San Antonio sits at the heart of Texas Hill Country, which makes it a perfect launchpad for quick escapes. Within a few hours, you can trade the River Walk for wineries, cypress-lined rivers, Gulf Coast beaches, or star-filled desert skies. In this guide, you’ll find the best weekend getaways from San Antonio, including short trips near San Antonio for relaxation, adventure, and culture. We’ll cover travel times, must-do activities, cozy places to stay, and the best time to go. Whether you want wineries, swim holes, live music, or wide-open spaces, these are the best weekend destinations near San Antonio to plan now.
Why Plan a Weekend Getaway from San Antonio?
A short getaway resets your routine without requiring extensive planning or long flights. From San Antonio, most destinations lie one to three hours away by car, so you can maximize your 2–3 days with actual fun, not transit. You’ll discover new landscapes, small-town charm, and hidden gems—perfect for last-minute plans or curated itineraries.
Why should I plan a weekend trip from San Antonio? Answer: You gain variety (Hill Country, rivers, beaches, desert), easy access via major highways (I-10, I-35, US-281), and flexible durations that fit a normal weekend or a long weekend. Plus, Texas state parks and coastal towns offer year-round options, so you can pick a season and go.
Top Weekend Getaways from San Antonio
Fredericksburg & Enchanted Rock — Hill Country Wine, Wildflowers, and a Granite Summit
• Distance/Travel Time: About 70–80 miles; 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car via US-87 or I-10/US-87. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Fredericksburg blends German heritage, more than 50 wineries, and a signature hike up Enchanted Rock’s pink granite dome. The town feels walkable and welcoming, with tasting rooms and beer gardens along Main Street. In spring, wildflowers frame vineyard roads, and in winter you’ll find cozy tasting rooms and holiday markets. • Top Things to Do:
- Summit Enchanted Rock (reserve day-use passes; go early for cooler temps).
- Taste along Wine Road 290; book a shuttle to avoid driving.
- Stroll Main Street’s boutiques and German bakeries.
- Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. • Where to Stay: Choose a vineyard cottage, a Main Street boutique inn, or a B&B with a hot tub. Book early on popular platforms for weekend dates. • Best Time to Visit: September–May for mild weather; March–April for bluebonnets. Summer gets hot, so hike at dawn and plan indoor tastings midday. Tip: A Texas State Parks Pass often pays for itself if you visit Enchanted Rock and other parks multiple times in a year.
Austin — Live Music, Lake Trails, and Food-Truck Flavor
• Distance/Travel Time: 80 miles; about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car via I-35 (allow extra time Friday afternoons). Buses run to downtown Austin if you’d rather skip parking. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Austin delivers a jolt of culture—music, murals, and inventive food. You can kayak at sunrise, eat brisket for lunch, then catch a show at night. Neighborhoods like South Congress and East Austin pack in indie shops and coffee spots. • Top Things to Do:
- Swim at Barton Springs or paddle Lady Bird Lake.
- Explore South Congress boutiques and vintage stores.
- Tour the Texas State Capitol and see downtown murals.
- Hear live sets on Red River or at ACL Live. • Where to Stay: Book a boutique hotel near South Congress, a downtown property for walkability, or a budget stay near UT. Weekends fill fast during festivals—reserve early and use flexible cancellation. • Best Time to Visit: March–May and October–November for comfortable temps. March brings SXSW crowds; rates jump, so consider an early spring or late fall weekend.
New Braunfels & Gruene — Rivers, Schlitterbahn, and the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas
• Distance/Travel Time: 35–45 minutes by car via I-35; Gruene sits just minutes north of downtown New Braunfels. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to New Braunfels combines river fun with historic charm. You can float the Comal or Guadalupe by day, then hear live music at Gruene Hall at night. Families love Schlitterbahn, while couples enjoy wine bars and riverside dining. • Top Things to Do:
- Tube the Comal (shorter, spring-fed) or Guadalupe (scenic, longer).
- Ride water coasters at Schlitterbahn (seasonal).
- Browse Gruene’s historic district and catch a show at Gruene Hall.
