Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio 

Stunning formations that rise more than 40 feet. Delicate soda straws drip from the ceilings. Colorful cave ribbons and drapes hang on the walls. Massive chandeliers challenge your imagination. Natural Bridge Caverns has two distinct natural caverns, each with a phenomenal collection of the most beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and formations that you'll find in Texas – or anywhere! It's the most actively explored cavern in the state and new discoveries are still being made today. For guests, the adventure and discovery continue above ground with a ropes and zip rail challenge course, maze, and more.

Texas' largest cavern system open to the public, formed over tens of thousands of years, is considered a must visit when you're in the San Antonio area. It's been the number one paid attraction for travelers for years.

Cavern Tours

There are several distinct tours available at the caverns. The two most popular are the Discovery Tour and the Hidden Wonders Tour. Both are led by knowledgeable guides deep into the cavern where spectacular sights are around every bend of the trail, expertly lit by a multi-million-dollar lighting system, and both run roughly 70–75 minutes. The similarities end there, though. The Discovery Tour showcases the largest rooms in the cavern system, descending 180 feet, with legendary columns like the Watch Tower and the complex Mount of the Landlord in the Castle of the White Giants. The Hidden Wonders Tour takes you into a part of the cave system that never had an opening to the surface, descending 160 feet. Guests are treated to the cavern system's most delicate formations, including 6-foot-long soda straws, brilliant cave bacon, and the beautiful Ballroom — a natural event space available for private bookings. The tour ends with a sound and light show, composed by Chris Thomas with lighting design by Jan Ptacin, painting an artistic vision of the history of the cavern system itself. A welcome bonus at the end is the B.A.T. – a belt assisted transport ride, the only conveyor system ride out of a cavern in the world, back to the surface.

For those looking for more adventurous exploration, additional tours deliver: The Lantern Tour, The Discovery Adventure Tour, the St. Mary's Adventure Tour, and private VIP Tours.

The Lantern Tour, offered only once per day with advance registration required, takes you through the Discovery Cavern with the lights left off — you and your fellow guests are led through the cavern by the light of handheld lamps, experiencing the cavern much like early explorers did.

For those with a desire for big adventure, the two adventure caving tours — the Discovery Adventure Tour and St. Mary's Adventure Tour — are both multi-hour caving experiences through the wild side of the cave. During these tours you'll leave the public trails and lights to follow experienced guides through the muddy, undeveloped part of the cave. The Discovery Adventure Tour includes hiking, climbing, sliding and squeezing through narrow sections with the light of your headlamp. It's a great introduction to the world of cave exploration. If you'd like to experience caving with a little less of a tight squeeze, sign up for the St. Mary's Adventure Tour. This caving adventure teaches you how to get through obstacles using ropes to traverse and rappel, as well as a climbing assist. Better yet, sign up for both with the ultimate: The Adventure Combo Tour, and have a full day of adventure! For a more curated experience, private VIP Tours of either (or both) caverns are also available with an informed guide.

Twisted Trails Adventure Course

Above ground, the opportunity for adventure is as big as the Texas sky thanks to the Twisted Trails Adventure Course. You'll have your choice between three distinct activities – climbing, zipping and balancing – across a six-story-tall complex reaching heights of around 60 feet. The ropes course includes around 50 obstacles across multiple levels, including weave walks, rope bridges, curved zip rails, and more. Challenge your group to a friendly competition on the Twisted Trails Climbing course. It is a blast with multiple vertical climbing structures, including a column of spheres, twisted rectangles, and two different rock-climbing walls. Now for the little adventurers, the Twisted Trails Tykes course is designed for kids who are four feet tall and under, with platforms less than three feet off the ground. Kids love finding their balance and overcoming challenges. There's room for parents or grandparents to lend courage to children as they traverse the course.

Gem Mining and the AMAZEn' Ranch Roundup

The fun continues at the Natural Bridge Mining Company — Texas' longest sluice — where kids of all ages uncover fossils and gems like amethyst, rose quartz, and emeralds in a mining trough. As the water runs through, guests pour a bag of mining rough into a screened tray, then dip the tray in the water to wash away the sand and discover the treasure. With a bag full of gems and fossils to identify and collect, gem mining is everyone's favorite take-home souvenir. Right next door is another favorite — the AMAZEn' Ranch Roundup, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze honoring five generations of ranch ownership history in the Natural Bridge Caverns family. Navigate through checkpoints — and see if you can find the lost C-A-L-F — using three towers and a bridge to help you find your way.

Dining

Big days lead to big appetites, and Natural Bridge Caverns has dramatically expanded the menu with new and delectable choices. With 12-hour slow-roasted brisket smoked on site and gluten-free options, there's something for everyone. Try the brisket grilled cheese or the fresh-baked pizza. Also don't miss the brisket nachos! For dessert you can choose from the candy shop, hand-dipped Blue Bell Ice Cream, homemade fudge, giant Rice Krispie treats, and so much more! Cold beer, wine, and other tasty treats are served as well.

Shopping

You'll want to save some energy for shopping, because there are treasures you won't find anywhere else. Beyond the usual souvenirs, the Trading Post and the surrounding Shops of Discovery Village make for a rockhound's paradise, with gorgeous jewelry, geodes, polished stones and more, as well as original art and hand-crafted items from local artisans.

A Texas Landmark

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places (since 2004) and designated a U.S. National Natural Landmark (since 1971), there's nowhere like Natural Bridge Caverns. With its astounding beauty and the number of ways to experience it, this San Antonio attraction is a must-see during your visit to the Alamo City and the Texas Hill Country.