Natural Bridge Caverns
Discover Texas's largest commercial cave system, a subterranean wonderland of ancient formations and cool, constant temperatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Natural Bridge Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Texas's largest commercial cave system, a subterranean wonderland of ancient formations and cool, constant temperatures.
"It's like stepping into another world, with massive chambers and wild rock formations."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cavern paths can be wet and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 70°F year-round, a welcome relief from Texas heat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Discovery Tour
Main Cavern
Marvel at massive chambers, flowstones, chandeliers, and soda straws on a 75-minute guided journey 180 feet below ground.
Twisted Trails
Surface Adventure Park
Challenge yourself on a 60-foot ropes course with multiple elements, offering fun for all ages.
Underground Formations
Cavern Chambers
Witness ancient, awe-inspiring rock formations like flowstones and stalactites, a true testament to geological time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Texas Heat Underground
Choose Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cavern paths can be wet and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 70°F year-round, a welcome relief from Texas heat.
📸 Capture the Wonder
Photography is usually allowed, but check rules. The formations are incredible!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours are 45-60 minutes, but factor in time for other attractions and travel.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cavern paths can be wet and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 70°F year-round, a welcome relief from Texas heat.
📸 Capture the Wonder
Photography is usually allowed, but check rules. The formations are incredible!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours are 45-60 minutes, but factor in time for other attractions and travel.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
It's a natural cave, so expect some dripping water. Embrace the raw, wild feel!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Natural Bridge Caverns for its stunning underground formations and the knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience. The constant cool temperature is a major draw, offering a welcome respite from the Texas heat. While some find the caverns on the smaller side compared to others, the raw, natural feel and the engaging tours make it a worthwhile visit for families and adventure-seekers alike. +2
"Underground Wonder!
We visited this cavern to see it’s lime stone formations after exploring The Natural Bridge State Park. We were able to explore the underground compartments and various cavern features during the 45-minute guided tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. We really enjoyed the wildness of this cavern system. This place is worth a visit."
Debashri Manna
"Well worth the entry fee. The tours run 45-60 minutes. My guide was very friendly and well-informed. He was eager to answer questions and clearly enjoyed his job. I like caves and had a very good time."
Ron Baker
"Cool little cave tour. The cave is a little dark and wet, but I really liked the more "raw" view the tour gave. Went on a busy holiday weekend, but the guide was very accommodating to the larger group, making sure each person who wanted to see the little details could. The guides have a great sense of humor, so that was definitely a plus."
Tyler Furey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Natural Bridge Caverns is located just outside San Antonio, Texas. It's about a 30-40 minute drive south of downtown. Most visitors drive, and there is ample parking available on-site.
Public transportation options to Natural Bridge Caverns are limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride-sharing service for the most convenient access.
Yes, Natural Bridge Caverns is a feasible day trip from Austin, though it's a longer drive (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). Plan for an early start to maximize your time.
Yes, Natural Bridge Caverns is located right next to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, making it easy to combine visits to both attractions in one day.
From San Antonio, take I-35 South and exit onto FM 3009 West. Follow the signs for Natural Bridge Caverns. The route is well-marked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen. The Discovery Tour is the most popular and typically costs around $25-$30 for adults and $18-$22 for children. It's best to check their official website for current pricing and package deals.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tours like the Discovery Tour and during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure availability and avoid long queues.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Generally, they open around 9 AM and close in the late afternoon or early evening. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, besides the Discovery Tour, they offer other tours like the Adventure Tour (more challenging) and the Hidden Passages Tour. Each offers a unique perspective of the caverns.
While the cave tours have an admission fee, some surface attractions like the general store and dining areas are accessible without a tour ticket. However, activities like the Twisted Trails ropes course require separate tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Discovery Tour typically lasts about 75 minutes, covering over three-quarters of a mile of paved pathways through the cavern's main chambers.
The temperature inside the caverns remains a constant 70°F (21°C) year-round, offering a cool escape from the Texas heat.
The Discovery Tour is generally accessible for most ages and fitness levels, featuring paved walkways. However, it involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.
Photography is usually permitted on the Discovery Tour, but flash photography is often discouraged to protect the delicate formations and for the comfort of other guests. Always check with your guide.
Beyond the cave tours, you can enjoy the Twisted Trails ropes course, gem mining, and explore the gift shop and dining options on the surface.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Natural Bridge Caverns has dining facilities on-site, offering snacks, light meals, and refreshments. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the caverns themselves, but you may be able to consume them in designated picnic areas on the grounds. Check their policy.
The dining options typically include casual fare like sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and ice cream, suitable for a quick bite during your adventure.
There are a few dining options in the immediate vicinity, and more extensive choices can be found back in San Antonio.
While the main dining is casual, the surface area offers pleasant views of the Texas landscape. The true 'views' are underground!
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic spots are within the caverns themselves, showcasing the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The Twisted Trails ropes course also offers dynamic shots.
Photography is generally allowed on the Discovery Tour, but flash is usually prohibited. For more adventurous tours, check specific guidelines as they may be more restrictive.
Use a tripod if possible for low-light conditions, and be prepared for dampness. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the chambers. Experiment with ISO and aperture settings.
While personal cameras are usually fine, professional equipment like large tripods or extensive lighting setups might require special permission. Always confirm with staff.
Include a person in your shot to give a sense of scale, or use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the chambers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The constant 70°F temperature is a welcome break from the Texas heat, making it comfortable for everyone. After the tour, the Twisted Trails ropes course offers an exciting challenge for older kids, while gem mining provides a fun, hands-on activity for younger ones. Plan for at least half a day to enjoy both the caverns and the surface attractions. Pack snacks and drinks, though food is available on-site. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating the cave paths.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak pricing or crowds. 💑 Couples
+1 After your subterranean adventure, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the grounds or try the Twisted Trails for a bit of shared excitement. The cool cave temperatures and the sheer wonder of the formations create an intimate and unforgettable experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caverns: Tours and Formations
Beyond the Discovery Tour, adventurous souls can opt for the Adventure Tour, which involves more crawling and climbing through undeveloped passages, offering a truly wild caving experience. The Hidden Passages Tour delves into lesser-known areas, revealing unique formations and geological features. Each tour provides a distinct perspective on the immense beauty and power of subterranean landscapes. Remember that the cave environment is naturally damp and cool, so dressing appropriately is key to enjoying your underground exploration.
The sheer scale and variety of formations are what truly captivate visitors. From massive chambers that could hold entire buildings to intricate, delicate structures formed by dripping water, the caverns are a living museum of geological processes. The constant temperature of 70°F (21°C) makes it an ideal escape from the Texas heat any time of year.
Beyond the Caves: Adventure and Surface Fun
The park also offers gem mining, where kids (and adults!) can sift through bags of sand to discover real gemstones and fossils, adding an element of treasure hunting to the visit. These surface activities provide a great contrast to the cool, dark caverns. They are perfect for those who want to extend their visit or for younger children who might find the cave tours a bit long. The combination of underground exploration and above-ground adventure makes Natural Bridge Caverns a comprehensive entertainment destination for a full day of family fun.
Visitors often appreciate the ability to combine their cavern experience with other nearby attractions. Its proximity to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch allows for a dual-destination trip, maximizing a day spent in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit