So You Want to Escape the Alamo (City Limits, That Is): A Guide to San Antonio's Outskirts Adventure
Ah, San Antonio. The Riverwalk, the Alamo, breakfast tacos the size of your head – it's a city that's undeniably charming. But maybe you're yearning for a touch more elbow room, a hint of starry skies, or perhaps a place where your pet armadillo can roam free (hey, no judgement here). If that's the case, then fear not, intrepid explorer! San Antonio's outskirts are brimming with delightful towns, each with its own unique flavor.
Hitting the Highway for Hill Country Bliss
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Head north or west of San Antonio and you'll be greeted by the rolling hills and cypress-studded landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. Here, small towns ooze with small-town charm (and sometimes actual ooze, if you hit a particularly juicy kolache stand).
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- Boerne – Think German heritage meets Texas twang. Boerne boasts historic charm, art galleries, and enough boot shops to outfit a whole hoedown. Plus, there's a reason they call it the "Hill Country Mile" – window shopping for days!
- New Braunfels – Schlitterbahn? Need we say more? This water park capital is perfect for families (or anyone who wants to relive their childhood). But tubing down the Guadalupe River and exploring Gruene Historic District are pretty sweet too.
- Fredericksburg – Get your polka on! This German settlement celebrates its heritage with gusto, from authentic food to vibrant festivals. And if you need a souvenir that says "Texas" louder than a rattlesnake hiss, Fredericksburg has you covered.
Suburban Comforts (with a Side of Peace and Quiet)
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Maybe the idea of wide-open spaces isn't quite your jam. If suburbs with a touch of personality are more your speed, San Antonio has you covered on that front as well.
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- Schertz – This growing city offers a nice mix of affordability, convenience (hello, multiple HEBs!), and access to nature with Cibolo Creek Park.
- Universal City – Movie buffs, this one's for you! Home to Universal Studios Hollywood, well, not exactly Hollywood, but Universal Studios Hollywood of Texas (which is still pretty darn cool), Universal City offers a taste of Hollywood glitz without the crazy crowds.
- Live Oak – Nature lovers, rejoice! Live Oak boasts a network of trails perfect for hiking and biking, and it's still close enough to San Antonio for when you get that city itch.
Important Side Note: Armadillos, while undeniably adorable, can be destructive little buggers. So, if you're planning on bringing your six-banded friend to the outskirts, make sure your new digs are armadillo-proof (or at least have a good sense of humor about potential landscaping revisions).
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| What Cities Are On The Outskirts Of San Antonio |
How to Choose Your Outskirts Adventure
- How to find the perfect Hill Country town? Consider your priorities! Want to learn to waltz and eat sausages? Boerne's your pick. Craving waterpark thrills? New Braunfels awaits.
- How to know if the suburbs are for you? Love having all the amenities close by but still want some peace and quiet? Suburbia might be your happy place.
- How to armadillo-proof your new digs? Chicken wire, folks. Chicken wire.
- How to find the best breakfast tacos… anywhere? This one requires extensive research (and multiple taste tests). We recommend starting your research immediately.
- How to have the most epic San Antonio outskirts adventure? Pack your sense of adventure, a good pair of walking shoes, and an empty stomach (those breakfast tacos won't eat themselves!).
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