Summer is not over just yet. Sure, the days are getting shorter. Yes, the kids are back in school now. There’s no denying it might be ceremoniously over, but it certainly still feels like summer with all this 100-degree weather.
So why not just keep the feeling going? Labor Day weekend is on the horizon, so spend some time with family, get outside and squeeze just a little more summer out of this weekend with a quick day trip to Natural Bridge Caverns. We can help you pack more than enough adventure into your day and still have you home in time for dinner.
Since we are located about 20 minutes from New Braunfels, we’re a short drive on IH-35 from both San Antonio and Austin. We can’t forget about our friends from Houston, who know their easy access to I-10 makes San Antonio a no-brainer quick weekend getaway.
No matter which direction you’re traveling from, it’s really pretty simple planning a day trip to Natural Bridge Caverns. There are a few tips you need to know though:
We have four distinct cavern tours and a Combo Tour that combines two of our favorites to choose from. Experience our original and most popular Discovery Tour, 180 feet below the earth, our Hidden Passages Tour, which is a smaller system of huge underground chambers, or enjoy both with our Combo Tour.
If you arrive early, our very first tour of the day is the Lantern Tour, where you descend by only the light of your cave lantern, just like the original discoverers had decades ago.
If you’re up for getting a little down and dirty, dare to try our Adventure Tour – the most natural attraction here. This tour offers the closest “discovery” experience, as we’ll have you climbing, crawling, hiking, rappelling, and exploring without concrete walks or commercial lighting.
A kid (and parent) favorite, let your little ones pan for treasure at the Discovery Village Mining Co. Watch the water run through a real, working sluice as bags of mining “rough” are poured into a screen tray and sifted through to reveal fossils and gemstones. You never know what you’re going to get and each time you’ll score a unique find!
Check your balance on four stories worth of sky-high obstacles or enjoy a ride atop the Texas Hill Country on our Canopy Zip Lines. On each of these attractions you’ll get to see some amazing views of the landscape that surrounds Natural Bridge Caverns.
Sky Tykes is our ropes course specifically designed for the small hands and feet of younger kiddos. Parents, you can walk alongside as your child tests their balancing skills and build confidence navigating the obstacles.
All this adventure can really work up an appetite, so to quench your thirst or re-fuel, grab something tasty over at Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew.
Finally, parents we know you can’t leave without visiting our gift shop filled with special gifts and treasures to commemorate your visit at the Discovery Village Trading Post. You’ll find one of Texas’ best collections of rocks and minerals from around the world here, along with other works of art and unique items, such as geodes, gems and fossils. Then head over to the Visitor Center, where you'll find even more unique gifts and souvenirs, such as Natural Bridge Caverns T-shirts, games and collectibles.
So, head on down - or up or sideways depending on where you’re coming from - to Natural Bridge Caverns for a quick, but adventure filled day trip. Summer won’t last forever, so plan your trip while you can!