Even in normal times, we all have our reasons for wanting to get away from the four walls and routines that define daily life. More than a year into COVID-19, there are even more reasons to be itching to get out of town. Travel may not quite have returned to normal just yet, but there are plenty of options within driving distance of San Antonio if you want a break without boarding a plane. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or you want to plot out a road trip to really escape, these 12 destinations will remind you just how rejuvenating it is to take a vacation.
NEARBY
Castroville
Emphasizing what’s new in a town that celebrated its 175th birthday a few years ago is no easy feat. Such is the case in Castroville, the nearby burg whose identity and appeal is firmly, and appropriately, rooted in its well-preserved history.
In fact, willfully ignoring the past in this idyllic town along the Medina River is to miss the charm of a visit. A mixture of old world Fachwerk cottages and Alsatian architecture in the town’s 60-plus historic buildings gives Castroville an appearance that emphasizes its French, German and Swiss influence far more than its physical location in South Texas.
Revel in Castroville’s European lineage with a trip to the Steinbach House, now an official visitor’s center where you can take a self-guided tour and ask for information about other local sights and events.
The Steinbach House. Photo courtesy Shutterstock/Barnes Ian.
Originally built in the 1600s in Wahlbach, France, the Steinbach House was lovingly relocated and restored between 1998 and 2002 by students and faculty from an agricultural college in Alsace, France. While the Steinbach House undoubtedly made a much longer journey than any other buildings in Castroville, be sure to take time to visit other historically significant structures, such as St. Louis Catholic Church, which sprang up just days after the town’s original settlement in 1844.
Don’t rely exclusively on your sense of sight to indulge in Castroville’s rich European roots. Haby’s Alsatian Bakery will reward your nose and your taste buds with its expansive menu of cakes, pastries and breads, including apple strudel and cinnamon rolls. When you need something a little more substantial, try an Alsatian sandwich piled with corned beef at the popular Castroville Café, or opt for one with schnitzel or more traditional deli fillings.
As much as Castroville has earned a reputation as a place to gorge out on rich pastries and heavy German food, the opening of the Hillside Boutique Hotel offers both some counterprogramming and a new way to think about this destination. Heavily renovated in 2018 by owners Joseph and Jana Winkler, the 38-room boutique hotel emphasizes wellness at its spa, its bistro restaurant with upscale comfort food, and in its regular and special events, including yoga on the hill.
Miles from SA: 30
Return Trip Tip: Whether you’re there for the day or a full weekend, stretch your legs before climbing back in your vehicle while birding in the 126 acres at Castroville Regional Park.
Wimberley
In the spring of 2019, news broke around Texas that a kangaroo had escaped from its home at the exotic animal ranch, Trails End Ranch, in Wimberley. For several days the marsupial named Harry hopped around Hays County before finally being captured by his owners.
The dayslong hop-about delighted social media. But could anybody really blame Harry for wanting a few days of quiet to explore Wimberley? After all, this spot along the Blanco River has long been a magnet for those who seek a watery respite from the summer heat, eclectic shopping options and dining choices that range from upscale to comfort food.
Any visit to Wimberley has to include a splash around the swimming hole at Blue Hole Regional Park, where the thrill of launching off the rope swing above Cypress Creek is as enticing as ever on a hot day.
Cypress Creek. Photo by Shutterstock.com/Silvio Ligutti.
A logistical reality about another Wimberley attraction, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, says all you need to know about how worthwhile a visit is: Reservations are required to swim here for 2-hour slots between May 1 and Sept. 30. As of press time in late March, swimming in the artesian spring—and its year-round 68-degree water supplied by the Trinity aquifer—was suspended, but the natural area also has hiking trails to explore, which are open.
Jacob’s Well. Photo by Erin Donahue Creative.
This being the Hill Country, any visit to Wimberley should also include a hike up the 218 stone steps to the top of Old Baldy Park, which rewards those who make the effort with views into town and all across the Wimberley Valley. Old Baldy has understandably been a popular destination for a long time, so when the land came up for sale in 2014 the town and its citizens banded together to purchase it and keep it open to the public.
