Here are the top getaways from San Antonio to put on your bucket list.
Top Getaways From San Antonio
Weekend getaways, especially long extended weekends, are becoming very popular, especially in Texas. These trips are now considered mini vacations for some, especially those with long work weeks and busy lives. It is essential to get away, even if it’s just for a weekend. My family has explored much of Texas this way; from a German town in the Hill Country to beachside bungalows in the Gulf of Mexico, I’ve listed four top getaways from San Antonio that you may want to consider.
Here Are Four Top Getaways From San Antonio
Did you know that San Antonio is the 7th most populated city in the United States? So, with that, it’s good to get away every now and then on a weekend getaway near you!
Adeina and friends
• Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country
This could very well be one of the best last-minute weekend getaways from San Antonio. Fredericksburg, TX, is also a great day trip from San Antonio, but I consider it one of the best weekend trips.
It’s a small town just an hour’s drive from San Antonio and the perfect place for wine tasting. The main street in Fredericksburg is filled with boutique shops, local wineries, and some of the best German food you’ve ever had.
Where To Eat
Where do I start? There are so many great places to eat in Fredericksburg. My favorite is Vaudville, a little restaurant in the basement of a beautiful boutique. If you go during the busy time, I recommend getting a reservation. One of my husband’s favorite places to grab a bite and brew is the Altstadt Brewery. If you love German food, then you will love this place.
What To Do
What to do in Fredericksburg? Drink wine. Did you know there are over 115 wineries on HWY 290 in the Hill Country, most of which are in the Fredericksburg area? You can hop on a wine tour bus or visit them alone. Most of them do tastings, and many have food options as well. On the main street in Fredericksburg, boutiques and shopping stores will keep you busy all afternoon, along with tasting rooms blended in for a quick tasting or glass of wine. If you love adventure, then be sure to head out to Enchanted Rock State Park and make a reservation during the busy season.
How To Get There
There are a couple of different ways to get to Fredericksburg from my house in San Antonio. But the easiest way is to head west on IH 10 until you get to Comfort and exit to get on Hwy 87 N. This route will take you through the beautiful Hill Country and straight into Fredericksburg.
Did You Know
The National Museum of the Pacific War is located in downtown Fredericksburg and is recognized as a world-class cultural institution. It provides the nation’s most comprehensive account of WWll in its Asian Pacific Theater and remains true to its promise to Admiral Nimitz to honor all who served and supported the war efforts. Be sure to carve out a few hours to visit this piece of history, and you’ll want to explore the whole thing.
• South Padre Island
Getting to South Padre Island takes about the same time as driving to Galveston. Both locations have beaches and restaurants but are entirely different in many ways. My husband and I escape on romantic getaways to South Padre Island often. It’s one of the best places for this because of its tropical feel as you walk along the beaches on the Gulf Coast.
Where To Eat
We’ve eaten at a few restaurants on the island, and our favorite is Black Beards. It may not be the fanciest or the best, but the experience is definitely worth eating dinner here. Another great place to grab a bite is Sea Ranch. It’s located on the water with a great view. The menu is a little pricier, but the food is worth it. The Sea Ranch is family-friendly, and it has indoor and outdoor seating.
What To Do
Visiting the beach on South Padre Island is always the first thing we want to do when we get there. Going here is definitely one of the top getaways from San Antonio. You can check out Sea Turtle Inc., an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitating of Sea Turtles. This was my son’s favorite place to go when he was younger.
Grabbing a cocktail with a beach view is one of my favorite things to do after driving over the bridge to get to the island. Laguna Bob’s is my favorite cocktail stop. They have live music, an ocean view, and amazing cocktails. From fishing to shopping to tours and excursions, there is something for everyone on South Padre Island.
How To Get There
The easiest way to get to South Padre from San Antonio is to go south on I-37, also known as US 281. Next, you will take I-69, or US 77, towards Brownsville. At ext 10-B, go right towards Port of Brownsville. Keep straight to get on FM 511, then bear left on TX 550, then merge onto TX 48. Follow the signs to get to the island.
Did You Know
You can hop on the Black Dragon and be a pirate for a day. It’s a modern-day replica of a 17th-century Galleon, where you will sail the same waters as Jean Laffite with the Osprey Cruises aboard the Black Dragon pirate ship.
