The Frio River and neighboring cities of Concan and Leakey are packed with attractions that include waterfront dining, boating, kayaking, and hiking through the Texas Hill Country. Staying at a Frio River vacation rental puts you in the heart of all the action. Enjoy the glorious Texan sun, as well as nearby historic exhibits and the best Southern cuisine the state has to offer. Spend your days golfing like a pro or tubing down the Frio River. Your evenings can be filled with live music at Joe Jimmy’s and fantastic food. Plan your Frio River trip itinerary with these top 10 must-do activities.
1. Explore Garner State Park
When you want some exercise and breathtaking sights of the Frio River, spend the day exploring Garner State Park. The 2.9 miles of the Frio River winds through more than 1,700 acres of terrain and hiking trails. Stop for a dip in the river or hike up to 11 miles of the state park. The interactive trails map provides you with a virtual tour of the area. Stop in at Happy Hollow Frio River Outfitters to rent a tube or paddle boat in the Frio River that winds through Garner State Park. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from the Garner State Park gift shop after an adventurous day.
2. Tour the Caves With Frio Bat Flight Tours
Bundle up in warm jackets before leaving your vacation rental to see the caves and bats that habitat the Frio River Area. Frio Bat Flight Tours guide you through caverns to spot bats any time of the year. The expert guides offer tidbits about the anatomy of the bats and their typical habits before the appearance of these animals around dusk. After the spooky experience, satisfy your hunger with some comfort food at Hippie Chic’s River Shack.
3. Tap Your Toes at Joe Jimmy’s
Entertain the entire family when spending an evening at Joe Jimmy’s dancing and dining. This outdoor concert hall is one of the most popular attractions in the Frio River area and features a large dance floor, stage for live bands, and a play area for the kids. Grab a bite to eat at the concession stand or take advantage of the full bar especially for the grown-ups. If you time your trip for the July 4th holiday, stick around for the fireworks show in the evenings.
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4. Play Putt Putt at River Oaks Mini Golf
Challenge the kids to a game of mini golf with a trip to River Oaks Mini Golf, located in Concan just a few minutes from your Frio River vacation rental. River Oaks offers a large practice green for warm-ups and two 18-hole courses. Relax on the central patio area before or after your game and entertain the kids while rounding each hole, complete with interactive displays representing the Texas Hill Country.
5. Take a Horseback Riding Tour With Neal’s Lodge
See Garner State Park and the banks of the Frio River while riding a horse. Neal’s Lodge is home to a ranch and stables with trained horses and trainers ready to take you through the dusty trails and forests. Take a leisurely tour along the Frio River or trot around the lodge grounds. The horse trainers offer instructional workshops for the kids to learn more about training horses.
6. Shop Until You Drop at Fergie’s River Store
Get in some retail therapy with a touch of Southern hospitality when shopping in the Frio River area for the day. Frio Fergie’s River Store is known for not only offering river gear and fishing bait, but this quaint specialty store also stocks handmade gifts, clothing, and fudge. Treat the kids to ice cream during your shopping excursion at Frio Fergie’s or head over to the Garner State Park Gift Shop for nature-themed gifts to take home.
7. Attend the Rio Frio Fest
Plan your vacation for mid-March and take part in one of the area’s biggest music festivals. The Rio Frio Fest hosts Texas musicians, country and gospel music, and hundreds of vendors offering up Southern cuisine and American favorites. Purchase a 3-day pass to this annual event that includes live music for the adults and crafts and games for the kiddos. Book your vacation rental early for this event, as most sell out quickly.
8. Float Down the River With a Rental From Andy’s
The Frio River gives you the platform for fun in the sun, but you can also enjoy a group float when renting tubes and canoes from Andy’s on River Road. Opt for the 7 Bluffs float to see the Cypress trees and ferns along the banks or shorten your trip with a 2- or 3-mile float complete with a guide along for the ride. Andy’s on River Road provides you with all the gear, life jackets, and safety tips you need to make your float as family-friendly as possible. After a day on the water, head over to the House Pasture Cattle Co. for some hearty steaks and American fare.
9. Visit the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
Rev up your engine and head over to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum to see machines and hogs dating back to the early 1900s. Tour the museum’s collection and even watch a demonstration ride from one of the expert guides. Located right in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, a ride on your own motorcycle to the museum presents you with stunning views and winding roads. Once your need for speed is satisfied, stop in at the museum’s snack shop for cold drinks and ice cream.
10. Golf Like a Pro at the Golf Club of Texas
Perfect your swing at the driving range and then head out to the 18-hole course at the Golf Club of Texas that provides you and your family with breathtaking views of the Texas hills. See Axis and white-tailed deer roaming the greens during your game and then enjoy a hearty lunch at the club’s restaurant. When golfing into the afternoon or evening hours, relax for a bit at the outside bar on site or browse through the golf equipment in the gift shop.
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