stressed out that you just want to scream?Me too. Because it's not socially acceptable to go out in your front yard and do it, why not make an adventure out of it? Take the trip to Lake Travis and let out all your anger while you zip through ATX?
Go tubing down the Comal River
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Time from San Antonio: 45 minutes
There's no denying that Texas sunshine is the only thing hotter than your crush and odds are good you'll want to cool down in the water this summer. A great way to do that is by tubing down the Comal River, just a 45 minute drive away from San Antonio.
Go for a hike through Government Canyon State Natural Area
@lex.floresssTime from San Antonio: 40 minutes
Remember when you were a kid and would dream of hunting dinosaurs? Well at Government Canyon you can re-live that. Kind of. The park is home to 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks that you can explore as well as a ton of other hiking tracks perfect people of all fitness levels.
Try scuba diving at Aquarena Springs
@reeces_peicesTime from San Antonio: 1 hour
You may think you can only go scuba diving in the coral reefs of Cuba, but it turns out you've got the opportunity to do it right here in Texas. Make the hour drive out to Aquarena Springs and spend the day hanging out with the mysterious creatures that live underwater.
Explore the supposedly haunted Enchanted Rock
@annabel_fitnessTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Hope you're not afraid of ghosts! Rumor has it that Enchanted Rock is haunted by the spirits of Comanche and Tonkawa warriors. Apart from its cool history, Enchanted Rock is also a great place to go camping, get in a hike, and take in some amazing views of Central Texas.
Check out the lowkey Lake Amistad
@feather_wickTime from San Antonio: 2 hours and 45 minutes
If you love spending time on the water, but can't handle the crowds or tourists, Lake Amistad is a great option. It's much more lowkey than other lakes in Texas, but still offers amazing views and opportunities to have some outdoorsy fun.
Tour the distilleries of Shiner
@halesssyeahhhhhTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If you're in the mood for a drink, Shiner is a great place to find yourself. Take a totally free tour of the distillery, sample a drink, or twelve, and see just why everyone loves Texas' classic drink so much. If you visit on Saturday, you'll also be able to enjoy on-site food vendors.
Conquer all the slides at Schlitterbahn Waterpark
@kenhsu0505Time from San Antonio: 1 hour
As a kid, it's likely that you got excited about a trip to the waterpark. Don't let adulthood dull that excitement though! If you take a trip to Schlitterbahn Waterpark you can relive your childhood days of racing down the waterslides and laughing all day long.
Take your dog for a hike through Lost Maples State Natural Area
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Time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 45 minutes
If you're tired of walking around the same old neighborhoods every day, there's a pretty good chance your dog is too. Spice it up a bit and treat the both of you to some new, beautiful views in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Drive out for the day, or spend a weekend camping.
Spend a day exploring Paradise Canyon Park
@travelwithherstyleembedded via
Time from San Antonio: 45 minutes
No matter how you're looking to spend your time in the great outdoors it's likely you can do it in Paradise Canyon. Everything from hiking, fishing, tubing, and camping can be done here, as well as a myriad of other fun summer activities.
Try not to get lost in the Natural Bridge Caverns
@wilma.omarTime from San Antonio: 40 minutes
If you're in the mood for an adventure, but don't have time to venture too far out of the city, we recommend you make the quick drive out to the Natural Bridge Caverns. These amazing structures look like something straight out of a creepy sci-fi movie, and will definitely have you in awe.
Spend the day boating at Canyon Lake
@shannon_remyTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Texas is home to an abundance of great lakes to hang out at, but Canyon Lake is definitely a favorite for many people. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day on the water, or bring along a tent and turn that day trip into a whole weekend soaking up the Texas sunshine.
Watch the bats take off from Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin
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Time from San Antonio: 2 hours
If you want to see a truly spectacular site, make sure you're hanging out by the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin at dusk during the summer months. On any given evening you'll be able to see tens of thousands of bats take off into the sunset.
Explore the small town of Medina
@vgv_kTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 20 minutes
When you live in the big city of San Antonio, sometimes it's nice to get away for awhile. The city of Medina is a lot more lowkey and has a ton to offer in the way of shopping, dining, and exploring.
