Heading to San Antonio, Texas, and unsure what to do. Nicely, you’re in the best place as a result of this information is filled with enjoyable and funky issues to do in San Antonio for all ages!
San Antonio has one thing for everybody. Need to go to a museum? There are a minimum of 6 of them within the metropolis and so they cowl every thing from pure historical past to the Wild West. Need to take the youngsters to an amusement park? You’ll be spoiled for selection for the reason that metropolis has a number of of the perfect and largest within the state.
I’ve solely gotten began on the enjoyable issues to do in San Antonio so follow me as I inform you about all the opposite cool issues you’ll want to see on this Texas metropolis.
San Antonio is nice for {couples}, households, and solo vacationers. Everybody can discover one thing to do right here whether or not it’s touring a historic landmark or consuming at a restaurant inside an 18th century brewery constructing.
Better of San Antonio Fast Information
- Should See: The Alamo, San Antonio River Stroll, San Antonio Mission Path, La Villita, Pearl District, San Fernando Cathedral
- The place To Keep: The Gunter Resort, The Menger Resort, Resort Emma
- Enjoyable To Do: River Cruise, The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, Ghost excursions, Tower of The Americas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Day Journeys: Austin, Pure Bridge Caverns
- Should-Attempt Meals: Puffy tacos, Barbecue, Bean burger, Rooster on a stick
Finest Issues To Do In San Antonio, Texas
The issues to do in San Antonio vary from enjoyable excursions of historic neighborhoods to sightings of Teddy Roosevelt’s ghost. The town has a lot to supply that anybody can have enjoyable right here no matter their age and private pursuits.
Children love the amusement and theme parks, younger adults benefit from the colourful metropolis middle with enjoyable retailers and eateries, whereas correct adults can tour the Alamo and the historic Mission church buildings. Or have a blast on the largest Six Flags in Texas as a result of adults can take pleasure in amusement park rides too.
1. San Antonio River Stroll
San Antonio’s River Stroll is the highest attraction on this Texas metropolis. Landscaped strolling paths can be found on both aspect of the San Antonio River for roughly 15 miles. Outlets, eateries, and motels line the promenade, which sits one stage under the town’s fundamental roads. The Downtown space of the River Stroll is the preferred with vacationers and locals, however the promenade extends many miles north, and you may proceed strolling for greater than an hour.
The River Stroll can get awfully crowded in the summertime months, however discovering a extra tranquil space shouldn’t be a problem. Simply maintain strolling previous all of the busy eating places and bars; the additional down the River Stroll you go, the smaller the crowds you’ll encounter.
How iconic is the San Antonio River Stroll? Sufficient that the San Antonio Spurs rejoice profitable the title by doing a victory boat parade.
Sensible Info: San Antonio River Stroll is a 15-mile promenade accessible without spending a dime at any time of day.
2. Tour La Villita Historic Village
La Villita is a historic artsy neighborhood sitting one stage above the San Antonio River Stroll. The district is listed on the Nationwide Registry of Historic Locations for its Nineteenth-century buildings that function examples of early residential growth in San Antonio.
This previous neighborhood is house to artwork galleries, retailers, and colourful sculptures. Should you just like the sugar cranium motif, you’ll find it irresistible on this picturesque little village.
La Villita meeting corridor can also be on this district, and it’s an iconic sight within the San Antonio skyline. The constructing is thought for the painted flower on its concave roof, and you’ll simply spot it from the commentary deck on the Tower of the Americas.
Sensible Info: La Villita Historic Village is accessible any time of day, without spending a dime. Most retailers within the neighborhood are open from 10 AM to six PM.
The Historic Market Sq. is in western San Antonio, exterior the middle of the town. And it’s completely price it to exit of your strategy to see it as a result of it’s one of many metropolis’s greatest locations for memento purchasing and low cost meals.
Come right here for genuine Tex-Mex meals, colourful garments, jewellery, and all kinds of trinkets and crafts. Even should you’re not very hungry once you go to the Historic Market Sq., I like to recommend you attempt a minimum of the puffy tacos. They’re an iconic San Antonio delicacy and among the finest native meals.
