More evidence that the San Antonio suburbs of Boerne and New Braunfels are hot destinations: They've collectively earned 10 accolades in the 2025 Texas Travel Awards.
The awards were created by Austin Monthly and Texas Music publishers, and the winners are decided by a panel of five industry professional judges. The awards were split into two smaller groups: statewide best attractions and best attractions by population. The latter was further divided into market size: small/mid and big market.
The San Antonio area took home three fewer awards than it did in 2024, and the region earned 17 awards in 2023.
Previously, the San Antonio Zoo was the only attraction in the city limits to earn a statewide award as the best zoo/aquarium. The 2025 awards excluded the Alamo City altogether but not its buzzy neighbors.
Awards in Boerne
Boerne, which is located 20 miles from San Antonio, won two awards this year. Visit Boerne won in the category for the "Best Small/Mid Market Destination Social Media Account," and the city's beloved Cypress Grille was named the "Best Small/Mid Market Restaurant."
Cypress Grille is located in Boerne's bustling downtown district, called the Hill Country Mile, and is known for its upscale American wood-fired cuisine and its impressively curated wine list. The restaurant was founded by chef and sommelier Paul Thompson, who has been at the helm for nearly 20 years.
Popular dishes on the menu include homemade ice cream, bread bowls and rolls made from scratch, Thompson's signature artichoke dip, and more.
"The Hill Country influenced menu offers steaks, chops and seafood served with well-appointed sides, while daily lunch specials feature favorites chicken pot pie, meatloaf and a prime rib sandwich-all in the heart of Boerne’s Hill Country Mile," a press release says.
Awards in New Braunfels and Gruene
New Braunfels won five awards total, and its historic neighbor Gruene came away with two awards.
Notably, Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, a resort situated just a one-hour drive northeast of San Antonio, was hailed as the Best Texas Resort for 2025, while the Gruene Historic District won the statewide award as the Best Shopping District for the second year in a row.
Camp Fimfo is a popular destination for summer vacations thanks to its numerous amenities, such as spacious pools, a water playground, zip-lining activities, and more. The resort has also earned national recognition on Camspot's annual list of the best campgrounds in America over the last several years.
The iconic Gruene Music & Wine Festival was declared the best "Big Market Music Festival or Event" in 2025, and was the only other attraction to earn an award in the small town.
The five additional attractions in New Braunfels that won awards in the "big market" by population category include:
- Art Haus – Best Art Festival or Event
- Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn – Best Bar
- Wurstfest – Best Food Festival or Event
- The Sophienburg Museum – Best Museum
- Comal River – Best Outdoor Activity
