20 easy weekend road trips from San Antonio everyone should do at least once

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. 
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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.
Photo via Shutterstock / JaDipity
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.
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.
Shutterstock / Philip Lange
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Martina Birnbaum
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.
Burnet
About a 2 hour drive north of San Antonio
Located north of Austin, Burnet is home to two state parks with very different vibes. Known for the scenic waterfall views at Devils Waterhole, 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. For a different perspective, take a trip belowground at Longhorn Cavern and enjoy the gorgeous formations in spaces like the Hall of Diamonds and the Moon Room.
Shutterstock / Silvio Ligutti
Burnet
About a 2 hour drive north of San Antonio
Located north of Austin, Burnet is home to two state parks with very different vibes. Known for the scenic waterfall views at Devils Waterhole, 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. For a different perspective, take a trip belowground at Longhorn Cavern and enjoy the gorgeous formations in spaces like the Hall of Diamonds and the Moon Room.
Shiner
About a 1.5 hour drive east of San Antonio
Head on out to Shiner and hit up the K. Spoetzl Brewery, the home of Shiner Bock beer. The brewery itself is more than 100 years old, making it the oldest independent brewery in the Lone Star State. Tours of the historic brewery are offered daily and are $25. And, of course, every tour concludes with a free Shiner.
Photo via Shutterstock / Juio DB
Shiner
About a 1.5 hour drive east of San Antonio
Head on out to Shiner and hit up the K. Spoetzl Brewery, the home of Shiner Bock beer. The brewery itself is more than 100 years old, making it the oldest independent brewery in the Lone Star State. Tours of the historic brewery are offered daily and are $25. And, of course, every tour concludes with a free Shiner.
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.
Shutterstock / Roschetzky Photography
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / dibrova
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.
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.
Photo by Michael Presley, courtesy of Sherwood Forest Faire
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.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
About a 2 hour drive northwest of San Antonio
Lost Maples is a top destination for outdoor lovers for a reason. 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. Lost Maples is worth a visit at all times of year, but is especially renowned for its Uvalde bigtooth maples, which burst into vibrant colors in the fall.
Shutterstock / Richard A McMillin
Lost Maples State Natural Area
About a 2 hour drive northwest of San Antonio
Lost Maples is a top destination for outdoor lovers for a reason. 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. Lost Maples is worth a visit at all times of year, but is especially renowned for its Uvalde bigtooth maples, which burst into vibrant colors in the fall.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / JustPixs
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Ryan Conine
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Faina Gurevich
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Landscapes by Dan
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / University of College
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Tricia Daniel
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.
Mustang Island
About a 2.5 hour drive southeast of San Antonio
Located near Corpus Christi, Mustang Island has five miles of coastline to explore. 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.
Shutterstock / E. Dan Klepper
Mustang Island
About a 2.5 hour drive southeast of San Antonio
Located near Corpus Christi, Mustang Island has five miles of coastline to explore. 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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Patrish Jackson
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.
Johnson City
About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio
Johnson City's Hill Country charm may keep visitors wanting to wine and dine in the town proper, but outdoor enthusiasts know that the feather in its cap is Pedernales Falls State Park, whose 5,000 acres include the picturesque falls which give the park its name. Camping, hiking, swimming and even horseback riding — you can do it all here, with gorgeous Texas scenery as your backdrop.
Photo via Shutterstock / Daniel Mullins
Johnson City
About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio
Johnson City's Hill Country charm may keep visitors wanting to wine and dine in the town proper, but outdoor enthusiasts know that the feather in its cap is Pedernales Falls State Park, whose 5,000 acres include the picturesque falls which give the park its name. Camping, hiking, swimming and even horseback riding — you can do it all here, with gorgeous Texas scenery as your backdrop.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / DJ Malec
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.
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.
Photo via Shutterstock / Philip Arno Photography
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.