safari natural bridge wildlife ranch virginia

Virginia Safari Park

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Virginia Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.61 km) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (7.94 km) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (13.86 km) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (13.76 km) The Georges
• (1.04 km) Budget Inn
• (0.97 km) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (13.42 km) Niko's Grille
• (13.76 km) Bistro on Main
• (4.68 km) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (13.63 km) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.68 km) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (5.77 km) Natural Bridge State Park
• (13.68 km) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.68 km) Halcyon Days Cider
• (14.21 km) Virginia Military Institute

White Rhinos Come from Southern Africa

Book a rhino encounter, quick facts.

At Virginia Safari Park, our rhinoceroses are all southern white rhinos, which are native to Africa. They’re actually light gray in color, and the word “white” in their name derives from the Afrikaans word “weit,” which means “wide.” Southern white rhinos are characterized by their broad mouths that help them graze on short grasses.

In the Wild

Did you know that the white rhino is the second largest land mammal in the world? Most of the 20,0000 southern white rhinos can be found on private game reserves and other protected zones in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia. Their social groups consist of as many as 14 rhinos, primarily females and their babies.

Did You Know?

White rhinos can live for up to 50 years.

They don’t see well but their senses of smell and hearing are strong.

Adult males use piles of dung to define their one-square-mile territories.

Rhinos have almost no hair, except for their eyelashes, ears and ear tips.

Conservation

In the wild, it is estimated that a rhino is poached every 15 hours. In 2011, the Virginia Safari Park joined other zoological facilities to save this amazing species. Since that time, we have had four successful calves and are expecting two more this fall. We provide ongoing financial support to the International Rhino Foundation and partner with the Zoological Association of America’s Southern White Rhino Animal Management Program.

Learn What the Rhino Eats

Southern white rhinos use their flat, wide mouths to their advantage – the shape helps them eat shorter blades of grass than most other animals can consume. They can also digest plants that are toxic to other species.

Tour the Animal’s Habitat

You can see our rhinos when you take a drive through our expansive natural exhibit. Feel free to take your time and to wind your way along the safari trail more than once to make sure you see the rhinos and other animals.

Meet the Other Animals

Giant Anteater

King Cheetah

Safari and explore caverns in one action-packed day

Natural bridge wildlife ranch, natural bridge caverns provide fun, educational afternoon.

Just over an hour from Austin, two off-the-beaten path adventures sit side by side on rolling Hill Country land: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Natural Bridge Caverns.

I can’t remember the last time I explored the state’s most visited safari drive-thru or wandered through one of its largest cavern systems, but I know I was somewhere between the ages of my two boys, 4 and 6. So when the first official day of summer break arrived, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than by revisiting these nearby Texas treasures.

The two family-owned attractions are completely separate experiences, and while you could easily spend an entire day at each one, we managed to visit both in the same day thanks to a baby used to on-the-go napping and a willing grandma to watch her while my boys and I kept exploring.

If you visit both the same day, start at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch — the animals are more active during the coolest hours of the day, and arriving when it opens helps you beat the line of vehicles that often stretches to the road by midday. When the afternoon heat hits, wandering through the 70-degree underground caverns is a great way to cool off.

We were the third car in line at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch on a sunny June morning, but once we began navigating the nearly 6 miles of paved roads weaving through 450 acres, we rarely saw another vehicle. Around 500 animals spanning 45 exotic, native and threatened species call the wildlife ranch home, including everything from American bison and African wildebeest to Bactrian camel and white rhinoceros.

My older son entertained himself with a one-player game of “I Spy” from the backseat — each time he spotted a new animal, he would flip through the guidebook we received upon entering until he identified the species and recited its native land, weight, gestation period and viability ranking out loud. My younger son tossed animal feed (the first bag is complimentary; each additional bag is $2) out the window and squealed with delight as it was devoured by zebras, Sicilian donkeys and llamas. His excited squeals grew into shrieks when an overly curious, highly entertaining ostrich stuck its entire head in the window in search of more. But, thanks to automatic windows, it remained a fun animal experience that you just don’t get at your average zoo.

“We are very unique compared to a traditional zoolike atmosphere in that you are the one in the cage — the confines of your vehicle — and the animals can roam freely and interact with you as they choose,” said Tiffany Soechting, who has been working at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch since 1985, just a year after it opened.

