Last Updated on June 26, 2021 by Kate Storm
Nicknamed the “Little Alsace of Texas”, the small town of Castroville is best known for its Alsatian architecture (including a 17th-century home imported from France!) and culture–and as a result, there are many interesting things to do in Castroville!
Planning a trip to San Antonio or the Hill Country and curious about adding on a visit to Little Alsace?
Here’s what to do in Castroville, TX!
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Fun Things to Do in Castroville, Texas
Admire the Steinbach Haus.
Today, the Steinbach Haus operates as Castroville’s visitor’s center, but it didn’t begin its life that way.
Built between 1618 and 1648 in Wahlbach, France (today’s northeastern France), the Steinbach Haus was imported to Castroville in 1998 as a gift from the people of Alsace to the city of Castroville.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most unique buildings in Texas and one of the best places to visit in Castroville!
Drop by Haby’s Alsatian Bakery.
Positively dripping with curb appeal, Haby’s Alsatian Bakery is located just across the street from the Steinbach Haus and is a must-see (and photograph!) in Castroville.
Be sure to try the cinnamon rolls!
Seek out more Alsatian architecture.
While the Steinbach Haus is the only building in Castroville that was literally built in France, the architectural influences of the primarily Alsatian immigrants who founded Castroville in the 1840s are visible throughout the small town.
Be sure to wander the streets a bit and to keep an eye out for interesting details–there are many beautiful homes to admire.
Explore Castroville Regional Park.
Located on the Medina River, Castroville Regional Park is absolutely beautiful, and the perfect place to walk, swim, play, and enjoy views of the river lined with bald cypress trees.
Visit the Landmark Inn State Historic Site.
Not only is the Landmark Inn one of 32 Texas State Historic Sites, plus a museum that is the best place to learn about the history of Castroville, it’s also still a functioning inn that you can stay in during your trip!
Stroll through Houston Square.
This sprawling, open square is located in Castroville’s historic district.
Events are held here throughout the year, but whether there’s a festival happening or not, it’s still worth enjoying this wide-open space.
Check out St. Louis Church.
This beautiful limestone church stands proudly along the edge of Houston Square and features stunning stained-glass windows and a park right next door.
Though the parish has been located in Castroville since 1844, the current building was built between 1868 and 1870.
Go skydiving.
Want a unique and adrenaline-heavy experience in Castroville? Skydive Castroville has you covered there, whether it’s your first jump or your hundredth!
Visit the Castroville Poppy House.
Home to the oldest free-standing, one-room log cabin in Castroville as well as a historic residence from the 1850s, the Castroville Poppy House is best-known for its beautiful poppies that bloom in the yard each spring.
Here’s the catch: the property is only open to tours when the poppies are in bloom! During the rest of the year, you’ll have to admire the cabin from the street–but considering that this property is right down the road from the Landmark Inn, it’s easy to add this quick stop to your list of things to do in Castroville.
Go for a swim in Paradise Canyon.
Located about 20 minutes outside of town on the Medina River, Paradise Canyon is an unforgettable place to swim in Texas, and the perfect way to cool off after a hot day of sightseeing in Castroville!
Where is Castroville, TX?
Castroville, Texas is located just west of San Antonio, on the southern edge of the Texas Hill Country.
It’s about 30 minutes (28 miles) from downtown San Antonio, about 1 hour, 30 minutes (85 miles) south of Fredericksburg, and about 2 hours (105 miles) southwest of Austin.
You can easily combine the best things to do in Castroville with a weekend in San Antonio, Boerne, or Bandera.