- Sample local craft beer or German fare. • Where to Stay: Pick a riverfront cabin, a family-friendly resort near Schlitterbahn, or a budget hotel just off I-35. Tube outfitters often offer shuttle packages—reserve gear ahead for busy weekends. • Best Time to Visit: May–September for water activities; late November–December for festive markets and mild days. Pro tip: For multiple park visits across Texas, consider a Texas State Parks Pass; nearby Guadalupe River State Park makes a great picnic stop.
Wimberley — Swim Holes, Market Days, and Relaxed Hill Country Vibes
• Distance/Travel Time: About 60–65 miles; 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes by car via I-35 and Ranch Road 12 or US-281 to RR 12. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Wimberley feels peaceful and artsy. Shaded creeks, limestone bluffs, and woodsy cabins set the scene for a low-key reset. You can swim at Blue Hole, shop local crafts, and watch the sunset from a ridge. • Top Things to Do:
- Swim at Blue Hole Regional Park (reservations required in summer).
- Hike to Jacob’s Well overlook; swimming slots book months early.
- Zip through canyons at Wimberley Zipline Adventures.
- Shop Wimberley Market Days (first Saturday, March–December). • Where to Stay: Book a creekside cabin, a treehouse stay, or a romantic B&B. Many rentals include hot tubs and decks—ideal for stargazing. When demand spikes, look for midweek or shoulder-season rates. • Best Time to Visit: March–May and October for mild weather. Summer draws swimmers; bring water shoes and arrive early to beat heat and crowds. Packing tip: A quick-dry towel and compact cooler bag make river days easier.
Port Aransas & Mustang Island — Beach Time, Birding, and Dolphin Cruises
• Distance/Travel Time: 180–190 miles; roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours by car via I-37 to TX-361. Add time for the short ferry at Aransas Pass, which runs continuously. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Port Aransas brings you to wide Gulf beaches and relaxed island vibes. You can spot dolphins, try surf lessons, or fish from the jetty. Birders love the wetlands; families love the easy, drive-on beaches. • Top Things to Do:
- Lounge on Mustang Island State Park’s sandy shore.
- Take a dolphin-watching cruise from the marina.
- Walk the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center boardwalk.
- Book a deep-sea or bay fishing charter. • Where to Stay: Consider beachfront condos with kitchens, family-friendly resorts, or budget motels inland. For convenience, pre-book beach chairs or a golf cart rental. • Best Time to Visit: Late March–May and September–October for warm water and lighter crowds. Summer stays hot and lively; winter brings mild days and excellent birding. Note: Check beach driving permits, and rinse gear to prevent salt corrosion.
Garner State Park & the Frio River — Hill Country Classic with Big Views and Clear Water
• Distance/Travel Time: 95–110 miles; about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car via US-90/US-83. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Garner State Park packs in iconic Texas fun: hiking Old Baldy for sweeping views, floating the cold, clear Frio, and two-stepping at the summer jukebox dances. The scenery—limestone hills, cypress-lined bends—feels timeless. • Top Things to Do:
- Climb Old Baldy and Painted Rock Overlook.
- Paddle or tube the Frio; rent kayaks on-site in season.
- Enjoy evening dances at the park pavilion (summer).
- Drive the Twisted Sisters (FM 335/336/337) for overlook stops. • Where to Stay: Reserve well ahead for park cabins or campsites. Nearby Concan offers river houses, boutique cabins, and family lodges. Book on trusted vacation-rental platforms and confirm water access levels during drought. • Best Time to Visit: April–June and September for comfortable river temps; late October–November can bring Hill Country color. Summer sells out quickly—reserve day-use passes early. Gear tip: Water shoes and a dry bag make river days safer and simpler.
Bandera — The Cowboy Capital of the World
• Distance/Travel Time: 55 miles; about 1 hour by car via TX-16. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Bandera drops you into Old West energy. Ride horses across open ranchland, two-step in a honky-tonk, or explore the Hill Country State Natural Area’s network of trails. The town blends Western heritage with river-town relaxation. • Top Things to Do:
- Book a guided horseback ride or a half-day cattle-drive experience.
- Hike, mountain bike, or ride equestrian trails at Hill Country State Natural Area.
- Catch a weekend rodeo or live country dance night.
