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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from La Paz to Austin?
The direct drive from La Paz to Austin is 1,285 mi (2,068 km), and should have a drive time of 1 day 2 hrs in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from La Paz to Austin, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Mazatlan, Monterrey, New Braunfels, Johnson City, and San Marcos, as well as top places to visit like Frontier Times Museum and The Museum of Western Art, or the ever-popular Lost Maples State Natural Area.
The top cities between La Paz and Austin are San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Mazatlan, Monterrey, New Braunfels, Johnson City, and San Marcos. San Antonio is the most popular city on the route. It's 26 hours from La Paz and 1 hour from Austin.
Mazatlan, a picturesque coastal town in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, is often referred to as the "Pacific Pearl" due to its stunning coastline and rich history dating back to the 16th century. The city features over 10 miles of sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy year-round sunshine and gentle ocean waves.
13% as popular as San Antonio
27 minutes off the main route, 45% of way to Austin
Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico, is a bustling urban center surrounded by picturesque mountains. The city boasts historical landmarks like the Palacio del Obispado and the Macroplaza, which houses notable attractions such as the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and the iconic Faro de Comercio tower. Monterrey's rich industrial history is intertwined with tales of visionary entrepreneurs who have shaped its identity.
13% as popular as San Antonio
25 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to Austin
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Fredericksburg, located in central Texas, is renowned for its wineries and rich German heritage. The Pioneer Museum showcases settlers' homesteads and artifacts, while the nearby Marktplatz features a replica of a 19th-century German church. The National Museum of the Pacific War offers extensive WWII exhibits. Additionally, visitors can enjoy live music at The Rockbox Theater, housed in a refurbished furniture warehouse.
San Antonio, located in south-central Texas, is a city steeped in colonial history. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission turned museum, commemorates the famous 1836 battle for Texan independence. The River Walk, a scenic pedestrian promenade along the San Antonio River, is a major attraction with its charming cafes and shops. HemisFair Park's Tower of the Americas offers stunning views of the city.
Most popular city on this route
16 minutes off the main route, 95% of way to Austin
5
Johnson City
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Johnson City is a city and the county seat of Blanco County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,627 at the 2020 census. Founded in 1879 by James P. Johnson, it was named for early settler Sam E. Johnson, Sr. Johnson City is part of the Texas-German belt region. Wikipedia.
2% as popular as San Antonio
46 minutes off the main route, 96% of way to Austin
I'll never travel to Austin without this trip planner again
New Braunfels is a Texan city situated near San Antonio. The region is renowned for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which flow by scenic parks such as Landa and Cypress Bend. The Gruene Historic District safeguards original German structures from the 19th century, including the iconic Gruene Hall. Additionally, Natural Bridge Caverns lie to its west, offering subterranean limestone caves with walkways for exploring.
6% as popular as San Antonio
18 minutes off the main route, 97% of way to Austin
7
San Marcos
San Marcos is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas, United States. The city is a part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area. San Marcos's limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe counties, as well. San Marcos is on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. Wikipedia.
2% as popular as San Antonio
18 minutes off the main route, 98% of way to Austin
Best stops along La Paz to Austin drive
The top stops along the way from La Paz to Austin (with short detours) are Natural Bridge Caverns, Mission San Jose Catholic Church, and National Museum of the Pacific War. Other popular stops include Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and Tower of the Americas.
1
Lost Maples State Natural Area
State park
Nature & Parks
Birds & wildlife, plus limestone canyons, plateaus & fall foliage along a river valley.
WOW!! This place is stunning. We only saw a tiny piece of it. We took the Lost Maples Trail. It was so beautiful. It also has a few little places where you can veer off to get a closer look at the Sabinal River. We all thoroughly enjoyed our hike on this trail. We had an 8 year old with us and he did fine. Seeing all of the trees and mammoth boulders was fun. We will be back again during the fall when we have longer to stay. Do not miss this place.
jana hughey — Google review
Spectacular views, well marked trails and nice primitive camping areas. The trees were just starting to show some deep red colors (11/8/22). The rivers are easy to cross and the steep terrain is very steep but it doesn't last long in any part. It is very rocky so take your time and I recommend hiking poles or hiking stick. Bring any water filter to fill up along the rivers, springs and ponds. The east-west trail in my opinion is the best and most picturesque area of the park regarding the maples. I recommend this park to anyone!
Garrett Gardiner — Google review
Well we went to this beautiful natural place all the way from Houston, the four and half hour drive was fun, musical and satisfying!
Lost Maples State Natural Area, beautiful place for hiking, picnic and camping as well. As we were hiking, I enjoyed the swishing sound of maple tree leaves, the monkey rock and the grotto. And on the other side we went to the ponds!
The interesting thing of that hike was I saw a walnut tree, collected some walnut fallen off the tree and had some!! Will definitely come back for hike to the top and fall colors next year!!
Bishwa, The world! — Google review
A must see park for anyone that enjoys hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature. Make it a backpacking trip and choose one of the primitive campsites near the top and you won't be disappointed! Plenty of areas to stop and enjoy. The older kids loved exploring, especially Monkey Rock. Warning the steep areas also have a lot of loose rocks so good shoes and hiking poles are suggested.
Amy Losh — Google review
Maybe I’ll update this once I am able to visit in the autumn, but for how much this state park was hyped up to me, I wasn’t impressed. I prefer Garner and Hill Country! Back story, I’ve been trying to visit this park for SO LONG. During the height of the pandemic, this park was almost impossible to visit. I once drove all the way out here just to be told that I booked the day passes incorrectly and wasn’t able to stay. When I finally was able to enter a couple weeks ago, I was underwhelmed. The trails were quite crowded, but they were easy to follow and challenging at parts, so it felt like real deal hiking. There wasn’t as much to the park as I originally thought, but I still enjoyed myself. I’m told to return in autumn to see the leaves change, and then I’ll understand the greatness of this park
Morghan Townsend — Google review
What a beautiful place... but before going into that you have to know what you are getting into.
Trails are long and have elevation gains that happen quickly.
There are some strenuous spots.
Bring water, bring snacks.
That said... I camped at the Primitive Area B and it was beautiful. From car to camp was 1.52 miles and the views along the way were nice. You can stop and Day Use Area C and enjoy the river and bluff. Once you move on from there it's .55 miles up and to the sites, which are first come first serve.
Amazing views up top and it's mostly flat which is a nice break after the climb.
About 6 or 7 great trails to explore... so I'll be back!
eddie gramma — Google review
Well managed, easy to follow trails. Be warned there are several trails that are medium difficulty (at the very least). The views were amazing but the hike to the top and back down was torturous, especially in the heat. That particular trail wouldn't be good for children or people with health issues. However there are several trails that are super easy for all. There's a little natural pool swimming area but there are non venomous snakes that share the swimming hole. I was told the snakes keep their distance from swimmers but I didn't care- I don't do snakes.
There are several primitive camping spaces along the trails but you gotta hike in and out with all your camping equipment and accessories- no vehicle accessibly.
The staff was super friendly. Upon checking in, the conversation focused on safety, asked if I had plenty of water, informed me of a refilling station and warned me of the high temperatures (but it's Texas and that's what we do).
All the scenery was beyond beautiful!!
Dusty M. Coleman — Google review
I always love hiking here. ❤️ We stopped in the ranger station before our Tuesday morning hike. Bought a few stuffed animals for my God kids. The trails were fairly deserted (Tuesday morning & it was misting), which was awesome. The mist made the climb up the east trail "special," but we made it! Fyi, that beast is steep & long. I've hiked this with all ages & abilities. You can do it, you just may have to take lots of breaks. My friend hadn't been here in a long time, so it was almost a new hike for her. The grotto is always cool & she hadn't seen monkey rock before. It's important that you walk to the front of it to get the full effect. She didn't at first, but when she did, she was surprised by how much it actually looks like a monkey. We found a small waterfall that I'd never seen/heard before, so that was fun. If the water is low, be careful crossing the rivers using the rocks, some aren't stable. If the water is high, you're probably getting wet. Just take off your shoes & dry off on the other side. 😁
Missy Fraser — Google review
I came here a day after the area had been receiving a lot of run. I wanted to hike to Monkey Rock and the grotto. It was no problem. The place drains well. I hiked to the grotto and then came back to parking. It was about 4 miles I think. You can ride a bike to the monkey rock and then hike to the grotto to save time but then you may not see a porcupine sunbathing in a tree.
Josef Junefield — Google review
Lost Maples has lots of beautiful trails to be explored. Some that are easy and some that are long. Make sure to get a map at the visitor center. It also has a great picnic area to enjoy lunch with lots of room for kids. Lots of birds and butterflies to see.
Geoff Gilman — Google review
One of my favorite parks in Texas to visit. My kiddo and I camped and hiked here. She kept up with me for over 5 miles of hiking. The trick, lots of breaks. Campgrounds were so nice with your very own picnic table. The restrooms were very clean, the nicest I've seen out of the parks I've been too. The showers were amazing as well. Definitely recommend this park for anyone looking for a place to camp and hike.
Tino Escareno — Google review
I love coming here at least once a year to go for a hike. It’s an incredibly peaceful park to go to, and it’s beautifully taken care of. I had a blast finally getting to see the leaves change color after all this time. Even though it started raining while I was there, I have to say, it made the experience that much more special. I was able to meditate and relax out there before I had to go back to work. I absolutely recommend visiting this park if you’re in the are. You won’t regret it!
Doumas — Google review
Great hike. We did the East trail and saw monkey rock and the grotto. We decided to go to the scenic overlook and turn around and come back down. It was steep and rough going. The overlook wasn’t breathtaking but was pretty. This is marked a challenging trail and it was definitely that. We saw people doing it in regular tennis shoes but I would highly recommend water resistant hiking shoes/boots. We love ours and pack them on every trip. There is gravel and you will slip. We were there when there hadn’t been a lot of rain and even then we had to walk through water.
Crystal Herzog — Google review
Beautiful Texas State Park with great hiking trails and river pools for swimming/wading. Two long hiking trails here (East and West), that have strenuous inclines and steep grades but can be finished in about 3 hours-even for sure-footed amateurs. Only downsides were that the trails' signage and shower facilities could use upgrades. Only 30 campsites, so facilities aren't too crowded. Great place to see the stars!
Becky McKee — Google review
Having lived in TX for almost 6 years I had never experienced falls colors as beautiful as this in any other part of the country. This was a last minute visit but it ended up being the best part of our trip. Make sure to have maps on you or download offline maps because we had zero service here.
We were driving back to Dallas so the ranger helped us download maps on their computer. They have a dedicated website to track the progress of the colors of the trees and you can plan your visit accordingly. I’d suggest to book your tickets in advance. You can drive around in the park. We only had a few hours so we did the most famous trail and were so happy that we did fit it in our tight schedule.
Saurabh Vinchu — Google review
I really enjoyed hiking here in this area. I hiked the East loop and all the overlooks on that side. It was pretty amazing. The park does have a day use area and some hike in campsites but little else beyond the trails. The main trail loops are fairly long moderate hikes there’s a steep part where you hike up to the top of the hills and then it flattens out at the top. I hope to come back and hike the west side eventually, was a spectacular hike on the east side would recommend.
charles compton — Google review
Wonderful park!
The rainy weather didn't dampen the mood!
Be sure to make a reservation! We did it in 1 day in the morning.
Beautiful nature. Red-yellow leaves. We followed the Maples trail and reached Monkey rock.
The journey back there took about 2 hours at a leisurely pace. I highly recommend visiting the park!
Olga Gretskaya — Google review
My favorite State Park so far! It's a stunning place, especially in the fall. I went at sunrise and the evaporating water looked like a river of spirits, couldn't quite capture the feeling with my phone camera.
The panoramic view requires a brief, steep hike, but you can visit the fun landmarks on the east loop (the cove and monkey rock) without any elevation gain if you start from the east side.
If you are an experienced hiker I would budget at least 4h-5h to do both the East and the West Loop and take plenty of pictures.
I unfortunately did not have time to do the west loop so I'll be back for that.
Luis Sosa — Google review
I hiked Lost Maples for the first time back in the spring and put it on my must-do list for the fall, hoping to experience the legendary colors of the foliage. Despite the severe drought dampening the colors a bit, my hike in mid-November did not disappoint. This is a beautiful park any time of year, and the colors just amplify that. Trails are well-maintained and marked, although a few have fairly significantly steep grades and loose, rocky footing, so be prepared and allow plenty of time. The park offers tent and rv camping in the main areas near the entrance and several great primitive areas accessible only on foot. Plan ahead if you wish to see the fall colors. Reservations can be made a month in advance, and you won’t get in without a reservation most days October through November.
Randy Rodgers — Google review
Beautiful spot in the Hill Country! We camped here and it was so peaceful! THE STARS!!! They were gorgeous (totally worth staying up to see). Also all the camping sites are hike in so make sure you are prepped for that. I would love to come back here one day and watch a meteor shower.
Sammie robinson — Google review
Spent the day at Lost Maples State park. My wife and I and my daughter plus 4 dogs all hiked the East trail. The trail is 4.6 miles. The entrance fee is $6 per person which is very reasonable. They have a day use area with picnic tables. There is also a camp ground. 2 primitive campgrounds. Fishing pond. So much to see and do. So on the way home the fur babies got a treat to DQ. I’m sure I heard them all humming DQ that’s what I like about Texas. Beautiful place.
The Frontier Times Museum in Bandera, Texas is a rustic local museum that showcases the rich heritage and cowboy culture of the region. Families with kids will find plenty to enjoy at the Bandera Natural History Museum, which features life-size replica dinosaurs, Ice Age animals along walking trails, bone-digging play stations, animal mounts, a pollinator garden, Latin American ceremonial masks, and a 20,000-year-old mammoth femur bone.
Small and cozy, desk lady is sweet... Don't want to say what's there cause some things I liked I was surprised and don't want to take it away from me visitors . I will say... I'm glad I didn't need my hair done back in the day lol
Lance Stewart — Google review
Fascinating!..So many artifacts and info...Comfortable and Easy to browse,Staff so helpful.If ever in town,We would stop in,to say hi.Mgr.Avelinda,was so helpful and friendly.Also,the staff gentleman,was so knowledgeable.
Roseanne Messenger — Google review
I was in the hill country for 3 days of training and i am glad i stopped in here. If you love history and antiques this is the place for you. I have to brag on the 2 lovely ladies working behind the counter, they were so nice and welcoming.
David Cody — Google review
They have a random collection of things that is somehow tied to the residents of the town. It is rather interesting but a lot of the tags that are supposed to give you info are so faded it’s hard to read. Overall I would recommend if you have an hour to kill.
Lali Palacios — Google review
When in Bandera you must check this place out. 👍 👌 BTW I already have a patent pending for an invisible barbwire fence 😆.
Shea McClung — Google review
Nice museum.
Great for kids - activities!
Ken P. — Google review
Was really impressed with this museum. They have a wide variety of items and the staff was very friendly.
Philip Toomey — Google review
Great customer service and a great museum. This museum is full of history. Five Stars
Texas Topography — Google review
Nice place to visit if you head to Bandera. Three museum is not big, in self guided tour, slow pace, you need about 1 hours for everything.
AllA SCELA — Google review
The reception/ticket lady was warm, friendly and kind.
We spent about an hour looking closely at the interesting collection they have. Worth the visit if you're in town!
Iya — Google review
Saw the museum featured on the DayTripper program and had to see it. It is very interesting. The collection includes items that are a part of the local history and some things from around the world. Well worth a visit if your in the area.
Richard Pressley — Google review
This is a really interesting little museum. There are so many cool objects, artifacts from around the world and different time periods. They have weird oddities, intricate pieces, historical pieces, archeological pieces, you will definitely find something that intrigues you here. Also, shout out to the lady who works there she was super sweet and informative!
Jp T — Google review
Awesome spot for some great history and local art. If ever in town I highly recommend a visit here
Carlos Maciel Jr — Google review
We couldn't find a rhyme or reason for the displays. The entry was $8 a person. We didn't find that we received any value, honestly. There was no explanation for any of the collections. We anticipated seeing more cowboy and cattle drive history given that we were in Bandera.
I'm sad to say that we wouldn't suggest anyone taking the time. There's just nothing there.
Canda Mueller — Google review
A wonderfully quirky museum. We went in expecting a collection about frontier times and the history of Bandera, which it has, but there are a lot of odd items that don't really relate but are interesting on their own. As the woman at the front said, J. Marvin Hunter, the founder, had "a hard time saying no" to things people wanted to donate to him. There's a collection of 400 bells from around the world, for example, that have nothing much to do with the Texas frontier or Bandera, but they're really cool. Though it's not a large museum (four good-sized rooms), it's a bit overwhelming, with so many fascinating things to look at. Took me a while to adjust to everything, but I came away feeling like I'd seen a whole heck of a lot of amazing stuff. They have an excellent collection of books on Texas frontier and Bandera history. And copies of Hunter's Frontier Times magazine for purchase. Deserves multiple visits. And I plan on returning!
William Glenn — Google review
Really nice little museum. We spent about an hour looking at everything.
Exhibitions & a permanent collection focus on the history & culture of settlers & Native Americans.
Visited during Spring Break as a group of 6, including 2 boys aged 4-6. Easy to find and free car parking near the entrance. Finding the parking area wasn’t clear, but we got there. The front entrance has a cool walls of cow bells that you could hit to make sound. We ain’t have to wait to get in - the place was quiet and we basically had the run of it. The staff were all friendly and after we paid to enter we were given a 1-3 minute welcome presentation and then could go diff to explore. There were a few big rooms full of paintings, sculptures, display saddles, some cases with pistols and Derringers under glass. There was even a room in the back aimed towards kids - it had a full-sized wagon, a large tent, and dress-up outfits. Our boys dressed up like cowboys and spent the whole time looking in the crates at the plastic food and equipment that the old-timers used to lug around on their frontier journeys. The boys were satisfied. There’s a great variety of art and they all evoked the spirit of the West. One thing I’d have liked to see was labels that said the date and description of the art pieces, beyond the artist name and piece title which was provided. We stayed about an hour which was enough to see all the rooms. Browser the gift shop which had books, art prints, leather and jewellery items. I’d recommend visiting this museum, even in you have young kids.
Kristian Demsky — Google review
When it comes to Harvest Hosts this one's right up there. We had fun watching the poorly educated who pull in late and leave early (Cracker Bearelesk) missing a cultural upgade waiting inside. Class a's you might want to arrive toward the end of the day for more spot options. If your rig gets a window broken by a golf ball, that's what players call "a hole in one" Oh the trials of bus life.
Don Hennick — Google review
Do NOT USE Google maps or Waze to find this place. ALL of the electronic apps direct you to the wrong place. The Museum was very enjoyable starting with the architecture and continuing with the exhibits. Many Western themed items (bronze statutes, saddles beautiful paintings antique desks, etc.). Volunteers were readily available to answer questions and often provided interesting facts about the exhibits. We’ll worth the time to visit. We will be returning.
Julie Hartwig — Google review
This is a fantastic museum highlighting western art. The docent was really informative with details about the building itself being a work of art. Focus on the interior domes and end-cut wood tile flooring, as well as the exterior grounds. There are many bronze statues depicting western themes as well as many paintings from different artists in a variety of styles. This is a must visit location if you find yourself in Kerrville, Texas before 4pm on a weekday or Saturday. Unfortunately the museum is closed on Sunday. If you live in Kerrville and you have not yet been to this museum… put it on your list immediately.
Chris Saunders — Google review
Took about an hour to walk through and one of the couriers walked the museum with us, giving us tid bits of information along the way! He was very kind and knowledgeable. The art work was gorgeous and memorable.
Tashina Jordan — Google review
The Museum of Western Art is a fantastic place to visit when in the Hill Country!! This weekend we hosted my mom's celebration of life event at the museum. It was an amazing venue and everyone who attended was in awe of the beautiful artwork!! Thank you to Darrell and his crew over there at the museum for EVERYTHING you did to make the event so wonderful for our friends and family! If you are hosting an event in Kerrville we highly recommend this wonderful venue!!
Kimberly Pendergraft — Google review
“Attention all art lovers and western art enthusiasts! Kerrville Texas is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in the best of both worlds.
Come explore our vibrant art scene, featuring galleries full of incredible works from local and international artists alike. And don’t miss our western art exhibits, where you’ll learn the history and admire the beauty of the American West.
We invite you to join us in Kerrville Texas and experience it all for yourself. Follow us for more information on our upcoming events and exhibitions.”
John Gilbert — Google review
Really cool exposition of local art and historical art. The curators on site are very helpful and knowledgeable. Parking is easy and abundant and the site is easy to spot off the main road. There was a kids section that was interactive. Its worth the small admission fee.
Ethan F — Google review
They have many different exhibits. I enjoyed the one we saw today.
Nancy Contreras — Google review
A little small for a museum, but great non the less for the area. Free for Veterans.
Justin Villa — Google review
If you have an appreciation of western art, you will not be disappointed. Emotionally moving painting, and sculpture plus many historical items. It will make your day!
Jim Lyles — Google review
Nice experience, Mr Andy was a great guide. Thank you Andy!
Great place ! It's very calming and relaxing. Definitely coming back. I recommend coming early with your favorite coffee or favorite fruit drink and sit on a bench thats near a shady tree. Just enjoy nature, the view and the peacefulness.
Franny — Google review
What an amazing undertaking! Not only beautiful and awe inspiring but deeply prayerful, respectful of the faith and very moving. While the monumental cross is incredible, the prayer rocks moved me most. The thousands of prayers left here speak of the true faith of so many visitors!!! It makes my heart glad that not only are there Scriptures that line the entire walk in both directions in different languages (English is always one) but that inside the cross is a sinners prayer and the entire garden has prayer cards for intentions of the faithful. Bring a sharpie marker to write on the rocks that are provided and leave your prayer before God there too! It’s the real deal and truly an awesome site to see!!!
Lori DeVoe — Google review
Spent a few hours visiting this wonderful park, praying with a 20 year marine vet in the prayer area. My daughter has never visited so wanted to take her on a family day to Kerrville. The Holy spirit was everywhere!
Reading all the prayer requests just filled out hearts.
Please if in Kerrville visit the Hallow Cross.
Met a group from SALT...wonderful people from San Antonio TX
Cheryl Anna — Google review
Beautiful place! Went on Easter Sunday. It was the perfect day to visit. We took our fur baby and he also enjoyed the smooth trail back and forth. The sculptures are magnificent and unforgettable. My favorite was the Cross, read the prayers and felt at peace. Couldn't leave without leaving our prayer rocks through the path. Thank you Kerrville, TX for the great experience! We hope to visit soon and plan to get a memoriam plaque for my mother in law.
Violeta Cruz — Google review
This has been and still remains one of my favorites places to visit. The sense of peace and connection to God is so strong. The prayer request rocks that people leave and the memorial messages they make are beautiful, the lady out and fantastic sculptures there are just breath-taking. If you haven't already been here, you need to make plans to attend asap, it is well worth the trip.
Darling Romo-Lopez — Google review
This place was beautiful! A must see in kerrville. You can drive to the top. They have parking and an area for handicap parking too. They also do have 2 free wheelchairs to borrow if need. I thought that was really awesome for them to provide. They have white rocks they call Prayer rocks. You write your Prayer and place it with the others. Sign said they have markers to use but because of Covid they no longer have that. So bring your own or the gift shop as soon as you drive in has permanent markers for sale for $2 each. Great place to sit, Pray, think.
Krystal Merlo — Google review
Amazing hidden gem in Kerrville Texas. The place is super clean and sits on a high hilltop overlooking the city. You may walk through the prayer gardens and pray over the stones that other have written their prayer request on. The sculptures are world class. If fact the depiction of the second coming of Christ may be the best I have ever seen. This is a must stop for people of all religions and faith but especially Christian. Don't forget to stop in the shop down the hill for souvenirs and great merchandise. The park is free for all.
Texas Catfish — Google review
This was our third visit to the Open Cross, and the prayer garden. This is an awesome location in Kerrville Texas, that is open to the public, at no charge. Every time we have come they have made changes, additions, and improvements. Great place to look at the artwork, and reflect on it, and it’s meanings. Great place for prayer. The prayer garden itself and the statues, our great form of worship, and testimony to the community. A lot of thought prayer and work went into this display. I highly recommend a visit, and spend some time here.
Robert Sanders — Google review
This is a free prayer sculpture garden in Kerrville TX. There is regular parking and handicapped parking as well. The garden is accessible to anyone in a wheelchair or using a walker or crutches. This place is so peaceful and overlooks the city. There is scripture every few steps and beautiful depictions of Jesus! Highly recommend!
Leigh Aten — Google review
I went here on the 22nd of April. It was absolutely beautiful. Perfect weather for the perfect garden. If I had had a chance, I would have spent all day there.
It does not cost anything. They have porta potties and a gift shop.
Ona Gonyon — Google review
What a divine visit! You definitely feel there’s something very special about this place! I was able to reflect and talk to God with a different kind of peace. I encourage you to visit at least once!
Elias B. Olivo — Google review
It was amazing, very spiritual and informative. The sculptures were inspiring and created with such care. I felt the holy spirit there. The rock prayer garden touched my soul and gave me hope. The sculpture of nails pierced my heart with gratitude for our lord and savior Jesus Christ. The enormous cross reminded me of my redemption and the enormous amount of love our father God has for esch of us. Will return asap
Chris Beebe — Google review
We visited the prayer garden twice during our Kerrville trip with Campers for Christ. People from all over have visited and there are thousands of rocks with prayers and I felt the weight of many of them. The peace and love of Jesus Christ is there. Each bronze statue is gorgeous and inspiring. It was an amazing experience. We will be back.
Debbie Schwanbeck — Google review
A great place to visit for your own spiritual journey or to take the family. It is accessible for the handicap , wide sidewalks, but very hilly. It may be difficult for older folks to walk up the hill without help. Great exercise for the rest of us.
Sculptures are beautiful and lots of bible verses.
We were only there for about an hour and enjoyed it very much.
Janet DeFiori — Google review
Beautiful place. I recommend to bring your own shapies to write or color on any blank white rock or bring your own rock.
regia tx — Google review
Very beautiful prayer area and staff to keep the garden clean, safe and a special place to meet with God.
Marissa Fleenor — Google review
Great great place. Been here twice looking forward to going back again.
Brandon Holtzapple — Google review
This is a very touching tribute to Our Lord and Saviour. Walking thru the entire location brings joy and sadness in seeing the ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave to us.🙏
The walkways are lined with inspirational quotes, passages and verses from the bible. There is an area full of "prayer stones" which anyone can pick up and write a prayer to leave for others to see. The Cross itself is very inspiring with verses and quotes written on it.😇
The entrance is free and there is plenty of well lit parking as well as a small gift shop at the bottom of the hill. There are clean restrooms available at the top and bottom of the monument area. The views of Kerrville from the top of the hill are amazing.💓
This stop is a must for anyone who loves and would like to see and feel a little closer to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I highly recommend it. It's quite emotional.