All of this splashing and hiking is bound to get you in the mood for less taxing leisure. Relax at a patio table at The Leaning Pear, which takes the best of local ingredients, puts them in imaginative dishes and pizzas and serves them in a bucolic setting. Once satiated, browse shops like Wimberley Glassworks, where you can watch hand blown vases and sculptures get made, or Rancho Deluxe, which is filled with ranch accessories and folk art for those who are rural at heart. On the first Saturday of each month between March and November, the Lions Club and other civic organizations host Wimberley Market Days, which features nearly 500 booths with vendors offering all types of handmade crafts and art, antiques, clothing, jewelry and food. If you can, make it on a market day.
Miles from SA: 64
Place to Stay: Collective Hill Country offers a glamping experience that includes beautifully outfitted, private tents on a ridge, farm-to-ranch cuisine and expansive spa treatments.
Marble Falls
There is a temptation to narrowly define getaways. There’s the romantic weekend for couples, a guys- or girls-only trip, or a gourmand’s getaway, to name just a few. There’s nothing wrong with staying focused on a passion or person during precious time away from life’s responsibilities, but it usually means limiting your menu of potential destinations.
That is, unless you choose to head just 90 minutes north to Marble Falls, where the diversity of attractions is enough to lure folks with decidedly different definitions of fun and relaxation.
It’s hard not to devote at least some of your time to the many water-filled splendors of Lake Marble Falls or the nearby Highland Lakes of the Colorado River. Those inclined to commune at close quarters with all things aquatic can rent single or double kayaks or stand up paddle boards from Just Yakin rentals, which has boats available on Marble Falls Lake and will even deliver to nearby Inks Lake, Lake LBJ and much of Lake Buchanan. Those who prefer to be near the water but not actually in it can lounge in the sand at Lakeside Park and Beach, a favorite spot to watch the annual LakeFest Drag Boat Race each August.
Kayaking at Inks Lake. Photo by Courtesy Marble Falls CVB.
Landlubbers can choose from a wide range of both placid and adrenaline-pumping pursuits. One option: Zoom across the 200 miles of ATV, motorcycle and Jeep trails that crisscross the 2,500 acres of Hidden Falls Adventure Park. If you’d prefer to explore nature using your own two legs, consider the 13-acre Westside Park, which connects to the Backbone Creek Hike and Bike Trail that will deliver you to Falls Creek Park, Lakeside Park and Andrea’s Pass Waterfall—all worthy stops.
Even the most restless respite-seekers will eventually want to slow down. When that happens, head to historic Main Street, which is home to dozens of independent shops and galleries. The town and the surrounding area have also become a hub of brewing and winemaking, including Bear King Brewing Co. and its outdoor beer garden and Save the World Brewing Co., which donates all of its profits to charity. More of an oenophile? Stop in at Fiesta Winery’s downtown tasting room to try its selection of Texas wines. And while we aren’t the first to recommend it, no trip is complete without a slice of pie from Blue Bonnet Café, an institution since 1929.
Bear King Brewing Co. Photo courtesy Marble Falls CVB.
Miles from SA: 85
Pit Stop: You may have hardly settled into the car by the time you hit Spring Branch, but that’s no reason not to fuel up on caffeine at The Loft Coffee House.
Place to Stay: History and a prime downtown location converge at the recently renovated McKenzie Guest House, which was originally built in 1907 as a hotel for stagecoach travelers.
FARTHER
Carlsbad, New Mexico
The allure of Carlsbad, New Mexico, isn’t surface level. In fact, its biggest draw lies more than a mile below ground. Carlsbad Caverns National Park consists of 120 limestone caves with some of the largest known formations in the world, from delicate “soda straw” stalactites to multi-story stalagmites. Descend into darkness via paved, albeit sometimes slippery, switchbacks to take in glistening pools and calcite clusters with names like “Rock of Ages” and “Witch’s Fingers.” Normally, you can channel your inner Indiana Jones to climb through tunnels, descend ladders and traverse less accessible parts of the park by lantern light on one of the ranger-led tours, but as of early spring, those were suspended.
Carlsbad Caverns. Photo courtesy Shutterstock.com/Evanth.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, you can also get to know some of the cave’s summer residents through the free nightly bat program. Every evening around sunset, watch from an open-air amphitheater as 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats burst from the entrance and go in search of food. Visitors in August or September could spot the colony’s newest additions learning to fly.
