They say “Everything’s bigger in Texas” — and that includes the wonders worth wandering. (I’m looking at you, world’s best barbecue.) Exploring San Antonio and Austin offers all kinds of big-time adventures, from cowboy boots to hiking boots. Here are a few must-see stops in the Lone Star State.
Remember the Alamo
Before my first trip to San Antonio all I knew about this city was it’s where PeeWee Herman tried to find his bike, and Tim Duncan won titles and crushed dreams playing for the Spurs. But after visiting several times I’m happy to report there’s a lot more than that. The big tourist draw is certainly the Alamo, and for good reason. It’s the most-visited attraction in the state of Texas, and was recently ranked #10 on the list of Most Beautiful U.S. Landmarks. This historic Spanish mission and fortress was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where Texas fought for its independence from Mexico. The epic story of the Alamo comes to life while you’re there, and it’s an important episode of our shared American history.
River Walk this Way
The other must-see stop in Alamo City is the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. You can stroll, sip and sup your way through 3.5 miles of charming pedestrian paths along the banks of the San Antonio river as it winds its way through the heart of downtown. Fortunately as you work up that appetite, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and energetic nightlife.
Austin’s Powers
“Bat City. The Live Music Capital of the World. Keep Austin Weird. ATX.” There are a lot of nicknames for this Texas state capital, and they’re all correct. The truth is Austin has a vibe all its own. Some say it’s not like the rest of Texas, or like anyplace else. Whatever it is, it’s cool. And it’s catching on like never before. Austin is now the 2nd fastest-growing city in the U.S. On a recent work trip there we counted 17 cranes building high-rises downtown! Lots of tech companies moving there.
The impressive and Instagrammable Texas State Capitol sits on 22 acres in downtown Austin. At 360,000 square feet, it’s the biggest state capitol in America (another example of that whole “everything’s bigger in Texas” thing).
Honky Tonk Heaven
Live music. Hip crowd. Stiff drinks. That’s a recipe for a good time, and you’ll find one at The White Horse, a country-funky honky tonk in East Austin. The joint has an easy-going welcoming vibe, propelled by the boot-scootin’, two-steppin’ rhythm of the bands that pack the place. Texas might be the Lone Star State, but this place gets 5 stars from me.
And no trip to Texas would be complete without a stop at the Austin honky tonk landmark, The Broken Spoke. Opened in 1964, it’s one of the oldest and most famous dance halls anywhere. Who’s played here? Who hasn’t?? Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Wills and other country and Texas swing legends have all graced its humble stage. Pull up your cowboy boots, polish your belt buckle, and giddy up in there.
Happy hiking, y’all
I’ve found some amazing hiking trails while exploring San Antonio and Austin that are well worth visiting. With its distinct climate, plants, and topography it’s a different hike than Ohio, but a welcome challenge. Just 13 miles from downtown Austin is the idyllic wonderland that is McKinney Falls State Park. The rushing waters of Onion Creek have carved breathtaking grooves into the ancient limestone, creating an otherworldly terrain. A variety of trails wind their way through scenic Hill Country woods and historic sights to the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. It’s truly breathtaking.
Located in south-central Austin, the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail is 13 miles of hiker’s heaven. Considered one of the top hiking trails in Texas, the out-and-back route runs along Barton Creek, which was dry when I visited. So, while there were no waterfalls, the lack of water revealed stunning secrets below. Much like McKinney Falls, the rushing waters have created deep patterns in the limestone creek bed. And they’re stunning.
Note: I found the trailheads and parking to be a bit confusing (maybe it’s just me) so plan accordingly when planning a visit.
Whether you’re a hiker, history-lover, or honky-tonker, San Antonio and Austin have big fun for everyone.
One last thing. After that challenging Greenbelt hike I returned to my rental SUV and a tiny shiny something on the ground caught my eye. It was a piece of black glass, somehow in the EXACT shape of the state of Ohio. Thanks for the hospitality, Texas. I guess it’s time to go home.