Cascade Caverns is a 70-ft. high cave on 104 acres with tent camping, trails and wildlife. It is a private nature preserve with an interesting tour guide who was the owner of the cave. Kids enjoyed it because they got to see a few salamanders and one bat. The tickets were pricier than expected but it is worth the visit overall.
It is awesome place, The cave is so amazing, u can see bats and salamanders inside, clean water and many different rock formations. Flors are wet but it is to be expected in a cave, and you need to be careful. Our guide was very nice and informative, she told us many stories about the cave and it's history. Good prices and military discounts. We had a great time exploring the cave and I definitely recommend the visit. There is a souvenir store on the grounds and the RV park.
Kaja SWIEB — Google review
It was an interesting tour of this privately owned natural cave. Our tour guide was the owner so we got to ask a few extra questions. Kids enjoyed it a lot as they got to see a few salamanders and one bat. The tickets were a bit pricier than expected but it is worth the visit overall.
Emrah Aktepe — Google review
Our tour guide "stingray" was amazing, and one of the best cave tours I've been on, would highly recommend this tour, very educational, and visually stunning. Would not recommend for handicapped, there are a lot of stairs and it gets slippery as this is an active wet cave, lots of climbing down and up, you will get "cave kisses" i.e. dripped on quite a bit as well. Tour takes about an hour or more.
Joe Prica — Google review
Such a fun experience and the tour was outstanding! Pocket was our guide and she was so much fun. We enjoyed the rock splitting and the great time watching people slucing for geodes and special rocks. We enjoyed splitting a geode for our collection. The young man that assisted us in the geode splitting was fun and we had fun doing this fun thing while there. I cannot remember his name but he knows what to look for in the best find on this task! Thanks to their attention to our wants and desires was well above average!
TxTiger68
Tony “TxTiger68” King — Google review
This was my first time to these caverns, and it was so enjoyable! The tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We bought some rocks from "Stingray" in the gift shop, and had a great time listening to Alex throughout our tour. We'll be back and we'll bring some friends next time!
Brittany Sanders — Google review
We stayed at the RV Park associated with the caverns. Since it's a natural preserve the sites are not mowed as closely as in most parks but we enjoyed the natural setting with plenty of oak shade trees. The hiking trails are fun and easy. The caverns are beautiful and worth taking the guided tour loaded with interesting facts.
Gary S — Google review
I hope everyone gets “Stingray” as their tour guide! He made it easy to remember cool facts about the cave and knew exactly where to find unique formations and critters. Definitely a once in a lifetime amazing experience! I highly recommend for families (with kids too!). We brought our 6 and 3 year old girls and it was amazing to hear their oohs and ahhs as we explored the cave.
There is camping on site and additional tours in the summer. We plan on coming back soon!
Lexie Griffiths — Google review
Did the flashlight tour on October 14, 2023 with my husband and our 2 kids. We throughoutly enjoyed the tour with our guide Sweet Tea! We enjoyedher quirkiness attitude, explaining the cave's history, thinking and maintaining our safety, and making the tour an adventure! Thank you! It's definitely a spot to see!!
Dee May — Google review
Sweet Tea was a funny & wonderful guide. Went with my parents (70+) and my 8 yr old. We all were able to enjoy it and had a blast! Definitely recommend and intrigued by their other deeper cave tour in the future!!
Kaylin Cowan — Google review
This was a smaller cave but so natural. It's one of the most natural caves I've ever visited. Will be back for the wild cave tour in the summer. Dillon and linray were the best tour guides. Very knowledgeable and humorous! Thanks for a great tour!
Samantha Lopez — Google review
I thoroughly enjoy caves no matter where they are or how big or how small. But Cascade caverns doesn't have a problem with their personnel. Doesn't have a problem with their cavern but they have a problem with their business philosophy. I went down with 23 other people with one tour guide who by the way was excellent but the passageways were narrow and slippery and almost half of the guests were kids under the age of 10. You couldn't hear what the tour guide was saying about formations or any technical information. I was extremely disappointed. I would have paid twice the fee to get in if there was only four people in my group. I have never been in a cave with a tour group of more than 12-13 people. Max. It's an absolutely beautiful cave, but there was so much talking between the kids and the adults. Let their kids continue talking. I was just disappointed. I'm a grandfather. I know how kids and grandkids can be. It would have been better off to have broken this into a much smaller group. I know it's spring break and I know that they have a lot of people coming through, but the experience was lost in the noise. Also, I think issuing a flashlight to every guest on the tour. Detracts from the experience. For example, I was there with a black light. I had a broad beam black light and a pencil thin black light and I was trying to determine what would glow . So when people saw me pointing my black light in a fixture they would all turn their flashlights and point it right at the object. I was trying to illuminate and have and glow. Well that didn't happen. I'm sorry if I sound better but it could have been so much better with just a little bit more effort. The staff were amazing. I got there 5 minutes before the tour started and they were able to check me in and walk me to the group. Already heading down to the cave. Which I was not expecting and I told them that I would wait because I was not in a rush. But little did I know.....
Chris Muncy — Google review
This cave was a great experience. It isn't the biggest cave I've visited, but there is plenty of things and history to learn about. Stingray was an amazing guide, he was funny and taught us many things about the cave (although he is a patriots fan).
Kats4308 — Google review
Cascade Caverns is insanely beautiful and it is so cool that a Patrick Swayze movie was shot in the cave! My hubby and I watched Father Hood when we got home!
Trinity aka SWEET TEA was so much fun! And we basically had a private tour on Friday afternoon and you get your own flashlight.
They have so much water! Their formation growth rate is an inch every 20 years, whereas at my workplace, Inner Space it's an inch every 100 years.
We were so excited to see the salamanders and the I'm DYING to see what lies below on their summer only Wild Caving tour! The grounds itself is just gorgeous.
Katherine Harper — Google review
Well worth the price of admission. And "Pocket" our tour guide, was great. We were the last tour of the day and I overheard her say goodnight to the cave. That is someone who loves the natural beauty of the caves and it was obvious by the way she showed us around.
Garfield Fisher — Google review
My wife and I visited the caverns just a few days ago. It was a rainy Sunday. We were the only ones on the tour and was great for us because we got an amazing private tour by “Pocket”. I wish we had come years ago. It is beautiful. The bats and salamanders add to the tour.
Steve Davis — Google review
What a hidden gem!! Probably my favorite cave tour ever. Stingray was the most patient, fun guide. He definitely made the experience even more amazing. Highly recommend! You don't want to miss this one!
San Jose is a beautiful, historic Mission founded in 1720 that is home to the Church of Saint Joseph. The grounds are peaceful and full of charming original structures, some of which have been restored over the years. Many visitors come to see the church's rose window, one of San Antonio's most beloved architectural ornaments.
Excellent experience. Love history and places to visit. Free to visit all three Missions, few minutes apart. Incredible to see the conservation of church and fort. Nice to walk and enjoy history. All employees we're so nice and helpful. Love Texas and all residents. So happy to visit new places...a lot of pictures good memories and very nice people. Love Texas!
Liliana S — Google review
✝️ A Must-see Mission ✝️
If you only visit two of the four Missions, I recommend this one (San Jose) and Mission Concepción. Mission San Jose is the largest of the four, with the outer wall intact, a mill, a sanctuary, and many museum-like displays that depict daily life in the Mission.
The open-air interior imbues a sense of tranquility. I found myself happily strolling the grounds without true aim, simply taking in the architecture, nature, and atmosphere. The multi-colored stone arches, rugged wooden crosses, and vibrant greenery create a lovely palette of contrasts photographers will love. Many a memorable backdrop may be found here.
At an easy-going pace, you can spend an hour or two at this Mission alone. The wide-open interior is perfect for children or dogs that want to roam the grounds. History buffs will love seeing the inside of the Indian Quarters and the Convent. There's a little something for everyone, whether it's history, religion, nature, or photography.
Casey Covel — Google review
Absolute must see! Amazing history, hundreds of years old structures, nice visitor center and souvenir shop. My kids were amazed at how the ancient thick stone walls helped ease the 100 degree temperature. The rangers were so helpful- my children enjoyed earning their Jr Ranger badges. We came near closing time and back the next day. Beautiful church architecture and history
AshN Aug — Google review
Loved reading the history. We homeschool our children and this was a great learning experience. Kids got to learn about their heritage and how the world was before technology. Can wait to visit the other sites.
Lluvia Guedry — Google review
The San Jose Mission holds a special place in my heart as one of the most cherished destinations in San Antonio. Stepping onto its grounds, you're immediately whisked away to a different era, enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty that stands in stark contrast to the contemporary world outside its walls. It's truly a serene oasis that offers a unique glimpse into the past.
Albert Ramirez — Google review
One of the prettiest missions we have been to.
Kids loved doing the ranger badge activity.
The grounds are well kept and structures are beautiful to look out.
Definitely glad we came here.
Want to come back when kids are older and do the trail bike rides.
James Gray — Google review
Such a beautiful place!
When I first went there, a lot of people were wondering if I went to Spain or Mexico. When I said I went to Texas they did not believe it. I’ve only seen pictures of it on tour guides but definitely more beautiful in person
We went there on a weekday in the morning so it wasn’t too busy. It takes you around maybe 15-30 minutes to walk through
Would recommend dropping by this historic site.
Angelica B — Google review
Visiting this church was very informative and educational. So much history that has occurred on the very land we get to roam free on. This church is in Pristine condition. It is still as it was before. They still hold mass on Sunday. How amazing is that?! The park rangers were wonderful and so patient with the children. The kids are able to become an “honorary park ranger “ if they complete an activity book learning about the church.
I am excited to visit the rest of the missions located along the river.
florinda Saenz — Google review
My favorite after visiting all of the missions. This mission was under renovation during the visit but the architecture was captivating regardless. I always saw this mission in various photos with its arches and understand why after visiting. Stunning. As an added bonus, the visitor center was second only to the Alamo although this mission felt less “touristy”. Well maintained grounds and friendly staff.
Wendi the Wanderer — Google review
Very nice grounds and church. Kind of funny that these historic grounds are surrounded by a Pizza Hut, auto shop, and various other businesses. Once you’re inside though, can’t even see these distractions. It’s free to enter, which was a pleasant surprise. The mission does “ask” for only a dollar to enter the church.
Brian W. — Google review
Highly Recommend! Beautiful area and church, well preserved and maintained. Allow for a bit of walking through the grounds but all very nice to check out. Plan a visit to Mission San Jose and the other San Antonio Missions.
James A. — Google review
It's such a beautiful place to visit. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it. It never gets tiring. Fall weather made it even more perfect to walk around and enjoy history. We made it just in time before the bus load of tourists pulled up. Go early if you want to take pictures before the crowd comes in.
LeTTy Who — Google review
Within Mission San Jose, this church stands as its defining feature. Constructed simultaneously with the mission, it remains an integral part of its history. Among the all four nearby missions, our tour guide believed this one was the most successful in establishing a stronghold for Spanish colonizers.
Hessam Noori — Google review
If you have time to visit one of the missions in San Antonio, Mission San Jose should be on your list. We were lucky enough to take a tour with a park ranger, who told us about the history of this mission and pointed out some of the features like the frescos. Of course the the church is beautiful too.
William Sharlow — Google review
Our third stop here was especially exciting as they had a larger visitor Center that featured a 22 minute long film to watch the history of this area and the Mission San Jose Church. This Mission had a more complete version of the Mission itself. It appeared to be the largest of the four in the area. Church was wonderful to see as well.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
So beautiful! Just to realize the age and architecture... Uhhhh. Amazing! I actually went there to prey. I was taken a back just to be there again
Albert Fernandez — Google review
Mission San Jose boasts breathtaking architecture. The self-guided tour, a symphony of sights and sounds, The grounds unfold with a gift shop and a stained glass workshop, adorned by information signs unraveling snippets of history. Abundant photo opportunities grace every corner, enticing exploration. The expansive trail, a canvas of history, beckons me, though venturing alone feels daunting. The bike trail awaits,
Guided tours offered at a 948-acre park with 4 1700s colonial missions, a visitor center & trails.
Beautiful missions. Wonderful piece of history. Have been there for 300 years and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 2015. These are ALL *still* active Catholic Parishes, so respect that, please. We loved Espada the most and they have a neat little gift shop that supports the Parish.
Mark Flesher — Google review
I have visited the Missions twice, a few years back (just getting around to reviewing).
I saw the 4 Missions in 1 day (I drove to them all in one day) and then saw the Alamo the next day. Each one was more unique and beautiful than the next and I couldn't possibly pick a favorite! The history and the architecture and the beautiful paintings on the walls are nothing less than magnificent!
These historical place have been so well-preserved by the National Park Service and I was so glad that I visited them. The next time I found myself in San Antonio, I even took a friend to see all of them.
Don't miss out of these beautiful, historic places that wonderful San Antonio has to offer. (I am going to dig up my photos and post one from each different Mission.)
tc zig — Google review
We went on a UNESCO tour through Viator to all the missions, and it was fantastic! The sites are beautiful; the history of each is unique and interesting; and the guides are wonderful. While I enjoyed the Alamo, it was super crowded. The other missions were well spread out and never felt overrun with people.
Natalie Nielsen — Google review
There is so much history to explore at the various missions. The architecture is astounding and it’s fun to just take your time exploring and learning about the history of San Antonio and the surrounding area. The parks are kept clean and tidy making it a great place for all.
Jason Baum — Google review
Beautiful historical site where you can travel through time, just a few minutes away from Downtown San Antonio. My favorite place was Mission San José, due to its unique architecture and solemn atmosphere. A place you should definitely visit with your family and/or significant others. Remember to stop by the gift shop for a keepsake of your visit to this beautiful piece of history. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting San Antonio for the first time. PS: bring lots of water, sunblock and some shade if you’re planning on visiting during summer time.
Cesar Rondon — Google review
When you're in San Antonio don't stop at just the Alamo you've got to check out these other missions in the area as well! Gorgeous Spanish architecture plenty of history and some of the missions still even hold mass. There's five total missions and I would highly recommend you check them all out!
Cody Tekip — Google review
What great Texas history. Also the only world UNESCO heritage site in the state of Texas. They must visit. If you do one of the guided tours with the national Park guide it’s worth it. They also have free Wi-Fi and QR codes to give you the history of the place.
Greg Alford — Google review
An exceptional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Antonio, Texas. The 5 missions starting with the Alamo to the Mission Espada were each a work of art with their different architectural influences and all built before 1740. We drove the 8 miles and utilized the placards provided at each church except for the audio tour at the Alamo.
N and C Farrell — Google review
Really cool place to visit. I enjoyed learning about the different missions and the culture at each one. Each mission was beautiful in its own way. I loved the architecture and the simplicity of the design. The park rangers were knowledgeable and kind. Don’t skip this park! It’s way better than the Alamo!
Micaela Rodríguez — Google review
One of the few national historical parks that has free admission. Beautiful mission church. Interesting piece of Texas history. Make sure you take advantage of the (free) ranger guided tour.
David Brown — Google review
Wow. Free. No appt. Must see. Glad I went on a weekday so it wasn’t so crowded. You can bike ride but it’ll be most of your day & in the heat it can be a lot. I recommend driving & enjoying your day. 4 missions each 5-10 minutes apart. Pictures are from 3/4 missions.
N Paulic — Google review
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park consists of a string of missions in southern San Antonio. Its amazing how good a condition the missions are in, considering their age and history. Its well worth a visit and a walk round each one. We did all the missions in a few hours. Each is unique in its own way and its interesting to compare them. There are also other areas alongside them, such as the aqueduct and the Missions County Park, where you can walk along the river.
All I can say is it’s well worth a visit.
Andy Smith — Google review
Very interesting series of old Spanish missions in San Antonio. The are interesting, but do get repetitive with each additional site. They are a must do in the area though if you want to experience the history of the area.
Kenton Thompson — Google review
This was a pretty neat part of history to learn about. It's an historical park that is open to public to walk through and learn a bit of history. I loved how we were able to walk in some areas and see how they lived and what they lived in as well as learning about the battles they went through. If your observant enough you will see names and dates in some of the bricks throughout the whole structure on the areas that were never finished being built. If your a big fan of history this is definitely a spot you don't want to pass up on. It is a great experience for your children to be a part of.
Stephanie Moore — Google review
First of the four mission parks that we explored today. Very interesting history about the early missions work in this area despite the heat. All the parks are free to go to you and have helpful rangers to answer questions.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
We visited two of the sites and they were quite different: Missions Concepcion and San Jose. The latter gave a great feel for what life there was like. Helpful guides at both, a small museum and gift shop at Mission San Jose. A couple miles from town center
Good — Google review
One of the best tours I have experienced in my life! Alex 6, the tour guide was amazing and taught us about the history of 4 San Antonio Missions (Conception, San Jose, San Juan & San Espada). I wholeheartedly recommend the tour!!!
Talisha — Google review
The San Jose mission was a really cool thing to see. Lots of History there. The old church which is still in use today. The grounds were very very muddy after heavy rain. So make sure you stay on the path. We had a tour guide but we would have been just fine reading the signs ourselves so we kind of went out on our own. Really unique, well maintained grounds. This is a national historic site in national Park so be sure to get your stamp.
Kimber Beck — Google review
We explored 4 out of 5 missions (we've been to the Alamo before) with our children. There are plenty of trails if you decide to walk, run, or bike around this area. We learned quite a bit about these missions we did not know about (we are not local). I highly recommend you visit all of them. Kid friendly activity especially since you can ask for the Junior Ranger activities so that they can be sworn in as Junior Rangers. We had a fun time.
Natalie Rivera — Google review
Today we visited almost all the different Missions along the River, so you will see all we visited in the pictures. They are all very absolutely beautiful and you need to get a guide to do a tour!
Royal Mangalitsa — Google review
Beautiful places, it's amazing how they r all different. I loved to learn all the history behind the missions and stories of people that built and loved here
Kaja SWIEB — Google review
We visited all 4 missions in the park unit. Each was unique & beautiful. We wanted to walk but ran out of time so drove to each one. I hope to return someday & walk them all. The park is dog friendly & our pup loves earning B.A.R.K. Ranger badges. She enjoyed all the grounds with us. Be sure to get your badge from the visitor center!
Meli Killian — Google review
Incredible piece of Spanish architecture here in America. The staff was incredible, sharing great excitement with our children. We were there near closing time and the staff was kind to all even though they needed to close the gates. A huge thanks to Ranger Gewalt for helping our children get their Junior Ranger badges in the 1.5 hrs we were there.
Quinton Hamp — Google review
Been to SA many times but never once to the Mission's. So much rich history in Texas and San Antonio is a great place to start. It was a great family experience and I would highly recommend, if you like learning about the history of Texas
A 4D adventure ride is located on the top of the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas. The tower was built for the 1968 world's fair and has an observation deck that offers a great view of the city.
Absolutely beautiful! You have to pay to park but when you walk into the park, there are waterfalls everywhere. We arrived at night time. The trees were lit up with lights, and even though it was 30 degrees outside, the waterfalls were still flowing! There is an arcade area on the lower lever, a shopping center, and plenty of things to wonder around and see. The elevator to go up the tower is fast once you get in it, but the wait to get on the elevator takes a while. The Chart House restaurant is located at the top of the tower. Make a reservation!
Lacie K — Google review
It is a great place for a walk and visit. There is off street parking for minimum meter fee or plenty of paid parking $20. The parking is so close you walk right in. The hostess will guide you to what you are seeking, the lounge or the observation deck as well as the Resturant. We picked the lounge as there is no need for tickets and the elevator is only a 20-30 minute wait depending on traffic and time. Once in the lounge and bar area seating is open as needed. Service is once more slowly and friendly. Lack of eye contact for a simple drink and you will need to speak up. Happy hours has a rush and busy crowd. Order any food on the arrival as it will take a good long time but well enjoyable once there. My recommendation is the fish tacos. The sliders are just that, if you enjoy sliders, steam burgers.
Drinks are plenty draft only 4 on tap.
Jose Vera — Google review
Amazing place and must see in San-Antonio. It’s a must see attraction in Top 3. It has a great park surrounding that will make you feel like you came to a National Park. Great outdoor seating to nice water fountains to water falls overlooking the tower views gives a good vibrant of experience. Great amazing views of the city from the observation deck. You must come to visit here.
S C — Google review
Such a great place for a date night, or night out with friends. The only downfall is that it does get very hot! And when you go around the time the very top closes the elevators make them priority to get them down. But other than that it was a very nice dinner experience, food and drinks were good. Our waitress was amazing, I forgot her name she took such great care of us. If you have motion sickness be aware the top does rotate, it takes 45 minutes for it to rotate 360. But the views are immaculate.
Genesis Elmo — Google review
We enjoyed the view and the historical pictures. The information about the history of Texas was great. The bar was too busy for our liking during pandemic but, l am sure there are slower times that could have been more comfortable. The gift shop was out of some t-shirt sizes and other souvenirs but the staff was helpful and did their best. The 4D movies were amazing and it was great they were included in our admission fee.
Ms. Bryant — Google review
Dining at the top of the Tower of Americas in the Chart House was a first class experience. Our server Iasiah was efficient, knowledgeable, & professional & made us feel as if we were the only customers there, (although the restaurant was full). They're fortunate to have him on their staff, he's what upscale service is all about.
Food was delicious & artfully prepared. The 360' slowly revolving restaurant was quite the experience affording panoramic views of the entire city & Alamo, etc. below us as we dined.
Atmosphere was friendly & suitable for romantic dinners, family dinners & celebrations. We recommend this restaurant if you're traveling to San Antonio, & if we're in town again would definitely be back
NOTE: Reservations are recommended so call in advance as they are almost always full.
J W — Google review
We had a great time at the Tower Charter house. Aaron, our waiter, did a good job with serving us. It did take a little while to get our food, which tasted good. It was expected since it was crowded. I would very highly recommend making a reservation for the charter house, there is no waiting list. We enjoyed the view of the city at night. I recommend going for a date, just leave a bit early because parking downtown San Antonio is a nightmare.
Anime Farm — Google review
Great views. Kids loved it. The area outside is great; a lot of insta worthy spots and we could see a lot of people/ groups coming specially to get pictures clicked and in the indoors there are a few arcade games while you wait to enter the elevator.
Hhimanshu Joshi — Google review
My family enjoyed the glass elevator ride up to the top and back down. The telescopes on the observation deck are $.50 to use. Some are broken. Our favorite part was the outer deck with open air, which was very windy on our visit. So for the ladies, be safe wearing a dress! We had a great time, my children couldn’t stop laughing as the wind lifted my long hair up and created its own tornado. They also enjoyed the 4D theatre which was showing Ice Age, Wonder Woman and Skies Over Texas. All short films. There is a Gift shop, Build a bear, Starbucks, Dippin’ dots, chart house. Adult price is $18.50 for locals $14.00 children.
Ashly Arie — Google review
Tip for a free visit: just go to the bar and have a drink without paying the observation deck fee. Wish I knew this before paying $15.50 each. But it was still worth the price. It felt like you could see forever. Several of the reference photos could stand to be updated with more recently built buildings. Nice to be able to go out on the actual deck, but hold on to your hat! After seeing this landmark from all over the city, it was nice to get to see it and ride the external elevator!
Anne Margaret White — Google review
Nice place to visit if your passing through town. There is an observation deck that you can pay a fee to go up to, or, if you eat at the Chart House, there’s no cost to ride up. However, your meal will set you back some, so be prepared by looking at the menu in advance so you are prepared for the bill. It will be easy to spend $50/person after tax and tip, and up from there. There is a gift shop and some other things on the ground level, and the outside area is nicely decorated with some rocks and falls. It’s not a place you may want to come back to regularly, but an occasional stop for a visit, or when passing through town here and there, it’s worth a stop. It’s also a stop on the city bus tour, so if you have tickets to that, you can be brought up within walking distance.
cmlarvick — Google review
Wonderful experience for people of all ages. This is a must do if you ever visit San Antonio Texas.
Tip: you can make it as romantic as you your heart desires 😉💖
Recommended to make reservations if not, the bar an equivalent experience.
Jancy's Wellness Tribe — Google review
Ok we totally thought this was going to leave us feeling anxious since it's fairly high up in the sky. Honestly the second we stepped into the elevator we felt at ease. Yes you can see the city and feel the breeze of the high altitude, but it is one of the safest places of that kind I've been to. I never felt like I was too close to the edge nor did I ever feel any swaying. Such a cool experience, highly recommend.
Sarah C — Google review
Breathtaking views of the city, and feels beautiful
This is a must visit if you have never been
Wheelchair accessible and family friendly
Also very romantic.
Restroom and gift shop up top as well
Bring quarters for telescopes and souvenirs
Devin Trejos — Google review
Quick service - did not have to make any lines to buy or go all the way up. There were very few people at the top so I was able to catch all the sights without anyone walking in front of me or blocking my photos. Good view of the city and beyond. There are different sections around the deck which explain a part of the history of the city and how it came to be. Be sure to check them out and listen to the audio guides on each section. There’s a cafe at the tower as well as a gift shop.
If you want to go to the 360 view restaurant, it is recommended to have a reservation. You’ll have to get a specific elevator on the ground floor in order to head to the restaurant. It can’t be done through the observation deck.
Carla Cordoves — Google review
It's the place to go for a bird's view of San Antonio.
There is a wait to get on the elevator ride to the observation deck. We got lucky and rode the secondary elevator because the lobby was getting quite full.
Overall it didn't take a very long time to walk the whole circle inside and outside to enjoy the views over the city.
I would recommend getting the value ticket and get to ride the boats as well. The ticket for just the tower is not worth it, IMO.
Andrea K — Google review
Definitely a place to check out when visiting San Antonio! Made reservations for our anniversary requesting a view of the sun setting and the Chart house team did not disappoint.
There is a parking lot along side of the iconic landmark for easy access with a nice walk way to the restaurant. Once inside we checked in and were directed into the elevator. Doors opened and we were greeted by the host, checked in and were seated within 5 minutes. Service, food and views were 10/10! Prices for steaks were similar to J.Alexander or Saltgrass steak house.
Our San Antonio friends made us second guess this beautiful landmark due to the previous restaurants reputation. If you have not been since the switch, give it a try and you will not be disappointed.
Met all of our expectations!
Elora Flowers — Google review
Great place to take the little ones. 3D movie theater about 15min each film. ALL great movies. Had an awesome time looking over the observation deck.
