Heading to San Antonio, Texas, and undecided what to do. Effectively, you’re in the precise 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 no less than 6 of them within the metropolis and so they cowl every part from pure historical past to the Wild West. Need to take the children to an amusement park? You’ll be spoiled for selection because the metropolis has a number of of the very best and largest within the state.
I’ve solely gotten began on the enjoyable issues to do in San Antonio so stick to me as I inform you about all the opposite cool issues you might want to see on this Texas metropolis.
San Antonio is sweet 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 Lodge, The Menger Lodge, Lodge 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, Hen 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. Town has a lot to supply that anybody can have enjoyable right here no matter their age and private pursuits.
Youngsters love the amusement and theme parks, younger adults benefit from the colourful metropolis heart with enjoyable outlets 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 get pleasure from 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 facet of the San Antonio River for roughly 15 miles. Outlets, eateries, and accommodations line the promenade, which sits one stage under town’s principal roads. The Downtown space of the River Stroll is the most well-liked with vacationers and locals, however the promenade extends many miles north, and you would 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 have a good time profitable the title by doing a victory boat parade.
Sensible Info: San Antonio River Stroll is a 15-mile promenade accessible without cost 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 improvement in San Antonio.
This outdated neighborhood is residence to artwork galleries, outlets, and colourful sculptures. Should you just like the sugar cranium motif, you’ll like it 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 statement deck on the Tower of the Americas.
Sensible Info: La Villita Historic Village is accessible any time of day, without cost. Most outlets within the neighborhood are open from 10 AM to six PM.
The Historic Market Sq. is in western San Antonio, exterior the middle of town. And it’s completely price it to exit of your approach to see it as a result of it’s one of many metropolis’s finest locations for memento buying and low-cost meals.
Come right here for genuine Tex-Mex meals, colourful garments, jewellery, and all kinds of trinkets and crafts. Even in the event you’re not very hungry whenever you go to the Historic Market Sq., I like to recommend you strive no less than 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 strive in the event you’re doing a culinary tour of town. I’ll say that it’s a very good factor many of the metropolis heart is walkable as a result of it can 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. Respect The View From The Tower of The Americas
The Tower of the Americas is one in all two statement 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 statement deck on high and a revolving restaurant the place you may get a pleasant (however costly) meal with nice views. Should you purchase tickets for the statement deck, you additionally get entry to the 4D theater, the place you may take a trip in 4D over Texas.
Insider Tip: Come right here after darkish for a wonderful 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 statement 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 all solely 24 UNESCO World Heritage Websites in the USA. San Antonio missions have been essential 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 way of the nationwide park, which lets you uncover all 4 missions on the grounds. Bicycles can be found, and so they’re the very best for getting from one mission to a different shortly.
It’s additionally attainable to simply 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 all these landmarks, make it Mission San Jose. It’s the best-preserved constructing with interval furnishings and an exhibit that provides 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 wonderful as a result of you may tour your complete 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 see 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 in the event 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 evening for the best possible expertise. The boats all mild up in vivid 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 a large number 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 get pleasure from, simply skip to the subsequent factor on this checklist earlier than I traumatize you with ghost tales.
Probably the most haunted constructing within the metropolis is in fact the Alamo, the place individuals to today report seeing ghosts of Texan troopers. Reverse the historic fort is the Menger Lodge, one other well-liked 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 town. They happen after darkish, in fact, and are my advice if you wish to finish the evening terrified and lie in mattress stressed.
Sensible Info: Ghost excursions of San Antonio happen at evening and often 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 town heart. The botanical backyard dates again to the early twentieth century and options koi ponds, stone bridges, a pagoda, and a waterfall. Numerous crops and timber adorn this lush backyard, and the mesmerizing landscaping is the very best factor about it.
Come right here in the event you ever want to flee the busy streets of Downtown San Antonio. You’ll be able to overlook 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 without doubt one of the first missions in Texas and was initially referred to as Misión San Antonio de Valero.
It grew to become world-famous after the Battle of the Alamo, which was a turning level within the Texas Revolution. In the present day, the small fort is a museum with artifacts from the revolution period, one of many greatest occasions in Texas historical past. The Alamo is without doubt one of the most visited historic websites within the US so it’s at all times 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 well-liked. The church on-site is free, however you might 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 might shortly change into the most important brewery in Texas and the one one to outlive the prohibition.
The brewery closed down in 2001, and the constructing in the present day homes outlets and eating places. Come right here to find a unique a part of San Antonio, one which’s filled with historical past and attention-grabbing landmarks however away from town heart.
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 way of 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 situated within the outdated Lone Star Brewery constructing, only a 15-minute stroll from the Pearl District. It has a tremendous assortment of Latin American, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artwork spanning practically 5,000 years. Work, sculptures, pictures, furnishings, on a regular basis objects, and extra are all on show.
The American assortment is on two flooring and has a piece devoted to Texas artists. The Asian assortment is the most important within the Southwest, so if you’re an artwork lover in San Antonio, you must see this museum.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is open from 10 AM to five/7 PM on daily basis 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 often known as The Thrill Capital of South Texas with greater than 60 rides all through the grounds, together with a water park with no less than 15 slides. Should you’re on the lookout for much more water rides, I counsel you take a look at SeaWorld San Antonio as a substitute.
Rising to a powerful 205 ft, the Scream drop tower is the park’s scariest trip. If you wish to really feel adrenaline coursing by way of 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 pace of virtually 60 miles per hour.
The amusement park may be finished in a few hours in the event you’re quick on time, or you would spend a complete 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 no less than half a day, contemplate getting a One-Day Eating Deal to economize on meals.
Sensible Info: One-day passes for the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park begin at $45.
13. Discover The Pure Bridge Caverns
Top-of-the-line pure landmarks in Texas is only a 30-minute drive from central San Antonio. Come right here for underground excursions of the caverns but additionally to have some enjoyable on the journey programs above floor.
The caverns are exceptional to see with all of the completely different geological formations. Nevertheless, I don’t advocate this tour for vacationers with restricted mobility as a result of it could actually get very strenuous at instances. Additionally, the humidity is continually at 99% and the temperature is generally round 70 levels, which is uncharacteristically heat for underground caves.
The journey park incorporates a maze, rope programs, and a number of zip rails above the bottom with panoramic views of Texas Hill Nation. Every little thing right here is kid-friendly, and there are even a few reveals which might 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 charge 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 unlimited inexperienced house within the northern a part of town. That includes ponds, landscaped strolling trails, and plush greenery throughout, the place is a sight for sore eyes in the event you’re uninterested in wanting on the downtown buildings.
A number of conservatories are on the botanical backyard, and so they’re particular not just for the crops you’ll see inside but additionally for his or her form. The glass buildings are virtually items of artwork and fantastic to see. The crops and flowers inside are principally those which might be native to the area, however they’re nonetheless pretty.
The botanical backyard additionally incorporates a cafe, and it’s a terrific place to take a seat down for a fast break earlier than you progress on to the subsequent San Antonio landmark.
Sensible Info: The San Antonio Botanical Backyard is open from 9 AM to five PM. The doorway charge is $18-22 for adults.
15. Bounce Into an LED Ball Pit at Hopscotch San Antonio
Hopscotch San Antonio is a contemporary artwork gallery with very enjoyable interactive reveals. There are solely two Hopschotch galleries in the USA, so a visit to San Antonio is the right alternative to find this fabulous house.
It’s not like any artwork gallery you’ve ever visited. Many reveals are interactive and intensely enjoyable. You’ll be able to 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 one of the vital Instagrammable locations in San Antonio, so you need to come right here if you wish to commemorate your journey to this metropolis with epic images.
Insider Tip: To have interaction with among the interactive reveals, 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 attention-grabbing assortment, and I’ve by no means seen something prefer it in my life; I simply don’t like taxidermy very a lot.
I appreciated the Texas Ranger Museum a lot better, with its recreation of a Wild West city, full with a saloon and a jail cell. You’ll be able to stroll by way of 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 images.
Sensible Info: The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is open from 10 AM to five PM. Admission tickets are $22.99 and embrace entrance to all of the reveals within the constructing. You’ll be able to 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. Embody it in your San Antonio itinerary if you wish to see an interesting 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 in the event you go to in the course of the day, and you’ll give attention to 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 attention-grabbing. 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 may see three well-liked San Antonio points of interest 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 just an hour and a half from Austin. The bustling state capital is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to on day journeys from San Antonio, each for the proximity and fantastic points of interest it provides. Austin is thought for its wonderful cultural scene, nice meals, dwell music, and only a nice ambiance throughout.
Should you contemplate your self an artwork lover, you’ll have the time of your life in Austin. Town is residence to many fantastic museums and artwork reveals, 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 that you may’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 town each by automobile and native bus.
19. Study About Texas at The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum is situated in Brackenridge Park and is without doubt one of the oldest museums in San Antonio. It tells the story of Texas from prehistoric instances to in the present day. The museum has an unlimited 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. Youngsters 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 offered. 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 yet 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 an exquisite 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 a substitute, 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 evening, you’ll get to see a spectacular mild and music present, and also you would possibly even expertise some paranormal occasions.
Sensible Info: San Fernando Cathedral is open from 9 AM to five PM and is accessible freed from cost.
Regularly 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 finest 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 a detailed second, with a way more touristy ambiance than the historic battleground.
What Is San Antonio Finest Recognized For?
San Antonio is finest 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. In the future is sufficient time to see all these landmarks, and also you would possibly 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
The most effective time to go to San Antonio is from November to April. March and April are usually the most well-liked months for journeys to this Texas metropolis due to the gentle, heat climate. It’s excellent for lengthy walks across the metropolis heart and excursions to close by parks and nationwide landmarks.
Keep away from touring to town in the summertime in the event you can. San Antonio has very popular summers, and the temperatures typically exceed 90 levels all through the day. That’s too scorching to be comfy whenever you’re exterior many of the day, particularly with 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 town heart; tickets are cheap at $2.5, and the trip is just 30-40 minutes lengthy. It’s price contemplating in the event you’re on a tighter finances and don’t need to spend cash on taxis.
Alternatively, you may 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 automobile and bus.
Getting Round
A lot of central San Antonio is walkable, so you may discover a big portion of town on foot. Biking is well-liked right here and a very good different to taxi rides and automobile leases. San Antonio has a very good bike-sharing system, and you’ll go to many of the points of interest listed on this information on a bicycle.
A rental automobile would provide help to get round San Antonio faster, however it’s not a necessity. The general public transport community in San Antonio is sweet and might even provide help to get all the way in which to Austin. So, contemplate renting a automobile 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 right 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.
Town may be finished in two days, however you’ll want to decide on between a day journey or metropolis points of interest for the second day of the journey. And in the event you solely have at some point in San Antonio, prioritize all of the historic locations and buildings.
San Antonio Metropolis Move
The San Antonio Metropolis Move is admittedly good worth for cash and I extremely advocate you get it in the event you’re severe about sightseeing within the Texas metropolis. The go provides free entrance to 4 out of eight points of interest 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 in the event you go to simply three reveals and the fourth one is virtually freed from cost! Getting the San Antonio Metropolis Move is a no brainer if no less than three of those locations have already made it onto your itinerary. Seize your Move right here.
The place To Keep in San Antonio, Texas
First-time guests ought to search for accommodations in Downtown San Antonio for simple strolling entry to all the very best vacationer points of interest. Many accommodations can be found alongside the historic River Stroll, and so they’re among the finest accommodations within the metropolis.
The Pearl district can also be a beautiful a part of town to remain in, with loads of attention-grabbing points of interest close by. Listed here are among the finest accommodations in San Antonio for all budgets:
- The Gunter Lodge is an reasonably priced choice within the Downtown, near all the very best San Antonio landmarks.
- The Menger Lodge is an efficient mid-range choice within the metropolis heart, with the added bonus of ghost sightings.
- Lodge 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 certain you’ll have a good time in San Antonio. Particularly in the event you prioritize visiting the points of interest that you’re genuinely taken with, versus queuing at well-liked locations simply because it’s what you’re presupposed to do.
