Looking to shake up boring weekends and escape city limits without breaking the bank? Here are 10 exciting and varied day trips, each within a two-hour drive from San Antonio. Whether you’re with friends, family, kids or flying solo, these ideas include adventure, culture, and nature—with up‑to‑date tips and local flavor.
1. Wimberley & Blue Hole Regional Park (45 miles, ~1 hr)
Tucked in the Hill Country, Wimberley is ideal for families with children aged 6–16. Head to Blue Hole, a spring‑fed swimming lagoon with clear water up to 50 ft deep. Adults (25–50) also love the relaxed vibe and adorable shops downtown. Park day‑use is $6 per vehicle. Nearby artisanal cafés and boutiques offer local wine tasting. Try Krause Springs or hike the 2‑mile Jacob’s Well loop for contrast.
2. Enchanted Rock (near Fredericksburg) (70 miles, ~1 hr 15 m)
Climbing the massive pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is unforgettable. It spans 8.4 miles of trails and offers summit views shared by hikers aged 12–60. Day‑pass is $10. Fredericksburg, 10 miles away, adds charm: German heritage restaurants, peach stands, and wine tours. The town’s population of ~10,800 reflects its net worth from tourism, with cozy B&Bs and spas.
3. Fredericksburg Winery Loop (70 miles, ~1 hr 15 m)
Taste your way through hill country heritage. Spots like Becker Vineyards and Lost Draw Cellars pair well with families (kids can picnic on grounds) and couples aged 25–60. Becker charges vineyard tours for $15–25. The area is known for boutique lodging, tasting fees, and a local AGRI‑net worth rooted in wine and peach agribusiness .
4. Boerne & Cascade Caverns (30 miles, ~45 m)
Boerne, a German‑Texas town with 17,850 residents, sits 30 minutes northwest of San Antonio . Explore Main Street, tours at Cave Without a Name or Cascade Caverns ($20 entry). Families enjoy a stroll along the 1‑mile Hill Country Mile trail. The cave tours last 45 min, ideal for ages 8–65.
5. Natural Bridge Caverns & Wildlife Park (30 miles, ~40 m)
One of Texas’s largest show caverns offers adventure with rope courses, zip lines, and gem-mining. Expect $30–40/adult, $20–30/kids. Great for active families with children aged 8–14 and teens who crave underground thrills.
6. Bandera – Cowboy Capital (45 miles, ~50 m)
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera brings frontier culture to life. Expect wild west reenactments, dude ranches ($150+ per horse ride), and live country music . Families and couples 25–60 soak up the rugged charm. Visit Frontier Times Museum or Lost Maples nearby for outdoor hiking.
7. Guadalupe River State Park & Canyon Lake (45 miles, ~45 m)
Test the waters with kayaking on Guadalupe or swim at Canyon Lake beaches. Day‑use is $8/vehicle. Fishing and light tubing appeal to families and teens. Pack a picnic and enjoy shaded water‑side campsites.
8. Boerne, Bandera, New Braunfels – Triangle Tour
Combine Boerne for caves, Bandera for cowboy culture, and New Braunfels for a historic German vibe—all inside a 2‑hour loop. New Braunfels’s Old City Hall Restaurant (opening 2025) will soon enrich its dining and nightlife . This route suits families and adults wanting variety.
9. Ottine Mineral Springs (66 miles, ~1 hr 15 m)
Wellness meets history in this historic mineral spring oasis. After reopening, it features hot mineral pools, sauna, food service, and cold plunge areas. Entry is $65 on weekdays, $75 weekends
. Great for couples, health-conscious individuals (25–60), and families with teens—no diving from cliffs here.
10. South Padre Island (Day Trip Version) (270 miles, ~4 hrs)
This one’s more of an epic drive but still doable in a long day. Enjoy shelling, dolphin watching, water sports—and leatherback turtles from spring to summer . Families love beach life; couples and groups aged 18–40 enjoy the vibrant boardwalk and watersport rentals.
✅ Planning Tips for All Trips
Start Before 8 AM
Beat heat, parking crowds, and traffic before noon.
Pack Smart
Essentials: sunscreen, refillable water, snacks. For caves or water: hiking shoes, swim goggles, bug spray.
Budget Breakdown
Plan for entry fees ($6–75), parking ($5–15), food ($10–25 per person), and possible fuel (~$20–40 per trip depending on gas prices).
Check Local Updates
Cave tours, springs, and park conditions can shift seasonally. Confirm closures or changes before departure.
Road Safety
Take a phone charger and offline maps—many Hill Country vibes have patchy signal. Let someone know timing and route.