Jon Cardinali — Google review
The view from the top is nice, so I cannot, in good conscience, give it one star, but everything else about the experience was atrocious.
You cannot pay for tickets with cash or credit; you can only buy them on the website. Nowhere on the website does it say this, nor does it say it anywhere around the tower. You will only be notified verbally by the one person working the front desk. Yes, one. Singular. There are three windows, but only one was open. They said they were short-staffed. I'm sure those five or six other employees I saw standing off to the side doing sweet FA were actually filling a very important role that I'm just too stupid to understand.
So anyways, back to the tickets. You HAVE to buy them online, but when you get there you still have to wait in line for the front desk (this obviously was exacerbated by the "lack" of staff) and this alone would take atleast 15 minutes. You need to go to this desk to get a wristband, and then you need to wait in a second, substantially longer line to get into the actual elevator. This line was long because they were only operating one elevator. There was nothing wrong with the others, this was once again blamed on the short staffing (because it would apparently been way too difficult for one of the aforementioned employees standing off to the side to jump in and do the highly-skilled task of pressing the only two buttons on the elevator).
It's possible that the staffing issue was just a freak occurrence (but given that I could literally see said apparently missing staff, I'm afraid it probably isn't), but this ticket system they've adopted is just ridiculous. The complete lack of warning aside, why even make people stand in that first line at all? Why have a wristband? Why not just have one line for the elevator and have visitors show the ticket on their phone before getting on? Or, if they really NEED that first line why not allow people to buy tickets in person? A needlessly complicated waste of time.
Again the view from the top is great, but rest of the process is so obnoxious that it's difficult for me to recommend. These issues are easily fixable, however, so I'm optimistic that they'll be taken care of in the future.
Error 404 — Google review
For a truly romantic experience, the observation deck is great, especially during the off-season when it's less crowded – perfect for adventurous couples seeking intimate moments with breathtaking views. It's also a hit for families with energetic little ones exploring the deck in the sky. Alternatively, for a more relaxed vibe, head to the restaurant beneath the observation deck. Enjoy cocktails and a delicious meal while still soaking in the captivating atmosphere.
Tony — Google review
Went for my birthday dinner with family. View was amazing! Food was okay, very pricey. Didn't care for the texture of the salmon. Stick with the tea, was not impressed with the alcoholic drinks. Service was great, though. Make sure you make your reservation well in advance, although I tried to add more to my party but was unable to make any changes as they were booked. Witnessed a proposal, that was the icing on the cake for the evening. Be prepared to spend a lot, though.
Christine G — Google review
We did not have to make lines to buy and to go up. You can have a good view of the city and beyond. Around the deck there are sections explaining parts of the history of the city, there are available audio guides.
There’s a cafe, a theater and gift shop. Theater was supposed to be 4D but they did not give us 3d glasses and attendant explained that 3D was not working at the time, also some seats did not properly work (ours were some of those) so we can see other seats moving but we were steady most of the time.
Parking lot cost was $20 and it was a flat rate (we visited on 31/12)
E C — Google review
Very cool to go up into the Tower of the Americas. This was built in 1968 2 years after Seattle built their space Needle and because of that they wanted to beat them so they made it over 100 ft taller. Pretty grounds well maintained. There's a restaurant that spins at the top for full 360° views of the city. The elevator ride we took up offered a great view of downtown San Antonio.
Kimber Beck — Google review
The tower and view itself are pretty cool. However:
1. There was 0 signage anywhere indicating where to purchase tickets, my group and several others had to walk around or ask others where to purchase them.
2. The ticketing office had a sign up saying they were "At max capacity" and they wouldn't be sellling tickets but you could "purchase them online" That makes sense.
3. When it finally came time to go up, the Elevator doors wouldn't close, then after they finally closed the elevator wouldn't go up. Then the doors started opening and closing on their own, seems safe.
4th and final issue: I couldn't help but notice the nearly 2 year expired Elevator Certificate (Pics taken on 4/5/24) Perhaps that had something to do with it? We were stuck at the top of the tower for over 30 minutes waiting on the Elevator to come up so that we could finally leave. Our Elevator attendant dipped into the staircase and vanished for quite a while.
Bazis 98 — Google review
4.5
(9442)
•
4.0
(2632)
739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
The Japanese Tea Garden is a tranquil botanical garden located in San Antonio, Texas. The garden features a pagoda, stone arch bridges, a waterfall, and an island within a lily pond area. The garden is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You will not regret stopping here! Absolutely stunning. We came in March on a Thursday in the afternoon and it wasn’t super busy. We went to one parking lot by what looked like little houses but the lot was small and full so we went to another parking lot and found more parking and even porta potties. We spent a little under an hour and walked the whole garden area. The best part? Everywhere you looked was just gorgeous! We couldn’t stop taking photos. They also have some signs you can read for educational purposes. The worst part? We were fortunate enough to find a spot for parking but if the lot gets full, you’d probably have to park on the street. I’m also not exactly sure what it was, but there was an indoor area that was closed. Not sure if it was a gift shop or restrooms. Someone else also told us that a zoo is walking distance to the garden.
Lizsandra Edwards — Google review
This is one of the places to visit in San Antonio! The admission is free and there is plenty of free parking on site. This is a man made park that is pretty large. It’s better to come here during spring or early fall. We can during December 2022 freeze temperature and some of the plants were covered so we did not experience the full beauty of the park. They also have a cafe on site to enjoy light refreshments. A lot of scenery to take photos and create memories. They have a mini waterfall too, along with fish and ducks in the ponds. A good and way way to relax out in the nature.
Karina Paul — Google review
We had a fantastic time at the Garden! Gorgeous spots for photos! It was a beautiful day, the park itself was clean and easy to navigate. Was a bit crowded as it was a holiday weekend but overall was about 30-45 minute outdoor activity!
charly job — Google review
You can walk to the zoo from the garden on a paved path that is surrounded by trees. There are also small hidden paths on the upper levels of the garden that make kids feel like they are exploring in the woods.
Parking is very limited, there is a public restroom, you will probably spend about 30 minutes here as the grounds are small, but it's a beautiful place to visit and take professional or personal photos.
Dominique Cropes — Google review
This is a beautiful garden, with a high cliff backdrop, and stunning lookouts... as well as some old and well preserved mission style buildings! Completing this amazing scenery is a large pond running throughout all of this. .. I was pleasantly surprised by its historic charm! When we went, there were multiple groups of young local people getting their pictures taken for their prom :)
Trevor Pedley — Google review
Such a place of beauty!!!! This place was so beautiful and peaceful! The gardens were incredible, never seen such beautiful flowers, plants, and waterfall! It was too hard to believe it was free to go in! We took so many amazing pictures. Also handicap friendly, but the entrance is not visible or marked. It is accessible from the parking lot. This is a must see gem!
Leticia Caraveo — Google review
Fun little garden with a super short trail up to a tiny waterfall. Plenty of fish and turtles in the water, if you enjoy nature. About 45 minutes is sufficient to see everything this place has to offer.
Although parts of the garden have ramps not all parts of the trail are easily accessible. If you’re walking with older members of the family make sure they are careful climbing up and down the stairs that are available, as these are often not even. The parking right next to the entrance of the garden was quite busy. However, there is usually plenty of parking available in the parking lot further downhill.
Went during a hot summer weekend and had no issues. Although parts of the trail get busy they clear up if you’re able to wait a few minutes. Note: The area close to the waterfall is quite busy at all times with people taking photographs, especially if the garden is packed. Would definitely recommend visiting the garden if you’re a tourist passing through San Antonio, looking for a free activity with gorgeous views.
Ziyan Sheriff — Google review
This was a beautiful place to visit. Definitely loved by all of my family. It was rainy the day we visited but still we enjoyed it very much. There's a small shop to grab some souvenirs or Popsicles and coffee. Sweet workers.
Melissa Garcia — Google review
Beautiful free outdoor garden with koi fish, waterfall and more than 100 incredible photo opportunities. Every angle is a wonderful view and spending time walking through is not only a great experience, but it’s even more incredible that both parking and the visit and absolutely free.
John Pratt — Google review
Nice little site to see. There's a store and small restaurant near the entry. The parking area is small but the traffic turnover is quick. FREE to enter. Well kept. A good place for photos or to sit and chat. It's worth a visit any time.
Randi Lewis — Google review
Great place for a stroll, meditate or walk with your family. Beautiful gardens, pond and trail. It is free and has ample parking. It has a store with gifts and cool stuff, bathrooms are clean and easy access. It connects with the zoo. The possibilities are endless, another fun option in San Antonio.
Para Un Tiempo Como Este Rosaly Guzman — Google review
Beautiful place to visit, some fish in the pool some beautiful plants. I would say that in the evening it looks more impressive than during the day. Had a stroll through it was nice. A lot of people trying to take pictures with the same thing. Missing a few benches and a tea house that sells tea.
_ — Google review
Such a beautiful garden. I really appreciate them sharing the history behind the garden and the well maintained grounds. The koi fish were so gorgeous. The waterfall was a wonderful touch and a great place for a picture. I would gladly go here again especially once the tea house is back open. A jewel in Texas for sure!
Elizabeth Williams — Google review
Can't say enough about this venue. Simply beautiful. We started here an hour exploring and taking pictures. The scenery is Beautiful. The walk is tough but you can still enjoy the beauty without walking. Gorgeous waterfall and unique history. A little cafe to enjoy a cold or hot drink.
Best part is this is free, no charge to the public to enter.
John Ogren — Google review
Nice place to visit and just take in the scenery. Not a whole lot to do but nice for photo opportunities and just soaking things in. Garden is pretty big with steps around the water fall and ponds. To me its an experience worth checking out.
Miguel Sanabia — Google review
One of the very beautiful hidden gems here in San Antonio, Texas. I came here back in February 9, 2023. Hadn't been here in a couple of years. I absolutely love this place. It's very peaceful and beautiful here. Perfect place to bring family and friends.
Joey — Google review
Beautiful. This was such a lovely experience. Amazing to see such a well kept garden. The fish and turtles were super cute. Such a lovely quiet place to clear your head. I'm guessing it's the shop there but it was so very sweet of them to keep the hot weather in mind. They had a container of cold water outside for the guests. It was just a great sight.
Sarah Olvera — Google review
Parking here and at the zoo is confusing (permit required or not) and not enough signs for those not from the area. Wood entrance says Chinese Tea Garden?! Came too early so we could not try the food. The lookout and waterfalls were neat, especially when the sun rises on the rocks.
Tiffany G — Google review
This is one of my favorite places to visit in San Antonio. It is free to the public and so beautiful. It’s small but great for the whole family. There are stairs so probably not the best for people with major mobility issues but I do think there are areas that would be handicap accessible. It’s probably about a 1/4 mile hike. Perfect spot to enjoy and good location close to the airport, pearl, and zoo.
You can also take some amazing pictures in this beautifully landscape haven.
Emily Shepherd — Google review
A cute little place for you to get your day started in San Antonio. Since the place open up at around 7 AM, you can fit this into your itinerary easily. Cannot describe the place with a few words. Should definitely check it out if you’re in town visiting. It is also a great place for small events.
Rahul Gowda — Google review
The Japanese Tea Garden is well worth a visit if you are ever in San Antonio. All you can smell when you walk in is the soothing scent of lavender. That's because lavender trees line the paths! Images do this site no justice. Fantastically, there is no admission cost, so even if money is tight, you can still have a great time. If not, there are sections where you may get Japanese food, boba tea, and other delicious goodies. They also have some very amazing mementos. Will return without a doubt the next time we're in town!
Fareed Mohammed — Google review
So glad to see this home treat restored so beautifully. Went on a great day. Enjoy the grounds and the restaurant and the grab-n-go store. If you like taking pictures or posing in pictures you'll appreciate the gardens. The plants. The butterflies. The bees. San Antonio at its best.
Tony Specht — Google review
Beautiful location in the city park. The old quarry was reclaimed with ponds and rock landscaping. You walk thru pathways that wander through the lower level with ponds with fish in them. Very peaceful, and a great place for pictures.
Dennis Pohle — Google review
Beautiful! We picked a day with gorgeous weather and came out to get some walking in and take some pictures. There is a path that you can walk or use a wheelchair on but if you have mobility issues obviously don't take the stairs or attempt to get close to the waterfall. We took my parents and they were able to carefully and slowly navigate the stairs and enjoy the scenery. It was a lovely time.
Van A. — Google review
Beautiful garden with interesting structures! We had a wonderful little visit with my wife and 5 year old daughter.
They have nice koi fish and one of the workers let my daughter have some of the fish food to feed them. She loved seeing the fish with their big fishy mouths suck up the food.
I love places like this where it’s free and fun and a little slice of nature to experience.
Paul M — Google review
It was like what I imagined the Garden of Eden would look like. So beautiful! Nice free activity to get your steps in for the day. Don't get the sandwiches at the Cafe, doesn't seem worth it. Pack your water so you don't have to buy it and heck pack your food too since they allow food there. If I knew food was allowed would have packed a bunch of snacks. But a great fun experience for spring break! I recommend for you to check it out.
The Blessed Mess — Google review
Very pretty. Great to come especially during spring. It’s free to come in. They have a shop and a cafe here too. There is some little hiking required, but not to hard.
Leslie Escoto — Google review
Every time we come here it’s a breathtaking experience! We came here during our first day back in 2018 and here we are again today almost 6 years later! So pristine and serene. A MUST when in SA!
Tony Milland — Google review
It doesn't look like much as you walk up the steps, but when you get to the top- WOW! It is absolutely breathtaking! It is so beautiful, with nooks to sit in. It is so magical, it is definitely worth seeing. They have a place to sit and eat. Smells so good, tastes even better! Don't miss this!
S S — Google review
Well manicured and Interesting. Lots of trails and paths but each route gave you more Kodak Moments. Unusual use of rock ornamentation. Worth a visit but nothing special. We give it three clams on the coveted Five Quahog Rating Scale,
Quahog — Google review
The Japanese Tea Garden is worth a visit but don't expect anything more than a well-maintained garden. It's a popular place and on some weekends the garden will be very busy. It's a good spot for photos, just make sure to plan ahead to avoid the crowds if you want less people in the background.
The small cafe located on the property has many drinks, snacks, and even souvenirs available if you're interested. I will add that it is all incredibly overpriced. I bought a small lemonade, about the size of a small McDonald's soft drink cup, for $11 and filled with ice to the brim. As you can imagine, there was very little actual lemonade.
I categorize this place as one of those 'been there, done that' and you'll likely never return.
This intimate venue specializes in rock and roll, but they also host country and blues artists. They have great seating and top-notch tribute performers who bring the music to life. The parking can be a bit of a mess, but other than that this is definitely a place to check out.
Venue took me back in time. Wonderful and helpful staff. Comfortable seats and authentic stage. Saw Elvis tribute band by Donny and loved every single song!!
alexandria jude — Google review
aw Reckless Kelly there on 10/21. Band was great and so was the venue. Crowd was a little rowdy, but look at the entertainment. Full bar and clean restrooms. Over all a clean establishment.
If the show was right, I'll go there again.
Only negative thing was that Reckless Kelly's lead in act was not good.
DaBig G — Google review
Went to see A tribute to Motown, and it was absolutely fantastic. Very talented performers, who got people up and dancing in no time (though you can stay seated if you so desire)
Friendly staff and great atmosphere.
Claus Bruun — Google review
Awesome place, never knew of the place. Awesome Led Zeppelin cover band. Other cover bands come soon, if you're in town you have to look this place up. Also nice little bar.
Oscar Davila — Google review
My boyfriend and I checked out the Rockbox Theater for an Elton John tribute night as we are big Elton John fans. The concert was awesome, and I couldn't believe how reasonably priced everything was. My boyfriend and I still talk about how impressed we were with the quality of artists that night. We will definitely check out the theater the next time we are in Fredericksburg!
Rachel Paredes — Google review
Chad Prather and his Ragmuffins were awesome. Very good show. Mixture of music and comedy.
Michele Weber — Google review
Awesome music venue with great acoustics. Nearby parking, fair ticket prices and very helpful staff. We would come back tomorrow to see Marty Haggard at Rockbox Theatre.
Bubba King — Google review
The staff/ owners were friendly and helpful. The seating was great and the tribute musicians for Woodstock Daze were absolutely outstanding. The parking was a bit of a mess, but other than that I would recommend this establishment and would visit again.
kweenkyote — Google review
Fun place. Brings in good tribute bands. Wish the didn’t force an intermission on short shows
Barry F — Google review
Saw Rodney Crowell, great show, super helpful people, strong drinks, no annoying drunk teenagers, no smoking, even better no vaping! Check it out you’ll like it! Luckenbach, Floores, Gruene Hall are all great, but being shoulder to shoulder with the masses gets old. This was not that!
Jeff Jackson — Google review
Fredericksburg's Rockbox Theater is awesome! The sound and lights really impressed me. Seats are very comfy, and staff is very helpful in finding your seat. Located 99 steps off Main St. 5 stars 🌟
Just Me Paigey — Google review
The Rockbox is a fun place to go for friends and family!! Everyone is always so happy and enjoying the music.Ive been many times but this time was really neat getting to see and meet Johnny Lee "Looking for Love 🎸🎸"
Jessica Yglesias — Google review
Our seats were in Row G, and I could not see the performance. Either the performer needs to be on a higher platform or the seats need to be elevated on a better slope. I was glad when they showed him on the screen, but for that small of a venue, I would expect to be able to see the performer. I wish I had not bought tickets to see the Elvis performance because I am sure I will not be able to see him.
Terry Reeh — Google review
Up from South Padre Island, We needed a pause for the cause! The Fburg never let's us down. We've seen numerous shows here @ the Rockbox throughout the years. Once again, the sound and lighting were spot on! The band was stellar to say the least! We've grown accustomed to awesome performances at this incredible venue. Needless to say, once again, they didn't disappoint. My 87-year-old father had a fantastic experience! Sure wish South Padre Island had this level of entertainment. Once again, the Hill County will have to do....
Plotted. Scouts Screening!
Kurt McCullough — Google review
Fun time with our Marathon Coach Club
E Cheeney — Google review
Really nice & small venue. Great sound and comfortable seating.
Jason Gamble — Google review
I loved the show (bee gees cover band) and the venue is very nice. I wish that they hard a bigger concession area. The line was always to long and not enough time to get anything.
The San Antonio Zoo is a sprawling zoo with 750 species of animals from all over the world. The zoo is cageless, meaning there are no cages, and the exhibits are spread out over 56 acres. Kids will love checking out the large bird collection, elephants, lions and tigers, and the train that travels around the zoo.
Animals were active enjoying the fantastic weather. Saw active Lions, Tigers and Bears (oh my!) Everyone was friendly and sharing viewpoints for pictures to best see the wildlife. Habitats were well kept and animals looked healthy. Great day at the zoo! Get tickets online, it saves time at the gate. QR codes are available on the walking path.
Bridget BushmanAguiar — Google review
Good zoo. I really enjoyed how it's set up. We went during a cold day so there was some things we didn't get to see but it was nice having the dinosaur's out around the zoo. Good variety of animals. Also my kids got to ride on a camel which was pretty fun for them. A bit pricey but they enjoyed it so I'm a happy parent.
VALE_ 956 — Google review
The San Antonio Zoo is a great place to spend good quality time with your family. The zoo is going through some renovations and some parts are not finished and there are a few empty animal cells that you will see. I hope the renovations won’t last too long.
The zoo is fairly big and it can get pretty hot outside since there are sections of the park that are not shaded. Make sure that you take a good sun-blocking hat or cap and light clothing. You will be walking quite a bit so have some comfortable shoes as well.
The zoo has a great place to look at the hippopotamus and rhinoceros. These animals are majestic and great to watch. The feeding time for the rhinoceros change often so check with the zoo keepers, but definitely is worth watching. Another great section to visit is the butterfly room. It’s located across the 4D movie theater next to the tiny tot nature spot. It costs $4 dollars per person but it’s worth it.
Fernando Oliva — Google review
I visited with my daughter and her school last week and it was overall a great experience.
They are re-vamping at the moment, but you can still have a good time despite aesthetics.
My daughter was so happy to see the animals so I cannot complain. It was fun and educational. Thank you! :)
Esmeralda Lopez — Google review
I’d rate this a 4.25 if it wasn’t for QR ticket system. Overall I had a great experience. They are currently doing a lot of minor reconstruction inside the park. There are a few spots inside the park you have to pay separately to enter. I was very impressed there was minimal foot traffic on a busy day. I’m not a zoologist but the animals seemed to be well kept and well fed. The park does a great job utilizing their authorized space to house these wonderful creatures.
The ticket QR code purchasing process is pathetic, creates random clusters of crowds blocking the gates, and takes more time. In no way is this system more convenient for the majority of people. FUN FACT!! The zoo charges you $5 for a mandatory “convenience” fee at checkout. If you work for the zoo and you’re reading this, please go back to selling tickets the old way or utilize both ways so you customers have options. If the zoo is charging a $5 fee because the business genuinely needs to, I get it. Just factor that into the cost of advertised admission instead of adding it at checkout last second.
T J — Google review
Very easily accessible,with virtually no line. Great parking with good handicapped accessibility. So much to do here for the whole family, solo animal lover, couple or tourist. Many animals with more exhibits always coming. A Large park alongside a beautiful rock quarry that takes about 1 hour and a half to see everything;longer if your taking your time which I recommend you do with so many good vibes. Along side the zoo is a kiddie park for kids and inside the zoo is a carousel 🎠 for kids and adults with many eateries inside. Highly recommended attraction in San Antonio
Raymond Michael Barrera — Google review
I really enjoyed my time at this zoo. I would say it’s a medium size zoo with lots of engaging exhibits. I saw so many animals out. I loved all the fish in water exhibits, which was throughout the zoo. Pretty impressive bird collection. So many kid friendly areas and lots of restrooms peppered throughout. I’ve been to lots of zoos throughout the US and this has to be in my top 3!
Kim S — Google review
I really enjoyed visiting this zoo. There are so many uniquely different animals. The animal exhibits were well taken care. The animals were very active. There were many different activities for children. Patrons could feed various animals for a fee. The parking lot is smaller and finding a parking spot can be difficult. Overall, I would highly suggest taking your family.
Becky Lipka — Google review
I'm very impressed with all the upgrades they've done since I used to go. They have options to feed flamingos, giraffes, and the lorry birds. However, the lorry birds aren't able to be fed because of construction in the habitat. They had a ton of "cool zones" throughout the zoo. You can also go pet kangaroos. The only downside is how everything is digital (id rather have a physical map of the zoo), and a lot of the kiosks weren't open. If you go in the mornings, it's much less crowded and it seems the animals are more lively and out, which was a huge plus. Also, tickets have to be bought online, and they have a special HEB community day where tickets are significantly reduced. 100% would go again
Kat T — Google review
We are from out of state, visiting SA for a basic training graduation and got the city pass, our favorite thing was the San Antonio Zoo. It was so nice and a lot of animals to see. We had a great time. And we had no kids with us. So even adults will enjoy.
Celeste Arvizu — Google review
This is a typical old zoo. They try to make habitats for the animals, but most are still small and crowded and not very animal friendly. They were also not prepared for holiday crowds during Christmas week. Only ONE restaurant open. We placed an order after waiting in a very long line. 30 min later and they hadn't even started our order. We cancelled and left the zoo for greener pastures. I have been to much better zoos.
Kat Sykes — Google review
It is a nice zoo. They are currently doing maintenance, so some exhibits are closed or relocated, and some of the paths on the map are closed. We got a little frustrated at the missing paths as we were trying to hit our favorite animals as we neared the end of our visit.
The butterfly habitat ($4) is lovely room. You can see the chrysalis from which the butterflies hatch. The variety is amazing.
Kangaroo petting ($8) is a more unique experience for zoo goers. I have been to a lot of zoos and this was new to me.
Angela Loupee — Google review
Zoo Lights is a great Christmas event for children. I took my grandson and he loved it. The weather was so nice 72 degrees and almost all animals were out for viewing. We rode the train and then later walked the Park to view all of the lights. They even had snow machines. Bring your wallet as everything is a bit pricey.
Pam Foster — Google review
Very nice and lots of place to use the clean restrooms, different types of food and water fountains. Was clean and not packed when we visited July 5th2023. Also many activities to enjoy with your little ones 3yrs and up. We brought our own water bottles and went closer to closing because theirs not as many people. Many exhibits are being worked on. Animals where hot of course but we got lucky with lots of cloud cover. We even caught a little show inside for our kiddos to learn about the bearded dragon and touch it(depends how the animal is feeling). Staff was all very knowledgeable and helpful.
Rosanna Saldivar — Google review
We got a good deal for the year pass for the price of a day, and while the zoo is still under some pretty major renovations, the parts they have opened up again look great. They also have an awesome pet adoption center right outside their front entrancen that is not part of them but fun to see the kittens and puppy anyways. If you find a deal on tickets you could definitely spend a day there.
Brandon Bowen — Google review
My daughter and I really enjoyed our experience at the zoo. We went during a spring break trip. Lots to see and do. One of our favorite things was feeding the flamingos (we did it twice!) but also enjoyed feeding the giraffes and the kangaroo interaction. The butterfly exhibit is also a fun small exhibit. The zoo does shows its "wear" in some places but upgrades are clearly ongoing. Overall, it is a fun day that will take you several hours to see everything.
Drew Slate — Google review
The zoo is absolutely beautiful, always so clean and flowing with flowers. There is mist spots right now to cool down and the kids will love it. There's plenty on animal out. We went early and saw some feeding. Make sure you buy your ticket before hand. Right now there is some construction but nothing that'll stop any fun. Just go take the whole family. Love it, got the season pass so I can keep going back. Just a great environment.
rox peach — Google review
What a beautiful place to watch all the animals! The entire staff throughout the zoo were so friendly! For a small fee we paid to feed the animals which was an amazing experience. You can definitely see how all the staff really care for the animals and want to educate you on each animal. It was a great experience overall!
P C — Google review
We visit on the last local day of the year. The was no wait time and no line while we entered into the new entrance. Yes i highly recommend to buy all tickets in advance. We enjoyed ourselves and the experience was the best day ever. My daughter enjoyed the reptile house while I enjoyed more of the other natural exhibit especially the lions and tigers den.
Thank you kindly for your kindness and hospitality of your wonderful staff. Happy holidays!
Best Regards,
Celeste Ponce and family
Celeste Ponce — Google review
love the San Antonio zoo!! Any time we are able to escape from reality (work life)
We head out to the zoo. They seem to always have something different. Wether it’s a new add on or events for family and friends.
But over all great experience and fun time.
Greatly appreciate all the workers there who make it better. Always clean and friendly. LOVE locals day too!!
