Fun Things to Do Near San Antonio — and the One Most Visitors Miss
The honest local list — outdoors, kids, day trips — plus a private island on calm Lake Placid 45 minutes east built for family fun, friend time, and real relaxation.
Wait — a Real Island?
3.5 Private Acres on Lake Placid
Yes — Son's Island is an actual island near New Braunfels, Texas. To get there, you actually cross a 100-foot wooden bridge, park on the island and then step onto your own reserved cabana with a private dock, kayaks, paddle boards, a BBQ grill, hammocks, the frog slide, and all-day shade.
35 miles east of downtown San Antonio on I-10 — about 45 minutes. From Stone Oak or Alamo Heights, plan on 40–50.
Capacity-controlled, family-friendly, and quietly hosting Texas friends and families since 2014.
Check AvailabilityEverything You Need. Nothing You Don't.
Every cabana comes fully equipped for the perfect lake day.
Private Dock with Ladder
Hammock
Picnic Table + Bar Top
Charcoal BBQ Pit
Electricity + Fan
Running Water
Shaded Cabana
Beach Volleyball Access
Frog Slide Access
Cornhole + Lawn Games
Why Families & Friends Keep Coming Back
Moments of joy, relaxation, and togetherness on our private island.
What's Included With Every Cabana
One price, everything ready before you arrive. No add-ons required to have a full day.
- Reserved private cabana — yours all day
- Private dock with swim ladder
- Charcoal BBQ grill + picnic table
- Hammock + all-day shade
- Electricity + running water
- Beach volleyball + frog slide
- Entry for 8 guests (up to 15 with add-ons)
- Free parking for 2 cars
- Capacity-limited island — never overcrowded
Add Kayaks, Paddleboards & iFloats
Our most-loved upgrade. One wristband, unlimited 45-minute sessions all day — life jackets included.
Kayaks
Single & tandem sit-on-tops — paddle the calm Lake Placid perimeter.
Stand-Up Paddleboards
10'–11' all-around SUPs — flat, spring-fed water, great for beginners.
iFloats
Big floating lily-pad mats — lounge, jump, repeat.
$24.99
per person
All-day watercraft wristband
Unlimited 45-minute sessions · life jackets provided free
What to Bring (and What We Provide)
Pack light — the essentials are waiting on the island.
You Bring
- Cooler with ice
- Food & drinks (alcohol OK in cans)
- Sunscreen & hats
- Charcoal & lighter fluid
- Towels & swimsuits
- Fishing gear (optional, license required)
- Bluetooth speaker (kept neighborly)
We Provide
- Reserved shaded cabana
- BBQ pit + grate
- Picnic table + bar top
- Hammock
- Life jackets (all sizes)
- Restrooms + free parking
- Ice for sale on the island
House Rules — Quick Look
So everyone has a calm, easy day. No surprises at check-in.
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No pets
Service animals welcome
-
No glass
Cans & plastic only
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Alcohol OK
21+, please drink responsibly
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Designated smoking
Marked areas only
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Keep it neighborly
Low-volume music
-
All ages welcome
Kid-friendly island
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Check-in 10:30 AM
Bridge opens then
-
Check-out 6:30 PM
Full daytime access
Cabana Pricing
One flat rate per private waterfront cabana. Up to 8 guests included.
Saturday
Sunday
Weekday
Add-on: all-day tubing + kayak wristband $24.99 per person.
Rates shown are average summer pricing. Spring and fall are typically lower, and holiday weekends run higher. Submit an inquiry for an exact quote on your dates.
The Cabanas
55 private waterfront cabanas, each with its own private dock and swim ladder. One cabana reserves entry for up to 8 guests (15 max).
Things to Do
All included with your cabana — no upcharges.
30+ Things to Do Near San Antonio
Outdoors and water, family and kids, day trips and culture — plus the private island most visitors don't know about.
-
1
Son's Island — Private Island Cabana Day
Reserve a private cabana on a 3.5-acre island on Lake Placid, just 45 minutes from San Antonio. Swim, kayak, paddle board, and grill with your own dock, shade, and entry for 8 from $99/day.
- 2
Canyon Lake
Boat ramps, swim coves, Overlook Park, and Canyon Lake Gorge tours.
Want lake time without fighting for a ramp? Son's Island has everything reserved on calm Lake Placid. Reserve a cabana →
- 3
Comal River Tubing
Float one of the shortest rivers in the world through New Braunfels — the Tube Chute at Prince Solms Park.
