san antonio tourism video

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Antonio

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Home to some of the most famous historic sites in Texas, San Antonio is a wonderful city for sightseeing. If you want to add some fun activities to your itinerary, you'll also find great opportunities for mini-adventures in or near the city.

Take a walk or cruise along the River Walk and then spend some time exploring the Alamo and the city's historic missions . To experience some of San Antonio's fine cuisine, try dining in the Pearl District, or enroll in a cooking class.

If you have time to venture outside the city center, you'll find no shortage of things to do, from caving and golfing to indulging your inner cowboy in nearby Hill Country . Depending on when you plan to visit, you may even be able to enjoy the city's famous Fiesta.

Discover more things to see and do with our list of the top attractions in San Antonio.

See also: Where to Stay in San Antonio

1. Stroll, Dine, or Cruise along the San Antonio River Walk

2. tour the alamo, 3. san antonio missions national historical park & mission trail, 4. san fernando cathedral & san antonio|the saga, 5. natural bridge caverns & the canopy challenge and zip lines, 6. visit the pearl district and farmers market, 7. shop and eat at historic market square (el mercado), 8. japanese tea garden, 9. san antonio botanical garden, 10. day trip to new braunfels for country music and small-town charm, 11. fiesta san antonio, 12. culinary boot camps & cooking classes, 13. san antonio museum of art and the mcnay art museum, 14. witte museum, 15. zoos and theme parks, 16. six flags fiesta texas, 17. day trip to bandera, 18. golfing and golf resorts, where to stay in san antonio for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san antonio, map of tourist attractions & things to do in san antonio, san antonio, tx - climate chart.

San Antonio's centerpiece is the River Walk, where stone walkways and restaurants line the San Antonio River flowing through the city center. Set below street level, this is a beautiful area with calm waters, graceful bridges, birds, and plenty of shade from large trees towering over the banks.

Most people come down here for a stroll, or to enjoy a meal on one of the outdoor patios. One of the most relaxing ways to experience the River Walk is from the comfort of a barge on a guided tour or dinner cruise .

The barges that cruise the river can hold up to 40 passengers. For dinner cruises, the barge is set with a large table in the center and can accommodate up to 20 guests. These slow-moving boat tours are a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a great opportunity to rest your legs after a day of sightseeing.

A great way to see the sites is with a combo San Antonio River Walk Cruise & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour , which also includes access to the Tower of the Americas.

The Alamo is one of the most important historical sites in the United States and a must-see attraction if you are visiting San Antonio. The Alamo was part of the mission station established here in 1718, its church built by Franciscans in 1744.

In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo , one of the most famous battles in US history, played out here, when a small force entrenched themselves in the Alamo against a Mexican army of 3,000. All the defenders were killed, including legendary figures Davy Crockett and James Bowie , in a battle that some estimate may have lasted only 20 minutes.

The Alamo soon became the cradle of Texan independence, and the phrase "Remember the Alamo!" became a battle cry. The former mission is now a National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas

Official site: www.thealamo.org

In 2015, the San Antonio Missions were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first such designation in the state of Texas. The five missions, including the famous Alamo (Mission Valero) were built in the early 1700s, established by the Franciscan Order in an effort by Spain to colonize and evangelize the region.

Today, they are one of the city's greatest tourist attractions. If you have time to see only a few of the missions, be sure to see the Alamo , Mission San Jose , and Mission Concepción . The remaining two include Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. The Mission Trail connects the missions.

Most people drive between the missions, but if you want to combine a little outdoor activity with your sightseeing, consider biking between the missions. With a full day and the help of the city's bike share program, you can bike all the way from the Alamo in downtown to the other four missions on an eight-mile, one-way ride or a 16-mile return trip.

The Mission Hike and Bike Trail , which runs along the river and up to the missions, is both scenic and informative and a lovely way to spend a day.

If you are traveling with kids, pick up a Junior Ranger activity book at the Visitor Center.

Official site: www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

Famous as the burial site of the heroes of the Alamo, the Roman Catholic San Fernando Cathedral (Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe) is one of the oldest cathedrals in the US and is listed on the National register of Historic Places. The walls of the original church, completed in 1750 and built by settlers from the Canary Islands, now form the cathedral's sanctuary.

The cathedral is on Main Plaza and is one of the best places to visit in San Antonio after dark. At night, it becomes the stage for one of San Antonio's most visually compelling attractions, known as San Antonio|The Saga . Offered free of charge every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, this video art installation , created by Xavier de Richemont, is a 24-minute video, with choreographed music and narration, projected onto the side of San Fernando Cathedral.

A 7,000-square-foot projection highlights the history and progression of San Antonio through an amazing display of colorful images and Surround Sound. If you are looking for something to do at night in San Antonio, this should be on your list.

Official site: https://www.visitsanantonio.com/san-antonio-the-saga/

Less than 30 minutes from San Antonio is Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest commercial caves in Texas. These spectacular caves are known for their huge open rooms but they also have narrow passages and interesting formations.

Two types of cave tours are available and take approximately 70 minutes. But there are plenty of things to do here other than just touring the caves, and if you're looking for more of an adrenaline rush, try the Canopy Challenge, a course of platforms and ladders 60 feet above the ground, as well as ziplines. Younger children can also get in on the action with the Sky Tykes , with a rope course designed for younger kids and toddlers.

Another above ground option at the caverns is a gem and fossil mining experience that allows kids or adults a chance to see how miners panned for gold, and find and identify their own gems in mining rough. Also here is a maze and a place to buy souvenirs, food, and fresh fudge.

Official site: www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

The Pearl is a trendy historic district of San Antonio, with lovely restored buildings, unique shops, and a reputation for great cuisine and hip restaurants . On weekends, the Pearl is home to a lively farmers market, with vendors from a 150-mile radius of the city set up at tables on a pedestrian-only street, selling fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, and other specialties.

The Pearl district has become synonymous with great cuisine and wonderful dining experiences. While fine dining is a term that comes to mind, the restaurants here are not all about white tablecloths and expensive entrees.

This area is about atmosphere and tasty dishes. The Pearl is also home to a Culinary Institute of America campus, one of only three such campuses in the United States. The CIA, as it is more commonly known, has strong ties to this area, and its signature restaurant, the Nao Latin Gastro Bar, is located here.

Official site: http://atpearl.com

Market Square is the place to go to find unique items and souvenirs. This three-block strip of shops and restaurants is known for being the largest Mexican market in the United States . The indoor El Mercado sells everything from sombreros to pottery.

Locally owned shops display handcrafted art works and all kinds of interesting items that range from paintings and dolls to blankets, jewelry, ponchos, dresses, shoes, musical instruments, and much more.

When you've had your fill of shopping, check out Mi Tierra Café Y Panadería for lunch, dinner, a treat from the bakery, or simply to have a look around. This restaurant is a San Antonio institution that has been in operation by the Cortez family since 1941 and is the size of an entire block.

Open 24 hours a day and serving Mexican food, this one-of-a-kind restaurant is elaborately decorated with Christmas lights and fiesta flags and includes a bakery counter, with baking done right on-site.

Musicians stroll through the restaurant for added atmosphere. Be sure to see the huge mural on one of the dining room walls showing famous people and members of the Cortez family.

Official site: www.marketsquaresa.com

The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, relaxing space and a free attraction in San Antonio. A former rock quarry, this area has been transformed into a peaceful garden with exotic plants, ponds with Koi, waterfalls, and the lovely stone Pavilion. Walkways meander through the gardens. The Jingu House is an on-site restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining space.

The Japanese Tea Garden is about a 10-minute drive from the River Walk. You can combine a visit here with the nearby San Antonio Zoo.

Address: 200-414 Alpine, San Antonio, Texas

Official site: https://saparksfoundation.org/japanese-tea-garden/

The San Antonio Botanical Garden is an oasis of green in the city. Take a wander around and soak up the quiet and be dazzled by the colors. The garden has a wonderful array of trails that wind their way past some of the main highlights. These include the Mays Family Display Garden with its focus on native plants, the Water Saver Conservation Garden highlighting drought resistant plants, and the 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden where kids are invited to "mess with Texas."

For a quick trip to the tropics, step inside the Lucille Halsell Conservatory . This 90,000-square-foot complex features heat and humidity-loving plants from around the world. Some of the highlights include the Fern Room, the Palm and Cycad Pavilion, the colorful plants of the Gretchen Northrup Tropical Conservatory, and the cacti of the Robert and Helen Kleberg Desert Pavilion.

Official site: https://www.sabot.org/

About 40 minutes northeast of San Antonio is the town of New Braunfels, with charming historic areas and country music performances by some of the biggest names in the industry. The Gruene Historic District is one of the main highlights, with an old Grist Mill that has been converted into a beautiful riverside restaurant and the famous Gruene Hall , the oldest dance hall in America .

Today, this building is still in operation, with live music performances every day. Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, and George Strait are just some of the performers who have graced this small stage over the years. Also not to be missed is the General Store , which looks like it might have been transplanted here from a whole other era.

If you are visiting during the summer, one of the most popular things to do is tubing down the Guadalupe River. On hot days, the river is almost clogged with tubers floating along, enjoying the sun. You can also combine a trip to New Braunfels with a stop at Natural Bridge Caverns for a full day adventure.

Fiesta is an annual 10-day celebration of epic proportion, held in the spring. Parades and events, including the famous Battle of Flowers parade , are constant in San Antonio during this time, giving the city an almost electric vibe.

Stores, restaurants, and houses are decorated for the event. People collect, trade, and wear metal pins, and the Fiesta King and Queen, chosen each year based on how much money they have raised for charity, reign over the celebrations. It's not uncommon to see traffic stop as a "royal" motorcade drives through the city. If you are going to be in the city during this time, check the event schedule and plan on seeing some of the activities.

Official site: https://fiestasanantonio.org/

If you ever wanted to enhance your skill level in the kitchen, San Antonio may be just the place to make it happen in a hurry. This city has the distinction of being the location of one of three Culinary Institute of America (CIA) campuses in the United States, and as a result, food is a serious topic in this city.

Fortunately, the CIA offers classes and unique programs for food enthusiasts who want to become better cooks. The institute offers short Culinary Boot Camps for different types of culinary interests, as well as individual cooking classes. Boot Camps range in length from two to five days, and topics cover everything from baking to cooking and can be based on the type of food you want to cook: regional and ethnic cuisine or holiday specialties.

While there is no pre-requisite to register, there is a Basic Boot Camp for beginners who want to learn the basics before moving on to more complex classes. If you aren't up for that much commitment, sign up for an individual, hands-on cooking class . These last three to five hours and are designed for participants to learn and have fun.

Official site: http://www.ciachef.edu/

If you are looking to spend some time exploring museums, consider a visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the McNay Art Museum for two very different perspectives.

The San Antonio Museum of Art features first-rate collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as Asian, European, American, and Latin American art. Highlights include many fine examples of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artworks, as well as an exceptional collection of Chinese ceramics and other Asian art.

Another facility of note is the McNay Art Museum with its large collection of modern art, including contemporary Indian art. On the former estate of Marion Koogler McNay, in a large Spanish Colonial Revival house, the museum also boasts numerous works from the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Address: 200 W. Jones Ave, San Antonio, Texas

Official site: www.samuseum.org

Long a cultural and historical institution in San Antonio, the Witte Museum is now bigger and better than ever. After a series of recent expansions and upgrades, the Witte Museum , does an even better job of explaining and showcasing natural history, science, and culture,

The museum is home to numerous galleries that will be of interest to everyone in your group. For the kids, interactive displays showcasing how the human body works are found in The H-E-B Body Adventure Powered by University Health. For adults, a cultural overview of Texas history is in the Robert J. & Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center.

One exhibit not to be missed no matter your age or interests is the spectacular Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery complete with a huge skeleton of an Acrocanthosaurus that will leave you feeling small and insignificant.

In addition to all the galleries and permanent exhibits, the Witte Museum hosts an ever-changing assortment of visiting exhibitions. Check the website prior to your visit to see what's in town.

