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