Top things to do in San Antonio

Whether you like to learn about history, ride roller coasters, or just eat some amazing Mexican food, San Antonio offers a wealth of entertainment options. The richness of Mexican culture permeates the city, and there is always music in the air and a party on every corner.

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River Walk

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+1 210-227-4262

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Iconic attractions

4.3 4.3

The Paseo del Río is a must see for any traveler to San Antonio. The River Walk was conceived in 1929. Downtown had major flood problems, and a 27-year-old UT architecture graduate named Robert H. Hugman suggested that the city turn the San Antonio River into a tourist attraction that also it would help control flooding. Hugman’s big idea has become the biggest draw in town. The stairs that go down to the Paseo del Río can be found at street level throughout the center. Take a walk anywhere you want, stroll, and explore the great shops, galleries, restaurants, and other sights.

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The Alamo

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+1 210-225-1391

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The Alamo, one of the most famous buildings in the world, was the scene of a brutal battle between the Texas rebels and the huge Mexican army. The Texans lost the battle but soon won the war, gaining independence from Mexico in 1836. If you have time, the guided tour is highly recommended. You will learn much more about the building, artifacts, and history with the help of an expert guide.

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Tower of the americas

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+1 210-223-3101

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The 750-foot Tower of the Americas is a tourist attraction that will appeal to the whole family, with two restaurants, a movie theater, and an observation deck. Instead of paying for a ticket to the observation deck at the top of the tower, you may want to apply that money for lunch or dinner at the Chart House restaurant or drinks at the bar (the ride is free for patrons restaurants and bars). The top of the tower rotates very gradually to allow ever-evolving views of the city. Visit the Plaza de la Torre de las Américas, at street level, during the summer. Every Friday night from 7pm to midnight, there are live music performances, car shows, and other free events.

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Sea World San Antonio

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+1 210-520-4732

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With all the shows Sea World has to offer – the aquarium, roller coasters, and Lost Lagoon water park – you should be prepared to spend a full day (or two) at this fun-filled park. Located about 40 minutes northwest of downtown San Antonio, this Sea World park has something for everyone. Little known fact: You are allowed to bring a six-pack cooler into the park with bottled water and small snacks. Plus, you can save 10 percent off when you buy your tickets online.

After an orca killed a trainer in the Orlando park in 2010, several new safety measures were put in place to protect coaches and fans. Trainers no longer go into the water with the whales and higher and stronger barriers were erected around the performance area. Due to public outcry since the incident, orca shows are slowly being phased out.

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White Museum

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+1 210-357-1900

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The Witte Museum is part of Brackenridge Park and is located just three miles north of downtown, on the banks of the San Antonio River. The museum features exhibits on the history, culture, and natural sciences of South Texas. HEB Science Treehouse aims to teach children about science in a fun and hands-on environment. Kids also love the Dino Hall, the mummy exhibit, the ancient Texan exhibit, and the live animal exhibit, which includes bees, spiders, and snakes. Daily educational programs for children and adults help bring the exhibits to life.

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McNay art museum

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+1 210-824-5368

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Art galleries and museums

4.6

The core of the museum is a 24-room Spanish Colonial Revival house donated by oil heiress Marion McNay in 1950. She also donated her collection of European and American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Take a relaxing stroll through the property’s 23 acres, which include beautiful gardens of native Texas plants and flowers.

If you want a special treat, plan to have lunch at the Carriage House Bistro on site and dine outside on the patio. For a scenic drive to the gardens, hop on the VIA Sightseer No. 7 bus. Bring your camera to take photos of the grounds. The McNay is a popular wedding and fashion venue due to its beautiful gardens and courtyards.

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King William Historic District

Historical attractions

4.6

Located just south of the city center, the King William Historic District is a residential area that was settled by German immigrants in the 1860s and named for Kaiser Wilhelm, King of Prussia during the 1870s. Many of the immigrants They were talented masons, and their work is still visible in many of the houses. The homes’ early residents were major players in the San Antonio business community, including warehouse owners, architects, doctors, and other professionals.

Visitors flock to the area to admire the large, impressive houses and walk the streets shaded with pecans and cypress trees. The district has become a modern and artistic area, featuring bed and breakfasts, art galleries, and quaint cafes.

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La Villita

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+1 210-207-8614

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La Villita means “small town” and is the original home of the first settlers of San Antonio. Today, people visit La Villita for its picturesque cobblestone paths, art galleries and history. It is located on the south bank of the San Antonio River and hosts many festivals and outdoor events with live music and dancing, especially in the spring. You can see a weekend dance performance by Ballet Folklórico at the Arneson River Theater, an amphitheater in La Villita, with the stage located across the San Antonio River. The little church, built in 1879, features a beautiful stained glass cross along the back wall. It is now an active non-denominational church that is also available for weddings and other events.

