Plan Ahead — Make the Most of Your Caverns Experience
Your Guide to Visiting Natural Bridge Caverns
Planning ahead makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable. From tour schedules and ticket options to directions and on-site activities, this guide gives you everything you need to know before you arrive. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or a group, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a unique adventure just minutes from San Antonio. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your visit.
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: 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.
Visitor Guidelines
Dining & Refreshments: There are no dining options inside the caverns. Food and drinks are not permitted underground. However, you’ll find dining choices at the Visitor Center, including snacks, drinks, and light meals. Outdoor seating areas are available for guests who want to enjoy a break above ground.
Tour Rules: Stay with your group at all times and follow your guide’s instructions. For preservation, please do not touch formations. Strollers are not permitted underground.
Safety & Accessibility: Cavern pathways can be steep and damp. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and bring a light layer for the constant underground temperature of 70°F. Service animals are permitted; other pets are restricted to outdoor areas.
Photography: Visitors are welcome to take photos, but flash, tripods, drones, and large equipment are not allowed inside the caverns.
Smoking & Alcohol: Smoking, vaping, and alcohol are prohibited throughout the property.
Respectful Environment: This is a family attraction and a protected natural site. Please be considerate of other guests and help preserve the caverns for future generations.
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