San Antonio is a city that continues to grow, just like the rest of Texas, but for now it is still a city that is easily explored and enjoyed in a weekend. One of the great things about a trip here, is that there is so much to do outdoors, and all of it is so different that you can really put together a great trip that has something everyone in the family will enjoy. From history to culture to exploring parts of nature that took hundreds of years to develop, there is something fun to do outdoors in San Antonio to entertain every family.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Just the name should be a good indication that this is no ordinary hill you will be climbing. Enchanted Rock is considered an historic place, with signs that people have been visiting and investigating the site for thousands of years. The hill is created from exposed granite, rising 400 feet above ground and covering over 600 acres. Hiking the rock as a family is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, once you reach the top, the view is one that you aren’t going to be able to find anywhere else in Texas. While a hike for the fit, it is not impossible and all levels of skill and ages can manage it.
San Antonio Missions
When most people think about the history of San Antonio, the Alamo and nothing more comes to mind. The Alamo is only one of several very important parts of how this part of Texas was settled. The San Antonio Missions National Park introduces the family to four different mission communities that were the lifeline for a lot of people in the part of the country. Everyone can step back in history and get a little glimpse of what life was like, the hardships that people endured and enjoy the unique architecture and construction of the missions that didn’t survive in many places.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Just outside the city of San Antonio sits the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest set of caves in Texas. Head underground into the dark, but well lit, caves to see some of the most beautiful rock formations that have taken centuries to form. If the family has never had the chance to explore caves, the Natural Bridge Caverns are a great introduction because they are large enough that even the youngest in the family won’t find the journey scary or intimidating. If you want to have even more fun, a zipline and canopy challenge has been set up to give daring individuals an extreme thrill.
After a long day spent outdoors, the Riverwalk is a great way to help the family wind down, while still enjoying themselves in the city’s natural environment. All along the San Antonio River, shops, restaurants and museums have set up over the years to create what has become an iconic community. Bridges, back patios and pathways connect everything in this downtown area, but the real fun is taking a ride on one of the quaint water taxis that will ferry you from one end of the river district to the other.
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