Millions of Years in the Making — Yours to Explore Today
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Natural Bridge Caverns: Discovery Tour
Highlights
Discover one of Texas’s most remarkable underground cave systems.
Learn about the cave’s historical significance with artifacts found near its entrance.
Experience the captivating effect of over 2,500 programmable LED lights highlighting mineral formations.
Enjoy a guided insight into breathtaking natural rock structures.
Benefit from English-speaking live guides and small group sizes for a personalized visit.
Discover San Antonio’s Underground Wonder
Step beneath the Texas Hill Country and into a world carved by time. Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest cavern system in Texas, offering guided tours, adventure trails, and family-friendly attractions just minutes from San Antonio. Whether you’re looking for awe-inspiring formations, fun above-ground activities, or a unique way to explore nature, this destination delivers it all. Book your tickets today and start your underground adventure.
A Texas Treasure Beneath the Surface
Discovered in 1960 by a group of college students, Natural Bridge Caverns quickly became one of the most remarkable cave systems ever found in Texas. Named after the massive 60-foot natural limestone bridge that spans its entrance, the caverns reveal a breathtaking underground world formed over millions of years through the slow movement of water and mineral deposits.
Today, Natural Bridge Caverns stands as the largest commercial cave system in Texas, attracting visitors from around the world. The caverns are still alive, with stalactites and stalagmites continuing to grow and reshape the chambers. Guided tours take you deep underground to witness dramatic formations, vast cathedral-like rooms, and sparkling pools.
Beyond the cave itself, the site has grown into a full family adventure destination. Above ground, you’ll find a ropes course, zip lines, gem and fossil mining, and seasonal events designed to make every visit unique. It’s more than a natural wonder, it’s a place where history, science, and adventure meet.
Why Visit Natural Bridge Caverns?
Texas’ Largest Caverns: Explore massive underground chambers carved over millions of years.
Unique Geological Formations: Marvel at towering stalagmites, delicate soda straws, and sparkling pools.
Guided Tours for Everyone: Options range from easy walking tours to adventurous hidden passages.
Educational & Fun: Learn about geology, history, and cave preservation while experiencing the wonder firsthand.
Above-Ground Adventures: Take on ropes courses, zip lines, and obstacle challenges.
Gem & Fossil Mining: Kids can pan for treasures and take home real keepsakes.
A Living Cave: Witness formations that are still actively growing today.
Safe & Accessible: Well-lit pathways and professional guides make the experience enjoyable for all.
Convenient Location: Just minutes from downtown San Antonio, perfect for a day trip.
Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit Natural Bridge Caverns
Opening Hours
Natural Bridge Caverns is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last tour departing in the late afternoon. Hours may vary slightly on holidays and during special seasonal events, so it’s always best to confirm when booking tickets.
Best Times to Visit
Morning Visits: The first tours of the day are usually less crowded, giving you a quieter and cooler experience underground.
–Weekdays: If possible, plan your trip Monday through Thursday to avoid peak weekend crowds.
–Summer Season: Extended hours and extra activities make summer a popular choice for families. Just book early, as tickets sell quickly.
–Fall & Spring: Mild Texas weather makes these seasons especially enjoyable for combining cavern tours with above-ground adventures.
–Winter Holidays: December brings “Christmas at the Caverns,” a festive event with caroling, holiday lights, and family activities.
No matter the season, the caverns maintain a comfortable underground temperature of around 70°F (21°C) year-round, making them an all-weather attraction.
Address & How to Get There
Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd
San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Best Modes of Transport
- By Car
- By Ride-Share or Taxi
- By Public Transport
Driving is by far the easiest and most flexible way to reach Natural Bridge Caverns. From downtown San Antonio, the trip takes about 30–40 minutes via I-35 North. If you’re coming from Austin, expect roughly a 1-hour drive south.
