On the Road Again? 5 Best Day Trips Around San Antonio

Can't afford to take time off from work? Maybe a vacation isn't in the budget this year, but you can still get away from it all with these fabulous day trips that are easily accessible from our Springs San Antonio luxury apartment communities.

1. Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio
210.688.9055

Texas is a state of varied landscapes, and this breathtaking area is just a 40-minute drive from downtown San Antonio. More than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails travel across rugged canyons and stunning grasslands. The five-mile Joe Johnston Route is the site of more than 200 dinosaur tracks. Check the website for special events such as guided hikes and star-gazing sessions. Park hours are 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday through Monday. Entry fee is $6, with kids 12 and under admitted free.

2. San Marcos

Can't decide between shopping, sightseeing and outdoor activities? Head to San Marcos, a charming town less than an hour's drive from downtown San Antonio that's been named one of the "10 Most Exciting Small Cities in America." Go tube-floating down the spring-fed San Marcos River, shop the downtown boutiques or designer outlet malls, and take a glass-bottom boat tour of Spring Lake.

3. Cascade Caverns
226 Cascade Caverns Rd, Boerne
830.755.8080

Get a new perspective of our great state by seeing it from below at Cascade Caverns, a 35-minute drive from downtown San Antonio. Artifacts left by the Lipan Apache tribe date the caverns back to the 1700s and they remain "live" today, with moving water constantly creating new formations. Take a one-hour guided tour or become a real spelunker with the two- to three-hour adventure tour. Hike the top-side nature trails that are home to armadillos, roadrunners and other wildlife. Caverns are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and admission starts at $17.95.

4. Lockhart

BBQ is virtually a religion in Texas, and Lockhart — only an hour's drive from downtown San Antonio — has been designated by the state legislature as the BBQ Capital. Take the Lockhart BBQ challenge by eating at all four barbecue joints, anchored by Black's Barbecue, a family-owned establishment that's been featured on Food Network. Work off the calories with a visit to Caldwell County Museum or a hike at Lockhart State Park.

5. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a charming town in Hill Country, just about an hour's drive from downtown San Antonio. Influences of the early German settlers are visible at Vereins Kirche Museum, Fredericksburg Brewing Company, Opa's Smoked Meats and other shops and attractions. With all the museums, art galleries, antique shops, wineries and parks to explore, you'll probably end up making more than one trip.

Do you have an amazing day trip to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!