In addition, to live music, Gruene also offers shopping, dining, and wine tastings at its many shops and restaurants. There are trails waiting to be explored on foot or by mountain bike and the small lake at the heart of the forest is great for canoeing, kayaking and fishing and has a swimming beach. With trails, swimming opportunities, beautiful overlooks, and camping on offer, Turner Falls has plenty of things to do to keep visitors busy for a weekend away. The one-and-a-half-mile spring-fed creek and natural area is filled with Spanish moss-draped live oaks andAshejunipers and is only accessible by tour. For those looking to get some vitamin D and some exercise, this park is the place to go. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Marys Street, San Antonio, TX 78212, Phone: 210-734-7184. Have a hoot at the Owl Wine Bar and Home Goods, or see how busy the Texas Honey Bee Farm gets. While San Antonio is a great city to live in, sometimes its nice to get away for the weekend and explore what else Texas has to offer. Smiling teenage girl with her head out a car window. Theres nothing better than something this simple for the best weekend getaways from San Antonio. Other popular lake activities include walking or hiking the shore line, wildlife observation and picnicking. Big Bend National Park is often known as a hikers paradise, with more than 150 miles of desert and mountain trails to explore. Are there cheap hotels in San Antonio available? For some family fun you can head to the RockN River Water Park. The museum is open to the public on weekends (or by prior arrangement on a Wednesday and Thursday). A great way to spend your day out would be to tube the river along the famous Horseshoe Loop Riversport Tube Rentals have all you need and offer one-way shuttles. You can also rent a boat and paddle while running into alligators, armadillos, minks, beavers, and turtles. The tranquil waters of Canyon Lake make it a popular spot for jet skiing, boating, and fishing perfect for honeymoon activities in San Antonio for outdoor couples. Tour the Dublin Bottling Works and learn about the fascinating 120+year history of the company. Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Stephenville Inn. There are plenty of trails to hike, some even leading to a high summit with stunning views. It may be small, but that means you can easily walk to your destinations without a problem. Art lovers can visit several inspiring art galleries and studios while foodies will find plenty to temp their taste buds. Dublin is a city located in central Texas thats best known for being the former home of the worlds oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant. Garner State Park, Texas. Jefferson is the county seat of Marion, best known for its award-winning bed and breakfast lodgings. Besides boasting Texas first Blue Wave Beach, Rockport also has a number of nature preserves on its doorstep. San Antonio is a great place for a quick getaway, whether you're planning a romantic escape with your better half or need a kid-friendly destination for the whole family. In addition, the city has several recreational areas which are located within the city limits you can go hiking in Comanche Lookout Park or spend a wonderful day at the San Antonio Zoo. Finally, enjoy a sunset at Lake Palestine, which is also the perfect spot for fishing. Recommended Hotel: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. This small town is located on Mustang Island and is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back beach vacation near San Antonio. SAT. The south Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is perfect for bird and nature lovers, with plenty of scenic views. You can learn more about the towns history when you visit Chisholm Trail Crossing Park which has several commemorative plaques. By VacationIdea Staff on April 26, 2023 - Updated. Fort Worth is a city in North Central Texas known for its rich history as an important trading post for cowboys in the 19th century. San Antonio, TX San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Washington, DC Search by Map View Top 10 Destinations View all Destinations. If you want to go swimming, its a strenuous walk to the river that includes steep rock chairs and no handrails. Houston is a large city in Texas known for its affiliation and base with NASA and renowned restaurants. Recommended Hotel: Fredericksburg Inn and Suites. For a shot of thrill, sip through the forests and canyons via the Turner Falls Zipline and take in all that gorgeous views. Admire the Victorian-era Old Williamson County Jail and the 1911 Courthouse. If youre looking for some outdoor fun, head to one of the citys many parks, such as Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou Park, or Hermann Park. You can see the famous round rock if you take the time to go walking or hiking along the trails in the Round Rock Memorial Park, which is also a good spot to stop for a picnic. If youre an art lover, visit the Art District for the rows of art galleries featured there. As COVID-19 disrupts travel, a few airlines are offering WAIVING CHANGE FEE for new bookings. This is one of the best places to go for a weekend trip near you, or if youre willing to drive a bit from San Antonio. Houston. At the top of the list of activities are 40 miles of hiking and mountain-bike trails. The hikes vary from easy to challenging (due to the hilly terrain) and you will pass through scenic canyons and hill-top habitats which provide sanctuary for several rare bird species. Recommended Hotel: Canyon Lakeview Resort, 15551 Nacogdoches RdSan Antonio, TX 78247(210) 207-7275. You can fish in the Sabinal River, go geo-caching or attend a ranger-led program. Anna Mazurek