While Boerne might be known for its Hill Country charm, it’s not exactly known for being cheap. But the good news is that in a time when we’re all tightening our belts, the truth is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Boerne, TX.
One of the perks of living here for quite a while and constantly being out and about is that I’ve learned where to go and what to get to save money and still have fun. So whether you’re visiting on a day trip or a local looking for an affordable adventure, here’s a full day’s itinerary to enjoy Boerne on a budget.
Featured Sponsor: 28 Songs Brewhouse + Kitchen
Location: 110 Market Ave
If you’re looking to save money in Boerne, you need to know that 28 Songs Brewhouse has some pretty crazy lunch specials.
The highlight of the lunch menu is their slate of $7.95 offerings. These all include an entree and a side (fries, tots, or side salad). The mains include a choice of chili cheese dog, kraut dog, chicken tenders, cheeseburger, pulled pork sandwich, and chicken Caesar wrap. There are also wing deals, appetizer deals, and more.
This is the most extensive menu of lunch specials we’ve found in Boerne so far!
Start Your Morning with a Sweet Treat
While there are lots of delicious bakeries in town, the absolute best value you will find is Mi Pueblo Panaderia, a newer local bakery that offers delicious pastries for just $1-$2. Whether you’re craving a traditional concha or a sweet empanada, you’ll get your morning fix without spending much.
Now, this isn’t a sit down bakery – it’s grab and go. So you’ll want to enjoy your pastry on the go as you prepare for the day ahead.
Explore a Nature Sanctuary
Next, head over to the Cibolo Nature Center, a hidden gem offering free access to hiking trails, wildlife observation, and beautiful scenic spots along the Cibolo Creek. There are even dinosaur footprints to check out!
Spend an hour or two exploring the trails, or simply relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a great way to experience Boerne’s natural beauty without spending a dime.
Have kids with you? There’s a really cool natural playground and fort with a winding staircase that’s right near a low water crossing your kids can wade in, as long as the water is running!
Grab a Budget-Friendly Lunch
After working up an appetite, I recommend stopping by Mary’s Tacos for a delicious, affordable lunch. While it’s known mainly for its breakfast tacos, Mary’s has a full lunch menu. That said, the tacos are large and cheap. One will likely fill you.
Want to spend a few more bucks? Pro tip – get their chips and salsa. For only a couple of bucks, these are some of the best homemade chips and fresh salsa you’ll find anywhere. One of my favorite snacks in Boerne.
There are also a ton of lunch specials around town on various days. You can see some of those here.
Go Bargain Hunting
Once you’re refueled, it’s time for a little bargain hunting. And Boerne has some excellent local thrift stores and resale shops. Check out a couple of our favorites, Faith & Funky Junk or the Hill Country Animal League Thrift Store, both known for offering unique, second-hand treasures at affordable prices.
You might find a vintage collectible, quirky decor, or even a fun piece of clothing—all while sticking to your budget. Pro Tip: I’ve found some amazing deals on good bicycles at the HCAL Thrift Store.
Discover Local History
Boerne is an old town, in Texas terms anyways, with deep German roots. It’s rich in history, and the city has done a pretty good job at preserving a lot of it. So there are plenty of free or low-cost ways to explore it.
For example you can visit the Fabra Smokehouse, a fascinating local landmark that once served as a community smokehouse, which is tucked away just steps off Main Street. Or stop by the Old Jail Museum, which gives visitors a glimpse into Boerne’s past every Saturday.
The city also offers a free download for a DIY history walking tour. Check that out here.
Play Pinball at Hamby’s
Hamby’s is an old school burger joint off Main Street. And while the food is delicious and priced reasonably, in terms of a budget Boerne day, what we’re most interested in is the entertainment options at Hamby’s.
Why? They have a vintage arcade full of Pinball machines that are 50 cents for 5 balls. That’s basically 10 cents a game! You can have a blast on the cheap. There are also other vintage games like Pac-Man. And of course, you can splurge and have a craft beer or a corn dog if it fits in your budget!
Enjoy a Free Beer & Shop Local
As the afternoon rolls around, why not snag a free beer while doing some window shopping? Local shops like Gunpowder & Cabernet or Under the Fig Tree often offer complimentary beverages to shoppers. It’s a fun way to browse Boerne’s boutiques without pressure to spend—and who doesn’t love a free drink?
Early Dinner on a Dime
Now this one’s a bit tricky, because to make this work for dinner, you have to go early: Klein’s closes at 5:30 PM. That said, they have one of the best deals in town. Look at the picture above at how much meat is on that chopped beef sandwich!
You’ll get a satisfying meal full of flavor, and you won’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy it. But again, you have to get there for an early dinner!
Cap Off the Day with Happy Hour
Finish your budget-friendly day with happy hour. While most places end happy hour much earlier, at Salvador Dobbs drinks are discounted until 7 PM. This popular spot on Main Street is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening, and with happy hour pricing, it won’t stretch your budget.
Happy hour at Dobbs includes $4 well drinks, $1 off all draft, and $6 wines. They also run daily specials that last all night long!
More Tips for a Frugal Day in Boerne
While we’ve already provided a full frugal day itinerary, as someone who has been here for quite some time, I know there are a few other tips you might find useful.
For example, if you’re a local and looking for recovery, you can head over and see our partners at iCryo and try out a free cryotherapy session. Just tell them The Boerne Life sent you!
If you’re visiting on the weekend, I highly advise you check out our weekend guide. Boerne has a ton of rotating weekend events throughout the year that are free. From the monthly Market Days at Main Plaza, to seasonal events like Dickens on Main, there’s at least one free event almost every weekend.
Local restaurants and bars in town also have free events all throughout the week and the weekend. Think live music, karaoke, trivia, and so on. There are also rotating deals at different restaurants and bars. For example, Longbranch Saloon has free pool and juke box on Saturday nights.
And if you’re traveling with kiddos, we have a kids guide that’s full of info on local parks and other family activities that won’t set you back much.
Get Out and Explore on the Cheap
It may be a small town that’s gaining in popularity, but there’s no shortage of free and cheap things to do in Boerne. With a little planning, you can have a full day of fun, food, and exploration—all without breaking the bank. Enjoy your budget-friendly adventure in Boerne!
Have a budget-friendly Boerne tip you think we missed? Tell us about it in the comments below!
This is awesome and very helpful guide. We will be visiting in few weeks from Houston!