Make the most of admission ($19 adults, $17 seniors, $10 children 3-11, free under 3) by driving through as many times as you like — as Soechting says, “It’s a moving picture out here — every time you go through, it’s a different experience.”

After a leisurely drive or two, stop by the 50-acre Tower Creek expansion to meet the tallest mammals in the world: reticulated giraffes. Several feet taller than normal giraffes, with much longer necks and bigger spots, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch’s herd made national headlines two years ago when the first reported set of living twins born in North America were delivered on the property. Other must-sees at Texas’ longest-running safari park include exciting exhibits like Lemur Island at the Walk About, full of these primates that are considered endangered or extremely vulnerable yet have reproduced exceptionally well on property, and the Petting Barnyard, chock-full of friendly African pygmy goats looking for food and cuddles.

Soechting credits the ranch’s highly successful breeding program, which helps propagate many threatened and highly endangered species from around the world, to the fact that the animals roam freely and interact with other species without the stress of confinement.

Before heading to our next adventure, we fueled up on made-to-order burgers and fries and kids’ grilled cheeses and tater tots at the Wildlife Safari Camp Grill. It’s a good idea to feed the kids before taking a tour at Natural Bridge Caverns, the most extensive cavern within the San Antonio area and one of the largest within the state, because tours last around 75 minutes.

On the Hidden Passages Tour, my boys and I were in awe wandering through underground chambers brimming with visually inspiring formations like unusually long “soda straws,” waves of “cave ribbon” and a rich profusion of “welt and turnip shields.” Most of the formations are still growing, making it easy to see why this living cave has become one of the top attractions in Texas.

Due to the recent rains this area has seen, we had the rare opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of an aquifer and witness an aquifer recharge in process. The day we toured the caverns, they were incredibly active with dripping and flowing water, which made for an even more beautiful — and wet — experience than normal.

“Water is the lifeblood of Natural Bridge Caverns — it carved out the huge passages of limestone and created the beautiful formations within,” says Brad Wuest, president and CEO. “Recent rains this season are providing a spectacular amount of water dripping and flowing throughout the caverns, filling pools and continuing the ever-so-slow process of depositing the amazing crystal formations within Natural Bridge Caverns.”

As we climbed out of the cave and into the sunlight, we stumbled upon a few more adventures. A highlight for my boys was found in the Discovery Village Mining Company, where they got the chance to pan for gems and minerals as gold miners once did. They were each given a bag of rough (a mixture of sand, dirt, gems and minerals) to pour over a screen-bottom box and then shake it through a trough of flowing water. Their eyes grew big as they picked out sparkling bits of quartz and other colorful gems and identified them using a chart.

Just as we were about to leave, two other attractions caught my boys’ eyes — as my 4-year-old made a beeline for an ice cream at the old-fashioned parlor inside Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats and Brew, my oldest gazed up toward the Canopy Challenge adventure course. The Canopy Kids Course allows toddlers and young kids to experience obstacles with their parents walking alongside them, but my almost-7-year-old insisted on testing his agility and balance (and my nerves) as he put on a safety harness and made his way through a series of challenging obstacles climbing up the 60-foot, four-tier adventure course.

After safely making his way back to land, it was time for my tired crew to head back to Austin. Find out about other adventures offered at naturalbridgecaverns.com and wildliferanchtexas.com .

IF YOU GOArrive at the wildlife ranch when it opens — you can not only beat the crowd but you can also see the animals when they are most active.Don’t feed the animals out of your hand. Instead, drop the feed on the ground and watch them eat.Wear comfortable athletic shoes that provide traction on the steep, wet surfaces at Natural Bridge Caverns. The fact that I was wearing flip-flops also prevented me from being able to participate in the Canopy Challenge alongside my son — close-toed shoes are a must.Strollers aren’t recommended on the cave tours — the steep, narrow paths and frequent stops with the group made it much easier to wear the baby rather than push her.Time your summer visit with the evening emergence of the Bracken Bat Flight just a few miles from Natural Bridge Caverns. Packages can be purchased online.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Cool Drive-Thru Safari! - Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

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• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Great place to see unique animals up close! A large variety of animals, including giraffes... read more

While this did not beat a safari in Africa, the interactions with the animals was far more personal... read more

Cool Drive-Thru Safari!

