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July 19, 2018 Slideshows » Arts

The Best Tubing Spots Within Driving Distance of San Antonio

By San Antonio Current Staff

        
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With summer at its hottest, Texans have to do a lot to stay cool and not bathe in own sweat. Being in San Antonio, that puts us in close proximity to plenty of swimming holes that are perfect for having a lazy day on the water. So grab your coolers and have the crew tube the day away.

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Comal River
100 Liebscher Drive, New Braunfels, nbtexas.org
Photo via Instagram / derrickrage

Running through New Braunfels, the Comal River has plenty of entry-points that have dedicated fans. One such spot worth visiting on the river is at Landa Park, specifically the City Tube Chute. The slide diverts tubers around the dam and is the longest slide of its kind.
Photo via Instagram / im_socksy

Medina River
15890 TX-16, sanantonio.gov
Photo via Instagram / resilientbuilders

Right in San Antonio’s backyard is the Medina River, a refreshing body of water that gives the pleasure of Hill Country watering holes without going the distance. Surrounding the water is a 511-acre park that also has seven miles of trails.
Photo via Instagram / jawadmiklaszewicz

Blanco River
101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, tpwd.texas.gov
Photo via Instagram / camibabie420

An hour north of San Antonio you’ll find the refreshing waters of Blanco River, a mile of which you can find within the state park. With man-made waterfalls and areas scattered with rocks, Blanco River offers a change of scenery that still allows you to get your tubing on. There are even some parts of the river that have natural hot tubs!
Photo via Instagram / ae_cohen

Frio River
234 RR 1050, Concan, tpwd.texas.gov/
Photo via Instagram / iam_jwaiii

Found at Garner State Park, this “cold” river is perfect for cooling off on those brutal summer days. While tubing down Frio is a favorite for many, this river is also ideal for swimming or exploring by paddle boat.
Photo via Instagram / snowman.73

Barton Creek
3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy B, Austin
Photo via Instagram / jrob4654

The Barton Creek area has plenty of ways to take in all that nature has to offer. Down the way from Barton Springs (perfect for families and more active swimmers), this spot allows visitors to take in the water in the most relaxing way possible.
Photo via Instagram / leiabeth33

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San Marcos River
City Park Street, San Marcos, toursanmarcos.com
Photo via Instagram / jimdwarnock

If you want to get away without going far, head on out to the San Marcos River. This river, close to Texas State University, is great for families as it has a mid-size park with playground right next door.
Photo via Instagram / notthegumdropbuttons

Guadalupe River
3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, tpwd.texas.gov
Photo via Instagram / hannahpaige28

Choose your spot along four miles of riverfront and set up camp. Once you designate a crew to watch your stuff, grab your tube and enjoy the miles-worth of relaxing in your tube. If you need some variety, this watering hole also allows visitors to swim, canoe and fish.
Photo via Instagram / c_charlet

Bastrop River
601 Chestnut St, Bastrop, bastropriverco.com
Photo via Instagram / kmanian_mermaid

Take a drive a bit further north and enjoy the waters over in Bastrop. Stay awhile and enjoy the river camping trip – overnight kayak excursion, anyone?! – or take in the pleasure of simply tubing. You can even upgrade your tube to add a cooler or a lazy-boy version if you truly want to relax.
Photo via Instagram / beirnebabybeirne

Paradise Canyon
2220 Co Rd 2615, Rio Medina, paradisecanyon.com
Photo via Instagram / mfcfes3

If you’re looking for a smaller, cozier spot, then Paradise Canyon is the place for you. Just west of San Antonio is technically a small portion of the Medina River, but feels like a wonder all of its own. With rocks nestled throughout the water, this canyon gives you the all-natural experience you desire.
Photo via Instagram / vaaleriapuente

South Llano River
1927 Park Rd 73, Junction, tpwd.texas.gov
Photo via Instagram / brooke.a.simmons

Nestled inside a large state park of the same name, South Llano River is a great spot for beginners. This spring-fed river is slow-moving, ideal for young ones and those just learning about the wonders of floating your worries away.
Photo via Instagram / momjortz

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