From high-end fashion in the desert to the banks of the Rio Grande: 5 Road Trips from San Antonio

Editor's note: Be sure to verify the hours and availability of all facilities when planning your trip, as some may have restricted hours or be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself staying at my apartment in Baltimore. In April, I decided to take a drive to San Antonio and stay at my family home in the Hill Country.

While Texas is vast, it offers numerous options for day trips, nearcations, and extended stays. As the Lone Star State gradually reopens, now could be the perfect time for a getaway. Although Dallas, Austin, and Houston are popular cities, this road trip guide focuses on other appealing destinations, including beaches, historical landmarks, national parks, and more. Here are five places to consider, along with recommendations for credit cards to bring along for your adventures.

Top Road Trip Credit Cards

Before you set out on your journey, take a moment to review the credit cards in your wallet. Many issuers have rolled out limited-time benefits related to the pandemic in popular travel categories, as well as cards with attractive long-term perks.

Time-Sensitive Offers

If you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can earn 5x points or 3x points, respectively, for gas purchases (up to $1,500) until September 30. Additionally, if you have a Chase-branded Marriott Bonvoy card, you can rack up an impressive 10x points per dollar spent on gas (up to $3,500) as well as on all dining, including takeout and delivery, through September 15.

You can earn 5% cash back on UberEats purchases when using the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® VentureOne® Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, or Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card, respectively, until January 31, 2021. Also, you can apply your annual travel credit at restaurants using the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, or Citi Prestige® Card. Note: The information regarding the Capital One Savor and Citi Prestige cards has been gathered independently by Dinogo and has not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

If you're cooking in a summer home, cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred can earn 5x points or 3x points, respectively, per dollar spent on Instacart purchases (up to $1,500) through September 30. Additionally, you can redeem a $50 credit for an Instacart Express membership until the end of September. Citi Prestige cardholders now earn 5x points on online purchases, including grocery orders made online.

Ongoing Offers

Citi Premier® cardholders receive 3x points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants (including takeout). The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card offers 2x points per dollar spent on gas, plus you can earn a 50% bonus on points when you make 30 or more purchases with your card during a billing period. Note: The information about Amex Everyday Preferred cards has been collected independently by Dinogo and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Another great choice is the Venture Rewards credit card. It earns 2x miles on every purchase, eliminating the hassle of tracking different spending categories. Plus, you can redeem the miles accrued on the Venture One for future travel purchases made on the card during your road trip, all for an annual fee of $95.

The American Express® Gold Card lets users earn 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually; 1x thereafter). Meanwhile, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually; 1x after). Cash back is provided as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits. Terms apply.

With the AmexEveryday® Preferred Credit Card, you earn 3x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year (1x thereafter). Additionally, earn a 50% bonus when you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period. The information regarding the AmexEveryday Preferred card has been collected independently by Dinogo and has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Marfa

Distance from San Antonio: 5 hours and 41 minutes

This artistic town gained fame in 1956 when actor James Dean filmed his last movie, "Giant," alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. It is also famous for the Marfa Lights, mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the desert outside the city, as reported by Live Science. In 1971, celebrated minimalist artist Donald Judd relocated to Marfa from New York City with the intention of permanently showcasing his art.

What to do: Explore the town's outdoor art curated by the Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati, established by Judd in 1980, including the iconic Prada Marfa permanent installation. Visit the Marfa and Presidio County Museum to learn about the town's history. Alternatively, you can play a round at the Marfa Municipal Golf Course, the highest golf course in Texas.

Where to stay: The top choice is the Hotel Paisano, which housed the stars of "Giant." It features 41 rooms, an outdoor covered swimming pool heated from late April to early October, and a memorabilia room dedicated to the film that plays it continuously. For a more unique experience, consider El Cosmico's accommodations, which include 10 renovated vintage trailers, 15 safari tents, three Sioux-style tepees, two Mongolian yurts, and tent campsites. Amenities include a hammock grove, outdoor kitchen and dining area, community lounge, mercantile, outdoor stage, and a reading room.