Husband and I went since I have never been to a drive-thru safari and it was really cool! We went on a Wednesday, so it wasn’t busy. Looked like they had just put out hay, so the animals weren’t super interested in us feeding them, but it was still neat! Wish we could have fed the giraffes, though.

J2588XUelizabethm: Thank you for taking the time to share your visit with us and the community! We do hope you took full advantage of your day pass, and drove through the Safari a second time before your departure, experiencing how differently the animals interact throughout the day.We hope to have you out again!

Do not go here while they are keeping you from feeding the animals. If you cant feed the animals the animals have ZERO interest in you. Infact they are probably afraid of the cars . If you have food the animals put the food above their dislike for vehicles. In any case WE saw nothing except some deer and the giraffes at the opening of the park. DO NOT GO TO NATURAL BRIDGE SAFARI! ITs a complete rip off. IF they had any decency they would just shut it down until they are willing to allow you to feed the animals.

We are sorry to hear that your visit wasn’t what you were expecting. We are proud to offer a safe home-away-from-home for more than 700 animals from more than 40 exotic species, with half of those facing some level of threat to endangerment. We provide our guests with a complimentary Safari Adventure Guidebook to help identify and provide information for each of those vastly different species. We had paused feeding out of extreme caution as there was so much unknown as to the transmission of Covid from humans to animals and it is our responsibility to protect the animals in our care. We made that change known to all visitors BEFORE they entered. As more is known, we have started offering feeding again, as an option to our guests. As a Safari Experience, our animals are wild and free roaming, making their behavior always unpredictable. Unfortunately, it sounds like you maybe did not take advantage of your day pass, making multiple trips through the Ranch, as each trip is truly a new and different experience. We have provided a safe home away from home to species for over 36 years. These animals where born in an environment where they find vehicles to not be a threat. Quite the contrary, be it visitor vehicles or Ranch vehicles, all of which provide the feedings that are given all through each day. Thank you for visiting as each admission helps support our mission to provide a healthy and sound environment and continue our conservation efforts. Stay Safe in these difficult times!

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a perfect adventure for young and old alike. You can go there, pay for your entrance, drive through the Wildlife Ranch, and go home without ever leaving your vehicle. The best thing is you don’t have to worry about COVID because you never have to leave your car. There are areas where you can stop and do a walkabout to see Giraffes and some smaller caged animals. The animals you will see Come from many continents and include those that are plentiful like the Wildebeest to the Scimitar Horned Oryx which is extinct in the wild. As you drive through the ranch at 5-miles an hour, there will be places you will have to stop because of animals on the road. Just relax and take in the sights. If you don’t look closely you could miss that animal in the trees. This is a don’t miss attraction.

retphcs: Thank you for taking the time to share your visit with us and the community! We always love hearing from our patrons and look forward to have you out again!

My daughter just turned 3. We drove from north Austin. When we arrived they said they would not provide feed bags. We saw mostly deer. Most were laying down or sleeping. We did get to see a couple other neat animals from afar but it was truly not even exciting for a 3 year. And almost anything excites a 3 year old. We basically drove 1.5 hrs one way to eat a bowl of ice cream. Those ladies at shop were super nice, so that was good. Suggest that you post online and make it very clear that you will not provide feed and that the experience will not be as great as a result.

Hi, TXGAUCK. Thanks for making time to share your perspective with us. As you mention, we have had to withhold the feeding aspect of experiences out of caution for the protection of the animals. (For future visitors reading this, we ask you to visit our website for a full list of modifications we’ve set in place due to COVID-19, which we keep updated on an immediate basis.) In regard to your comments about the types of animals and their interaction, we hope you read your Adventure Guidebook, which offers insight about the four deer species who find a home at the Ranch: Axis, Barasingha, Fallow and Muntjac (pages 8 and 19). Barasingha is classified as vulnerable to endangerment in the wild. We are proud to offer a safe home-away-from-home for more than 700 animals from more than 40 exotic, native and threatened species; including four new species that have been added in the past 6 months. (Page 16 of the Guidebook offers a visual explanation for the types of species within same families.) Please keep in mind that your admission into the ranch includes a full day pass to both the Drive-Thru and the Walk-A-Bout area. We hope you took advantage of your day pass, making multiple trips through the Safari Drive-Thru, as each trip is truly a new and different experience. Again, thank you for making time to share about your experience, and thank you for visiting. Admission helps support our mission to provide a healthy and sound environment for the animals that call Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch home. We so appreciate your support, which helps us to continue our conservation efforts.