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Mission San Jose

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+1 210-922-0543

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The San José Mission, located in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, was founded in 1720 by Father Antonio Margil de Jesús. If you only have time to visit one of the San Antonio Missions, the “Queen of Missions” is the one to see. It is the largest of the five missions and the most restored.

The mission was a church-centered community, where Spanish missionaries and their Native American converts lived during the 1700s and 1800s. At its peak, in the late 1700s, 350 Native Americans lived on the property and tended to the crops and livestock. . The site’s generosity made it the target of frequent Apache and Comanche attack. While they managed to steal cattle, which were kept out of the compound, the raiders were unable to overcome the formidable defenses of the mission itself. Free ranger-guided tours last between 45 and 60 minutes and are available periodically throughout the day. The mission continues to be an active church, and visitors can attend Sunday Mass.

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Japanese tea garden

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+1 210-559-3148

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What began in 1918 as a simple lily pond built from a former rock quarry is now a lush, year-round Japanese garden. A 2008 renovation added shady walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and koi-filled ponds. Informational signs reveal the garden’s interesting history. In 1920, Park Commissioner Ray Lambert had several small houses built on the site. Lambert envisioned a tourist attraction for the sale of Mexican handicrafts. In 1926, a local Japanese-American artist, Kimi Eizo Jingu, opened the bamboo room on the site. The restaurant sold light lunches and tea. He and his family lived on site and also worked in the gardens. At the dawn of World War II, Jingu and his family were evicted as a result of widespread anti-Japanese sentiment. The site was renamed the Sunken Chinese Garden; In 1984, the original name was restored.

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Parque Brackenridge

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+1 210-207-7275

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Family attractions

4.6

This 343-acre park north of downtown San Antonio is the best deal in town for family fun. The park sits along a quieter part of the San Antonio River and there are picnic areas, playgrounds, pedal boats, and even a carousel. The San Antonio Zoo Eagle, the miniature train right outside the zoo, is one of the cheapest thrills in town. The cost is only $ 3 for adults, $ 2.75 for children. The ride traverses 3.5 miles along the San Antonio River, over bridges and tunnels through the park. Other facilities include a municipal golf course, driving range, bike trails, and picnic areas.

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San Fernando Cathedral

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+1 210-227-1297

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Historic Attractions

4.7

The San Fernando Cathedral was founded in 1731 and is the oldest active cathedral in Texas. Fifteen families from the Canary Islands were the church’s first members. They were a part of King Phillip’s efforts to colonize the area and claim it for Spain before the French could gain a foothold in the region. Considered one of the most historically significant churches in the U.S., it has been visited by a number of dignitaries throughout its long history, including President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1966 and Pope John Paul II in 1987. Located midway between the city center and Market Square, the cathedral welcomes up to 5,000 people for weekend masses.

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Market Square

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+1 210-207-8600

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A bustling cultural and business center since the 1820s, Market Square is also home to festivals and outdoor events year-round. Market Square is particularly popular in April, during the Fiesta celebration that takes over much of the city. Year-round, the square features authentic Mexican restaurants, one-of-a-kind Mexican handicrafts and souvenir shops. Museo Alameda, which is affiliated with The Smithsonian, features exhibits of work by Latino artists. The square is located just west of the city center and walking distance from most downtown hotels.

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San Antonio Zoo

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+1 210-734-7184

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Named one of the Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids by Parenting magazine in 2016, the San Antonio Zoo features animal exhibits and interactive experiences that can grab and hold the attention of even the most easily distracted little ones. Established in 1914, the 35-acre site is home to 3,500 animals. The zoo is easy to navigate on foot, with plenty of helpful signs and beautifully landscaped walkways. It’s conveniently located about three miles north of downtown and the Alamo. Don’t be alarmed if you see an animal that’s not in a cage. Docents regularly roam the park with well-behaved critters, allowing up-close encounters. In addition to providing first-rate family entertainment, the zoo plays a global conservation role by participating in breeding programs for endangered species.

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San Antonio Tramways

If you are staying at the River Walk, there are many entertainment options just around the corner. However, if you don’t want to walk everywhere, the San Antonio trolley is the best deal in town. Run by the local VIA bus company, the old-fashioned trams only run downtown and are a hidden gem for travelers on a budget. They are a clean and inexpensive way to get around downtown. Look for the tram stops next to the bus stops. The wait rarely lasts more than 10 minutes. Routes and schedules are also posted. A day pass offers unlimited rides for just $ 5. You can access any of these destinations by trolley: Brackenridge Park, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Zoo, and Witte Museum.