Located in the western part of Texas’s Comal County is Bulverde City, fondly known as “The Front Porch of the Texas Hill Country”. Exuding a quintessentially small-town vibe, Bulverde is bucolic and hugely pleasing in its appeal. While the population and popularity of the city are modest, there’s quite a bit that it offers, especially if you’re looking for some time off from the city hustle-bustle. Outdoor activities, nature retreats, a lively food scene, and the comfiest Airbnb vacation rentals for tourist accommodation – this city offers them all. The things to do in Bulverde, Texas, cover the best of them and make for experiences that will make your time in the city worth the while. Continue reading to find out more about the top things to do in Bulverde, Texas.
1. Buy some souvenirs at The Vintage Barn
If you’re a stickler for all things vintage, then The Vintage Barn is one of the best places to visit in Bulverde. They house a great collection of antique items, made out of reclaimed metal, wood, and industrial scrap that are designed into unique items. Since the stuff here is not laid out very neatly, finding and picking up something is almost like a treasure hunt. So, dive among the many things displayed in their outlet and find a home decor item that resonates with your aesthetics best.
The Vintage Barn
Address: 2631 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: The Vintage Barn
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
2. Take a dance class at the ASAH Creative Studios
Explore the world of arts at ASAH Creative Studios, where you can experience complete rejuvenation via music, studio art, martial arts, and several other forms of art. Since the studio is housed within a cafe, you can either grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy a chilled time or opt for one of the activities at the studio. The studio facility is clean and sessions are complete fun!
ASAH Creative Studios
Address: 721 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: ASAH Creative Studios
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 8pm; Sat: 7:30am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
3. Enjoy a game at Bulverde Community Center Bowling
Step back from all the sightseeing and touristy stuff and spend some time bringing on the competitive spirit. Bulverde Community Center Bowling is a fantastic option for this. The building may be entirely unassuming from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find yourself a traditional nine-pin bowling alley for people to have some fun. This six-alley bowling center is quite a hit with Bulverde locals, so you’ll find it bustling no matter what time you’re there. You’ll experience a strange camaraderie amongst people and the true meaning of community-building here, but sheer fun nonetheless!
Bulverde Community Center Bowling
Address: 1747 East Ammann Road, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Bulverde Community Center Bowling
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4. Admire art at the Silver Oak Art studio
Displaying a great collection of military art, Texan landscapes, oil paintings, and a bunch of others, Silver Oak Art studio, one of the best attractions in Bulverde, is the brainchild of L. Nicholas Smith, a former army officer who left the profession to pursue his passion for art. All of the pieces displayed at the studio have been carefully made by him and are every bit exquisite. Occasionally, artworks by visiting artists are also up for display. You can either head there to admire the art or even buy one that you like.
Silver Oak Art
Address: 894 Shepherds Ranch, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Silver Oak Art
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Spend time outdoors at Bulverde Community Park
Sitting among the top few places to spend time outdoors in the city is Bulverde Community Park, offering facilities such as soccer/baseball practice field, a basketball court, and a gazebo, all of which you can make use of or even reserve and enjoy exclusive access to. Not just these, there are only two play areas that make for a great place for little ones to let off some steam. As for the adults, you can head for a walk or a jog along the park’s walking trails, surrounded by lush greenery. Else, there are also two covered pavilions with tables that double up as great spots for having a picnic, so bring your picnic essentials along and soak in the Texan sunshine. The park is impeccably clean and a superb spot for family outings.
Bulverde Community Park
Address: 29815 Bulverde Ln, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Bulverde Community Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
6. Go hiking and biking at Kleck Park
Strewn with lush greenery and about 2km (1.2 miles) of walking trails, Kleck Park is the newest addition to Bulverde’s county-owned parks that underwent a major overhauling recently. Walking and biking trails, birdhouses, and dense greenery adorn the park’s landscape now, making it among the best outdoor recreational spaces. Bird-watchers, nature creatures, and lazy loungers, all will love it here.
Kleck Park
Address: 32000-, 32176 Stahl Ln, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Kleck Park
7. Catch a theatre performance at S.T.A.G.E. Bulverde
Showcasing some of the most entertaining theatre performances is S.T.A.G.E. Bulverde, one of Bulverde locals’ favorite things to do, and with good reason. This community theater’s roster keeps changing, with about four main shows each season. These shows are a variety of genres – comedy to musicals to thriller drama. Do note that the theatre does not accept credit cards, but takes seat reservations over phone calls; you can reach the venue and collect your tickets.
S.T.A.G.E. Bulverde
Address: 1300 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: S.T.A.G.E. Bulverde
8. Camp at the Texas 281 RV Park
Plan yourself an experience that brings the best of Texan landscapes and atmosphere together. Hitch yourself an RV and set station at the Texas 281 RV Park, which is huge, packed with dense trees, and offers some great unobstructed views of the area around. Plus, the campground’s washrooms are clean too. Although there’s not a lot to do at the campground itself, it makes for a pretty great experience for those looking for some quiet time.
Texas 281 RV Park
Address: 33300 U.S. 281 North, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Texas 281 RV Park
9. Make it a fun day for your kids at The Farmyard
Zoo animals prancing around, expansive open fields, pony and horseback rides, and tons of fun. Spend a day at The Farmyard and you’ll find your little ones having a whale of a time, interacting with animals, learning tons, watching the animals in their habitats, and even playing with them. The animals are trained to be friendly and benign to all visitors, so they don’t pose any threat. However, monitors are present to ensure nothing untoward happens. When there, do remember to click photos with Dallas, the Miniature Bull, and Cowboy the Ox!