The site offers free parking with plenty of spaces for cars, RVs, and buses. Driving also allows you to combine your cavern visit with nearby attractions, such as the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
Services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout San Antonio and can drop you right at the visitor entrance. This is a convenient choice if you don’t want to rent a car.
However, since the caverns are located in a semi-rural area, ride availability for your return trip may be limited. It’s best to schedule your pickup in advance to avoid long waits after your tour.
There are no direct bus or train routes to Natural Bridge Caverns. The closest VIA Metropolitan Transit bus stops are in San Antonio, well outside walking distance.
For travelers relying on public transport, combining a bus into San Antonio with a ride-share or taxi to the caverns is the most practical approach. Renting a car remains the most reliable option for flexibility and time savings.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Wheelchair Access (Ground Level):
While the cavern tours themselves, due to natural formations, narrow passages, and stairs, are not wheelchair accessible, the park’s grounds and buildings such as the Visitor Center, Natural Bridge Mining Company, Maze, and Butterfly Gardens are accessible for guests with mobility restrictions.
Stroller Access:
Strollers are welcome throughout most surface areas. However, due to the twists and bends of the cavern pathways, strollers are not permitted on tours. Stroller parking is provided nearby.
Sensory-Inclusive Support:
Natural Bridge Caverns is certified sensory-inclusive, a first for a commercial cave in the state. In partnership with KultureCity, staff receive special training to assist guests with sensory sensitivities. The venue offers sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and cue cards, as well as a quiet space for those needing a calm retreat.
Service Animals Only:
Only service animals that comply with ADA standards are allowed inside the caverns and buildings. Pets are permitted in public outdoor areas, as long as they are leashed, managed responsibly, and not left in vehicles. Crates are also available for temporary use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other Activities at Natural Bridge Caverns
Twisted Trails Ropes Course & Zip Rails:
Test your balance and courage on one of the largest outdoor adventure courses in Texas. The multi-level ropes course lets you climb, cross, and swing your way through obstacles, while the zip rails give you the thrill of gliding through the air. Designed for both kids and adults, it’s an exciting way to keep the adventure going above ground.
Gem & Fossil Mining:
A family favorite, the Discovery Village Mining Company offers the chance to sift through flowing water to uncover gemstones, fossils, and even arrowheads. Kids love the hands-on experience, and every find becomes a souvenir to take home, turning play into a lasting memory.
Maze Adventure:
Challenge your navigation skills in a giant outdoor maze. With hidden checkpoints to discover and winding paths to master, it’s a fun competition for families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a little puzzle-solving in the open air.
Discovery Village:
The heart of the above-ground attractions, Discovery Village combines dining, shopping, and relaxation. Visitors can grab a snack or meal, browse for unique souvenirs, and enjoy shaded outdoor seating areas, the perfect spot to recharge after a cavern tour.
Seasonal Events:
Natural Bridge Caverns hosts special programs throughout the year, with Christmas at the Caverns as the highlight. Guests can enjoy live holiday music, festive lights, and caroling in the unique acoustic setting of the caverns, a truly one-of-a-kind seasonal tradition.
Natural Bridge Caverns Highlights
Know Before You Go
Comfortable Clothing: Wear walking shoes with good grip, as the cavern pathways can be steep and damp in places.
Temperature Underground: The caverns stay at a steady 70°F (21°C) with high humidity year-round, so bring light layers.
Strollers & Wheelchairs: Strollers are not permitted underground. Wheelchair access is limited to surface attractions and facilities.
Photography: Photos are welcome, but tripods, drones, and large equipment are not allowed inside the caverns.
Food & Drinks: No food, drinks, or gum are permitted on tours. Refreshments are available at the Visitor Center.
Pets: Only service animals are allowed underground. Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor public areas.
Tour Duration: Most tours last about 60–75 minutes, so plan extra time for above-ground attractions.
Arrival Time: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, explore the grounds, and ensure you don’t miss your tour slot.
Safety First: Caverns are a natural environment. Please stay with your group, follow guide instructions, and avoid touching formations.
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