Hola, San Antonio!
Welcome to San Antonio!
We're really proud to call this city "home". As you visit San Antonio, you'll get the large city feel mixed with southern hospitality and downhome charm. The bustling downtown area is full of visitors and locals alike but as you adventure away from the city center, you'll see the quiet and charm that us locals have come to enjoy.
I'm often asked about things to do in San Antonio. I took all those things to do and made this list of my favorite, including some day trips and unique finds that you'll just want to try to check out while you're here.
My Favorite Things To Do:
Visit the 5 Spanish Missions
FREE! Everyone knows about the Alamo, but there are 4 other missions within the city. Each mission has its own history and architecture. They are all within a few miles of each other and if you're into history or beautiful photography, it is a must see. The Alamo is full of tourists and feels like a museum, but when you visit the other missions, you'll appreciate the authenticity of these active churches. Mass is ongoing, so remember to be respectful, especially if you visit during times of services. The photos below are all ones I've personally taken while touring the missions.
- Mission Conception (took about an hour to check out)
- Mission San Jose
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Mission Espada
- The Alamo
Enjoy a Narrated Ride on a Riverboat Tour Downtown
This is a must do!
You'll get the chance to hop in a boat and wonder around the Riverwalk while learning about some history and point of interest along the way.
You'll see several iconic movie scenes, including the famous Selena Bridge & Arneson River Theater.
You may recognize the stage where Sandra Bullock jumped off during her wine glass performance in the movie Miss Congeniality. All in all, it's a fun way to learn about the San Antonio Riverwalk and see it from the water.
If you ever visit during Christmas, once the Riverwalk is adorned with lights, you'll regret not doing this. The view is both breathtaking and stunning at night.
If you'd like to enjoy multiple activities, select the link to save by purchasing a combo ticket.
The Explorer Pass will include ONE premium attraction to:
- SeaWorld® San Antonio Single Day Ticket
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
- San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour
- Natural Bridge Caverns Outdoor Discovery Package
And based on the ticket selected, you'll get 2 or more of the following options:
- Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio
- Sea Life San Antonio
- San Antonio Walking Historical Ghost Tour
- San Antonio Zoo
- The Magik Theatre
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off San Antonio Tour (24-Hour Ticket)
- San Antonio "Her" History Walking Tour
- Walking “Taco Tour” at The Pearl
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum
- Tejas Rodeo Company
- The Amazing Mirror Maze
- San Antonio Museum of Art
- Tower of the Americas
- Witte Museum
- Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise
- San Antonio Spurs Ticket
- One Day E-Bike Rental
- San Antonio Historic Highlights City Tour
- Beer and a Bite at Roughhouse
- Brewing San Marcos
Shop at El Mercado or Historic Market Square
Must see! FREE! This is America's largest Mexican Market, both indoor and outdoor, open daily. Even for just a stroll, check this place out. Free music is played in the square with lots food, drink, and shopping options.
The culture within the square is always fun with a small dose of Fiesta year-round. Many people enjoy a nice meal at Mi Tierra, or grab a pastry from the panderia, as they are quite enjoyable.
San Fernando Cathedral
The oldest continuously operating religious community in Texas, San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral was constructed between 1738 and 1749 and served as General Santa Anna’s headquarters for a time. Don’t miss the Alamo Coffin, located near the church entrance, which is believed to hold the remains of the men who lost their lives at the Alamo.
San Fernando Cathedral is home to The Saga, which takes place each Tuesday through Sunday at 9pm & 9:30pm, where you'll find a projection that covers 7,000sqft of light, color, and visual narration projected onto the oldest cathedral in the United States.
If you're walking around San Antonio's Riverwalk, you'll find the cathedral located just steps away. It's right outside historic Market Square as you stroll from the Riverwalk. Be sure to view the iconic landmark and enjoy The Saga while you're in town. It's really a treat for locals and visitors alike.
Get the Bird's Eye View of the City at the Tower of the Americas
Check out the view at 360 degrees of #SATX from the 2nd largest structure in the Western Hemisphere. I'd check out Happy Hour in the bar area for great pricing during non-peak hours in the Charthouse Restaurant. You'll walk through a small section of Hemisphere Park to get here. Be sure to check out the park as well with tons of photo ops along the way.
You ticket to the top can be purchased with the multi-ticket Explore Pass.
Find the Alas de México (Wings of Mexico), a bronze sculpture gifted by Mexico City to San Antonio to celebrate the city's tricentennial, hidden within the park, just outside the tower.
The grounds at the base of the Tower is known as Hemisfair Park, created to awe visitors of the World's Fair when celebrated in San Antonio from April 1968 to October 1968.
Stroll & Play at Hemisfair Park
Hemisfair Park is a lovely playground for any age group. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and even a children's theater, there's so much to do in the area. From sculptures to festivals, you'll find so much going on year-round at our version of Central Park. In the summer, you'll find kids in swim trunks at the splash pad and sand covered boys and girls digging through the pit in the heart of the park.
