{"id":331360,"date":"2025-10-25T10:44:33","date_gmt":"2025-10-25T10:44:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/331360\/"},"modified":"2025-10-25T10:44:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T10:44:33","slug":"20-weekend-roadtrips-everyone-in-san-antonio-should-make-at-least-once","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/331360\/","title":{"rendered":"20 weekend roadtrips everyone in San Antonio should make at least once"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes, a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. And what could be an easier reset than a mini-road trip?<\/p>\n

San Antonio has a number of great destinations only a short drive away. <\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for a beach retreat, a mountain hike or a glimpse of history, this list includes some of the most desirable destinations easily accessible from the Alamo City for those with wheels and a taste for adventure.<\/p>\n

Time to hit the open road.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ JaDipity<\/p>\n

Marble Falls<\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive north of San Antonio.
This Hill Country town is a great weekend getaway for those who like cute outdoor activities. From berry farms to fields full of bluebonnets, this picturesque town is something you have to see to believe, especially during the spring.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Shutterstock \/ Philip Lange<\/p>\n

Corpus Christi<\/p>\n

About a 2 hour drive southeast of San Antonio.
Corpus Christi isn\u2019t just famous for its beaches \u2014 it was also home to Queen of Tejano Selena Quintanilla. The coastal city features plenty of oceanic fun, from beachside activities such as swimming and surfing to fishing and kayaking further out on the water. The city is also host to attractions including the Art Museum of South Texas and Hurricane Alley Water Park.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Shutterstock \/ Silvio Ligutti<\/p>\n

Inks Lake State Park<\/p>\n

3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, (512) 793-2223, tpwd.texas.gov.
Located north of Austin, Inks Lake is a prime spot to appreciate nature. With a variety of trees and plants \u2014 cedar, live oak, prickly pear cacti and yucca \u2014 the landscape is absolutely gorgeous. Park-goers can enjoy camping, backpacking, picnicking and hiking. Just make it a point to swing by the Devil\u2019s Waterhole for some scenic waterfall views.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Martina Birnbaum<\/p>\n

Luckenbach<\/p>\n

About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio.
Let\u2019s go to Luckenbach, Texas \u2014 as Waylon and Willie and the boys would say. This Hill Country town near Fredericksburg, made famous by the 1977 country song of the same name, is ideal for those looking for a quiet weekend getaway. Travelers can visit the old community trading post and two-step at the town\u2019s famous music hall or try an array of Texas wines at one of the many vineyards in the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Juio DB<\/p>\n

Shiner, Texas<\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive east of San Antonio.
Yup, we\u2019re talking about beer here. Head on out to Shiner, Texas and hit up the Spoetzl Brewery where Shiner beers are made. The brewery itself is more than 100 years old, making it the oldest independent brewery in the state. Take a tour and enjoy a free brew, and be sure to explore the town\u2019s historic buildings and cute bed and breakfasts.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Shutterstock \/ Roschetzky Photography<\/p>\n

Austin <\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive north of San Antonio.<\/p>\n

We may hate to admit it, but Austin is a great place to visit for a quick weekend getaway. The state\u2019s capitol is worth exploring year-round, but the city also a live-music destination transformed by annual festivals such as SXSW and ACL. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and climbing at McKinney Falls State Park, while those seeking water-based fun can kayak on the Colorado River or swim at Barton Springs.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ dibrova<\/p>\n

Dripping Springs<\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive north of San Antonio.
Known as the \u201cgateway to the Hill Country,\u201d Dripping Springs has something for everybody. This quintessential Texas town is home to natural wonders including the Hamilton Pool and features a vibrant main street full of shops and locally owned restaurants. Dripping Springs also has plenty of places to get boozy with wineries, distilleries and breweries plentiful in the area.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo by Michael Presley, courtesy of Sherwood Forest Faire<\/p>\n

Bastrop<\/p>\n

About a 2 hour drive northeast of San Antonio.
Like many of the Texas Hill Country towns on this list, Bastrop has plenty of local flair. But two nearby attractions give the town a unique dimension. Every spring, Sherwood Forest Faire transforms the local landscape into a medieval fantasy world. For those who wish to go even further back in time, there\u2019s Dinosaur Park, where you can hike and take in prehistoric sights.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Shutterstock \/ Richard A McMillin<\/p>\n

Lost Maples State Natural Area<\/p>\n

37221 F.M. 187, Vanderpool, (830) 966-3413, tpwd.texas.gov.
The two-hour drive to Lost Maples is totally worth it. The park features more than 10 miles of trails, including one loop that offers a breathtaking view from the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. The park is worth a visit at all times of year, but Lost Maples is especially renowned for its Uvalde bigtooth maples, which burst into vibrant colors in the fall.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ JustPixs<\/p>\n