Address: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas

Official site: https://www.wittemuseum.org/

There's no shortage of kid-centric fun in San Antonio. One of the most popular things to do for families with children is spending a day at the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium , a 35-acre site with some 3,500 animals from 750 species.

In addition to the animals, the zoo also boasts a narrow gauge railroad , the San Antonio Zoo Eagle, as well as a fun carousel. Also worth a visit for animal lovers is the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch , a "drive-through" safari with more than 50 free-roaming species from around the world.

Address: 3903 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas

Official site: https://sazoo.org/

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a popular attraction designed with kids in mind, is a theme and water park set in a former rock quarry. You can find traditional roller coasters, more advanced thrill rides, as well as those designed for younger kids and families.

The water park rides, including the Bahama Blaster, Bamboo Chutes, Big Bender, along with 12 others, are always popular and offer a nice break from the heat of the day. You can also opt to sit back and enjoy a show.

Official site: www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

Just an hour away from San Antonio, the small town of Bandera proudly calls itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World." This is a place that truly embraces cowboy culture, with rodeos, dude ranches, lots of horses, and country music.

If you are looking to enjoy some outdoor fun, Bandera is the answer, with ranch tours, horseback riding, golfing, and rodeo and music shows. If you truly want to experience it, why not try living the cowboy lifestyle by staying at a guest ranch?

While golf may not be the first thing that springs to mind when considering a trip to San Antonio, there are some fabulous courses in this area of Texas and some beautiful golf resorts. La Cantera Resort & Spa , with the Palmer Course and the Resort Course, is one of the most popular places to stay and play.

Other resorts in the area worth checking out are the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa and the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa . All these courses are spectacular, both in design and scenery, and are well worth adding to your golf "to-do" list.

To experience San Antonio's charm and unique ambience, the best place to stay is on the River Walk or in the Pearl District. Luxury and mid-range hotels can be found in both of these areas, and budget hotels are generally a 10-minute walk away. Below is a list of highly rated hotels in convenient locations :

Luxury Hotels:

• One of San Antonio's newest luxury hotels is the posh Hotel Emma at Pearl in the trendy Pearl District. Set in a fabulously restored 1894 landmark building, this hotel offers a unique kind of elegance, with inviting and beautifully decorated rooms and common areas.
• Right on the River Walk is the Mokara Hotel and Spa with large rooms and a lovely rooftop pool. It's San Antonio's only 4 star hotel.
• If you prefer something a bit more hip and trendy, the boutique Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a smaller property with stylish rooms and quaint dining and lounging areas. Rooms, some with Juliet balconies, overlook the River Walk or the quiet courtyard.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The recently renovated Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk , at the northwest end of the River Walk area, is a large property with a contemporary design.
• A two-minute walk from the action and housed in a historical 24-story former bank skyscraper is the beautiful Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk .
• Perfect for families and also in a historic building is the Homewood Suite by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk/Downtown , with a variety of room sizes and layouts.

Budget Hotels:

• A short drive from the Riverwalk and the Alamo, and closer to mid-range than budget, is the Comfort Suites Alamo/Riverwalk , with large rooms, an outdoor pool, and a free shuttle to the River Walk area.
• Closer to downtown and in a more convenient location is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown , with a beautiful pool area and restaurants nearby.

Sightseeing Tours :

• For maximum flexibility, consider the City Sightseeing San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour . Accompanied by an audio commentary, this fun tour on an open-air double decker bus takes you to San Antonio's top sights and historical landmarks, and you can hop on and off the bus at any of the 12 stops. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from a 24- or 48-hour ticket.
• If you are also interested in a cruise along the river, you can purchase a San Antonio River Walk Cruise and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour , which includes some extras as well.
• The city's BCycle , San Antonio's bike share program, makes light transportation around San Antonio easy, with bike stations that accept credit cards, where you can pick up or drop off a bicycle in 30-minute intervals. Day passes or seven-day passes are available. There are stations at all of the missions if you want to try cycling the Mission Trail.

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Texas Cities: Cities in Texas are diverse, and each has its own character. If you are looking for a cosmopolitan experience, with fine dining and museums, or you just want to see Space Center Houston, set aside some time to explore the sights of Houston , less than three hours away. Alternatively, head north to Austin , just a 1.5-hour drive away, or Dallas , reachable in about four hours.

West Texas: This area of Texas offers a completely different experience and is often what many people are searching for when they plan an adventure to the state. Cities like Amarillo and Lubbock set the stage for trips to some of Texas' more remote areas. One of the great highlights of this area is Big Bend National Park . Set in the mountains and along the Rio Grande, this area offers some extraordinary scenery, with great opportunities for hiking and camping , and is also home to a handful of unique luxury resorts . And if you are continuing west, consider a stop in El Paso .

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The Best Things to do in San Antonio Texas

Last updated: December 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

As we discovered recently on a road trip around Texas, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Antonio Texas. This city is home to all sorts of activities, from excellent museums through to thrilling theme parks and, of course, the UNESCO listed Alamo.

If you’re visiting San Antonio, and wondering what to do, we’ve got you covered! This guide goes through some of the best things to do in San Antonio, and also includes tips on where to stay, how to get around, how to save money, and other practical information for your visit. Let’s get started!

Things to do in San Antonio

As you would imagine from a relatively large US city, there’s lots to do in San Antonio. In our guide we’ve focused on some of the major highlights and our favourite attractions. There’s certainly more than enough to do here for two or three days, and even more if you visit some of the out of town attractions!

One of the most popular attractions in San Antonio, and definitely a must-visit for when you are in the city, is The Alamo . This was the site of a major battle during the Texas Revolution, when Texas battled for independence from Mexico.

The Alamo was built in the early 18th century as a Mission building in San Antonio, one of a number in the city and surrounding area. After falling into disuse as a mission building in the late 18th century, it was turned into a fortress.

The Alamo is famous as being the site of the Battle of the Alamo, which lasted for 13 days in 1836. The siege ended when Mexican troops overran the heavily outnumbered Texian defendants, leaving only two survivors.

This battle, although comprehensive in its defeat of the Texians at the Alamo, did not have the intended effect of crushing the Texan uprising. Instead, it motivated many more Texians to take up arms, with the popular battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” spurring them on.

The full quote was actually “Remember the Alamo, remember Goliad!”, in memory of the massacre of the 300 surrendered troops at Goliad which happened three weeks after the fall of The Alamo, but today the quote is usually shortened to just The Alamo part.

Today, The Alamo is the most popular attraction in San Antonio and is one of the most popular historic attractions in the United States. It can be found right in the centre of the city, and so is easy to get to.

Whilst the original walls of the fortress are gone, the main central area is still standing. This includes the chapel, the Long Barracks, and a number of other buildings.

The Alamo is free to visit, although there is the option to take a paid guided tour or to hire an audioguide. Both of these are well worth doing, as they’ll help you understand a lot of the history of what you are seeing. We opted for the audioguide. There are also many displays with information and artefacts.

The Alamo is open year round except Christmas Day, and you can enter from 9am. Closing times vary from 5.30pm September – May, and 7 pm from May – September. You can see the full opening times on the official website , as well as a guide to some ground rules for your visit .

We also have a complete guide to visiting the Alamo , which has everything you need to know, including the history and tips for your visit.

San Antonio River Walk

One thing we absolutely love about San Antonio is the River Walk . This city park is formed of a series of canals that wend around the city centre, creating a beautiful water filled escape from the hustle and bustle of the main city streets.

The River Walk is a pedestrian zone that sits one level below the main city streets. It has restaurants, bars, shops, public artwork, and it allows you to get around the city and between many of the city’s major attractions without having to worry about traffic and crossing roads.

As well as foot access to the 15-mile length of the River Walk (which goes as far as the Missions), you can also take boat rides. These come in a number of forms. Two of the more popular options are the sightseeing boat rides with guided commentary, which usually last around 35 – 45 minutes.

You can also buy a ticket for the Go Rio River Boat taxis, which will usually be valid for a day and allow for unlimited rides. Tickets can be purchased in advance here . You can also get a combination river boat ride and hop on hop off bus ticket here . A river cruise is also included on the San Antonio CityPASS .

For more about the River Walk, see our complete guide to visiting the San Antonio River Walk , which has tips on what to see and do, where to eat, and how to get around.

Wacky Attractions around Alamo Square

Directly across from The Alamo there are a number of popular family-friendly, wacky, and funhouse sort of attractions that you might also consider visiting, depending on your interests and time.

There are a number of attractions available (all within a short walking distance of each other), including Ripley’s Believe it or Not! , Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records museum, Tomb Rider 3D interactive adventure ride, Louis Tussauds Waxworks, and The Amazing Mirror Maze, all of which offer fun experiences.

These attractions are a lot of fun, but are definitely fairly pricey if purchased individually. Our advice if you decide to visit them is to consider a combo ticket which will cover many of them, or use something like the Go City Card which also includes most of these attractions.

For example, the Guinness World Records, Tomb Rider 3D and Ripley’s attractions are available as Combo tickets , which can save you up to 59% over individual tickets.

As well as this, all these attractions are available on the Go City San Antonio Explorer Pass .

We’d highly recommend one of these two options for these attractions rather than buying individual tickets, which will be fairly expensive.

• San Antonio Museum of Art

Art lovers will want to make a beeline for the San Antonio Museum of Art , housed in the former Lone Star Brewery complex.

Whatever time period or art type you are interested in, the odd are that the SAMA will have you covered, with art ranging from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman, European, and ancient and modern American art.

As you might imagine, the museum is fairly large, and the collection is home to over 30,000 objects that span 5,000 years of history. You could easily spend a few hours here browsing the collection!

Free parking is available on site, and you can also get to the museum via the River Walk. There is an admission fee of $15 with concessions available. There are also free entry times on some days of the week, check the official website for more information, as well as opening times and details of special exhibitions.

It’s also possible to buy an entry ticket with a 2 day hop on hop off bus ticket. The San Antonio Museum is also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

Pearl Brewery

Before you get too excited about a brewery tour, I have to break it to you that the Pearl Brewery is no longer an actual brewery. There was a brewery here from 1883 through to 2001, but operations shifted to other regions of Texas, and this brewery closed.

However, all is not lost! The Pearl Brewery has undergone a massive regeneration project, and is now home to numerous culinary and cultural attractions. Even better, many of the original buildings were sympathetically restored, to give the area a unique feel and vibe.

There’s plenty to see and do here, from visiting independent book stores, restaurants and shops, through to shopping at the year-round Pearl Farmers Market.

Pearl Brewery has a number of on-site parking options, and it can also be reached by the San Antonio River Walk, which was extended to the Pearl Brewery in 2013.

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is a San Antonio institution, but it definitely won’t be for everyone. The Saloon itself is bar, which is free to visit, but the highlights here are definitely the two museums – one which primarily houses the collection of Albert Friedrich, and one which focuses on the history of the Texas Rangers.

Albert Friedrich was a cabinet maker, born in 1864, whose creations were owned by notable turn of the century figures including Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1881 he started a private collection of mounted wildlife, which rapidly became a tourist attraction in its own right. The collection moved over the years, and is now found in downtown San Antonio at 318 E. Houston Street.

The Buckhorn Museum has expanded over the years, and now represents over 520 species of wildlife, including fish from all seven seas and animals from every continent.

It is quite the display, and animal lovers may find it disturbing. Certainly, when the collection was started, attitudes towards shooting and mounting wildlife on a mass scale were somewhat different!

The Buckhorn Museum is more than just wildlife though. There’s also the Carnival of Curiosities and the American Sideshow. The former offers fun optical illusions and interactive displays, whilst the latter focuses on the sorts of exhibits you might have found in early 20th century carnival sideshows.

On site, and also included in the entry ticket, is the Texas Ranger museum. This contains hundreds of authentic Texas Ranger artifacts from the history of this uniquely Texan law enforcement agency, including weapons, badges, and a recreation of turn-of-the-century San Antonio.

