San Antonio is perfectly positioned for incredible day trips that take you from city vibes to peaceful landscapes, charming small towns, and historic sites all within a two-hour drive. As someone who loves exploring Texas, I’ve made it my goal to find the best nearby getaways, and honestly, there are so many great options.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing Hill Country retreat, a glimpse into Texas history, or some outdoor fun surrounded by heritage, you’ll find the perfect spot close by. So grab your favorite playlist and a travel buddy—it’s time to hit the road and enjoy the best day trips from San Antonio, all less than 2 hours away!
Austin
Take a day trip to the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin! Enjoy some of the city’s iconic sites, including Congress Avenue Bridge, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park. Kayak on Lady Bird Lake and catch Austin’s population of Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight at dusk from March through October.
Explore downtown Austin with its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, murals, and antique shops. Listen to live music at venues like the Mohawk and end the night with delicious tacos from the local food trucks.
Fredericksburg
Visit this charming Hill Country town, famous for its wineries and German heritage. Spend the day exploring historic sites like the National Museum of the Pacific War or visit some of Fredericksburg’s many wineries, including Texas Wine Collective, Grape Creek Vineyards, and Becker Vineyards.
Take a stroll down Main Street, browse local boutiques like the Magnolia Pearl, and sample German cuisine at local restaurants like Otto’s!
Kerrville
Embark on a day trip to the picturesque city of Kerrville, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Delight in its natural beauty by visiting local parks, such as Kerrville-Schreiner Park, located along the Guadalupe River, where you can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, or picnicking.
Roam downtown Kerrville’s many local shops and admire the castle-like Schreiner Mansion. Enjoy a high tea service, share a giant pizza, or eat on a boat!
For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Western Art houses works by world-famous Western artists. Don’t forget to stop by Stonehenge II, a replica of one of the world’s most iconic structures!
Junction
Outdoor enthusiasts would love to venture to Junction, a tranquil city located at the convergence of the North and South Llano Rivers, and one of the best day trips from San Antonio, TX. It’s known for its prime fishing, tubing, and some of the best spots for kayaking.
Explore scenic South Llano River State Park or immerse yourself in local history at the Kimble County Museum. After a day of adventure, satisfy your appetite with local burgers, barbecue, or Mexican food.
Belton
Escape the hustle and bustle with a day trip to Belton. It’s home to Mother Neff State Park, Texas’ first state park, and beautiful “beaches” at Temples Lake Park.
Visit the Bell County Museum, shop downtown, and cap off your day with dinner and a movie at the Beltonian Theatre.
Bertram
Uncover the quiet charisma of Bertram, a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country. Discover the town’s locomotive history with a ride on the Hill Country Flyer. It runs out of Cedar Park and is operated by the Austin Steam Train Association. The train transforms into the North Pole Flyer during the holidays, which departs directly from Bertram.
Experience local spirits and wine at Flanigan’s Texas Distillery & Winery. Then, end your visit with authentic Texas barbecue at Hill Country Smokehouse.
Burnet
Experience the unique local culture and stunning landscape of Burnet, a city at the edge of Texas Hill Country. Stop by its local wineries and shops, or plan your trip to be there for Utopiafest in October!
For outdoor activities, consider swimming, fishing, kayaking, or camping at Inks Lake State Park, or explore the underground caves at Longhorn Caverns State Park.
Concan
Find a slice of paradise with a trip to Concan, an unspoiled escape in the Texas Hill Country you have to add to your list of the best day trips from San Antonio, TX. Take a dip in all of the unique swimming spots along the Frio River and explore Garner State Park for some quality time outdoors.
End your visit with ice cream from the Frio Float and a delicious meal at Neal’s Lodges, one of the area’s oldest and most renowned restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to go on a Frio Bat Flight tour, where you’ll witness the second-largest bat population in the world take flight at sunset!
Driftwood
Find yourself in an oasis of small-town charm with a trip to Driftwood, located just outside of Austin. Take a walk through Charro Ranch Park, which blooms with wildflowers in the spring, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Texas Hill Country.
Visit the area’s several, well-known distilleries and wineries for some of the best sips in the state. Then, grab a nice Italian dinner at Trattoria Lisina.
Dripping Springs
Experience the historic allure of Dripping Springs on a full-day excursion. Unwind in the pastoral beauty of Hamilton Pool Preserve, featuring limestone cliffs and lush greenery, or enjoy activities such as swimming, mountain biking, and hiking at Reimers Ranch Park.
Visit Dripping Springs’ several wineries and distilleries or sample some unique brews and eat pizza at Suds Monkey Brewing. End your visit with some dancing at Mercer Dancehall!
Georgetown
Discover the beauty of Central Texas on a day trip to Georgetown. Go swimming in the Blue Hole, tour the Inner Space Caverns, and explore San Gabriel Park.
