The area around San Antonio, Texas, is known for its historic building, but there are plenty of outdoor activities available. Although its Riverwalk is a popular option, there are other spots you can visit to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning scenery. Whether you’re with your family, friends, or traveling alone, make sure you stop to visit these outdoor areas when you’re near San Antonio.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Located in nearby Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers plenty of outdoor fun. You can climb the ancient pink granite dome to experience expansive views of the Texas Hill Country as the dome rises 425 feet above the ground. There are more than 11 miles of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for rock climbing. All trails close 30 minutes after the sun sets, except for the Loop Trail, which is open until 10 p.m.
The area is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., but the hours are longer during its busy season. Keep in mind that the park closes for certain public hunting dates, and these occur several times during the fall and winter months. Check the park’s website for specific dates for these hunts.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Family-owned and operated, the Natural Bridge Caverns is a premier natural attraction where visitors can experience nature through miles of caverns. Discovered by four college students in 1960, the caverns have become one of the state’s most popular attractions. Take a guided tour through stunning caverns, and these tours depart every 10 to 40 minutes. You can also work your way through the only permanent outdoor mazes in Texas, pan for treasure, and test your strength on the ropes course.
Regardless of the temperature outside, the caverns remain at a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 99%. The humidity makes the temperature feel like it’s 80 degrees inside the caverns. For the Twisted Trails, you cannot wear flip-flops, open toed-shoes, or skirts without shorts underneath.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Park
One of the state’s most recognized family attractions, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park, sits on 450 acres in San Antonio and has more than 500 animals including 40 exotic and endangered ones. From the comfort of your vehicle, drive through the park to observe all of these animals. To drive through the park, it takes about an hour and a half, and you are encouraged to take more than one trek to experience all the park has to offer.
You can also get out of your vehicle at the Walk-A-Bout, which allows you to get up-close to giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, peacocks and peahens, gibbons, and kangaroos. There’s also an interactive area at the Petting Barnyard where you can feed African pygmy goats.
Take advantage of these several outdoor activities the next time you’re in San Antonio. When the weather cooperates, enjoy expansive views after hiking and get up close to adorable animals. Even if the weather is rainy, you can explore underground caverns and view endangered animals from the comforts of your car. Don’t wait another minute to experience all San Antonio has to offer.