Overall, the museums and saloon take up over 40,000 square feet of space. It’s much larger than we were expecting from the outside, and we ended up spending much longer here than we anticipated as there was so much to see!

The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is open 10am – 5pm on most days, but check the website for full times as these vary. There’s an entry fee for the museums, although you can visit the Saloon Cafe and gift shop for free.

San Fernando Cathedral

Dating from 1750, making it the oldest church in Texas (and one of the oldest in the USA), the San Fernando Cathedral is an impressive twin towered Roman Catholic Cathedral that serves as the seat of the Archbishop of San Antonio. The dome on top of the cathedral is the geographical center of San Antonio, with the Cathedral itself sitting on the city’s main plaza.

The cathedral is free to visit, and mass is celebrated through the week. You can see times on the official website here .

Whilst the Cathedral is certainly worth visiting at any time of day, it is particularly popular in the evenings. This is because the front facade of the Cathedral plays host to a spectacular sound and light show .

This show, which runs on Tuesday, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays at 9pm, 9.30pm and 10pm, tells the story of San Antonio through a 24 minute video. This video is projected onto the cathedral, making for a 7,000 square foot light spectacle that really has to be seen to be appreciated.

The show was created by French artist Xavier de Richemont and first started showing in 2014. The cathedral was chosen for the display as it is the historic heart of San Antonio, and so is the perfect location for a story about the history of the city. Following very positive feedback, it was scheduled into a regular event, and is currently due to run until at least 2024.

The event is free and open to anyone. We suggest arriving a little before it starts to get a good spot, although as it’s projects onto the side of the cathedral and is 7,000 square feet in size, it’s pretty easy to view from almost anywhere on the square!

Mission Trail

San Antonio is home to a number of other missions beyond the well visited Alamo Mission, and these can be found on the San Antonio Mission Trail. This trail, which encompasses four missions, is actually a national park, known as the San Antonio Missions . Along with the Alamo, these form a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The four missions, which were built between 1690 and 1720, are found to the south of the city along the San Antonio river. They are in various states of preservation, with Mission Concepción, the northernmost of the missions, being in the best state of preservation.

Visiting these missions gives you a sense of what the Alamo might have been like as a mission, and is also a far less busy experience. We found them to be very peaceful places, and well worth the small effort required to visit.

The four missions are spread out, with around 2 – 3 miles between each one, and the first one, Mission Concepción, is around 3 miles south of the city center. As you would imagine, the best way to get between the missions is to follow the mission trail, which is a driving route.

However, you can also get between the missions on foot if you fancy a long walk, and this pedestrian route is also open to bikes. This trail actually links the missions from the Alamo all the way down to the southernmost mission, Mission Espada. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent them from the B-Cycle stations in the city, or at each mission.

Note that summer days in San Antonio are generally very hot and humid, so unless you are used to walking or cycling in these conditions, we’d generally advise choosing another option.

The missions are also accessible by public transport, by bus line 42 or 40. See the Via website for more information on times and ticketing.

Another option is to take a tour that focuses on the Missions like  this one . We have a section towards the end of the post with some recommended tours you might consider for your time in San Antonio.

Visiting the Missions is free, and they are generally open from 9am or 10am until 5pm every day, with some holiday exceptions. You can see full opening times on the National Parks website here .

The Guenther House

The Guenther House , which is found in the attractive King William neighbourhood to the south of the city centre, is a house museum and restaurant. It’s registered on the National Register of Historic Places, and is notable as being the home of the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills, Carl Hilmar Guenther.

The Guenther House is just one of many interesting houses in the King William neighborhood and you can walk around the area and visit a number of others, such as the beautiful Villa Finale .

The property still stands on the grounds of the Pioneer Flour Mills, which is still in operation today as a producer of flour and baked good products.

The house is open for tours, and contains artifacts related to life in the 19th century, as well as family keepsakes and items related to the milling and baking history of San Antonio.

The cafe and restaurant, which is found downstairs in the house, is also good, and we had a nice lunch here. Menu items are influenced by various Pioneer flour blends and products, but there’s lots to choose from, and the signature house blend coffee in particular is excellent.

Open seven days a week, entry to the house is free. The restaurant is open from 7am – 3pm daily. See the official website for details of any special events or closures.

Casa Navarro State Historic Site

Housed in his original adobe and limestone property, Casa Navarro celebrates the life of José Antonio Navarro, one of only two native-born Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence.

This is a lovely property to visit if you want to get a bit of insight into the life of an individual 19th century Texan. You’ll see what his home was like, as well as learn all about the man himself, who served as a leader of the people and an influential politician.

From a historical San Antonio perspective, the property is also fascinating, as it is the only surviving property of the historically Mexican west side of San Antonio. It’s also a rare example of an adobe and limestone property, and is one of the oldest remaining adobe structures in the whole city.

There’s a small fee for entrance, and it’s open every day except Mondays and some holidays. See the official website for more information.

Spanish Governor’s Palace

Just a five minute walk from Casa Navarro is the Spanish Governor’s Palace , another historical 18th century Adobe structure. This building is all that remains of the Presidio San Antonio de Béjar, the residence and working office for the military garrison Captains at the time.

National Geographic named this the most beautiful building in San Antonio, which we think is reason enough to visit.

If that’s not enough to entice you to visit though, you should also know that the building is open as a museum, where you can explore the ten rooms, learn about its history, from colonial years to the present day.

The museum is open year round every day except Mondays, and there’s a small entry fee. You can see more on the official website .

Tower of the Americas

If you want a good view across San Antonio, you’re going to want to head up the Tower of the Americas in southeastern downtown San Antonio.

This 750ft high tower was originally built for the 1968 world fair, and was the tallest observation tower in the US for nearly thirty years – a title it lost to the Las Vegas Stratosphere tower in 1996.

Still, it’s certainly the tallest structure in San Antonio, and the observation deck offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. There’s also a lounge and revolving restaurant at the top of the tower, if you want to enjoy a drink or a meal with your view.

Access to the viewing areas and restaurant is via an elevator, and there’s a fee, which includes elevator access as well as a 4D Theater Ride. The tower is open year round, and opens late into the evening, so also makes for a good place to watch the sunset in San Antonio.

You can check opening times, prices, and make reservations for the restaurant on the official website here . It’s also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

Japanese Tea Garden

If you want to just relax a bit and enjoy some beautifully laid out and calming gardens, you’ll want to head to the Japanese Tea Garden , which is found in Brackenridge Park.

This is found on the site of a former limestone quarry, which was where the building blocks for many historic San Antonio buildings was mined, most likely including Casa Navarro.

A Japanese Garden was originally opened on this site in 1918, and it went through various guises through the years, including being renamed to the Chinese Garden during the period of anti-Japanese sentiment in World War 2.

Following many years of neglect, a restoration project was launched, and the garden was re-opened in 2008. Now fully open, the garden features a cafe which also serves Japanese dishes, amphitheater for events and beautiful water features and trails. It’s a lovely space to come and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Entry is free, and the garden is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. You can also visit as part of a tour like this .

San Antonio Botanic Garden

Speaking of gardens, we couldn’t do a post of things to do in San Antonio without mentioning the San Antonio Botanic Garden . This is the city’s official botanic garden, operated as a non-profit, and it spans 33 acres of grounds.

There are a number of areas to explore, including the subterranean Lucile Halsell Conservatory, various formal gardens, the Sullivan Carriage House, an Ornamental Grass garden and Kumamoto En, a Japanese Garden.

There’s a fee to enter the garden, and it’s open from 9am – 5pm daily, with some closures on holidays. There’s also free parking on site. See the official website for full ticket prices and opening information. It’s also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

• Witte Museum

Opened in 1926, the Witte Museum is the place to head if you want to learn about the culture and history of the state of Texas.

This tale spans from prehistory right up to the modern day, and features everything from cave paintings and dinosaur bones through to a four storey high  interactive body adventure which will have you cycling through virtual landscapes, strolling the San Antonio River, and learning all about how your body works.

There’s plenty to see and do here, with free parking available on-site. There’s an admission fee and the museum is open year-round every day, with a few holiday exceptions. Check their website for full details as well as information on special exhibits.  Also available as an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

If you are visiting San Antonio with children, you definitely need to add the DoSeum to your things to do list! The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for kids, with a focus on interactive education.

Here you’ll find everything from an interactive robot to a spy academy to a musical staircase. There’s loads of fun to be had, with a focus on science, technology and mathematics based experiences. Essentially your kids will end up learning through fun, which has to be the best way to learn!

The DoSeum is open through the week although hours vary depending on the day, and there are some holiday closures. There’s an admission fee, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Note that due to the nature of the museum, adults visiting without children need to provide ID and pass a background check to gain admission. For more information on visiting, see the official website . Also available as an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

• San Antonio Zoo

Another family favourite, the 35 acre San Antonio Zoo is home to 750 species and is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

The zoo is home to all sorts of popular species, from lions to giraffes and elephants, as well as numerous other species. There’s also a narrow gauge train ride, an Aquarium, and amphibian display, and much more on offer.

As with many attractions of this nature, the Zoo can easily fill up half a day or more, so if you do plan a visit here, make sure to allocate enough time.

The Zoo is found in the north of the city in Brackenridge Park, and is open year round. There’s free parking available, and the zoo has an entry fee.

Other nearby attractions include the Japanese Tea Garden, Witte Museum, and the DoSeum. You can reach the zoo by car or public transport from the city center. Also available as an option on the San Antonio CityPASS .

The Historic Market Square

If you’re looking for Mexican themed souvenirs, you’re going to want to head to the Historic Market Square. This huge indoor market spans three blocks to the west of the city plaza, and is home to almost 100 locally owned shops and stalls that focus on Mexican goods.

As well as the stalls, there are also a number of places to dine (naturally, Mexican food is available) and drink, and there also also regular events happening here.

We had Margaritas at the popular Mi Terra Mexican Cafe and Bakery , which were delicious, and we also had a lovely dinner at the nearby Pico de Gallo , which is a very popular Mexican eatery.

For a full listing of events, as well as the shops and dining options, visit the official Historic Market Square  website here .

Go Shopping

If you like shopping, as well as the previously mentioned historic Market Square, San Antonio has a number of other excellent shopping options for you.

These range from the large Rivercenter Shopping Mall  which is on the River Walk, through to more specialist and well known shops.

For those looking for cowboy and western wear, some good places to visit include:

• The famous Paris Hatters , where you’ll want to come for your custom cowboy hat
• Little’s Boots , where you can pick up custom boots, belts and accessories
• Cavender’s , which carries a range of items from boots to clothes
• Wandering Cowboys , which as the name suggests, has everything you need from shirts to boots to belts, so you can fulfill your cowboy or cowgirl clothing needs.

This is just an idea of what is available. We’re sure that if you love shopping, San Antonio will have a shop for you, with everything from traditional sweet shops to the latest fashion trends on offer!

If you’re interested in learning about one of America’s President’s, Lyndon B. Johnson, then you will want to head to the ranch where he spent around 20% of his time as President, earning it the nickname “The Texas White House”.

This ranch is known as the LBJ Ranch, and can be found in the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park . This is right next to the  Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site .

The LBJ ranch includes the first school the President attended, a reconstruction of his birthplace, the “Texas White House” and the cemetery where both Johnson and his wife Lady Bird Johnson are buried.

The State Park and Historic Site is home to a visitor center, which has a lot of memorabilia and information about the President, and is where you should start your visit. The visitor center is where the self-guided driving tour of the ranch begins. There’s no fee for the tour, but you do need to visit the visitor center to get a self-drive permit. There’s a $3 fee for the tour of the Texas White House.

The ranch is about a 70 mile drive north of San Antonio, or around a 90 minute drive, depending on traffic. If you don’t have a car, or prefer not to drive yourself, a better option is to take a tour. You have a couple of options for doing this.