While it would be easy to spend days exploring all that the park has to offer—including 50-plus miles of above-ground backcountry trails—don’t sleep on the town of Carlsbad. The Trinity Hotel, with nine tastefully decorated rooms in a restored turn-of-the-century bank, is the perfect home base. The in-house restaurant’s slate of comfort foods, like huevos rancheros slathered in green chile sauce, provide ample fuel for more outdoor activities. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is particularly beloved by kids and bird watchers, with more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. When temperatures spike, Sitting Bull Falls offers a picturesque escape, complete with covered picnic tables and natural pools. And, if you exhaust all of Earth’s wonders, there’s The International UFO Museum and Research Center an hour north in Roswell.
Miles from SA: 450
Pit Stop: Big Bend gets all the love, but Texas’ second national park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park (just one hour from Carlsbad) has a lot going for it, too, including the highest point in the state. The 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak takes almost a full day to climb, but there are also plenty of shorter hikes if you only have time to stop and stretch your legs.
Palo Duro Canyon
Second in size only to the Grand Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of Texas” is a sight to behold—and, at more than 120 miles long, there’s plenty to see. You’ll cover the most ground by car, but horseback riding feels more apropos given that this is cowboy country. Book with Old West Stables, which has been leading guided trail rides of the area for more than two decades.
Of course, you can also explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park on foot or via mountain bike thanks to nearly 30-miles of single-track fun. Arguably, the most iconic hike leads to Lighthouse Rock, a 312-foot red and orange monolith that pops even more against a sunrise. Once you’ve explored, enjoy the West Texas air while taking it easy during a showing of the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Held in an outdoor amphitheater and preceded by a chuckwagon dinner, the “official play of Texas” runs from Memorial Day through early August and is a tradition that should be added to any Lone Star State bucket list.
Lighthouse Rock at Palo Duro Canyon. Photo by Shutterstock.com/Slvio Ligutti.
No road trip to these parts would be complete without a stop at the famous roadside attraction, Cadillac Ranch, off what was once Route 66 and is now I-40. Bring a can of spray paint so you can leave your mark on one of the upended cars, and on your way out of town, stop for a cheeseburger and root beer float at The GoldenLight Cafe and Cantina.
Miles from SA: 495
Place to Stay: To make an early start at Palo Duro Canyon easier, take advantage of the park’s camping (and glamping!) accommodations or book a room at the charming Hudspeth House Bed & Breakfast in nearby Canyon, Texas.
FAR
New Orleans
You know Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. Perhaps you’ve been so lucky as to witness the explosion of color and culture that is Mardi Gras. But have you been introduced to NOLA’s outdoorsy side? As it turns out, there’s plenty of open-air, pandemic-friendly fun to be had in the Big Easy.
Let the good times roll as you pedal through the cobblestone streets on a pastel beach cruiser with Flambeaux Tours. Their Creole Odyssey bicycle tour highlights the area’s early settlers and includes stops at an above-ground cemetery and the expansive City Park. If you prefer paddling to pedaling, Bayou Paddlesports can outfit you to explore Bayou St. John. As you go, be sure to scan the banks for the Pitot House. Now a museum that overlooks the water, it was home to the first American mayor of New Orleans and is one of the last remaining examples of Creole colonial architecture.
If you’re up for going a little farther afield, Canoe & Trail Adventures’ kayak tours of the swamp can’t be beat. Certified Louisiana master naturalists will guide you around towering cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss and share some of the ecological challenges the wetlands currently face, while pointing out eagles, alligators, and other wildlife.
A New Orleans swamp. Photo courtesy New Orleans & Company/Stephen Young.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, mosey on over to the Bywater District for murals (including some by Banksy), art galleries and top-notch libations. Parleaux Beer Lab, the neighborhood’s only microbrewery, has an ever-changing tap list, games and culinary pop-ups. It sits catty-corner to Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, a laid-back, self-described “backyard party” with live music six nights a week, delicious cheese plates and a wine program that has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation three years running. Should you wish to keep the party going, you can visit its sister establishment, The Elysian Bar, tucked inside what was once a church rectory and is now the well-appointed Hotel Peter and Paul.
A Banksy mural in the Bywater district. Photo courtesy New Orleans & Company/Traveling Newleyweds.
