20 Texas Towns to Visit When You Need to Escape San Antonio

By San Antonio Current Staff

Living in a large city has its perks, such as a surplus of dining options and a booming nightlife scene, but sometimes it's nice to trade in the bright lights and constant traffic for a slower pace of living. Because it's the season for taking things slowly and getting outdoors, here's 20 Texas towns to visit when you need to get out of the chaos of the city and enjoy some peace away from home.

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Concan
Travel time from San Antonio: 1.5 hours
Situated near the Frio River, Concan is basically a little slice of Texas paradise, where you can get delicious barbecue, cool off in the water and enjoy hill country living.

Photo via Instagram/_ben_stagram

Bandera
Travel time from San Antonio: 1 hour
Head out to the Cowboy Capital of the World, enjoy some local and live music, or jump in Medina Lake for a refreshing time. Bandera is only an hour away and is a charming place to spend the day.

Photo via Instagram/backstreetnomad

Lockhart
Travel time from San Antonio: 1 hour
Famous for its barbecue rivalries and antique shopping, Lockhart has plenty to offer when you need to escape the highways and crowded places of San Antonio.

Photo via Instagram/brittreynolds

Fort Davis
Travel time from San Antonio: 5 hours 30 minutes
Fort Davis has all the small town vibes you're looking for and is a National Historic Site. Check out the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens or visit the McDonald Observatory. However you spend your time, you're sure to discover something you won't find in the city.

Photo via Instagram/asaslippers

Rockport
Travel time from San Antonio: 2 hours 45 minutes
Once you visit Rockport, it'll be hard to return from the sleepy beach town to the hustle and bustle of the city. All you need is a bathing suit to have a good time.

Photo via Instagram/edpphotos

Gruene
Travel time from San Antonio: 45 minutes
Close to home is a designated Historic Town that shines with charm and Texas hospitality. Head over to Gruene Hall for a night of two steppin', shop the town's antique stores, or swim in the Guadalupe River all summer long.

photo via Instagram/cantubela

Nacogdoches
Travel time from San Antonio: 5 hours
Run around at Pioneer Park, browse the Antique Mall or catch a show at the Lamp-Lite Theatre. Nacogdoches is a cozy place full of history and ways to help you escape the city.

Photo via Instagram/danjwhite37

Castroville
Travel time from San Antonio: 45 minutes
If you only have a day to get out of SA, head to Castroville, and splash along the Medina River or take a self-guided tour featuring 60 historic dwellings from the mid 19th century.

Photo via Instagram/dbates71

Marfa
Travel time from San Antonio: 5.5 hours
If you have a weekend to get away, head West to Marfa and see what the fuss is all about. Check out the Marfa Lights, the famous Marfa Prada and camp at El Cosmico for the full experience.

Photo via Instagram/drippingingold.co

Fredericksburg
Travel time from San Antonio: 1.5 hrs
Where you can legally drink on the street and get your antique shopping fix, Fredericksburg has it all. Stop by one of the many wineries and enjoy the fresh Texas Hill Country air.

Photo via Instagram/giannacalacool