• If you buy the San Antonio Explorer Pass, one of the premium options is a Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch Tour , which includes round-trip transport from your hotel and admission
• You can take a tour of the ranch from San Antonio . This is similar to the above, but is the one to do if you’d rather not get the Explorer Pass.

This is definitely a worthwhile day trip from San Antonio if you have the time!

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Saving one of the most popular things to do in San Antonio for last- Six Flags! Found about a 20 minute drive north-west of the city center, this 200 acre theme park is home to five themed areas that include shops, dining and, of course, lots and lots of thrilling rides!

Rides on offer include the Iron Rattler, a 55 metre high roller coaster, a 61 metre high StarFlyer, and Kidzopolis, a whole section of the park with attractions for kids.

Given that Six Flags is the most expensive attraction on our list, we’d definitely suggest that this is somewhere you should plan to visit for the whole day to make the most of your entry. You can see pricing and opening hours on their official website .

To get here, you can either drive and park on site. Parking is $25 per car per visit. Alternatively, you can take the bus, with Route 94 from downtown San Antonio running right by the park entrance.

If you are interested in major attractions like Six Flags, it’s also worth mentioning that the water theme park Splashtown and the marine animal park  SeaWorld are also located within a short drive of the downtown, and both would offer a full day of entertainment for a family.

Both of these are also included on some of the attraction passes mentioned further down in the post.

Map of Things to do in San Antonio

To help you plan your time in San Antonio, we’ve put together a map of all the major attractions we mention. You can also see this map on Google maps here .

Where to stay in San Antonio

San Antonio has no shortage of accommodation options to suit every budget, from budget and mid-range hotels through to high end properties. Here are a few options to consider, including the property we stayed at.

• Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk – Literally across the street from the Alamo, this mid-range hotel was where we stayed in San Antonio. We loved the great breakfast, friendly staff, well-sized rooms, and fantastic location
• Menger Hotel – we had a lovely dinner at this historic four star hotel, and it was delicious. This is also right next to the Alamo, and if you are looking for a historic luxury property to stay in, this is your best choice.
• Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel – one of the better value mid-range hotels in downtown San Antonio, this is just 100 yards from the River Walk and about a ten minute walk to The Alamo.
• The St. Anthony – another luxury pick in the historic property, the San Antonio features a heated pool with bar, 42″ TV’s in every room, and a location that is 450 yards from The Alamo and 200 yards from the River Walk.
• Econolodge Inn & Suites – Those of you on a stricter budget will likely have to stay a little out of the downtown area for a well reviewed property. This Econolodge has good reviews at a great price, and is three miles from the city center, with the bonus that it offers free parking.
• If you are on a budget and want to stay downtown, there are some other more central options, but review scores are not as high as we would hope, so just be aware of this. Options include the Days Inn by Wyndham  and  Motel 6 San Antonio Downtown.  We have stayed at numerous budget properties like this, and as long as you are aware that it’s a budget experience, we have had minimal complaints personally.

Of course, there are lots more options for accommodation in San Antonio to meet your specific budget needs and room requirements.

We recommend checking out the listings on booking.com for San Antonio to start with, we usually find they have the widest range of properties, from high end luxury hotels through to apartments and hostels.

Getting around San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio is very walkable, with many of the attractions in the city center easy to navigate to on foot, either along the pedestrianised River Walk, or on the main city streets.

Another option for getting around is to take the River Taxis, which run around the main sections of the River Walk.

A city wide cycle scheme, BCycle , is also available. This costs $12 for 24 hours of use, although bikes need to be checked in at a station every sixty minutes. There are also rentable electric scooters from both Bird and Lime.

The city is well served by public transit, with various bus routes available, some of which like the “Viva” services are specifically designed to reach tourist attractions like the Missions or Museums. See the Via Metropolitan transit website for more information, ticket prices and schedules.

There’s also a hop on hop off bus in San Antonio , which will get you to all the major tourist sights and hotspots in the city, as well as provide you with audio commentary.

It’s also possible to travel by car in San Antonio, although be aware that in the central downtown parking lots and structures will charge a fee, as will hotels.

Attractions a little out of the downtown however, such as the Pearl Brewery, Zoo and Museum of Art have free parking. Always check in advance before driving to an attraction to ensure parking is available!

Tour Options in San Antonio

If you’d like to do some kind of tour in San Antonio, there are a variety of options, depending on what you are interested in doing, and the duration of tour you would like to take. Here are some examples:

• A 2 hour San Antonio Segway Tour  – we always love taking Segway tours, and this two hour tour of San Antonio is a great option
• A San Antonio Food Tour  – the tour for foodies, this 3 hour tour covers everything from Tex-Mex to Creole, and features some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs
• A San Antonio Missions Guided Tour – a great option to learn more about the history of the missions, plus it includes round-trip transport to all the missions. Also available as a half day tour.
• Full day San Antonio Historic Tour  – a full day of exploring and learning all about the history of San Antonio

Discount Passes in San Antonio

As with many cities around the world, San Antonio has city discount cards that can help you save money on many of the attractions.

In San Antonio, the cards we recommend are either the San Antonio Explorer Pass from Go Gity, or the  San Antonio CityPASS . Here’s how they compare.

San Antonio Explorer Pass

The San Antonio Explorer Pass lets you save up to 45% on admission to some of San Antonio’s top attractions, including premium attractions like Six Flags.

This pass lets you choose to visit 2, 3, 4 or 5 attractions in the city. One of those attractions can be a “premium” attraction, which includes Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Seaworld San Antonio, Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour and the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour.

Then, you can use your remaining choice at locations like the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, Witte Museum, San Antonio Zoo, Tower of the Americas and more. See all the inclusions and buy your Explorer Pass here .

This is definitely a good pass to consider if you are definitely going to be visiting one of the premium attractions like Six Flags, however for general city sightseeing you might prefer the San Antonio CityPASS .

San Antonio CityPASS

The San Antonio CityPASS allows you to save up to 35% on some of the more popular attractions in San Antonio. You can choose four of the following attractions to use with your CityPASS:

• Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises
• San Antonio Botanical Garden
• The Tower of The Americas

If you primarily plan on sightseeing in the city, we think the CityPASS offers great value.

There are a couple of other options for saving money in San Antonio. For example, this combination ticket includes a San Antonio River Walk Cruise, a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and access to the Tower of the Americas, whilst this option includes those plus the Buckhorn Saloon.

Further Reading

That summarizes our guide to things do to in San Antonio! As you can see, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful Texan city, which was one of our favourite stops as we road tripped through Texas.

We’re going to be writing more about our adventures in Texas, including our visits to Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Big Bend National Park, so do sign up to keep up to date with our latest posts. In the meantime, here are some other posts we think you might find useful to help you plan trips within the USA.

• We have a guide to visiting the Alamo , to help you plan your visit to this popular attraction as well as the other San Antonio Missions
• We have a guide to the San Antonio River Walk , which will help you plan your time visiting this San Antonio attraction
• We have a detailed guide to things to do in Austin , which is just an hours drive away, plus a guide to things to do in Houston as well as a guide to things to do in Dallas if you are doing a trip through Texas.
• If you visit Houston, check out our guide to visiting Space Center Houston , to help you plan your visit to this awesome attraction
• We visited San Antonio on a road trip, which is our favourite way to travel in the USA. If you want to do something similar, we have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA , as well as tips for driving in the USA
• If you want some road trip inspiration, see our itineraries for a USA Deep South road trip , California Road Trip , Route 66 Road Trip and Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• We’ve visited a lot of other cities in the USA! See our guides to Things to do in Savannah , Things to do in Charleston , Things to do in Albuquerque , Visiting New Orleans During Mardi Gras , Things to do in Cambria and Things to do in Santa Fe to get started!

And that’s it! As always, we’d love to hear your feedback and questions – just put them in the comments below and we’ll answer them as soon as we can.

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Sara Peterson says

20th December 2023 at 5:55 pm

My husband and I just moved to the San Antonio area this year. We have loved it so far! Right now we’re updating the kitchen in our home, so it’s been stressful with the mess. This is such a great list of things to do! We’ll be using a lot of these ideas to get out of the house. Thank you!

Laurence Norah says

21st December 2023 at 1:59 pm

Thanks very much Sara, enjoy your new home!

Courtney says

5th November 2020 at 5:09 pm

I’m a native Houstonian who recently moved to San Antonio. I’m thankful for this list as it lets me know of all the interesting hotspots in my new city of residence. I’ve always known there were plenty of activities but outside of the Witte, river walk, and Alamo, I wasn’t entirely sure since I hadn’t been here since I was a kid, so thank you!

6th November 2020 at 1:36 pm

My pleasure Courtney – I’m delighted to have been able to help! We’d love to hear your favourites when you’ve visited some attractions 🙂

Vonnie Owens says

5th September 2020 at 3:45 pm

9/2020: Any safety concerns about walking around day or night on the Riverwalk? thank you

5th September 2020 at 4:15 pm

The Riverwalk is definitely a safe part of town. It’s well visited and there are lots of people around at most hours. Of course, you’ll want to take basic precautions as you would anywhere. Keep valuables in zipped pockets rather than in an easily accessed back jeans pocket for example, and it’s usually wise not to explore unfamiliar areas alone late at night wherever you are. But overall I don’t think you have anything to worry about 🙂

Heath Baley says

1st May 2019 at 5:43 pm

I would love to go to San Antonio, but the one thing I wanted to see on here wasn’t on here. Maybe you could put the San Antonio Spurs on here when you get a chance. Thank you!!!

2nd May 2019 at 8:28 pm

Hey Heath – great tip, I’ll be sure to include this in an upcoming version of the post!

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San Antonio   Travel Guide

21 Fun Things to Do in San Antonio, Texas

Those seeking a little Texas frontier history are sure to find it in San Antonio – this fabled city proudly counts the Alamo , San Antonio Missions National Historical Park  and the Spanish Governor's Palace among its many must-visit historic and

• All Things To Do

River Walk River Walk free

Many agree that the best way to see San Antonio is by taking a stroll along the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio . San Antonio's most-visited tourist attraction meanders along the banks of the San Antonio River through the center of the city, connecting major attractions like Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Museum of Art . Flanking the River Walk are dozens of restaurants, boutique hotels and sidewalk cafes shaded by colorful umbrellas. Street performers often fill the air with mariachi music.

If you want to see the River Walk from a different vantage point, try a boat tour. GO RIO offers a variety of cruises, including two-hour dinner cruises, short narrated excursions, private charters and river shuttle service from downtown to Museum Reach. Ticket fees vary depending on what type of journey you want, but you can expect to pay at least $14.50 per person, with discounts for locals, children, seniors and military members.

The Alamo The Alamo free

If there's one thing San Antonio is known for, it's the Alamo. Once a Franciscan mission, it was here that 189 Texans fought and lost their lives in 1836 during a 13-day siege by Mexican ruler, President Antonio López de Santa Anna. The fight sparked Texas' struggle for independence and today, the Alamo stands as a tribute to these men, displaying artifacts belonging to some of the Alamo's most famous defenders, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie. Visit the Alamo Church on your own or by guided tour, and then check out the many other sites of interest and artifacts on the grounds. These include the Long Barrack (the Alamo's oldest building), the Alamo Exhibit (featuring more than 500 artifacts), restored historic cannons and the Statues of Heroes, bronze statues of Alamo soldiers in the Cavalry Courtyard. At the Living History encampment, visitors can learn more about frontier life in early Texas through hands-on demonstrations.

Recent visitors said the site can get rather busy, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Most travelers also agree that even when it's packed with tourists, the Alamo is a must-see site.

Brackenridge Park Brackenridge Park free

When the River Walk seems too busy, seek refuge from the heat and the swarms of tourists in Brackenridge Park. Its 343 acres offer much in the way of relaxation: rustic stone bridges and shaded walkways are perfect for strolling, and the Japanese Tea Garden beckons to botanists. Dress casual so you can take advantage of Brackenridge's jogging trails, golf course and athletic fields. The park also hosts outdoor concerts in the natural Sunken Garden Theater. In and around the park, you'll find popular attractions like the Witte Museum and the San Antonio Botanical Garden (about a half-mile east).