Miles from SA: 540
Pit Stop: Nearly halfway between SA and the Big Easy, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is a worthy detour to pay your respects in the spot where Texas independence was won. Learn about the legendary battle at the on-site museum before taking an elevator ride to the top of the San Jacinto Monument to look out over the land so many fought and died for.
Return Trip Tip: Before heading home, pick up some authentic road trip snacks, including a few flavors of Zapp’s Kettle Potato Chips, sweet confections from Loretta’s Authentic Pralines and boudin balls—a blend of pork sausage, rice and aromatic spices—cooked to perfection at Jacques-Imo’s.
3 Pandemic Traveling Tips
Check on Your Car
Gassing up, checking your tire pressure and making sure all systems are in order is a good tip before any road trip. But it’s especially important now to avoid sitting in some crowded service station waiting room or relying on the help of strangers on the side of the road. Taking one of the longer road trips? Consider renting a car.
Pack like a Pro
Hand sanitizer goes without saying, but it’s also wise to pack some extra masks (disposable are great for the road) and to stock up on plenty of water and snacks to minimize the number of pit stops (and public interaction) you’ll need on the way. Two locally made snack ideas: Bird Bakery’s Homemade Granola ($13.50 per bag) for munching and Merit Coffee Co. Instant Coffee ($17 per box) for a caffeine boost.
Make a Plan
Take advantage of AAA’s online TripTik tool to map out your route and find out which (if any) rest stops are closed or limited due to COVID-19. The tool also lets you explore places to stay and eat and figure out which hotels have upped their cleaning protocols in the last 15 months (spoiler alert: most have). If you can’t stomach the idea of a gas station bathroom until everyone has been vaccinated, consider a portable camping toilet.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Sooner State’s second largest city is truly a hidden gem. For starters, it boasts one of the world’s most extensive collections of art deco architecture—masterpieces commissioned by oil barons in the early 20th century. The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture offers several walking tours that educate visitors (and locals) about the various styles, from Zigzag to streamline modern. Get a closer look by booking a stay at the grand Mayo Hotel—which first opened in 1925 and has hosted, among others, President John F. Kennedy, Babe Ruth and Lucille Ball—or the Tulsa Club Hotel, occupying a nearly 100-year-old beautifully adorned building designed by Bruce Goff.
Kids and kids-at-heart should hightail it to The Gathering Place, a sprawling riverfront park with nature trails, a boat dock and the 5-acre Chapman Adventure Playground, which features a slide that looks like a giant blue heron and castle-like fortresses perfect for acting out fantastical scenes.
Chapman Adventure Playground. Photo courtesy Tulsa Regional Tourism.
Another important part of Tulsa’s story can be found in the Greenwood District, a historic and entrepreneurial African American community once dubbed “Black Wall Street.” There, the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park memorializes the June 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, in which an alleged assault triggered unprecedented civil unrest. In the span of 24 hours, a white mob descended on the neighborhood, killing hundreds of Black citizens and burning Black-owned businesses to the ground. The 100th anniversary of the event will be marked this year by the June 2 dedication of Greenwood Rising. The museum’s state-of-the-art exhibitions are designed by the same firm that worked on the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York City and will honor the many contributions of Tulsa’s Black residents, as well as spark conversation around important topics like reconciliation and urban renewal. Additional events include a nationally televised event on May 31 and a film festival.
John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park. Photo courtesy Tulsa Regional Tourism.
Miles from SA: 540
Pit Stop: Even if you’ve been to the Fixer Upper mecca that is Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco is worth another visit to see the newest addition: six cottages known as the Shops at the Silos, which opened in October. Plus, Jo’s cupcakes are the perfect road trip treat and they’ve added a coffee shop in town, Magnolia Press Coffee Co., so you’ll have fuel for the remainder of your drive.
Place to Eat: Oklahoma’s first food hall, Mother Road Market, honors the city’s ties to Route 66 with its retro vibes while offering 20 restaurants and retail stops plus Route 66–themed mini-golf.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Arkansas, this town of 50,000 is a study in contrasts as it manages to be both quaint and cosmopolitan, up-and-coming and a window into the past.
At its center sits a charming square flanked by the county courthouse and Walton’s 5&10, a general store opened in the 1950s by Sam Walton, the future founder of Walmart. Next door is The Walmart Museum and a soda fountain serving up pure Americana in the form of banana splits and 99-cent cones of butter pecan ice cream (Sam’s favorite).