What to eat and drink: Begin your day with a delightful cup of coffee at Frama. For an authentic taste of Texas barbecue, head to Convenience West on Fridays and Saturdays, where you can order brisket by the pound, Hatch Chile sausage, or honey citrus glazed ribs, paired with sides like chimichurri potato salad, elote, or pinto beans, alongside beer, wine, and soft drinks. Wrap up your day at Al Campo Wine Garden, savoring classic Tex-Mex dishes complemented by an excellent selection of wines and craft beers.

Big Bend National Park

Distance from San Antonio: 5 hours, 55 minutes

This National Park Service (NPS) gem offers a diverse landscape, featuring towering canyons, expansive deserts, lush mountains, and the ever-changing Rio Grande. According to the NPS, Big Bend is one of the last truly wild areas left in the United States. The park's peak season typically runs from November to April, but be cautious of high heat warnings if you visit during the summer or late fall.

What to do: Enhance your knowledge of the park by joining a free guided tour with a National Park Service ranger. Spend a day on the water with a trip along the Rio Grande or through Santa Elena Canyon. Explore the scenic routes, both paved and unpaved, that showcase stunning views and towering yuccas along the Dagger Flat Auto Trail. Don't miss the chance for incredible stargazing at Big Bend National Park, celebrated as one of North America's premier spots for this activity, thanks to its minimal light pollution compared to other national parks in the contiguous United States.

Where to stay: For camping enthusiasts, Big Bend offers three NPS-operated campgrounds equipped with drinking water and restroom facilities. Additionally, Forever Resorts provides a full hookup RV camping area. Be sure to make reservations at least two days in advance, with the option to book up to six months ahead at recreation.gov. If you prefer more comfort, consider staying at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, which features rooms and cottages, open year-round and the only lodging option within Big Bend National Park.

What to eat and drink: Savor breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Mountain View Restaurant, situated in the Chisos Mountains Lodge. This is the only full-service dining establishment within Big Bend, boasting spectacular views of the Chisos Basin and its surrounding peaks. For dining outside the park, take a short drive to nearby Terlingua to enjoy Texas and Mexican cuisine at the Starlight Theatre, where you can also catch live entertainment and sample local beers, wines, and cocktails crafted with select single barrel Reposada Casa Noble Tequila.

Rockport-Fulton

Distance from San Antonio: 2 hours, 24 minutes

Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast, just northeast of Corpus Christi, this charming area is celebrated for its stunning sunsets, exceptional fishing, and delightful beach towns. It has earned a spot among the 10 Best Coastal Small Towns as voted by USA Today readers. If you’re looking for a perfect beach escape, fishing adventures, or a unique weekend getaway, this is the place to visit.

What to do: For those seeking sun and surf, make your way to Rockport Beach, the first beach in Texas to be certified as a Blue Wave Beach by the Clean Beaches Coalition. Here, you can relax on the sand, swim, stroll along the 0.75-mile Bayside Walking Path, or try your luck at fishing. Don't miss The Big Tree, an impressive live oak believed to be over 1,000 years old, standing 44 feet tall and nearly 90 feet wide at Goose Island State Park. It's considered one of the largest live oaks in the country. Anglers can catch speckled trout, redfish, and flounder at several locations, including the Copano Bay Fishing Pier and Fulton Fishing Pier.

Where to stay: While you won't find high-end resorts here, familiar chains like Fairfield Inn, Hampton, Days Inn, and Holiday Inn Express are readily available. For a unique experience, consider Juicy's Airstream Retreat, a glamping destination featuring a ship house and three retro Airstream trailers.

What to eat and drink: Visiting the Texas Gulf Coast without trying the local seafood would be a missed opportunity. You can enjoy fresh seafood at the Old Fulton Seafood Cafe and Deli, which also serves steaks and sandwiches. For a more upscale experience, dine at A Mermaid in Your Kitchen, or opt for a homey vibe at Mac's Pit Barbecue & Catering.