- Kayak or fish on the Medina River. • Where to Stay: Choose a dude ranch with meals and activities, a rustic riverside cabin, or a central B&B. Ranch packages often include breakfast, trail rides, and evening s’mores—great value for families. • Best Time to Visit: October–May for cool mornings and sunny afternoons. Summer heats up; plan rides early and schedule siestas. Insider tip: Book ranch stays directly or via reputable platforms; confirm included activities to compare apples to apples.
Big Bend National Park & Terlingua — Desert Peaks, River Canyons, and Dark Skies
• Distance/Travel Time: 430–470 miles; about 6.5 to 7.5 hours by car via I-10 to US-90/US-385. For a long weekend, you can fly to Midland/Odessa and drive 3.5 to 4 hours. • Why Visit: A weekend getaway from San Antonio to Big Bend delivers epic silence and otherworldly vistas. Hike through desert basins and high Chisos forests, paddle the Rio Grande, then stargaze under one of the darkest skies in North America. Terlingua’s ghost town adds quirky charm and hearty Tex-Mex plates. • Top Things to Do:
- Hike the Lost Mine Trail or Window View at sunset.
- Walk into Santa Elena Canyon or Boquillas Canyon.
- Soak near the Hot Springs Historic Area (check river conditions).
- Detour to Big Bend Ranch State Park’s Hoodoos Trail. • Where to Stay: Book early at Chisos Mountains Lodge inside the park. Outside the gate, choose Terlingua casitas, boutique desert lodges, or budget motels in Study Butte. Campsites sell out months ahead—set alerts and consider shoulder dates. • Best Time to Visit: October–April for cool days and cold nights. Summer turns dangerously hot; hike at dawn if you must go then. Pass tip: An America the Beautiful pass covers your national park entry for a year.
Travel Tips for Weekend Trips from San Antonio
Pack light and plan tight. Choose one region, cluster activities nearby, and build in drive-time buffers around Friday rush hour. For parks, reserve day-use passes and campsites early. For wineries and float trips, pre-book tastings and tube rentals.
What should I pack for a weekend trip from San Antonio?
- Weekend bag, reusable water bottle, sun hat, and SPF 30+.
- Quick-dry towel, water shoes, and a compact first-aid kit.
- Bug spray, portable phone charger, and a light rain shell.
- Swimsuit for rivers or coast; layers for desert nights.
- Snacks, a soft cooler, and printed or offline maps.
For stays, compare boutique inns, cabins, and condos on trusted platforms; filter by free parking, kitchenettes, and late check-in.
Best Time to Plan Weekend Getaways from San Antonio
Central Texas brings long summers and mild winters. Expect: winter 45–65°F, spring 60–80°F, summer 75–98°F, and fall 60–85°F. Spring (March–May) suits Hill Country hikes and wildflowers. Summer (June–August) favors rivers and beaches—start early and hydrate. Fall (September–November) brings vineyard harvests and Lost Maples foliage late October to mid-November. Winter (December–February) offers lower rates, coastal birding, and desert hiking without the heat.
Beach trips shine in April–May and September–October. Mountain and desert hikes work best October–April. Cultural weekends in Austin or Fredericksburg fit year-round; just book festival dates well in advance.
Budget and Planning Advice
Plan a realistic 2–3 day budget:
- Accommodation: $120–250 per night mid-range; $80–120 budget; $250+ boutique/resort.
- Transport: Gas $30–80 total; rental car $40–70/day if needed.
- Food: $25–60 per person per day.
- Activities: Parks $5–20, museum entries $10–25, guided tours $40–150.
How much does a weekend trip from San Antonio cost? Answer: For two people, a typical weekend runs $450–900 all-in; budget travelers can do $300–450, while splurge trips can exceed $1,000.
Use Google Maps or Waze for live traffic, Roadtrippers for scenic stops, AllTrails for hikes, and the Texas State Parks reservation system. For lodging, compare prices on reputable booking sites and set price alerts. Consider a Texas State Parks Pass or America the Beautiful pass if you’ll visit multiple parks. Finally, pack smart gear—quick-dry layers, sun protection, and a small cooler—to keep costs down and comfort up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The quickest escapes include New Braunfels/Gruene (35–45 minutes), Wimberley (1–1.25 hours), Bandera (about 1 hour), Fredericksburg + Enchanted Rock (1.25–1.5 hours), and Garner State Park on the Frio River (1.75–2 hours). Each offers a different vibe: river tubing in New Braunfels, swim holes and markets in Wimberley, ranch life in Bandera, wine tasting and hiking in Fredericksburg, and big Hill Country views at Garner.
