10 Best Things to Do in San Antonio
What is San Antonio Most Famous For?
Many of the best things to do in San Antonio highlight the city’s important role in US history and its storied colonial heritage. Known as the gateway to Texas Hill Country, its outskirts boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lone Star State, from wildflower pastures to sun-kissed wineries.
San Antonio never fails to impress with its Spanish colonial missions and its gorgeous tree-lined waterfront. Additionally, an eclectic food scene that spotlights Tex-Mex dishes and farm-to-table fare has put the city on the culinary map. To help you have a great visit, we’ve put together a list of incredible San Antonio activities.
What are the best things to do in San Antonio?
1. The Alamo
Iconic Roman Catholic mission
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Known simply as “The Alamo,” this 18th century Spanish mission is seen as a pivotal battle ground in American history. The bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Lone Star lore due to the role it played in the Texas Revolution.
Here, a famous last stand against impossible odds between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836. The UNESCO-listed mission is now a riveting museum filled with priceless artifacts and interactive exhibits. For an educational experience, you should book a guided tour. Read more
Location: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 210-225-1391
The Alamo
2. Market Square
Notable market with all-things Mexican
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Food
Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in America, home to over 100 vendors selling colorful piñatas, handcrafted accessories, eye-catching textiles, and whimsical folk-art. Next to these shops you’ll find bustling cafes and restaurants offering traditional Tex-Mex food, from fajitas and tacos to burritos and tamales.
Visit La Morenita Imports for traditional Mexican textiles, Mi Pueblito for arts and crafts, and the Silver Twins for jewelry. While you’re there, hit Ranchero Grill & Tap for a cheap and cheerful fast-food feast. We love the gorditas, nachos, and cheese enchiladas. Read more
Location: 514 West Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Market Square
3. San Antonio River Walk
Waterfront sight-seeing stroll
Good for: Photo, Budget
The San Antonio River Walk follows a network of tranquil, tree-lined waterways that wind their way around the city. The walk, also named Paseo del Rio, brings you across a multitude of boutique shops, trendy bars and restaurants, and picture-postcard bridges.
The river at night is beautifully-lit, with strings of lights twinkling above the pathways. Schedule your visit during Fiesta San Antonio, a massive springtime celebration that features colorful Mexican river floats, spine-tingling fairground rides, and flamboyant music and dance performances.
San Antonio River Walk
4. Mission San Jose
A breathtaking Texan relic
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Mission San Jose is the largest of the Texas missions, which is why this historic beauty is crowned as “the Queen.” Founded in 1782, this enchanting stone church is part of 5 city missions that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to their mesmerizing archeological structures that were built by Franciscan missionaries.
San Jose is almost fully restored to its original design and is therefore a remarkable example of the architecture of its time. Wander under its grand stone archways and marvel at its mysterious Rose Window, before taking a guided tour to learn more about its past. Read more
Location: 701 East Pyron Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78214, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 210-922-0543
Mission San Jose
5. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
A 38-acre tranquil escape
Good for: Couples, Photo
San Antonio Botanical Garden dazzles visitors with its world-class collection of plant life. Its Lucile Halsell Conservatory, designed by Argentinian architect Emilio Ambasz, showcases 5 climate-controlled greenhouses that hug a stunning central courtyard.
When you’re not admiring cacti, orchids, and palms, take a stroll through the impeccably landscaped Japanese Garden where you can make a wish at the koi pond and daydream by the granite lanterns. Before you depart, stop by Rosella Restaurant for a boutique selection of regional wines and a Mediterranean lunch. Read more
Location: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-536-1400
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
6. Pearl District
One of San Antonio’s coolest neighborhoods
Good for: Photo, Budget
San Antonio’s Pearl District was a former industrial zone that has since been transformed into one of the city’s most hip and happening neighborhoods. Wander its 16 blocks and explore fashionable boutiques, chic little eateries, trend-setting bars, and super-cool coffee shops.
Note the famous Hotel Emma: 5-star luxury accommodation set inside a historic 19th-century brewery with rooftop views that are simply superb. When you’ve worked up an appetite, reserve a table at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou for traditional French comfort food and a fabulous selection of imported wines. Read more
Pearl District
7. Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
A quintessential saloon offering the full Texan experience
Good for: History, Photo, Families
Between them, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum are a bona fide representation of the evocative Old West. The bar walls are covered with taxidermized animal heads and prized trophy horns including stags, buffalos, bulls, and bears.
There’s a believe-it-or-not display on show, as well as an impressive replica of a Western town. Discover priceless artifacts that span more than a century of Ranger history, before taking a madcap journey with Dr. Phineas Phiasco in his Carnival of Curiosities. Read more
Location: 318 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-247-4000
Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
8. San Fernando Cathedral Light Show
A dazzling art display under the night sky
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The San Fernando Cathedral Light Show has been a staple of San Antonio’s nightlife since it first debuted in 2014. This spectacular projection of light, color, and visual storytelling dances across the majestic façade of the oldest cathedral in the United States, and spans 7,000 square feet.
Helmed by French artist Xavier De Richemont, San Fernando Cathedral Light Show is a perfect way to begin a night out on the town. Its free seats are limited and the show is very popular, so try get there early to avoid having to stand. Read more
Location: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 pm to 9.30 pm (Closed on Monday)
Phone: +1 210-227-1297
San Fernando Cathedral Light Show
9. San Antonio Ghost Tour
A walking tour of San Antonio’s spookiest sights
Good for: History, Photo, Nightlife
Some of San Antonio’s ghost tours cover the most haunted sites in the city. The entertaining guides recount intriguing stories of yesteryear Texas while showing off spooky landmarks including The Old Bexar County Jail, The Menger Hotel, and The Spanish Governor’s Mansion.
Book tickets with companies like Alamo City Ghost Tours, Bad Wolf Ghost Tours, or Sisters Grimm, who’ll drive you around in their spine-tingling tour bus. You can even join the oldest pub crawl in Texas, stopping at haunted bars to enjoy a beer while learning about gruesome events and hauntings. Most of the tours are on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.
10. San Antonio nightlife
For cocktails on the riverbank
Good for: Nightlife
The San Antonio River is very much the heart of the city, with locals and tourists flocking there to hang out by its glittering waters. The friendly atmosphere is best felt along the buzzing footpaths of the historic River Walk, where you’ll discover cafes, restaurants, and hip little bars.
Golden-hued lights are strung across the walkways, which only heighten the district’s truly enchanting atmosphere. For a night cap, nothing beats a visit to Mad Dogs British Pub, the Naked Iguana Bar, Esquire Tavern, or the legendary Waxy’s.
San Antonio nightlife
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