Beautiful! There was so many different animals there to see. Everything was clean, and they seemed well taken care of. There was lots to do for kids there, and everyone wore masks.

Derailey11, We are so happy we were able to provide you and your family an adventurous, COVID friendly outing. Thank you for the kind review. We hope y'all visit again in the future! Stay Safe!

I had never been to something like this before and I have to say it was AWESOME! The animals are free roaming and sometimes come right up to the car. They have a bunch of different animals, plus they seem happier to not be locked up in a cage.

Berkleyt2020, We are overjoyed to hear about your first time experience! We are so happy you enjoyed the up-close animal encounters throughout the drive-thru. We pride ourselves in the care of our animals, providing them a safe home-away-from-home where they are able to roam freely. We work hard to create good experiences and feedback like this makes it all worth it. Thank you for sharing and we hope to have you out again!

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5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0.00/5 - (0 Votes) Colm Local tour guide "Make sure to visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch during the weekday mornings when it's less crowded; this way you have a better chance of seeing the animals when they're most active and have closer encounters. Don't miss the giraffe feeding area – it's a hit with both kids and adults, and the giraffes are especially friendly then!"

What is Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch?

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Texas-Style adventure that you wouldn't expect in the rolling hills just outside San Antonio. It's a unique place where you can drive through hundreds of acres of picturesque landscapes and encounter over 500 animals representing over 40 species. As I love to tell first-timers, it's not just a drive-thru animal park; it's an opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of nature's most fascinating creatures—all from the comfort of your vehicle.

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Take a trip by train out of Chicago to America’s first company owned town 'Pullman' and now a National Monument. Built in 1880 by George Pullman -...

Here, you can see a wide array of wildlife from around the world, roaming freely as they do in the wild, which makes for an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Get your cameras ready! You might just capture an elegant giraffe leaning down to peer into your window or a herd of zebras trotting by. It's a chance to immerse yourself in a wildlife adventure without the need for a passport.

History of Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Opening its gates back in 1984, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has evolved from a small, family-owned farm with a passion for preserving and showcasing wildlife to a full-fledged safari park that has become a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. The name itself stems from a natural limestone bridge on the property, which turned out to be a fortuitous site for connecting people with nature.

Over the years, they've continuously expanded the grounds and the number of species that call the ranch home. Did you know that this place has also participated in conservation efforts, particularly with species that are threatened in their natural habitats? This commitment to wildlife is a core part of their ethos, ensuring that every visit contributes to a larger cause.

Why is Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Important?

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch serves an incredibly important role, both as an educational resource and as a conservation center. It introduces visitors to species they may never have the chance to see otherwise, highlighting the importance of wildlife preservation around the globe.

For local ecosystems, the ranch also provides a sanctuary for various species that thrive under its care. It's a living classroom, showcasing the behaviors and interactions of different animals—encouraging understanding and appreciation, and kindling a spirit of conservation in those who roll through its terrain.

Things to Do & See at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

The main event, of course, is the road safari, where visitors can slowly wind their way through the various habitats. It's an interactive affair; you can purchase animal feed at the entrance and experience the joy of feeding a curious llama or a gentle bison that approaches your vehicle. Just be prepared—those close encounters might include a slobbery hello from a friendly ostrich!

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Don't miss the Walk-A-Bout area, where getting out of your car is encouraged. Stroll along and enjoy giraffe feeding, the petting barnyard, and the chance to observe some critters that prefer a more 'pedestrian-friendly' setting. There's also the Safari Camp Grill for a bite to eat, and the Safari Trading Post, where unique souvenirs await to commemorate your safari adventure.

Educational programs and seasonal events are sprinkled throughout the year, so there's always something new to learn or experience at the ranch. These programs are not just enjoyable—they're bred from a deep understanding of animal behaviors and environmental stewardship, which only enriches the visitor experience.

Frequently asked questions

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Texas-Style wildlife park in San Antonio where visitors can see and feed a variety of native and exotic animals from their cars.

