In Texas Hill Country, you'll find any number of offbeat attractions to explore. We've listed a few of our favorites below, and most are relatively close to Pipe Creek. Feel free to give us a call if you need more information about Texas Hill Country's unique attractions.
Old Tunnel State Park
Location: 10619 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX
When to visit: May through October, after 5:00 p.m.
Distance from us: 42.9 miles
Old Tunnel State Park, is home to an abandoned railroad tunnel where three million Mexican free-tailed bats and thousands of cave myotis bats reside from May through October. Each evening at dusk, the bats leave the tunnel and swarm throughout the Texas skies. Visitors can watch the spectacle from bleachers set up near the tunnel.
Old Tunnel State Park, located midway between Comfort, Texas and Fredericksburg, Texas, covers around 16 acres, making it the smallest state park in Texas. The actual railroad tunnel is off-limits, and, because of the large amounts of bat droppings, is not a place you'd want to explore anyway. The rest of the park is free to visit during the day. The bats come out around dusk, so, after 5:00 p.m., you'll need to pay a minimal fee to stay and watch the show.
Stonehenge II is a massive concrete and steel sculpture with a design similar to England's prehistoric Stonehenge monument. Stonehenge II is located in Ingram, Texas, at the Hill Country Arts Foundation. The site of Stonehenge II also includes replicas of Easter Island moai. The Stonehenge II site is one of the most popular places to visit in Texas Hill Country. The grounds are open daily, from dawn to dusk, and admission is free most of the year. Note that photographs of the Stonehenge II meant for resale require permission and, possibly, a fee.
Location: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX
When to visit: Daily,
Distance from us: 47.9 miles
Natural Bridge Caverns, located just outside San Antonio, Texas, is a group of enormous underground chambers with a 60-foot limestone bridge near the main entrance. The caverns are privately owned and operated, and a variety of tours are offered daily. The most basic tour covers a half mile of the cavern and descends to around 180 feet below the entrance. Other tours involve exploring undeveloped sections of the caverns. Prices vary, depending on the type of tour.
When to visit: Wednesday through Monday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Distance from us: 52.2 miles
If you're a history buff, the National Museum of the Pacific War is a must-see attraction. Located in Fredericksburg, Texas, it's the only museum in the United States dedicated to the Pacific theater in World War II. The museum has numerous exhibits and displays, including a Pearl Harbor exhibit, Doolittle Raid exhibit, and a two-acre re-creation of a Pacific island battlefield. There's also plenty of vintage World War II equipment, from a PT-boat to a Japanese midget submarine. All in all, this museum is a great place to learn more about battles in the Pacific during World War II.
Enchanted Rock, located north of Fredericksburg, Texas, is a beautiful dome (monadnock) of pink granite, rising over 420 feet above the surrounding area to an elevation of 1,825 feet. Hiking to the top of the rock is relatively easy, and the view of the surrounding Texas Hill Country are fantastic.
Enchanted Rock is part of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and a small fee is required to enter the area. Enchanted Rock is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, so, if you're interested in stargazing or night photography, you'll love this place.
Our part of Texas has some of the most interesting small towns in the country. Check out our article on some of our favorites Texas Hill Country small towns.
The Texas Hill Country has the best paved roads for Motorcycle riding that include breath taking views, elevation changes with sweeping curves and twisting roads.
Al's Hideaway is not only Biker Friendly but we also ride, our park was built for Bikers by Bikers.
If you would like to include a guided Motorcycle Tour as part of your stay please contact us at alshideawayrentals@gmail.com
Groups Welcomed
LOST MAPLES STATE PARK
Lost Maples State Park is so vibrant in the fall but it is spectacular year-round. You will see wildflowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. Bring your whole family to enjoy the beautiful vistas.
