The vast landscape of Texas includes canyons, valleys, beaches, and hills, along with four major metropolitan cities. Visit some amazing must-see destinations and attractions you can check off your Texas bucket list, just a few hours from San Antonio. Here are the top ten getaways in Texas:
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Alpine
380 miles west of San Antonio sits the small desert town, Alpine, situated between the Davis and Chisos mountains. Alpine is known for its cowboy charm and welcomes visitors year-round who are in search of an authentic Far West Texas getaway. Visit the Holland Hotel, a historic landmark built in 1912 offering a boutique-style stay that is filled with luxurious amenities within walking distance of downtown, where you can shop for all things cowboy. The Alpine’s night sky is one of the top attractions. Get a glimpse of the Milky Way like you’ve never seen it before at the McDonald Observatory, or take a short drive to Marfa to snap a photo at one of the most popular roadside attractions in Texas, Prada Marfa. https://visitalpinetx.visitwidget.com/
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Amarillo
Just over 500 miles north of San Antonio sits Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, where the southern plains meet the desert. This vibrant city offers an array of attractions and experiences, from exploring the famous attractions and stops on Route 66, visit Cadillac Ranch, explore the historic district or hike Palo Duro Canyon. If you are looking for a challenge, eat at The Big Texan Steak Ranch and take the 72 oz. steak challenge. Amarillo offers breathtaking scenery that can be enjoyed while riding a horse along the rim of the Palo Duro Canyon. Once you return to the city, plan to attend some of the many festivals and events happening year-round. https://www.visitamarillo.com/things-to-do/
Just over 500 miles north of San Antonio sits Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, where the southern plains meet the desert. This vibrant city offers an array of attractions and experiences, from exploring the famous attractions and stops on Route 66, visit Cadillac Ranch, explore the historic district or hike Palo Duro Canyon. If you are looking for a challenge, eat at The Big Texan Steak Ranch and take the 72 oz. steak challenge. Amarillo offers breathtaking scenery that can be enjoyed while riding a horse along the rim of the Palo Duro Canyon. Once you return to the city, plan to attend some of the many festivals and events happening year-round.
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Austin
80 miles northeast of San Antonio sits Austin, the state capital of Texas. This vibrant city is filled with music, art and a lively cultural scene. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, visitors and locals often run into musicians of all genres and walks of life who play music around the city, in coffee shops, bars, sporting events, grocery stores and concert venues. Discover everything Austin has to offer, from taking a guided tour of the Texas Capitol, spending a day outdoors biking or kayaking Lady Bird Lake, or dancing the night away on West 6th Starting in late March through early fall, head over to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset for a nightly show of thousands of bats flying out from beneath the bridge into the night sky. Bat watching is an experience of its own. People gather on top and around the bridge as well as in boats and kayaks on the lake to watch the nightly show that can last up to 45 minutes. If bat watching is not on your bucket list, there are plenty of outdoor and entertainment options in Austin and the surrounding area. Water recreation is also very popular and accessible as the Colorado River branches off into different lakes that flow through and around the city. Some of the most visited lakes are Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Travis. https://www.austintexas.org/
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Big Bend National Park
Located just over 400 miles west of San Antonio, Big Bend National Park offers a wide variety of outdoor
enthusiasts such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, river running and birding. With over 150 miles of desert and mountain trails, Big Bend National Park is every hiker’s paradise. The Chisos Mountains offer a vast number of trails that vary in difficulty and length. Sightseeing is also popular when visiting Big Bend National Park, as it gives visitors the opportunity to view and explore an abundance of different habitats and geology. Paved and improved roads lead visitors through scenic drives, where they can pull over and enjoy short hikes. Some interesting destinations within the 800,000 acres park include: Ross Maxwell scenic drive, Santa Elena, Chisos Mountains, Boquillas canyons, Rio Grande canyons, Mariscal, Colorado canyon, and the Lower canyons. For a complete guide, visit: https://visitbigbend.com/
enthusiasts such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, river running and birding. With over 150 miles of desert and mountain trails, Big Bend National Park is every hiker’s paradise. The Chisos Mountains offer a vast number of trails that vary in difficulty and length. Sightseeing is also popular when visiting Big Bend National Park, as it gives visitors the opportunity to view and explore an abundance of different habitats and geology. Paved and improved roads lead visitors through scenic drives, where they can pull over and enjoy short hikes. Some interesting destinations within the 800,000 acres park include: Ross Maxwell scenic drive, Santa Elena, Chisos Mountains, Boquillas canyons, Rio Grande canyons, Mariscal, Colorado canyon, and the Lower canyons. For a complete guide, visit:
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Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW)
Located 270 miles north of San Antonio, the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metropolitan area offers visitors and residents plenty to do and see. This major metroplex is home to world-class entertainment, a renowned art scene, and a vibrant cultural landscape. Experience genuine Western Heritage at the Stockyards National Historic District, one of Fort Worth’s most famous attractions. Visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum, where the life and legacy of the 35th President are documented. While in the DFW area, enjoy endless outdoor fun and recreation. The Trinity River Trail provides more than 100 miles of beautiful trails along the Trinity River. Get inspired in one of the top botanical gardens in the country at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Families love visiting the 7,000 animals at the Fort Worth Zoo. The list of fun and must-see events and places is long and diverse providing memorable experiences to fit everyone’s taste and vibe. https://www.fortworth.com/things-to-do/ https://www.visitdallas.com/
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Located 270 miles north of San Antonio, the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metropolitan area offers visitors and residents plenty to do and see. This major metroplex is home to world-class entertainment, a renowned art scene, and a vibrant cultural landscape. Experience genuine Western Heritage at the Stockyards National Historic District, one of Fort Worth’s most famous attractions. Visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum, where the life and legacy of the 35th President are documented. While in the DFW area, enjoy endless outdoor fun and recreation. The Trinity River Trail provides more than 100 miles of beautiful trails along the Trinity River. Get inspired in one of the top botanical gardens in the country at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Families love visiting the 7,000 animals at the Fort Worth Zoo. The list of fun and must-see events and places is long and diverse providing memorable experiences to fit everyone’s taste and vibe.
