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8 Best Day Trips From San Antonio

Explore the Lone Star State with one of these day trips from San Antonio. Centrally located, there are a number of great destinations that are a two-hour drive or less from San Antonio. From the coast to the picturesque destinations in Texas Hill Country, your day will be unforgettable when you experience one of these days trip from San Antonio.

San Marcos San Marcos River
Credit: San Marcos River by Shane Sullivan/shutterstock.com

San Marcos

Less than an hour drive from San Antonio, San Marcos is the perfect city for a day trip adventure because there are tons of things to do. Although this city is home to Texas State University, it is more than just a college town. The main draw of this city is the San Marcos River, where you can grab an inner tube and float on the spring-fed river for the perfect summer day. However if you’re visiting during the winter, head to the outlet malls, San Marcos Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets for a fun day of shopping.

Fredericksburg Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg
Credit: Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg by bigstock.com

Fredericksburg

If you’re in need for a girl’s trip or a romantic getaway, then head to Fredericksburg for the day. The area is full of local wineries and great antique shopping. However, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is also found on the outskirts of Fredericksburg. So you may want to grab your hiking boots for this day trip excursion to Fredericksburg.

New Braunfels New Braunfels
Credit: New Braunfels by Michael Salazar via Flickr

New Braunfels

Water recreation is why Texans head to New Braunfels every year. This charming Texas town is only a 45-minute drive from San Antonio, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. With the Guadalupe River and Comal River both within the city limits of New Braunfels, the town is truly a haven for tubers and rafters alike. However, if you’re looking for a thrilling day, you may want to consider spending your time here at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, one of the largest water parks not only in the state but the world.

Austin People and dogs with a view of Austin Texas downtown skyline
Credit: People and dogs with a view of Austin Texas downtown skyline by bigstock.com

Austin

Texas’ capital city is only an hour-and-a-half drive from San Antonio. Within 90 minutes, you could be listening to live music in the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Along with a number of great music venues and eateries, Austin is also home to top-notch outdoor recreation spots from the Greenbelt to Lady Bird Lake. Since the University of Texas at Austin is here too, rooting for the Longhorns at a sporting event isn’t a bad way to spend the day either.

Canyon Lake Canyon Lake, Teaxs
Credit: Canyon Lake, Teaxs by Jacqueline F Cooper/shutterstock.com

Canyon Lake

Enjoy the beauty of Texas country when you head to Canyon Lake for the day. A little over an hour drive from San Antonio, Canyon Lake is a hotspot for boaters, kayakers, picnickers, and campers alike. Day-trippers should consider spending the day at Canyon Beach Park, Comal Park or Overlook Park. If you’d like to extend your day trip to a weekend getaway, there are campsites here too.

Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
Credit: Corpus Christi by bigstock.com

Corpus Christi

The Texas coast is only a two-hour drive from San Antonio when you head straight to Corpus Christi. Commonly referred to as simply “Corpus” among locals, this beach town is far enough away for a new change of scenery but close enough for a day trip. There is no shame in spending your entire day on the sandy shores here. However, if you do want to do some sightseeing during your day in Corpus Christi, consider visiting popular Corpus attractions like the Texas State Aquarium or the USS Lexington.

Wimberley Wimberley
Credit: Wimberley by Caleb Feese via Flickr

Wimberley

The hour drive from San Antonio to Wimberley is worth every minute. This quaint Hill Country town has an inviting small-town vibe, especially during the monthly market days. Wimberley Market Days is the oldest outdoor market in Central Texas as well as one of the largest. Antique shoppers will be in heaven here, however with live music and cold drinks, there is no need to be a shopper to enjoy downtown Wimberley during the market days. If you intend to visit Wimberley when the city isn’t playing host to the market, then consider visiting nearby wineries like Wimberley Valley Winery.

Garner State Park Garner State Park
Credit: Garner State Park by tpwd.texas.gov

Garner State Park

Garner State Park is a prime summer vacation spot for Texans across the state. Many guests to Garner choose to camp here, enjoying the Frio River and nightly summer dances. Day trippers will have a remarkable time here as well, especially since Garner State Park is only an hour and a half from San Antonio.

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