Best Day Trips from San Antonio

Living in San Antonio or the nearby Texas Hill Country affords families breathtaking natural scenery and world-class attractions within a short distance of home. 

As a locally owned and operated business, Weston Dean Custom Homes is passionate about sharing these experiences with new homeowners. Below, our team compiled a list of the best day trips from San Antonio (in alphabetical order) to help plan your perfect summer.

Austin

Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is a must-see destination for fans of all genres. The city hosts two well-recognized festivals, South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Festival, as well as a full calendar of smaller concerts throughout the year. Austin also offers opportunities to embrace the outdoors with the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake or 360-acre Zilker Park. Austin is 80 miles away from San Antonio.

Fredericksburg

This 19th-century German settlement will transport you back in time with historic buildings and quaint shops. Indulge at one of the many German restaurants or beer gardens and plan plenty of time to wander through antique stores too. The city is also known for its fresh summer peaches that are sold in roadside stands and help to influence local restaurant menus. Fredericksburg is located about 70 miles north of San Antonio in the Hill Country.

Guadalupe River State Park

An hour outside San Antonio, the Guadalupe River State Park combines beautiful scenery and colorful history. Visitors fish, swim, tube and canoe, or hit the park’s 13 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Eighty-five campsites are available for overnight stays.  A Discovery Center provides an up-close look with hands-on discovery boxes and exhibits. The park is 30 miles away from San Antonio.

Lockhart

When you visit the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” there is a delicious yet challenging decision to make between the city’s four-pillar restaurants: Black’s BBQ, Smitty’s Market, Kreuz Market, Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ. Each has its own take on the area’s signature dish which is worth a stop even if it is just for a taste test. After you feast, walk over to Lockhart’s Caldwell County Courthouse which you may recognize from TV shows and films like Temple Grandin, Transformers and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Lockhart is about an hour away from San Antonio. 

Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are named for the naturally occurring and breathtaking 60-foot limestone bridge. For a closer look, schedule a Discover Tour, Hidden Passages Tour or a more challenging Adventure Tour to safely explore the caverns. Children will love the 5,000 square foot outdoor maze and the Mining Company where they can pan for gems, fossils, and other treasures. Grab a snack and wander the Shops at Discovery Village before heading back home. This is one of the closer attractions with a short 35-minute drive back to San Antonio. 

Shiner

Another Texas staple is the Shiner beer from the Spoetzl Brewery. The brewery offers daily tours and tastings, sending more than six million cases of beer across the country every year. You might recognize the Shiner Bock, which is one of the most popular varieties. The Spoetzl Brewery and Shiner are located about 1 1/2 hours away from San Antonio. 

If you are considering moving to San Antonio and the Hill Country, call (210) 408-9107 or contact us. Weston Dean Custom Homes builds in many of the area’s most popular communities or can build on your lot.