state parks day

These state parks near San Antonio will offer free entry on November 2

Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera is one of the many parks outside San Antonio that will have free admission on November 2.

tpwd.texas.gov

San Antonians who haven't touched grass recently will get their chance to reconnect with nature at a local state park for free for one day only this fall. In honor of Texas State Parks Day on Sunday, November 2, Texas residents can enjoy free admission to more than 85 state parks.

It has been a stellar year for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The department has acquired several parcels of land to create new state parks or expand existing ones, and it's actively working on a deal to acquire a 54,000-acre ranch outside San Antonio. In May 2025, TPWD launched its new podcast that dives into park conservation initiatives, explores "hidden gem" parks around the state, and more.

Now the agency is gearing up for its third annual free admission day, which was established during the Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration.

The department recommends travelers reserve "Save the Day" passes to guarantee entry to the park they want to visit. Day passes are non-transferable, only valid for a visitor's chosen entry time slot, and are valid until 10 pm or whenever the park closes.

The following Hill Country parks around San Antonio will have free admission on Texas State Parks Day:

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Blanco State Park
Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch
Honey Creek State Natural Area, Spring Branch
Hill Country State Natural Area, Bandera
Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, Fredericksburg
Old Tunnel State Park, Fredericksburg
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, Stonewall
Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool
Lockhart State Park
Palmetto State Park, Gonzales

Keep in mind that visitors won't be able to access the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area in Pipe Creek or South Llano River State Park in Junction, as they are both currently closed for construction and development.

San Antonians who want to get the most out of their day can visit award-winning Garner State Park, which was named one of the top 10 best state parks in the U.S. for 2025. The spacious park is situated less than 100 miles from San Antonio on 1,774 acres of land. Hikers have 16 miles of trails to explore across varying difficulties, or visitors can swim, float, or kayak down 2.9 miles of the Frio River that runs through the park.

Day passes for Texas State Parks Day can be reserved online or by calling the TPWD customer service center at 512-389-8900.

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TEXAS TRAVELS

Birthplace of Texas reopens after $54 million transformation

Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The newly restored Washington-on-the-Brazos lets guests step inside history.

A defining landmark in Texas history is welcoming visitors once again. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has reopened following a $54 million restoration aimed at preserving and reinterpreting the birthplace of the Republic of Texas.

While the Alamo may be today's most potent symbol of the Texas Revolution, Washington-on-the Brazos holds an equally sacred place in Texas history. In March 1836 — just four days before the fall of the Alamo — 59 delegates gathered there to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, draft the state's constitution, and name General Sam Houston as the commander of the new republic's military.

The project was led by the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation and supported by funding from the Texas Legislature. The revamped site, about two and a half hours from San Antonio, aims to enhance the visitor experience with interactive features that tell the story of Texas and the diverse populations who called the fledgling republic home.

An 1800s drug store sits on the site.Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The newly restored Washington-on-the-Brazos lets guests step inside history.

The extensive two-year renovation enhances how visitors experience the site through immersive exhibits and storytelling. A newly reimagined Star of the Republic Museum showcases rare artifacts and multimedia theaters, while the Washington Town Site introduces reconstructed historic buildings and archaeological displays. Guests will also find an upgraded visitor center and expanded family gallery featuring children's toys from the 1830s.

Other features include updated gallery exhibits, outdoor interpretive installations, and high-tech interactive displays. A new brick entrance gate now creates a welcoming entrance to the historic site, while the updated conference center will maintain the site's commitment to community meeting spaces.

"As a Texas Historical Commission state historic site, it is our mission to share the important history of this site with visitors from around the world ... we are confident this project will provide an unparalleled visitor experience," explained Texas Historical Commission (THC) Chairman John L. Nau, III, in an earlier release.

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