Near the Cibolo Creek, deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, lies the city of Boerne, TX. Settled mostly by German immigrants, you’ll see a deep cultural appreciation everywhere from their well kept cypress trees to their annual festivals. Whether you’re looking to get fit in the great outdoors, spend some time learning the history and heritage of the area, or just taking in scenic views with some good food and drink, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Boerne, TX.
Read more below for our list of the best activities in Boerne:
OUTDOOR FUN ACTIVITIES
On City Park Road, you’ll find Boerne City Park and the Cibolo Nature Center & Farm. The Nature Center is great for bird- watching, hiking, and splashing in the creek–it even has a recreated dinosaur prints in one area! You can bring your own picnic and try for catch-and-release fishing. The park is animal-friendly, too, as long as you clean up after your pet (and keep them on a leash).
The Cibolo Trail, a walking trail runs along the Cibolo Creek at River Road Park. The trail begins at Main Plaza and ends at the City Park. This area is also great for hiking and fishing. They have all the amenities you would need for a picnic- restrooms, picnic tables, drinking fountains, and fishing piers. And public art has even been installed along the trail!
Further North, along the Guadalupe River are the trails of Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area. This part of the Guadalupe has shallow water and rapids, good for fishing and frolicking. There is a nature viewing area where you can sit inside and just might be lucky enough to spot some deer. Nearby are a few tables and chairs as well as signs detailing the flora and fauna of the area.
Perhaps one of the best things to do in Boerne, TX is explore all of the caverns nearby. The Cascade Caverns has a large Cathedral Room with a small creek inside and offers guided one hour tour.
Original image courtesy of Cascade Caverns Facebook Page
There are plenty of other caverns in the Hill Country to tour but this is one of the best- it’s also the “wettest” cave in Texas. Oh, and there’s a large T-Rex out front to greet you! It’s also worth taking the trip out 11 miles northeast of Boerne to Cave Without a Name. You can take a tour of six major rooms here.
And no discussion of outdoor fun in Boerne would be complete without mention of Boerne City Lake. Open from 5 am to 10 pm, the lake is the perfect place to spend a sunny day with the family. Here you can picnic, grill, swim, canoe, play volleyball or disc golf, fish off the pier, and more. And since motorized boats aren’t allowed, it’s an area of complete serenity. This is also a great spot to learn to sail or paddle board. Check out our complete guide to Boerne Lake for more info.
Finally, depending on the weekend, you might be able to catch a family movie in the park. 2019 Summer movies include Spiderman into the Spiderverse, How to Train a Dragon Hidden Universe, The Grinch, and Space Jam.
ATTRACTIONS IN BOERNE, TX – ART & HISTORY
The history of agriculture in Boerne and the Texas Hill Country is well documented at the AgriCultural . You can view antique tractors, butter churns, wagons, cider- making, corn- shelling, and a lot more. The museum is closed in December and January but it’s open Saturday’s throughout the rest of the year- plus, kids 12 and under are free!
Open to the public for just a few hours on the second Saturday of each month, the Kuhlmann King Historical House dates back to the 1880s. It was originally built by a German immigrant and has since been well kept. Take a tour of the home and don’t forget to read the historical market!
If you’re looking for amazing mid-nineteenth century architecture, look no further than St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Also known as the Church on the Hill, the limestone and native wood building offers some of the most beautiful views in Boerne. The church holds services every week.
Want to take a tour of Boerne? Consider a tours with Pizzazz for a custom experience.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BOERNE – WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Ranked as one of the best places to raise a family in Texas, Boerne has no shortage of good eats and awesome treats. If you’re around in the morning, make sure to stop off at Mary’s Tacos. Not only do they have some of the best, biggest breakfast tacos you’ll every eat, but watching the assembly line kitchen is truly a stunning performance. And on top of that, it’s a cheap breakfast.
You’ll find larger breakfast meals at the schnitzel and strudel-loving German eatery, Little Gretel. They have a homey, German-themed eatery with a nice outdoor biergarten. The Bear Moon Bakery offers pastries, pies, and breakfast dishes. Tuesdays you can get coffee for $1 and espresso beverages for 50% off. Everything is made fresh, from scratch, and the best way to find out what’s on the menu is to stop on by.
Come lunch time, there are no shortage of options. If you’re in the mood for street tacos, check out Boerne Taco House, which is located in a completely gutted-and-remodeled old home.
Boerne Epicure Gourmet Market offers all sorts of organic and gourmet options including sandwiches, salads, and desserts. It’s also a good place to shop around a bit.
