25 small towns within driving distance of San Antonio that are worth a weekend road trip

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.

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.

West
About a 3 hour drive north of San Antonio
If you know, you know. Whether or not West is your final destination, it’s a must-stop on any long drive on I-35. The lengthy lines at Czech Stop are worth it for tasty kolaches, though road-trippers can also check out the newer Slovacek’s across the highway.

Granbury
About a 4 hour drive north of San Antonio
Believe it or not, this small town outside of Ft. Worth was named the #1 “Best Historic Small Town” by USA Today in 2019. It won top honors for its historic town square, which has plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy, as well as the beauty of Lake Granbury, where visitors can enjoy the sands of City Beach or take part in activities on the water.

Marfa
About a 6 hour drive west of San Antonio
A desert town with a thriving art scene, Marfa has garnered national attention from Texans and art-lovers alike. Although Marfa's out-of-place Prada is perhaps the town's most famous landmark, visitors should also check out the Chinati Foundation's contemporary art museum and the Giant Marfa roadside mural.

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.

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. With an endless supply of rustic bed and breakfasts, Fredericksburg is the perfect weekend getaway for a couple, the gals or the whole family.

Port Isabel
About a 4 hour drive south of San Antonio
Locals and spring breakers are known to flock to South Padre Island during the warmer months, but just a tad further south lies the historic seaside village of Port Isabel. Famous for its lighthouse built in the 1800s and its miles of white sandy beaches, Port Isabel is a perfect alternative to the often overcrowded and busy beaches of South Padre.

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.

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.

Terlingua
About a 7 hour drive west of San Antonio
Terlingua is a town straight out of an old western film. Located only miles from the southern border the so-called ghost town is a perfect escape for those looking for refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. You won't be utterly isolated though, as the former mining town still has its fair share of unique shops and restaurants, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Big Bend.

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.

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.

Gruene
About a 45-minute drive northeast of San Antonio
Though considered part of New Braunfels (which can’t really be considered a small town these days), the Gruene Historic District should be a bucket list item for Texans. In addition to the legendary Gruene Hall, the district offers other live music venue options, the local general store, a prized antique shop and the Gristmill Restaurant.

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.

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.

Alpine
About a 5.5 hour drive west of San Antonio
Way yonder, not too far from Big Bend National Park, lies the desert oasis of Alpine. Though secluded, those looking for an outdoorsy weekend getaway have limitless options from mountain biking to hiking and world-class campsites. Alpine is also home to a burgeoning art community. Art installations like the Tribute to Texas Musicians mural and the Sul Ross Desk can be found throughout the desert outpost.

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.

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.

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.