San Antonio’s got plenty going for it — the River Walk, the food, the culture, the Alamo, all that. But sometimes, you just wanna trade the city hum for some peace and quiet, maybe some views, and let’s be honest… a little less traffic.
That’s where the Texas Hill Country steps in. The rolling hills, shady creeks, quirky small towns — it’s all right there, and in some cases, less than an hour from your front door.
So whether you’re a local needing a break or a visitor looking to get a feel for real-deal Texas charm, here are the best day trips from San Antonio that’ll get you out and back with time to spare.
1. Boerne: Small Town Vibe, Big Nature Energy
Distance: ~35 minutes northwest
Boerne is the kind of town that sneaks up on you. It’s got this easy pace, where old stone buildings line the streets, and folks actually wave when they pass. You can stroll along Main Street and hit up the boutiques, antique shops, and little cafés — then head over to Cibolo Creek for a walk under the cypress trees.
Highlights:
- Cibolo Nature Center for trails and birdwatching
- The Dienger Trading Co. for coffee and local eats
- River Road Park for a peaceful picnic along the creek
If you’ve got a little more time, swing by a winery on your way back. There are a couple just outside town that offer tastings with a view.
2. Gruene: Music, Tubing, and Texas History
Distance: ~45 minutes northeast
Pronounced “green” (yeah, it’s one of those), Gruene is part of New Braunfels but has a totally different personality. It’s a Hill Country classic — known for Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall, and the kind of spot where you might stumble on a Willie Nelson cover set in the middle of the afternoon.
You can float the Guadalupe River if it’s warm, grab lunch at the Gristmill overlooking the river, and catch live music just about anytime.
Highlights:
- Gruene Hall for live shows
- Guadalupe River tubing or kayaking
- Gristmill River Restaurant for cold drinks and patio views
It’s touristy, yeah, but in the best way. Worth it every time.
3. Wimberley: Creative Spirit in the Hills
Distance: ~55 minutes north
Tucked between the hills and rivers, Wimberley feels a little like a Texas fairytale. There’s art, live music, glassblowing studios, and the kind of town square that makes you wanna linger. The Blanco River cuts right through, and if you’re up for it, there’s Blue Hole Regional Park — a natural swimming hole shaded by massive cypress trees.
Highlights:
- Wimberley Square for galleries, coffee, and cute shops
- Blue Hole (open seasonally) for swimming
- Wimberley Valley Winery for relaxed afternoon sippin’
Wimberley’s one of those spots where even doing nothin’ feels like a good use of time.
4. Comfort: Under-the-Radar Charm
Distance: ~50 minutes northwest
You probably haven’t heard much about Comfort, and honestly… that’s kind of the point. It’s quieter than Fredericksburg, a little more spread out, and packed with charm.
There’s a tiny downtown strip with wine bars, a super cool bookshop, and a few antique stores worth poking through. Outside of town, you’ll find Bending Branch Winery, Singing Water Vineyards, and other great spots to unwind with a glass of something good.
Highlights:
- Historic downtown (seriously, blink and you’ll miss it — but don’t)
- Vineyards with hilltop views
- Comfort Pizza for wood-fired pies in a laid-back backyard setting
If you’re looking for a mellow, no-frills kind of escape, this one’s it.
5. Canyon Lake: Water and Views
Distance: ~1 hour northeast
Need a dose of nature and some water time? Canyon Lake is a solid pick. It’s massive, surrounded by hills, and packed with little parks and access points. You can swim, boat, hike, or just kick back on the rocks with a snack and a book.
Try Overlook Park for views that stretch on forever, or hike the Gorge Trail to see what lies beneath (literally — it’s a guided geology walk that shows exposed earth layers from millions of years ago).
Highlights:
- Overlook Park for easy, stunning views
- Canyon Lake Gorge Tour for something different
- Potters Creek Park or Jacob’s Creek Park for swimming and picnics
Heads up: it gets busy on weekends, so go early or try mid-week if you can swing it.
6. Helotes + Government Canyon
Distance: ~30 minutes northwest
This one’s technically still in the San Antonio orbit — but if you drive just a bit past the edge of town, you hit Government Canyon State Natural Area. It’s a local favorite for hiking, with over 40 miles of trails through rugged Hill Country terrain.
The real kicker? It’s home to legit dinosaur tracks, preserved in limestone. Pretty wild.
Highlights:
- Hiking trails from easy loops to rocky climbs
- Dino tracks (check before you go — sometimes closed)
- Old Town Helotes for post-hike tacos or a cold drink
Great way to burn some energy and still be home by dinner.
7. Driftwood: BBQ, Wine, and Hilltop Sunsets
Distance: ~55 minutes north**
If you like your day trips from San Antonio with a side of brisket and wine, Driftwood is calling your name.
It’s home to the legendary Salt Lick BBQ — a sprawling, open-pit BBQ joint with picnic tables, live music, and a BYOB policy. Right down the road is Driftwood Estate Winery, which has one of the best views in the entire Hill Country.
Highlights:
- Salt Lick BBQ — just trust us
- Driftwood Estate Winery for sunset wine tastings
- Vista Brewing if you want something local and crafty
The drive out there’s part of the fun — all backroads and rolling hills.
Make a Day Trip Feel Like a Mini-Vacation
Even if you’re only escaping San Antonio for a few hours, it doesn’t have to feel rushed. The Hill Country’s not about speed — it’s about slowing down, taking the long way, stopping for a pie you didn’t plan to buy.
If you’ve got more than a day (or just wanna stretch that escape a bit), stay the night at a peaceful spot like this Hill Country resort just outside the city. Tucked into over 90 acres of natural beauty, it’s close enough to San Antonio for a day trip — but feels like a true getaway once you’re there.
A Few Quick Tips for Your Day Trip
- Leave early. Not just to beat the traffic, but to have more time to explore.
- Pack snacks and water. Not every small town has what you need, and that roadside picnic table might be calling your name.
- Be flexible. If you find a cute shop, a trailhead, or a winery you didn’t plan on — go with it.
- Respect small towns. Drive slow, tip well, and remember you’re a guest.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need a week off or a huge travel budget to get a taste of the Texas Hill Country. Sometimes, all it takes is a full tank, a loose plan, and the willingness to wander a little.
Whether you’re chasing rivers, hiking trails, sipping wine, or just grabbing tacos in a town you’ve never been to — these day trips from San Antonio are the perfect reminder of how much is right in your own backyard.
And if you find yourself not quite ready to head back home? That’s the beauty of it. You’re already out there. Just roll with it.