Highly recommend feeding the giraffes and stopping by and pet the kangaroos 🦘
Maritza Arellano — Google review
Prices are not bad if you want to buy membership and get a year. It definitely pays if you have time to go for just an hour or two during weekdays. Weekends and holidays are VERY BUSY. So busy, you will have a very hard time finding parking despite numerous lots.
The exhibits are decent. It is a bit disappointing to see how small some enclosures are considering the size of the animals. Some exhibits are empty, so it would only make sense to expand the areas for better quality of life and perhaps better to watch the animals. There is quite a variety, so there is plenty to see throughout the entire zoo.
Staff always seems to be fairly friendly. They hold lots of events and such ao that too is nice for community. They are a bit weird on ages/grades for camps, but, at least, they are available for some. Definitely plan on going several times if you want to get the full idea of what all animals can be seen.
Justin Broadwater — Google review
We had a great time here! Got our tickets on Groupon for a great deal. Arrived early on a Sunday, so parking was easy, and so was entry. Most of the animal exhibits were open. When we were leaving, it was getting packed, so I'd advise going early. We paid to pet the kangaroos and our grandbaby enjoyed it.
Amanda Seidel — Google review
Greta place to visit. Kid friendly, no pets, but it’s not too dumbed-down that teenagers aren’t going to want to come. They are currently undergoing preparations for a new lion pen and an habitat for elephants that will be finished 2025 so that’s exciting!! Nothing major we came across was empty of animals even though it had rained lightly not an hour before getting there. Everything was well maintained and everyone was very friendly.
Elisabeth — Google review
I went in without expecting but it was much bigger than I thought! A lot of animals were not out for some reason which I was bit disappointed in the morning but some animals need rest. The bigger animals that I wanted to see were out so I was happy! I would recommend coming with kids if you want to see animals! The tickets are all online (no ticket booth exists) so I would highly recommend buying it prior. There wasn’t any wait so I just bought it in front of gate through phone, but things might change when the weather gets warmer.
Claire Ryoo — Google review
Happy day spent with an infant and a toddler. Took us around 5 hours to explore the entire area, feeding the giraffe and kangaroos and taking lunch break at the restaurant. I must admit the entire experience was too good. Just make sure to check the weather before you go as there are open walking areas and it might get too sunny to walk during summers.
The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX is home to copious precious war artifacts, warplanes, submarines, and authentic bomb casings from WWII. The museum also features feature video presentations that tug on your heartstrings.
We've visited the museum multiple times over the past 20 years, since it was just the Admiral Nimitz Museum and we've always enjoyed our time at the museums.
The seemingly new area (we haven't been to the museum in about 5 years) detailing the life of Admiral Nimitz is fantastic and has a great mix of information graphics, multimedia, artifacts, and interactive activities.
The park where they have the PT Boat, map, reenactment amphitheater, etc. was really lovely and it's a short walk from the main museum.
Jennifer Cunningham — Google review
The museum is a great experience for the entire family. To fully enjoy the entire museum, I would recommend blocking 3-5 hours of your time. The museum does a great job of walking viewers through the entire Pacific War. You'll walk away with a great understanding of all the events. Currently, they limit the number of visitors. I would recommend getting there early or buying tickets in advance.
MR Hernandez-Parish — Google review
This is really quite a treasure, especially to be located in a sleepy (relatively speaking) setting like downtown Fredericksburg. A World War II buff could easily spend a whole day or more exploring all the nooks and crannies, but for the more casual tourist I'd suggest allowing 3-4 hours at least. The main building is where you buy your tickets, and has the primary exhibit space that takes you thru the war, with a particular focus on the Pacific theater as one would expect. It's an easy 10 or so minute walk from there down to the "battle zone" exhibits, or you could drive as there seems to be ample (and free by the way) parking in both locations. For us it was a nice walk on a beautiful spring morning, and the payoff was two-fold: one exhibit that included an actual plane from the era and focused on aerial combat; and another that had an actual PT boat from the era and focused on the action at sea. There was also a giant thought-provoking world map on the pavement outside the two indoor exhibits that might help one put into perspective the scale of the conflict and how different nations and areas were impacted. On the walk back to the main building we went thru the Japanese Peace Garden, which is not only lovely but I think meaninful for those who might be in a contemplative mood. There are other memorials on the grounds as well as we worked our way to the side door of the main building. Back inside, all I can say is, there is a lot! And again, the particular focus is the Pacific theater, with motivations of various countries and factions examined in terms of why the war happened and how it unfolded, and as you'd expect quite a number of exhibits on tactics and strategies employed on all sides. I'll leave it at that, and summarize by saying this is an excellent museum that lives up to its title, and if all that holds any appeal whatsoever for you, then I highly recommend it.
Mike Johnson — Google review
This is an incredible museum. This was my second time at the museum. I had visited before but did not get to see the entire museum. This is a well thought out museum with memorabilia displays along with videos and plenty of placards displaying information. Highly recommend for individuals who want to know more about the events leading up to our involvement in this was.
Donna Theimer — Google review
Had a great experience here. The information was imersive with lights and sounds to help better explain conditions and the moment. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about the war in the pacific. Great for kids and elderly many places to sit and multiple restaurants.
James Schultz — Google review
In a word, amazing. If you are wanting a quality museum experience, this is the place to visit. I've always said the soldiers on the European front were heroes, but the soldiers who fought in the Pacific theater were super heroes. This museum does a great service in telling the stories of those who fought and died in those forsaken islands in the middle of nowhere. I would put this museum on the same level as The Smithsonian. The displays are well thought out and contain copious amounts of information. Plan to spend at least 4 hours at the minimum, as there is a vast amount of content to work your way through.
Doug's Bass Place — Google review
You can't miss this place. They parked a submarine in front.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to visit this first-class war museum. There is so much history, so many personal stories, and artifacts that it's best to take your time.
It's heart-wrenching and patriotic. There's so much to absorb. It's fascinating. Please go.
Gayle Hausmann — Google review
The museum is well worth the visit. It’s well designed and easy to get around. They have wheelchairs available for you to use and that’s greatly appreciated. We saved because my kids are students so don’t forget those school ID’s. The only bad news is that the section where the bomb is in display was closed for renovation. Great museum to visit..!
seth valdez — Google review
Outstanding presentation. Not enough words. Top notch. Plan on a few hours. Could actually spend a whole day or more for sure. The whole Nimitz story so very interesting. The free live shows really ads to the experience.
Chris F — Google review
I've been here so many times I can't count them. From early childhood (back then known as the Nimitz Museum) right up until post covid. Gets better every time. Super clean. Super great staff. Super displays. Most recently, came here with a group of managers from my work as part of leadership enrichment.
Tyler — Google review
We planned to spend a couple hours here, but the displays are so detailed and there are so many "rooms" to see, we spent the whole day (10 AM to 5 PM). The Japanese Peace Garden is beautiful and thousands of plaques mounted in the stone walls outside are most impressive,
Note: Due to water damage from a leaking roof, only half the museum was open, and the entrance fee was reduced. Had the whole museum been available to us, we could not have seen it all in one day.
Fred Clause — Google review
A walk through history!
We parked at the visitors center and walked. Traffic was minimum crossing at the intersection.
First, the people who attend this museum are really friendly and personable! Second there's a list of discounts available from Veteran(✅) to senior, to student, AND small children are free!
The exhibits are really beautifully designed and presented. We loved taking a peak back in time to when the world was in a dire state. Our whole crew really enjoyed how interactive the whole place was. Lots of visual and audio interaction. The artillery pieces, jeep, tanks and aircraft were great photo ops. Also there's a giant replica of an atomic bomb. Everyone was shocked and wow'd there. Really enjoyable experience. Don't forget to walk down the street to the battlefield and PT boat/aircraft exhibits.
Although there was not a re-enactment we still enjoyed getting to see the empty battlefield.
I highly recommend anyone with an interest in history or military history attend. Veterans will enjoy.
Danielle Ray — Google review
There's no war museum dedicated to the Pacific theater in the United States better than this. Everything is here, from real WWII jeeps, planes, artillery guns, bombs, submarines, and PT boats to fascinating short documentary films explaining the politics, the major battles, and personalities who dominated the headlines. War history buffs could spend days here and not get bored. But, if that's not you, even a quick 2 hour walk through the meandering galleries, inside and outside, is time well spent. It's amazingly comprehensive and a well planned exhibit.
Ari Eliefja — Google review
Emotional - great clear information. Sets the scene historically from 1800s and takes you through Nimitz and WW2 in an understandable way. We spent about hour and a half and would happily have stayed longer if we'd had time. Paid entry so check current prices. You walk through information boards, can push buttons for extra information and words from those involved, lots of exhibits of vehicles, uniforms and so on, including a submarine. Great restroom facilities, directions are marked if you need to rest or visit restroom during the tour. Fascinating and distressing... as is war.
Teejay Adams — Google review
A wonderful tribute to the men and women who served in the Pacific theater of the war. Very easy to get to, parking was free and nearby, and there are some great shops along the main stretch in Fredericksburg to visit once you’re done at the museum. The memory garden with photos and bricks engraved with the names of loved ones was especially moving. It will have been my grandfather’s 100th birthday in a couple of years and I plan on purchasing a brick here to commemorate his service during the war.
John Reid — Google review
We took our sons. My youngest (7) loves anything military. He was very interested in the movies and the military vehicles and aircrafts that were on display. We will definitely come back!
Jean Thomas — Google review
If you have any interest in history, this is an All-Day visit! And a lot of walking!
Everything is wheel chair accessible (yay) and most exhibit areas have occasional benches. (I think I sat on every one!)
There are many elements to the Museum.
-Nimitz's family hotel with a gallery personal to Nimitz in the hotel building.
-Geo HW Bush Gallery -- don't let the name mislead you, this is the Main exhibit about the various battles in the Pacific arena during WWII. (Youcan spend a couple of days just reading and watching everything in here!)
-Outside -- including the Presidents' Plaza, memorials to pretty much everyone who died in the Pacific war (we didn't see much of this so that's an impression), AND a Japanese Peace Garden (which Most regretfully, we did not see).
-The Pacific Combat Zone -- is AMAZING; Is 1.5 BLOCKS AWAY.
Negatives
- no shuttle between combat zone and hotel/bush complex.
-bathrooms few and far between
-VERY STEEP hill next to hotel
-sooo big
Positives
-SOO BIG!
-Excellent displays
-really cool actual PT Boat
- Teachers, Military get an extra $2 off!
-worth the entry fee
Leslie Fisher — Google review
Great museum. I would suggest leaving your entire day open when visiting this museum. Lots of wonderful history, many interactive exhibits, and lots of reading too. If you love history, especially WWII, this is a true gem. Children will enjoy many of the exhibits but will honestly probably become restless before you finish your tour.
Edward Shea — Google review
Very unexpected. Very good. They have really spent time and energy to make this an excellent exhibit. Well worth an afternoon of your time if you're in the area.
Ryley Thompson — Google review
If you are given the chance to go here, take it. This museum is incredible. I left with such a humble heart. The whole experience was very moving and at times surreal. The amount of artifacts they have and the knowledge that was shared was beyond anything I ever expected. We were in here for hours and could have easily spent the day here reading all the stories. It is an inside and outside museum with many things to see. Take it all in.
kat — Google review
Something that we heard before, but i did not see the visual impacts. It educates us that today's peace cost is so high, we all should protect what we have gained.
E Main St, also known as Fredericksburg Main Street, serves as the bustling main artery of the city. Divided into two distinct parts - The Magic Mile central shopping district and the historic West Main Street - it offers a diverse range of experiences. The Marktplatz, located between these sections, is a vibrant hub featuring pavilions, green spaces, a charming waterwheel, and the iconic Maibaum (maypole).
The Cave Without A Name is a picturesque cavern that has been open to the public since 1939. It offers guided tours of unique geological formations, as well as occasional live concerts. The cave has multiple rooms, each more stunning than the last. Visitors can enjoy a tour with knowledgeable guides like Catherine, who is both a biology college student and an expert on the cave's features. She even uses black light flashlights to highlight the colors beneath the surface of this fascinating natural wonder.
Great outing! Easy access cave with many rooms , one more beautiful than the other. We highly recommend the guided your -ask for the tour with Catherine as your guide— she is a biology college student and loves the cave and what she does. She even took a black light flashlight to show the different colors under black light - is a great idea and a different take on caves. Not one of the massive caves, but absolutely worth it!
Patricia Rosario — Google review
Finally got out to this privately-owned cave and it was very much worth it. Our guide was a VERY enthusiastic young lady and she did a great job. These caverns are worth your time to reserve a spot to tour. They hold monthly concerts and host weddings in the caverns, too, so pretty fascinating. Great story behind the discovery of the cave itself as well. Really enjoyed it.
Matt — Google review
Absolutely amazing cave tour! So glad we picked this one. We only had time to do one cave in the area and after a little research this one sounded good and much less crowded and touristy. Mike led our tour and he was friendly, interesting and informative. Everyone in our party really enjoyed it! The Cave has so many features- solitary tricolor bats, drapery and bacon, clear pools, it is utterly lovely. Highly recommend! Afterwards we had a Moroccan geode cut at the gift shop and the kids panned for gemstones. Great experience! Good to reserve your time ahead and wear comfortable and safe footwear for all the steps.
AshN Aug — Google review
This was a great experience. The cave itself was fun to tour and very educational in learning about the different rock formations in it. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about their jobs. The entrance fee was around $21 and they offer an active duty, veteran and retired discount.👍
They have a gift shop inside as well as clean restrooms outside. The staff are very friendly and ready to answer any questions.
This is definitely worth a drive to go check out and have fun exploring.😁
Henry A. Rodriguez — Google review
Sunday, March 10, 2024 my wife and I went to see the cave with no name. Alex was our tour guide. He would start explaining how this cave was discovered. He also explained the rules while touring the cave too. He would explain to us every detail of the cave like the formation and discoveries that have been found. He showed great knowledge and experience. The cave is beautiful. It's something you do not want to miss. Great for families and friends. I recommend it.
George Thomas Rey — Google review
First time visiting and first time ever visiting a cave. It was such a wonderful experience! I forgot the guy’s name that was our tour guide but he was so nice and very informative. He mentioned he’s a senior in high school! Kudos to you for all that you shared with us!
I brought a jacket because it was communicated it would be about 66 degrees down there and I get cold easily. But it really doesn’t feel like 66. It was quite humid. I say that say you probably don’t need a jacket. Def wear walking shoes and bring a water bottle if you tend to get thirsty easily.
The duration of the tour was nice, walking and listening to the history of the cave and stopping for pictures!
Highly recommend checking this place out!
Krystle Berrout — Google review
Great tour from Natalie. She was able to answer all the group’s questions. She really knew the history. Our family (including the teens) enjoyed it. It is a small cave, which is ideal for people not really into caves but has some unique features that were great for people that explore caves often.
There are 2 marked trails to explore while you wait on your tour to start. We did the short easy yellow trail in the afternoon heat and it was all shaded and not uncomfortable despite the heat.
Katherine was great in the gift shop. So nice and kind.
If you are looking for something to do other than ride a horse, plan this into your trip!
Can’t wait to visit again when they have a concert down there. The acoustics are suppose to be phenomenal!
*There are lots of steps, but that was expected.
S Hettinger — Google review
Nice cave and close to San Antonio, TX. We went on the trials before the tour. The tour person did a good explanation about the caves. There is a small shop beside the caves. Be prepared to walk up the steps after the tour. A good place to visit if you are looking for something to do.
VRus Escape Reality — Google review
Great Experience! Our tour guide Cole was awesome. He made it informative and interesting even for our 7 year old. The cave was full of amazing formations and features. I highly recommend it. They also have a gift shop and you can purchase a Geode and they will cut it for you which was a big hit with our son.
Lisa Allen — Google review
What an out of this world experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly. Shared so much information and had great stories about the cave. The cave itself is beautiful with so much to see and admire. Our favorite part of the tour was when our guide turned off all the lights in the cave and we sat in complete darkness. Wow!
E. Garza — Google review
Absolutely stunning cave here at The Cave With No Name. The tour was fun and educational. Our guide was knowledgeable, personable and all around great. I can’t remember her name unfortunately, but she was great! Drove a few hours out of our way to visit, but it was definitely worth the trip. Would highly recommended!
Edward Donnelly — Google review
This is an incredible tour. The cave was so beautiful. Alex was friendly and so informative. We had lots of questions and he answered them all. He is very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour. Don’t miss this one. It’s a gem !!
heather asaro — Google review
Caroline was a fantastic guide and did a great job of explaining formations and the history behind this cave. Her black-light demonstration was especially fun. Cave Without A Name is a good choice for first time cavern visitors and those with younger children. There is an 8 story climb out of the cave but not much walking or navigating tricky terrain when in the cave.
Nichole Crites — Google review
A nice tour of the cave with lots of stories and history. Caroline was a great guide. It's more like an underground museum than a cave adventure, so don't expect to become an active spelunker in this tour. Also, good to know your physical abilities. going down into the caves and walking around was fine, but climbing eight vertical stories of stairs to get out is a CHORE! Highly recommend for the young or fit, though.
W David MacKenzie — Google review
Our guide Natalie was such a sweet girl. She told us she started in high-school and is continuing through college. She was extremely knowledgeable about everything asked. I am extremely happy we got her to lead our tour.
The cave itself was amazing anf very impressive. Very well preserved even through the construction process. Its definitely worth a visit.
jeremiah clifford — Google review
We love it. Nice place for our 5th wheels to park and enjoy quiet camp ground. Close to nice, clean , cool bathroom facility. Nice quick walk to office and the cave entrance… the best is the concert in 8 stories down in the cave .. highly recommend !!!!
Pisamai Cowan — Google review
Amazing cave and guided tour. Went at 3pm on a Thursday with my boys. Called ahead to make reservations. Tour lasts 60 min. So many amazing cave formations! Loved the cave bacon and eggs, alien, and nativity. Saw a few bats. Even had a few minutes with all the light off. It was a nice escape to 66 degrees on a 100 degree day.
Christine — Google review
Excellent! I've been in alot of caverns in my life. The tour is very beautiful and awesome down below. The guide said maybe once a month they have a 200 person concert down there. That would be so cool! In the pic with the flashlight showing, the cavern goes on another 2 miles, but the tour does not extend there. You will have to go down about 8 stories of stairs so not wheelchair accessible. The guide was very knowledgeable and nice. Also a nice gift shop there too! 🚻🚭
John Long — Google review
This was a different kind of tour for us, it felt like a stroll back in time, the guide was a former visitor that came back to tell all the little stories that went into bringing this cave into the spotlight. Though not as well known as Natural Bridge, it is still enjoyable and definitely cooler. They often have weddings and musical concerts in the main cavern.
Joe Young — Google review
We called ahead to reserve a tour for our time of arrival. Tours happen every hour. We checked in at the gift shop and looked around at all the wonderful gems and trinkets you can find there.
Our tour guide Amy was great! She was everything you want when you take a guided tour. Knowledgeable, thorough, and fun. She walked us through the history of the cave and pointed out a bunch of notable aspects of this quarter mile 8 store deep cave system.
Well worth the roughly 40 min drive from San Antonio.
Andrea K — Google review
Gorgeous Cave Without a Name speaks for herself.
The property feels so inviting and I was excited to discover purple dalmatian jasper in the gift shop! We had a short wait time and only 6 people on our tour. We saw a salamander on one of the steps!
Our tour guide was lovely and so knowledgeable. As for the guide's name... My hubby heard Andy and I heard Candy... So thank you (C)Andy!
We watched the dive video later and somewhat fulfilled my longing to explore deeper in the beautiful cave.
Katherine Harper — Google review
For starters, I tent camped at cave without a name and had an amazing experience tent camping. All of the campsites are essentially brand new, nice and level. All electric. All water but no sewer. Mike, who checked me in when I got there in the evening for my tent was absolutely amazing and Steven who squeezed me in a group when he didn't have to the next day because I didn't realize you needed reservations was phenomenal. The older gentleman that cut my big geode in half. I don't remember his name but he was fantastic to talk with and everybody was entertained by him. Speaking about everybody else. Everybody was so friendly staff. The customers. Everybody. There is something about cave without a name that seems to draw. Very good people. And I will be back to camp and visit the cave and bring friends so they can experience that same level of greatness that I got to experience. I am just posting a couple of random photos when I was down in the cave.
Chris Muncy — Google review
We took this tour with Caver Mike - he was great! So many stories, answered all questions, his passion was quietly obvious. The cave was beautiful - would love to attend a concert there with the acoustics. Good walkways & stairs have rails on both sides. The “hike” back up 8 flights was CHALLENGING but worth the effort! Bought some things in the gift shop, too. Great experience.
Martha Skinner — Google review
We had a very good time, the tour is very informative and the guides are knowledgeable. There are 160 odd steps down and then up, just a heads up but worth every step.
Edward Wright — Google review
I've been to quite a few caves and this cave was definitely one of the good ones I've been to. I enjoyed the drive out as well. We had so much fun and staff was super nice. We didn't reserve any tickets, but we came on a weekday and there were still quite a few people there and would recommend getting them on weekends etc
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a stunning wilderness area in central Texas, featuring a dramatic 425-ft. pink granite monolith that offers opportunities for hiking and climbing. The park is well-maintained and clean, making it an enjoyable destination for visitors. However, those wanting to hike the summit should plan ahead by reserving online as availability can be limited during peak times such as spring break. It's important to bring water and a jacket for wind at the summit.
What a spectacular place to visit. This is a great place to visit with the entire family. You can take in the loop, which is 3+ mile hike. The loop's trail is fairly easy. Or, if you want something more challenging, you can hike up the Rock. To drive in the park, you must make reservations; otherwise, you risk not being allowed to park or camp. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially on those warm days.
MR Hernandez-Parish — Google review
We had a one of a kind experience in the Enchanted Rock park.
The park offers a variety of hiking trails in varying degrees of difficulty. You can choose between an easy loop trail around the huge rocks, two trails which require some moderate climbing every once in a while, that will take you between the rocks, and of course the trail to the top of the Enchanted Rock.
The climb up was surprisingly not that difficult. There are plenty of beautiful spots to stop on the way up. Take your time to admire the changing views from different heights, as well as the surprisingly rich vegetation that still flourishes within the cracks and shallow holes in the rock. There is still a lot of running water from all over the rock.
Due to the hot temperatures, it's best to arrive early and climb up first thing when the weather is still pleasant. Take a long walk around the top of the rock and explore the whole summit.
Don't forget to take plenty of water, sun screen and insect repellent.
G BN — Google review
Visited 4/29/23, a Saturday. BUY DAY PASS/MAKE RESERVATION IN ADVANCE! This is a popular place and you don’t want to miss it. Park attendants were friendly and helpful. Parking near summit trail filled up fast. Recommend summit trail, Turkey pass and Echo canyon trails. We visited on a breezy day….At the top of Enchanted Rock the wind about knocked us over. If it’s going to be a hot day hike the summit trail early and take plenty of water. Recommend bringing a cooler/basket of food for a picnic. No restaurants/fast food nearby. There was a shaved ice truck near the entrance to summit trail and a snack stand that was closed when we were there. Lots of picnic places available and there was a playground down a ways from the summit trail entrance for children. Such a beautiful area. Wildflowers were still abundant when we visited. Views are spectacular. Well worth the time and effort to go see!!
Tracy Torbett — Google review
I wanted to take a moment to share with you my recent hiking experience at Enchanted Rock. I can honestly say that it was nothing short of spectacular.
The moment I laid eyes on Enchanted Rock, I was immediately captivated by its beauty. The majestic rock formation rising from the Texas Hill Country landscape was truly a sight to behold. The scenic views that awaited me were like eye candy at every turn.
As I began my hike, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna added to the allure of the place. The trail was well-marked and easily navigable, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience.
The ascent to the summit was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The panoramic views from the top were simply breathtaking. Being able to see the vast expanse of the surrounding countryside was an unforgettable experience. It was as if I had entered a different world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I spent hours exploring the various trails and rock formations in the area. Each step offered a new discovery and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of Enchanted Rock. From the unique geological features to the serene sounds of nature, every moment was cherished.
Beyond the hiking itself, the park provided excellent amenities for visitors. There were clean restrooms, picnic areas, and well-maintained facilities. The park staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant experience for all.
I would highly recommend a visit to Enchanted Rock to anyone seeking a remarkable outdoor adventure. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this place offers something for everyone. The combination of breathtaking scenery and challenging trails creates an experience that will leave you in awe.
In conclusion, my hiking experience at Enchanted Rock surpassed all expectations. The sheer beauty and tranquility of the area left an indelible mark on me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have explored this natural wonder and highly encourage others to do the same.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my incredible adventure. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jerry Martinez — Google review
Very unique experience. We had a great time. The hike up the summit is pretty steep. Make sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. There are no guard rails or safety measures in place so you hike at your own risk. Beautiful views from the top.
Meagan Bourgeois — Google review
Enchanted Rock is a beautiful place to visit. Make sure to make your reservations in advance in order to get in. Hiking the summit trail is short but steep. The views are stunning from the top. There are multiple trails to hike around it as well. A couple of primitive campgrounds too. You can settle down among tons of people and still find solice amongst the rocks.
Jenn Kummer — Google review
Plenty to see and do here on multiple hiking trails. The Summit Trail to the top is a leg-burner at times but well worth the half-mile effort. Take your time to enjoy the views and the rock formation itself and you'll be able to make it.
We also did the Loop Trail, which is about 4.6 miles around the outside of the Granite Dome and it offers various views of the dome from different angles, which was neat to see.
Several other trails offer different experiences, too, but we'll have to check those out another day. This is a park we'll go back to. Note that you need reservations for timed entry and weekends are way busier than weekdays.
Also, there is rustic camping available both near the parking lot and off of the hiking trails.
Bring plenty of water because there is little shade anywhere. There are vault toilets along the Loop Trail. Also, watch for snakes, we had a rattler on the Loop Trail when we went.
Plenty of parking but RVs would have a tough time maneuvering to anything but the half-dozen spots in the RV lot.
Also note the closest gas is about 18 miles away in Fredericksburg, and there is little to no cell service in much of the park (for Verizon and T-Mobile).