The Farmyard
Address: 30250 Leroy Scheel Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: The Farmyard
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
10. Get your caffeine fix at The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop
Churning out some of the best coffees is The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop. Packing a punch with each of their coffee servings, this place is popular amongst the locals and tourists alike. Pair the drinks with one of their delectable snacks – waffles, quiches, muffins, kolaches, etc. – and you’ll have yourself a mini-meal! The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop also serves normal, soy, almond as well as lactose-free coffee variants, so order away without worrying!
The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop
Address: 30690 Blanco Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: The Rustic Bean Coffee Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 7pm
11. Gorge on tasty delights at Pappa Gallo's Mexican Restaurant
Cooking up some of the best Mexican and TexMex flavors is Pappa Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant. One of the best restaurants in Bulverde, Texas, the eatery takes pride in everything that comes out of their kitchen, oozing with every bit of robust flavors and a stark reminder of the cuisine’s homeland. As for the decor, it has been done up in a casual manner, with menu specials scribbled on whiteboards and tables spread across. No matter what time you head there, you’ll find it packed with hungry diners chomping down the yummy lobster enchiladas, fish tacos, seafood flautas, and humble nachos – all of which you must also try!
Pappa Gallo's Mexican Restaurant
Address: 29782 US-281, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Pappa Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 2:30pm (closed on Tue)
12. Relish delectable fare at Front Porch Bar & Grill
Front Porch Bar & Grill is serious about what it offers and makes no bones about it. Everything here is cooked to order and can’t be doubted for its freshness. Their flavors are hearty and portions are generous. Plus, the fully stocked bar offers a great selection of beers and other drinks. As for the food, try their cheeseburger with grilled onions or the muffuletta sandwich with bacon dusted fries and you’ll know what we mean by freshness, flavors, and portions. The locally brewed Rough Diamond beer, available at the bar, is also a must-try. If you head there in the evening on a weekend, you’ll also get to enjoy live music with the yummy food!
Front Porch Bar & Grill
Address: 2265 Bulverde Rd suite 102, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Front Porch Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 10pm; Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
13. Enjoy Palate Verde Bistro's punchy flavors
Located in downtown Bulverde and offering indoor as well as outdoor seating, Verde Bistro’s ambiance is just as impressive as the flavors that come out of its kitchen. The place primarily serves Tapas, but those small plates, packed with flavors and spices, are punchy enough to give any large dish a run for its money. Wash down their tasty delights with one of the cocktails from the bar and you’ll have yourself the makings of a wholly satisfying culinary affair.
Verde Bistro
Address: 2355-3, Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Verde Bistro
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 10:30pm; Sat: 4pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
14. Taste the top-class wines at Wine 101
You may like your wine sweet, sour, white, red, rosé, sparkling, or still, the fantastic collection at Wine 101 will not disappoint. This wine bar is every bit a gem in Bulverde’s food and beverage scene. Seat yourself at their restaurant and try one of the many excellent wines in their collection. The food at this wine bar is also equally good, so do try. Wine101 makes for a perfect chill spot, together with great wine, delish food, happy ambiance, and a chilled out a vibe. You can also buy bottles to carry home!
Wine 101
Address: 2295 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163, United States
Website: Wine 101
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)
15. Attend a Texas rodeo at Tejas Rodeo
How can you complete your Texan getaway without having a taste of the state’s oldest and most famed activity – rodeo shows? If you’re visiting the town from March to November, do remember to buy tickets to the Tejas Rodeo Company’s shows and head for one of the most entertaining experiences that the city has to offer. The rodeo shows take place every Saturday night during these months. Not just the shows, guests are also able to enjoy access to the on-site steakhouse and indulge in some grilling of their own. Else, there are plenty of other fun activities to partake in, such as live music, dancing, or trying your stint on the mechanical bull. Kids can also go for pony rides! This is a full-blown fun and authentic experience.
Skip the Line: 2019 Tejas Rodeo Company General Admission Ticket
Duration 1 to 8 hours
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16. Explore the Cave Without A Name
Embark on a thrilling underground adventure as you explore the mesmerizing Cave Without A Name in Bulverde, Texas. Descend into the depths of this hidden gem and discover a world of natural wonders. Navigate through intricate limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have been forming for thousands of years. Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of underground chambers and caverns illuminated by soft lighting, creating a mystical ambiance.
Learn about the fascinating geology and history of the cave from knowledgeable guides who share intriguing stories and insights. As you delve deeper into the cave, be prepared to be amazed by the unique formations and the sense of tranquility that envelopes you. Capture the natural beauty through your camera lens and cherish the memories of this extraordinary adventure.
17. Visit The Narrows
Escape into nature’s tranquility as you visit The Narrows in Bulverde, Texas. Nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River, this hidden gem offers a serene retreat from bustling city life. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs surrounding this picturesque spot. Take a leisurely hike along the riverbank, following the winding paths leading deeper into the lush landscape.
Bring a picnic and savor a meal amidst the tranquil ambiance, or find a peaceful spot to sit and soak in the natural beauty surrounding you. The Narrows offers a peaceful retreat, allowing you to reconnect with nature and find solace in its serenity.
Bulverde will not disappoint
You may be looking at a short, quick getaway or an extended vacation while wondering about what to do in Bulverde, Texas. No matter what you choose to do, the city will not disappoint. Capture some of these experiences in your itineraries and you’ll have yourself a trip to remember. Get planning, guys, Bulverde is waiting!