Bean burgers, hen on a stick, and candy potato fries are different San Antonio specialties to attempt should you’re doing a culinary tour of the town. I’ll say that it’s a great factor many of the metropolis middle is walkable as a result of it’ll take 1000’s of steps to burn off all these scrumptious energy.
Sensible Info: The Historic Market Sq. is open from 10 AM to six PM. Entrance to the world is freed from cost.
4. Admire The View From The Tower of The Americas
The Tower of the Americas is one in every of two commentary decks in Texas and the one one in San Antonio. It was constructed for the 1968 World Truthful and took 18 months to complete.
It’s the centerpiece of HemisFair Park in Downtown San Antonio. Has an commentary deck on prime and a revolving restaurant the place you may get a pleasant (however costly) meal with nice views. Should you purchase tickets for the commentary deck, you additionally get entry to the 4D theater, the place you’ll be able to take a trip in 4D over Texas.
Insider Tip: Come right here after darkish for a superb view of the San Antonio skyline.
Sensible Info: The Tower of the Americas is open from 10 AM to 10-11 PM. Tickets for the commentary deck are $18.50 for adults.
5. Stroll The San Antonio Mission Path
Head to the San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park to find one in every of solely 24 UNESCO World Heritage Websites in america. San Antonio missions have been vital outposts for Catholic non secular orders established by the Spanish colonists. The aim of the missions was to assist unfold Christianity among the many native inhabitants.
4 out of 5 San Antonio missions are preserved within the park; the fifth is by far essentially the most well-known identified, often called the Alamo. The Mission Path is a strolling path by the nationwide park, which lets you uncover all 4 missions on the grounds. Bicycles can be found, and so they’re the perfect for getting from one mission to a different rapidly.
It’s additionally attainable to only drive from one spot to a different, and that is the most suitable choice if in case you have very restricted time in San Antonio. Should you solely have time to go to one in every of these landmarks, make it Mission San Jose. It’s the best-preserved constructing with interval furnishings and an exhibit that gives perception into the lives of the native inhabitants within the early 18th century.
Sensible Info: San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park is open every day from dawn to sundown. Entrance to the park is freed from cost.
6. Go On A River Cruise
Don’t have sufficient time to discover the historic River Stroll on foot? That’s positive as a result of you’ll be able to tour the whole pedestrian space in a ship in about half-hour! Go Rio cruises can be found at a number of spots on the River Stroll, so simply stroll alongside the river till you notice a Go Rio ticket sales space or empty boats.
The boats depart each 15-20 minutes, so that you may need to attend a short while for a free seat. Purchase tickets on-line should you don’t need to wait in line on the ticket sales space, however take into account that they’re not timed tickets. Seats on the boat are given out on a first-come-first-served foundation.
I like to recommend doing the river cruise at night time for the best possible expertise. The boats all mild up in shiny colours, and there’s one thing particular concerning the River Stroll after darkish. All of the cruises are narrated, and the information will inform you numerous concerning the historical past of the River Stroll and its significance for San Antonio and its residents.
Sensible Info: Go Rio cruises happen each 15-20 minutes. A ticket for adults is $14.5.
7. Ghost Tour of San Antonio
San Antonio is a wonderful vacation spot for ghost hunts and haunted excursions. If that doesn’t sound like one thing you’d take pleasure in, simply skip to the following factor on this record earlier than I traumatize you with ghost tales.
Essentially the most haunted constructing within the metropolis is in fact the Alamo, the place folks to this present day report seeing ghosts of Texan troopers. Reverse the historic fort is the Menger Resort, one other widespread vacation spot within the metropolis for ghost sightings. Visitors have reported listening to unusual noises within the lodge, seeing faces within the mirror, smelling cigar smoke, and even encountering the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt on the bar.
Go to all of San Antonio’s haunted websites by yourself, or prepare a guided ghost tour of the town. They happen after darkish, in fact, and are my advice if you wish to finish the night time terrified and lie in mattress stressed.
