13 Fun Things to Do in San Saba, Texas, Pecan Capital of the World.

What are the things to do in San Saba, Texas? 

As most of you know, San Saba, Texas, is the Pecan Capital of the World. Not just Texas. You’ll see rows and rows of pecan trees on both sides of the road as you drive near San Saba.

On my way to Fredericksburg, I once stopped at San Saba to buy pecans. But I’m sure there are more things to do in San Saba, Texas than just pecan.

Another time, we drove by Courthouse Square but did not stop. It was, I believe, a Sunday morning, so there was no activity in the downtown area.

We recently traveled back to Fredericksburg for the weekend following Thanksgiving. I told my husband I wanted to stop again in San Saba to see what was there to do in town.

Before I share my findings, I’d like to tell you that this trip was not sponsored by the San Saba Tourism Board or any businesses in town. It’s based on my trips to town with my family.

13 Fun Things to Do in San Saba, Texas.

Every time we drove through town, the city was still asleep because it was only around 9 a.m. Most of the time, we passed San Saba on our way to and from Fredericksburg.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in San Saba during Black Friday. But, when we got to the main intersection in town – you will see a boot statue over Harry’s Boots entrance at one corner – San Saba looked alive. People were walking along the street, entering and exiting the shops. 

However, we didn’t stay long in the city because of the plans we made for Fredericksburg. On the way home on Sunday, we continued finding things to do in San Saba, Texas, so we could share them with you.

Here are my findings on things to do in San Saba, Texas. I also put a few suggestions of places or activities to do that we haven’t got to do yet.

1. A Quick Look on San Saba County Courthouse

San Saba County Courthouse is constructed of brick and stone. It is one of the few Texas courthouses with a statement carved over its entrance. It says “From The People To The People,” and locals saw it as the heart of the county.

You will find the courthouse on the east side of the main intersection.

Address: 500 E Wallace Street.

2. Shopping in San Saba

San Saba may be a small town, but unique shops house the historic buildings around downtown.

I walked with my dog to the shops on the Courthouse side. The Open Door store owners were preparing their store when I walked by. I asked if I could take Snoopy inside, and they happily let him in. The store features rustic-style pottery and home decor, from Mexican to Talavera pottery. I was amazed at their collection of Big Foot!       

In the corner is Harry’s Boots. Although I didn’t enter, the store appears to be good on their website. This is the spot to go if you’re looking for a pair of boots or other western-style clothes.

Across the street is Bard & Hallow, a fine antique & architectural salvage store. Next to it are Switch Boutique, Pecan House Grill, and The Pantry. 

You will see more stores on the west side of the intersection. Two blocks from the lights are The San Saba Olive Oil Company and the Simplicity Vintage Home & Garden store.

From these stores, go across the street and walk back toward the lights. You will see J.C. Campbell & Co. Mercantile. It houses several vendors which sell everything from furniture to vintage glassware to clothing to honey.

3. Pecans Shopping

Of course, you can’t visit the Pecan Capital of the World without going pecan shopping.

Once, we stopped at Bagley Pecans. That’s where I learned that there are various varieties of pecans. They differ not only in size but also in flavor. We also got to taste the different pecan. 

Bagley Pecans also offers gift baskets/boxes and all kinds of goodies using pecans as ingredients. You can also order it online.

Address: 412 E. Commerce St. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Other pecan stores that you want to check out are the Alamo Pecan & Coffee Co., Millican Pecan, Oliver Pecan, and The Great San Saba River Company.

4. Stop at the San Saba Visitor Center

Ideally, you stop here first to pick up some city guides and information. There are a few brochures outside beside the door if it’s closed.

At the back of the building, there’s a clean restroom. Ask for a key from the docent if you need to use it.

A complimentary charging station for an electric car can be found on the side of the building.

Address: 113 N Height St. (Hwy 16.) Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Visit Mill Pond Park

Visit Mill Pond Park if you need a short break from driving. In the center of the park, a sizable natural spring pours into a stunning waterfall that empties into Mill Creek. You can relax in the spring and watch the ducks swimming.

