Things To Do
Comal Park
Comal Park has picnic sites, two boat ramps, a pea gravel and sand swim beach, a playground, and restrooms throughout the park. The park has a variety of recreational activities including a sand volleyball court, soccer goals, disc golf, and a 1.2 mile walking trail. This is a great park in Canyon Lake, if you're planning to stay near the venue. They have picnic sites, community grills, and offer kayak and sup rentals if you want to explore the lake (dependent on water levels and drought conditions)! Make sure to check conditions ahead of time to review water levels. Water shoes are recommended for any water or lake activities.
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs walked the lands that are now known as Canyon Lake today, leaving behind footprints that have stood the test of time. In a not-so-distant past, horse-drawn buggies transported people and materials in an era when the Hill Country was part of Texas’ frontier. Much of the region’s history is preserved in The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country, a fun-for-all-ages museum with plenty to see! Get an up-close look at more than 200 dinosaur tracks and 28 trackways made about 110 million years ago, then check out a collection of fossils from an era when the region was part of a shallow sea. Daily admission fees and hours of operation can be found on their website.
Natural Bridge Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest commercial caverns in the state of Texas and are amongst the best attractions in this area! The name is derived from the 60-foot natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheater setting of the cavern's entrance. The span was left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed below it. While you could easily spend an entire day here enjoying all the attractions the park has to offer, we highly recommend checking out the cavern tours! With breathtaking views around every corner, you’ll discover massive, otherworldly formations. Each formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Gather your whole family or friends, and make sure to check out the Discovery or Hidden Wonders tours specifically! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction, like sneakers. You'll be glad you did!
Whitewater Amphitheater
Whitewater Amphitheater has grown into a nationally iconic live music venue, nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, below the canyon bluffs, and right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. This outdoor music venue brings in some great artists that you can enjoy under the TX stars! Check out their calendar for upcoming events and ticket prices!
Wimberley Zipline Adventures
If you're feeling adventurous and looking for an experience, check this out! These 10 separate zip lines create a thrilling route that takes you on a mesmerizing journey over canyons and creeks, providing panoramic views of the Wimberley Valley stretching up to 15 miles. As you zoom down the cable at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour, you'll feel the rush of adrenaline and the exhilaration of flying through the air. Wimberley Zipline Adventures has an unforgettable ziplining experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Reserve your spot online, and let the high-flying fun begin!
Social On The Square
Social on the Square is a beautifully designed wine bar, offering a great selection of wines, draft beers, champagne, and sangria in Wimberley, TX! They have indoor and outdoor seating, as well as seasonal live music out on the patio (check out their Instagram for details and schedules)! Spend the day roaming this charming Texas hill country town. You can explore the local shops, antique stores, and vintage stores around the square! Be sure to review store hours ahead of time, as some of the shops close early. Once you've built up an appetite, head on over to Wimberley Cafe or The Leaning Pear for a delicious meal!
Roughhouse Brewing
Roughhouse Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery making American farmhouse ales, traditional lagers, and spontaneous cave-aged beers in the Texas Hill Country! They are kid and pet-friendly! They also have non-alcoholic beverages available and gluten free options. If you love visiting breweries, check this one out! After you've tried a few beers, head up the road to Wimberley and grab lunch or dinner at The Leaning Pear or Kelly's Hill Country BBQ! Their food is delicious!
Phil Hardberger Park
Phil Hardberger Park is incredible! With two dog parks, multiple playgrounds, hiking trails, and activities for kids, this park is one you want to visit if you like to get outside! We've taken Tobi here to walk the trails and check out the reputable Skywalk, which was really cool to experience. We definitely recommend this park for anyone traveling with kids and/or pets! The 1,000-foot-long Skywalk is the first walkway of its kind in San Antonio. At six-feet wide, the walkway features a shady seating area for relaxation and wildlife viewing. The Skywalk features weathered steel finishing to match the features of the Land Bridge and other elements in the park. Visitors may access the Skywalk from the Northwest Military park entrance (8400 NW Military Highway) via the Savanna Loop trail to the Land Bridge trail or from the Blanco Road entrance (13203 Blanco Road) via the Water Loop trail.
Japanese Tea Garden
This is a small, scenic park built in 1901, located in the heart of San Antonio, TX. It has stone bridges, a beautiful waterfall, many koi ponds, a really cool pagoda, & the Jingu House Cafe. The park is free, open daily, and offers free parking. There are multiple walkways to enjoy and snap a great photo or three along the way. The park can get crowded with visitors throughout the day. Grab a coffee (park opens at 7 AM) and enjoy a morning stroll here to beat the crowds!
San Antonio Museum of Art
We've visited SAMA a few times together and always enjoyed the exhibits and artwork they have here! We love visiting museums of all kinds together and this one does not disappoint. The museum spans 5,000 years of global culture and is housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery, on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk. We definitely recommend visiting if you love art museums!
Hopscotch San Antonio
We've had a few date nights here but this place is very family/kid friendly and enjoyable for all ages. We love all the cool exhibits and the ball pit! Cody has some hilarious photos of me playing in the pit with static hair all over. LOL. Hopscotch is a playful, creative art experience, featuring immersive & interactive installations! Tickets/reservations must be made ahead of visiting and can be purchased on their website. Tickets are required for your full party to enter the exhibit. We definitely recommend you check this place out if you're staying in San Antonio. It's so much fun!
The Pearl
The Pearl is a fantastic place to visit if you're staying in San Antonio. We love it here! It's kid and pet friendly! The Pearl is a historical district and culture hub in the center of San Antonio. The property was a brewery from the early 1880s until 1999, when Pearl beer moved its operations. The old Pearl brewhouse is the current home of Hotel Emma. It’s the tallest building on the site and its distinct roofline is visible from the highway. Hotel Emma is open to the public and has a really nice gift shop and cocktail bar. Go have a look around inside the hotel, and don't skip the outdoor patio! On Saturdays and Sundays, the Pearl has a fantastic farmers market you can enjoy! It's free to visit and open to the public! Grab breakfast or a delicious pastry at Bakery Lorraine. Stop in for a latté at Local Coffee. Catch a live jazz show at Jazz, TX (tickets must be purchased in advance). Grab lunch at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery or by the river at La Gloria!
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen
Elsewhere is a hidden gem on the San Antonio Riverwalk! The trees, plants and porch swings overlooking the river, create an oasis like no other in the city. You'll snap plenty of insta-worthy photos here. With games, drinks (including adult beverages), food, entertainment, and beautiful scenery, it is the perfect place to hangout with your family and friends. All ages welcome and pet-friendly! This is a great spot to visit any time of day for food, drinks, and outdoor games on the Riverwalk. Check out their events calendar to find out what's happening and when!
Roadmap Brewing Co.
Roadmap has become one of our favorite go-to spots in town! They have the best local beers on tap. The food truck outside, Last Place Burgers, serves incredible smash burgers and french fries. Drool-worthy. We visit this place often and recommend it to anyone visiting San Antonio. It's kid and pet friendly. They have board games inside, a projector screen usually showing the game, and there's a covered patio outside. You might spot their gorgeous mascot cat (aka head of security), Simcoe, lounging around or taking a stroll throughout the brewery.
Be Kind & Rewind
Be Kind & Rewind is located in downtown San Antonio. If you're looking for a night out and you want to dance, this is the spot! It's a bar and dance club where the 80’s, 90’s & Y2K vibes rule the night! We have danced the night away here and had an absolute blast (check out our gallery photos for proof)! They have arcade games, disco balls, and cool art murals all over! They are a safe space for ALL where everyone is welcome. Explore their unique, immersively themed hangout where you can drink, play, and dance the night away.
Jazz, TX
We went out for a date night here and it did not disappoint! Jazz, TX is live-music venue where you can catch jazz bands in action! They also offer a full dinner menu, craft cocktails, & draft beer. We highly recommend catching a show here if you're wanting to get out on the town for a good date night. Tickets are required to enter and must be purchased online in advance via their website. Make sure to check out their calendar for upcoming shows and ticket availability. Shows sell out quickly. This is a popular spot and well worth the visit!
Zilker Metropolitan Park
At 350 acres, this park is vast! Play disc golf at the full 18-hole course, or play volleyball at one of five courts. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board from Zilker Boat Rentals to take out on Lady Bird Lake. Or walk along the water’s edge on the wooded Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Take the kids to the playscape to climb and slide. Walk through Zilker Botanical Garden and absorb the beauty of native plants and flowers. Finally, take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool. It’s a crisp 68° to 70° all year. There is so much to do in this general area of Austin! Check out the website to learn about how you can enjoy Zilker Park.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
The UMLAUF is located on Barton Springs and Azie Morton Roads, across the street from Barton Springs Pool and catty corner to Zilker Metropolitan Park. Parking in the UMLAUF parking lot is limited, but overflow parking can be found across Azie Morton at Wright Field. You can rent a bicycle or scooter, take a pedi cab, or call a Rideshare if you don't want to drive. Bike racks can be found on the premises.
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
Zilker Park Boat Rentals can be found on the banks of Barton Creek, just downstream from Barton Springs swimming pool. They have over 100 canoes and kayaks that you can take out to enjoy on Lady Bird Lake!
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
We loved going to the boardwalk with Tobi and enjoying the scenery of both the lake and the city skyline when Cody lived in Austin. This is a boardwalk trail that expands along & across the lake that goes through downtown Austin, offering views of the shoreline, city, & even turtles! This a great free, outdoor activity that is easy to access and perfect for families, kids, pets, or anyone who loves taking a walk outside in a new city. We recommend parking off S. Lakeshore Blvd. past the condos and then walking over to the trail.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Operating since 1948, this family-owned pair of mini-golf courses features whales, castles, giant shoes, and more! We love this place! Peter Pan is an Austin staple that offers a fun and unique experience for people of all ages. You must check it out! Their parking lot is very small and fills up fast. Try to visit earlier in the day if you can, to beat the crowd. You can also try to find metered parking across the street down Lee Barton Dr.
Mohawk Austin
Mohawk is amongst the best music venues in Austin to check out live music. We have been to several concerts together here and had a blast each time! Check out their calendar for upcoming shows and make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time. More popular bands tend to sell out shows here!
Elephant Room
An underground jazz bar with nightly live music, plus more than 20 draft beers & wines by the glass! This place is a gem and we definitely recommend checking out some jazz music for a fun night out.
The White Horse
If you're lookin' for a great spot in Austin to catch some country music, play a few rounds of pool, and do some two-steppin' on the dance floor, this is it! Live country music is served up in this hip, upbeat, sprawling honky-tonk with a taco truck outside. Check out their website and event calendar for details about upcoming shows and opportunities to take donation based Texas Two-Step dance lessons!