Sensible Info: Ghost excursions of San Antonio happen at night time and normally final for 2-3 hours.
8. Get Misplaced At The Japanese Tea Backyard
The Japanese Tea Backyard is near the San Antonio Zoo, north of the town middle. The botanical backyard dates again to the early twentieth century and options koi ponds, stone bridges, a pagoda, and a waterfall. Numerous vegetation and timber adorn this lush backyard, and the mesmerizing landscaping is the perfect factor about it.
Come right here should you ever want to flee the busy streets of Downtown San Antonio. You possibly can neglect you’re in Texas for a second as you roam across the grounds of the fascinating botanical backyard.
Sensible Info: The Japanese Tea Backyard is open from 7 AM to five PM. Entrance to the botanical backyard is freed from cost.
9. Go to The Alamo
The Alamo might be essentially the most well-known landmark in Texas. The legendary fort is likely one of the first missions in Texas and was initially referred to as Misión San Antonio de Valero.
It turned world-famous after the Battle of the Alamo, which was a turning level within the Texas Revolution. Right this moment, the small fort is a museum with artifacts from the revolution period, one of many largest occasions in Texas historical past. The Alamo is likely one of the most visited historic websites within the US so it’s all the time busy.
It’s small and doesn’t take lengthy to see. However the traces are lengthy, and you’ll have to wait in line at a spot that’s so widespread. The church on-site is free, however you’ll want to purchase tickets for the opposite buildings.
Sensible Info: Tickets for the Alamo exhibit are $14 for adults. A guided tour of the advanced with entrance to all of the buildings is $45.
10. Sightseeing in The Pearl District
The Pearl District is the world of San Antonio surrounding the historic Pearl Brewery. Initially based because the Metropolis Brewery in 1881, it will rapidly change into the biggest brewery in Texas and the one one to outlive the prohibition.
The brewery closed down in 2001, and the constructing at the moment homes retailers and eating places. Come right here to find a special a part of San Antonio, one which’s stuffed with historical past and fascinating landmarks however away from the town middle.
The Grotto can also be within the Pearl district, located on the River Stroll south of the brewery constructing. It’s a synthetic riverfront cave with faces carved into the rocks, strolling paths by the cliffs, and man-made waterfalls.
Sensible Info: The Pearl Brewery is roughly a 30-minute stroll from the Downtown, accessible by strolling paths on the San Antonio River Stroll.
11. Uncover The Assortment at The San Antonio Museum of Artwork
The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is positioned within the previous Lone Star Brewery constructing, only a 15-minute stroll from the Pearl District. It has an incredible assortment of Latin American, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artwork spanning practically 5,000 years. Work, sculptures, images, furnishings, on a regular basis objects, and extra are all on show.
The American assortment is on two flooring and has a bit devoted to Texas artists. The Asian assortment is the biggest within the Southwest, so in case you are an artwork lover in San Antonio, it’s important to see this museum.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is open from 10 AM to five/7 PM day-after-day besides Monday. Tickets are $20 for adults.
12. Amusement Park Rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Should you’re in San Antonio with children, there’s no higher place to take them than Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The theme park is also referred to as The Thrill Capital of South Texas with greater than 60 rides all through the grounds, together with a water park with a minimum of 15 slides. Should you’re on the lookout for much more water rides, I recommend you try SeaWorld San Antonio as an alternative.
Rising to a powerful 205 toes, the Scream drop tower is the park’s scariest trip. If you wish to really feel adrenaline coursing by your veins, it’s THE trip for you. However the centerpiece of the amusement park is the Boomerang rollercoaster, that includes insane twists and turns at a velocity of virtually 60 miles per hour.
The amusement park might be achieved in a few hours should you’re quick on time, or you may spend a whole day right here occurring completely different rides and having the time of your life. Should you determine to remain on the Six Flags Fiesta for a minimum of half a day, think about getting a One-Day Eating Deal to save cash on meals.
Sensible Info: One-day passes for the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park begin at $45.
13. Discover The Pure Bridge Caverns
Probably the greatest pure landmarks in Texas is only a 30-minute drive from central San Antonio. Come right here for underground excursions of the caverns but in addition to have some enjoyable on the journey programs above floor.
The caverns are outstanding to see with all of the completely different geological formations. Nonetheless, I don’t advocate this tour for vacationers with restricted mobility as a result of it may possibly get very strenuous at occasions. Additionally, the humidity is consistently at 99% and the temperature is often round 70 levels, which is uncharacteristically heat for underground caves.
The journey park contains a maze, rope programs, and a number of zip rails above the bottom with panoramic views of Texas Hill Nation. All the things right here is kid-friendly, and there are even a few displays which can be particularly designed for the youngest guests.
Insider Tip: Put on sturdy footwear as a result of the cavern ground is moist and slippery.
Sensible Info: The payment for cavern excursions is roughly $30-50, relying on the day you go to and the kind of tour you select. Pure Bridge Caverns Park is open every day from 9:30 AM to five:30 PM.
14. Native Flora at San Antonio Botanical Backyard
San Antonio Botanical Backyard is an enormous inexperienced house within the northern a part of the town. That includes ponds, landscaped strolling trails, and luxurious greenery throughout, the place is a sight for sore eyes should you’re uninterested in trying on the downtown buildings.
A number of conservatories are on the botanical backyard, and so they’re particular not just for the vegetation you’ll see inside but in addition for his or her form. The glass constructions are virtually items of artwork and great to see. The vegetation and flowers inside are principally those which can be native to the area, however they’re nonetheless pretty.
The botanical backyard additionally contains a cafe, and it’s an incredible place to take a seat down for a fast break earlier than you progress on to the following San Antonio landmark.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Botanical Backyard is open from 9 AM to five PM. The doorway payment is $18-22 for adults.
15. Soar Into an LED Ball Pit at Hopscotch San Antonio
Hopscotch San Antonio is a contemporary artwork gallery with very enjoyable interactive displays. There are solely two Hopschotch galleries in america, so a visit to San Antonio is the proper alternative to find this fabulous house.
It’s not like any artwork gallery you’ve ever visited. Many displays are interactive and very enjoyable. You possibly can play in an LED ball pit, stroll round a rainbow cave, and soar round on a quantum trampoline. The exhibit additionally options murals and sculptures, however they’re removed from conventional artworks.
The artwork gallery can also be some of the Instagrammable locations in San Antonio, so you should come right here if you wish to commemorate your journey to this metropolis with epic pictures.
Insider Tip: To have interaction with among the interactive displays, guests should take off their footwear and put on socks.
Sensible Info: Hopscotch San Antonio is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM. Normal admission to the artwork gallery is $24.
16. Journey Again In Time At The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
Go to the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum in Downtown San Antonio for a style of the Wild West. The restaurant is a full-on Western saloon and has two museums on the property. One ticket will get you into each museums.
The Buckhorn Museum has a bizarre assortment of taxidermied animals. I didn’t prefer it very a lot. I imply, it’s an fascinating assortment, and I’ve by no means seen something prefer it in my life; I simply don’t like taxidermy very a lot.
I favored the Texas Ranger Museum a lot better, with its recreation of a Wild West city, full with a saloon and a jail cell. You possibly can stroll by these swinging saloon doorways and pose for footage behind bars, like an actual outlaw. The exhibit has weapons of well-known Texas rangers, their badges, and pictures.
Sensible Info: The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is open from 10 AM to five PM. Admission tickets are $22.99 and embody entrance to all of the displays within the constructing. You possibly can e-book them right here.
17. Tour The Spanish Governor’s Palace
The Spanish Governor’s Palace is considerably of a hidden gem in San Antonio. Embrace it in your San Antonio itinerary if you wish to see a captivating stucco palace full with interval furnishings and ghosts. The palace is rumored to be haunted, and it’s typically included in San Antonio ghost excursions.
You gained’t see any ghosts should you go to in the course of the day, and you’ll deal with the impeccable colonial structure and gorgeous vintage furnishings. Stunning artworks adorn the inside of the palace and its grounds, however I personally discovered the kitchen space essentially the most fascinating. I’ve by no means seen something prefer it earlier than, particularly in such good situation.
Insider Tip: The Palace is located between the San Fernando Cathedral and the Historic Market Sq., so you’ll be able to see three widespread San Antonio sights in a single afternoon.
Sensible Info: The Spanish Governer’s Palace is open from 9 AM to five PM. Tickets are $5.
18. Day Journey to Austin
San Antonio is barely an hour and a half from Austin. The bustling state capital is likely one of the greatest locations to go to on day journeys from San Antonio, each for the proximity and great sights it gives. Austin is thought for its wonderful cultural scene, nice meals, dwell music, and only a nice environment throughout.
Should you think about your self an artwork lover, you’ll have the time of your life in Austin. The town is house to many great museums and artwork displays, which vary from a museum devoted to Charles Umlauf’s works to a contemporary artwork set up named Cathedral of Junk.
The Texas Capitol is an iconic constructing you can’t miss whilst you’re in Austin. It’s completely unbelievable to see and guests can get free, 30-minute guided excursions of the landmark advanced.
Sensible Info: Austin is 80 miles northeast of San Antonio. It takes about an hour and a half to achieve the town each by automotive and native bus.
19. Study About Texas at The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is positioned in Brackenridge Park and is likely one of the oldest museums in San Antonio. It tells the story of Texas from prehistoric occasions to at the moment. The museum has an enormous assortment of historic artifacts and among the highlights are dinosaur bones and Sheriff’s badges from the 1800s.
It’s nice, and there’s one thing for everybody, it doesn’t matter what age. Children love the enormous dinosaur replicas, and adults have extra enjoyable with the Texas artwork, textiles, and on a regular basis objects from a bygone period.
Not in downtown San Antonio however public transportation is obtainable. Bus from Alamo to Witte Museum is 20 minutes.
Sensible Info: The Witte Museum is open from 10 AM to six PM. Tickets are $16 for adults.
20. See The Historic San Fernando Cathedral
San Fernando Cathedral is one more in a string of historic landmarks to be present in Downtown San Antonio. The landmark church was initially constructed within the early 18th century and serves as a beautiful instance of Spanish colonial structure.
The opulent altar and marvelous stained glass home windows are the highlights of San Fernando Cathedral. Free guided excursions can be found to all guests, though you gained’t get to see the inside of the church. As an alternative, the excursions take you across the cathedral grounds whereas the native information recounts the church’s historical past.
This church is commonly included in ghost excursions of San Antonio. Should you come right here at night time, you’ll get to see a spectacular mild and music present, and also you may even expertise some paranormal occasions.
Sensible Info: San Fernando Cathedral is open from 9 AM to five PM and is accessible freed from cost.
Incessantly Requested Questions For San Antonio, Texas
How Can I Spend 3 Days In San Antonio?
Three days are sufficient time to see all of San Antonio’s greatest landmarks and do a day journey to a close-by metropolis or nationwide park. Go to the Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio Mission Path, the River Stroll, the Witte Museum, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard, and the Pearl, and go on a river cruise within the downtown.
What Is The Most Visited Place In San Antonio, Texas?
The Alamo is essentially the most visited landmark in San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio River Stroll is an in depth second, with a way more touristy environment than the historic battleground.
What Is San Antonio Finest Identified For?
San Antonio is greatest identified for the Alamo and the Spanish mission church buildings. Its wealthy and battle-ridden historical past has additionally made it well-known for ghost sightings.
How Do I Spend A Day In San Antonio?
Should you solely have a day in San Antonio, spend it visiting the River Stroll, the Alamo, Historic Market Sq., San Antonio Mission Historic Nationwide Park, and the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Someday is sufficient time to see all these landmarks, and also you may simply have sufficient time to squeeze in a visit to one of many botanical gardens.
