Fun Day Trips from San Antonio
by PCSgrades Staff - June 6th, 2022
Within an hour or two of San Antonio, Texas are some amazing day trips! If you're a military family stationed at Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB, or Fort San Houston, then these family trips are within your reach. Gas up the car, pack a cooler, grab your fishing rod or bathing suit and prepare to enjoy!
Cities to visit when you're stationed in San Antonio
Austin
Visit the state Capitol to see artistic diversity at its finest. Have a meal at one of the many outdoor cafes. And if music is your thing, the music scene in Austin can’t be beat!
Fredericksburg
Enjoy some German food in this quaint city, which is a little more than an hour away from San Antonio. In addition to its German heritage and the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg has plenty of birding, fishing, bicycling and rock climbing opportunities. The Fredericksburg area also boasts the second most visited wine area in the US, after the Sonoma wine region in California. Visit any of the 40 wineries in the Hill Country along the Highway 290 Wine Road outside of Fredericksburg.
Want to plan your next night out in San Antonio? Check out our favorite local breweries in this article. Or plan a date night in San Antonio with the ideas listed here.
Outdoor adventures near San Antonio
New Braunfels
Less than an hour north of San Antonio on I-35, New Braunfels offers two great outdoor experiences: the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Swimming, tubing, and kayaking are popular activities. Numerous hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, fishing holes and parks make this a well-liked destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
San Marcos River
The San Marcos River is another outdoor wonderland. Opportunities abound for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, even snorkeling, scuba diving or riding on a glass-bottom boat. Hikers and bikers will enjoy more than 850 acres of outdoor fun.
Paradise Canyon Recreational Park
You can ramble around more than 12,000 acres of natural wonder at the Government Canyon State Natural Area, which includes Paradise Canyon Recreational Park. Situated just 36 miles northwest of San Antonio, activities include camping, hiking, fishing, and tubing and camping.
Choke Canyon State Park
On the shores of a 26,000-acre reservoir about two hours south of Alamo City. This park boasts boating, fishing, birding, hiking trails, camping and breeding alligators!
Enchanted Rock
The pink granite exfoliation dome called Enchanted Rock is about an hour and a half north of San Antonio. The dome rises 425 foot above ground and covers 640 acres. Bring a kite and get ready for some great camping, picnicking and seven miles of hiking trails.
Read about more outdoor adventures and San Antonio Bucket List ideas here.
Texas beaches worth a visit
Approximately 150 miles or a 2.5 hour ride from San Antonio is Corpus Christi, on the Gulf of Mexico, This outdoor oasis features boating, fishing and beautiful beaches! There is over 100 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and the Corpus Christi Bay.
Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world! More than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and natural, sandy beaches make for a nature lover’s delight!
South Packery Beach
While family friendly, South Packery Beach is also vehicle friendly. Surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are favorite activities.
Bob Hall Pier and Padre Bailli Park
Bob Hall Pier, one of the area’s top fishing spots, has a paved parking area, car-free sand zone, and a convenient picnic area. Nearby Padre Balli Park offers campsites with all the amenities, plus cabanas and a bath house for visitor convenience.
North Beach
North Beach is a pedestrian access only beach. This family friendly beach on the Corpus Christi Bay offers easy access to shopping, restaurants and visitor attractions. While you're here, set aside part of your day to visit the Texas State Aquarium.
McGee Beach
McGee Beach, on the Corpus Christi Bay, is within walking distance of beautiful downtown Corpus Christi. Beach rentals are available during the spring and summer months.
Michael Ellis Beach
This family-friendly beach features a large paved parking lot, restrooms and rinse-off showers. Because of the one-mile long seawall which runs from South Packery Beach to Whitecap Beach, Michael Ellis Beach is often referred to as the Padre Island Seawall Beach.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible day trips from San Antonio. Consider helping out your fellow military families by leaving a review of base housing, off-base neighborhoods, real estate agents, or moving companies on PCSgrades.com.