Visit the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
I constantly try to describe this place to visitors and I can be honest: It is hard to explain exactly what you will find here. With an eclectic collection of a variety of exhibits, this is just a fun place to visit while exploring downtown San Antonio.
Yes, this is a bar; however, hiding within you'll find a huge exhibit for all sorts of animal heads (the taxidermy kind). It is definitely an interesting site to see. This is minutes from the Riverwalk, so if you are already downtown, check it out. Tickets include access to both the Buckhorn Museum & The Texas Ranger Museum, located in the same building.
Check Out the San Antonio Zoo
Because everyone loves animals, right?
San Antonio’s first zoo consisted of a collection of animals assembled in San Pedro Park in the 1800s. In 1914, Colonel George W. Brackenridge, donated buffalo, elk, deer, monkeys, a pair of lions, and four bears on land he had deeded over to the city in what is now known as Brackenridge Park. This collection became the San Antonio Zoo.
Today, San Antonio Zoo is a 50+ acre zoo home to over 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild, and an annual attendance of more than 1 million visitors.
Brackenridge Park
FREE: Take a stroll but don't forget to bring some bread or tortillas to feed the ducks. We usually grab a lunch and take it down to the park to have a great outdoor picnic. There are usually always tables available to sit and parking around the area is free. Don't forget to stroll over to the Japanese Tea Gardens while you are here. Located at: 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Japanese Tea Garden
FREE: While you are strolling around the Zoo and Brackenridge Park, take a lovely walk through an oriental paradise. The views are stunning and you will forget where you are for a moment. Located at the top of the garden is a little cafe. Don't try the Boba, it is flavorless and terrible if you actually enjoy "Bubble Tea" but there are teas, coffees, and snacks to purchase and enjoy in the bistro area or as you walk. Located at: 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212 https://saparksfoundation.org/japanese-tea-garden/
The Pearl Brewery
The Pearl Brewery is located at 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215 https://www.atpearl.com/ It is home to shopping, amazing food, and nightlife. It is located right at the culinary institute and has some of the best food and drink in town. The farmers market is wonderful, hosting local vendors and open most warm weekends. This is an outdoor space with various shops and restaurants within the courtyard. https://atpearl.com/farmers-market
Visit a Rodeo
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
February visitors should absolutely purchase tickets to the Stock Show and Rodeo, followed by a performance by various musicians after the rodeo. Our family loves the rodeo and we love the concert afterwards.
Maybe you're not able to attend the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo because you didn't travel during the February event. Don't worry. There's another option to rodeo...
Tejas Rodeo
For an action-packed. ,authentic rodeo every Saturday from March-November, head just 20 miles outside of San Antonio for some great cowboy fun and entertainment to last all night. After the rodeo, you'll find live music, food, and dancing until 1am for the entire family. This is a great way to have fun while getting the country feel of Texas.
Tube the River in New Braunfels
Warm Weather Visitors: You've seen my posts, shares, and love for the water. This is one of my favorite summer activities. Get on the river early and enjoy the day tubing with 3 water slides. Bring your own tube and save an arm and leg!
Make sure you check the rules because they change every year.
https://www.playinnewbraunfels.com/splash/comal-river/
Be prepared with water shoes and a swimsuit, of course. We put in at the City Tube Chute Loacted at 100 Liebscher Drive New Braunfels, TX 78130. You can get there early and reserve a picnic spot for $25/day. There is a small fee around $5/per person to access the park.
HEB (our local -ahhhmazing- grocery store) usually sells tubes for $12/each.
Float the river to the last public exit and follow the crowd for a short, 10 min walk back to the city park to float until the day is done.
Outfitters will charge $30/float for the first trip and $15+/additional trip along the river. Do this the local way and don’t spend more than needed. You can thank me later.
Kayak the Guadalupe River
This is my favorite pastime. I have extra kayaks and love to hit the water in the warmer months. Just 30 min north of San Antonio, you'll find beautiful landscape and kayak paradise. If you want to paddle while you're in town, let me know. I'd be glad to get together and have some H2O fun.
Theme Parks
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
We have had season passes and love being able to go whenever we wish. Our membership certainly pays for itself over the year. It can get crowded during the summer and events like Fright Fest. The best times to go are overcast days during the week. During fright fest, there are haunted houses in the park that open after dark. It's a lot of fun. It costs around $80/ticket, plus parking ($25) per vehicle, which could be even more today.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas includes admission into the waterpark within Six Flags. On hot days, bring a swimsuit and relax by the Texas-shaped pool or have some fun on the water coaster. To have access to both parks on any given visit makes this particularly enjoyable. The night closes with a nice fireworks display and show displayed on the side of the rock quarry cliff.
Sea World
(Military is Free, +3 dependents)
If you have smaller children, this is probably not the best option. There are not a lot of rides at Sea World San Antonio. I have previously visited Florida and loved some of the rides within their park; however, this is not the same. There are tons of good shows and animal exhibits. You'll find fun most of the entertainment for smaller children viewing the animals and sea life. Again, I feel like Florida's Sea World blew SATX out of the water. Last time I visited there were very little "petting" areas, unlike other parks. You'll be hard pressed to find Starfish, horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and other creatures to touch, although I believe SATX has horseshoe crabs, maybe? They have Hawl-o-Scream during fall months, celebrating the season.