Ari Adler — Google review
So, I did this today and boy, was it fun! I also enjoyed the short drive from Austin to Enchanted Rock. Tons of great places to stop and take pics of. I would highly recommend if you just want to get away for the day. I didn’t purchase a pass online which I know you can. The cost was $8 just for myself. The lady that took my credit card was really helpful in making sure that I was prepared and she even stated that I will need more than one water for the hike. Well, I blew her off because I know everything. Wrong! I def needed another bottle of water because it’s def a nice hike. I was able to stretch my one bottle of water out but I thought I was going to die. I admit it. She said that at least one person a day doesn’t heed their advice and they end up having to rescue. Thankfully, that person was not me today. I even went back and told her she was right and I should have listened. So, my point is PLEASE TAKE AMPLE AMOIBT OF WATER AND NOT JUST ONE BOTTLE! The trails are marked and well kept. They will give you a map at the beginning and it is very well laid out. It took me a while to get to the top because I stopped along the way and snapped some photos and took in the scenery. Def zero shade so take your time if it’s 100 like today. One couple got engaged and I took their pic so congrats to them! I also thought that I was going to be able to walk straight up and the. back down the other side of the rock however, that is not the case that I could tell. There is a steep drop so that’s def not a good idea. Pretty pictures, no crowds, very serene on the way up and at the top. Highly recommend!
Christopher Lund — Google review
Great park, fun geology considering central Texas. The summit trail is short and quick, with steeper elevation change in the first half than second. Trail markings are great and reflective for night hikes, but are only halfway up the rock, so be sure to note the direction of your car park so you can find the trail at night. Apart from the summit trail, there are several other intersecting trails. We will be back in the cooler months to explore the 4mile loop trail which is pet friendly. Excellent dark sky for stargazing and milky way chasing.
Malavika Kale — Google review
Enchanted Rock is the name of this State Park. It really is an Enchanted and unique place to explore. The main attraction is the largest of the granite rocks rising up from the ground called...Enchanted Rock. Multiple legends abound about this place. You can hike to the top and look for yourself. The hike seems daunting, but if you take your time and rest and catch your breath, it is doable. Once you crest the curve of the rock, going up, it levels off at the top and you have a magnificent, unobstructed view. We went in the evening time when the sun was going down and it was beautiful. Walk slowly coming down. It looks really steep on the descent, but if you use a serpentine approach to walking down, it is much better. Although the summit trail, is the most popular, there are other trails to explore as well. The Loop trail is the only trail open after dark and just till 10 pm. We walked along this for a short time. It was overcast, so we really couldn't see any stars out. There is also camping available here. We love it each time we come here and usually can't wait to come back and explore more.
D.M. Corbett — Google review
Absolutely beautiful hike on an overcast day that threatened rain at a few points. On the **fantastic** park ranger's suggestion, I first did the Summit Hike to get ahead of any rain and do the hardest elevation on fresh legs, then completed the Loop trail afterwards. There are bathrooms along the back stretch in case you're worried about the length and you get to see quartz deposits, close ups of other formations, more look out points, and beautiful flowers this time of year. Highly recommend it, of course with sunscreen, water, and maybe a snack! No cell service for a bit of it, fyi.
Erin Tilley — Google review
This was my fourth time to Enchanted Rock, first time bringing our kids. We felt they were finally old enough, 7 and 10. We saw several families with littles, and I just wouldn’t recommend it if you want to hike the summit. This however is such a beautiful park, wonderfully kept, clean, I love it! I will say though, plan ahead, go online and reserve. We went the week of spring break and we reserved the 30 days ahead (they won’t let you reserve more than 30 days ahead), but there were people getting turned away who were trying to walk in. Plan ahead. Bring water. It’s windy at the summit, so bring a jacket. Other than that, enjoy one of the most incredible natural features of central Texas!
Nicholas Linzenmeyer — Google review
One of the best state park experiences I have had! The terrain was beautiful with a lot if amazing rock formations. There is a variety of plants and wildlife, including foxes and cactus. Amazing place to explore. Summit Trail was my favorite trail, containing some of the best formations and views, both towards and at the peak. Prepare to bring hiking shoes however, as the terrain can get very steep and dangerous for those that are unprepared. Try to come on a non-cloudy night, as stars looked beautiful!
The campsite was relatively spacious, equipped with hooks to hang trash bags, trees, fire pit, and clean tables/benches. The tables were shaded with a canopy. There was good distance between campsites with minimal litter. There was not much noise from other campsites and rangers were not over-bearing. Only issues were that the faucets were close to the parking lots which was a bit of a walk from the site. Not too bad, but without proper lighting, it was a bit inconvenient.
Overall great experience and would be worth to come again!
Krishna Paul — Google review
Excellent park to visit and let the kids run around on the massive granite. Hike up to Summit was relatively easy and fresh because after the initial trail, there was a good bit of freedom to roam anywhere all over the huge uplifted granite (aka the Llano Uplift) and the surface was easy to walk on. The geology insight is very impressive. The view at the top was spectacular and would be awesome at sunrise or sunset. Good birding at the picnic areas.
George Loker — Google review
This was an experience! Let me start off with the positives once you make it to the top it’s worth it, totally - just stunning. The restrooms are clean and their was plenty of parking. What I was not prepared for was the physical challenge, the hike is advertised as moderately challenging and it was Very challenging, I am an active person and the continual incline was something my legs and mind were not prepared for. I wanted to warn anyone, please be safe and try to prep your body beforehand : proper conditioning, hydration, nourishment and please bring plenty of water. There is zero shade all the way up and down, proper shoes are a must as well for safety.
Sandy Rodriguez — Google review
I’m here from NC, and while visiting family, my brother brought me to this amazing park so I could get in some trail running. We paid $8 each for a Day Pass, which I thought was reasonable. While my brother climbed the Summit, I ran the big Loop trail around the park’s circumference. It’s about 4.6 miles long. It’s well marked and the sandy type path was easy to run on. The views are amazing and I stopped several times to take photos and video because it was so breathtaking! There’s plenty of restrooms along the trail as well. It was super cold today (11°) so I didn’t bring along water. I would recommend it if you run this place or hike it in the hotter summer months. They also have camping sites and rock climbing available here.
Dana Steele — Google review
While visiting Austin Texas, I searched for challenging areas to hike and to witness a beautiful sunset. Enchanted Rock was one of the top three places so I scheduled a day to go that was clear and dry. About an hour and a half away from Austin is Enchanted Rock. The drive was pretty easy and made it there well before sunset. I arrived, pulled over next to the ranger station and paid for my reserved spot. It's always good to reserve a spot here when going to the park. It was January when I visited so it wasn't bad at all. Summer could be a different story. Keep in mind to bring water no matter what time of year you come. Summer obviously bring more. I read reviews that it was a challenging climb. There are some areas where it is a high Rocky step but the remainder of the climb is easier. Overall this reasonably fit 52 year old made it up to the top in about 25 minutes stopping to take a couple pictures along the way. If I would have known that going in I probably would have taken some of the lower trails at the base of the rock before trekking upwards towards the top. Once you are at the top, the vastness of this Park is nothing less than astonishing. I truly appreciated the view and nearby 18ft boulders that I've been standing for probably millions of years. Unfortunately there was very little cloud covers to the sunset wasn't as dramatic as I would have hoped but it was beautiful nonetheless. The ranger said to make your way down no later than 6:15. Once the sunset there is complete darkness so going down is a bit tricky but if you bring a flashlight you will be okay. There were actually people coming up as I was going down at 6:00. Unless you are camping overnight you need to leave the park at 8:00. I would have stayed longer for the stargazing but it was pretty windy that night. Enchanted Rock Park is also classified as a dark sky area so stargazing is breathtaking. You can actually see the Milky way! Would definitely return if I'm ever in TX again
72ocutter — Google review
More beautiful than you can imagine!!! Fun for all ages! Bring a hat or head covering as it's very windy at the top. Don't skip the hike around Enchanted Rock! It's a beautiful meandering hike with flowers, butterflies, and birds.
Janet Evans — Google review
Enchanted Rock was a great hiking experience for our family today! The big climb up the rock was challenging but easily worth it. We had amazing sightseeing from the top in every direction. After our trip to the top, we hiked around several of the loop trails visiting lakes, streams, and other gorgeous viewpoints. You MUST buy a state park reservation to get in, it easy, just plan ahead. Parking and bathrooms were great, the park ranger who greeted us was friendly and helpful.
Luke Thompson — Google review
This is a very steep climb! So make sure you are prepared to take it slow if need be. I would recommend bringing a lot of water to stay hydrated, some shoes with good tread, a hat and sun glasses, and sunblock!
Lauren Milam — Google review
Enchanted Rock State Park provided an unforgettable family hiking experience! The friendly and helpful park staff made the start smooth and enjoyable. The hike encompassed various terrains - from walking alongside a river to navigating brush and steeper sections. Even with those challenges, it was manageable for our kids. The trail offered scenic views, especially passing by large boulders that were perfect for memorable photos. Reaching the summit was rewarding. Encountering kids exploring cave systems added an extra layer of excitement. A place full of adventure and exploration, offering an abundance of opportunities to discover!
Joe Taveras — Google review
Great endurance hike up the big rock. Didn’t get to any of the back side trails but we roamed around the rocks and trails on it. Be careful how you climb down if going down the sides as it can be steep in places. The ranger in the office was informative and really helpful in buying some items from the shop.
Amy — Google review
Enchanted Rock is the largest pink granite monadnock in the United States, standing at 425 feet tall. It offers a short, yet enjoyable and challenging hike, with the summit trail being moderately difficult. However, once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with an amazing view of the surrounding area. It's important to bring plenty of water bottles and a towel, as there are no restrooms or water sources available on the trail. Please exercise caution while climbing the rock.
Farhin Momtaj — Google review
this was my first state park visit ever and i loved it top to bottom! easy to locate, park, shop etc.
the hike itself is so beautiful. not difficult but kinda vertigo-y since there’s no tree cover to stop you from seeing drops 😅 i was truly enchanted!
Bebe — Google review
Monday, March 11, 2024 my wife and I went to climb the Enchanted Rock. For us it was a challenge but it was worth it. The view at the top is amazing, you look around it's like watching a Western movie. It's great for families and friends. I recommend it.
Family-run boutique winery set on 140+ scenic acres offering tastings, cellar tours & a shaded deck.
We visited Pedernales Cellars in early April. The view is beautiful and serene. The young woman who guided us through our tasting was the perfect compliment to the view and the excellent wine we were tasting. She was knowledgeable and personable, a great combination and made the experience very enjoyable. We will 100% be going back on our next visit to Fredericksburg.
Robert Hoke — Google review
If you are looking for a beautiful romantic place to enjoy a glass of wine without any other expectations this place will definitely do the trick. It was not overly friendly and welcoming, had stunning views, but over all it was just nice to try.
Shawna Hunt — Google review
Super cute winery with lots of our door seating and very pleasant views of the surrounding hill country. The winery has a nice selection of red and whites with 1 very good rosé. Their wines are not super sweet and this season they did not have a wine that was sweet. But all of them were very good and the variety offers something for everyone.
Cody Hooten — Google review
I never write reviews but I just had to! We came this weekend to town for the grape stomp. First off, my mom couldn't join bc she got sick. I gave them the shirt so they could resale and they refunded me for my mom! I didn't ask or expect it. We were first to grape stomp and the ladies were holding and entertaining my baby. We go into the tasting room for wine tasting and my daughter spilled water which didn't even phase Jeremy he kindly cleaned it up even though I offered. His knowledge on wine and kind demeanor to my little kids was refreshing. All the wines were amazing and I bought a bottle. When we went outside the ladies offered for us to get our feet in the grapes again. Being first, our feet prints didn't show up well on the shirts. Everyone was incredibly kind and overly welcoming. I can't wait to bring my mom when I'm back in town!
Katie Ferguson — Google review
I am new to wine and wine drinking and decided to try Pedernales because of a great interaction with staff at my own job. Brenna and Ashley were so friendly and outgoing that I promised to go visit.
Let me tell you, I was so impressed. I am new to the industry and learning, and my wife knows even less. The server/tasting room asdociate, Brooke, was so patient and extremely knowledgeable. They were filming something for PBS, so the tasting room was temporarily closed. This was not bad at all, because the view was so beautiful. When we did go in, I saw the tasting room was clean (not clean/dirty but clean in the interior design sense) and beautifully laid out.
Ashley served us as well to help out when it was busy and did excellent. From experience, I would say Brooke, Janene or Brenna would be a great choice as I have personally had excellent interactions with all three and demonstrate behavior I rarely see in the service industry--friendliness, knowledge and a welcomeness. My wife told me she felt welcomed and not talked down to, which has sadly happened at far too many places. Will definitely make the 90 minute drive again.
Joshua Jacobs — Google review
Beautiful tasting room and gorgeous views from the patio! Holly led a fun, informative tasting and the acoustical panels on the ceiling help dampen the noise so you can carry on a conversation. Left with multiple bottles to enjoy at home.
Kent Summerour — Google review
We were pleasantly surprised!!! There are no sweet wines here, and I am not a huge dry wine fan, however, all the drys were actually pretty good and easy to drink!! The staff was super nice and the views are beautiful! They allow picnics, so grab a bottle of wine from them and bring your food and enjoy the views!
Marti Woodard — Google review
The view and atmosphere was very pretty. We visited and no one else was even there when we arrived. The staff member was nice but definitely overly friendly. We were very upfront about wanting to learn. He did not take any time to explain anything to us. WE asked questions and got little to no response. I personally am not a red wine drinker and explained that to him. 4 of our 6 were red during the Tasting which would have been okay to allow me to learn. Zero. Nada. Our glasses were not cleaned in between and no pallet cleanser. I think he just couldn’t be bothered to be honest. We then went to Becker Vineyards and it was amazing! So friendly and helpful.
Texas Lady — Google review
Great place to kick back with a glass of wine and a cheese plate. We visited Pedernales Cellars with a large party on a Saturday, and they were very friendly and accommodating. Cathy helped make the whole experience a great one and even had reserved tables set up for our party of 25 when we arrived at the facility. She greeted us upon arrival and worked with our group to choose some wines for us to enjoy on the patio.
The service was great, the wine was tasty, and the views were beautiful. I would definitely visit Pedernales Cellars again. Thanks for hosting us and putting up with my husband's crazy birthday crew!
Allyson Vaughn — Google review
If you are visiting the area, this is a must stop! Their service is incomparable and the wines are delicious Texas born and raised. Michael served us and he was outstanding- made the trip all the more special. Thank you guys! Will definitely make this place a staple.
Angelina Glass — Google review
Holly was very knowledgeable, friendly, and answered our questions well. She was a delight. The samples we had were impressive...my wife loved the whites, I loved the reds. We signed up for the wine club! Thank you for a great experience!
David Parrish — Google review
The place is incredible and their wines surprised us. I didn't know Texas had this high quality wines to offer and I'm definitely interested to keep trying different wineries in the region. The service and information provided by Forbes (the pedernales representative at the tasting room) was top class. I can definitely recommend this experience to anyone.
Santiago Rubio — Google review
This winery has good and quite unique wines and a scenic location. Tasting wines out on the patio, or buying a bottle for a picnic on the vast grounds with great views. A favorite in the TX hill country.
Gio Sailor — Google review
We spent a wonderful afternoon at Pedernales Cellars tasting wine in Texas Hill country near Fredericksburg.
Eugene Parker — Google review
What a view!! It was an amazing experience. I have been to many wineries and so far this is my fave. I love Texas wines and then add Spanish grapes it's a winner. Forbes was our tasting expert and he was full of knowledge even when we asked questions he had the answer.
Tiffani Aswad — Google review
Great wines, loved the mourvédre and GSM. Be advised they have a very limited menu on weekdays with only 5 wines for tastings and glasses. Jeremy was our bar tender and super nice and knowledgeable.
Adalynn France — Google review
Yes, of course they have excellent wines and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas. They also will set you up with a grape stomping session. I enjoyed it immensely! The wine club tasting events are quite enjoyable.
Frank Fitzpatrick — Google review
The winery was small and not crowded. The wine tasting was great and Mike was awesome! Ask for him when you book a tasting. The view from the winery is amazing. Definitely take pics!
Sonia Lopez — Google review
Great views and delicious wines. The wine club is free to join and ships four times per year. The tasting staff is friendly and the gift shop is amusing, but standard. Tastings were $15 for 7 wines on my visit. The reds were particularly high quality.
Tours of the Texas White House (with original furnishings), the ranch & boyhood home.
This should be a must stop for everyone. So many things to see, trails, all types of wildlife, memorials to read along the way. Luckily when we went it was cloudy. There's a lot of walking if you plan on going on all the trails. The parking was plentiful and there was no charge when we went. We had a blast! Spent at least 2 hrs here but feel we didn't see everything. Highly recommend and will definitely be returning.
Texas Girl — Google review
Great state park near the river perfect for paddle boarding. The Living history barn was a great place to take the kids. We watched them milk the cows, make soap, make butter, and watch them sew using an old-fashioned, sewing machine. Fun to see all the animals wandering about before heading out on a nice hike through the woods to see Longhorn cattle. Very educational weekend!
Jana Mantovani — Google review
It is a beautiful area and the ranch is lovely. The Texas White House was closed for work, but it was fun to look around the ranch and visit the sites. It is a nice drive and some nice things to see. There are lots of cows and some goat to visit as well. It is worth the stop and only takes an hour or so to see it all.
Russell Kauitzsch, MS, LPC — Google review
we spent the day exploring this historical place.experience life on texas-german farm and american bison.self guided tour of LBJ Ranch begin at our visitors center.
the ranch is across the Pedernales river and is part of LBJ national park.there we visited LBJ's school ,family cemetery,and texas white house.
Kamini ashwin P — Google review
Learn all about LBJ and his contributions to the state. One of the coolest parts of the park is its historical farm. See what life was like back in the early 1900s. When went to check out the Christmas decorations and everything is real and handmade. Worth a trip if you’re in the Fredericksburg area.
Mr.S Travel Quest — Google review
My sister's and I visited the park on a hill country trip we took together. The park was gorgeous! There is so much to see and do there, and tails to walk so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The park rangers were friendly and hospitable, they have a great gift shop and clean restrooms. I will definitely be returning with my husband to show him this beautiful jewel in our beautiful hill country and you should visit too! (BTW, if you love wine, the drive there is on the main road to many of the best wines in the hill country, just thought you should know.) 😊
Darling Romo-Lopez — Google review
I gatta be honest, i wasn’t sure i was gonna stop cause I don’t know anything about LBJ and wasn’t sure if it was gonna be cool. But i was happily surprised, id recommend anyone that likes history, likes outdoor Texas, or wants to see a neat totally unique kind of exhibit for this area to definitely stop.
If you dont want to get out of your car or you cant walk well, no problem! They driving tour with the narrated app through the NP is great and you still get to drive all over the ranch and see stuff.
If you want to get out of your car and see stuff, they have a bunch of places to stop off and get close to things. It was beautiful. Theyve done an excellent job with it. 10/10 would go again.
Courtney Werth — Google review
Beautiful state park in a really nice small town area. We will be going back to see more as we only had a few hours. The staff at the welcome center were very nice and super helpful with explaining the most bang for the time we had there. Enough to keep the whole family entertained and enjoying the outdoors and history!
Sabrina K — Google review
The state park is near the LBJ National Park. They have a living history farm to tour as well as an exhibit on LBJ.
Merideth Oliver — Google review
Great experience stepping back in time enjoying beautiful grounds and learning about the life, family, and passions of President Johnson. I enjoyed walking the grounds and taking in the scenery. A thunderstorm rolled in during my visit and was able to get some pics of that with the landscape. I would absolutely recommend visiting the site's starting with the visitors center, walking through the trails if physically able to, visiting the plantation, then driving through site's where President Johnson lived and worked.
Andrew Carlisle — Google review
Beautiful park all around. The school was so cool.
TheHomieChris — Google review
Great Park to see a lot of history concerning Lyndon B. Johnson. One of the neat things as they have a working farm and staff dressed in the era, the farm would have been active in. Take your time and look at all the different stops along the way.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
Slightly confusing that the separate state park and national park are adjacent and connected. Great staff. Friendly and helpful and lots of them. State part is small but exhibits well maintained and well presented. Disappointed that no animals were present in the wildlife area. National area was better in terms of sights to see.
Joe Burfoot — Google review
This was my second visit here. It was a major holiday so the main reception area and the theater was closed. It is worth going when the theater is open to see the film explaining the history of the park and ranch as well as the former president LBJ. They have a couple Texas Longhorns grazing and a small herd of Buffalo, very nice. There is a white tail deer reserve, also very nice. Great hiking trails where you will see the deer and other animals doing their thing. Quite beautiful. And the old German style log Cabin is definitely worth seeing. But go when it is not a major holiday if you want to see this.
This subterranean attraction offers a range of exciting activities for visitors ranging from panning for gems to exploring the otherworldly formations. Highlights include the 60-foot long natural limestone slab bridge that spans the entrance of the caverns and the Hidden Passage Tour, which takes visitors through a series of winding corridors 180 ft underground.
One word, amazing. The place is well kept with clean and maintained facilities above ground with plenty of staff to help guide and direct. The caverns themselves were amazing. The different formations, structures, colors were all awesome to see. The path and railings were sturdy with no issues or concerns along the way with lighting that really complemented the natural formations. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and he was easy to hear and understand. If you're interested in caverns or caves at all I highly recommend you check this out.
Kyle Wolski — Google review
I never seen anything like this before, so I was impressed by the caves.The fact that caves were natural was cool and the history of caves was attention grabbing. The offered 2 tours each which cost $31 per person. One of the tours was hidden path tour (more difficult path but more unique features) and the other discovery tour (family friendly, easy to navigate and good for first timers). We chose the hidden path tour. It was surprisingly warm in the cave about 75-80 degrees and wet so make sure you grab yourself a pair of food shoes prior to entry. The tour lasted about 50 min. You go down deep inside the cave about 180 feet by stairs and then come right back up. So if you have knee or hip problems, or other physical limitations this tour is not for you. Tickets are sold on site there so no need to order online in advance. 4/5 only because the entry is super overpriced for such a short tour. They really commercialized this place. Also, they are still discovering and prolonging the cave and shall finish by March 2023 so there will be a new tour available.
Karina Paul — Google review
I've been here several times over the past 30 years. It has definitely grown and become more commercialized but I understand its a business. Definitely gives off an amusement park vibe. Its still a cool place to visit and take your kids. Lots of neat things to see.
Scott Hartman — Google review
A beautiful natural wonder. The caverns go pretty deep underground and are filled with many beautiful things to see. The tour guide was very informative as well. Just make sure you're in good enough shape to be able to climb back up from the very bottom of the cavern as it is quite a long journey uphill. I recommend visiting and seeing the beauty of nature.
Gregory Nowak — Google review
Very fun and interesting experience!! Did not expect Texas to have caves like these, but it was worthwhile and incredible.
If you’re into nature and/or history, this is a must visit. The pictures and videos truly do not give justice to the views. They are just incredible.
The tour guides are all knowledgeable. Who knew exploring caves and learning fun facts about them would be so entertaining??
If you’re not into caves but are a thrill seeker, they did have zip lines and rope courses that looked quite extensive compared to some other ones I’ve seen before. We didn’t get to try the courses, but they did look very fun and exciting.
Julia Apostol — Google review
Great place to witness caves. There are two tours available here. They are 1. Discovery Tour and 2. HiddenWonders Tour.
You can choose any one of those or both for tour. Each one takes around 1.5 hour to cover. They will make 2 separate groups for these tours. You need to walk all around the tour. A guide will accompany you to explain. You can get your printed photographs outside. Food and drinks not allowed inside the caves although they allow water. You can take photographs with your mobile.
Vijay Sai — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. We did the discovery cavern tour and the maze. The tour lasted about an hour and a half and was very educational. Our tour guide was incredibly nice. The maze was fun for he kids. There’s also outdoor games like connect four, checkers and other things. They have picnic tables. There’s lots of fun to be had here.
Cheska Rey — Google review
Amazing experience indeed this is one of the "world premier show caverns, and one of the most attraction in Texas". 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Good for families, has other activities for kids of all ages.
Bought the discovery tour pass for around $30 online. Took around 1 hour. Tour starts on time.
Need good walking shoes because there are natural water formations on the ground, can be slippery.
Has good hand rails for steep areas.
We had no problem walking the whole cave. but advisory for people who can not walk decline/incline hills and unable to handle humidity.
Our tour Gal, she was very knowledgeable & funning. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Kudos to the whole team: the explorers & planners. The construction and layout for the cavern was very well thought out.
Would love to do the hidden passage and adventure explorer next time.
Yes!!! highly recommended.
Team Cheeseburger — Google review
Commercial Caverns would be a better name.
We have been to SEVERAL caves/caverns in multiple areas of the U.S. Our take on the Caverns themselves at Natural Bridge Caverns were wonderful and we truly enjoyed seeing them. Everything else about the visit left much to be desired.
The walkways and paths into and out of the caverns are very nice, be mindful that they're quite steep if you plan to tour. I'm not knocking them for this, just awareness if you plan to visit.
The tour itself consists of multiple "tour guides" staged throughout the caverns to elaborate on that portion. Wasn't a bad idea compared to having a single tour guide IMO, BUT...... THEY NEED TO WAIT ON THE ENTIRE GROUP AND SLOW DOWN WHEN TALKING!!!!!!!! We were towards the latter part of our group, and I honestly don't think I could tell you three sentences from the guides.
Again, we really enjoyed the Caverns themselves....everything else was a complete turnoff for us. Overall takeaway is that I felt like I was in a tourist trap with prices comparable to major theme parks. Seemed like we were rushed through so the next herd could get in, get out, and make way for the others.
For a family of three to do the combo tour and ropes course it would be nearly $300 dollars........ We WON'T be back! Too many other attractions in the area to go broke here!
Eric Johnson — Google review
Experience of a lifetime! Two separate cavern systems to explore with well-trained tour guides. If you plan on doing both tours be prepared to walk at least 2 hours in high humidity. They provide a 30 minute break in between tours (you can choose to schedule a longer break if necessary) but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you have difficulty moving around, have asthma or experience extreme claustrophobia.
We only toured the caverns and shopped around the gift shops but you can easily spend all day here. They have a maze and zip line playground for the kiddos along with a crystal sifting area at the gift shop.
Lizet Anahi Delgado — Google review
Today we took the Hidden Wonders Tour. We arrived at 1pm, but our tour didn't start until 2pm. During our wait time, we raced our way through the maze. It was really hot outside, but we completed the maze in 11 minutes, which is faster than the average of 15 minutes so we were happy about that. Lol Our tour guide was Jennifer. She was pretty thorough, but it was kinda hard to hear her since we were in a large group. All caverns are pretty to me, but this one was spectacular. It is amazing to see how massive caverns can be! There were so many centuries old stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws, etc. Each "room" was more beautiful than the last. And the last room on this tour had a theatrical light show that was really nice. We rode the BAT thingy on the way back up. It was really slow, but it beat having to hike up the incline to the exit. 😁
Kasee Leal — Google review
Wonderful cavern tour for the whole family. We recently did this tour and it was great! We did the Discovery Tour and found the hike to be very manageable for us and our small kids. The entire thing is completed on a paved path but be aware that the caverns are actively dripping and so you may want shoes with decent grip and ones you don't care if they get wet or dirty.
