20 Finest Issues to Do in San Antonio, Texas in 2024

Heading to San Antonio, Texas, and unsure what to do. Properly, you’re in the best place as a result of this information is stuffed with enjoyable and funky issues to do in San Antonio for all ages!

San Antonio has one thing for everybody. Wish to go to a museum? There are not less than 6 of them within the metropolis they usually cowl all the pieces from pure historical past to the Wild West. Wish to take the youngsters 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 follow me as I inform you about all the opposite cool issues you’ll 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 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 facet of the San Antonio River for roughly 15 miles. Outlets, eateries, and motels line the promenade, which sits one stage beneath the town’s important 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 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 hold 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 fun profitable the title by doing a victory boat parade. 

Sensible Data: 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 improvement in San Antonio.

This outdated neighborhood is dwelling 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 understood for the painted flower on its concave roof, and you may simply spot it from the statement deck on the Tower of the Americas. 

Sensible Data: 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 method to see it as a result of it’s one of many metropolis’s greatest 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 when you’re not very hungry whenever you go to the Historic Market Sq., I like to recommend you strive not less than the puffy tacos. They’re an iconic San Antonio delicacy and the most effective native meals. 

Bean burgers, rooster on a stick, and candy potato fries are different San Antonio specialties to strive when you’re doing a culinary tour of the town. I’ll say that it’s a very good factor a lot of the metropolis heart is walkable as a result of it is going to take 1000’s of steps to burn off all these scrumptious energy. 

Sensible Data: 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 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 prime and a revolving restaurant the place you will 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 experience in 4D over Texas.

Insider Tip: Come right here after darkish for a wonderful view of the San Antonio skyline. 

Sensible Data: 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 US. San Antonio missions had been necessary 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 probably the most well-known recognized, often known as the Alamo. The Mission Path is a strolling path via the nationwide park, which lets you uncover all 4 missions on the grounds. Bicycles can be found, they usually’re the very best for getting from one mission to a different shortly. 

It’s additionally potential 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 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 Data: San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park is open each 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 high quality 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 notice a Go Rio ticket sales space or empty boats. 

The boats depart each 15-20 minutes, so that you might need to attend a short while for a free seat. Purchase tickets on-line when you don’t wish to wait in line on the ticket sales space, however understand 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 very best expertise. The boats all mild up in shiny colours, and there’s one thing particular in regards to the River Stroll after darkish. All of the cruises are narrated, and the information will inform you a large number in regards to the historical past of the River Stroll and its significance for San Antonio and its residents. 

Sensible Data: 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 subsequent factor on this listing earlier than I traumatize you with ghost tales. 

Essentially the most haunted constructing within the metropolis is after all 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. Friends 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, after all, and are my suggestion if you wish to finish the evening terrified and lie in mattress stressed. 

Sensible Data: 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 the 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 bushes adorn this lush backyard, and the mesmerizing landscaping is the very best factor about it. 

Come right here when you ever want to flee the busy streets of Downtown San Antonio. You may neglect you’re in Texas for a second as you roam across the grounds of the charming botanical backyard. 

Sensible Data:  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 probably the most well-known landmark in Texas. The legendary fort is likely one of the first missions in Texas and was initially known 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. 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 likely 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’ll want to purchase tickets for the opposite buildings.

Sensible Data: 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 develop into the most important 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 unique a part of San Antonio, one which’s filled with historical past and fascinating landmarks however away from the town heart. 

The Grotto can also be within the Pearl district, located on the River Stroll south of the brewery constructing. It’s a man-made riverfront cave with faces carved into the rocks, strolling paths via the cliffs, and man-made waterfalls. 

Sensible Data: 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 outdated 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 almost 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 most important within the Southwest, so if you’re an artwork lover in San Antonio, it’s a must to see this museum.

Sensible Data: The San Antonio Museum of Artwork is open from 10 AM to five/7 PM daily besides Monday. Tickets are $20 for adults. 

12. Amusement Park Rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Should you’re in San Antonio with youngsters, 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 not less than 15 slides. Should you’re in search of much more water rides, I recommend you take a look at SeaWorld San Antonio as a substitute. 

Rising to a powerful 205 toes, the Scream drop tower is the park’s scariest experience. If you wish to really feel adrenaline coursing via your veins, it’s THE experience 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 executed in a few hours when you’re brief on time, or you may spend a whole day right here occurring totally different rides and having the time of your life. Should you determine to remain on the Six Flags Fiesta for not less than half a day, contemplate getting a One-Day Eating Deal to save cash on meals. 

Sensible Data: 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 additionally to have some enjoyable on the journey programs above floor. 

The caverns are outstanding to see with all of the totally different geological formations. Nonetheless, I don’t advocate this tour for vacationers with restricted mobility as a result of it will probably get very strenuous at occasions. Additionally, the humidity is consistently at 99% and the temperature is generally round 70 levels, which is uncharacteristically heat for underground caves. 

