Top Summer Destinations to Visit Near San Antonio and Austin

With hot summer temperatures and plenty of charming communities to visit, there are many reasons to seek out a summer retreat in the areas surrounding Austin and San Antonio. Let’s look at some of the top summer destinations in this region.

German settlers colonized the Central Texas city of Fredericksburg in the early 18th century. Roughly an hour-and-a-half from Austin, this charming small community draws many visitors with its top-notch shopping and dining and famed, world-class vineyards. The Fredericksburg’s Pioneer Museum showcases the city’s roots, and the Marktplatz town square retains historical buildings and a visible German heritage. The National Museum of the Pacific War, another fascinating museum in Fredericksburg, educates visitors about World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. 

New Braunfels is a charming community near San Antonio, which was also established in the 1800s by German settlers. The Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels is a tourist hotspot that has historical buildings and a rustic charm. In the summer, the town’s natural beauty attracts many. Located on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, waterways wind throughout New Braunfels, and the underground limestone caves of the Natural Bridge Caverns are one of the city’s most famous attractions. For families, the massive Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels is an ideal way to beat the summer heat.

San Marcos is a picturesque suburb on the banks of the San Marcos River between San Antonio and Austin. Home to Texas State University, this popular community has a lively college-town feel. San Marcos has much for visitors to enjoy in the summer, with a lively downtown, a great arts scene, and many festivals and events. To cool off, visit the scenic Rio Vista Park, which offers river tubing and kayaking along the San Marcos River, as well as swimming pools, sports courts, and trails.

Horseshoe Bay is a charming town on the Colorado River and Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. Surrounded by wineries and golf courses and boasting high-quality hotels and resorts, this town is an ideal summer retreat. The town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, steeped in the natural beauty of Hill Country and comprising large natural attractions such as Horseshoe Bay Nature Park and the nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg.

Wimberley, a quiet little community home to around 3,000, is becoming one of Hill Country’s most popular summer destinations. Known for its rustic charm, scenic nature, and many wineries, Wimberley is a tranquil place for a getaway. In The Square, you’ll find charming stores, eateries, and a classic small-town look. To beat the heat, there are several watering holes around Wimberley, including Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural Area.

Canyon Lake is a community near San Antonio centered around a lake of the same name. The lake is famed across Texas for its clear, blue water and incredible natural scenery. During the summer, staying at one of Canyon Lake’s many hotels and resorts near the water is a prime way to be immersed in Hill Country’s nature. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, or swimming at the lake, or golfing at the nearby golf course.