Past visitors appreciated the park's train, which runs through the zoo and offers an excellent opportunity to get around the large area. The park is also a featured stop on many of the best San Antonio tours .

Popular Tours

Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo

(324 reviews)

from $ 169.00

Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience

(304 reviews)

from $ 24.00

San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

(720 reviews)

from $ 65.00

Pearl District Pearl District free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Music fans should pay a visit to Jazz, TX , a slightly hidden nightclub in the basement of the Bottling Department. There are several shows a week, featuring everything from big bands to salsa. –  Justine Harrington

A San Antonio landmark since 1883, this former brewery is now a mixed-use development that boasts several noteworthy restaurants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America and a bevy of local boutiques, bakeries, bars and coffee shops, in addition to the best boutique hotel in town : Hotel Emma. The grand dame of the Pearl District, Hotel Emma is built around the original 19th-century brew house, and the aesthetic is an elegant, eclectic mix of five-star luxury and South Texas charm. Guests have access to luxurious amenities and two on-site eateries (farm-to-table restaurant Supper and gourmet cafe-market Larder) as well as Sternewirth, the hotel bar.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park San Antonio Missions National Historical Park free

Aside from the Alamo , this is where all of San Antonio's historic missions – Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission Espada and Mission San Juan – are located, making this a must-see site for history buffs. Established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century by Franciscan friars, the missions stand as a reminder of Spanish colonizers' success in spreading Catholicism through the Southwest and into Mexico. Each mission is beautiful in its own way, from the undisturbed frescos at Mission Concepción to the Romanesque arches of Mission San Juan. Scattered around the missions are remnants of granaries, workshops and water mills.

The missions have complicated stories, as many Native Americans who lived within the missions adapted to the Spanish way of life (sometimes willingly), forgoing their religions, languages and customs. However, the missions still retain many of Native American influences including the building frescoes and mission customs. In honor of this history, the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

San Fernando Cathedral San Fernando Cathedral free

If you're touring San Antonio, the San Fernando Cathedral is hard to miss. Still an active house of worship, the cathedral is one of the oldest in the country, constructed in the mid-1700s by colonists from the Canary Islands . It was here that Wild West legend James Bowie was married and that General Antonio López de Santa Anna indicated his plans for the Alamo . Local legend claims that many heroes from the Alamo battle (including Davy Crockett) are buried here in an unmarked tomb. Despite enduring damage from a fire in the 19th century, the San Fernando Cathedral maintains its antique appearance, beckoning you to tour its breathtaking interior.

While the interior is open during the day, travelers insist that you visit the church at night to take advantage of the free light show. Every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 and 9:30 p.m., a dazzling video art installation entitled "The Saga" is projected onto the building's facade.  You'll want to double-check the Main Plaza website to make sure the show is occurring.

Historic Market Square Historic Market Square free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Most of the booths and shops tend to start shutting down before 6 p.m., so be sure to give yourself plenty of time before then to peruse everything. – Justine Harrington

Said to be the biggest Mexican market in the U.S., Market Square is a feast for the senses. This three-block plaza has more than 100 local shops and stalls that sell food, folk art, handmade goods, clothes and more. The brightly colored papel picado (a traditional Mexican banner), stirring sounds of mariachi and lingering smell of Tex-Mex will instantly make you feel like you've been transported to Mexico. Make time for a meal (or even just fresh-baked pan dulce, a sweet bread) at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery. A much-loved local eatery, Mi Tierra is known for its year-round Christmas lights, hearty Mexican comfort fare and always-festive atmosphere.

San Antonio Museum of Art San Antonio Museum of Art

Although it may not be as large as other art museums, the San Antonio Museum of Art is a cultural gem that's not to be missed. It hosts top-notch collections of Native American, Spanish colonial and Latin American art. What's more, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Asian art in the Southwest, not to mention a respectable grouping of contemporary pieces.

Visitors are consistently impressed by the quality of the exhibits featuring work by renowned artists. The museum also holds a variety of special events every year ranging from film series to children's programs. If you don't make it here on your own, you'll find that it's a featured stop on many of the best San Antonio tours .

San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

(25 reviews)

from $ 51.91

The Haunted Ghost Bus Tour in San Antonio

(616 reviews)

from $ 55.00

Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w / Riverwalk Boat Cruise

(115 reviews)

from $ 129.00

Blue Star Arts Complex Blue Star Arts Complex free

Idyllically set along the San Antonio River, the Blue Star Arts Complex is a vibrant mixed-use property that serves as the nucleus of local art in San Antonio's Southtown. Repurposed warehouses hold shops, restaurants and an arthouse cinema, in addition to studios and galleries. Don't miss the Contemporary at Blue Star, which hosts more than 20 exhibitions each year within its four on-site galleries (and various off-site locations). 

Aside from checking out the art and shops at the Blue Star Arts Complex, one of the most recommended activities is to rent a bicycle from Blue Star Bike Shop to either ride around neighboring King William and Southtown or along the Mission Trail (Blue Star is a trailhead for Mission Reach, which connects four of the five missions to the south). After you return your bike, enjoy beer and a burger at Blue Star Brewing Company, located next door.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Located about 15 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a year-round destination for families and adrenaline-seeking travelers. The park's attractions run the gamut from coasters to slides to pools to go-karts. With shopping options and an assortment of restaurants to boot, it's not hard to spend an entire day (or more) at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Past visitors recommended purchasing the Flash Pass to skip the lines. Long lines are a common complaint at Six Flags, so even if you don't purchase the Flash Pass, be sure to reserve a full day for the park to account for time spent waiting in line.

McNay Art Museum McNay Art Museum

The McNay's collection includes more than 22,000 pieces that range from post-impressionist and modern works to Native American art. Visitors will recognize artists like Edward Hopper, Paul Cézanne, Diego Rivera, Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse. The museum is housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival residence on 23 acres of pristine green space, originally owned by artist and collector Marion Koogler McNay. The main draw may be the art, but walking around the grounds is an experience in its own right.

Museumgoers say the exhibits are great and appreciate the wide variety of art on displays. They recommend making use of the museum's free hours, which are Thursday night from 4 to 9 p.m. and the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 p.m.

San Antonio Botanical Garden San Antonio Botanical Garden

Prepare to be awed by the sheer diversity and size of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This well-tended, 38-acre complex features wildflower-filled meadows, native gardens, a 34-bed culinary garden, an outdoor kitchen that hosts cooking classes taught be local chefs and a Family Adventure Garden with activities for kids. The striking glass structures of the conservatory house tropical palms, ancient ferns and an incredible array of plants from the rainforest to the deserts of Mexico and South Africa. Walking trails stretch out in every direction, encouraging visitors to get up-close to the plant life. 

According to park visitors, it generally takes at least two hours to explore everything.

Spanish Governor's Palace Spanish Governor's Palace

Although it was never actually a palace, this adobe building certainly looks the part with rooms heavily decorated in 18th-century furnishings and a spectacular cobblestone patio. This National Historic Landmark and former seat of the Spanish government (dating back to when San Antonio was the capital of Spain's Texas territory) caters to both history buffs and art lovers. Explore the property at your leisure with a pamphlet given to you at the door.

Recent visitors discourage visiting this site with kids, however, as there's little here to keep tots entertained. They also warn the palace doesn't take too long to go through, so history enthusiasts may be a bit disappointed.

Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio

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Segway Tour of San Antonio and the Alamo

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Natural Bridge Caverns Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns are home to the biggest commercial cave system in Texas. Above-ground adventures include zip lining, a rope course, a maze, gem mining, shopping and dining. But the primary reason to visit the caverns is to partake in one of the five underground tour options, which include tours lit by only lanterns and others that explore the caverns' hidden passages.

Recent visitors particularly enjoyed the cavern tours, calling Natural Bridge Caverns a must-see site. Some recommend booking online to guarantee a spot on your desired tour.

Witte Museum Witte Museum

For a relaxing and mostly air-conditioned afternoon, take your kids out for some educational amusement at the Witte Museum. This often-overlooked site delves deep into natural science, anthropology and Texas history with exhibits featuring everything from dinosaurs to cave paintings to tarantulas. You can also take an in-depth look back through Texas' intriguing past by exploring the historic log cabins located on the grounds. And don't forget to check out the rotating special exhibitions covering space and other fascinating topics.

This quirky site has grown in popularity over the years, and visiting families say its collections and interactive features entertain children of all ages.

Morgan's Wonderland Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland is the world's only amusement park designed for children of all abilities. This sprawling, inclusive park was designed by former homebuilder Gordon Hartman — in honor of his daughter, Morgan, who has cognitive and physical disabilities – along with a local team of medical experts, engineers and therapists. There are more than 25 accessible attractions, rides and play areas, including a deluxe carousel, a Ferris wheel, an amphitheater, a catch-and-release fishing lake and a sensory play center. There's also a water park: Morgan's Inspiration Island.

In addition to the accessible rides, families appreciate the friendly, welcoming staff and affordable food offerings. They also like that you can bring in outside food, beverages and coolers, should you want your own refreshments. 

Ruby City Ruby City free

Ruby City is a contemporary art center with a unique origin story. Shortly before artist and megacollector Linda Pace passed away in 2007, she had a vision for a home for her collection of more than 800 pieces of art – a vision that literally came to her in a dream. Pace drew the images from her dream and passed them on to renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, who designed the bright crimson structure. Today, this 14,000-square-foot space is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures and installations from both local and international artists such as Joan Mitchell, Marina Abramovic and Donald Moffett.

Visitors love Ruby City for its incredible architecture, thought-provoking exhibits and beautiful grounds.

Japanese Tea Garden Japanese Tea Garden free

Featuring koi ponds, arched bridges, shaded paths and a 60-foot waterfall, the Japanese Tea Garden is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Antonio. Developed in 1917, the garden is located in a former rock quarry, which may surprise some given how lush the landscape is today. Native and adaptive Texas tree species abound, and the tiered gardens and floral display are in bloom throughout the year. The restaurant at the garden, Jingu House, offers tasty bites (spring rolls, sandwiches, salads and bowls) and a menu of beer, wine and sake cocktails, if you need to refuel during your visit.

Families with kids, friends, couples and solo visitors all find this tranquil green space enjoyable. Many people come here for a photo-op (it's widely regarded as one of the prettiest places in the city).

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Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan to visit on a weekday and get there as early as possible, if you want to avoid the crowds. It also helps to familiarize yourself with the park's layout before you go to stake out the best (shadiest) spots. – Justine Harrington

The original Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is at the top of many Texans' summer bucket lists (yes, for adults and kids alike). Overlooking the green, glassy Comal River, this 70-acre water park features a huge variety of pools, river rides and waterslides. When the state's sweltering temperatures take over, there's no better reprieve than lazily tubing the Kristal River; slipping and sliding down body slides like Downhill Racer and Soda Straws; or sipping a frozen cocktail at a swim-up bar.

DoSeum DoSeum

Children of all ages are in for a treat at the DoSeum. With 68,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, there's enough here to keep young brains and bodies engaged for hours. Kids can use their math and reasoning skills at the Spy Academy, work with tools and engage building skills at the Zachry Innovation Station, play with sound and light at the Sensations Studio and splash around outside at WaterWorks. This is just the tip of the iceberg at the DoSeum, whose exhibits are all designed with a sustainable, creative approach and a strong STEM focus. 

Parents recommend arriving early or visiting during the week to avoid long lines. Most say their kids had a great time, but a few note upkeep issues, such as broken and sticky exhibit pieces.

The Buckhorn Saloon & The Texas Ranger Museum The Buckhorn Saloon & The Texas Ranger Museum

It doesn't get more Texas than The Buckhorn Saloon. Visitors can enjoy a beverage at a historic saloon and check out the mounts of more than 500 species of exotic wildlife from around the world. Afterwards, peruse authentic Texas Ranger artifacts including guns, badges, photographs and more at the on-site Texas Ranger Museum. Pick up a cowboy hat at the gift shop to complete the experience. 

