Everyone loves a little vacation time.
Spend some time away from home without venturing too far with a driveable day trip within 3 hours of San Antonio! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, mouthwatering meals, or everything in between, there’s a driveable day trip just waiting to be taken.
If you're heading North...
Gruene Texas Facebook
Gruene
About a 30-45 min drive northeast of San Antonio
Just a quick drive up I-35, Gruene is a historic town filled with scenic spots, stick-to-your-ribs food (we love you, Gristmill), and Gruene Hall, where you can catch a free show during the day, and country music's biggest stars at night all in one dancehall.
Austin
Anywhere from 1 to almost 2 hours drive northeast of San Antonio (depending on traffic)
The next biggest city from San Antonio, us locals are all too familiar with this booming metroplex. Home to big festivals, the University of Texas, and too many food spots to choose from, Austin is never a bad choice for a day trip or a full weekend trip! If you want to find more things to do in Auston, check out Do512!
Fredricksburg
About a 1.5-hour drive northwest of San Antonio
Deep in the heart of the Hill Country and Texas wine country, Fredericksburg is the state's unofficial capital of food and wine. Historically a German town, the town's main strip still calls back to its heritage with German-style architecture and bustling businesses.
Martindale
About a 45 min drive northeast of San Antonio
Head about 10 minutes east of San Marcos, and you'll find Martindale, a small, homey town full of hidden gems. On the main drag, you'll find a historic car dealership revamped into what is now Duett's Texas Club. Be sure to drop in, say hi to owners Ryan & Katie, and try some of the food off their in-house menu while you catch whatever band is playing that night!
Luckenbach
About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio
Known for its music scene and laid-back vibes, Luckenbach is a must-see when you're in the Hill Country. Enjoy some of the local German cuisine, and on Sundays, check out the historic dance hall that's still in use to date.
Driftwood
About a 1 hour drive north of San Antonio
Home to the famous Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood and the surrounding area is the best place for a winery crawl. Not a wine fan? Hit up Vista Brewing and take in their rustic charm and thirst-quenching craft beers.
Temple
About a 2.25-hour drive northeast of San Antonio
The Wildflower Capital of Texas, Temple, is historically a transportation hub with several museums dedicated to its past and a vastly equipped medical center. Despite these industries being its focal point, there are plenty of beautiful recreational areas, wineries, and local restaurants to indulge in on a day trip.
Waco
A little more than a 2.5-hour drive northeast of San Antonio
The home of Baylor University, Waco is a city on the rise. Big attractions include Cameron Park Zoo, the Dr. Pepper Museum, Magnolia Market at the Silos (hello HGTV!), and many more for the whole family to enjoy.
If you're heading East...
Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham, TX Official
Brenham
About a 2.5-hour drive east of San Antonio
A perfect town for ice cream lovers! This east-central town proudly boasts the Blue-Bell Creameries & Ice Cream Parlor, along with its historic districts and museums, a lavender farm, several breweries, and other local attractions that'll have you wanting to stick around longer than a day.
Houston
About a 2-hour drive east of San Antonio
The Bayou City, Houston, is another large Texas City that we're all familiar with. There's plenty to do and see in H-Town that could really be spread out over a weekend. There's major league sports, NASA, Galveston, tons of breweries. If you want to find more things to do in Houston, check out Do713!
Shiner
About a 1.5-hour drive east of San Antonio
Visit for the brewery tour, stay for the food! While Shienr is home to the Spoetzel brewery where Shiner Beer is made, you'll also find local barbecue joints, a quaint ambiance, and rolling hills with a plethora of outdoor activities. There's even a Shiner brewery ride every year!
Round Top
About a 2-hour drive east of San Antonio
Fine dining meets front-porch living in this small Texas town. Considered to be the best small shopping town in the state with the help of with its famous antique fair where you can shop antiques from all corners of the world along 11 miles of scenic highway.
If you're heading South...
City of Poteet
Poteet
About a 45-minute drive south of San Antonio
Just a skip and a hop away from San Antonio, you can find many SA natives flocking to Poteet in April for the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival. Catch you there?
Corpus Christi
About a 2-hour drive southeast of San Antonio
Growing up, going to the beach always meant Corpus. But don't get us wrong, there's so much more to do in CC than just going to the beach. Visit the U.S.S. Lexington, get a patty melt from the two-story Whataburger, pay respects to the Selena statue, and come back home all within a day!
Rockport
About a 2.5-hour drive southeast of San Antonio
Home to Rockport Beach, some of the clearest waters of the Texas gulf coast. There are plenty of fishing opportunities, and a great place for bird-enthusiasts to set up shop. It's a wonderful town to go for a long stroll and enjoy the beauty of the Texas coast.
Port Aransas
About a 2.5-hour drive southeast of San Antonio
A small city located on Mustang Island, the fishing capital of Texas. Behold its beautiful beaches and nature parks. While its a great spot for spring break, you can locals here yearlong.
Laredo
About a 2-hour drive southwest of San Antonio
An underrated border town to the southwest, Laredo feels like Mexico without having to cross the border. Home to delicious regional food and friendly people, Laredo is also a perfect spot for nature adventurers, with several bike trails and Lake Casa Blanca International State Park.
Eagle Pass
About a 2.5-hour drive southwest of San Antonio
Another border town, Eagle Pass is home to some of the earliest American settlements on the Rio Grande, making it a pioneering town for the state. Today, you can still find the San Bernardo Mission Ruins and other historic spots. Feeling lucky? Hit up the Lucky Eagle Casino before heading back home!
If you're heading West...
Steinbach Haus in Castroville, Texas Historical Comission
Castroville
About a 30-minute drive west of San Antonio
What used to feel like such a far drive, Castroville is slowly becoming swallowed up by the rapid expansion of San Antonio. Tied to French origins, the town still displays 96 homes and structures, known as Settlement or Pioneer houses, built between 1844 and 1920. There are also several bakeries, meat markets, and outdoor spaces to enjoy on just a quick drive west on 90!
Uvalde
About a 1.5-hour drive west of San Antonio
home to many native and exotic species of animals, which allow sportsmen almost year-round hunting opportunities. "The cool blue waters of the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal Rivers, the stately Cypress trees of Garner State Park, and the wildflowers of Sabinal Canyon make Uvalde County a great place to explore."
f