Looking for nice actions and points of interest in San Antonio? Our information to the most effective issues to do in San Antonio is all that you must plan the proper journey!
San Antonio, Texas, is extensively recognized for its Hispanic tradition and historic Spanish colonial missions such because the Alamo. Each American’s dream, San Antonio boasts low taxes, low-cost actual property, gentle winters, and big-city facilities.
The seventh most populous metropolis in the USA, San Antonio can be the second largest metropolis within the Southern United States.
Based by means of a Spanish mission and as a colonial outpost in 1718, San Antonio was the primary chartered civil settlement in Texas in 1731. Because of this, San Antonio boasts a great deal of Texas historical past from varied cultures, together with Spanish, Native American, and American.
San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park is a spotlight of the south. Many different historic websites, artifacts, and artwork are settled in museums and round San Antonio. However there are different cool points of interest like Pure Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Six Flags Fiesta.
So, not solely will guests be capable to be taught extra about historical past and tradition, however they’ll even be catching a big thrill in San Antonio’s many theme parks!
If you happen to’re on the lookout for what to do on this distinctive Texan metropolis, we extremely suggest you learn this text to find the highest 21 issues to do in San Antonio.
Exploring extra of the Lone Star State? Try our 3 days in Dallas Itinerary!
The Greatest Issues to Do in San Antonio, Texas
Our checklist options the highest 21 issues to do in San Antonio to take part in when visiting this nook of Texas.
From cruising down River Stroll to happening an journey for an up shut and private expertise on the Pure Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio has a lot to supply!
1) Be Enriched By means of Vital Arts At The San Antonio Museum Of Artwork
Displaying artwork that spans over 5,000 years of world tradition, the San Antonio Museum of Artwork is housed within the historic former Lone Star Brewery within the Museum Attain of the San Antonio River Stroll.
With a concentrate on enriching lives by means of artwork by accumulating, preserving, exhibiting, and deciphering astounding artworks, the San Antonio’s Museum of Artwork now represents a broad vary of world cultures and historical past.
Earlier than or after exploring the highly effective paintings shows, take a look at the protected heritage reside oak situated within the Sculpture Backyard outdoors, relationship again to 1718, and delight in its encompassing shade.
Artwork lovers won’t be able to go up a go to to the San Antonio Museum of Artwork!
- Tackle: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm (closes at 7 pm on Tuesday and Friday)
- Price: $20
2) Discover Downtown San Antonio
A bustling district, downtown options eclectic bistros, historic museums, enigmatic musical and theater performances, native retailers, and public paintings to delight in.
Roots run deep in San Antonio and the guts of downtown, the place San Antonio’s finest points of interest are ready to be explored!
The Alamo Plaza homes are one of many metropolis’s 5 Spanish colonial missions and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. You may even go on a ghost tour of the town to be taught in regards to the darkish and haunting previous. A ghost tour is just not for the faint-hearted, but it surely’s a enjoyable approach to discover downtown at evening.
Indulge in San Antonio’s artwork and historical past scene, which has many public paintings shows, museums, artwork faculties, artwork galleries, and musical and theater performances.
Try the San Antonio Fireplace Museum, Majestic Theatre, South Financial institution Procuring Mall, La Villita Historic Village, and extra.
Sit down for meals and drinks on the many native eateries and bistros lining San Antonio’s downtown earlier than hopping over to the Fundamental Plaza, which hosts the oldest functioning spiritual group since 1731, the San Fernando Cathedral.
3) Really feel The Thrill At Six Flags Fiesta
Previously often known as Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Fiesta is one in every of San Antonio’s hottest amusement parks and is legendary for its adrenaline-pumping rides.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is an ideal San Antonio attraction for households, buddies, and {couples}! Everybody can partake in unequalled enjoyable at this world-renowned theme park with all ranges of rides starting from children to adults.
Trying to cool off? Six Flags Fiesta Texas boasts water rides and unique cabanas to bask within the welcoming aid of water rides just like the Bahama Blaster, which options trap-door fashion launching capsules and intense tubes for less than the most effective adrenaline rush or kid-friendly rides just like the Bamboo Chutes.