If you're at all squeamish about taxidermies, visitors recommended skipping this attraction. The food at the cafe hits the spot. Try the Buckhorn Burger or the Lone Star Chili Bowl, and wash it all down with a Buckarita, a refreshing mix of tequila and prickly pear juice. There's a kids' menu, too.

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Texas Travel 365

20 Best Things To Do In San Antonio: The Ultimate Bucket List

November 7, 2021 //  by  Texas Travel 365 //   Leave a Comment

Whether you are planning the ultimate week-long vacation to San Antonio, or have just a few hours to visit, you are going to be searching for the best things to do in San Antonio. You have come to the right place! We have researched and compiled the ultimate bucket list of San Antonio activities.

From the downtown area to the San Antonio riverwalk, all of these amazing places to visit in San Antonio will showcase the history, culture, or modern vibrance of the city. And if you are traveling with the whole family, don’t worry, we have thrown in a few things to do with kids.

Grab your camera, put on some sunscreen, and let get ready to visit these San Antonio attractions, maybe we’ve even got a few hidden gems for you. By the time you get back from your trip, the locals will be asking you, “what are the best things to do in San Antonio?”

San Antonio Riverwalk

Let’s start out with the most iconic spot in San Antonio, The Riverwalk. If you only have a few hours in San Antonio, this is tops on our list for the best things to do in San Antonio. Stroll along the tree-lined paths, and do a little shopping, stop at a restaurant or two, and take in the beautiful waterfront views.

The Riverwalk is central to many San Antonio activities on our list, so check out some of the hotels in the area, and consider making this area a home base for your trip. You’ll love how convenient it is, and how immersed in the culture and history of San Antonio you are.

While you are here, check out one of the many tasty restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk! Our post will take you through some of the best.

No matter when you visit, they are always hosting seasonal events and activities, so even as a local, the Riverwalk is always top of the list of fun things to do in San Antonio. Make sure to check out our list of the Best Things To Do On The San Antonio Riverwalk , complete with a guide and tips!

River Cruise

For a different perspective on the Riverwalk, consider getting out on the water with a river cruise. Plan your trip on a narrated historical tour, a dinner cruise, or just take a river taxi to take you from place to place. When cruising down the Riverwalk, you’ll be able to see why this is widely considered the best thing to do in San Antonio.

As you are searching for things to do on the San Antonio riverwalk, add the dinner cruises to the list too. They are small and intimate making them one of the perfect things to do in San Antonio for couples on a date night. And if you are visiting San Antonio at Christmas Time do not miss this chance to do one of the best things to do in San Antonio in December, the Holiday Light Cruise.

Click Here: City Highlights Group Tour with River Cruise

SEA LIFE Aquarium

After an afternoon on the waterfront, you might be looking for some cool things to do in San Antonio, literally. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is one of San Antonio’s coolest attractions, and the air conditioning is just what the Texas summer heat needs.

SEA LIFE Aquarium is the only place in San Antonio where you can stand under the water and get up close and personal with over 500 creatures, in their Ocean Tunnel. Especially if you are looking for things to do with kids, and you’ve got a budding oceanographer on your hands, they are going to love their afternoon at the aquarium.

Click Here: SEA LIFE Aquarium & LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The Texas Ranger Museum

We always loved a good roadside tourist attraction, and sometimes you’ve got to really embrace a good one, so we’ve picked out this San Antonio tourist attraction for our list. When you are on the hunt for the best things to do in San Antonio, head into The Buckhorn Saloon first for a quick meal, and eat where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution.

After lunch make your way into the museum and learn the history of over 100 years of the Texas Rangers. Surprisingly, this is one of the things to do in downtown San Antonio, so if you are in the area drop in for a visit. They also have a very large gift shop, a great place to pick up some souvenirs for those friends and family back home.

See the Missions

Across Texas, you can visit some of the Prettiest Spanish Missions , and San Antonio is home to quite a few. When you are a real history buff, these Missions are great places to visit in San Antonio to learn more. And if you’ve filled up your schedule with too many other things to do in San Antonio, make sure to at least stop by the most popular of all the Missions, The Mission San Antonio de Valero, The Alamo.

Touring the church is always free, but they also offer guided tours and hands-on demonstrations that take you back to daily life in the 1830s. And the Alamo may make the list of all the best things to do in San Antonio, but we also highly recommend one of the lesser-known missions, The Mission Concepcion. It is the oldest standing unrestored stone church in America and looks almost identical to the way it did over two centuries ago.

Click Here: UNESCO World Heritage Missions Tour

Go for a Bike Ride

Start adding all the places on our list to your plans for places to go in San Antonio, and let’s add a bike ride into the mix. Many of the things to do in and new downtown San Antonio and the Riverwalk are within a good biking distance of each other.

While exploring the area you will also see multiple opportunities so rent a bike by the hour or by the day, including some electric bikes too. A bike ride is a great way to explore all the best things to do in San Antonio because it gets you up close and personal to the history, but you get the chance to stop and talk to the people you see along your way.

Click Here: 3-hour Electric Bike Taco Tour in San Antonio

Go on a Day Trip to Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country has some of the best close-by San Antonio attractions. The area is full of great outdoor activities, and hidden gems, and is less than 30 minutes outside of the city. If you are a lover of waterfalls or flowers, you will feel right at home amongst the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

But hey, why just make it a day trip, there are plenty of Cozy Cabins In Texas Hill Country For A Getaway , so go ahead and plan to spend the whole weekend. Then you can really enjoy all of the true natural beauty this area has to offer.

Do a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Many of the best places in the world have a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, and San Antonio is no exception. This double-decker bus has an open-air top deck perfect for taking in all the best sites in San Antonio. Think of this tour as a cross between a way to get around the city and a guided tour of the best things to do in San Antonio.

And the flexibility of a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is perfect for indecisive travelers. There are no set destinations or times, you get off when you want, and get back on when you are done. You’ll be amazed at how many San Antonio tourist attractions you can hit in one day when you leave the driving up to the professionals.

Click Here: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Experience Hopscotch

Immerse yourself in one of the newest, and most cool things to do in San Antonio. Hopscotch is an optical illusion and immersive art experience that brings together artists in a collaborative environment. With over 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, you’ll find yourself exploring works like Thunder and Lightning, Deep Eddy Ball Pit, and Color Therapy.

As one of the most unique places to visit in San Antonio, this exhibit space is also a great way to support local artists. Swing by the lounge for a drink or a bit to eat to continue the immersive experience. If you are an art lover, you’ve got to add Hopscotch to your list of best things to do in San Antonio.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Next up on our list is the most extensive cavern within the San Antonio area and one of the largest caverns within the state of Texas, making it one of the top San Antonio tourist attractions. Visit Natural Bridge Caverns and travel deep below the earth’s surface, and tour caves with ancient formations centuries in the making and still growing today, such as amazing stalagmites and stalactites.

Experience the cool 70 degrees year-round, and the 99% relative humidity found inside the cave, totally different from the normal weather outside in the normal Texas summer. If you are an archeology or geology enthusiast, this is absolutely the best thing in San Antonio to pique your curiosity.

Japanese Tea Garden

Let’s get lost in this beautiful, lush Japanese Tea Garden. If you are traveling with a four-legged friend, also feel free to bring them along to this next stop on our list of the best things to do in San Antonio. What was once an abandoned limestone quarry, is now a peaceful place to spend an afternoon.

The Japanese Tea Garden is no cost admission and features a lush year-round garden, floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and ponds filled with Koi. While you are there visit the Jingu House restaurant for lunch. This is absolutely a must-add to the places to visit in San Antonio, but be prepared to feel like you are far away from San Antonio.

Sample the Best Restaurants in San Antonio

San Antonio is a city of gastronomy, where traditional culinary experience merges with new young ideas for a food scene that is flavorful a vibrant. You can satisfy any craving here, from Tex-Mex, BBQ, seafood to bar bites.

Many of the best things to do in San Antonio on our list are close by to the downtown or Riverwalk area where many of these best restaurants can be found. So after you’ve worked up an appetite visiting the San Antonio attractions, make your way to one of the many local Restaurants in San Antonio .

Click Here: Walking Food Tour: Downtown Delicacies

Visit a Park

Among all the San Antonio attractions it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, but sometimes it is nice to enjoy a simple afternoon in one of the beautiful Parks in San Antonio . There are many different parks in the area, and all of them offer unique things to go. If you want to go hiking, head to Eisenhower Park. If you want to spend the day on the lake, head to Live Oak Park.

All of the parks in San Antonio have great things to do with kids, but Milam Park has a children’s playscape specifically designed to keep kids busy. No matter where you are in San Antonio, there is a great park nearby to enjoy some time soaking up the sun.

Go on a Wine Tour

The best place in all of Texas to go on a Wine Tour in Fredricksburg , and San Antonio is only a short day trip away. Fredricksburg is the home to over 50 award-wining wineries in the Texas Hill Country area. You can tour vineyards, and working wineries bottling right on site. Many of the wineries here have tastings and tour packages, and Fredricksburg even has its own shuttle system for getting around.

A tour of Fredricksburg is a great addition to all the best things to do in San Antonio. The German-inspired architecture will make a great contrast to the downtown and San Antonio riverwalk, really showcasing all of the best things Texas has to offer.

Click Here: Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour

Texas Transportation Museum

Next up on our list is one of the most fun things to do in San Antonio. The Texas Transportation Museum is focused on the history of the railroad and automotive industry in San Antonio. This is the only museum in San Antonio where you can actually ride the exhibits, with train rides happening throughout the day, included in your admission.

Explore some old Ford Model Ts, and Studebakers, and see how the streetcars in San Antonio transferred from horsedrawn to steam engines to diesel. For the history buffs in your travel group, they are going to have a great time visiting the Texas Transportation Museum, you’ve got to add it to the top of your list of things to do in San Antonio.

Go on a Ghost Tour

Whether you believe in ghost stories or not, one of the best ways to learn about a town’s history and dark past is through a ghost tour. After spending the day visiting all the best San Antonio attractions, come back to see them in the darkness of night, and hear the spooky stories of their past.

In San Antonio you’ll hear tales of the restless souls slain at the Battle of the Alamo, explore the things to do in downtown San Antonio that have spirit residence, and learn about the dark underbelly of San Antonio’s history. These tours may not be a great thing to do with kids but are the perfect date night activity for the couple that likes to get a little spooky.

Click Here: Haunted Walking Ghost Tour

Six Flags Fiesta

If you are a theme park enthusiast, head to one of the many Theme Parks in Texas , Six Flags Fiesta. The Six Flags Fiesta location in San Antonio, Texas has been dubbed the thrill capital of South Texas. With over 18 different thrill rides, you’ll be in for twists and turns the whole day.

If you’ve got young ones on your trip, there are a ton of thrills for them at Six Flags Fiesta too, so put this on your list of great things to do with kids in San Antonio. And bring your appetite, this theme park is packed full of all the classic carnival food you’ve come to know and love at theme parks. If your idea of a great day is spending it on rollercoasters going 80 mph, then you’ll know exactly why Six Flags Fiesta is on our list of best things to do in San Antonio.

Visit the Museum of Art

While you were on your river cruise, you may have noticed the San Antonio Museum of Art on the waterfront. This is definitely a must-add to the list of places to visit in San Antonio for any art lover. The collection at this museum showcases artwork from over 5,000 years. There is also a focus on artwork that was created by people who previously lived in the region, giving a great look into what life in the San Antonio, and surrounding Texas area may have looked like years ago.

The museum is constantly showcasing new exhibitions from around the world, so even if this is not your first trip to the city, you definitely should add the Museum of Art to your list of the best things to do in San Antonio, there will always be something new and amazing to see.

Visit Hemisfair

The best view from any city is from above, and since San Antonio doesn’t have any real mountain top views, the next best thing is an observation tower. At Hemisfair Park, you can visit the Tower of the Americas, visit fountains, playgrounds, and even play a game of life-size chess.