The journey park encompasses a maze, rope programs, and a number of zip rails above the bottom with panoramic views of Texas Hill Nation. The whole lot right here is kid-friendly, and there are even a few displays 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 Data: The price 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 each 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 the town. That includes ponds, landscaped strolling trails, and plush greenery throughout, the place is a sight for sore eyes when you’re bored with wanting on the downtown buildings. 

A number of conservatories are on the botanical backyard, they usually’re particular not just for the crops you’ll see inside but additionally for his or her form. The glass constructions 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 beautiful. 

The botanical backyard additionally encompasses a cafe, and it’s an awesome place to sit down down for a fast break earlier than you progress on to the subsequent San Antonio landmark. 

Sensible Data: The San Antonio Botanical Backyard is open from 9 AM to five PM. The doorway price 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 displays. There are solely two Hopschotch galleries in the US, so a visit to San Antonio is the proper alternative to find this fabulous house. 

It’s in contrast to any artwork gallery you’ve ever visited. Many displays are interactive and very enjoyable. You may play in an LED ball pit, stroll round a rainbow cave, and bounce 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 Instagrammable locations in San Antonio, so you could come right here if you wish to commemorate your journey to this metropolis with epic pictures. 

Insider Tip: To interact with a few of the interactive displays, guests should take off their footwear and put on socks. 

Sensible Data: Hopscotch San Antonio is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 PM to 10 PM. Basic 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 significantly better, with its recreation of a Wild West city, full with a saloon and a jail cell. You may stroll via these swinging saloon doorways and pose for photos behind bars, like an actual outlaw. The exhibit has weapons of well-known Texas rangers, their badges, and pictures.

Sensible Data: 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 may ebook 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 a captivating stucco palace full with interval furnishings and ghosts. The palace is rumored to be haunted, and it’s usually included in San Antonio ghost excursions. 

You received’t see any ghosts when you go to in the course of the day, and you may give attention to the impeccable colonial structure and beautiful vintage furnishings. Lovely artworks adorn the inside of the palace and its grounds, however I personally discovered the kitchen space probably 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 may see three well-liked San Antonio sights in a single afternoon. 

Sensible Data: 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 likely one of the greatest locations to go to on day journeys from San Antonio, each for the proximity and fantastic sights it provides. Austin is understood for its wonderful cultural scene, nice meals, reside music, and only a nice environment throughout.

Should you contemplate your self an artwork lover, you’ll have the time of your life in Austin. Town is dwelling to many fantastic 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 could’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 Data: Austin is 80 miles northeast of San Antonio. It takes about an hour and a half to succeed in the town each by automobile and native bus. 

19. Be taught 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 unlimited assortment of historic artifacts and a few of 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 out there. Bus from Alamo to Witte Museum is 20 minutes.

Sensible Data: 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 received’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 usually 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 Data: San Fernando Cathedral is open from 9 AM to five PM and is accessible freed from cost. 

Continuously 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 probably the most visited landmark in San Antonio, Texas. The San Antonio River Stroll is a detailed second, with a way more touristy environment than the historic battleground. 

What Is San Antonio Finest Identified For? 

San Antonio is greatest recognized 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 would possibly simply have sufficient time to squeeze in a visit to one of many botanical gardens.

Suggestions And Data 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 typically 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 the town in the summertime when you can. San Antonio has very popular summers, and the temperatures usually exceed 90 levels all through the day. That’s too sizzling to be snug whenever you’re exterior a lot 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 heart; tickets are cheap at $2.5, and the experience is just 30-40 minutes lengthy. It’s price contemplating when you’re on a tighter funds and don’t wish to spend cash on taxis. 

Alternatively, you may fly to Austin after which get a experience 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 the 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 may go to a lot of the sights listed on this information on a bicycle. 

A rental automobile would show you how to get round San Antonio faster, but it surely’s not a necessity. The general public transport community in San Antonio is sweet and may even show you how to get all the best way to Austin. So, contemplate renting a automobile solely if in case you have very restricted time within the metropolis and also you wish to go to as many landmarks as potential. 

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. 

Town might be executed 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 when you solely have sooner or later 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 when you’re critical about sightseeing within the Texas metropolis. The move provides 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 may get your cash’s price when 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 not less than 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 very best vacationer sights. Many motels can be found alongside the historic River Stroll, they usually’re a few of the greatest motels within the metropolis. 

The Pearl district can also be a stunning a part of the town to remain in, with loads of fascinating sights close by. Listed here are a few of the greatest motels in San Antonio for all budgets: 

• The Gunter Lodge is an inexpensive possibility within the Downtown, near all the very best San Antonio landmarks. 
• The Menger Lodge is an effective mid-range possibility 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 positive you’ll have a good time in San Antonio. Particularly when you prioritize visiting the sights that you’re genuinely curious about, versus queuing at well-liked locations simply because it’s what you’re imagined to do.