- Tackle: 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
- Hours: 10:30 am – 7 pm (closing instances fluctuate day by day, verify the schedule right here)
- Price: $60 for a one-day ticket
4) Odor The Roses At The San Antonio Botanical Backyard
One of many prime issues to do in San Antonio, visiting the San Antonio Botanical Backyard is a refreshing expertise.
A 33-acre non-profit botanical backyard, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard is nationally acknowledged for its botanical variety, awe-inspiring shows, environmental stewardship, training, and enjoyable experiences that drive individuals to be related to the pure world.
One of many prime San Antonio points of interest, we suggest visiting this museum of vegetation to invigorate the recent scents and gorgeous shows.
As well as, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard capabilities as a residing classroom, a tranquil escape, a analysis and conservation middle, and an leisure venue the place varied arts are delivered to life.
Housing over 35 endangered and uncommon species, the San Antonio Botanical Backyard welcomes friends to come back and be taught in regards to the pure world!
- Tackle: 555 Funston Place
- Hours: 8 am – 7 pm day-after-day (shut at 9 pm Thursdays) (November – February hours are 9 am – 5 pm)
- Price: $16
5) Test Out The Pure Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Pure Bridge Caverns
The neighboring Pure Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch embody among the most enjoyable issues to do in San Antonio.
Licensed by the State of Texas as a Texas Land Heritage, the Pure Bridge Wildlife Ranch spans over 400 acres and has been run by the identical household for over 100 years.
Voted as USA As we speak’s 10 Greatest Safari Parks, the Pure Bridge Wildlife Ranch takes guests on a guided tour in a hands-on atmosphere with journey information animal specialists.
This enhanced expertise permits friends to stand up shut and private whereas studying fascinating information in regards to the animals, administration, and heritage, all whereas experiencing a brand new tackle the African Safari with a Texan aptitude.
Proper subsequent to the ranch is Pure Bridge Caverns, a set of huge limestone caverns. Inside the caves, you possibly can go on guided excursions to be taught in regards to the historic rock formations and discover hidden passageways.
Pure Bridge Caverns additionally affords enjoyable actions like ropes programs and zip strains. Try the excursions on the web site and plan your go to to the best underground exercise in San Antonio, TX.
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6) Store At The San Antonio Historic Market Sq.
The Historic Market Sq., often known as the San Antonio Market Sq., is a three-block outside plaza dotted with eating places, retailers, bars, and different enjoyable points of interest to discover downtown.
The most important Mexican market in the entire United States, the Historic Market Sq. hosts the “El Mercado” part, which homes 32 specialty retailers. To select the freshest native produce in Texas, cease on the “Farmer’s Market Plaza” part, which houses 80 stalls and distributors promoting scrumptious native produce.
With over 100 domestically owned companies, the San Antonio Market Sq. has been a favourite of locals and vacationers for a lot of generations with its distinctive market expertise.
7) Study About The Wild West At The Briscoe Western Artwork Museum
Discover one of many many prime issues to do in San Antonio by visiting the Briscoe Western Artwork Museum.
A contemporary area housing artifacts and humanities that illuminate tradition and historical past all through the American West, the museum shares tales of the vaquero, the cowboy, and Native Individuals.
Touring his museum, guests will likely be topic to the expansive great thing about the Western panorama proven by means of varied artwork similar to sculptures, drawings, work, and sketches. This spectacular museum is situated on the banks of the San Antonio River Stroll.
Enjoyable information: the principle constructing of the Briscoe Western Artwork Museum as soon as served as San Antonio’s unique public library within the Nineteen Thirties after which the Hertzberg Circus Assortment and Museum within the Eighties.
To at the present time, guests can step right into a department of the San Antonio Public Library on the primary flooring, the place the constructing’s origins are honored.
- Tackle: 210 W. Market Avenue, San Antonio TX
- Hours: Thursday by means of Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
- Price: $12
8) Tour The Scenic River Stroll
The guts of San Antonio, the San Antonio River Stroll is the #1 attraction in Texas. Well-known for internet hosting river parades that run all year long, the banks of the Riverwalk are adorned and crammed with keen vacationers basking within the boisterous flare of parade floats that drift down the river.
