San Saba, Texas – A Fun, Small-Town Girls’ Getaway
This was hosted travel to San Saba, Texas. All options are my own.
My friend Mandy and I were looking for a girls’ getaway vacation a few hours’ drive from Austin. I remembered reading about San Saba, Texas and it seemed to be a good fit for both the activity and relaxation we were seeking. Right in the middle of Texas and just two hours from Austin, we had a great time shopping for boots, tasting wine, sipping coffee, enjoying nature, and more.
Known as the pecan capital of the world, we found something made with those nuts pretty much everywhere we went. San Saba has pecan coffee, pecan pie, candied pecans, pecan-crusted salmon, and so on.
Although the town is small, it’s big on charm. Everyone we met, whether customers, staff, or business owners were friendly and supportive of each other.
At each stop, we chatted with the locals and then left with more recommendations for places to visit.
Fun Things To Do In San Saba
When you first arrive, be sure to head over to the Visitor Center. This is a great starting point to grab maps, chat with a guide, and get recommendations of things to do.
Where To Stay
You have your choice of bed and breakfasts, hotels, or vacation home rentals.
Aunt M’s
We stayed at Aunt M’s Illustrated Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast just a few blocks away from the downtown square. Each room is decorated and hand-painted with a different theme and all have a private bath, robes, mini-fridge, microwave, TV, WiFi, and hot water pot.
We spent two nights in Mill Pond 1 and 2 with one queen bed in each room. There was plenty of space for the two of us.
The Dofflemyer
What To Do
Surrounded by thousands of pecan trees and along the San Saba River, San Saba, Texas is a great getaway for couples or girlfriends. There are various options for those that want relaxation, activities, or a combination.
Foodies and wine lovers enjoy the two downtown wineries and many local restaurants. San Saba has artisan crafts, home goods, leather products, and confections for shoppers. There are nature trails, springs, and a golf course for outdoor enthusiasts.
Shopping
The Mercantile
At the J.C. Campbell & Company Mercantile over 20 women-owned vendors sell anything from clothing, jewelry, furniture, and food.
Western Wear
Harry’s Boots is a must-see. Much more than boots, Harry’s has been providing high-quality western wear to the Texas Hill Country and beyond since 1939. There are over 12,000 square feet of hats, shirts, jewelry, outdoor gear, and more in five historic buildings downtown. It was here where I tried on my first pair of cowboy boots.
Mandy bought these cute boots.
Be sure to take a look at the weather wall in the back of the store, with written notes on important local weather events dating back to the mid-1900s.
Olive Oil And Vinegar
Also downtown, we enjoyed tasting a huge variety of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at San Saba Olive Oil Company. Everything I tried was amazing. It was hard to choose just a few to bring home. I ultimately decided on the roasted garlic olive oil and the peach balsamic vinegar.
Pecans!
For gifts or to treat yourself, be sure to head over to Alamo Pecan Co, both a coffee shop and storefront. The pecan coffee was as amazing as the customer service. We could have spent all day there. With so many options from sweet and savory pecans, to pecan pies, butters, and jams, I ended up choosing some pecan coffee and chocolate-covered pecans to bring home.
And for even more pecan goodies, at the recommendation of a customer at lunch, we visited Millican Pecan, a family-run business a little way down the road. We learned about the different varieties of pecans and sampled the delicious pecan roll and pie cups.
As a heads up, most of the stores in San Saba close around 5pm.
Nature
Wedding Oak Tree
The 400-year-old Wedding Oak Tree was not only a great place for photos but so awe-inspiring. This tree is the site of wedding ceremonies from the Native Americans, early settlers, and even modern-day couples.
Parks
For walking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, and a sandy beach, head over to Mill Pond Park.
Across the street, there are additional acres of San Saba River Greenbelt at the San Saba River Nature Park and Risien Park.
Food And Drink
Wedding Oak Winery
You can’t come to San Saba without doing a wine tasting. Using Texas sourced grapes, grown in their estate vineyard, Wedding Oak Winery has won many awards including having one of the best white wines in Texas by Texas Monthly.
Mandy and I enjoyed sampling the red and white wines. In the end, I chose a bottle of Tioja wine, their signature Spanish Rioja-style blend. 81% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo (carignan), 7% Garnacha (grenache), 3% Graciano, 2% Monastrell (Mourvedre).
Agave Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
On our first night in San Saba, we walked a few blocks to eat dinner at Agave Jalisco. With a huge menu, there were so many inexpensive, delicious-looking options. We started with a horchata for me and a margarita for Mandy. Both were tasty and refreshing. We shared chips and queso and for dinner, Mandy got the tortilla soup and I got tostadas.
Oliver And Co
Since we wanted to sleep in a little, we arrived at the cute, farmhouse style, Oliver and Co for breakfast a little after 10 am, the time when they stop serving breakfast. The staff were very friendly and offered to make us breakfast if we wanted.
While we waited just a few minutes for our food, we browsed (and tasted samples) of the products for sale in the adjoining shop. Mandy said the pecan cinnamon roll was delicious and I liked my chicken quiche and smoothie.
Gage’s BBQ
For lunch, just a couple of blocks off of the main street, we walked to Gage’s BBQ. We both opted for a two-meat plate with sides. Everything was delicious. We especially loved the potato salad. We also enjoyed talking with the other customers at nearby tables.
Pecan House Grill
Pecan House Grill has a beautiful ambiance, tasty food and drinks, and friendly staff. This upscale restaurant in downtown San Saba has a variety of dishes to choose from and was a great choice to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing. The complimentary bread and seasoned pecans were so good, we asked for seconds.
Final Thoughts
For a two-night getaway, a short distance from Austin, San Saba had pretty much everything we were looking for a girls’ getaway. We were able to slow down, enjoy some peace and quiet, and get a taste and feel of the culture of the small town.
A trip to San Saba is a good option for girlfriends looking for a mix of downtime and activities as well as couples wanting a kid-free vacation.
If you’re looking for a place to bring the family, there are not that many things for small kids to do here. But, if you’re looking to relax, shop, and enjoy the outdoors, consider San Saba, Texas for your next vacation.