The features of these caverns are amazing and the lighting fantastic. Our whole family enjoyed this and we hope to visit again to see a different section!
Rob Shirey — Google review
Loved it! It was a unique experience. I bought tickets online for the new Hidden Wonders tour. (If you're not sure you're gonna get there on time, buy them when you arrive. They're fast at the ticket counter. They start on time, every time.)
The tour took over an hour, but honestly, it felt shorter. Our guide was full of spark and knowledgeable. The pictures taken in the beginning are kinda cool. About 30$ for the whole pack. I recommend wearing shoes with traction. It is a little wet down there. I was in awe of all the formations and light show. There are rails for you to grab, and a hand washing station just outside after the tour.
Amber Rodz — Google review
Out of this world. Can't say enough about this. We did the Discovery tour which I understand is the original set of caves that were opened to the public. Just incredible to be 200 feet below the surface experiencing such beauty. We had a fantastic guide as well. Charming and humorous. Very good at answering our questions and keeping track of the large group. Highly highly recommend making time for this.
Jordan Hodges — Google review
Amazing experience!! Highly recommend visiting this place! I have been to couple of other caverns, but this one was way different and awesome compared to those! They have other activities available on site as well, so you can easily spend half day (or full day if you do both tours).
Vishal Patel — Google review
Very busy family friendly place. Cavern tour wasn't as informative and interesting as other caverns. Still a good experience. The Twist and Trails looks super fun for school-age kids. Next door is the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park. Again a fun family adventure. You could spend the entire day doing all these 2 locations offer.
Maura Dolormente — Google review
Great guided experience. We did the Discovery tour which was family friendly. Excellent guides who are really descriptive and funny at the same time.
Tickets are $30/person
A must if you are in the area
Note - not recommended for clausterphobic folks.
Pranjal Tiwari — Google review
Historically informative and well-lit. Went here yesterday.
There is clear effort put in the stairs to make them safe to walk on, as well as railings for extra precautions, which was also offered while riding the B.A.T., which leads you up the steep hill to the exit of the cave (don’t hold onto the railings for too long, they don’t move with you!). This transportation technique is located at the end of the Hidden Wonders Tour, which is preferred for those who have already journeyed through the Discovery Tour, with both being offered if you purchase tickets directly from the Combo Tour option. The Discovery Tour is the oldest one, most recommended for those newly experiencing cave exploration, as there are guides dispersed around the path. Meanwhile, the Hidden Wonders Tour is newest and led by an individual guide, where you watch an informative video before heading down to the cave. Both options take you/your company’s photo and offer you the opportunity to buy that photo at the end of the tour. They also keep everyone in groups for safety measures, although mix-up is possible with other groups ahead. There are only two walking tours, with the Adventure Tours being climbing. We got a great view of the natural bridge!
Overall, amazing view, highly recommended. There is 99% humidity in the caves, and air conditioning inside the main building in case you need to cool down after a tour. Enjoy yourselves!
The Evaluator — Google review
A must see ⭐️
What a wonderful place. I have been living in Houston for 12 years and can you imagine I have never been here.
I cannot believe how deep it was and what a great adventure it is.
Loved it and loved it.
Must book your tour. We did it on site. Last tour is like at 4:30 but call. The cave is hot so if beware. You can take lots of pictures. It is slippery so be careful.
No heals.
Wear comfortable clothes there is a lot of steps and walking you do.
The tickets were like $30 per person
Hande Berilgen — Google review
This place is incredible. I’m a geologist and had no idea this was lurking under the relative flatness of central Texas. My children and I marveled at the beauty of the caverns and appreciated the time spent exploring and preserving the space for all to see.
The grounds are well kept and they have included lots of other businesses and activities for folks to explore. The guides were well educated and seemed to be enjoying their jobs.
There is expansion taking place since more caverns have been discovered and we are excited to visit when they open the new areas.
P?maika`i — Google review
This is a great little cave system to visit. Our guide, Ben, was funny and informative. I especially enjoyed his bat shadow puppets! I was surprised to see how big the caverns were (and how much we actually walked).
After the tour, we grabbed bit at the restaurant on site. Pretty much pizza, but it was totally worth it. Got a slice of peperoni and it was delicious.
Afterward, my friend and I took a stab at the maze. It was fun running around trying to find the letters. And hey, we only got a little lost a couple of times. I'd like to think we did pretty well.
So if you're looking for something different to do for a couple hours, it's worth the drive.
Glorkar Floki — Google review
Live in Texas and didn’t know such beautiful underground caves exist. This place was a blast for the whole family with things to do for all ages. We had 4 years that were able to do the discovery tour (180’ cave) no problem in flip flops. We were concerned because we didn’t quite come prepared. They also have a nice relaxing outdoor area spaced out with gift shops, food, cold drinks etc. Loved our experience, thank you team for everything!
Viktor Poliashov — Google review
🦂🦇This place was gorgeous and far exceeded our expectations. 🤍🤍 We’ve been to caverns before and typically they are not very well maintained & really zero amenities at the ones outside the great state of Texas! ♥️💙 this place has it all. 🎁 Amazing gift shops. Activities for kids everywhere. 🪨🧗♂️👶🏻👧🏽🧒🏼👦🏿You can purchase a bag of sand with different stones & crystals inside for them to “mine” & have the whole thing set up for them. 🥨🌭🍔🥤Snack stands. Some type of obstacle course as long as you aren’t afraid of heights. 🧗♂️🧗♂️ Everywhere you turn there’s beautiful nature & wildlife. 🐿️🦅🦃🪺It’s amazing. Highly recommend. Amazing place to explore with kids for education purposes, field trips, dates, take family/friends, etc. Highly recommend it. It’s an absolute beautiful treasure.
⚠️ The one warning I have for elderly, pregnant, or anyone with heart or health issues - it can be a strenuous hike inside the cave. There’s plenty to do if you go with a group and cannot tour the cave. There are areas that are very steep & you must hold onto the handrail. The group I was in and to stop several times and wait for people. One lady sounded like she was going to need medical care. If you’re ill or at risk- I would be cautious going on the actual walk through the cave.
Cori Muse — Google review
Wonderful day. Knowledgeable guides. If you have mobility issues you may want to skip the Discover tour. The climb out will test your fitness. It is breathtaking and worth it in my opinion.
Elizabeth Heredia — Google review
This is a "must do" kind of place. The two tours are so worth it! Both the discovery cavern and the hidden cavern are different enough you'll want to see both. Plenty of free parking, but I still recommend coming earlier in the day so you have time for both tours and the other activities available if you're interested. Definitely book online so you've got your spot guaranteed. Gift shop, several places to eat, plenty of places to stop and rest.
Kat Sykes — Google review
Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. As you descend into the caverns, the world transforms into a magical realm of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate formations, all beautifully illuminated. The tour guides are knowledgeable, sharing fascinating details about the caverns' history and geology. The walkways are well-maintained, ensuring a safe experience for all ages. The caverns' constant cool temperature provides a refreshing escape from the outside heat. Above ground, there are fun activities like zip-lining and gem mining, making it a perfect family destination. This underground marvel is an unforgettable journey into Earth’s hidden beauty.
kedar patil — Google review
We went to this cave as one of the first we’ve ever been in and it was a great time.
We went on the Hidden Wonders Tour and since we went later on in the afternoon on a weekday, we were the only ones on the tour, which was kind of neat.
The staff at the caverns are very knowledgeable and friendly. They explained everything beforehand
It was very neat to see all the structural formations naturally constructed over time. My favourite part was the lights show at the end, which makes it a bit more magical.
It is a bit of a walk but there are stops to sit. There is also a conveyor belt at the end that you can stand on if you choose when going out of the cave.
Definitely something to do when you’re in San Antonio.
Angelica B — Google review
WOW! Visited San Antonio recently and decided to spend the day at the Natural Bridge Caverns ... and can you say awe-inspiring! This geological wonder was such a great place to explore. I was also surprised to learn that this is one of the largest commercial caverns in the state. The journey through the caverns and all the breathtaking formations will blow you away!
You get a guided tour which lead us through a labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites, some millions of years old, each with its own unique shape and story. The guides provide insightful commentary, sharing the geological history and pointing out notable formations along the way.
One of the highlights of the tour is the beautiful Natural Bridge, which is a massive limestone formation that spans an impressive length, serving as a reminder of the caverns' ancient origins. As we navigated the winding paths, we were able to take in the amazingly stunning views and took some cool photos!
But when you are done exploring the caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns also offers additional attractions, including gem mining, zip-lining, and a maze, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. There is an on-site gift shop which offers a variety of souvenirs and geological items which was helpful in allowing us to take a little part of our experience home.
If you are in San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is a must-visit! I don't think you have to be a nature enthusiast or history buff to enjoy. If you are simply looking for a unique experience, why not venture into the depths of the earth and marvel at the millions of years upon you!
Marc Cole — Google review
I took my gf to this amazing place this past weekend. This is my third visit, and they have a lot of changes done to the Discovery tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and patient with a lot of us. I would recommend booking the ticket in advance and having it pull out before you enter the place because the signal can get quite bad inside. Some roads can get quite narrow, and the path can get quite slippery. Definitely wear good hiking shoes.
Mark Lay — Google review
The grounds here are beautiful, and the caverns are gorgeous. The parking lot is ample, with plenty of tree-lined spaces. Ramps are in place for those in wheel chairs or those who have mobility issues. Picnic tables dot the outskirts of the closer parking spots, too!
The ticket office is located to the left after entering the visitor center. Also in the center is a gift shop with some very nice things. Other buildings include another gift shop and a small restaurant/snack shop.
There is a zip-line ride in the middle of the park, too! You just walk up several flights of stairs to the top and then ride the zip line down in a spiral path to the bottom. It looks really easy, something that almost anyone can do!
The restaurant offers bottled water and other libations. Lots of candy bars and snacks line the walls. We ordered a brisket sandwich and paid 10 dollars for a junior-sized bun that had been over-microwaved, so it had the consistency of unchewable rubber, and the meat was absolutely tasteless and dry. Along with that overpriced piece of hockey puck bread was a serving of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and a serving of pickled cucumbers and onions, which were good but not enough to rescue the most horrible sandwich I have ever had. Seriously. I ended up throwing away the entire bun after scraping off most of the tasteless meat and eating that. I would expect all their buns and rolls to be microwaved and all their meat dry and tasteless, so I would recommend NOT buying any food here except for candy bars and bottled water.
Food is not the reason for our visit to the caverns, though: we came to see the underground formations, and they were worth it. The tour takes about an hour and 10 minutes, and the walk is very easy, even for someone with balance issues and a walking stick like me. The only challenge is that the smooth paths are not 100 percent flat, so when turning sharp corners, the handrails don't always meet, and you might have to feel a little less secure just for a second. Just about anyone can hack the walks: the trails are not too steep and not strenuous at all. The innermost caverns are very, very humid and hot, so be prepared with lighter clothes than other caverns. (For example: Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns are around 58 degrees year round, but the Natural Bridge Caverns are very warm, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 100 percent humidity so that it feels like 80+ degrees! If you get overheated easily, it will not be pleasant.)
You can get some great photographs in this cavern, and the staff is very friendly. The gift shop offers nice wares, and the facilities are beautiful, too. These things, along with easy walking and tourist-friendly amenities (except for the horrible food), make it an excellent choice for everyone, even those with children and older adults.
Cindy Rhodes — Google review
A Breathtaking Underground Adventure:
Visiting Natural Bridge Cavern was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped into the cave, we were mesmerized by the stunning formations and the knowledgeable guides who shared fascinating insights about the geological wonders around us. The cavern's beauty truly takes your breath away, and the combo tours was both educational and thrilling. I highly recommend this attraction to anyone looking for a unique and awe-inspiring adventure.
Shashang Marchawala — Google review
Such an awesome and beautiful experience. Wear tennis shoes and be ready for a steady climb down and more so on your way up. Not for elderly or those who cannot handle too much exercise.
The tour guides are very informative and fun while they explain everything.
The scenery unforgettable. Hearing how many thousands of years it takes for just a small "Pillar" to form is crazy.
Cannot wait to explore other areas next time.
There is so much to look at and see before and after as well.
JoAnne Macias — Google review
This was one of the most amazing caverns I’ve been to. I like that it is family owned and operated. I did the discovery tour and that is currently $27-30 depending on what day of the week you go. It’s an hour long so I recommend wearing good sneakers. It’s about 70 degrees inside the cavern. Our tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable. If you’re not in shape, disabled, or an older adult, I would skip this as it can get strenuous at times. If you think you can do it, then all the more power to you.
Nicholas P — Google review
Definitely a must see if you are in the area! There are some steep grades going down and up so be prepared and wear good shoes! Our guide Rachel did a great job of showing and explaining different formations in the cave!
Kayla A — Google review
It was a great way to see middle earth with family and friends! It’s a little touristy but well worth the visit for the breath taking sights underground.
Also, check out the gift shop for extra memories or snacks (dots ice cream) 🍦
Dave Ralston — Google review
Amazing. Our tour guide Sarah was phenomenal. She was energetic and informative. We went on a Thursday during spring break. Parking was easy and not over crowded. We walked into the building and at the entrance is where you buy the tickets. They do have packages and military discount. We participated in viewing both caverns. Both were very interesting to walk through. Just like every natural cave, you cannot touch the walls or formations. Pictures are welcomed. Steps and walk ways are slippery so wear close toed shoes. It's also a lot of walking. 2 hours for first cave. The second cave has a conveyor belt that brings you out of the cave. Or you can walk a steep slope. There are benches for breaks. There are other activities to do on the ranch as well, such as a ropes course. There's food and drinks available and plenty of shadded sitting areas for lunch and resting. The bathrooms are so clean and futuristic, it's jaw dropping. We had a great time and can't wait to go again to see the wildlife ranch.
analisa harvey — Google review
4.7
(14682)
•
4.5
(4040)
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre wildlife refuge where you can see 500 animals from 40 different species living in their natural environment. The property is located on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas not far from New Braunfels and visitors can drive through it while observing the animals.
This is a fun place for anyone who likes animals and wants some close up contact with some wild life. Is not too far from the city of San Antonio. The ranch is big and clean. It has a eatery and a lot of sitting areas. We came in during the weekday, so it was nice and quiet. The entrance fee is reasonable and you can buy a bag of food to feed the animals. The people who works there are very friendly. We had a great and fun experience and will for sure refer people to come visit! P.S. “love the chimpanzees, one of them is so entertaining that he/she does flip a lot in the play area. For sure keep my family entertained! The foods that they served are tasty and not too pricey. ❤️
J C — Google review
To be honest at the price to enter the place I do not believe it was worth what they charge. For five of us it was $146. The drive took nearly 2 hours to drive around and there were hardly any animals. It is well taken care of and the property is clean. They charge more to feed the birds and other things while walking around to see the animals.I honestly enjoyed Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park better, the kids said the same as well. Feeding the animals there was more entertaining at the Wonder World Cave.
Chatfield II — Google review
Such an amazing experience here. A little pricey to pay per person rather than per vehicle but worth the trip! We got to feed tons of animals including a big Ostrich. The animals were docile and calm to collect food. Park employees regularly patrolled the path to ensure the animal safety and make sure everyone was following the rules. Great place to check out if you’re in the area. The bird aviary was also an amazing experience to feed all the birds.
Keyla Cortes — Google review
I haven't been on this Wildlife adventure in 20 years and it was a wonderful experience. It was my son and husband's first time and they greatly enjoyed their visit. We do wish the other attractions (bird and dinosaur adventure) were offered separately even if the price is higher then when bundled. Overall, 5 stars! We would recommend!
We will definitely be back for Christmas in the caverns!
Angela Garza — Google review
We've been here several times and it's always fun. The kids love it and it's fun to watch them interact with the wildlife in a controlled environment. The zebra was a little much for our 2 year old this time around but it was a great laugh for the rest of us. The ostriches and giraffes were also high points as they are the ones we got the most up close with. You can go through as many times as you like. The wife and oldest also fed the birds and had them landing on them it was fun. I will say the prehistoric park part can be skipped. There's better things to do.
John Howard — Google review
We went on a Saturday and it was my first ever visit. It’s hard to imagine the beautiful landscape and animals are so close to the SA area. The “trail” is about 6 miles long and takes about an hour. The views are beautiful and there are so many animals to see. With the exception of a few (cheetahs, hippos and giraffes) the animals roam free and will at times walk right up to your car window. Spend the little bit extra to get the bags of feed so you can feed them and some of the animals will eat straight from your hand. An adult ticket is close to $40, but so worth it when you see how well maintained the grounds are and how healthy the animals look. It’s a must see adventure.
D W — Google review
We absolutely love this place. It is one of the best vacation stops you can make while visiting the San Antonio area. The animal interactions that can happen while sitting in your own car are amazing. They even have homemade fudge about halfway through the tour. You can stop for a snack and a drink while watching the giraffes. It's truly a magical adventure for adults and kids. 100% highly recommend going.
George Griffin — Google review
Great experience! It is a bit pricey (they do offer AAA discount) but it is a fun experience for everyone. I suggest you go through the route at least twice. On our first time through we didn’t see any zebras but on the second loop they were running by the road. Also on the second round one of the ostriches leaned his head into the car. On most of the path it’s wide enough to get around stopped cars if you feel the need to move on. There’s a snack area about 2/3 of the way through where you can park and grab a bite to eat. If I could make a suggestion to the owners, add an audio narration to each section to tell the guests about the types of animals. Animal food is $5/bag. Two bags was plenty for our two trips around.
Tim Chan — Google review
The most fun I have ever had! Driving through to see the animals was made even more fun by having a bag of feed for them. The animals are used to people driving through and feeding them, so some will come right up to the car. I was so excited to see a zebra that close up! My husband and I had a good laugh when the zebra stuck his head in our car to get to the bag of feed, and watching the car in front of us as an ostrich stuck its head in their car. We enjoyed the walkabout area too. All the staff were helpful and friendly! Loved the whole trip! I will definitely come back!
Keri Bond — Google review
Kids really enjoyed it! Mostly prey of course, just a few predators who are isolated behind fencing. I especially appreciate that this place provides a refuge for some critically endangered species. The animatronic dinosaur and dragon exhibit is going to be a big hit with visitors assuming it doesn't jump too high above the $5 entry fee when it opens fully. The bird feeding enclosure was loads of fun as well! Very clean facilities. Clear and easy to follow signs and traffic paths that almost make it idiot proof. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
David A — Google review
When we first arrived a little after 12, we had quite a bit of a wait to get through the gate (around 20 minutes), so I would suggest to get there earlier if you can. I was happy about the AAA discount. It was $3, which is better than nothing! You can purchase food at the entrance, which was pretty reasonably priced (a little over $4). We got one bag, and we didn’t go through it all during our first round (we looped back again to use up the food). Overall, it was fantastic! The animals were awesome, sweet, and excited to get fed! Some people definitely didn’t get the memo about going a certain speed limit, but that’s on them, not the place.
I got the chicken salad from their restaurant and a medium drink (which came in a reusable cup). Again, was pretty reasonably priced overall, for a place like this! (About $17 for both items). The salad was very good and filling! Also, the staff was friendly!
Overall, we spent about three hours here and we would definitely visit this place again!
Lauren B — Google review
Hands down a unique experience in San Antonio. The animals were extremely active and we went on a weekday, so lower traffic. Buy the feed, buy the feed, and buy extra feed. You will want the feed. The cafe was fantastic, plan to stay for lunch! The bird feeding is the best I have ever experienced. Just watch your feet! I cannot write how amazing the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in a post that people would read so just go check it out yourself. It is within 30 minutes of downtown and well worth ANY drive time! We did the self-guided tour.
Quentin Sampson — Google review
I wish I could give more than 5 stars. My husband brought me here from Houston today for my 43rd birthday because I LOVE animals. I can’t even express the amount of fun I had. We went in the morning right after it opened and all of the animals seemed to be waiting for us. The giraffes and so many babies and even brought their babies to the fence to visit us. It was engaging and a lifetime memory. Best birthday ever!
Tiffany Velasquez — Google review
Add this to the “can’t miss” list when visiting the area! Reasonable drive from Austin or San Antonio area and the up close and friendly animals make it all worth it. Price is reasonable and make sure you buy a couple of bags of food at the entrance. We took around 1.5-2 hours driving through and there’s a nice little gift shop and a few monkey to walk and see after the drive is over. They have plenty of attractions for kids too like the dinosaurs. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this experience!
Thomas Montesano — Google review
Recommended saving time and purchasing your admission tickets online and scanning the barcode at the entrance. You will be able to buy animal feed upon entry at the gate. Definitely areas to stop for the restroom inside the safari park. Friendly staff is onsite to make sure animals and humans are safe at all times. Some areas have two lanes should you want to go at your own pace or take a guided safari tour. You also have the option for an up and personal time with the giraffe family. Overall, fun for all ages.
Naomi NKP — Google review
This place was AMAZING! We had a great tour guide (very knowledgeable and friendly). It was super cool to be able to interact with the animals and actually be able to touch and feed some of them!
I highly recommend this experience (even though there's a slight look of apprehension on my face with the Ostriches!).
AWESOME!
Arizona Girl — Google review
This was the best place to be while in San Antonio.
Kids and adults loved it equally. All adults became kids.
The place is very peaceful and quiet. Animals are friendly as they know that human slaves come around feeding them regularly.
Ahmad Pirani — Google review
Usually when I visit attractions, I’m happy going just once but this place makes me want to come back again! The best part? Where do I even start! First, if you’re tired from walking or have someone who can’t walk much, this place is perfect. You drive up to buy tickets which are $24.99 per adult. On their website, they have a link that will direct you the San Antonio coupon book and you can get a discount but it didn’t work for us for the month of March. Honestly though, the price was just fine, even without the small discount. At the ticket booth you can also purchase bags of food for $4.50 and we are so happy we did because it made the experience even better. We fed so many kinds of animals and took lovely photos and videos. At the ticket booth, they will also give you a brochure that explains the animals and facts about them, making it very educational. After that, you will then drive through the whole park in your vehicle. It’s a nice way to pass the time because we were there for about 1.5 hours. We had all our windows rolled down and had a blast. We came on a Friday at around 11:30am and it was not very busy. There is one main road with white dividers on it that splits into 2 paths. If you want to go quicker, you can pass the other cars or you can take your time. They want you to keep your speed at 5mph and you can feed all the animals except the giraffe’s and caged animals at the end of the safari. About half way, you will also find a spot where you can park. This area has a snack booth, very clean restrooms, a cute sign you can snap a picture at and you can walk up to get a better look at the giraffes. Once the drive is done, at the very end, you’ll pull into a parking lot. This area has more restrooms, benches to sit on, a restaurant and cute gift shop. It also has a walking area where you can see enclosed animals. You can pay an extra $3 per person to walk inside the enclosed bird cage. We weren’t able to because due to staffing shortages, no one was there to supervise but we could still see the birds from the outside. The worst part? It might not seem like it but you are given a lot of food pellets. At the beginning, we didn’t want to “waste” them because we were worried we’d run out by the end. I can not tell you how many people had leftovers at the end. We were trying to gift bags to people going in because we had so much left!! So, either use it up as much as you can or even before you enter, I don’t know if you could turn into the lot (to the right of the ticket booth) but if you do, you could probably get peoples leftovers and avoid paying. Also, some animals bite! The ostriches were hard to feed because they kept biting our fingers and hands. A tip would be to put food on something or cover your hand with a sweater or blanket. That way they can’t get your fingers. The ranch also has a lot of signs everywhere so make sure you read them. They give you good safety reminders and will mention when some animals, like zebras, might bite. We also chose to take 2 cars because if we had packed into our van, then the people in the back wouldn’t have their own windows to feed the animals. You’ll be happy you came! It’s wonderful and family friendly. Everyone will have a good time.
Lizsandra Edwards — Google review
We enjoy seeing wild animals and after watching a few YouTube videos about it we decided to go.
Based on advice from the reviews we made sure to go early to avoid the heat in the early afternoon that keeps most of the animals staying in the shade.
It takes a little more than 90 minutes to drive the entire route if you don't stop at the break area roughly halfway through.
We really enjoyed our visit and will be back with more of our family next time.
Durand Sentinus — Google review
Place is fun and all but it's very expensive since they charge per person and not per vehicle.. family of 5 and it was 130 dollars to pretty much drive around at 5mph. You have to be extremely lucky to go on a day when all the animals are out and willing to participate in the interaction.. otherwise, it can turn into a slow 5mph drive with very few animals to see up close and a very expensive tab behind.. when you add that I spent another 40 dollars in water and ice cream, that's almost 200 bucks for a 45 min drive in and out.
Francisco Santiago — Google review
Best time ever! We enjoyed driving through the safari and getting to feed the animals and watching their interactions with each other and the vehicles going through. We enjoyed going in with the birds even though some of them will give you tint love bites, lol. Really enjoyed our time there.
Jaime's Palette — Google review
We drove our own car, but you can also opt for an open tour bus. In your own car, you can choose to stop and feed certain animals for as long as desired and roll up your car windows with the A/C on in between! We purchased just one bag of feed for the 3 of us to share and it was just the right amount. It was really fun to see these animals up close. There are some primates and lemurs in the walk-around area. We walked around there first as it was the morning and cooler part of the day. Very enjoyable experience. We did not do the dinosaur park, so no comment on that.
Royce Hall — Google review
BEAUTIFUL & AWESOME experience!!!! We will definitely be coming her often! Our kids loved it! The variety of animals was great! And the food was awesome here as well! Over the prehistoric exhibit and the bird aviary. Feeding the little birds was so fun!! Definitely a highlight for me for sure! If you haven't been here it's Definitely a must! Even if you're just passing through. The kids will love it! Plenty to see and do! Worth every penny!
Desirae Rasmusson — Google review
Amazing place to spend the day with family, friends or a date. It’s well maintained and there are tons of animals. All animals look healthy and well cared for. Fun way to spend the day. The best part is you can do the safari as many times as you wish once you enter the ranch! Don’t miss the bird house!
Sayali Naik — Google review
We've lived in Austin for a while and never had the chance to visit this place. The safari was amazing and having such a close experience with wildlife was something surreal.
We were able to feed a lot of animals in close quarters. My wife enjoyed feeding the zebras and we had one of our best weekends here.
Place was well maintained and the gift shop had so much unique pieces. Would recommend 10/10. We would never miss a chance to come back again.
