While San Antonio has lots to see and do, it is great to get the family out and explore what hidden gems are not far from San Antonio. Here are some great family day trips to take from San Antonio.
New Braunfels– 32.0 miles- New Braunfels is a city in Comal County that is known for its German heritage.
Things To Do: Landa Park is a 51-acre riverside park with an aquatic complex, arboretum, miniature train, mini-golf, nature trail, paddle boats and playground. The Sophienburg Museum & Archives is a museum & archives established in 1933, dedicated to local history & German cultural heritage. Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is a Roadside attraction with snakes galore, primates, exotic breeds, a petting zoo & interactive shows. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the “oldest continually operated dance hall in Texas.” Schlitterbahn Waterpark features 51 attraction over 70+ acres, including the Master Blaster, the world’s most award-winning uphill water coaster.
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Places to Eat: Alpine Haus Restaurant is an upscale destination serving scratch-made German fare in a historic locale with a wine & beer garden. Buttermilk Café is a cheerful, casual kitchen offering gourmet takes on homestyle American breakfast & lunch dishes. Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar offers chicken-fried steak, burgers & ribs served in an 1878 cotton gin with a shady patio & river views. Krause’s Café is a lively beer garden & taproom with beers, wines & margaritas on tap, plus American & German fare.
San Marcos– 49.8 miles- San Marcos is a city and county seat of Hays County.
Things To Do: The Calaboose African American History Museum is a museum in a former 1873 jail with artifacts & exhibits tracing local African-American history. The LBJ Museum of San Marcos is a compact museum offering exhibits on President Lyndon B. Johnson, with photos & personal items. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, attended Texas State University (then-called Southwest Texas State Teachers College- SWTSTC). The San Marcos Outlet Malls feature 2 distinct outlet malls- the Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets, which feature 225+ luxury and brand name stores and 20 eateries and restaurants. The Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park is home to the only commercially operated dry-formed cave in the U.S. The earthquake-formed show cave is situated on the Balcones Fault. The park also features a 190-foot observation tower, an anti-gravity house and a wildlife petting zoo.
Places to Eat: Black’s Barbecue offers slow-smoked meats & Southern desserts in a rustic setting with a full bar, patio & live music. Fuego Tortilla Grill is a popular all-hours counter-serve joint dishing rotisserie chicken, queso & made-from-scratch tacos. The Root Cellar Café & Brewery features American meals available morning to night, plus home-brewed beers, in a homey space with local art. The Saltgrass Steak House is an informal Texas-themed chain offers a meaty menu & full bar amid cattle kitsch decor.
Bandera– 52.6 miles- Bandera is a city and county seat of Bandera County. Bandera calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World.”
Things To Do: The Bandera Natural History Museum is a large museum featuring natural history exhibits, dinosaur replicas, dioramas & educational stations. Hill Country Cellars Winery is a winery/bar that offers wine tastings and pairings. The Frontier Times Museum, founded in 1933, features artifacts, old photographs, paintings and relics of the American West. The Hill Country State Natural Area is 5,369-acres of wildlife, bird species, plant species, fishing and swimming area, camping area and multi-use trails.
Places to Eat: Brick’s River Café is a casual restaurant offering steaks, burgers & other American fare plus a weekend breakfast buffet. The O.S.T. Restaurant is a stalwart, low-key American spot with saddle bar stools & a John Wayne room, plus family-style meals. TJ’s at the Old Forge is American full-service restaurant and bar serving only the choicest meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Fredericksburg– 70.7 miles- Fredericksburg is a city and county seat of Gillespie County.
Things To Do: The National Museum of the Pacific War is a 6-acre multi-museum complex commemorating Pacific WWII battles with an interactive combat zone. The Pioneer Museum is a museum complex showcasing the region’s German roots through 19th-century artifact exhibits & tours. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a dramatic 425-ft. pink granite monolith & wilderness area offering hiking, rock climbing, camping, caving and picnicking. Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 is an association of award-winning wineries, vineyards and wine tasting along Highway 290.
Places to Eat: August E’s is a Hill Country destination for high-end steaks, seafood & sushi in a swanky, sophisticated setting. Hondo’s on Main is a charming spot for burgers, BBQ & Tex-Mex fare, with indoor/outdoor seating, a full bar & live music. Otto’s German Bistro is a cozy eatery offering fine German fare using locally sourced ingredients, with cocktails & a patio. The Auslander is a German-American eatery with a Texas vibe, outdoor seating, live music & a large beer selection.