Driftwood<\/p>\n

About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio.
Driftwood is a popular destination for one big reason: Salt Lick BBQ. Visiting the world-renowned restaurant is a rite of passage for \u2018cue lovers, but the quaint town is enjoyable in its own right.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Ryan Conine<\/p>\n

Port Aransas<\/p>\n

About a 2.5 hour drive southeast of San Antonio.
Named one of the best beaches in the country by Tripadvisor in 2022, Port Aransas sure is something to see. This seaside Texas town makes for a perfect family vacation with endless miles of sandy beaches, a \u201cJersey Shore\u201d-style boardwalk and countless affordable resorts.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Faina Gurevich<\/p>\n

Fredericksburg<\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive northwest of San Antonio.
Fredericksburg is loved by tourists and locals alike. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Vereins Kirche Museum, which honors the German pioneers who initially settled this Hill Country town nearly two centuries ago. Shopaholics have plenty of locally owned boutiques to choose from, and there is a swath of wineries and craft breweries for those who imbibe. With an endless supply of rustic bed and breakfasts, Fredericksburg is the perfect weekend getaway for a couple, the gals or the whole family.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Landscapes by Dan<\/p>\n

Wimberley<\/p>\n

About a 1.5 hour drive northeast of San Antonio.
Located between San Antonio and Austin, this Hill Country town is home to plenty of unique attractions. Jacob\u2019s Well, one of the deepest underwater caves in the world, is worth the visit all on its own. But also be sure to visit Old Baldy (a mountain featuring twin summits with moderate hiking trails and steep inclines), Blue Hole Regional Park and Cypress Creek Nature Preserve.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ University of College<\/p>\n

Brenham<\/p>\n

About a 2.5 hour drive east of San Antonio.
Brenham is a great destination for families, or those with a sweet tooth, because you can take a tour of Blue Bell Creameries and learn all about how the ice cream is made. Visitors can take self-guided tours and watch the delicious desserts be produced from an observation deck, then enjoy scoops of Blue Bell in the ice cream parlor.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Tricia Daniel<\/p>\n

Round Top<\/p>\n

About a 2 hour drive east of San Antonio.
Round Top has made its mark on the map as a hub for antiquing and classical music. The Round Top Antique Show takes place three weeks a year, for the spring, fall and winter seasons, while the Round Top Festival Institute holds its main event at the picturesque Festival Hill each summer, with a slate of additional classical music performances occurring throughout the year.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Shutterstock \/ E. Dan Klepper<\/p>\n

Mustang Island <\/p>\n

About a 2.5 hour drive southeast of San Antonio.<\/p>\n

Located near Corpus Christi, Mustang Island has five miles of coastline to explore. Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles in the sun, or make it a weekend getaway by staying at one of the park\u2019s nearly 100 campsites or enjoying one of the park\u2019s paddling trails.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo Courtesy Texas Renaissance Festival<\/p>\n

Texas Renaissance Festival<\/p>\n

A little over three hours from San Antonio.<\/p>\n

The Texas Renaissance Festival, located in Plantersville about an hour north of Houston, is the largest of its kind in the world. Indeed, it\u2019s kind of like the Disney World of Renaissance faires. That alone makes it well worth the road trip, if you ask us. As opposed to the closer Sherwood Faire, which occurs every spring, Texas Renaissance Festival occurs every fall.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Daniel Mullins<\/p>\n

Pedernales Falls State Park<\/p>\n

2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, (830) 868-7304. tpwd.texas.gov.
Not too far from Johnson City are the tranquil, though sometimes turbulent, waters at Pedernales Falls. This park should be visited by folks who thrive in natural scenery, since it offers camping, hiking, biking, bird-watching and horseback riding along with a butterfly garden. Certain areas are available to swim in, but there\u2019s also chances for tubing, canoeing and kayaking down the river.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ DJ Malec<\/p>\n

Blanco<\/p>\n

About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio.
Blanco is known as the Lavender Capital of Texas, and if you visit during the blooming season from May through July, you\u2019ll know why. Home to the HIll Country Lavender Farm, the town even hosts an annual Lavender Festival each summer. In addition to being known for soothingly scented purple blooms, Blanco is home to other attractions including the Science Mill and Blanco State Park.<\/p>\n

\"\"Credit: Photo via Shutterstock \/ Philip Arno Photography<\/p>\n

Lockhart<\/p>\n

About a 1 hour drive northeast of San Antonio
When a town\u2019s claim to fame is being the barbecue capital of Texas (and the world), it\u2019s most definitely a place worth your time and money. Four of Lockhart\u2019s meat purveyors have grabbed national attention \u2014 Black\u2019s Barbecue, Smitty\u2019s Market, Kreuz Barbecue and Chisholm Trail Barbecue. If you decide to stay for a night or two, try out the Brock House, which offers stunning views of Lockhart\u2019s historic Caldwell County Courthouse.<\/p>\n

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