Exploring underground caves is a great way to ignite a sense of childlike wonder, learn some fascinating geological history, find relief from extreme temperatures, or even escape a rainy forecast. These six otherworldly Texas caverns are worth an added stop or two on your next road trip through the Lone Star State.
Natural Bridge Caverns | San Antonio, TX
The largest commercial cavern in Texas, Natural Bridge Caverns, is located on the outskirts of San Antonio. Discovered in the 1960s by four college students, this expansive cave system is named after the 60-foot natural limestone bridge that spans the entrance. This is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by underground wonders.
The popular “Discovery Tour” showcases otherworldly formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years. An added bonus? The temperature in the caverns stays a cool 70 degrees year-round, making it the perfect outing in any season. Above-ground activities are aplenty, too. You can mine for gems, zip-line on a challenging ropes course, shop, and dine.
As a bonus, your ticket lets you see the bat flight at nearby Bracken Cave, home to an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats.
Caverns of Sonora | Sonora, TX
Situated between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park, The Caverns of Sonora are celebrated for their exquisitely intricate formations, including delicate helictites and crystal-clear soda straws. It’s like stepping into a sparkling underground wonderland. We wonder how the local rancher who discovered the caves in the early 1900s reacted.
Book the “Crystal Palace Tour,” during which you’ll learn about the most magical parts of the cave. The guided tour meanders along beautifully lit pathways and through the stunning “Crystal Palace,” where your guide will share fascinating stories and facts about the caverns’ history and geology. Watch one curious visitor explain how these ancient caves were formed (and show off some spectacular footage):
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Inner Space Cavern | Georgetown, TX
Visiting Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown is like uncovering a hidden gem right beneath the hustle and bustle of modern life. And that’s basically what happened in 1963 during the construction of Interstate 35. The Texas Highway Department’s core drilling team stumbled into this ancient cave system that had been hidden for over 10,000 years!
When you visit, professional guides lead you through astonishing formations and expansive rooms, all beautifully illuminated to highlight their natural textures. Opt for the standard “Adventure Tour” or gear up for one of the more daring tours like the “Hidden Passages Tour” or “Wild Cave Tour,” where you’ll be doing more spelunking and tight maneuvering. The cave stays a comfortable 72 degrees year-round, and there are many surface activities to top off your trip.
Cascade Caverns | Boerne, TX
In the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, Cascade Caverns offers a serene and cool retreat into the heart of Texas’s underground beauty. As the oldest touring cave in the state, it’s also got the most exciting history. The Lipan Apache people arrived in the 1700s, leaving artifacts still viewable today.
Kendall County youth rediscovered the cave in the 1840s and carved their initials into stalactites in one of the rooms. It became the first “private-touring” cave in Texas back in the 1870s and finally opened to the public in 1932.
The name comes from the picturesque 100-foot waterfall inside. The “Downunder Tour” allows visitors to explore multiple rooms filled with cleverly named formations and sparkling pools. The constant 64-degree temperature inside feels refreshing as you listen to knowledgeable guides share intriguing stories about the cave’s discovery and natural history. Check out the famous Cathedral Room.
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Cave Without a Name | Boerne, Texas
Also in Boerne, in the Texas Hill Country, Cave Without a Name is a local and road-tripper favorite. Legend has it that when locals discovered it in the early 20th century, a local boy thought it was too beautiful for just one name. This living natural cavern boasts enchanting formations like perfect soda straws and crystal-clear pools throughout its eight tour-able rooms.
Concerts and events in the Queen’s Throne Room invite guests to delight in incredible natural dome acoustics amid a splendid natural backdrop. Check out just how fantastic a concert here is!
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Longhorn Cavern | Burnet, TX
Longhorn Cavern (within the state park of the same name) might be the most fascinating of the Texas caverns we’re highlighting. Just 90 miles from Austin, an ancient underground river created the cavern’s unique limestone formations. The cavern has a rich history, serving as a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War and a speakeasy/makeshift dancehall during Prohibition. Here’s a great video by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
As you explore, knowledgeable guides bring the past to life with tales of varied cave functions, all while you marvel at the natural beauty around you. No matter the tour you pick, this is a truly memorable adventure. But the “Wild Cave Tour” allows nimbler explorers to venture off the beaten path and explore lesser-known corners of the cave. These wild daredevils even get a T-shirt!
Hankering for even more underground adventures?
From May to October, check out the dramatic bat flights at dusk at Devil’s Sinkhole near Rocksprings. And, y’all know we love highlighting an organized trail (like this waterfall trail and this river snorkel trail), and Texas has … you guessed it … a CAVE TRAIL. Pick up a passport at one of the five participating caves, check them all off within a year, and get a free t-shirt!
Happy exploring!
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