Scenic view of the window in Big Bend National Park
• Big Bend National Park
Nestled in far west Texas and a 7-hour road trip from San Antonio is Big Bend, National Park. There are over 100 miles of paved roads through the hills of Big Bend and over 150 miles of trails through the desert and mountains to hike. Unlike most National Parks, whose busy season happens during the summer, Big Bend’s most active season is November – April. Most of the campgrounds and lodging are utterly full during these months.
My biggest tip is to make reservations for your visit. And this is the perfect getaway to take extended time—make it a long weekend!
Where To Eat
A few cafes and restaurants are around the Big Bend National Park area. My favorite is the Bad Rabbit Cafe, open every day from 7 am to 7 p.m. It is located in one of the original ranch structures and got the nickname The Whitehouse because it is nestled in front of Whitehouse Mountain. On a side note, a bucket of beer here will only run you $11; that’s a great deal, especially during those hot summer days in West Texas.
What To Do
Big Bend is filled with outdoor adventures; its miles of trails and natural beauty make it a perfect getaway. Whether you bring a tent to sleep in, stay in a tipi, camp in a restored airstream, sleep in a bubble, or live the good life in a luxury casita, Terlingua is the place to stay.
There are around 15 places to eat, grab a coffee, or enjoy a local brew. They have a few boutiques and a local music & art scene. The Starlight Theatre is a great place to grab a bite and enjoy a local art show when they have a gallery opening.
How To Get There
The easiest way to get to Big Bend National Park from San Antonio is to head straight west on IH 10 until you reach Highway 385 and go south until you see the signs.
Did You Know
Big Bend National Park is home to the 2nd highest waterfall in Texas. Though the terrain around Madrid Falls is difficult, it is worth the hike through the National Parks trails if you have the experience. If going this far, because Big Bend is pretty much far from everything, you’ll want to take the ultimate road trip to Big Bend.
Elissa Wheel- Galveston. Photo Credit: Adeina Anderson
• Galveston Island
Galveston, Texas, is one of my favorite getaway destinations in East Texas. It’s only 32 miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide, but it has everything you need for a great weekend. The 4-hour drive from San Antonio isn’t bad either, and if you have the time, I suggest making a stop in Clear Lake on your way down. It’s where NASA and the Houston Space Center are located. It’s a great stop for children and adults.
Where To Eat
There are so many great places to eat good food on the island, from high-end restaurants to local dives; I’ve never had a bad meal. My favorite local eatery is Gumbo Diner. It’s located on the Sea Wall and has that diner feel. I will tell you, though, parking is tight, and if you go on the weekend, the wait might be long. It is a fan favorite.
What To Do
There is so much to do on Galveston Island. Shopping on the Strand is a must. It’s a historical site filled with shops, restaurants, and history. You’ll definitely want to make time to visit this historic main street. And be sure to check out the Ghost Tour On The Strand. If you like history and museums, there are many historic buildings and homes that you can take tours through.
The Texas Seaport Museum was a great place to visit to learn all the history of the island. There is information on the immigrants that came through Galveston, the history of the big hurricane, the hurricanes, and even the historical ship, The Elissa, that you can tour.
Moody Gardens began in the 1980s with a horse barn and is now home to the Rainforest Pyramid, 3D Theater, and over 1700 plants and animals in its botanical garden. There is also a Schlitterbahn Waterpark located next to Moody Gardens, along with a luxury hotel and golf courses, and this is a great place to spend an afternoon. And don’t forget to take a stroll on the Boardwalk, located on the Sea Wall across from my favorite hotel, Hotel Galvez.
How To Get There
There are a few ways to get to Galveston from San Antonio. Start on IH-10 East to 45 South. The drive is pretty easy, but I suggest avoiding Houston during the rush hour.
Did You Know …
Every year, there is a 2-day celebration in December called Dickens on The Strand. Everyone dresses in their petticoats and heads to the Strand for a celebration based on 19th-century Victorian London. It features parades, live entertainment, and street vendors. This year will be the 50th anniversary of the holiday festival. It is open to the public and held the 2nd weekend in December.
There you go. I’ve listed the top getaways from San Antonio; which looks most exciting to you?
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