10 Easy Road Trips Near San Antonio, Texas (All Outside Bexar County)
Looking for
short road trips near San Antonio that get you out of Bexar County for the day? You’re in the right place.
These 10 ideas are all within about an hour or so of
San Antonio, Texas, and they’re spread across nearby counties like Bandera, Comal, Kendall, Guadalupe, Atascosa, Medina, and Wilson.
Whether you’re craving small-town charm, river time, or wide-open Texas Hill Country views, you’ll find something here that’s worth filling up the tank for.
1. Tube the Comal River in New Braunfels (Comal County)
If you live in San Antonio and haven’t floated the Comal yet, it’s time.
New Braunfels is only about 35–40 minutes from most parts of town, but it feels like a mini-vacation. The
Comal River is spring-fed, clear, and stays cool even when it’s pushing 100°F outside.
- Rent a tube from one of the riverside outfitters.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water shoes.
- Plan for a lazy 2–3 hour float.
I still remember my first float: I thought it would be wild and intense, but it’s actually more like a moving picnic. You just bob along under the trees, talk with friends, and watch the world drift by.
Bonus nearby: Stroll through downtown New Braunfels, grab a schnitzel or sausage plate, and check out the German-Texan vibe.
2. Explore Gruene Historic District (Comal County)
Just outside New Braunfels, still in Comal County, sits
Gruene (pronounced “green”). It’s small, charming, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon or date day.
What to do in Gruene:
- Catch live music at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall.
- Shop vintage, antiques, and local crafts in the historic district.
- Have a meal overlooking the river at one of the local restaurants.
If you like a “Hallmark movie” kind of town, this is it. On weekends, it does get busy, but that adds to the fun—music drifting out of open doors, folks two-stepping, families getting ice cream.
3. Cowboy Vibes in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World” (Bandera County)
About an hour northwest of San Antonio,
Bandera, Texas is pure cowboy country. You’ll trade city traffic for pickup trucks, horses, and big sky.
Things to do in Bandera:
- Visit a dude ranch for horseback riding and campfire dinners.
- Walk along the Medina River in Bandera City Park.
- Explore small Western-themed shops and saloons downtown.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in an old Western movie, Bandera gets pretty close. On my last visit, I watched a group of riders crossing the river at sunset—it looked straight out of a postcard.
4. Scenic Drives & Lakes in Medina County
Medina County sits west of San Antonio and is a quiet, often overlooked gem. It’s perfect if you want a peaceful country drive without crowds.
Ideas for a Medina County road trip:
- Head toward Medina Lake for fishing, boating, or just lake views.
- Take scenic backroads and stop for photos of rolling hills and ranch land.
- Pack a picnic and find a shady spot near the water.
This is one of those drives where you roll down the windows, turn up the music, and just breathe. No big attractions, just simple Texas countryside that helps you reset.
5. Small-Town Escape in Castroville, “The Little Alsace of Texas” (Medina County)
Also in Medina County,
Castroville feels different from most Texas towns. Founded by Alsatian settlers, it has a European flavor tucked into the Texas landscape.
What you’ll find in Castroville:
- Historic stone and timber homes with European-style architecture.
- A peaceful downtown with bakeries and cafes.
- Regional parks great for walking and unwinding.
If you like history and quiet streets, this one’s for you. It’s an easy half-day trip from San Antonio and pairs nicely with a stop at Medina Lake on the way back.
6. Hill Country Charm in Boerne (Kendall County)
Drive about 35–45 minutes north, and you’ll hit
Boerne, in Kendall County. It’s become a favorite weekend escape for many people from San Antonio thanks to its mix of nature and small-town style.
Things to do in Boerne:
- Walk along the Hill Country Mile downtown for shops, art, and food.
- Relax by Cibolo Creek at the local park.
- Visit nearby caves or nature centers for short hikes and exploration.
Boerne feels laid-back but a bit polished. You can grab a nice coffee, browse local boutiques, then go sit by the water and watch ducks glide past. It’s an easy, low-stress getaway.
7. Guadalupe River Fun in Canyon Lake (Comal County)
If you’re craving water, head to
Canyon Lake in Comal County. It’s roughly an hour from many parts of San Antonio, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Here’s what makes Canyon Lake special:
- Clear blue-green water, perfect for swimming and boating.
- Access to the Guadalupe River for tubing, kayaking, and fishing.
- Scenic overlooks with classic Hill Country views.
You can make this as active or lazy as you want. Spend the day on a rented pontoon boat, or just find a public access point, bring a folding chair, and soak your feet in the water.
8. Float, Fish, or Paddle the Guadalupe River in Guadalupe County
The Guadalupe River winds through several counties, including
Guadalupe County, just east of San Antonio. This stretch can be less crowded than the big tourist spots upstream.
Consider:
- A quieter section of river for fishing or kayaking.
- Public river access areas for a low-key picnic and splash time.
- Driving small backroads along the river to find your own favorite spot.
If you’ve ever felt like the popular tubing runs were too packed, hunting down a calmer stretch in Guadalupe County can be a game-changer.
9. Step Back in Time in Seguin (Guadalupe County)
Seguin, in Guadalupe County, is one of the oldest towns in Texas and an easy drive from San Antonio—often 40–50 minutes, depending on your side of town.
Why Seguin is worth the trip:
- Historic downtown with murals and unique storefronts.
- Parks along the Guadalupe River for walking and picnics.
- Local cafes and diners serving classic comfort food.
Seguin has that lived-in, real-town feel. It’s not overly polished, and that’s part of the charm. If you like exploring places that still feel local, not touristy, Seguin belongs on your list of
day trips from San Antonio.
10. Country Quiet in Floresville & Wilson County
South and east of San Antonio lies
Wilson County, including the town of
Floresville. This is a great area when you just want open space and small-town Texas.
What to expect in Wilson County:
- Wide fields, farms, and big skies—great for scenic drives.
- A classic courthouse square and local eateries in Floresville.
- Seasonal festivals and events that show off local flavor.
This is the kind of day trip where you don’t really need a strict plan. Drive, stop where something looks interesting, grab a bite, and enjoy being away from busy city streets.
Tips for Planning Your San Antonio Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from San Antonio:
- Leave early: Beat traffic and enjoy cooler morning temps.
- Check river levels: If you’re tubing or paddling, look up current conditions first.
- Pack basics: Sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles, snacks, and a small cooler.
- Bring cash: Some small-town shops and parks still prefer or require cash.
Think of these trips as “mini-vacations” you can do in a single day, without needing a flight or a hotel.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Bandera’s cowboy culture to
Gruene’s live music, from
Canyon Lake’s cool water to
Boerne’s Hill Country charm, there are plenty of things to do near San Antonio—all outside Bexar County—that can turn an ordinary weekend into something memorable.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
Which of these road trips sounds best for your next day off? Have you already visited any of these spots?
- Drop a comment with your favorite road trip from San Antonio.
- Share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “We should get out of town more.”
The more ideas we trade, the easier it gets to hit the road and actually explore all the great places just beyond San Antonio’s city limits.
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