Near Mill Creek is the Old Grain Mill. The Old Grain Mill House was built in 1875 by “Shorty” Brown as a gristmill and was refurbished by the San Saba Garden Club around 1956. It is currently used as their clubhouse.

You will find a walkway along the creek. A good one for getting some exercise while enjoying the park.

Mill Pond Park is the center of community events such as the farmer’s market, July 4th fireworks, and San Saba Christmas Extravaganza.

The San Saba County Historical Museum is located in this park. It opens Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30 p.m. to 4 p.m., from April through October, and by appointment. We were unable to visit because we arrived before noon on Sunday.

Address: 110 Thomas Stewart Dr.

6. Visit San Saba River Nature Park

Across the road from Mill Pond Park is the San Saba River Nature Park. It is connected to Risien Park after you cross the railroad.

San Saba River Nature Park is a 40-acre greenbelt in town with 2 miles of hike and bike trails.

Mill Creek flows through the park and empties into the San Saba River at the northeast end of the park.

We didn’t walk to the San Saba River, but we saw the remains of the first waterworks in San Saba. This first waterworks was built by Edmund E. Risien with other local settlers.

Address: 1007 E Wallace St.

Edmund E. Risien was the pecan father of San Saba. He experimented with breeding native pecans and developing various improved varieties. By his 87th birthday, he had supplied many thousands of his improved pecan trees worldwide: in England, France, Madagascar, Palestine, Australia, South America, Mexico, and in every state of the Union where western varieties thrive. Thus San Saba came to be known as the “Pecan Capital of the World.”

7. Driving on Regency Suspension Bridge

You can drive or walk across Texas’ last operable one-lane suspension bridge about 19 miles from downtown San Saba.

The Regency Bridge also referred to as the swinging bridge, crosses the Colorado River between the counties of San Saba and Mills. It was built in 1939 after the original collapsed in 1924.

The bridge has a span of 325 feet and a wood surface. It was built with most of the work done by hand.

When you come from Dallas/Fort Worth direction, you will see the Regency Bridge sign on the right before you get to San Saba.

On FM 500, head northwest for about 15.25 miles to reach CR 137. Then proceed north on CR 137 on a gravel road for about .9 miles to the bridge.

Regency Bridge Park can be found on the right side of the bridge at its terminus. During the summer, people like to camp here and kayak, SUP, or swim in the river. You might even have a chance to see the Milky Way if you’re lucky.

We were the only people there, and we only drove over the bridge. I didn’t cross the bridge on foot; I just walked a little to get some photos. Locals said you must cross the bridge on foot to feel the swinging.

Return to FM 500 by turning around. You can return to Highway 16 and travel to San Saba or Goldthwaite.

If you continue on FM 500, you will get to FM 45. FM 45 north will take you to Brownwood, while the south direction will take you to U.S. Hwy 190 to Richland Springs. From here, U.S. Hwy 190 E will take you back to San Saba for about 16 minutes drive while U.S. Hwy 190 W will take you to Brady for about 26 minutes.    

Address: 987 CR 137, Richland Springs, TX 76871.

Other Things to do in San Saba, Texas.

8. Risien Park. This 80-acre park is bordered by the San Saba River. It offers walking trails through pecan groves and other lush vegetation, picnic sites, grills, a pavilion, and a stone amphitheater.  

9. Wedding Oak Tree. Indian marriage rites were held there reverently, and early settlers later followed the custom. People are still getting married there today.

10. San Saba County Historical Museum. A place to learn about the history of the Pecan Capital of the World.

11. Wedding Oak Winery. They only provide wines created in Texas from Texas grapes. Texas Monthly recently acknowledged them as having some of the state’s top white wines.

12. Millican Pecan Company. It all started here. The Millicans are descendants of E.E. Risien, the father of the San Saba pecan industry. The Mother Pecan Tree is still standing in their orchard. The tree that E.E. Risien used to develop many improved varieties of pecans. Call for their pecan pie-making classes for kids.

