Things to Do

5 Things to do in San Saba, Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

San Saba, Texas – known to many as the Pecan Capital of the World – snuggles up to the banks of the San Saba River. U.S. Highway 190 and Texas State Highway 16 intersect on the eastern side of town.

San Saba offers something for everyone. Outdoorsy types can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and swimming. “City Folk” can relax and soak up small town hospitality while enjoying fine wines and great food. Want to go shopping? San Saba offers one of Texas’s largest selections of boots and hats at Harry’s Boots, artisan confections and craftsman goods at J.C. Campbell Co. & Mercantile, and fine goods and gifts at Madeleine & Me.

1. Take the Historical Tour

San Saba Historical Walking Tour Map

Photo: sansabatexas.com

Start out at 316 E. Wallace Street. Originally built in 1926 by Miss Nora Walker to house her thriving millinery business, these days Wedding Oak Winery makes its home here. From there, meander on down Wallace Street over to Cherokee and then back to Wallace Street.

Make sure you pick up the map for the walking tour so you can read about all the history hidden behind the facades of those gorgeous buildings. Learn which building had the first artificial stone finish, which was lost to the fire of 1906, and which ones were torn down and rebuilt throughout the years.

2. Visit the Wineries

Glass of Chilled White Wine

Photo: Wikimedia/Scmtb49

Whether you prefer red or white, you will be delighted as you stroll through the variety of wineries making San Saba famous. With the Old Man Scary Cellars and Wedding Oak Winery, San Saba is fast becoming a “must-stop” on the Texas Hill Country Wine Tours. For more information, read “San Saba, A Wine Gem in the Crown of Texas Hill Country.”

3. Picnic at the Park

Mill Pond Park in San Saba, Texas

Photo: Wikimedia/Larry D. Moore

With three magically different city parks and the Colorado Bend State Park in the area, there are picnic options abound.

Mill Pond Park is an athletic park with recreational courts for sand volleyball and basketball, an all-weather jogging track, and baseball parks. Also located at Mill Pond Park are the San Saba Civic Center and the San Saba County Museum. Throw in a side order of waterfalls, foot bridges, and a duck pond and what more could you ask for?

Risein Park’s picnic area is nestled on the banks of the San Saba River. The surrounding park provides a more natural, rugged version of the hill country. With pristine waters, ancient pecans, and a gorgeous pavilion showcasing the amazing sights, Risein park makes a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding or other special occasions.

Looking for a serene getaway? Check out San Saba River Nature Park. Bring your camera and your fishing pole. The park provides a birding blind, the city’s first waterworks, and a perfect area for walking, biking, and fishing.

4. Check Out the Courthouse

San Saba Courthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Billy Hathorn

Smack dab in the center of the San Saba Town Square stands the third San Saba Courthouse. Many might think the location was cursed.

The first courthouse, finished in 1857, was almost destroyed in a massive wind storm. The second building was constructed in 1878. The third building, still standing, was constructed in 1911. All three buildings served the community for civic and social affairs.

The Pioneer Monument, a tribute to the founding families of San Saba, standing in front of the courthouse was built in 1940. Family members paid for the monument with subscriptions of $1.00 per name.

5. Buy Pecans

Toasted Pecans

Photo: Flickr/Counse

What else are you going to do in the Pecan Capital of the World? Browse, sample, and purchase pecans at one (or more) of seven Pecan Companies in San Saba. The stores include:

  • Alamo Pecan and Coffee Company
  • Millican Pecan Company
  • Oliver Pecan Company
  • B. Bagley and Sons
  • San Saba Pecan
  • San Saba River Pecan Company
  • Yates Pecan Company

No matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong with Texas pecans.