San Antonio is full of excitement and adventure around every corner. However, if you’re looking to get away for the weekend there are plenty of endearing towns within driving distance of the “Alamo City.” A Texas vacation rental provides your family with plenty of space and comfort near popular state and national parks. If you’re not sure where you want to go to reconnect with your family, start with this guide on the seven best weekend getaways from San Antonio.
1. Denison
Explore the history of this waterside town with a guided tour provided through the Denison Visitor’s Center. You see the most historical buildings, the statue of Dwight Eisenhower and other presidents, and hear some of the local legends. Afterwards, take a tour of the home where U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site. In the summertime, you can rent a boat from the Eisenhower Yacht Club for a day of fishing and boating on Lake Texoma. In cooler weather, navigate the hiking trails in the Eisenhower State Park.
2. Pilot Point
Just north of Dallas and a five-hour drive from San Antonio, Pilot Point is a great place to unwind and smell the flowers. Arrive in the spring to visit “Texas Tulips,” a local botanical garden specializing in tulips of all colors. Unlike other botanical gardens, you and your kids can pick the flowers here. Covering 126 acres, the Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch is home to a variety of rare and exotic animals. Give your feet a rest when you opt to tour this zoological center on the tram. You can even schedule a 20-minute visit with one of the baby animals. Afterwards, take the short drive to Carmela Winery for a tour and wine sampling with the older family members.
3. Frisco
In a little over a four-hour drive, your family will arrive at a town that will keep the kids engaged all weekend long. Start with a visit to the Play Street Museum, where kids learn more about the world around them and being part of a community through play. Pack a picnic lunch before leaving your vacation rental and eat at one of the park’s table. Then, head to the National Videogame Museum and learn more about the iterations of video games and improvements in technology.
4. Glen Rose
In the very distant past, dinosaurs roamed the Glen Rose area. See the footprints left behind at the Dinosaur Valley State Park, about four hours from San Antonio. Before heading out onto the hiking paths in this state park, stop by the interpretive center to learn more about the prints and their discovery. There are also exhibits with information about the types of dinosaurs that left the prints as well as a walking path with over 150 dinosaur statues.
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5. Terrell
Meander through the neighborhoods and see the lovely, historic Victorian and Revival homes with their gorgeous architecture in Terrell. You can learn more about the town’s history and the history of World War II at the Terrell Heritage Museum and the British Flying Training School. Just outside of town, save some money at the Tanger Outlets with shops that include Gap, Old Navy, Journey’s, and Eddie Bauer.
6. Jefferson
A six-hour drive finds your family in the small town of Jefferson that sits on the Big Cypress Bayou. Your kids learn more about the unique ecosystem in the bayou with a tour from Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours. A guide will provide you with a wealth of information about life in the swamp and points out the critters that live there. The Museum of Measurement and Time is a family-run operation that features an eclectic collection of historic watches and other timepieces.
7. McKinney
McKinney is the perfect small town for your family to relax and unwind. When the weather is nice, make a pitstop at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Downtown McKinney is a great place to enjoy a stroll or do a little shopping while seeing the beautiful historic buildings. Finish off the day with a family meal at the Cadillac Pizza Pub with its large selection of beers and wines or opt for Gregory’s Bistro with its trendy vibe.
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