Choose Fredericksburg for wineries, German eateries, and a day trip to Enchanted Rock. Pick Wimberley for quiet cabins, Blue Hole swims, and art-forward Market Days. Fredericksburg suits food and wine lovers who want a strollable Main Street; Wimberley fits travelers chasing shady creeks and low-key hikes. Both sit about 1–1.5 hours from San Antonio, so you can decide based on whether you want tastings or swim holes.
Go Comal in New Braunfels for a shorter, spring-fed float (roughly 2–3 hours) with clear 72°F water and gentler currents. Choose the Guadalupe for longer, more scenic floats (often 3–6 hours) and bigger limestone bluffs; however, flow depends on dam releases and recent rain. For the Guadalupe, check flow conditions before you go; many outfitters post daily cfs updates. Both rivers sit 35–60 minutes north via I-35 or TX-46.
Yes—book ahead. Enchanted Rock often sells out day-use passes on weekends, and the Summit Trail closes when the park reaches capacity or during wet conditions. Garner also fills up quickly in late spring and summer. Reserve day-use passes and campsites on the Texas State Parks website, then arrive early for parking and cooler temps. Note: No pets on Enchanted Rock’s Summit Trail.
Plan 6.5–7.5 hours one way (430–470 miles) with fuel and snack stops. The most straightforward route runs I-10 West to US-90 (or US-385 via Marathon) to Panther Junction. Top up in Kerrville or Junction, then again in Alpine, Marathon, or Study Butte, since gas stations thin out as you approach the park. Start early, watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk, and download offline maps—cell service drops inside the park.
Aim for late March–May and September–October. You’ll get warm water, pleasant breezes, and lighter crowds than peak summer. The Port Aransas ferry runs 24/7; on holiday weekends, waits can hit 30–60 minutes, while normal weekends often see 5–20 minutes. Buy a beach parking permit in town for most public stretches of sand, and consider a dolphin cruise or birding at Leonabelle Turnbull for a break from the sun.
Yes. Intercity buses run several times a day and take about 1.5–2 hours to downtown Austin. Once there, you can use rideshares, scooters, and MetroRapid to reach South Congress, Zilker Park, and the Texas State Capitol. However, if you plan to lake-hop or visit Hill Country breweries outside the core, a rental car gives you more flexibility.
Expect crowds from late May through August, especially on Saturdays. Arrive at opening, rent a locker first, and hit the most popular rides early. Consider the park’s virtual queue option (Blast Pass) on peak days. Midweek visits move faster, but if you must go on a weekend, split time between the Original and the newer sections to spread out and take your breaks near shaded picnic areas.
Base yourself within 5–10 minutes of Main Street for easy access to tasting rooms and dinner, or choose a vineyard cottage along Wine Road 290 for quiet nights and views. For car-free tastings, use the 290 Wine Shuttle (weekends) or book a private driver. Boutique inns and B&Bs sell out on spring and fall weekends—reserve 4–8 weeks ahead, especially during wildflower season and holiday markets.
For two travelers, plan roughly $450–900 total for a mid-range weekend: $240–500 for lodging, $50–120 for gas or a rental car, $150–250 for meals, and $20–120 for activities (state park passes, museum tickets, or a guided tour). Beach condos, wine tastings, or adventure tours can push costs higher; camping or weekday stays can drop the total into the $300–450 range.
Susan CalliesSusan Callies is a travel writer at Travleon.com, where she shares guides, itineraries, and hidden gems from around the world. When she’s not writing about new destinations, Susan enjoys playing the violin, ice skating during the winter months, and exploring local food scenes wherever she travels. She's also passionate about photography, journaling her adventures, and visiting art museums. Susan believes that the best stories are found off the beaten path — and she’s always chasing the next one.