Pradhosh Lakshmi Narasimhan — Google review
Loved our visit to the wildlife ranch. Six mile drive took about an hour. Animals will cross the road or just stand in the road, so traffic can get backed up a little. Loved the giraffes and the ostriches. Beware of the ostriches, if you roll down your window they like to stick their heads in and snap at you. They were funny, but definitely roll your window up if they are near! So cool!
Dave Cipriani — Google review
Loved this place and will be back everytime I'm in Texas! We arrived around 1230pm and we were afraid the animals would be sleeping or not hungry. This was not what happened! We had so many visitors at our car I just wished I would have purchased more food to hand out! Some of the animals would only come to you if you threw some food put and then others would join them. My 17 year old enjoyed it too!
Moana Munyer — Google review
We had a Great time at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Kids enjoyed driving through and seeing all the unique animals. You also have an option to buy food to feed the animals, but if you are cheap, sometimes there are people offering free feed that they did not completely use up on the tour near the gift shop and restaurant. The dinosaur exhibit was pretty neat but I wouldn't go again, don't think it is really worth the price unless your kids really like dinosaurs. There is a restroom around the middle of the tour where you can park and get down for pictures and snacks. At the very end of the drive you will meet the ostriches and everyone stops to feed them so get ready to stop near the end for a bit.
You can spend almost a whole day just doing the wildlife ranch alone so if you want to go to the caverns, it's better to plan for 2 days.
Stephen Hu — Google review
WOW, what a complete disappointment! So BUYER BEWARE! My experience at this drive-thru safari compared to the one in Franklin was completely night and day. And my overall visit here was very mixed. While it was fascinating to see the wide variety of animals the location offered, I couldn't help but notice that many (if not most) of them seemed disinterested in interacting with the vehicles passing through. They were doing a very good job of resting near the fences, which were not near the driven path. These animals appear well-fed (which is a good thing), but being well fed makes them appear very content, which is undoubtedly a positive aspect of the safari. However, it did detract somewhat from the excitement of the experience, as I had hoped to witness more engagement from the wildlife like my previous 3 visits to the Franklin Safari. Overall, while this safari provided a unique opportunity to observe animals in their "natural habitat", the lack of interaction from the animals was highly disappointing considering the price paid and also buying food to feed to them which essentially went unused as there was not many animals interested in the food we bought.
The location also offers some monkeys and lemurs to look at as well as a bird experience, which we did not opt to pay for. There is also a dinosaur / dragon exhibit which is decent if you are into those kinds of things. It was cool to see how an average human compares in size to the dinosaurs as the replicas were life-sized.
Marc Cole — Google review
How this place doesn't have an average rating of 5 out of 5 is beyond me. We planned our entire Spring Break making sure that this was the highlight of the trip. If you don't like animals or the fact that it is a little pricey then just don't go! We spent 6 hours and went around 4 times, yes 4 times in total. It was awesome (our last trip here was over a decade ago, we could actually hand feed the zebras ... so awesome!). We did hand feed the ostriches, rheas, and even a wildebeest.
Lyle Sem (The Dirando Group) — Google review
Was definitely a good experience for the wife and kids on a Sunday afternoon. Plenty of time to spend here and feed the animals. Bags were like $5 a pop. We had a great time in the bird feeding area as well. Only knock on the visit was my wife saying the females rr by it smelled like rats died in there as soon as she opened the door with the employee, aside from that we had an enjoyable experience!
Jesse Mendoza — Google review
4.4
(8149)
•
4.5
(1466)
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Willow City Loop is a picturesque route that winds through the countryside and is perfect for scenic drives and cycling. This road is particularly popular during springtime due to the abundance of wildflowers that can be seen along the way. The region's natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy spending time in nature. With its meandering path and vibrant flora, Willow City Loop offers visitors a unique and memorable experience every time they traverse its charming terrain.
4.5
(500)
Texas, USA
I'll never travel to Austin without this trip planner again
Blanco State Park is a vibrant destination spanning 106 acres, perfect for water activities like swimming, boating or kayaking on the Blanco river. It's also great for hiking and camping with spacious campsites and clean restrooms. The park is well-maintained and boasts pristine waters free of pollution, where you can observe fish and snakes swim beneath the surface. While located close to town, once inside the park it feels far removed from civilization.
Smallest state park I have been to so far, but one of the cleanest and it is a very well kept park. Beautiful water, no pollution...you can see the fish and snakes swimming below the surface in the Blanco river.
Jackie Keefer — Google review
This state park is right in town, so you will get road noise. The RV sites have parking curbs that can make bigger rigs backing in a little hairy. The curbs also pose a trip hazard. RV sites have coveted picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites have 50 amp and sewer, all have water and at least 30 amp. Otherwise it is a nice place to stay. Clean restrooms well situated. Swimming area. Fishing. Shade and plenty of picnic areas.
Wendy Burk — Google review
We had a great time. The water was low. I recommend wearing water shoes as the bottom will cut your feet. The table was near where we parked and shaded. The restrooms were very clean!
M Tate — Google review
Blanco SP has a great campgrounds, with both tent sites and full hook-ups. The river runs through it, too. During our 4-day stay, the river was at low flow, but fish, turtles, and waterfowl were present. Water play an option.
Nearby buggy and motorcycle museums were good to visit, and several eateries were prepared to make your BBQ day!
Jerrold Kazynski — Google review
Visited October 22 - 24, 2021
A small park with the Blanco river flowing through the middle. Looks like a great spot to kayak or canoe. Unfortunately we were unable to bring our kayaks, so we are going to have to visit another time.
Plenty of space at campsites. And bathrooms were clean without any smell.
ssmith5359 — Google review
Great little state park nestled against the Blanco River in downtown Blanco. We spent 1.5 days in the park and surrounding area.
The Park was clean, well maintained and offered basic amenities (public restrooms, dump station, park sponsored activities, kayak rentals, playground (small), pavilion). The campsites were easy ingress/egress. Level pads that made RV setup simple. Our sight had TONS of extra room around it and offered lots of shade from afternoon sun. Mature cypress, oak and sycamore trees line the river bank and campground making it a beautiful representation of Central Texas flora.
We visited during the summer drought of 2022 so the river was low, no flow over the main spillway. There was still a decent amount of water that was enjoyable to swim/float in around the spillway. So in spite of low water, we enjoyed the river nonetheless.
There are a lot of other state parks and national historic sites within easy driving distance which makes this a great spot to base out of to explore the area. We ventured to the LBJ Ranch and spent a full day touring the park and facilities. There were at least three other State Parks and points of interest that we didn't have time to see but would be worth a return trip to visit.
You can hear the noises of the city - it is a small city noise, but still noticeable. That is my only complaint, I prefer a bit more remote geography when I am camping.
Andy Wheatley — Google review
We love Blanco State Park’s riverside setting and small size. Also convenient for walking to the town square. We use the park as base for visiting friends and family in the Austin area, 60-90 minutes away.
John Sniffen — Google review
The park is clean, the camp sites are spread out and each one has a covered table. The ones inside the circle are full hookups and the ones on the outside are electric. The walking trails are nice and it’s a great biking spot. You’re close enough to the city so if you don’t feel like cooking you can walk into town and grab something but far enough yo enjoy the dark sky.
🛜 You do have wifi and for us that’s huge since myself, our daughter and my husband are remote. It’s a great weekend getaway.
ᗪᗩYᑎᗩ — Google review
We had a great time here. The only thing that is a little strange is its really close to town, but when you are in the state park it feels like you are far out of town! Lots of nice tent camping spots.
Jennifer Arthurs — Google review
Small, but beautiful state Park. We had a good day hiking the two short but pretty trails they had as well as enjoyed the swimming holes. The park was clean and the camping areas looked nice as well.
Mr. V.O — Google review
The rangers are extremely friendly and lent us a pump to blow up our inflatable kayaks as we only had hand pumps.
The area is beautiful. Plenty of parking, bathrooms, picnic tables. Getting the kayaks onto the river was a little difficult and the water smelled pretty bad in many spots. We had a good time though and stayed all day.
Gillian Kadhim — Google review
Clean very pretty park! Water was too low to swim. But was able to fish and did see some kayaks paddling. Cute town to explore!
Katie Copeland — Google review
This is cool place for a day trip, this is mostly located around the Blanco river. There's a small and nice trail beside the river, whereas they created a dam/pool near to the entrance. There're arrangements of fishing and camping inside. The park is nice and clean and there's a nice viewpoint at the end of the trail. The restrooms are neat and well maintained. The entry fee is 5USD/person a day. Whereas, this is not a naturally wondering special place, it's good place to have fun and little activities on a given day.
RAHUL BASU — Google review
This is a very small state park. Nonetheless, the camping makes you feel like you’re part of the great outdoors. Blanco State Park is very clean with magnificent trees lining the river. Adjacent to the park is the city of Blanco, which has great eateries and unique shopping nearby. I enjoyed my stay very much. I recommend it.
Jay Zee — Google review
For $5 per adult, you can pick where to park and stay as long as you want. Don't forget your free kid's nature journal! There are two dams you can walk across if you want to walk the trail, which is an easy path, less than a half mile walk all the way around. We turned to left after entering and parked at the very end. We had a covered picnic table with a coal grill (didn't use it). We could fish from the bank or the damn, and walk down behind the damn to explore (the algae is slippery). There was an enclosed bathroom in excellent condition not far, and a great area for playing. If you turn to the right it's better for water access, but the river is really rocky. It's been awhile since I've been to that side.
veronica nerone — Google review
Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. This is our 2nd night here at the rv side. Next time it will be a week. I'm currently trying my luck right here trying to catch a fish with my dear sweet husband.
They have a library here, so cute.
They have the cleanest bathrooms. The showers need a code. Everything around here is constantly being maintained and patrolled.
Kimberly Maracle — Google review
One of the smallest state parks, located a rock throw away from downtown Blanco. Good for short walks and lots of fishing/ camping. Walking across the dams is pretty cool.
Rick McConnaha — Google review
Nice small campground, good shade, clean restrooms/showers, close walk into town to an excellent restaurant, Redbud Cafe. Didn’t get to experience the dark sky city as it was cloudy and rainy. Watch the inside spots as a few of them flooded during heavy rains.
Jim Chambers — Google review
I have a state park pass. I have been checking out the campsite areas. This is a very nicely laid out but small campsite area. The problem I had with this park is that US 281 is around 2 blocks, approximately of this major road. I would prefer a more isolated campsite area.
I visited the park 2,12, 2024
Walter Awe — Google review
Had a great time there again... Beautiful and well-shaded little State Park not too far from Austin. RV pads were holding water tho - some could use some extra gravel and TLC to work on drainage. But normally, not a problem. Highly recommend.
Note: full RV hookups avail ONLY inside the loop - outer perimeter is water/electric only - choose wisely.
golferdude000 (Roger) — Google review
This campground ⛺ is quiet and next to the river, you can access in the river directly from the campsite. But just a few picnic tables and grills along with the river, you have better to bring your own. Shower room only available to campers. The river is not crystal clear but if you don't have better choices, I think you may take a chance on it. The river is good 👍 for tubing and swimming 🥽🏊. $25 for overnight campsite. Entry fee is $5 per person. Campfire 🔥🪵🪓 is allowed. Dog 🐕 friendly campground. Weekends are always fully booked.
Shirley — Google review
The camping loop has quite a few trees. All the camp sites have covered tables, fire pits, lantern poles w/hooks, and tent pads.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center and Park Headquarters
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
Public site featuring galleries with historic items & timelines from the 36th President's life.
Nice place and display. Enjoyed going back in time. Even ad miserable as it was
Gregory Stiller — Google review
Decided to make a pit stop here as I've been wanting to check it out. There's shaded parking by the visitors center. They have handicapped parking as well. Before you enter, there are two informational stands about Johnson City and his legacy. There's lots of trees and shade outside, along with several park benches. Inside, there's a log for visitors and several auditory informative areas to listen to Johnson info. There's even an old Model T Ford!! The staff is helpful. There's a small gift shop also. You can watch several short films too. This is not the only location of information! His childhood home is around the corner. You can take about a 14 mi drive also to get to the old, working family ranch. It is definitely worth it.
Tonya Henry — Google review
What an educational tour of the visitors center and the home LBJ grew up in. The rangers were very informative and took their time explaining the history and answering questions. There are videos to watch if you have the time and a gift shop to explore.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
Beautiful grounds. Very nice historical artifacts and buildings throughout the Settlement Trail. Really enjoyed our visit.
Bethzaida Cohen — Google review
Very good place to visit. Very nice staff. We really enjoyed our visit.
Jenny Zhang — Google review
The park guides here are phenomenal. Ask them and they are there to help. Cant say enough about the staff.
Courtney Werth — Google review
Couldn't go inside they were repainting and doing upkeep. It would be 5, but I will be back to tour it. Maybe then I will give it 5 ⭐️
Amanda Woody — Google review
Great historical spot. The Ranch mostly closed but did get to visit Air Force 1/2, school & farm where he was born. His boyhood home in Johnson City was wonderful. Tour of home outstanding!
Rebecca Trapp — Google review
We had a wonderful tour of the boyhood home of LBJ. Our tour guide was very informative and provided many interesting facts. LBJ used his roots and his observations to create projects that were beneficial to his constitutes.
Rob Peters — Google review
We were told to stop here before visiting the LBJ Texas white house and grounds and we were glad we did. The volunteers provided a tremendous amount of information. This location also has a recreation of LBJ family home and the family farm. Arrive early for the guided tours of these buildings, we just missed them so we'll need to go back.
Jan Campbell — Google review
Our family stayed in the Hill Country for Spring Break, and one of our day trips was to learn about LBJ, our 36th President of the United States, by going first to his boyhood home in Johnson City and then going to the LBJ Ranch.
It's helpful to start one's trip first at the LBJ National Historical Park Visitor Center in Johnson City, view its exhibits and introductory movie upon request that summarize the President's humble beginnings and rise into politics, first as US Representative and then Senator, Senate Majority Leader, Vice President, and President of the United States. The exhibits and movie tell about his "Great Society" domestic accomplishments on civil rights, health care, and welfare as well as his presidency tainted by race riots and poor public opinion on escalating American involvement in the Vietnam War. We timed our morning visit with the ranger talk at the boyhood home.
Afterwards, go to the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall by first going to the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center to pick up a free driving permit and self-guided tour map of the ranch run by the National Park Service. Driving around the ranch, one gets to see LBJ's famous Hereford cattle roaming the grounds and baby calf in the show barn. Final stop is the Airport Hanger Visitor Center, where one gets to view the Lockheed Jetstar Air Force One-Half, LBJ's car collection, and grounds of the Texas White House. We timed our afternoon visit with the ranger talk at the Texas White House.
Even though LBJ's boyhood home and Texas White House are closed under renovation, we had a great time learning from the ranger talks and were able to walk around surrounding grounds. Virtual tours are also available online and in the Johnson City Visitor Center.
Steve Fung — Google review
Lots of information and exhibits from the state park (visit this location first to obtain ranch driving pass) as well as the national park at two sites. Hoping that the Texas White House will reopen upon structural repairs.
Mike — Google review
Very worthwhile stop. Learned a lot about LBJ that I previously didn't. Was eye opening.
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels Texas is a park with a variety of rides and pools. It's owned by a family and has been recognized as one of the best waterparks in the world for the last 15 years.
We had a great time. We bought the Premium meal plan which allows you to eat/snack every 90 minutes and get a drink every 15 minutes. It is well worth the price. Also, we got the Blast Passes so that we could reduce the time spent waiting in lines. Even with passes, you can't see everything in a day. I ended up losing my sunglasses, so if you wear glasses, make sure to wear the glasses string to keep them on your head!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emily Fulton — Google review
Still the hotest coolest time in Texas. Haven't been to the original in probably 10 years. So long that my son barely remembers and asked if we could visit. A lot has changed - digital codes to access the lockers instead of a key on a wristband, Google and Apple Pay instead of a wristband of plastic "splash cash" to buy food and drinks. Yet, much remains the same - free parking, the ability to bring in your own cooler of food and drinks, and more water rides and play areas than you can shake a stick at. I've read recent reviews complaining about rides and unfriendly staff this summer and lamenting the new ownership. This was not our experience. There were a few things that weren't operating, which was annoying in cases. However, our experience with the staff was as friendly as it has always been. It's still a great place to spend cooling off during the hot Summer days.
Edward Klein — Google review
Schlitterbahn is a "must" for hot Texas summer. There are plenty of things to do and you need at least one day for each park to see and try most of the rides.
Barbara Daszkiewicz — Google review
First time here. Lines were kinda long for rides but moved steady. Drinks were good and cold. The lazy river with the tubes was awesome and only 3 ft deep however the waves are forceful to propel us forward but can take a small child fast from his family so be careful with small children. I'm planning another trip already because I want to definitely go back.
Aishia R — Google review
Beautiful place along the Comal River. Rides for all ages and pools to hang out in if you don’t like lines. It was clean and had plenty of tables. Although many of kids employed around the park seemed clueless, there were lifeguards everywhere and they appeared to be well trained and friendly.
Cynthia Fowler — Google review
So much fun for all ages. I’m pregnant so couldn’t ride too many rides but we still had fun. The Kristal River was awesome. Kids loved the Falls and the kiddie area in the original park.
Rachel Sanches — Google review
We started this trip with an excited experience but turned out with little disappointment.
Trust me its not to ruin your holiday mood but to consider these points to make your trip planning better.
And these points mainly applicable if you visiting on a weekend/holiday where heavy crowd is expected.
Visited on a weekend morning. Arrived around 10am but it was around crowded that time with all parking slots filled up.
Now we had to book in premium parking
Secondly no shade for entrance crowd for security clearance, lot of people with kids are standing under hot sun. Wish management does something for crowd management or atleast an shade.
Secondly every ride gets super busy/crowded and wait time gets multi folded. As well interacted with multiple people, at max you can do 3/4 rides in a park out of 2 parks
Its better you get 2 day pass if plan to visit both the parks.
Better suggested to visit on weekday or non crowded days for better enjoyment, a personal suggestion
Deepak — Google review
Loved this place. After hearing about the best barbecue being in Texas....I tried a few places that were no better than new York. This place was amazing though..... delicious mesquite flavored food.....great sides...super friendly staff. I loved your food and would recommend it to anyone.
Teddy Benitez — Google review
It was a lot of fun. However the blast pass needs huge improvements. The wait times are not consistent with actual wait times. It showed 150min wait on the watch, while there was only 45min wait. But other than that, it was a lot of fun.
Fahri Yaras — Google review
Nice facility. Great rides.
Entry fees are a bit outrageous 2 adults. 1x16 yo, 1x15 yo, 1x13 yo, 1x11 yo. $575. Never again!
And. Do NOT get your food or refreshments at the Lagoon Grill. Extensive, unwarranted wait.
Otherwise. Super Nice water park.
Thomas Hurley — Google review
Note: we are Season ticket holders.
This water park is a great experience for me and my family. We have children ages: 18, 16, 13, 6 & 2. There are a lot of shaded areas, lockers, picnic tables, tubes, soda/icee locations, restaurants, etc.
As a season ticket holder you can bring in a cooler (27” x 16”) which is great. You can bring in your own personal bottle and you can fill it up with water.
I’ve found the staff to be friendly despite being in the hot Texas sun all day.
If you want close free parking come early.
I look forward to going back!
Sherman On — Google review
I went on a Saturday with my family. Very beautiful, clean and family friendly water park. Water tube rides aka lazy rivers had different themed courses and thrill levels. Water slides were enjoyable. There were long lines but they were fast moving. Every ride we went were worth the wait and money. We were able enjoy it more than once. Definitely recommend. ❤️
Sabari Karthik Saravanan — Google review
Seems very disorganized. Got there right as they opened but in order to get the blast pass that was paid for online, you have to go to the main entrance and wait in line to receive the wrist bands (for us it took almost 30 minutes of waiting) which seems so counterproductive. The blast pass is like a reservation and you can only make one reservation for a ride at a time. I get that it’s probably meant to not abuse the privilege but we were only able to utilize it on 4 rides the entire day. There needs to be so much more signage around the parks in general, it’s so easy to not know what you’re doing or where you’re going unless you are a seasoned member. Also, asking for directions or how to get somewhere you could get 4 different answers from 4 different employees. Just disorganized. Also, we brought several beach towels, there’s really no need if it’s hot outside. We dried off before we even made it to the shuttle because it was so hot. Also, water shoes/socks are a must! If you have older kids make sure you’re starting at the right park, we started at the wrong park which seemed to be geared more toward younger kids.
J G — Google review
Thank you Schlitterbahn for the best summer! Buying a season pass was well worth it. I was there all summer having a blast. The negative is a blast pass is a must if you wanna have fun. The lines are too long!
Steph Kurdi — Google review
Great time for the family. Love the free parking and bring your own food and drinks option available. Highly recommend to wear water shoes . Plenty natural shades in picnic areas.They force you to get off at the end, which is reasonable. Line for this was about 30 minutes. Line to get into the wave pool area was longer (can't just walk into the wave pool area anymore). No line to get into the lazy river in the kids area.
Kristina B — Google review
By far our favorite visit this summer!! A little disappointed with the lack of organization trying to buy the meal passes for the day. It took an hour and repeated visits to get our correct meals. It was 107 degrees the day we would hear a lot of people had the same issue with being able to refill their drink cups. It is so important to stay hydrated with this heat. There should be more stations available to accommodate. Two people passed out from dehydration. That being said, we had a blast. We loved both parks and all of the fun rides. We took the tram to the original park and fell in love with the wave pool. It was a BLAST!!!! We hope to be able to go again!
Melissa — Google review
We had so much fun! I grew up in San Antonio, but live near Dallas. It was so exciting to bring my kids back and to see all that has changed since I was last here in the late '90's. We stayed ALL day and could've spent a few more days. The Falls was, by far, everyone's favorite ride, but the classic, Raging River, was still amazing. We can't wait to come back!
Gruene Historic District, established in the mid-1840s by German settlers, flourished with numerous buildings. However, a string of disasters led to its decline around 1922, causing many businesses to close their doors.
4.5
(1001)
New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
25
ZDT's Amusement Park
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Year-round, kid-friendly destination featuring rides, go-karts, a climbing wall, water park & more.
Had a great time here! If you are a rollercoaster enthusiasts, this place is definitely worth the trip for the credit. Switchback is a very unique wooden rollercoaster with some surprising elements. If you want to visit with most bang for your buck I recommend coming the last 3 hours the park is open. $20 for unlimited rides on most of their attractions. Throw an extra $8 and you get dinner as well!
Isaac Roberts — Google review
This is an awesome little family owned park right in a country town. Definitely exceeds expectations! Perfect for a birthday or really any event. Pricing is great. Recommend a membership if you're within an hours drive.
Matt Reid — Google review
Several fun outdoor amusement park rides, including a roller coaster, that the kids were able to ride over and over again to their hearts content. Inside they had lots and lots of arcade games that are all free play, and they had rock climbing and a trampoline thing. So much for the kids to do, and they can come and go from the different areas whenever. They spent 6hrs there yesterday and only left because the park was literally closing for the night. Not a cheap place, but you get a lot for your money, especially if your kids are there for more than a few hours.
***I was told that typically it's very very busy on the weekends, so get there as early as you can. They said it was unusual for it to be not crowded like it was yesterday.
Joshua Carter — Google review
Wooden roller coaster is super cool. Small little park (went in winter, so no water park) no lines, fun afternoon for a birthday. Clean and tidy.
Staff are polite and nice too.
Wendy Jean — Google review
We had a fun time at ZDT's Amusement Park. While they only have one rollercoaster, Switchback, it is a fun, fast, and unique ride that you get to experience both forward and in reverse. Additionally, they have several other thrill rides that you can go on when you get tired of the Switchback, as well as go-carts, rock climbing, arcade games, a MaxFlight Motion Simulator, and when in season, water rides. And I even liked the food here. Plus, they are cheaper to go to than SeaWorld or Six Flags in San Antonio and the lines are usually much shorter. All in all, ZDT's Amusement Park is a fun way to spend a day, and is definitely worth the drive from San Antonio or Austin.
Taylor Spencer — Google review
We had a great day! Forgot swimsuits so I can't rate water slides but the arcade and inside stuff was great. Outside rides were perfect for my family. Only time we experienced a line was for food (a birthday party backed them up) but the people running it did a great job.
Sarah Hampton — Google review
My daughter loves this place. It was our 3rd year coming for her birthday. Admission is free for adults. We use a coupon for $135, includes:
4 passes with all attractions, x-lg pizza, and 4 drinks. That's a great deal.
Amber Alvarado — Google review
I can't say enough positive things about ZDT's amusement park! The all inclusive day pass, which include the arcade, roller coaster rides, bumper cars and water rides- oh, and there's also a two story indoor playground with ball cannons and a 60ft climbing wall, a roller coaster simulator like there's literally something for everyone to do and the price is only $29.95. You can also had a meal package to each ticket, which I believe is only $7? But check the website for more info on that. You just can't beat the price for all of the fun the kids have. It's also very group friendly, so for church groups or day cares the prices are extremely affordable. I took my 9 year old son and my 12 year old niece and they had a blast.
Sommer Holmes — Google review
Love this little park. Reasonable prices for entry and food, and no ticket fee for me, the adult chaperone! And reasonable rules- you can bring in your own food as long as you plan to eat in one of the outdoor areas. I brought three 11 year old boys, gave each an all-access wristband (including lunch) and parked myself at an air-conditioned table to get some work done and read. The food was great and the atmosphere was just right. I was easy for them to find and didn’t worry about their safety. Yes, it’s small if you’re comparing it to Six Flags, but I don’t want to go to Six Flags ever again in my life. I will easily come here again and again as long as my kids are happy here!
Courtney Johnson — Google review
There is no measure to how much we are so thankful, grateful and blessed to have met Dan & Kayden at the Go-Carts. This was life changing and an experience we will never forget! We have been trying to get our toddler to ride anything for 2.5 years, baby slides, baby pools, even the toddler car quarter machine ride he would not go to. But Dan & Kayden were so nice and friendly, he got to go on his first go-cart ride with Mommy & Daddy. He looped around 6x!! He was so excited he couldn't wait to go down the water slide and we went down 6x again! The freefall, and even the roller coaster did not phase him anymore!! We will be forever grateful to the entire team out at ZDT, from the front desk, and all the operators. Everyone was truly respectful, helpful and friendly. Management has done an excellent job selecting this wonderful team. Place was immaculately clean, even I looked under the rollercoaster and other rides for litter. Service, Presentation, Staff & Entertainment beats all the other parks hands down. Great job team. Keep it up! Life-changing for our entire family of 5. Thank you again.