Spend the whole day in your swimsuit at Port Aransas
@catwilson_Time from San Antonio: 2 hours and 40 minutes
If your bank account looks anything like mine then you definitely won't be booking a tropical vacation anytime soon. You can, however, plan a trip to the little beach town of Port Aransas and spend the day in your swimsuit drinking margaritas. We won't judge, promise.
Go cliff jumping at Jacob's Well
@therealshantelTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 30 minutes
If your adventurous side knows no bounds, Jacobs Well is the place to be. Here you can cliff jump into the dark abyss, or simply lounge on the sidelines and watch other crazy people do it. It's the perfect spot to relax or get your adrenaline pumping on a hot summer day.
Go for a stroll along the Frio River
@garrett7xavierTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 15 minutes
If you want to admire the water, but don't want to get wet, you can always go for a stroll around the Frio River. There's plenty of hiking and walking paths, and a lot of great scenery to be enjoyed.
Explore the trails of Commanche Lookout Park
@emily.brunetTime from San Antonio: 30 minutes
It's never too late to get that summer bod! If you're looking for a unique hiking destination that's not too far from San Antonio, Commanche Lookout Park is a great spot. They've got trails for people who can barely handle a flight of stairs, as well as trails for dedicated hikers.
Grab a bite to eat at the Luling City Market
@eatingwithcatherineembedded via
Time from San Antonio: 3 hours
Of course, we had to include another prime spot to grab some BBQ. If you don't mind driving far for your food, you'll be in for a real treat. The Luling City Market is home to some of the best and biggest BBQ that you'll find in Texas—we're drooling just looking at it.
Do some fishing at the Choke Canyon Reservoir
@sergiofernandez101embedded via
Time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Eating a meal of delicious fish sounds good, doesn't it? Now imagine if you spent all day out on the lake catching the fish yourself, and then came home and cooked it. That sounds even better if you ask us. Choke Canyon is one of the best fishing spots in Texas so get ready to have the meal of a lifetime.
Visit Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World"
@hatchjulie6Time from San Antonio: 1 hour
Put on your best hat. There's not a whole lot happening in Bandera, but it is dubbed the "Cowboy Capital of the World." During your visit, try some horseback riding, or take a hike through the Texas Hill Country.
Soak up the sun on the San Marcos River
@br00klyn_s_Time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 15 minutes
The San Marcos River is great for a ton of different reasons. You can tube, kayak, or canoe down the river, or stop at one of the five parks along it to cool off in the water or eat some lunch.
Take a guided safari through the Exotic Resort Zoo
@mal.webbTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Most zoos let you see your favorite animals, but the Exotic Resort Zoo lets you get up close and personal. Get a kiss from a camel, feed some baby goats, or snap some photos with the sweetest baby giraffes. Its safe to say you'll have a memorable experience every time you visit Exotic Resort.
Take a tour of the Fredericksburg Winery
@_audrey_babe_Time from San Antonio: 1 hour and 15 minutes
I love wine and I'll never pass up a chance to sample some. If you feel the same way, we highly recommend you plan a trip out to the Fredericksburg Winery ASAP. Not only can you see how your favorite drinks are made first hand, you can also sample them and perhaps find a new favorite.
Visit the heart and soul of Texas in Luckenbach
@thetrendytomboyTime from San Antonio: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Just like the old Willie Nelson song says, "everybody's somebody in Luckenbach." This city has an insane history and was once home to a population of just 3 people. It's obviously grown since, and is widely considered to be the "heart and soul of Texas".
Check out the Dr. Pepper Museum
@_hannah_light_Time from San Antonio: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Being a Texan-made drink, Dr. Pepper holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you love it or hate it, it's still interesting to explore the museum and see how the world-famous drink came to fruition.
Re-live your childhood at Six Flags Fiesta
@kirbysdenTime from San Antonio: 20 minutes
As a child, you spend your days begging your parents to take you to Six Flags. Now that you're an adult, you can go whenever you want, and I think we often forget about that. Plan a trip with your friends to devour tasty midway food and scream your lungs out on your old favorite rides.
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