Sonora

Cruise to the western edge of the Texas Hill Country, where the rolling hills and limestone bluffs give way to the flat expanses of the Chihuahuan Desert, and you'll find the town of Sonora.

Home to one of the most beautiful caverns in the world, a history complete with pioneers and outlaws, and unique shops and restaurants, Sonora has just about everything you need for a one-of-a-kind weekend getaway.

Located about 2.5 hours northwest of San Antonio, at the crossroads of Interstate 10 and Highway 277, it's easy to reach while being just far enough away from the big city to have all the peace and quiet you're looking for.

Descend into the Caverns of Sonora

Start your getaway to Sonora at the Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark since 1966 and one of the most active caves in the world, with more than 95% of its formations still growing. Head underground and you'll encounter countless spellbinding formations in each room you visit. Choose from several guided excursions ranging from the nearly two-hour Crystal Palace Tour to the more adventurous four-hour Discovery Challenge Tour, to experience the caverns for yourself. Back above ground, the visitor center — a ranch-barn-style building dating to 1961 — sells jewelry, stoneware, and fossils, along with fresh cream and butter fudge made right on-site. Campers can also stay nearby at the caverns' own campground, a working ranch property with 48 RV and tent sites.

Explore Eaton Hill Nature Center & Preserve

While the Caverns of Sonora are a must-see, they're by no means the only natural wonder in town. Tie on your hiking shoes and find your way to the Eaton Hill Nature Center & Preserve, a 37-acre showcase of the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country and the West Texas desert. Explore the nearly two miles of hiking trails that take you through thickets and past rocky outcrops, and check out the displays in the restored, more than 110-year-old home — the former residence of John Eaton, a founding member of the Sonora community, who lived there with his family from 1913 until 1996. His son, John Eaton Jr., later recorded much of the area's history by interviewing many of its earliest settlers. Whether you're looking to simply get outdoors, take photos, or do some wildlife watching, you'll find it all here, and admission is free.

Step Back into Sonora's Outlaw History

Sonora's rich ranching and pioneering history holds many surprises, the likes of which you can discover at the Old Sonora Ice House Ranch Museum. Its hallmark exhibit is dedicated to the legacy of Will "News" Carver, a member of Butch Cassidy's famous Wild Bunch gang, who died in a shootout on the streets of Sonora in 1901 — see the gun that brought him down, along with artifacts from Native Americans and the area's earliest ranchers. For more history, visit the Miers Home Museum, one of the first structures built in town. It's a museum dedicated to Sonora's past, featuring a collection of artifacts and archives of the local newspaper, the Devil's River News.

More to See Around Town

No visit to Sonora is complete without seeing a few of the town's other sites. Head to downtown Sonora to see the gorgeous 1891 Sutton County Courthouse and the historic Main Street and Depot, then play a round at the Sonora Golf Club, a top nine-hole course in Texas. Nature lovers can also venture out to the X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat for a quieter, more remote outdoor experience. Sonora's major annual events, such as the Sutton County Days & Sonora Outlaw Rodeo in August and The Dry Devils River Music Flood in October, are great reasons to visit as well.

Sonora's natural splendor, Western history, and famous Texas hospitality makes it a great choice for your next weekend getaway.