Another treat, Bumbdoodlers Lunch Company, is also known as The Best Little Sandwich Shop in Texas. A family- run legacy, you can find soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Be sure to try Geri’s pies-the daughter of the original owner.
Looking for a drink? You can’t talk about the best things to do in Boerne without mentioning the multiple breweries and beer gardens. Boerne Brewery offers tours and tastings for free on Fridays and for just $5 on Saturdays.
Image courtesy of Cibolo Creek Brewing
Cibolo Creek Brewing Co hosts frequent events, including trivia night, and is well known for its delicious cuisine, beer flights, and welcoming patio. There are plenty of games to keep the little ones entertained too, creating quite the family atmosphere.
Across from the creek on River Road, you’ll find the Dodging Duck Brewhaus with global comfort food and a casual patio. Oh, and there’s a great view of the creek while listening to live music. And don’t miss happy hour (or “Ducky hour”) on weekdays from 3-6 pm.
Perhaps one of the most unique breweries you’ll find, Mike-Ro-Brewery is run by a local resident inside his home from October to the end of May. He’ll give you a tour if you contact him in advance–and all proceeds go towards local charities.
If you want a cocktail, Peggy’s on the Green has a great bar housed in a historic hotel. It’s also one of the go-to spots in Boerne for a fancy dinner. You could also try Salvador Dobbs for a good cocktail, airy patio, and bar games. You can also get mixed drinks at the newly remodeled Dog & Pony Grill, which has a wonderful playground for kids as well.
Come dinner time, you have plenty more options. If you don’t feel like taking in the fine dining at Peggy’s, Z’s Wood Fired Pizza has some of the best pizza you’ll find anywhere around in a much more casual atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio. It’s also a great place to get a craft beer. And outback there’s a great patio with a playground for the little ones. Cypress Grille on Main Street offers New American food with a great wine list. And for a good ol’ fashioned country meal, head over to Hungry Horse. Think chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy. And if you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, kids can eat free at Denny’s after 4 pm.
SHOPPING IN BOERNE, TX
Boerne’s Hill Country Mile is where you can find some of the town’s best shopping and dining. It’s also where you can experience various free events throughout the year like Dickens on Main and Diva Night. For a historical treat, offering an eatery, shopping, and bookstore, visit The Dienger Trading Co. You’ll find a variety of unique home decor, hand made clothing, and artisan jewelry. And you can get a good coffee here too!
Carousel Antiques and Fickle Pickles offers just that- vintage and antique items as well as artisan pickles. You can also order online from “The Pickle Lady”. There are countless other shops down the Hill Country Mile, so plan on spending the day exploring them all.
Image courtesy of Johns Road Antique Mall
If you’re looking just for antiques and western items, look no further than John’s Road Antique Mall. They have over 10,000 square feet of space and update their inventory on a regular basis. You can buy or sell your antiques and jewelry or just stop by for a unique treasure.
And if you’re lucky to visit on the second weekend of the month, visit Boerne Market Days on Main Plaza. Here you’ll find vendors selling their jewelry, art, and more. There’s also live entertainment and food trucks as well.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a bargain, there are tons of thrift stores to explore in town. We recommend starting your hunt at the Hill Country Animal League Thrift Store. Also, venture over to the Hill Country Family Services Thrift Store and Warehouse and take a selfie in front of the mural while you’re there!
ENTERTAINMENT – THINGS TO DO IN BOERNE, TX
Image courtesy of Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards Facebook page
The Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyard offers tours and tastings for just $15 at their 1890s homestead. Reservations are not required for small groups but the family owned and operated establishment is a busy place so let them know you’re coming. For a more family- friendly gathering, why not horseback riding? You can head out to Diamond C Stables and Ranch to saddle up and ride through the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
While you’re there, don’t forget to catch a show at Boerne Community Theatre. Originally founded in 1991, the theater offers tickets online and at the box office and has performances all year long. Shows range from Christmas stories to new dramas, all performed by local students and artists. The Boerne Performing Arts Center hosts shows ranging from opera and symphony acts, step- acts and drum jams to more kid- friendly varieties. They offer a student discount and group rates!
Kids need to get some energy out? Check out Ninja City, one of the coolest gyms in Boerne. Here kids and adults alike can go challenge themselves with the craziest of obstacle courses, just like you’d see on TV. You could also check out perhaps the coolest playground in the area at Kinder Park. Or if the kids are feeling more artistic than active, head over to Maker’s Place for some canvas and pottery painting.
What are your favorite things to do in Boerne, TX? Let us know in the comments!
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