13. The Great San Saba River Pecan Company. They offer a tour of the grounds and pick-your-own pecans after the first freeze of the winter.

Restaurants in San Saba

Unfortunately, we never stopped for lunch in San Saba. However, San Saba Tourism put a list of restaurants on its website. Here are a few that I think are intriguing:

– Bar D Brew House. San Saba’s best restaurant and brewhouse feature 10 unique craft beers with an expansive menu. They serve burgers and chicken to catfish, delicious choices of appetizers, and even gluten-free food.

– Oliver & Co. A cafe meets confectionary in downtown San Saba. They serve scratch breakfast and baked goods in the morning. And for lunch, you can order their soups, salads, or sandwiches.

– Pecan House Grill. San Saba’s first upscale steakhouse.

– Pepperbelly’s. A restaurant that serves Tex-Mex favorites like queso, fajitas, and steak ranchero.

Hotels in San Saba

All of the attractions I mentioned are doable in a single day. However, if you decide to spend a night in San Saba, here are a few accommodations that you might check.

– Dofflemyer Hotel. The boutique inn with only six rooms. Located in downtown San Saba, right at the corner of the main intersection. It’s not pet-friendly.

– Burnham’s Lodging. Right across the Courthouse. It’s not pet-friendly.

– The Ragsdale. A cozy place with great value for up to four people. Perfect for town explorers and hikers. Check out this place if you want to hike at Colorado Bend State Park but can’t find a place to stay there. No pets allowed.

– San Saba Guest House. Cozy, comfy, and homey accommodation for up to six people. Pets are not allowed.    

– Wildflower Lodge. Six cabins in a renovated 1940s motor lodge. Convenient, cozy, and close to Colorado Bend State Park. Dogs with good behavior are welcome with an additional fee.

– Cabo San Saba RV Resort & Cabins. Perfect for golfers, hunters, campers, snowbirds, workers, and full-time RVers with easy access to the river. Dogs are welcome. 

– San Saba River RV Park & Clubhouse. A nice quiet campground. It’s in the same area as the San Saba River Golf Course. Dogs are welcome.

Annual Events in San Saba

Following is the list of the annual events in San Saba. You probably drive through town or decided to stay in town during one of these events. Check them out!

Pecan Capital Trade Days

1st Saturday March-May & September-December at the Courthouse Square.

Catkins Ball

Mid-April at Risien Park.

Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday, June through August at the Courthouse Square.

Fourth of July Celebration

Mill Pond Park

Pro Rodeo Days & Parade

3rd weekend in August at Rodeo Arena. Parade in downtown.   

Santa’s Workshop

2nd Saturday in December in downtown.

Sip ‘N Stroll & Lighted Christmas Parade

2nd Saturday in December in downtown.

Christmas Light Extravaganza

Thanksgiving through New Year’s in Mill Pond Park.

Where is San Saba?

San Saba lies in Central Texas, at the top of Texas Hill Country. About 36 miles to the east of town lies Lampasas, 32 miles to the south is Llano, 41 miles to the west is Brady, and Goldthwaite is around 21 miles up north.

Here is the approximate driving distance from major cities in Central Texas and North Texas:

– Fredericksburg is about a 1 hr. and 10 min drive to the south.

– Austin is a 1 hr. 45 min drive to the southeast.

– San Antonio is a 2 hr. and 20 min drive to the south.

– Waco is about 2 hr. drive to the east.

– Fort Worth is about 2 hr. 45 min to the northeast.

– Dallas is about 3 hr. drive to the northeast.

We live in the south of Fort Worth. It took us about 2 hr. and 20 min drive to get to San Saba.

As I mentioned from the beginning, these things to do in San Saba, Texas, can be done on your way to or from Fredericksburg. You can do them at the same time or one at a time whenever you drive past the city. Which one do you want to do first?