Travel Guide: Top Activities and Attractions in San Antonio and Austin, Texas

 Texas, one of my favorite states, is loaded with so many awesome places to see and things to do. San Antonio and Austin, a little over an hour’s drive apart, have some of the most popular tourist attraction in the state. 

Along with the most popular, I have found some amazing secret spots!

The Alamo

The Alamo, originally the Misión San Antonio de Valero, is best known for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico. It has played a role in many historic events for over 300 years. 

Hours:

Open daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

 

Admission:

Free General admission with different cost for tours

 

Address:

300 Alamo Plaza

San Antonio, TX 78205

San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)

San Antonio River Walk, Texas’ #1 attraction, is 15 miles of beautifully landscaped walkways along the San Antonio River. 

Along the walk you will find unique architecture, shops, restaurants, hotels, apartments, and waterfalls.  

Riverboats tours are another way to experience the area without walking. 

Sea world

This popular marine park offers animal interactions, shows, and is even a theme park with rides.

 

Hours:

Monday - Friday 10:30 am to 9 pm

Saturday  10:30 am to 10 pm 

Admission:

$80.99 at door

$49.99 if preordered online

 

Address:

10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251

Cross Mountain Park

Historic Cross Mountain, a marl and limestone hill with an elevation of 1951 feet, was once a popular lookout spot for Indian tribes. 

Walk the trail to the top to see the cross and enjoy an amazing sunset. 

Hours:

dawn to dusk

Admission:

Free

Address:

1510 N Milam St, Fredericksburg

Hamilton Pool

A short hike will lead you to this jaw dropping sunken grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. This is one of Texas’ most unique swimming spots. 

Hours:

Daily

9:00am - 12:30pm

2:00pm - 5:30pm

Admission:

Reservation Fee - PAID ONLINE (Required Daily) $12 ($11 + $1 credit card service charge) per Vehicle

Day Use - PAID UPON ARRIVAL  $8 per Person

Day Use for Seniors (62 years and older) - PAID UPON ARRIVAL   $3 per Person

Day Use for Children (12 years and younger)       No Charge

Day Use for Disabled Veteran (50%+ disabled)    No Charge

 

Address:

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Jacobs well

Jacobs Well is 140 feet deep under water cave system that is a popular swimming spot in Texas. Swimming is permitted May – September. 

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

Entry is free but swimming is $5 - $9 depending on age

Address:

1699 Mt Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a 115-acre Historical Sites popular for camping and swimming. Stroll through the garden or take a swim in a natural or manmade pool. 

Hours:

Daily 9am to 8pm

Closed November 1st and February 15th

Admission:

Adult (12+ years) $9

Child (4-11 years) $5

Camping is extra

Address:

 424 County Road 404 | Spicewood, TX 78669

Lake Travis

https://laketravis.com/

Lake Travis is 30 square-miles of beautiful clear water to explore and enjoy.

Watersports, lodging, restaurants, and ziplining are some of the things you can find around the lake.  

Muleshoe Bend

Muleshoe Bend is a 654-acre park with 9.8 miles of trails and scenic lake views. My favorite time to visit is during bluebonnet season. The bluebonnets usually bloom in April.

Hours:

Daily 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission:

Free

Address:

2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, TX 78669-1468

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is a 325 feet pink granite mountain National Natural Landmark. It has

eleven miles of hiking trails surround the mountain.

Hours:

Daily 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adult: $8 Daily

Child 12 Years and Under: Free

Address:

16710 Ranch Rd. 965

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Pederanels Falls

Pederanels Falls is an area of the Pedernales River where the water flows over descending boulders of layered limestone. 

Hours:

Daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adults $6

Child (12 & under) Free

Address:

2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful park where you can hike trails through colorful pink granite hills, enjoy watersports on the sparkling blue water lake, or lounge at a camp site. It was raining on and off the day we were there, but we were still able to hike and appreciate the beautiful scenery. 

  

Hours:

Daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adults $7

Child (12 & under) Free

Address:

3630 Park Road 4 West

Burnet, TX 78611

Hope you are inspired now to check out the many awesome places in Texas!

Happy Travels!

Discovering Jacob's Well: An Artesian Spring in Wimberley, Texas

I knew from the first photo that I saw of Jacobs well, that I had to go see it for myself. I was intrigued by people jumping from atop a rock outcropping into the deep hole of water.

I am always choosing a destination based on photos alone. I usually don't do a lot of research on the place until get back home. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I wan't to explore the place and find things on my own without any preconceived thought about it. I really don't know why. 

Anyway, Jacob's Well was not what I was expecting at all! It was really interesting, but much smaller than I thought. The main area of the hole is about 30 feet deep, but is only about 12 foot in diameter at most. The hole is surrounded by solid rock covered in very shallow water. The hole has many chambers below the main area that descend to approximately 120 foot.

Jumping into the well is prohibited, but there are hundred of videos and photos online of people doing just that. The height of the outcropping from where they jump and the tiny opening surrounded by solid rock was enough to discourage me! 😲

The area is a great place for hiking, climbing, and swimming. It usually is crowded, but it was raining on and off the day we were there, so we pretty much had it to ourselves.

Address:

1699 Mt. Sharp Rd

Wimberley, TX 78676

Entrance Fees:

$9 for adults 

$5 for Hays County residents with a photo ID showing residency 

$5 for children ages 5-12

 Free for children 4 and under

Military service members and veterans, as well as seniors age 60 and better will pay $5

May 1st through Memorial Day:  those wishing to swim must reserve a 2-hour time block on the County’s website. Only 300 people per day total will be allowed swim time.

Check here for other rules and regulations.

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Hamilton Pool Preserve in Texas

Hamilton Pool is one of those places that deserves a spot at the top of your Bucket List! It's hard to believe you are in Texas when you are standing in front off the massive Grotto and pool!

The hike to the pool is 1/4 mile. Areas of the trail are steep and rocky. We did not find it to be a difficult hike though.

 The natural pool is the result of a collapsed cave due to erosion thousands of years ago.

A natural stream of water flowing over a limestone outcropping creates a 50 foot waterfall, which continually adds fresh water to the pool. During dry times, water flow decreases and the waterfall is at a trickle.

The pool water is constantly monitored and will be closed for swimming if the bacteria count is too high. There is currently no swimming at Hamilton Pool due to some swimming related accidents.

Admission Fee:

$15 per vehicle
add $11 if you reserve online


Hours : 9am - 6pm daily

Address:

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd.

Dripping Springs, TX  78620

I have been to Hamilton Pool three times now and continue to be impressed each time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Happy Travels!