Visitors to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch can see and feed a range of animals including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lemurs, peacocks, and various species of deer and antelope among others.

Yes, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is open year-round, but hours and days of operation may vary by season, so it's recommended to check their website or call ahead before planning your visit.

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers visitors the chance to experience a drive-thru safari where they can feed animals from their vehicles. They may also have seasonal events or educational programs available.

Yes, visitors can purchase feed at the ranch to give to certain animals during their drive-thru safari experience. However, there are guidelines and restrictions on feeding to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals.

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Virginia Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Virginia Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• (0.61 km) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (7.94 km) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (13.86 km) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (13.76 km) The Georges
• (1.04 km) Budget Inn
• (0.97 km) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (13.42 km) Niko's Grille
• (13.76 km) Bistro on Main
• (4.68 km) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (13.63 km) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.68 km) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (5.77 km) Natural Bridge State Park
• (13.68 km) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.68 km) Halcyon Days Cider
• (14.21 km) Virginia Military Institute

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USA TODAY 10Best

Where the wild things roam: 10 best safari parks in the US

Best Safari Park (2024) March 13, 2024

Safari and wildlife parks allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the world's most rare and endangered animals. And the most outstanding safari parks — like these 10 that have been selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the country — aim to educate visitors about the animals and the threats their natural populations face, as well as encourage conservation efforts.  

No. 10: B. Bryan Preserve - Point Arena, California

The B. Bryan Preserve on California's Mendocino Coast has a mission to breed and preserve African hoofstock. Visitors to this Point Arena wildlife park have the opportunity to observe rare and endangered animals, including antelope, zebra, kudu, and giraffe in large, open fields similar to their natural habitats. Available by reservation only, car safaris and guided tours give visitors an up-close view of each species.

No. 9: Keystone Safari - Grove City, Pennsylvania

Keystone Safari, an interactive zoo and adventure park in Grove City, Pennsylvania, is devoted to protecting wildlife, including rare and endangered animals. The 144-acre park has both walk-thru and open-area drive-thru sections where visitors can view animals, including guanacos, donkeys, ponies, Highland cattle, emu, zebras, deer, yak, turkeys, and more.

No. 8: Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, Arizona

Visitors to Bearizona, situated on 160 acres of land near the town of Williams, drive through more than 3 miles of ponderosa pine forest on a safari to see North American animals in natural habitats. After the driving portion of the park, guests can head on foot through Fort Bearizona, where winding walkways lead past smaller animals on exhibit. Guests can interact with animals in the Bearizona Barnyard petting zoo or learn more about the animals on display during daily keeper chats.

No. 7: Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, Florida

Palm Beach may be far away from the wilds of Africa, but it’s also home to Florida’s largest drive-through safari, the AZA-accredited Lion Country Safari. Established in 1967, this safari park invites visitors to observe and interact with nearly 1,000 animals divided between seven sections. Guests might spot storks, wildebeest, and impalas on the Serengeti Plains, observe a pride of lions in Gorongosa Reserve, or see giraffes and endangered rhinos in Hwange National Park.

No. 6: The Wilds - Cumberland, Ohio

An AZA-accredited branch of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds helps visitors gain a fresh perspective on endangered species through a series of immersive experiences within the nearly-10,000-acre park. Rare and endangered animals from around the globe — particularly Africa and Asia — live in open-range habitats that visitors can explore via open-air safari vehicle. 

No. 5: Safari West - Santa Rosa, California

A bit of Africa in the heart of California’s wine country, Safari West welcomes guests to the "Sonoma Serengeti," where a 3-hour riding and walking adventure takes them through the 400-acre preserve. Giraffes, zebras, oryx, gazelles, antelopes, buffalo, wildebeest, and many other species number among nearly 900 animals that call the park home. For an even more in-depth safari experience, visitors can choose to stay the night in a luxurious safari tent and fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal animals.

No. 4: San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, California

At the AZA-accredited San Diego Zoo Safari Park, visitors can observe rhinos with their young, watch an elephant herd splash through a pond, or see lions basking in the sun. A tram transports guests through the 1,800 African-themed acres that more than 300 species call home.

No. 3: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Glen Rose, Texas

Open to the public since 1984, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center's key mission is to protect and grow the populations of indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species through captive breeding programs. During their visit, people of all ages can drive along the 7.2-mile Gosdin Scenic Drive to admire these animals in natural settings. Animal species include emus, zebras, rhinoceros, giraffes, and more. At the Children's Animal Center, you can also see tortoises, goats, and macaws.