is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Austin, Texas. Comanche Lookout Park is a public park on 96 acres with a nature trail that goes for almost five miles. Explore the four ecosystems at Cibolo Nature Center, a renowned spot for hiking and birding. The town of Boerne is located in the Texas Hill Country about 30 minutes from San Antonio. Peruse the interactive exhibits and fascinating history at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? And, of course, no trip to East Texas is complete without enjoying some of the delicious barbecues for which the region is known. South Padre Island is a resort town located off the southern coast of Texas and is known for its beaches and still waters. And Bob's Steak House on site was fabulous." Reviewed on Apr 27, 2023 Blossom Hotel Houston 7118 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030 There are many brilliant performing arts venues where you can watch the latest production and more than a dozen shopping areas for ardent shoppers. The city of Dallas is about a four and half-hour drive from San Antonio, but its definitely worth the trip! Foodies can lose themselves among the diverse and eclectic eateries in Trinity Groves, while the Design District begs to be explored by everyone who is interested in arts, antiques and one-off boutiques. Home to Texas' most famous building (the Alamo), our former home city of San Antonio is easily one of the best cities for weekend trips in Texas. Oklahoma City is known for its cowboy culture and stunning capitol complex. Pack a picnic and enjoy it with views of a gorgeous waterfall. The National Cowgirl Museum is also an interesting visit, giving you a peek at the contributions of great cowgirls of the Old West. Couples getaways in San Antonio, Texas This hopping weekend getaway spot seemingly has it all: a rich history and culture, amazing galleries and museums, and countless shops and cafes. Find flights from San Antonio today with Orbitz. The land of surf, sun, and sand is the weekend trip in Southern California you need to go on. And see fascinating antique furnishing and medical artifacts from the Civil War era at the Goodman Museum. Once a lookout point for the Comanche Indians who used to hunt along the nearby Cibolo Creek, Comanche Lookout Park is now a 96 acre public park. This island is 2 hours and 36 minutes from San Antonio and is worth every second of the drive. 8. City activities include visiting the WWII USS Lexington aircraft carrier, the Texas State Aquarium and the Selena Museum. At about 317.5 km (197.3 miles) from San Antonio lies Houston, another top destination for a weekend trip. This sprawling park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. The park is located along the banks ofPedernalesRiver, which cascades across steps of layered limestone to createPedernalesFalls. Deal found 4/25. This fascinating city is within 3 hours of San Antonio, so its perfect for a quick weekend getaway. Show Prices. Big Bend National Park incorporates the entirety of the Chisos mountain range and too includes much of the Chihuahuan Desert. 2585 Park Road 6026Johnson City, TX 78636(830) 868-7304. Today you can visit these missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park which is located just 10 minutes from downtown. LyndonB. Johnson National Historical Park, - Texas swimming spot Jacob's Well open for reservations, - Let Guadalupe River State Park woo you with its lush evergreen trails, - Small-town Texas getaways just a 2-hour drive from San Antonio, - Official Pixar mini-golf wonderland heading to San Antonio. Then check out some of the Best 2023 Last Minute Package Deals chosen specifically for you! Travel to the stars by visiting the NASA Space Center or see a live performance at the Theater District. Explore the Lost Mine Trail and see rocks that resemble castle ruins. So if youre looking for short trips from San Antonio that are interesting and beautiful, give this city a chance. If you are looking for a pleasant outdoor recreational area that does not require a long drive you should consider spending a few hours in the Friedrich Wilderness Area just outside San Antonio. This town is a mere 45-minute drive from San Antonio and is worth the visit. (About 3-4 hours from San Francisco, 4.5-5.5 hours from Los Angeles) Also Read: 14 Best State Parks near San Antonio, Texas. The Guadalupe River State Park is a Texas state park established in 1993 in Kendall and Comal Counties. Book cheap domestic flights from San Antonio Recent round-trip flight deals 5/13 Sat nonstop Spirit Airlines 2h 38m SAT - MCO 5/17 Wed nonstop Spirit Airlines 2h 56m MCO - SAT $53 5/30 Tue nonstop Multiple Airlines 2h 54m SAT - LAS 6/2 Fri nonstop Multiple Airlines 2h 38m LAS - SAT $59 5/13 Sat nonstop Spirit Airlines 2h 38m SAT - MCO 5/17 Wed Head to the Waco Mammoth National Monument to see fascinating fossils from mammoths and other extinct species. Then head to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to enjoy the state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Fredericksburg is a city in central Texas known for its wineries. You can experience the amazing underwater bubbling springs of Spring Lake on a Meadows Center Glass Bottom Boat tour, and see fish, turtles and other endemic lake creatures. East Texas is a beautiful forested region of the state that is perfect for a weekend getaway. Another of our top weekend trips from San Antonio for beach lovers. Book a room with a patio that overlooks the Riverwalk. Holiday Inn Express Canyon, an IHG Hotel, The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center, La Quinta by Wyndham Tyler University Area, The Bevy Hotel Boerne, A Doubletree By Hilton, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake, Hampton Inn By Hilton Bulverde Texas Hill