Summer weekends get packed. Son's Island offers calm, reserved water without the crowds. Reserve a cabana →
- 4
Guadalupe River Tubing & Rafting
Longer floats and cypress-lined banks with outfitters all along River Road below Canyon Dam.
Bringing little kids? Son's Island's shallow, calm swim area is the easier family option. Reserve a cabana →
- 5
San Marcos River Kayaking
Crystal-clear, 72°F spring water year-round — paddle from City Park through Rio Vista's small rapids.
Prefer flat, easy water? Kayaks are an all-day wristband at Son's Island. Reserve a cabana →
- 6
Paddle Boarding on Lake Placid
Calm, glassy water makes Lake Placid one of the best SUP spots near San Antonio — easiest first-timer experience around.
- 7
Landa Park (New Braunfels)
51 acres of springs, paddle boats, a miniature train, golf, and a spring-fed aquatic complex.
Public pools fill fast — a reserved cabana day guarantees your spot. Reserve a cabana →
- 8
Guadalupe River State Park
Swim, fish, and hike under giant bald cypress trees 30 minutes north of the city.
- 9
Jacob's Well (Wimberley)
Texas' most famous artesian spring — stunning, advance reservations required.
- 10
Blue Hole Regional Park (Wimberley)
Cypress-shaded swimming with rope swings — reservations required in season.
Couldn't get a slot? Son's Island's reserved cabanas never make you race. Reserve a cabana →
- 11
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The iconic collapsed-grotto swimming hole near Dripping Springs — book well ahead.
- 12
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Climb the massive pink granite dome near Fredericksburg — sunrise hikes are unforgettable.
- 13
Garner State Park
Frio River swimming, Old Baldy hikes, and the legendary summer jukebox dances.
- 14
Natural Bridge Caverns
Texas' largest commercial caverns — underground tours, zip rails, and a 180-foot ropes course.
- 15
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Drive-through African safari — feed zebras, giraffes, and ostriches right from your car.
- 16
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
A quirky I-35 classic with 500+ animals, from cobras and crocodiles to capybaras.
- 17
SeaWorld San Antonio
Marine life shows, roller coasters, and the Aquatica waterpark on the city's west side.
- 18
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Record-breaking coasters built into a former quarry, plus shows and a waterpark.
- 19
Morgan's Wonderland
The world's first ultra-accessible theme park — inclusive rides for all abilities.
- 20
San Antonio Zoo & Brackenridge Park
A top-ranked zoo plus the historic park's train, gardens, and riverside trails.
- 21
The DoSeum
San Antonio's hands-on children's museum — STEM labs, water play, and a kid-powered city.
- 22
Schlitterbahn Waterpark (New Braunfels)
The original Texas waterpark — world-famous slides and the Master Blaster.
Prefer a calmer water day without the lines? A private cabana at Son's Island is 20 minutes away. Reserve a cabana →
- 23
ZDT's Amusement Park (Seguin)
Family-run park with Texas' only wooden shuttle coaster — minutes from Son's Island.
Pair a morning at ZDT's with an afternoon swim at Son's Island, five minutes down the road. Reserve a cabana →
- 24
The San Antonio River Walk
The city's famous riverside promenade — restaurants, barges, and museums below street level.
- 25
The Alamo
Texas' most visited landmark — free to enter, right in the heart of downtown.
- 26
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
UNESCO World Heritage trail of four Spanish colonial missions along the river.
- 27
The Pearl District
Restored brewery complex with a weekend farmers market, food hall, and riverside lawns.
- 28
Gruene Hall & Gruene Historic District
Texas' oldest dance hall plus boutique shopping and the Gristmill above the Guadalupe.
- 29
Fredericksburg Wine Country
Main Street shopping, German bakeries, and 50+ wineries along US-290.
- 30
Luckenbach, Texas
Population 3: a post office, a dance hall, and live country music under the oaks.
- 31
Downtown Seguin
The 'Birthplace of Texas Ranching' — courthouse square, the world's largest pecan, and Lake Placid.
Seguin is home to Son's Island — make the island your basecamp for the day. Reserve a cabana →
- 32
Lockhart BBQ Pilgrimage
The BBQ Capital of Texas — Black's, Kreuz, and Smitty's within blocks of each other.