No. 2: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge - Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Dedicated to providing a safe haven for abused, abandoned, and neglected big cats, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a 459-acre sanctuary located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Visitors can view over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, and bears. Regular admission includes an hour-long tour on their open-air tram and a self-guided Discovery Area. Other experiences offered include behind-the-scenes tours, curator talks, and virtual tours.

No. 1: Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park - Ashland, Nebraska

An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park invites visitors to drive along a 4-mile route through habitats populated by native North American plant and animal species, including American elk, bison, waterfowl, and white-tailed deer. At Wolf Canyon, guests can hop out of the car to see grey wolves and American black bears or walk through the half-acre Eagle Aviary.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Annita thomas.

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Annita is the on-air personality of Travel With Annita radio show, the recipient of two Gold Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards. With 40 years of travel experience she has been to 119 countries and territories, and has worked in several areas of the travel industry. She started her travel career with Pan American World Airways and later worked for the Atlanta CVB during the 1996 Olympics. The multi-media journalist not only host a travel show on terrestrial radio, but also a Lowell Thomas Bronze Award winning podcast - Quarter Miles Travel featuring stories based on the U.S. Mint coins programs. She writes for Upscale Magazine and is an ambassador for Oprah Daily digital magazine. Annita's mission is to inspire Baby Boomers and Empty Nesters to go out and explore the world, creating memorable experiences. She values storytelling, cultural awareness, sharing human interest stories and highlighting sustainable travel brands. Her mission is to help shape the listeners and readers perspective of beautiful destinations around the world. She is the proud fur-baby mom of two fun loving Chocolate Labs, Boris and Natasha. Her favorite destination - the last place she visited. Her favorite travel quote - “Let’s Go!” 

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‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

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Corinne hails from the  other Washington, where she...   Read More

Corinne hails from the  other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak . Here in the lovely Northwest, she's  attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.

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Dawn is a full-time travel & lifestyle blogger whose adventures take her all over California and around the globe. Her focus is on creating in-depth articles, travel guides, and hotel reviews to help others plan their own adventures. Every Monday you can find a new comprehensive blog post and “virtual visit” video on her travel website  FlyingDawnMarie.com

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Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website  braveskimom.com  in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook. 

Kyle McCarthy

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of...   Read More

Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com , America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and  The Family Vacationist  e-newsletter  provide destination reviews, tips and  seasonal roundups  for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog  and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing.  Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok , Youtube, IG , and FB . After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada. 

Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More

Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com , the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter  and Instagram .

Tamara Gruber

Tamara Gruber is an award-winning travel blogger...   Read More

Tamara Gruber is an award-winning travel blogger at  We3Travel.com  and  YourTimetoFly.com  who has visited 49 states and over 30 countries. A diligent travel planner, Tamara loves sharing her hand-crafted itineraries, destination guides, and travel tips to make vacation planning easier for others. She focuses on unique cultural experiences, local food & wine, soft adventure, and boutique and luxury hotels. You will usually find her exploring close to home in New England, road tripping across the U.S., or wandering the small towns and big cities of Europe.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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There's A Cavern Right Next To A Safari Park In Texas, Making For A Fun-Filled Family Outing

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

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While there are lots of Texas Hill Country attractions that make for epic family outings, none quite compare to this twofer. Located in San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch are right next to each other, so you can explore the depths of the underground and go on a safari all in the same day.

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Have you ever been to either Natural Bridge Caverns or Natural Bridge Wildlife Refuge? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Interested in more Texas Hill Country attractions? Check out our previous article for a waterfall that looks like something out of the rainforest.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Virginia Safari Park

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VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:00
• (0.38 mi) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (4.96 mi) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (8.66 mi) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (8.60 mi) The Georges
• (0.65 mi) Budget Inn
• (0.61 mi) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (8.39 mi) Niko's Grille
• (8.60 mi) Bistro on Main
• (2.93 mi) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (8.52 mi) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.42 mi) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (3.60 mi) Natural Bridge State Park
• (8.55 mi) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.05 mi) Halcyon Days Cider
• (8.88 mi) Virginia Military Institute