Go on a Scenic Night time Tour & River Stroll Cruise to expertise the enigmatic nightlife of San Antonio from the Tower of the Americas, drift down River Stroll on a soothing cruise, and be taught extra about San Antonio’s tradition and historical past with a narrated drive that takes friends by means of San Antonio’s fascinating nightlife.
It began with Robert H. H. Hugman, a younger architect with an empowering imaginative and prescient to mix winding pathways and bridges that flanked the river to attach it with downtown.
With Hugman’s environment friendly design, floods have been prevented to avoid wasting lives and {dollars} in order that the individuals of San Antonio and its many guests should take pleasure in this gorgeous location.
One of many prime vacationer points of interest, River Stroll is open day-after-day, 24/7. It stretches fifteen miles, and 5 miles of it circulate by means of San Antonio.
9) Stroll Down King William Historic District
One of many prime 21 San Antonio actions, strolling down King William Historic District is a should.
Developed into an idyllic neighborhood of spectacular architecturally designed Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian homes, the King William Historic District was named in honor of King Wilhelm 1, the King of Prussia, within the 1870s.
Listed as a Nationwide Register Historic District in 1972, the world attracts many individuals who admire the restoration and preservation of previous homes and smaller cottages that date again to the 1800s.
The Guenther Home is among the oldest homes within the King William neighborhood, relationship again to its unique development in 1859. See these spectacular previous houses and cottages within the King William Historic District.
Only a 4 minute stroll away is the Blue Star Arts Complicated, San Antonio’s longest-running up to date artwork area. Head right here subsequent to proceed your sightseeing and seize some meals and hearken to reside music!
10) Witness The Spectacular San Fernando Cathedral
Generally known as the Cathedral of Our Girl of Candelaria and Guadalupe, the San Fernando Cathedral is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church situated in downtown San Antonio.
Based in 1731, the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest functioning spiritual group within the State of Texas. It’s the mom church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio in addition to the seat of its archbishop.
The gorgeous architectural design of the cathedral faces the Fundamental Plaza, the place many delight in its historic and spiritual presence.
Remember to take a look at the Fundamental Plaza Cathedral Gentle present, when the cathedral lights up in colourful video artwork projections.
- Tackle: 115 N Fundamental Ave, San Antonio, TX
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, however instances fluctuate primarily based on Mass (discover the schedule right here)
- Hours for Fundamental Plaza Cathedral Gentle Present: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 9 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10 pm (discover extra information right here)
- Price: Free
Heading to extra Texan cities? Learn our checklist of the finest issues to do in Austin.
11) Stroll The Japanese Tea Backyard
The Sunken Gardens in Brackenridge Park, often known as the San Antonio Japanese Tea Backyard, is an deserted limestone rock quarry reworked right into a restored backyard.
It includes a lush year-round backyard and floral show, koi ponds, a 60-foot waterfall, stone bridges, and shaded walkways to delight in throughout your stroll by means of the gardens.
Pet-friendly and free admission, the Japanese Tea Backyard is a phenomenal and stress-free setting to delight in for a stunning stroll alone or with others.
Its historical past has expanded over 90 years, permitting the gardens to masterfully form and beautify the atmosphere for friends to participate in an unforgettable and gratifying expertise.
12) Take A Sip At Ranger Creek Brewing
An industrial brewstillery that provides excursions and a big selection of microbrews and craft whiskies, Ranger Creek Brewing boasts the award for San Antonio’s award-winning brewstillery.
That includes a notable Texas perspective mixed with their hand-crafted whiskey and beer, Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is aware of the way to mix love, consideration, and high quality into one refreshing drink.
Be a part of them for a guided tour the place friends can learn to make beer and bourbon in an immersive expertise and detailed tour – with samples offered!
- Tackle: 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 9pm
- Price: Excursions value $15 and run each Saturday at 1 pm and three pm
13) Study Vital Historical past At The Witte Museum
San Antonio’s premiere museum, the Witte Museum is the most-visited museum in San Antonio, reaching a various crowd with its transformative experiences.
Situated between historic Broadway and the San Antonio River, the Witte Museum is a flourishing riverside campus with in depth open galleries that mixes nature, science, and tradition.
The San Antonio River flows by means of the 10-acre campus, exploring the pure historical past of the native space. At this museum, petrified specimens from the Cretaceous period and artifacts from the Archaic instances may be found and realized about for an immersive expertise.
Having been based in 1926, the museum welcomes guests from everywhere in the world. The scientific specimens, historic artifacts, interactive displays, and general spectacular assortment present an informative studying expertise.
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14) Go to The McNay Artwork Museum
On the McNay Artwork Museum, American and European artwork from Medieval to Up to date are featured in a 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion that rests on 23 acres of land. The museum was based in 1954 and is the primary trendy artwork museum in Texas.
All through the property, friends can discover the broad landscaped lawns with fountains, fish ponds, and Japanese-inspired gardens earlier than or after exploring the within of this spectacular artwork museum.
As well as, friends can discover the Tobin Assortment of Theatre Arts, which the McNay Artwork Museum houses as one of many premiere collections.
There may be additionally a analysis library that homes over 30,000 volumes, together with the glass-fronted gallery for sculptures, the light-filled galleries for particular exhibitions, and the educational facilities the place friends can educate themselves extra on the spectacular historical past and data displayed within the McNay Artwork Museum.
15) View The Majestic Theatre
The oldest and largest atmospheric theatre in San Antonio, the Majestic Theatre is impressively acknowledged as one of the crucial ornate amenities in the USA.
A Nationwide Historic Landmark, the theatre is present in downtown San Antonio the place it stands because the nation’s most interesting and final remaining atmospheric theatre.
Archiving Texas theatrical and architectural historical past, the Majestic Theatre was inbuilt 1929 and has since then stood proudly as Texas’ largest theatre and second largest movement image theatre within the nation.
As well as, the theatre hosts comedians, live shows, Broadway reveals, and different reside occasions to which the general public can purchase tickets.
16) Discover San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park and the Mission Path
Spanning 5 mission websites and a historic ranch, this UNESCO World Heritage Website is a historic must-see when visiting San Antonio.
The 5 frontier historic mission complexes have been established by means of Catholic spiritual orders to unfold Christianity to the native natives. These territories then reworked the native space’s lifestyle by introducing new farming strategies, faith, and communities.
By creating new communities, Native Individuals have been in a position to obtain spiritual training and instruction and have been in a position to reside within the missions. From there on, the Spanish established pueblos (cities) and presidios (forts) for cover.
On this UNESCO World Heritage Missions Tour, friends can uncover extra in regards to the Spanish affect in San Antonio and its important position in American historical past.
The easiest way to discover the San Antonio Missions Nationwide Historic Park is by tour, however one other enjoyable manner is by mountain climbing or biking. Missions Trails are mountain climbing and biking trails that join the 5 missions.
Begin on the northern finish of the Mission Path at Mission San Antonio de Valero, popularly often known as the Alamo. From there on out, witness the opposite 4 missions: Mission San Juan, Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, and Mission Espada.
Mission San Jose was essentially the most profitable mission and is understood for its high-quality olive oil manufacturing.
17) Go to The San Antonio Zoo
One of the enjoyable issues to do in San Antonio with the entire household is visiting the San Antonio Zoo.
Specializing in animal care, training, and conservation, the San Antonio Zoo is a nonprofit group that cherishes wildlife.
The zoo hosts over 1 million guests yearly and is situated in Brackenridge Park in Midtown. Right here you possibly can take part in occasions like giraffe feeding, 3D animal film viewing, flamingo mingling, and breakfast with animals like kangaroos and hippos.
There may be additionally a kiddie park for the younger ones with rides and video games. You will get combo tickets to the zoo and kiddie park.
Whether or not you’re touring with children otherwise you’re an enormous animal lover your self, the San Antonio Zoo is a enjoyable exercise for everybody.
- Tackle: 3903 N St Mary’s St. San Antonio TX
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm most days however verify the calendar for variations
- Price: $21.73 adults, $17.16 kids
18) Store At The North Star Mall
Solely 10 miles from downtown San Antonio and a couple of miles from the airport, the North Star Mall is a prime luxurious purchasing vacation spot within the Uptown District.
Open since 1960, this mall boasts over 200 specialty shops, together with some which are unique to San Antonio.
As well as, the mall includes a well-known and cherished metropolis landmark with its Texas-sized cowboy boots. These boots stand because the world’s largest pair of cowboy boots in 1979, operating at 40 toes tall within the mall’s Loop 410 frontage.
It is a common spot for purchasing amongst San Antonio residents in addition to vacationers.
19) Get The Full Texas Expertise on the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
One of many coolest museums in San Antonio is the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum. The 2 genuine museums mix into one epic, Texas expertise.
Showcasing the most effective of Texan historical past and tradition, the 2 museums showcase the cowboy life-style and embody a present store, cafe, and occasion area.
The Buckhorn is the oldest saloon in Texas the place you possibly can seize a drink, eat some hearty meals, study historical past, and take a look at the unique animal assortment.
The Texas Ranger Museum hosts tons of cool historic artifacts from over 100 years of Texas ranger historical past.
With an actual rustic, wild ambiance and ornament, this attraction helps you to reside and breathe the Texas expertise.
- Tackle: 100 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX
- Hours: Museum, saloon, and reward store open day-after-day from 10 am till wherever from 2 pm to 7 pm. Test the web site for closing instances in your day of go to.
- Price: $22.99 for each museums
Subsequent cease, Houston! Try our 3 days in Houston itinerary.
20) A Theme Park For Everybody – Morgan’s Wonderland!
The world’s first Extremely-Accessible household enjoyable park, Morgan’s Wonderland is a 25-acre non-profit theme park that welcomes these of all ages and disabilities.
Morgan’s Wonderland is designed to be accessible to any people with particular wants in thoughts, although the theme park welcomes all who wish to be a part of for a go to.
In 2018, Morgan’s Wonderland was granted a part of TIME Journal’s “World’s Biggest Locations” checklist.
That includes 25 Extremely-Accessible points of interest and a wheelchair-accessible Ferris Wheel at Morgan’s Wonderland, everybody can partake and luxuriate in their time at this one-of-a-kind theme park!
21) Turn out to be A Spy At Semmes Basis Spy Academy
The Semmes Basis Spy Academy teaches its undercover operatives to surpass clues and challenges by means of tech-forward displays, an amazing family-friendly San Antonio attraction. Because of this, spies can crack codes, remedy circumstances, and buy their Spy Watch!
At Spy Academy, an emphasis on digital literacy and citizenship helps construct expertise to speak data utilizing digital platforms.
By incorporating a studying expertise, these younger spies can enhance studying comprehension, statement, and problem-solving expertise by means of an immersive setting.
- Tackle: 2800 Broadway
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm
- Price: $14
The place to Keep in San Antonio, TX
Now that you realize the most effective issues to do in San Antonio to discover throughout your go to, it’s time to see the place to remain in San Antonio!
Greatest Hostel in San Antonio
That includes all utilities freed from cost, WaterWalk San Antonio at The Rim features a washer and dryer in each suite, together with complimentary detergent and material softener.
As well as, the complimentary breakfast expertise is delivered to your room to be loved earlier than going about your day in San Antonio!
Greatest Mid-Vary Resort in San Antonio
Solely a fifteen-minute drive from the San Antonio Worldwide Airport, Drury Plaza Resort San Antonio North Stone Oak options complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour enterprise middle for friends that have to work throughout trip. Soak within the scorching tub or swim freely within the outside swimming pool in your free time!
Greatest Luxurious Resort in San Antonio
Only one.3 miles from the Alamo, Resort Emma at Pearl on the Riverwalk is an enigmatic lodge that boasts a fascinating location to all of San Antonio’s main points of interest. Friends can sit on the solar terrace or seize a drink on the onsite bar earlier than taking a night stroll down Riverwalk!
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