Alfred Castillo — Google review
For such a small park it was a lot of fun. Staff was friendly, helpful, and firm with the kids who were getting out of hand. Great way to spend an afternoon
April Forshee — Google review
If I could give negative stars I would. Let's start this post by saying the pictures are deceiving. The pictures portray this place as way bigger than it actually is, but you will be sorley mistaken. The price is way over priced for what they offer. When we walked in there was only 4 rides and the arcade, which is VERY small, and the go-carts was a bit of a wait. That was the only thing that was kind of worth it. The rock climb line was ridiculous. I can't even tell you how long that line was. All the water rides were closed and it definitely was not clearly marked big enough on their website. I will tell anyone that is reading this, PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE. PLEASE SPEND YOUR HARD EARN MONEY AND TIME SOMEWHERE ELSE. A regular park with swings and a merry-go-round would be more fun than this place!!!!
Jeremy Tomman — Google review
My son had a joint team birthday party here and he told me "best birthday party EVER" Thank you to all the staff for making his day the best!
Katie Holland — Google review
Helped host a work party here and had a blast. Friendly staff who were extremely accommodating with our needs. Very clean play areas.
Things for all ages to enjoy.
Paige Molina — Google review
Had a great time visiting ZDT Amusement Park in Seguin. What a perfect place to bring the kids on a weekend afternoon. Plenty of fun which includes a very impressive wooden rollercoaster, race track, miniature parachute drop, amazing wall climbs, miniature water park, and vintage video games. Certainly a great place to have a kids birthday party with so many different party areas to choose from. The park is very well maintained and also very family friendly. Highly recommended!!
Joe Paredes — Google review
This is an awsome place to take kids or grandkids when your on vacation. It is a smaller more personal experience then the big theme parks in the San Antonio at a fraction of the cost. Wrist band pays for everything. Rides were great, Waterpark rides were really fun and the food was good and affordable. Wish we had a place like this back home in Missouri. I give this park 5 stars.
Bobby Williams — Google review
You can spend the day here and not get bored! The unlimited pass is a great deal if you want indoor and outdoor activities. The water park has 3 slides and a splash pad with a changing area. Lots of arcade games like guitar hero and halo. Large indoor playground, rock wall, bungee trampoline and virtual Rollercoaster. There is a Rollercoaster outside too with a few other rides and go carts. Bathrooms were clean. Food is a little pricey but no too crazy. Indoor and outdoor seating areas.
A popular swimming spot, this creek features an artesian spring & underwater caves.
Beautiful is all I can say. This park is small but well worth a visit. The well is the star attraction but the hiking paths are good and the bird watching stand is new. The only negative is that there are restrictions if you wish to swim in it, but that is understandable, it’s small. The swimming restrictions are seasonal and by reservation only. Pets are not allowed at the well or the trail leading to it.
elinkjoe — Google review
Very well marked for the trail, it was about 1/4 mile walk to the area from the parking lot, there are several ways to get there, do need a permit to swim, but swimming is only allowed between April and September. Access to the park was free, the park is very well kept and has a very cute playing area. The well itself was not like pictures we have seen, but impressive nonetheless.
Patricia Flores — Google review
We had a great time at Jacob's Well. The water is low so there is no swimming, but we had fun anyway. It's a short hike to the well, there is a bit of a descent to get there but the path is easy to follow. We enjoyed learning about different ways to conserve water while gardening and watched the video of the well exploration at the visitor center. The staff were very nice and willing to answer any questions we had about the area. There is a small play area for kids as well. Overall, we had a fun trip and felt it was worth the visit even though the water is low.
Jessica Washburn — Google review
Nice trail beautiful well 30 feet deep as per the park ranger. Never seen this type of natural well. Nice people jumping in. Swimming and diving with prior reservation only.open 9 am to 6 pm
Gauhar Ali — Google review
Visited on Labor Day.
This would typically be a very cool hike except it was 100° in the shade! The entire drive to get there we kept discussing how the river was dried up. Should have been a clue. What we saw vs the pictures on Google was a drastic difference.
The hike is 1/4 mile -sounded easy except the heat! I truly wish the conditions of the well were posted at the entrance of the park. The rocks made for some nice pictures but the short hike was not worth what was waiting at the end.
Wear non skid shoes! The rocks are smooth and slick with dust and there’s a ton of gravel sized rocks along the path that will make sandals incredibly uncomfortable. It’s only 1/4 miles (1/2 mile) round trip and only took a few mins to get to the end but TAKE WATER in this crazy heat. You will need it.
LeeAnna McDaniel — Google review
This was a nice stop while we were traveling through. It was fairly easy to find. There was ample parking and no cost to get in. The trail to the well is well marked abs a pretty easy walk. There was a park ranger at the well, which explained the history of the well and what it was used for.
Jonathan Clark — Google review
We were here during winter time when swimming is not allowed. So this review is only regarding the non swimming visit which is free for all. Just note that reservations and fees are required for entering the water when it's allowed.
Parking was easily available - there are about 3 parking lots. Parking lot B has picnic tables and those portable rest rooms. Parking lot C has pavilions available. The well is accessible by walk about 5 mins from any parking lot. Nice scenic area to spend couple of hours easily. Will visit another time for swimming.
Sudheer Bhat — Google review
Very nice hiking trails. Lots to see and walk, not just the well. The well is very beautiful and clear with fish swimming inside. Trails are easy to navigate with clear signage on the route you need to take. The have an indoor nature center with some things to see as well as a a video of a dive exploring the underwater well to watch. There are multiple things for kids to do as well. They even have a large loose parts play area to build things.
Clever Country — Google review
Nice little day trip. Quick walk was with mild terrain. This time of year the water level was low. Fish where trapped so you got a good view of them. The well has a nice blueish green color. plenty to explore and to walk around and sew. Some trails would not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Hungry Sparrow — Google review
I have to be honest and say I would skip this site next time I am in the area. The water levels were so low there wasn't much to look at. But for me, even if they were higher it would not made for the kind of spot I would want to spend time at again. With that said, I was glad to get to see it when no one else was interested in going due to the water levels.
Michael James — Google review
Jacob's Well is a stunning spot in Texas. This serene and tranquil location is set among huge boulders and a dry creek bed surrounded by lush greenery. However, it is recommended to visit during cooler months to avoid the harsh heat. The water is unfortunately low and not suitable for swimming. Still, the area is home to a beautiful sight of the natural landscape with its serene atmosphere. It is a short walk from the parking lot, making it a great place to take a stroll or picnic and enjoy nature and a peaceful setting.
Stephanie Veatch — Google review
The well itself was pretty amazing, but I was surprised at how many trails and points of interest were there, such as the nature center and gardens and several fun things for young children.
Brandi Simpson — Google review
Jacob's Well Natural Area is a beautiful facility with great views and well kept trails. We found the actual area of the water levels to be low and it took away from the beauty of what we had seen in photos beforehand. There are 3 large parking spots with plenty of parking space. FYI: Parking lot C is the closest to the actual Jacob's Well area for those that may have limitations on walking. There are very clean "portapotties" on site as well as hand washing stations. Parking lot A is for vehicles with RVs although there are no hook ups from what I could see. Although we were a bit disappointed that the Jacob's Well area water level was low, I still highly recommend this place for a visit.
Santos Garza — Google review
The nature trail was amazing. Was within 10 feet of a deer and her fawn. The rangers were very knowledgeable and helpful during the trail walk.
CHRIS PICOU — Google review
Water was really low when we were there but the area was very nice to visit because it had other interesting things see and learn from. Good hiking areas and bathrooms.
Daniel Tran — Google review
Loved this spot. I would highly recommend checking it out when available. Plan ahead to see how to pick up tickets.
Matthew McGuire — Google review
Sadly, Jacobs Well is dried up. Hopefully, nature brings it back. It's still a nice hike spot where you can now walk the river bed and get up close to the lil cave areas the water made on the sides of the limestone.
**Update** Jacob's Well changes. So look for current reviews or call the park for updates if it's filled up or empty.
HndsDwnThBest — Google review
Awesome awesome. Very knowledgeable park ranger on site to answer any questions. Cool place
Lush park showcasing a forested swimming area with rope swings plus a basketball court & trails.
Blue Hole Regional Park! It’s great, amazing, beautiful and free. The cost is $12, but I think that’s to swim, but I was able to go through and walk around. There are some small inclines, but tennis shoes are good. No need for hiking boots, unless you want the support. Use your judgement. It’s very kid friendly and the park is huge. There is also basketball courts, volleyball and pavilions!
Kimberly Feathers — Google review
I was speechless at the beauty of this swimming hole. DEFINITELY the most beautiful place I've ever swam. The water temperature was delicious... such a nice break from the Texas heat. The swimming area is mostly shaded and the water is clear. They have 2 rope swings that add to the magic of this timeless gem! My only complaint was we couldn't reserve a longer time slot. I WILL DEFINITELY VISIT AGAIN. Sooner than later I hope.
Peaceful.
Serene.
Family friendly.
Heaven on Earth.
Carrie Reinoso — Google review
The amount of enjoyable water spots in the Austin area is overwhelming. This was in my top 5. Locals really seem to know how to enjoy it all day by bringing tubes to relax on as well. As for me- I enjoyed the cool swim on a less busy day. There are good spots to soak up in the sun or relax in the shade on the grass as well. They even rent umbrella areas and eating areas for the perfect no-hassle picnic. The fact that you can bring in food here unlike some of the other spots is a nice luxury. The ropes make it fun for kids and adults alike as well.
Michael James — Google review
Blue Hole is a lovely park bordering Cypress Creek. It has all the features of a traditional park such as fields, and courts, but it sets itself apart with the creek swimming area. In the summer months the water is crisp and blue and beautiful. Life jackets are available for kids and those who can't swim. The earlier you arrive, the better!
Michael Barton — Google review
Simply put? Heaven on earth! My 1st time here and I will definitely be going back! Not only was the ambiance so relaxing but the joy in everyone’s heart evident throughout. All you could hear, besides the birds and crickets was laughter. People of all ages and nationalities peacefully together enjoying this magical place. If I could bottle and sell the feeling evoked, there would be peace throughout the world! Pictures do not do this place justice. Go and refresh your mind, soul and heart!
Helene M — Google review
We recently visited Blue Hole Regional Park and had an incredible time! The water here is unbelievably clear and clean, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities. We spent hours enjoying the pristine waters, and it was truly refreshing. The park itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly staff. We had so much fun during our visit, and I highly recommend Blue Hole Regional Park to anyone seeking a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Jon Bantay Jr — Google review
Morning hike at Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park was incredibly refreshing! 🌿 The cool weather and crisp air, along with a nature walk, were just what we needed! 💙
Sharmila Sengupta — Google review
Beautiful park. You have to make reservations and they let you stay in the park for 4 hours. The cypress trees are gorgeous. The water was very cold, though! The steps to get into the water can be slippery. Bring a towel or blanket to lay in the sun after getting out of the water. No glass bottles allowed but we brought a small cooler with canned water and cokes and snacks. Enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Leslie — Google review
Great place to walk! Different nature trails to follow and a playground. Restrooms are out of order so we didn't stay as long as planned. Pet friendly with pet stations to grab a bag and disposal bins. Ample parking available. Picnic tables are available too.
gbauman1971 — Google review
It's a well maintained swimming👙 park. Picnic 🧺 area is on the other side of swimming area. The picnic area is open to the public, there are picnic tables and 🔥grills, no reservation needed. But the swimming 🏊 area you need to book the tickets online in advance. You need to check ✅ in on schedule to access in swimming area. No early check in allowed. They have free life jackets supplies for adults and kids. You can bring your own tubes and 🏖️ umbrella here but check there website for size limits or reserve there 🏖️ umbrella and picnic table.
Shirley — Google review
First time swimming at the Blue Hole and my little family of three had a great time. The water was nice and cold, plenty of room to swim, and loved the extra add on of reserving an umbrella. The website was easy to use and the staff was great the day we visited. I would highly recommend. Very family friendly.
Chelsea V — Google review
Very beautiful!! Refreshing cold water that originates from Jacob's Well and a nearby creek.
You need reservations to swim. There is limited parking close to the swimming hole entrance so I had to hike a bit to reach the entrance. But it wasn't too bad.
Staff is very friendly and helpful.
Dusty M. Coleman — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. The nature park was wonderful; one of the nicest I've seen.
Amanda Miller — Google review
Beautiful! Lots of trials. No swimming at this time of year and I’m not sure why. Could be water is low.
Daegan Phoenix — Google review
Great spot to spend the day with family and/or friends. It’s about 1 hour from Austin (on a Sunday in our experience).
If you are planning a visit, make sure to make reservations since they cap their visits into 2 groups (half days) with a fee of $12 per person.
I believe it would be fairly priced at the $8 range but understand the reasoning. Ultimately the place is never overcrowded due to the limits ever set and this is a good thing (in comparison to Barton Springs, which gets excessive number of people during the hot summer days).
Will definitely come back and take advantage of all the beautiful surroundings.
San Marcos Premium Outlets is a massive shopping destination, comprising over 240 stores with 145 renowned brand outlets. It's a haven for shopaholics, offering luxury and designer labels at discounted prices. The outlet features an extensive range of brands including Prada, Nautica, Valentino, Ann Taylor, Lululemon, Tory Burch, Banana Republic, Gap, Nike, Gucci and more.
The biggest Premium outlet in Texas! It was everything you need to shop. Most of the big brands are located here with big spaces to showcase all their items.
There is a big parking area so even if it gets busy you will have a space to park.
I would advise to go there on weekdays as it gets too crowded on weekends to enjoy.
Salman Bin Habib — Google review
I love shopping at the Kate Spade and Lulu stores! I also enjoy driving around to see if any store catches my eye. Very nice outlet mall where you can find great deals. I had snacks and water in my car so that I could drop off stuff and take a mini break before driving to other stores. I did stop at restrooms every now and then, and had to look at a map and then drive to them.
Hailyn Bella — Google review
Really nice big Outlet with high end Shops.
Prada, Gucci, Versace, Coach, etc.
And I hope you don’t have to use the restrooms!
THEY ARE DISGUSTING.
At least the 3 that I inspected during my review.
The Lawns and Grounds need attention.
Management needs to walk the place and see the flaws……..
Thomas Anthony — Google review
This place has everything for everyone to shop from! Lovely place! There's lots of food, snack, n drink choices and places to sit n take a break as well! ...EVEN a extra large chess game in the courtyard to play! 🥰👍👍
Tanya — Google review
Beautiful shopping center with nice stores. I do wish the outside vendors were held to higher expectations and the indoor food court was definitely lacking. You would expect more for the type of stores around.
Caitlyn Liddell — Google review
Love this place! They have all the stores the I love, I come 3 times per year to get all the things the I need, the prices on the high end store are AMAZING!!!
Pd. The new store of niche perfume is really good 👍 , the got all the Valentino collection
Macarena Fuentes — Google review
Some deals. At this outlet most things are priced pretty close to retail. After 3 trips over 2 years I finally found a deal at the under armor store. The Coach store was out of a variety of mens accessories 12/28. The bathrooms at the food court are horrible. Most truck stops have better bathrooms. Whats up with that. Not good !!!
Donovan E — Google review
A very very big premium outlets with lots and lots of brands so you can be pretty much guaranteed that you will be spoilt for choices. I don't think I want to start writing down the name of shops as it is gonna be a long long list! ;)
Parking spots are easily available if you go early. But since the area is so big, be prepared to spend easily the whole day if you are a tourist and you have a lot of stuff to buy.
I recall seeing a few pop up stalls selling food and drinks but I don't think there is a food court around nearby. And the washroom looks pretty old and not clean so that is the only reason why I deducted one star.
Otherwise I usually drops by at least once whenever I am in town.
Kevin Yeoh — Google review
Plenty of walking around and a lot of outlets to see. The parking wasn't great they could add a bit more parking to the area of even a parking garage. I did not see any public restrooms that were available in the area that we were walking in where all the clothing was. Not a lot of food stands but, the food stands that were there did smell great as we passed it by.
SGP — Google review
My family and I love shopping here!! It has many stores and restaurants to choose from. My kids love coming to spend thier birthday money here. Also the bathrooms have always been very clean and well stocked every time I've used them. Good way to get your exercise in too.
Marisia Delgado — Google review
It is really huge outlet.
A real premium outlet!
Spent lots of money but it wasn't waisting!
JW Min — Google review
Very large outlet. Almost all well known brands are there. I been here in a cold rainy day and walk around shops but I recommend to drive between quarters as parking are available and easy to find. Not all shops with outlet price and no discounts. So expect to pay full price.
Hussein Al Ghafri — Google review
Good outlet just a lot of walking and i. The summer bring water and prepare to walk or repark car. Went today and the high was 112 being all cement and not much shade besides the walkway outside the buildings
TxSushilover — Google review
I'm not sure how the ratings are so high. It's not worth the 6 hour drive we made. There are no phenomenal prices. Everything is the same as the sale prices you can find at home in the normal store. This is truly a normal shopping center. There are plenty of stores in one place though so I gave 2 stars.
Oli's Mom — Google review
Visited the outlet after many years and was impressed with the variety of brands available.
Due to Black Friday the parking was hard to find. Has huge parking lot. Tanger outlets are right next to it.
Varsha Vilankar — Google review
The place is like heaven for shopping,You will almost all brands outlet here. They have good deals during festive time. During holiday season some outlets have long queue to enter to it,Going early in morning on those days will help avoid queues.
Ample car parking available.Also have play areas for kids and clean washrooms.
If you are travelling from other states I think you can also claim back the Tax amount spent on purchases.
arvind chawke — Google review
So many great stores here…..Abercrombie and Fitch, Coach, Aeropastel, Klarin, Pottery Barn, Nike, Converse, Lu Lu Lemon, New Balance, Francesca’s, Gap, Guess, and SOOOO many more! You definitely need a couple days to shop this whole outlet center! There are some great deals to be had also. My daughter and I had a great time exploring all of the great outlet stores!
Theresa Goodwin — Google review
This places USED to have great deals. Their prices are not at all outlet prices. I have found much better deals at retail outlets like Macys and Dillards with much less of a hassle. False advertising. With the 50-70% off you will still be paying a high price not at all outlet price. Now, it’s just hype-beware.
juan lozano — Google review
They have most stores you would expect from a Simons Premium Outlet. I love the architecture, “castle” vibes. Huge! Wear comfy shoes, you will walk a lot. Lots of parking “free” (at least when we went, which was on a Friday), we had to re-park since the place is too huge and did not want to walk so much. Also, Decent prices, not a lot of sales going on when I went though. This only get 3 stars mainly because I was so disappointed from the lack of food choices. You would think, the biggest outlet in Texas would have variety of food choices but boy you’re so wrong. There is a food court, yes. But there are literally only 3 stores open and the food was horrible, seriously. So bring your own snacks if you plan to spend a whole day here, dont even waste your money buying food from the foodcourt because it’s not worth it. You will have fun shopping though.
Shari Carter — Google review
If you’re looking for a good deal on shoes, this is a good place to stop
David Buttross — Google review
What can I say this place is a shopping paradise and a non-shoppers nightmare. Parking can be crazy on the weekends as the place fills up fast. There’s pretty much every store here with decent bargains if you look around. We come once or twice a year and always leave feeling we got some good deals.
City Park, 201 Jowers Access Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
30
Palmetto State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Hiking, birding & camping in a forest plus river swimming & canoe rentals.
It’s perfect!!! Nice trails, swimming access, kayak rentals, unique terrain. An AMAZING state park. Endless features that make this place so special.
Chris Tea — Google review
This was an excellent park. It was different from our most recent camping excursions in that the hiking was minimal and not very challenging at all. The lake was clean and fun with good cold water feeding it. There was excellent fishing and great campsites with good shade.
I wish there were easier access to the river, but most everything was what I would consider "wild access".
TXSuburbanHomestead — Google review
A must see if you are driving in the area or just passing through. It's free, take the time, and enjoy a little nature hike. Rangers are amicable and informative. You can rent cabins, camp, al facilities available, or just spend the afternoon canoeing, rental available too. Check the attached pictures for more info
M R — Google review
Probably one of the best parks that we've been to! I mean WOW!! We did go after a rain storm so the mosquitos were out in force and they are huge!! We had no idea but we ran into a young woman who kindly let us use a little of her spray and then two park Rangers who let us some of theirs too. Everyone there, staff and other hikers were super nice and helpful. The bathrooms were super clean and we'll kept too! We will definitely be back and hopefully do some camping there too.
Tom Perez — Google review
Palmetto state park is a stunning (and frankly underrated) park that I will definitely return to in the future. There is a small lake where you can swim and rent kayaks/paddle boards. Some trails go near the San Marcos river which is very calming. There are many trails throughout the park all with a diverse array of birds. If you are quiet and early enough, you can spot some deer as well. This is a great park for folks who are new to hiking since all the trails are pretty easy to traverse. This park was not crowded at all despite being rather close to Austin and San Antonio. The staff in the main office are really friendly and helpful.
Isabella Spangher — Google review
A beautiful place. Many good hiking trails (easy to moderate) where you can take in some of the most photogenic scenery in Texas. Friendly staff and nice modern park facilities. Easy access fishing dock on Oxbow lake. It's a very popular park so it's difficult to find available RV camping spots in the short term. I recommend booking a campsite at least a couple months in advance.
Mark Rossi — Google review
Unique state park with interesting trails and plants. Saw wild turkeys, deer, water snakes, and various birds. The facilities were well maintained, although one shower did not work. Very friendly park hosts.
P Kassir — Google review
We stayed in site 15 in a 38 Renegade. Tight but no problems getting in. We were able to park our Jeep in front of the RV. Beautiful shade trees. Lots of really nice, well groomed walking trails including a walking bridge over San Marcos River. This is a very small park so make your reservations as early as possible. Lots of room between sites. Had 50 amp w/water. Lots of trees so didn't even try Starlink. AT&T hotspot gave us 15 mbs so no issues streaming. A Plus 11 miles from Bucees (Luling, Tx). We camped at Palmetto State Park in a Motorhome.
Ron Gaddis — Google review
Fun state park with great trails, boardwalks throughout the trails, beautiful foliage, lots of trees and plants. I meandered amongst the trails and walk/ran 2.5 miles. After a picnic lunch, I took the paddleboard out for three loops of the lake (.5 miles down and back). Scenic and peaceful, I’ll definitely be back.
Jana Mantovani — Google review
Overall another lovely Texas State Park.
Compared to some of the other parks with difficult and advanced trails, this is much more laid back. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, perfect for bikes or even a stroller. You can rent Kayaks or stand up paddle boards to take out on the lake. We saw plenty of fish in the lake and some turtles too. The restrooms were clean along with the grounds. Every Park Ranger we came across was friendly and helpful. A perfect place if you're looking for some outdoor time and have little ones or are enjoying your retirement and need a quiet place to relax.
B Wee — Google review
Palmetto is one of our favorite places to visit! We got engaged here and then had the wild idea of getting married here as well! Definitely worth it. The scenery and pavilion are absolutely amazing. We used a little of what they provided and incorporated our own touches. The park rangers were super helpful (they even came to blow the leafs away before we set up) here are just a handful of photos showing how we used the space inside and out. The backside of the pavilion made for the perfect dance floor!
Cheyenne Griggs — Google review
Such a beautiful park, clean & peaceful. Showers are the absolute BEST! Hot water & great pressure. Whether you are wanting a quiet getaway, hiking trails, water views, fishing, kayaking, playground for kiddos, this park has it all plus awesome amenities. My first time but will definitely be back! Thank you Palmetto State Park & thanks to the wonderful workers! To my fellow Nomads, this park is wonderful for overnights or even day visits. 👌🏽
la vente shoppe — Google review
Great experience, lovely facility, extremely clean campgrounds! Neighbors came and went while we stayed and were a friendly bunch. All ages and stages of life, neat conversations. Many different options of camping experiences tio choose from.
Norma Ortega — Google review
We loved the trails and rode our bikes on each one. The trials are about 75% shade, if not more. We went last weekend, and the RV sites are mostly shaded as well. The San Marcos River was flowing, and we enjoyed cooling off in it. We are hoping to reserve more weekends there. On our way to the State Park, we stopped in Lockhart for some BBQ!
jay c — Google review
Awesome little park. No sewer, but they have electric and water. Bathrooms have clean showers with high water pressure. Trails are great, easy for anyone to hike or bike on. Definitely a must visit park.
Charles Bastian — Google review
When we went it was pretty nice and quiet. There are workers living quarters by the water campground so thats nice for some safety. The skies were pretty dark and the stars shown brightly if you don’t have lights on or your neighbors you can stargaze. By the restrooms on the back of the large notification boards they have the community books you can borrow. The restrooms by water camp ground have two stalls one regular size and one handicapped the restroom with shower has if I remember two regular size and one handicapped and two showers are kept clean. There is a tornado sign by the shower/restroom so I believe that is where you would take shelter if needed. On the trails I could hear different birds and we also saw deer. Of the three trails I walked on they were well maintained and easy to follow. We didn’t have any issues with bugs. We also needed air for one tire and was able to do that at the park headquarters. There is a Bucee’s nine minutes away if you need more snacks food or drinks. If i came back again I would like to bring my pupper she would enjoy the trails.
CL G — Google review
Great park. Lots of shade, well maintained hiking trails. We enjoyed both the San Marcos River and Oxbow Lake. Interesting swamp ecosystem unique to the park. Nice play ground and a small.
Tom Caldwell Online — Google review
Best camping experience so far. The tent grounds and the "Artisan Well" are just spaced out enough to have the privacy to talk amongst your group. The weather was perfect 👍
KingWeeaboo — Google review
Pretty site, went to look at potential camping and pavilion use. Camping sites look cozy, flat, well kept, standard amenities. Pavilion info: Six "door" openings are 7ft by 8 ft. Eight picnic tables that seat about 8 each are inside, and 2 larger picnic tables on back deck seat about 10 each. There's an enclosed kitchen and enclosed "dining room" with fireplace attached on the right side of the pavilion.
There's 1 electrical outlet in the main part and bathrooms on the left side. It has 4 ceiling fans and 2 chandeliers, lightswitch not visible, probably in locked dining room/kitchen. Two electrical outlets are visible in (locked) bathroom section. RV camping is close by, and day-use areas are adjacent to the parking lot (about 25 spots) and around pavilion. There are ramps for wheelchairs. There's also a water spigot outside and San Marcos river access.
Christine Ashenfelter (Hadewig Würmelin) — Google review
Great Park, well kept RV spaces 50 amp with water. Does have a dump station for after of during your stay. Trails are excellent about 5 miles worth. There is tent camping which is in separate area of park, far away from. RV spots.