Stroll Along the San Antonio River Walk
Next up, wander along the San Antonio River Walk. Picture this: a winding path along the river, shaded by lush trees, dotted with charming cafes, and lined with colorful umbrellas. The sound of mariachi music floats through the air, mingling with the laughter of people enjoying this picturesque setting. Grab a seat at one of the riverside restaurants, indulge in some delicious Tex-Mex, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
A Boat Ride Adventure
For a different perspective, hop on a riverboat tour. Gliding along the water, you'll see San Antonio's unique architecture and learn quirky facts about the city from the friendly guides. It’s a fantastic way to relax and take in the sights.
Discover the Wonders of SeaWorld San Antonio: A Must-Visit Destination
SeaWorld San Antonio, located in the heart of Texas, is a premier marine life theme park that offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you're an animal lover, thrill-seeker, or family adventurer, SeaWorld has something for everyone.
Thrilling Rides and Attractions
SeaWorld San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting rides in the region. From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the Great White and Steel Eel to family-friendly attractions like the Rio Loco water ride, there's no shortage of fun. The park also features Catapult Falls, a unique water coaster that combines speed and splashes for an exhilarating adventure.
Up-Close Animal Encounters
One of the highlights of SeaWorld is the opportunity to connect with marine life. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and even penguins. Discovery Point offers a chance to swim with dolphins, while the Orca Encounter showcases the beauty and power of killer whales in an educational and awe-inspiring presentation.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
SeaWorld San Antonio hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. From the Seven Seas Food Festival, where guests can savor global cuisines, to the dazzling Christmas Celebration with millions of lights, there's always something special happening at the park.
Conservation and Education
SeaWorld is committed to marine life conservation and education. The park actively participates in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, helping thousands of animals in need. Visitors can learn about these initiatives and gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Adventure at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Thrill-seekers, get ready to scream your lungs out at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This amusement park is packed with thrilling rides and roller coasters that promise an adrenaline rush. From the heart-pounding Iron Rattler to the dizzying spins of the Pandemonium, there’s something for every level of thrill.
Enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail at The Tunnel State Park. The trail opens daily at sunrise and closes at 5 p.m. Bring drinking water, as no water is available in the park. Picnic tables are available. Restrooms are only open in the evenings during bat season (May to October).
The Bandera Visitor Center, located in the heart of the Cowboy Capital of the World, provides helpful resources for exploring Bandera and the Texas Hill Country. From local attractions, events, and activities, the center is your go-to spot for planning an unforgettable visit.
No matter where you visit in Bandera County you will find clear skies, bright stars, stunning scenery and, most of all, friendly folks just waiting to swap stories and tall tales with you.
Explore the Bandera Natural History Museum in Texas Hill Country, where life-sized dinosaurs, immersive dioramas, and stunning art collections bring history and nature to life. Perfect for families and adventurers, this museum offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.
Cascade Caverns is host to the albino Cascade Caverns Salamander (Eurycea latitans), unique solution domes, "chubby" stalactites, Eastern Pipistrelle bats, cliff and leopard frogs, as well as an underground waterfall and lake. So don’t forget your camera.
The Cave Without a Name is filled with spectacular formations of Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams, and more. Enjoy a tour of the six major rooms in comfort; 66 degrees year-round, easy walkways, brilliant lighting.
Bandera brewery has a tasty selection of locally brewed and carefully crafted beers. Each of their flavors is hand-picked including familiar tastes, new creations and seasonal favorites.
The Old Forge serves only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables and their salad bar has only the freshest field greens and vegetables, made-from-scratch soups and baked potatoes. And don’t forget to try one of their fresh desserts
The Old Spanish Trail was used by the Conquistadors, who often followed routes established long ago by Native Americans.
The O.S.T. Restaurant has been serving the dining needs of Bandera since 1921, making it the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Bandera County.
The Bandera General Store building is 108 years old – built in 1907. It has the original wood floors and the original tin tile ceiling. It has been a saddle shop, a feed store, an appliance store (word has it caskets were sold in the basement and during prohibition the cowboys drank beer and played cards on the empty caskets