Country, Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Elgin, an IHG Hotel, The Driskill, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Hampton Inn & Suites Selma-San Antonio/Randolph AFB, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Have a blast at the largest urban park in the country before turning in for the night. Fredericksburg is home to several shops, restaurants, museums, wineries, art galleries, and historic sites. We also recommend you go on a Dolphin sightseeing tour for a unique experience. History buffs can head to historic New Braunfels or explore the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park which is just ten minutes from downtown. You will find everything you need for fishing, boating, sailing, kayaking and more at the Canyon Lake Marina or Cranes Mill Marina. Blue Hole Nature Park Robert/stock.adobe.com Other attractions which deserve a place on your itinerary include the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the Dallas Museum of Art. If you would like to spend a night under the stars you can access the walk-in campground on weekends. Here you will find a wealth of interesting historic attractions to visit, including several stately 19th century homes like the Moody Mansion and the 1859 Ashton Villa. It is a little far to be considered a day trip but perhaps you could pack up your tent or RV and spend a night or two getting back to nature at one of the campgrounds in the forest. 4,332 reviews. If you are visiting with children you can all have fun at the McKenna Childrens Museum, the Schlitterbahn Water Park and the Natural Bridge Caverns. Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake, 3350 Park Rd 31Spring Branch, TX 78070(830) 438-2656. And, of course, head downtown to try the myriad of restaurants that offer some of the best Texas Barbecue in the world. Traverse the marshlands along the beautiful Grasslands Nature Trail. If you fancy some birding you can visit Padre Island National Seashore or Mustang Island State Park. Up north, you can take the McKittrick Canyon Trail to see vibrant and colorful flowers. Or walk through the Santa Elena Canyon Trail to feel like you just stepped into a scene from Star Wars. Whichever part of this huge national park you are visiting offers excellent hiking trails through rugged desert or mountain vistas. There are over 750 species to view but if you really want to get up close and personal you can book one of the Behind the Scenes zoo experiences where you could feed a giraffe, hippo, okapi or giant Aldabra tortoise. Catch an event or two at Klyde Warren Park, where the kids can enjoy the water fountains. Big Bear Lake is Southern California's largest recreation lake; it's about seven miles long and about one mile at its widest. This historical park is a mere 1-hour and 6-minute drive from San Antonio. BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch Sage Hill Inn & Spa San Antonio Mokara Hotel & Spa Fredericksburg The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge Dripping Springs Dallas Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Then spend the night in one of the parks cozy cabins, with the soft sounds of the forest surrounding you. Its nine-mile coastline is home to 36 beachesyou'll have a busy weekend trying to choose between Aliso, Crescent Bay, Moss Street, and Victoria Beaches. It's home to an 18-hole golf course, a hotel, and pools. Take a relaxing paddle down the river at Blue Hole Regional Park, where green trees tower over the river in a lazy shade. Rockport is located just 161 miles from San Antonio, making this Gulf Coast resort an attractive option for a day-trip to the beach. Also Read: San Antonio to Dallas road trip planner. Our Rail Getaways are packed with excitement, and memory-making experiences. Other popular attractions include the Houston Zoo, the Museum District, and Hermann Park. MCO. Here are our top picks for the best weekend getaways from Houston. There are also several romantic bed and breakfasts in Castroville if youre looking for a cozy place to stay. This lake is filled with picturesque places that make a perfect backdrop for a picnic or recreational fun. For a unique experience you should try and visit during the annual Wurst (sausage) Festival or the Bier Fest. 25 Most Romantic Getaways in the USA. Let us know below! With over 800 miles of trails to explore, you could spend weeks here and still not see everything. Best of all, this is a free attraction and there is even free public parking. Find Texas road trip ideas and itineraries. Dont miss the new five-mileGuadalupeRiver State Park Paddling Trailthat begins in the park. Best Cities for Weekend Getaways from San Antonio Dallas The Discovery Science Place is a popular destination for kids with 3 halls of exhibits and hands-on activities. South Padre Island is known as the Spring Break Capital of Texas and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. You can pull on your hiking boots to explore over ten miles of scenic trails, stopping along the way to do some birding or admire the seasonal wild flowers and the impressive canyon. This college town is home to Texas State University as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. Davy Crockett National Forest, 18551 Texas 7, Kennard, TX 75847, Phone: 936-655-2299, Famous and best known for romantic getaways: Best caves in the U.S., SD, Galena IL, St. Pete, San Jose, Taos, Fayetteville. Be sure to download the free National Park Service app for anaudio tour of the drive. 306 W Market Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205. Quick affordable day trips near me: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Florida, Beaches. 