Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a few days off around Valentine’s Day, or simply craving a spontaneous trip, there’s nothing like a quick romantic getaway to keep the spark alive in your relationship. Enjoy a cozy San Antonio vacation rental for a day, then venture to one of the surrounding cities and towns to experience new, fun attractions and activities. Check out these great romantic destinations within just a short drive of San Antonio.
1. Fredericksburg
If you enjoy sipping wine in beautiful scenery, Fredericksburg is the place to be. This charming town has more than 25 wineries in and around town, most of which offer public tastings, live music, and other events. After enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof, or 1851 Vineyards, take a tour of the thriving art scene, which includes more than 20 galleries and workshops. The city itself has a quaint feel and is known for its German-inspired architecture and cuisine. You’ll feel like you stepped into a European village right in the middle of Texas Hill Country. There are also some pleasant hiking trails in the area. Try hiking to Enchanted Rock, an unusual pink granite dome, for a romantic sunset view.
Find vacation rentals in Fredericksburg
2. Wimberley
The natural beauty surrounding the unique little town of Wimberley has long been a major draw for artists and authors looking for a quiet, inspirational place to create. Over the years, it has become an art lover’s dream vacation destination. You can spend the entire weekend strolling around between galleries and shops. In the evening, consider catching a romantic movie at the Corral Theatre, an old-fashioned outdoor theater, or watch a live show at EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, which hosts live performances all year. Since Wimberley is located on the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, there are numerous hiking opportunities in the area, ranging from short yet scenic nature walks in town to the more strenuous climb up the steps to the top of Lookout Mountain, or “Old Baldy” as it is known by locals.
Find vacation rentals in Wimberley
3. Austin
Austin’s bustling culture and nightlife scene make it a wonderful place for a more active romantic getaway. You can spend your evenings enjoying world-class performances at Austin City Limits, The Moody Theater, and other major landmarks, or simply stroll along Sixth Street until you find a show that catches your interest. The city is home to wonderful and diverse cuisine, with restaurants ranging from exotic African and Middle Eastern fare to contemporary twists on the Texas staples of burgers, barbecue, and chili. For a more relaxing time, admire the color and natural beauty of the gardens at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, or enjoy the artwork and tranquil setting of Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
Find vacation rentals in Austin
4. Medina
For a slow-paced, small-town feel, look for vacation rentals in and around Medina, a small, unincorporated community. This area is largely agricultural and is particularly known for its apple orchards. Stop in at Love Creek Orchards Cider Mill and Country Store to sample a variety of ciders, pies, and other apple-themed treats. If wine tasting is more your preference, head over to Vine On the Rocks to enjoy some local wines in a beautiful setting. The Spa at Escondida is located here and offers world-class couples massages and other spa treatments if you feel like pampering yourself. There are several state parks nearby, such as Garner State Park, but the rural setting also makes it easy to simply step outside your door to take in the scenery.
Find vacation rentals near Medina
Find the perfect San Antonio vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
5. Canyon Lake
If your idea of a romantic getaway involves padding around together or lounging on the deck of a boat, Canyon Lake is the place to be. This small community sits on the shores of the Canyon Lake reservoir and is home to several boat launches. If you don’t have your own vessel, head over to either of the two marinas in town to rent one for the weekend. The Guadalupe River runs through the area and is popular for tubing, so you can also spend the day lazily floating together down the river. Hiking and biking trails wind around the lake and river if you prefer to stay dry, and the area is also great for bird and wildlife watching. Despite its small population, there are numerous quirky local restaurants and romantic dining spots in town, such as Gennaro’s Trattoria or the Silver Sage Grille.
Find vacation rentals in Canyon Lake
6. Port Aransas
The Hill Country surrounding San Antonio is one of Texas’s crown jewels, but if you want a change of pace, head down about 200 miles to Port Aransas. This small resort community is located on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico and has a unique blend of historic character and modern charm. Book a dolphin watching tour or sport fishing charter to have some adventure on the sea, or simply stroll down the miles of beautiful beaches at sunset for a classic romantic moment. Downtown Port Aransas is also home to a number of quirky boutiques, upscale galleries, and fantastic restaurants. Stop in at Fins or Virginia’s on the Bay to dine while enjoying beautiful views of the water.
Find vacation rentals in Port Aransas
7. Galveston
If you want to hang out on the Gulf but prefer having a few more entertainment options, consider taking a quick trip to Galveston, which is only about four hours away by car. In addition to the great beaches, Galveston has a thriving art scene with numerous galleries to enjoy and regular ArtWalk events to help you find them. Live music is also easy to find, with styles ranging from classic country to world music and pop. The Strand Historic District is worth a visit just to see the amazing architecture, which primarily dates back to the Victorian era, but it is also home to great restaurants, boutique shopping, and outdoor art installations. Stop and play a game with the oversized chess set in Saengerfest Park, then enjoy a relaxed meal at Brews Brothers or a romantic dinner at Riondo’s Ristorante. An old-fashioned trolley is a popular way to navigate the area, or you can take a horse and carriage ride for a more romantic experience.
Find vacation rentals in Galveston
Ready to go? Check out these amazing San Antonio vacation rentals on Tripping.com.