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Galveston
250 miles east of San Antonio sits Galveston Island. This charming Gulf Coast town offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and all the vitamin sea you can soak in. Visitors enjoy Moody Gardens, the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, historic museums and mansions and 32 miles of public beach areas that offer plenty of amenities and attractions. Enjoy year-round events and festivals as the town lights up its streets and venues with live music, parades, historic home tours, island festivities, good eats, and so much more! https://www.galveston.com/
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
460 miles northwest of San Antonio near the border of New Mexico lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a
picturesque location filled with deserts, dunes, canyons and mountains to explore. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,000+ ft. According to the time of year, weather and wind can vary drastically. This park is also home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the Captain Reef. Rock exposures are Permian in age dating back 299 million years ago. The diverse wildlife and ecosystems provide habitats for many species of mammals, birds and reptiles. For an adventure, visit this region for a few hours or a few days. https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/index.htm
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Houston/ Greater Houston
Whether you are traveling for work or leisure, the Greater Houston area offers endless possibilities for a fun-filled trip. Just under 200 miles east, Houston is home to Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center offering an immersive learning center for space exploration. This great metropolitan city offers everything from fine dining and shopping to vibrant nightlife, outdoor recreation, and unique events. Houston has many parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for those staying within the city. The 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park is a public green space that runs west of downtown. This incredible park includes walking and biking trails, kayaking, public art, dog parks, and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Another park to visit while in Houston is Hermann Park featuring beautiful gardens, reflection pools, and a towering obelisk. But wait! Don’t leave without stopping at the McGovern Centennial Gardens, a 15-acre park and garden with breathtaking city views, colorful gardens, and a granite waterfall that cascades down a large walking path. Aside from the parks and gardens, Greater Houston plenty of opportunities to shop till you drop, pedal a swan boat along the Woodlands Waterway, or visit an exhibit at the Glade Gallery at The Woodlands. Enjoy a ball game at Minute Maid Park or Constellation Field in Sugar Land, and amaze yourself with great international food options all throughout the Greater Houston area. https://www.visithoustontexas.com/
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Port Isabel
290 miles south of San Antonio, Port Isabel sits the charming coastal town connected to the southernmost part of South Padre Island by the Queen Isabella Causeway. This laid-back fishing town was built around the iconic Port Isabel Lighthouse which offers visitors some of the best views on Texas’ southern gulf coast. From the top, enjoy a 16-mile view that includes South Padre Island, Laguna Madre Bay, Brownsville Ship Channel, the Gulf of Mexico, and more. Hop on board an excursion boat and experience bay fishing, dolphin watching, and scenic sunset cruises. Set your beach towel and umbrella up and spend a day at the beach, followed by waterfront dining and shopping. https://www.tourtexas.com/destinations/Port-Isabel-Attractions
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Waco
181 miles northeast of San Antonio between Austin and Dallas sits Waco, which is home to Dr. Pepper, the
Suspension bridge, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia empire and so much more! This destination spot is packed with a wide variety of entertainment opportunities. Explore the Magnolia trail and enjoy the unique shopping, including Magnolia Network’s Fixer Upper featured farmhouse style designs found at Harp Design Co., Magnolia Table, and just about anywhere within the Magnolia Market at the Silos. Art, history, and culture have a big presence in Waco. Stroll historic downtown, watch a play at one of the many theatres or discover the ancient history behind the Columbian mammoth bone excavation site at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. If you are looking for water recreation in Waco, head over to the Bosque or Brazos River for some paddling and enjoy the views of nature and downtown Waco! https://wacoheartoftexas.com/
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picturesque location filled with deserts, dunes, canyons and mountains to explore. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,000+ ft. According to the time of year, weather and wind can vary drastically. This park is also home to the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef, the Captain Reef. Rock exposures are Permian in age dating back 299 million years ago. The diverse wildlife and ecosystems provide habitats for many species of mammals, birds and reptiles. For an adventure, visit this region for a few hours or a few days. 
290 miles south of San Antonio, Port Isabel sits the charming coastal town connected to the southernmost part of South Padre Island by the Queen Isabella Causeway. This laid-back fishing town was built around the iconic Port Isabel Lighthouse which offers visitors some of the best views on Texas’ southern gulf coast. From the top, enjoy a 16-mile view that includes South Padre Island, Laguna Madre Bay, Brownsville Ship Channel, the Gulf of Mexico, and more. Hop on board an excursion boat and experience bay fishing, dolphin watching, and scenic sunset cruises. Set your beach towel and umbrella up and spend a day at the beach, followed by waterfront dining and shopping. 
Suspension bridge, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Chip & Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia empire and so much more! This destination spot is packed with a wide variety of entertainment opportunities. Explore the Magnolia trail and enjoy the unique shopping, including Magnolia Network’s Fixer Upper featured farmhouse style designs found at Harp Design Co., Magnolia Table, and just about anywhere within the Magnolia Market at the Silos. Art, history, and culture have a big presence in Waco. Stroll historic downtown, watch a play at one of the many theatres or discover the ancient history behind the Columbian mammoth bone excavation site at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. If you are looking for water recreation in Waco, head over to the Bosque or Brazos River for some paddling and enjoy the views of nature and downtown Waco!