Sometimes the call of the open road is irresistible — but then the reality of spending all day on the highway sets in.

Fortunately, when wanderlust strikes us San Antonians, we’re able to set out for plenty of destinations that aren’t too far away. From the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast to beautiful state parks, these 20 South Texas spots are perfect for quick weekend road trips — and they’re all less than a three-hour drive. 

Marble Falls 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 the town’s fields full of bluebonnets, this picturesque town is something you have to see to believe, especially during the spring. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / JaDipity
Corpus Christi About a 2 hour drive southeast of San Antonio Corpus Christi isn’t just famous for its beaches — it was also home to Queen of Tejano Selena Quintanilla. The coastal city features plenty of oceanic fun, from beachside activities like swimming and surfing to fishing and kayaking further out on the water. The city is also host to attractions including the Art Museum of Science Texas and Hurricane Alley Water Park. Credit: Shutterstock / Philip Lange
Luckenbach About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas — 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 for those looking for a quiet weekend getaway. Travelers can visit the old community trading post and two-step at the town’s famous music hall or try an array of Texas wines at one of the many vineyards in the area. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Martina Birnbaum
Inks Lake State Park 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, (512) 793-2223, tpwd.texas.gov North of Austin, Inks Lake is a prime spot to appreciate nature. With a variety of trees and plants — cedar, live oak, prickly pear cacti and yucca — the landscape is absolutely gorgeous. Park-goers can enjoy camping, backpacking, picnicking and hiking. Just make it a point to swing by the Devil’s Waterhole for some scenic waterfall views. Credit: Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
Spoetzl Brewery is known for producing the popular Texas beer Shiner Bock. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Juio DB
Austin About a 1.5 hour drive north of San Antonio We may hate to admit it, but Austin is a great place to visit for a quick weekend trip. The state’s capitol is worth visiting year-round, but is also a live music destination transformed by annual festivals like 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. Credit: Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography
Dripping Springs About a 1.5 hour drive north of San Antonio Known as the “gateway to the Hill Country,” Dripping Springs has something for everybody. This quintessential Texas town is home to natural wonders like 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 in the area. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / dibrova
Bastrop 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 Texas landscape into a medieval fantasy. For those who wish to go even further back in time, there’s Dinosaur Park, where you can hike and take in prehistoric sights. Credit: Photo by Michael Presley, courtesy of Sherwood Forest Faire
Lost Maples State Natural Area 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. Credit: Shutterstock / Richard A McMillin
Driftwood 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 ‘cue lovers, but the quaint town is enjoyable in its own right. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / JustPixs
Port Aransas 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 “jersey shore” style boardwalk and countless affordable resorts. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Ryan Conine
Day trip to Fredericksburg 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 like to drink. North of the burg is the pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock, considered a local bucket list destination by outdoors enthusiasts. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Faina Gurevich
Wimberley 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’s 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. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Landscapes by Dan
Brenham 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. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / University of College
Round Top 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. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Tricia Daniel
Mustang Island State Park South of Port Aransas, tpwd.texas.gov Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles in the sun, or make it a weekend getaway by staying at one of the park’s nearly 100 campsites or enjoying one of the park’s paddling trails. The park fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended for both camping and day use. Credit: Shutterstock / E. Dan Klepper
Take them to Kerrville About a 1 hour drive northwest of San Antonio Enjoying the sights and getting a dose of small-town charm awaits you in Kerrville — dubbed the “Capital of the Hill Country.” From the Kerrville-Schreiner Park, home to attractions like a butterfly garden and amphitheater, to the Museum of Western Art, not to mention countless wineries, you’re sure to never run out of things to do in Kerrville. Fun Fact: you can also visit Texas’ own version of Stonehenge in nearby Ingram. As a bonus, take them from Kerrville on a car-commercial-worthy drive through Texas Hill Country to “cowboy capital of the world” Bandera, Texas. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Patrish Jackson
Pedernales Falls State Park 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 as it offers camping, hiking, biking, bird-watching and horseback riding, as well as a butterfly garden. Certain areas are available to swim in, but there’s also chances for tubing, canoeing and kayaking down the river. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Daniel Mullins
Blanco 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’ll 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. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / DJ Malec
Lockhart About a 1 hour drive northeast of San Antonio When a town’s claim to fame is being the barbecue capital of Texas the world, that is most definitely a place worth spending your time — and money. There’s four major meat joints that have gotten national attention — Black’s Barbeque, Smitty’s Market, Kreuz Barbeque and Chisholm Trail Barbeque. If you decide to stay for a night or two, try out the Brock House, which offers stunning views of Lockhart’s historic Caldwell County Courthouse. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock / Philip Arno Photography

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