Suggestions And Info For Visiting San Antonio, Texas
Finest Time To Go to
One of the best time to go to San Antonio is from November to April. March and April are usually the preferred months for journeys to this Texas metropolis due to the delicate, heat climate. It’s excellent for lengthy walks across the metropolis middle and excursions to close by parks and nationwide landmarks.
Keep away from touring to the town in the summertime should you can. San Antonio has extremely popular summers, and the temperatures typically exceed 90 levels all through the day. That’s too sizzling to be snug once you’re exterior many of the day, particularly with the town’s excessive humidity.
Getting There
Search for flights to San Antonio Worldwide Airport. It’s solely a 15-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, so that you’ll be at your lodge very quickly. Buses additionally run from the airport to the town middle; tickets are cheap at $2.5, and the trip is barely 30-40 minutes lengthy. It’s price contemplating should you’re on a tighter funds and don’t need to spend cash on taxis.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to fly to Austin after which get a trip to San Antonio. The airport in Austin is larger and busier than the one in San Antonio, with extra home and worldwide connections. The capital is simply an hour and a half from San Antonio by each automotive and bus.
Getting Round
A lot of central San Antonio is walkable, so you’ll be able to discover a big portion of the town on foot. Biking is widespread right here and a very good different to taxi rides and automotive leases. San Antonio has a great bike-sharing system, and you’ll go to many of the sights listed on this information on a bicycle.
A rental automotive would assist you get round San Antonio faster, nevertheless it’s not a necessity. The general public transport community in San Antonio is nice and might even assist you get all the best way to Austin. So, think about renting a automotive solely if in case you have very restricted time within the metropolis and also you need to go to as many landmarks as attainable.
How A lot Time Do You Want
Three days is the proper period of time for a San Antonio journey. It’s greater than sufficient time to cowl all the highest landmarks within the metropolis, in addition to a day journey to a close-by metropolis or nationwide park. I like to recommend incorporating a day journey to Austin in your three-day itinerary as a result of it’s very near San Antonio.
The town might be achieved in two days, however you’ll want to decide on between a day journey or metropolis sights for the second day of the journey. And should you solely have someday in San Antonio, prioritize all of the historic locations and buildings.
San Antonio Metropolis Cross
The San Antonio Metropolis Cross is absolutely good worth for cash and I extremely advocate you get it should you’re critical about sightseeing within the Texas metropolis. The go gives free entrance to 4 out of eight sights of your selection for $59:
- Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises ($14.5)
- San Antonio Zoo ($25)
- The Tower of The Americas ($18.50)
- The DoSeum ($18)
- San Antonio Botanical Backyard ($18-22)
- Witte Museum ($16)
- San Antonio Museum of Artwork ($20)
- The Alamo – Exhibit and Church ($14)
You will get your cash’s price should you go to simply three displays and the fourth one is virtually freed from cost! Getting the San Antonio Metropolis Cross is a no brainer if a minimum of three of those locations have already made it onto your itinerary. Seize your Cross right here.
The place To Keep in San Antonio, Texas
First-time guests ought to search for motels in Downtown San Antonio for straightforward strolling entry to all the perfect vacationer sights. Many motels can be found alongside the historic River Stroll, and so they’re among the greatest motels within the metropolis.
The Pearl district can also be a beautiful a part of the town to remain in, with loads of fascinating sights close by. Listed below are among the greatest motels in San Antonio for all budgets:
- The Gunter Resort is an reasonably priced choice within the Downtown, near all the perfect San Antonio landmarks.
- The Menger Resort is an efficient mid-range choice within the metropolis middle, with the added bonus of ghost sightings.
- Resort Emma is a high-end luxurious lodge on the River Stroll within the Pearl District of San Antonio.
Whether or not you keep at a haunted lodge or an all-out luxurious resort, I’m fairly positive you’ll have a good time in San Antonio. Particularly should you prioritize visiting the sights that you’re genuinely focused on, versus queuing at widespread locations simply because it’s what you’re imagined to do.