Canyon Lake

Distance from San Antonio: 56 minutes

Located just an hour's drive north of San Antonio, the lake boasts 80 miles of picturesque shoreline along the Guadalupe River in Comal County, Texas. As one of the deepest lakes in the state, it offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish, and both white and striped bass. Canyon Lake also features eight public parks—Cranes Mill Park, Comal Park, Potters Creek Park, Canyon Park, Jacobs Creek Park, North Park, Overlook Park, and Guadalupe Park—all providing camping, trailer facilities, picnic areas, and boat ramps.

What to do: Select a river outfitter and go tubing down the Guadalupe River. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns, where you can marvel at colossal, otherworldly formations created by water over time. Visit the AMAZEn' Ranch Roundup, a sprawling outdoor maze covering 5,000 square feet, or try your hand at treasure mining at the Mining Company.

Where to stay: Log Cabins at Jacobs Creek offers cozy log cabins with views of Canyon Lake and a free boat ramp just two blocks away. Still Water Ranch Condominiums sit directly on the lake, featuring easy boat access and complimentary boat parking, along with an outdoor kitchen. For family-friendly options, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Hill Country provides 28 acres of campsites, various lodging options, and amenities for all types of campers, including 20 lodge rooms equipped with private bathrooms and kitchenettes.

What to eat and drink: Start your day with coffee and pastries from Lily's Java Pad Coffee Shop. Other great dining options include Bare Bull BBQ, Plooky's Cajun Boiling Pot, and La Pasadita Cocina Mexicana.

Fredericksburg

Distance from San Antonio: 1 hour, 6 minutes

Founded on May 8, 1846, by German immigrants through the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, this town in the Texas Hill Country showcases its German heritage. Visitors can experience this rich history through the town's historic buildings lining Main Street and the authentic German dishes offered at local restaurants. As the heart of Texas Wine Country, Fredericksburg boasts over 100 wineries and vineyards, which produce surprisingly excellent wines.

What to do: Experience a tour at Altstadt, a genuine Bavarian brewery that adheres to the historic German purity law of 1516. It features a fine dining restaurant and offers brewery tours. The National Park Service manages the LBJ Ranch, providing public access to the ranch, the Texas White House (currently undergoing renovations), LBJ's birthplace, the Johnson family cemetery, the old Junction School, LBJ's grandparents' residence, and the ranch show barn. Enjoy a self-guided stroll at Fort Martin Scott Historic Site, a military outpost from before the Civil War.

Where to stay: Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the unique Hangar Hotel, which showcases airplane memorabilia, model aircraft, and USO history in an aviation-themed setting. For chain options, consider Holiday Inn Express, Hampton, Fairfield, Comfort Inn, and Best Western. For a more luxurious stay, try the renowned Inn on Barons Creek, just steps away from Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The on-site spa offers various services, including massages, facials, manicures/pedicures, body scrubs, and wraps.

What to eat and drink: A visit to Fredericksburg wouldn’t be complete without enjoying German cuisine. Der Lindenbaum, considered one of the town's best restaurants, serves German favorites such as schnitzel, Konigsberger Klopse (beef and pork meatballs in caper sauce), and Sauerbraten, a sweet-and-sour marinated roast. It also boasts one of the largest selections of German beers (both bottled and draft) in Texas.

Backwoods BBQ specializes in mesquite-cooked pit BBQ and steaks, offering brisket, tri-tip, beef and pork ribs, chicken, sausage, ribeye, and New York strip steaks, accompanied by live music on Fridays after 5 p.m., as well as homemade pies, peach cobbler, and cakes for dessert.

Bottom line

With the school year approaching quickly, you still have time for a quick getaway that doesn’t require flying. Here are five fantastic destinations perfect for your next Texas road trip from San Antonio.