Enjoy a stroll along Main Street for boutique shopping, antiquing, and winery hopping. Before hitting the road, take a moment to enjoy the sunset over Lake Georgetown.
Hye
Explore the heart of Texas Hill Country on a day trip to Hye. Spend the morning hiking and exploring the scenic trails at Pedernales Falls State Park for breathtaking views of the park’s canyons, bluffs, and riverbanks.
As a stop along the 290 Wine Trail, it only makes sense to add some wine tasting to your list! If you aren’t a wine drinker, there are also distilleries and breweries! Then do some dancing at Hye Dance Hall before heading home.
Johnson City
Head to Johnson City for an exciting day trip. Visit some of the city’s historic sites, such as the Lyndon B. Johnson Boyhood Home and the Pedernales Electric Coop Museum, for a glimpse into its past. Enjoy a stroll along Main Street for boutique shopping, tasty eateries, and unique art galleries.
Take in the Hill Country’s most beautiful scenery, on the shores of the Pedernales River, at Blanco State Park. Enjoy a relaxing evening with an outdoor concert at Johnson City Music Hall, featuring some of the best local musicians in Texas.
Kingsland
Start your day by soaking up the scenery along the banks of the Llano River, enjoy watersport rentals from Splash Boat Rentals, and dine at Hooper’s, the former set of a 1970s American slasher film. Finally, wind down at one of Burnet’s nearby wineries.
Manchaca
For a laid-back day trip, head to Manchaca and go fishing off of Keeper Cider before grabbing a refreshing drink at Manchaca Springs Saloon. Or, book a guided safari tour or the coolest photo session at Indian Springs Ranch.
No visit to Manchaca would be complete without sampling the famous Texas barbecue at Valentina’s!
Marble Falls
Learn about early life in Marble Falls and more at the Falls on the Colorado Museum. Test your hiking skills at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, a free park that is home to bird species such as the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Round off your day with some local cuisine at a local favorite, the Blue Bonnet Cafe. They serve everything from all-day breakfast to Southern comfort food and pies with real whipped cream.
Round Rock
Experience vibrant city life in Round Rock. Roam the historic downtown area, filled with local shops, eateries, and bars. Make sure to visit the town’s namesake, Round Rock, and the waterfall at Chisholm Trail Crossing Park across the road.
For sports enthusiasts, a minor league baseball game at the Dell Diamond is a must, with several unique food stands, on-site bars, and even a kids’ area! Water enthusiasts can easily spend the entire day at Kalahari Resorts, the largest indoor waterpark in the country, offering endless water activities for all ages.
Spicewood
Escape to the countryside with a day trip to Spicewood. Begin your visit with tours and tastings at some of Spicewood’s many wineries.
If you’re adventure-inclined, consider swimming at Krause Springs, exploring Westcave Preserve, or booking a tour of the treetops with Cypress Valley Canopy Tours.
Stonewall
Step back in time with a visit to Stonewall, a charming town steeped in history and renowned for its peaches. Start your day at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Site to learn about our nation’s 36th president’s legacy.
Then, stop by the local shops for goodies made from their all-too-famous peaches, or plan your trip for June during their Peach Jamboree & Rodeo!
Stonewall is another favorite stop along the 290 Wine Trail, where there are several wineries to choose from. Or close out your day trip with a drink and two-stepping to live music at Albert’s Ice House & Dancehall.
Wimberley
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and artistic spirit of Wimberley. Browse local crafts at the monthly Wimberley Market Days, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole Regional Park. Be sure to visit the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, home to annual Shakespeare performances and a stunning holiday Trail of Lights, as well as the Wild West replica, Pioneer Town.
Day Trips 2 Hours from San Antonio, Texas: FAQs
What city is one hour away from San Antonio Texas?
New Braunfels is one of the closest cities, about an hour from San Antonio. Other nearby options include Boerne, San Marcos, and Seguin. See my full list of day trips 1 hour from San Antonio here!
What is the most famous thing in San Antonio Texas?
The most famous landmark in San Antonio is The Alamo — a historic mission and site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, which played a key role in Texas history. It’s a must-see for visitors and a symbol of Texas pride and independence.
More Day Trip Ideas Within 4 Hours from San Antonio
Ready to explore a little further? I’ve rounded up 50+ of the best day trips from San Antonio, all within a 1–4 hour drive. Check out the full guide here!
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Day Trips 2 Hours from San Antonio, Texas: Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best family adventures are just a short drive away. Around San Antonio, you’ll find historic towns, Hill Country views, river fun, and scenic hikes—all without the long haul. For me, the real magic of a day trip is in the little moments: unexpected stops, local finds, and the memories you make along the way. So pick a spot, hit the road, and enjoy an easy getaway that still feels like something special.
Last Updated 3 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: June 1, 2025
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