The area is rich in culture with public art exhibits, local cultural activities, and community groups meeting there frequently. Hemisfair Park is a great thing to do with kids in San Antonio and is even a great way to spend an afternoon, with local restaurants and treat shops.

When we look for the best things to do in San Antonio, we love to search for places that really encompass the spirit of the city, and Hemisfair Park is certainly tops on our list.

Meet the Animals at the Zoo

With over a million visitors every year, we think it’s pretty easy to say that the San Antonio Zoo easily makes the list of best things to do in San Antonio. During your visit, you can meet up to 750 different species at the zoo, living on over 56 acres of land. The Zoo’s main focus is education and conservation, making this one of the best places to go in San Antonio with kids.

Check out some of their immersive programming too, for a chance to get really up close and personal with the animals too. You could have breakfast with a hippopotamus, feed a giraffe, or hang out with a kangaroo. The zoo is a great place in San Antonio to make some great memories for the whole family.

Whether you are in town for just a short visit or planning an epic city-wide adventure, there are so many amazing, cool and fun things to do in San Antonio. Bring the kids, bring the art lovers, bring the history buffs, everyone is going to love all these things to do in San Antonio. After you’ve visited them all, come back and tell us what made the top of your list of the best things to do in San Antonio!

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Texas Travel: Exploring San Antonio Beyond The Alamo

My trip exploring things to do in San Antonio was sponsored by the Holiday Inn brand . As always, all opinions are my own.

San Antonio is an incredibly romantic city. For one, every block features preserved Romanesque Revival and Neo-Gothic Revival architecture revamped for modern use, giving the entire destination a historic feel. Moreover, you’ll find boat rides, carriage tours, waterfront restaurants covered in hanging ivy with outdoor patios, brick-laced corridors and cobbled paths to hold hands down without even trying.

Even as a solo traveler in Texas  exploring things to do in San Antonio I appreciated the city’s apparent beauty (though, yea, I mayyy have sent my guy back home a few hundred photos or so saying I wished he was there).

I also respected the city’s rich history as a home to early Spanish colonial life and Texas’ first civilian settlement. San Antonio attractions like the Alamo and the many Missions — as well as historic cathedrals and basilicas — speak to this. And while one should certainly take the time to explore these sites, I wanted to go beyond the guidebook and explore lesser-known San Antonio from the solo female’s perspective; and of course share it with all of you!

So, how exactly did I spent my time in San Antonio? With…

Table of Contents

Airport Transfers

After waking up at 4am to catch a connecting flight to San Antonio I couldn’t wait to run off the plane and get right to my hotel. Which is what made Blacklane so handy. I’d worked with this business class ground transportation company before for a trip to Seattle , and really enjoyed the service. When they asked if I’d like to work together again I happily accepted. Even before I landed my driver, Stan, had texted me saying he was there in a black Lincoln Navigator and his license plate number. Because airport pickups include an hour of free wait time there was no crazy rush.

Stan told me about an alternative pickup point that required less walking for me, and swiftly took my bags and handed me some bottled water once I met him. During the ride, he told me about life growing up in San Antonio and recommended favorite restaurants.

In terms of travel safety , Blacklane drivers go through all legal requirements in the respective countries, including necessary background checks and having the appropriate licenses.

I was invited by the Holiday Inn brand to stay at the Holiday Inn San Antonio River Walk , an amenity-filled property right on the city’s famous waterfront. As I’m the type of traveler who likes to explore on foot or by bike, I loved having direct access to the River Walk right out the back door as well as the many offerings of downtown within walking or cycling distance (though there is a reliable bus network, called Via , for $1.30 per ride).

Another perk: my balcony-equipped room overlooking the River Walk meant people watching while nibbling a fresh cheese platter from room service was certainly doable, although even if you opt for a non-balcony room the onsite Windows on the River Restaurant & Lounge pairs similar views with burgers, cocktails and more. I had a healthy breakfast buffet there in the morning and it was uber relaxing.

No worries about calories, as between exploring and the onsite gym and outdoor pool means you’ll burn it all right off (at least, that’s what I like to tell myself). The Holiday Inn team also recommended a few food and beverage spots that ended up being great for solo travelers — including the Soho Wine & Martini Bar and The Luxury — which I mention below.

Starting rate: $156.50 per night.

1. Photography Heaven On The San Antonio River Walk

Don’t miss this fun experience when visiting Texas !

From the Holiday Inn property, I was able to walk right onto the San Antonio River Walk. While this is a major attraction it was one that, as a photographer, outdoor enthusiast and food lover, I couldn’t resist.

I’d heard of this San Antonio attraction before and was expecting a super commercial waterfront; however, what I got was something totally different. For one, the network of waterways spreading throughout the city is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities for shots of whimsical bridges, gardens, man-made waterfalls, public artwork, skylines peaking above palms and ambient outdoor eateries. Yes, you will find Rainforest Cafe, Rocky Mountain Chocolate, Dick’s Last Resort and other major chains, but the local establishments and beautiful views far outweigh the commercial aspect.

For a fun twist try your luck at finding these little graffiti dudes along the River Walk. You may even want to challenge your friends — or yourself if you’re solo — to a scavenger hunt.

By the way, if you’re visiting San Antonio during the holidays the River Walk gets decked out! It’s one of the reasons the city is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Texas .

2. Creative Heritage At The La Villita Historic Arts Village

I stumbled upon this gem while wandering the River Walk; and while upon first glance it may seem like a village created just for tourists, it’s exactly the opposite. After ascending a set of terraced steps reminiscent of a mini Machu Picchu, I entered a neat village lined with art galleries and handmade accessory shops. While each of the 25+ venues of the La Villita Historic Arts Village has its own focus — surreal pop art, Mexican handicrafts, mixed metal design, watercolor paintings, a unique fragrance factory — my favorite was B & C Leather Designs & Unique Finds and its individually crafted accessories.

Torrential rains began pouring down while I was inside, so I hunkered down with the shop owner. He explained La Villita was one of the first neighborhoods settled in San Antonio. In fact, his particular shop’s structure dates back to 1855, while the village itself dates back to 1845 and is a US Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Within the village the small shops have diverse architectural styles telling the story of the German, French and Italian immigrants that settled there.

3. Al Fresco Works At The McNutt Courtyard and Sculpture Garden

I’m a budget traveler ; and while I’m sure the Briscoe Western Art Museum has much to offer, I didn’t want to spring the $10 admission, especially as San Antonio’s weather had been treating me so well. Their adjacent courtyard, however, is free to enter and features a small but interesting collection of outdoor works by Western artists. There are also tables to take a rest from wandering the River Walk and re-hydrate while enjoying the scenery.

Note: The Briscoe Western Art Museum does offer free admission on Tuesdays from 4pm-9pm.

4. Good-For-You Goodies At URTH Juice Bar

In an attempt to be healthy I decided to seek out some all-natural drinks, also great as a refreshment in San Antonio’s intense heat. I was actually walking to Bubblehead — which ended up being closed — and stumbled upon URTH Juice Bar .

“I’ll just get a juice,” I whispered to myself. “No smoothies!”

Yea, okay. As soon as I stepped into the colorful mural-adorned space with its rainbow chalk board listing juices, smoothies, tonics and detoxes, I knew I’d be getting something laced with cooking spices and cacao over kale. And I happily did; a “Cosmo” made with milk, peanut butter, banana, flax oil, honey and cinnamon. Great as a meal or a dessert!

5. Northern Thai Food At Baan Esaan

This was another discovery made while searching for Bubblehead, as Baan Esaan had taken its address. San Antonio is known for its delicious Tex Mex, which is exactly why I wanted to also try restaurants that were just the opposite. Hey, we are going beyond the guidebook here. Esaan is the Northeastern region of Thailand, known for its bold flavored food focusing on salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter tastes. The food is also known for being healthier than many other types of Thai food as it’s often grilled or boiled, which fit my never-ending goal to be healthier myself.

The menu is simple but thoughtful, with dishes like green papaya “Somtum” salad, herb laced minced meat “Laab” salad made tangy with lime, and, what I ordered, the “Tiger Cry” featuring uber tender grilled beef and house special sauce.

This place stole my heart by offering a spicy ghost chili sauce. As a hot head, these are the things that really matter. So spicy and delicious, especially with the sticky rice, the main staple of all Esaan meals that soaks up the flavors of the various serrano, habanero and ghost chili-laced sauces.

6. Immerse Yourself In Mexican Culture At Historic Market Square

I actually didn’t visit Historic Market Square on purpose. I was checking out the small but lovely Milam Park — as well as the adjacent colorful and al fresco art adorned San Antonio Children’s Hospital — when I heard the sounds of Marc Anthony and Enrique Iglesias blasting nearby. I followed the upbeat music and came upon a square dating back to the 1820s, which locals dub “El Mercado,” full of vendor stalls, indoor shops and patio-equipped Latin eateries sitting underneath colorful strings of flags.

This is where I found the delicious and quirky Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery , a Tex-Mex eatery serving patrons since 1941. What attracted me inside aside for the gorgeous bakery case chock full of pan dulce, Mexican flag cookies and pecan pralines were the servers dressed in Mexican Fiesta Dresses and the blindingly colorful decor — including a fun (and somewhat loco ) array of Christmas decorations.

A smiling Mexican man strummed a vihuela while I dug into a juicy roasted chicken stewed with tomatoes, zucchini and corn and served with retried beans, Spanish rice, hot tortilla chips and salsa — only $7.50 on lunch special!

The atmosphere is definitely festive and fun, and their enclosed patio allows solo travelers to occupy themselves with people watching.

7. Taste Texas Hill Country In The City At Fiesta Winery

Also in Historic Market Square is an outpost for Fiesta Winery, though the name will be changing shortly to the Rustic Grapes Wine Cellars. The premise will remain, though, and you’ll be able to pop in for Texas-sourced glasses and bottles of wine and tastings for just $12 (this includes six one-ounce pours of your choice). I was informed by my tasting guide that there are now over 400 wineries in Texas, with the varietals of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and tempranillo doing particularly well.

The tasting menu featured about 30 wines. I went with the owner’s recommendations, and out of what I tried my favorites were the “Southern Sparkle,” a bubble berry-accented blush, and the “Sojourn,” a light Port-style wine made with black Spanish grapes.

While I won’t say these were my favorite wines I’ve ever tried, they were enjoyable and allowed me to get a true taste of the Texas landscape. Moreover, the tasting room features local artwork from the nearby Royal Canvas Painting Parlor, and is budget-friendly at $9-$12/glass and $39.99 or less for all bottles (most are under $20).

8. Admire The Architecture Of The King William District

If you like getting lost in leafy green neighborhoods full of historic homes that leave you perpetually saying ooohhh and aaahhh at every corner, ride a BCycle or take the bus to the King William District, the first designated historic district in Texas , dating back to the 1860s. I literally just wandered without a plan, photographing the astounding mix of architecture: Richardsonian Romanesque, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Italianate, Classical Revival, Queen Anne style mansions and even one-story bungalows adorned with funky paintings and wind chimes.

A few of the homes really stand out, like Villa Finale and the Edward Steves Homestead, both of which you can tour for ~$10 each with a guide (there are also self-guided and combo tours of both available).

Location: The King William District is located between the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez Boulevard, South St. Mary’s Street and South Alamo Street. Street signs within the district are brown and say King William Historic District on them.

9. Have An Alice In Wonderland Moment At Madhatters Tea House & Café

While wandering the King Williams Historic District I made this discovery. For those used to posh tea salons, Madhatters Tea House & Café turns the traditional upside down by offering tasty pastry platters (made by the local Ultimate Cheesecake Bakery) and sandwiches alongside an array of awesome green, black, organic and herbal teas (try the Cinnamon Plum!) in an eccentric multi-room wooden house. The main room is spacious with chalk board menus, wooden tables with mismatched chairs, uneven shelves of teas and pick-your-own cup stations, and lopsided pictures of flowers and hot drinks, all coming together to be charmingly weathered and weird. There’s also a front patio, a back patio and other less bustling nooks full of books and worn sofas. It’s the type of homey spot you could happily waste the day in.

Note: tea is served for $3.99 per pot (there’s no option for one cup).

10. Get Fat, Tipsy & Creative At Blue Star Arts Complex

So the way the King William Historic District works is somewhat confusing, as it’s also part of what is known as Southtown Village, which also encompasses the Lavaca and Blue Star neighborhoods. Southtown is extremely arts-centric, so it’s no surprise that the noteworthy Blue Star Arts Complex resides here.

Blue Star showcases historic warehouses converted into an art-focused / mixed use complex and boasts being San Antonio’s longest-running contemporary art space. It’s located right on the River Walk and features Blue Star Brewing Company, San Angel Folk Art, Bar 1919 speakeasy, Brick Live Music & Art, Stella Public House, Sukeban Champagne & Sushi Bar, South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company and other venues paying homepage to local creativity and socializing.

11. Explore San Antonio’s Sweet Side At South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company

I did this at the Blue Star Art Complex at the above-mentioned South Alamode Panini & Gelato Company . Instead of processed candy-coated creations they focus on refreshing gelatos made daily with natural and regionally renowned ingredients imported from Italy (like pistachio from Bronte!). I ordered the Blackberry Ricotta featuring real juicy fruits and a Lemon Ricotta with Limoncello-inspired lady finger chunks.

Yes, $6 for a small ice cream is expensive, but it’s two ENORMOUS scoops and is so delicious it’s worth it. You’re also welcome to as many free samples as you wish. Plus the naturally lit space is full of art works, wooden tables, game and book-lined shelves and dangling pendant lighting for a nice atmosphere.

Another recommendation: The House Boozy Ice Cream & Brews . This spot is walking distance from Madhatters and the King William Historic District, and features local beers and booze-infused ice cream like Bourbon Vanilla, Irish Setter (a chocolate whiskey Baileys creation) and a Pink Lemonade showcasing Deep Eddy Vodka.

12. Drink Unique (And Spicy!)

SoHo Wine & Martini Bar  is red tinted with a grungy feel that doesn’t fit the posh name; however, the craft and bespoke cocktails — I told the bartender to make me something spicy with mezcal — infused with housemade tinctures do.

Mine ended up having ghost chilies in it — aka it was my hot head heaven — though the chipped stone bar also showcased unique creations like Brisket Bourbon, Bubble Gum Vodka and Coconut Tuaca, as well as a decadent dessert cocktail menu with offerings like Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Nutter Butter and S’More. Shelves also showcase tons of quality spirits, bitters and jugs infusing spirits.

It’s right on the River Walk and was a three-minute stroll from the hotel, so convenient for a yummy nightcap. After the bartender got to know my spicy tastes he urged me to come back for their “White Dragon,” a dessert drink made with strawberry, elderflower, whipped cream, lemon, ghost chilies and rum that hits all the palate’s trigger points.

13. Dine Al Fresco In An Upcycled Fashion At The Luxury

Coolest. Place. In. San Antonio.

Wow! Don’t let the name fool you into thinking this place is snooty. First of all, there are two shipping containers, one serving a dizzying array of craft beer and wine, and the other offering elevated comfor t food like a burger gowned in beer-braised onions, cheese and Poblano peppers; a bahn mi laced with crispy fish and do chua pickles; and an interesting fried plantain gowned in refried beans and fresh crema. W hat makes it so cool is the chill hits played at a volume where you can still talk, the communal outdoor picnic table seating and the big wooden swings held up by fire hoses overlooking the River Walk.

As a solo traveler it’s very easy to come here with a book and enjoy your meal, a brew and the view. Everything is cooked to order so food takes a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait. Only gripe: you’ll definitely need a lot of bug spray!

If you’re looking for more amazing Texas dining experiences for solo travelers, check out this guide to exploring Plano .

14. Explore A Brewery-Turned-Neighborhood At The Pearl

While biking back to the hotel from The Luxury I saw a giant sign that said Pearl Brewery .

Why not? I thought to myself, veering off Broadway and down the quiet Pearl Parkway, which leads right into a historic 1883 brewery-turned-social neighborhood.

Here you’ll find over 300 apartments and 30+ restaurants, bars and shops, not to mention there was a ton of construction going on and “Coming Soon” signs, so the neighborhood complex is growing. There were lots of people dining outdoors, walking their dogs and cheersing drinks when I went, and I noticed on their website they do regular events like concerts and farmer’s markets.

Two eateries that caught my eye were Green , a 100% Kosher vegetarian restaurant, and One Lucky Duck , a raw cafe. Pretty cool that in the land of Tex-Mex there are also these healthy options.

Interestingly, the entire time I was looking at the logo for Pearl Brewery I kept thinking how familiar it looked. Then it hit me — Pabst! A bit of internet digging showed that Pearl did indeed purchase Pabst and assume the name in 1985; however, in 1999 when Pabst became part of Miller most of its breweries — including this one — were closed.

For further things to do in San Antonio, this attraction is located right near the San Antonio Museum of Art, The Do Seum and Brackenridge Park.

15. Find Peace At The Japanese Tea Garden

Speaking of Brackenridge Park, this is where you’ll find a true hidden gem of San Antonio: the free-to-enter The Japanese Tea Garden.

Wow! I seriously can’t believe this exists in an urban environment!

It was jaw droppingly beautiful, as you enter through a traditional torii into a vast area with shady flora-trimmed paths, coy ponds, giant pillars, whimsical stone arch bridges surrounded by duck-filled ponds glimmering in the sun, the light bouncing off bulbs, lilies and exotic plants. The entire scene features a waterfall as a backdrop.

If I were to get married in San Antonio, there’s no doubt I’d want it to be here. There is also the onsite Jingu House Cafe where you can eat and enjoy the scenery.

What would you add to this list of things to do in San Antonio beyond the Alamo? 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Holiday Inn. The opinions and text are all mine.

Bonus Texas Travel Resources:

Houston Travel: Meet The Woman Who Opened The First Black-Owned Hostel In The USA

Solo Female Traveler’s Guide To Plano, Texas

Exploring Austin Beyond Barbecue

Solo Female Travel In Texas: The Ultimate Guide

Related posts:

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This looks like such a great place to visit! I’ve always wanted to get down to Texas, I’ve just never gotten around to it. Great post.

@Madi: Thank you!

Great post! I used to spend Christmas in San Antonio, and the River Walk is absolutely incredible that time of year!

Love this short and concise guide – so easy to listen and note down the places to visit!

Hey, I’m impressed by your ultimate guide. Absolutely amazing work.

Nice article and images

Fantastic article and photos are looks amazing.

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Top Things to do in San Antonio

San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting and unique attractions in Texas. The historic River Walk winds almost three miles through the heart of San Antonio. One of San Antonio’s, and the United States’, most photographed attractions is The Alamo, and should not be missed by anyone visiting the city. The museum tells the story for The Alamo’s fall and displays interesting historical artifacts. For more history, La Villita (the Little Village) in the heart of San Antonio has been restored to look as it did when the Spanish built it in the 1700s. Of course, San Antonio has much more to offer than historical sites. Outside San Antonio sits the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, rated as the country’s best water park by the Travel Channel. Sea World San Antonio is loved by marine fans and offers shows, rides and a vast animal park. San Antonio’s mix of historical landmarks and exciting attractions makes it a great destination for travelers of all ages.

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Join us for a tour on the beautiful San Antonio River for a 100 minute cruise exploring San Antonio 's Black History along the Riverwalk. Our trip starts by meeting at 218 S. Presa in La Villita. Please arrive at 218 S. Presa 30-45 minutes ahead of the boat departure time. We then travel through history on a north route through the Museum Reach to the Pearl then back downtown to the Alamo, Convention Center and back to La Villita. You will be surprised at the continued African American influence in San Antonio. No professional video or photography allowed on the boat.

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Watch SA Live’s Texas Cavaliers River Parade After Party

The party continues at historic market square with fiona, mike & jen around 9 p.m. tonight.

Diana Winters , SA Live Executive Producer

SAN ANTONIO – After the Texas Cavaliers River Parade tonight, the party continues at Historic Market Square with Fiona, Mike and Jen live on KSAT 12.

It’s SA Live’s annual Fiesta after-party and you don’t want to miss it because we have all the Fiesta food and drinks, performances and medal madness.

Pink Shark Bar is shaking things up with light-up, glow-in-the-dark cocktails and fun Fiesta snacks. Check out their Fiesta events for the rest of the week.

Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones will perform an authentic Folklorico dance for us. Follow them on Facebook to find out about their Fiesta events.

We’re also going to be giving some medals away to the winners of our games tonight, so come join us!

Don’t miss other Fiesta events this week, including NIOSA , La Semana Alegre , Fiesta de los Reyes and more .

The fun starts around 9 p.m. tonight on KSAT 12, right after the Texas Cavaliers River Parade . Viva Fiesta!

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Diana Winters is a San Antonio-area native, Emmy award-winning and GLAAD-nominated journalist who loves the Alamo City. She is the executive producer of SA Live, creator of South Texas PRIDE and co-creator of Texas Eats.

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Tourism and hospitality generates highest-ever economic impact of $19 billion in 2022

New study reveals the industry impacted the local economy approximately 10% above the pre-pandemic peak in 2019    

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 7, 2023) — In a remarkable rebound, the San Antonio tourism and hospitality industry shattered key performance metrics, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with an unprecedented economic impact of $19 billion – a 10% year-over-year increase. The findings, identified by Trinity University professors Richard V. Butler, Ph.D., and Mary E. Stefl, Ph.D., in a study commissioned by Visit San Antonio, the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, the Texas Restaurant Association—San Antonio Chapter and the San Antonio Visitors Alliance, underscore the sector's undeniable resilience, vitality and importance to the San Antonio region.  

Part of the industry's historic economic impact includes a notable boost in contributions to the city's local taxes and fees, soaring to an impressive $262 million. San Antonio has become a beacon of hope, recovering faster than many cities across the United States, as a separate visitation study by renowned national research company, D.K. Shifflet, found that San Antonio attracted 34.8 million visitors and employed over 140,000 individuals – nearly a 10% increase from 2021 figures.  

"There is so much more work to be done, and Visit San Antonio remains steadfast in its commitment to rejuvenating our city's tourism and hospitality sector, aiming to restore hotel occupancy, city visitation and tourism-supported jobs to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024 or even sooner," said Marc Anderson, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio. "The latest record-breaking news of over $19 billion in economic impact and $262 million in city tax revenues for 2022 is immensely gratifying and promises a bright future for our city and its residents."  

With more than 100 new restaurants and a dozen new hotels opening since the onset of the pandemic, the industry's total payroll has surged beyond 2019 levels, reinforcing its position as one of the top five economic drivers in the San Antonio region.  

“This is not only a win for our city, but it is a win for the citizens of San Antonio. The positive impact our tourism and hospitality industry has had on our local economy since the start of the pandemic is tremendous,” said Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of the City of San Antonio. “It showcases the remarkable efforts to tell San Antonio’s story to the world.”  

This robust growth exemplifies the unwavering power of tourism and hospitality in shaping the city's profile and status as the fastest-growing big city in the United States. Visit San Antonio Board Chair, Phil Stamm, emphasized the vital role of tourism and hospitality as key economic drivers and job creators.  

"While we celebrate surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks in crucial categories, we must unite to further increase business demand in both leisure and meetings and conventions,” Stamm said. “Our industry's impact extends far beyond San Antonio, generating revenue that propels our city to compete economically with other metro districts."  

Professors Butler and Stefl's study lauded the industry's "impressive" performance in 2022. In response, Visit San Antonio continues to spearhead innovative marketing initiatives, enticing leisure and business travelers from around the globe. The city's iconic attractions and culinary offerings are being showcased, reaffirming San Antonio's status as a global destination with immense economic potential.