7 excellent getaways from San Antonio to take this fall. (830) 232-6132. Big Bend National Park, TX 79834(432) 477-2251. There are also several bed and breakfasts in the area if youre looking for a more relaxed weekend. Wimberleyis the perfect San Antonio weekend getaway or day trip. 4.4 of 5. There is a beach area with shallow water for younger children to wade in and you can bring along flotation devices. It may be a long drive, but its worth it for a cool overnight trip. This city is 7 hours away from San Antonio and is worth every second. Founded in 1846, this German town is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. 10 stars . There are eleven miles of trails to explore including the Summit Trail which is considered to be quite challenging (due to the rapid change in elevation) and very rewarding. Admire the beautiful scenic views of cypress trees hung with Spanish moss at the Caddo Lake State Park. You can soak up some of the atmosphere as you take a Historic Walking Tour through the Historic District of Greune, where you can see the ruins of an old grist mill and visit the Sophienburg Archives and Museum. Since this hotel is right along the famous Riverwalk, it means you're just steps away from popular attractions in San Antonio, as well as restaurants and shops. 123 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX, 78205. of 5. 1. This quaint German town is home to attractions like the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Comal River, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Just a short drive from downtown, this lake town is the perfect place to unwind for the weekend. San Antonio is well-positioned for exploring the eastern region of Texas and you can find many interesting day-trip destinations within an hour or two of the city. From small towns and thrilling cities to mountains and natural wonders, read through this list for the best weekend getaways from San Antonio. Over 90 campsites are available for visitors to spend the night. Of course, for many visitors the beaches and the warm Gulf Coast water are the main draw-card. Theres a wide variety of camping options ranging from primitive sites to ones with water and electricity. Step out on the veranda at Becker Vineyards to see the stunning lavender fields. You can round off your meal with a Chaparral coffee. Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129, Phone: 432-477-2251 Unique weekend getaways near me today: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA 3. Besides being recognized as America's most populous city, Houston boasts an array of tourist attractions and a great way to explore the city's top spots is by cycling. Nonstop. CNN Travel has listed this town as Americas most romantic small town.. (1,663 reviews) The Enchanted Rock, a huge pink granite dome, lies at the heart of this beautiful natural area, offering exhilarating hiking and rock climbing. The location of San Antonio makes it perfect to plan weekend trips in and around Central Texas, the Gulf Coast, and even the Big Bend region. Boasting no fewer than nine beautiful beaches along the spectacular Gulf of Mexico, the city of Corpus Christi is hard to beat for day trippers from San Antonio. This quaint German town is home to attractions like the Natural Bridge Caverns, the Comal River, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Hotel Contessa. 1. There is a picnic shelter (first-come-first-served) and a playground for the youngest park visitors. Then visit the Strand Historic District to admire Victorian-era buildings that house numerous restaurants, galleries, and antique stores. You can also go fishing here, so get your fishing license ready. The missions are still active and regular services may be attended. 5. Head to Gravity Park for thrilling rides like catapulting yourself into the sky. If you want to work off some of the calories you can go hiking in Lockhart State Park. Dripping Springs is a great place to get away for the weekend if youre looking for some peace and quiet. With its numerous outdoor activities such as biking and hiking trails, scenic drives, wildlife watching opportunities, and wildflower fields, the Hill Country is a nature lovers paradise. With plenty of space to enjoy nature, your family can easily have a blast here. Spirit Airlines. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is located just two hours northwest of San Antonio, offing city dwellers a beautiful year-round recreational area. Omni Dallas Hotel 555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX, 75202 Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay $224 per night May 6 - May 7 8.8/10 Excellent! Explore the sand dunes and grassland rich with wildlife. Here visitors can step back in time to the pioneer days in Texas, when the young Dr Pound and his wife set up their home on the site. Last minute places to visit for couples, how to spend a day: Charleston WV, Pensacola, Baton Rouge, Colorado Springs, Dayton OH, Dauphin Island, Provincetown, New Orleans, Philadelphia, UT, AZ, CO. We all know that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and the city of Dallas is no exception. Today the town is famous as a foodie destination visitors come from near and far to find out why Lockhart is known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Source: Pxfuel. Nearby Fort Worth is also a must-visit while in Dallas. The park is also home to the Chisos Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding desert. Long before the city of San Antonio was established there were already four Catholic missions along the San Antonio River. Big Bear Lake. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. If you love culture and history you can visit a few of Port Arthurs historic stately homes like Rose Hill Manor and the Pompeian Villa, or stop by the Italian Heritage Monument and the Janis Joplin Museum.