Why a Private Island Beats the Usual Spots
Private Cabana Day at Son's Island
- Reserved cabana — your space is guaranteed
- Private dock for swimming & launching kayaks
- Free parking steps from your cabana
- Capacity-limited island — never overcrowded
- BBQ grill, shade & picnic table included
SeaWorld, Schlitterbahn, Canyon Lake, Comal
- Per-person admission stacked on cabana fees
- Shared decks and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds
- Packed boat ramps and tubing shuttles
- Carry in your own shade, chairs & coolers
- Paid lots that fill by mid-morning
Don't Take Our Word For It
Trusted by thousands of Texas families since 2014
"This was so much easier than the river. We'll be back every summer."
Rachel
Houston
"Wow!! What a wonderful place to take the family!"
Kevin
New Braunfels
"A bit of paradise in an unexpected location!"
Carole
Austin
"Clean, private, no riff-raff. Well worth the money."
Jim
San Antonio
"The kids had the best time kayaking and exploring. Already planning our next trip!"
Sofia
Dallas
"Such a peaceful spot for mommy-daughter time. We felt so relaxed."
Jasmine
Round Rock
"Perfect for our friend group getaway. The cabana was all ours!"
Marcus
Houston
"Best weekend ever! The water was amazing and the vibes were unmatched."
Carlos
Austin
"We come here every year for girls' day. Nothing else compares!"
Ashley
San Marcos
"Had my bachelorette here and it was absolutely perfect. Highly recommend!"
Brittany
Seguin
"Brought the whole family and everyone had a blast. Great for all ages!"
David
Corpus Christi
"So relaxing floating together. This place is a hidden gem!"
Maria
San Antonio
"Dad of the year award! The kids talked about this trip for weeks."
Ryan
Waco
"Even while expecting, I felt comfortable and relaxed here. Beautiful spot!"
Jennifer
Boerne
"The staff was amazing. The whole experience was awesome!"
Heather
College Station
What Your Day Looks Like
A typical Son's Island day — yours can be slower, livelier, or anywhere in between.
- 1
10:30 AM
Arrive, park free at 110 Lee St, cross the 100-ft bridge.
- 2
11:00 AM
Settle into your cabana. Swim off your private dock.
- 3
12:00 PM
Paddle the lake on kayaks, SUPs, or iFloats.
- 4
1:00 PM
Fire up the charcoal pit for a BBQ lunch at your picnic table.
- 5
3:00 PM
Hammock nap. Volleyball. Frog slide. Repeat.
- 6
6:30 PM
Pack up, head home tan, tired, and calm.
Simple as 1-2-3
Book, arrive, and enjoy. We handle the rest.
Book Online
Choose your date and cabana. Entry for 8 included.
Cross the Bridge
Drive across our 100-foot wooden bridge onto your private island.
Relax All Day
Swim, grill, kayak, nap in a hammock. Your cabana is home base.
Getting Here From San Antonio
About 35 miles east of downtown via I-10. From Stone Oak or Alamo Heights, 40–50 minutes. Also ~1 hr from Austin, 11 mi from New Braunfels, and ~2.5 hrs from Houston. Park free at 110 Lee St, Seguin.
- Address: 110 Lee St, Seguin, TX 78155
- Parking: Free parking for 2 cars per cabana, steps from the bridge.
- Questions? Call 877-577-7667
Want to Make It a Weekend? Stay Overnight Nearby
Son's Island is day-use only this season — but our two nearby sister properties on spring-fed creeks have you covered for the night.
Son's Geronimo
21 identical creekside cabins on spring-fed Geronimo Creek.
- 2 queen beds + 2 day beds
- Full kitchen
- Private bath, hot shower
- A/C + Wi-Fi
- BBQ pit, fire pit, picnic table
- Large porch on the creek
Son's Rio Cibolo
100+ acres along 2 miles of spring-fed Cibolo Creek.
- Glamping cabins, bell tents & family cabins
- 2 miles of spring-fed Cibolo Creek
- 100+ acres of Hill Country
- Fire pits & BBQ pits at every site
- Kayaks & paddleboards on-site
- 20 min from San Antonio
Explore the Son's Island Getaways, LLC. Family
Six unique waterfront properties across the Texas Hill Country.
Check Your Date
Live availability — tap a date to pick your cabana.
Hours, Parking & FAQ
Open daily — reopened Spring 2026.
Make Son's Island Your San Antonio Day
Reserve your private cabana online in under 2 minutes. Weekends and holidays sell out — book early.