A short drive away, you’ll find the legacy of Sam’s daughter, Alice, an art lover and philanthropist who, as a kid, dreamed of having a world-class museum in her own backyard. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art showcases national treasures, from the colonial to the contemporary, while also highlighting the artistry of the natural world. The museum sits on 120 acres of native Ozark forest, with more than 4 miles of trails introducing visitors to local flora and fauna as well as large-scale works, like a painted Robert Indiana “Love” sculpture (it will look familiar if you’re a McNay Art Museum regular) and vibrant glass installations by the renowned Dale Chihuly. Inside, don’t miss Norman Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter.”
Hungry for more? Across town, The Momentary puts the visual and performing arts on display amid an industrial backdrop (it’s housed in an old cheese factory) and also happens to be an ideal place for a creative culinary affair. The rooftop Tower Bar, loosely inspired by a 1960s airport lounge, offers some of the best views—and cocktails—around, while the Onyx Coffee Lab is an Instagrammer’s dream, complete with pops of millennial pink, terrazzo-tiled walls, avocado toast and oat-milk lattes.
The Momentary. Photo courtesy Visit Bentonville.
For dinner, there’s no shortage of options. The Hive, inside the 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, has made a name for itself with its “refined country cuisine.” Bar Cleeta packs a punch with memorable small plates, while The Preacher’s Son allows guests to dine on farm-to-table fare inside a restored Gothic Revival church. All three offer al fresco dining to boot.
Lest you think Bentonville is all art and good eating, hear this: It’s also a bona fide mountain biking (and cycling) paradise. With miles and miles of single-track and paved pathways, the hardest part is choosing where to start. A safe bet, however, is the twisty ups and downs of Slaughter Pen. The folks at Phat Tire Bike Shop are also happy to offer personalized recommendations.
If you still have time and energy after all that, consider a quick trip to the nearby Ozark National Forest and Buffalo National River. If not, well, you already have a good excuse to return.
Miles from SA: 630
Pit Stop: Get an early start and break for an indoor or outdoor homestyle meal at Marilyn’s Restaurant in McAlester, Oklahoma, three hours from Bentonville. The daily special won’t disappoint.
4 More Quick Texas Getaways
The great thing about calling San Antonio home is that there is an abundance of alluring getaway destinations nearby.
Lockhart
Yes, we love the barbecue in San Antonio. But barbecue is closer to religion in Lockhart, where a stop at Kreuz Market lives up to the hype and proves how delicious passion can be. While in town, check out the Caldwell County Museum and linger in the town center.
Stonewall
When former President Lyndon Johnson needed a break from Washington, he made his way to his Hill Country retreat in Stonewall. See why it was so enticing at LBJ National Historic Park. When you’re done, make time to visit some of the best wineries in Texas nearby, like Becker Vineyards and Pedernales Cellars.
Taylor
Home to one of the creators of Bugs Bunny and the state’s youngest governors, Taylor is using its rich history and an influx of new residents to create a small town with big city amenities. Stroll the historic downtown and visit the old Taylor High School, which has been converted into a mixed-use destination for live music and drinks at the Loose Screw Craft Beer House and Garden.
Padre Island
Nothing rejuvenates and refreshes like a cool ocean breeze. That alone is enough to justify the trek to Padre Island. Want another reason? Between mid-June and August, you can watch sea turtle hatchlings be released on Malaquite Beach at the Padre Island National Seashore visitor center in Corpus Christi.
+2 International Trips to Plan For
One way to fill that wanderlust for far-flung adventure? Start planning now for a 2022 (or ’23) trip to one of San Antonio’s sister cities.
Darmstadt, Germany
One of the most recent additions to our sister cities portfolio, Darmstadt is known as a tech center. It’s just a 30-minute train ride from Frankfurt, has a pedestrian-friendly city center with restaurants and coffee shops galore plus museums (Hessisches Landesmuseum), a castle and a lake for sailing.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
A sister city for more than 40 years, Las Palmas is known as the largest (read most cosmopolitan) city in the Canaries. It boasts a beach with views of deep blue water (Playa de las Canteras) plus access to some of the region’s top shopping and restaurants.