Access to Aquatica and SeaWorld is NOT co-located. You'll need separate tickets for whichever park you wish to access.
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
This is a drive through zoo where you will see animals from your vehicle. We let the windows down, allowed the kids to hang out the sunroof, and take in all the animals. This was a lot of fun. https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/
Natural Bridge Cavern
This is a HUGE cave that is pretty cool in the summer months and rather warm in the winter. The tour is impressive and there are things to do before and after you finish the spelunking expedition. I don't know that I've ever seen a cave with such a large open area. Check it out. https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/
Sports Games
Spurs Tickets
Everyone in Texas is a Spurs fan. In fair warning, never disrespect the Spurs in public. I have personally seen this end unfavorably for individuals. Even if you are fan of the other team, keep it low key and don't gloat. You'll find the games being shown in every bar and restaurant in town. The games are definitely a lot of fun to attend. Snacks, beverages, and beer can get costly at the AT&T Center. Stub hub is a great resource for tickets to all Spurs events, especially if you are looking for better seating.
San Antonio FC (soccer)
You're basically visiting northern Mexico right now. What better way to enjoy the city than to check out a great soccer game? There's a designated area for the crazy fans who scream the entire game. Feel free to chime in! Show up and enjoy a little game just to say you did. It's a good time and concession prices are very reasonable.
San Antonio Missions
This is San Antonio's Minor League Baseball Team. I haven't been to a game but I've heard it is enjoyable. Here's there website: https://www.milb.com/san-antonio
Wine Lover?
Take the drive to Fredricksburg, TX, a small little German town with a plethora of wineries to check out. You will not regret spending a day seeing this little place. While visiting Fredericksburg, take a drive to walk around Enchanted Rock early in the morning before it gets too warm. Fat Ass Winery, Fiesta Winery, and Chisholm Trail Winery are just a few of my favorites to visit, although you’ll see countless more along the way. Hill Country Distillery in Comfort, TX is also a pleasure.
April Events
Fiesta!
If you are coming to visit in April, you must check out Fiesta in San Antonio. Fiesta started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo & the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, it's a celebration throughout the entire city for a few weeks each April.
Some events have tickets like NIOSA and Oyster Bake but are worth the experience. Bring cash for food and drinks, as you'll need tickets for those as well.
Popular Fiesta Events
Battle of the Flowers Parade
Seriously: It's a holiday here. Schools close. Daycares close. It's legitimately a city-wide holiday and everyone goes downtown to view the Battle of the Flowers Parade.
NIOSA (Night in Old San Antonio)
https://www.niosa.org/ Located at La Villita at 227 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78205 and you must try the iconic "Chicken on a Stick"
Oyster Bake
https://oysterbake.com/ Located at 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228. Hurry, oysters sell out quickly each night although there are substantial food options to choose from.
Poteet Strawberry Festival
Just outside of San Antonio, you'll find the small town of Poteet, TX. Known for growing local strawberries, they celebrate with an annual festival. From musicians to Strawberry wine, you find some fun here. Kids will enjoy the rides, petting zoo, and games. Local vendors have quite the market with food sampling, prizes, and other fun.
October Events
13th Floor Haunted House (Seasonal)
Located downtown, across from Sunset Station, this is a pretty epic haunted house. We got reduced priced tickets at Costco in SATX for the event. If you are into a good spook, check it out. https://www.13thfloorsanantonio.com/
Who Doesn't Love the Taste of Travel?
San Antonio Eats
Dough Pizzeria Napolitana
We love the Signature Truffle Burrata (Seen on Food Network!) just to have a glass of wine and a mid-day snack while we let our little play at Hemisphere park. The restaurant is located within Hemisphere Park at 518 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78204. If you sit on the patio, you can see your kids play in the sandbox area of the park, visit the herb garden, or check out the chicken coop. They have pizzas and several appetizers that are also amazing but you MUST try the house made mozzarella. A sample platter of all their mozzarella cheeses are sure to please.
Happy Hour in the Tower
The Tower of the America's is 2nd to the Space Needle in Washington. It's our revolving restaurant in the midst of downtown. If you go to Happy Hour, it's at the bar level and does not spin. Don't worry, you'll still get a great view from inside. You can check the block. Happy Hour prices are reasonable, especially if you compare it to the regular dinner menu. The food is delish! If you prefer the restaurant expect to pay significantly more and you'll need to dress appropriately. Slacks and button down shirts are about as relaxed as I'd ever attempt to go. Most people will dress to the 9s for their meal at the Charthouse Restaurant.
Visit between 1630-1900 for Happy Hour on the weekdays.
Erick's Tacos
Starving at 3am? Do not fret, Erick's Tacos is open for you. It is not 24 hours, but they are open well into the middle of the night for authentic tacos and real salsas, sure to make you sweat. Hands down, the best tacos in SATX.
The Palm + Majestic Theatre
The mix of enjoying a great meal and ending with a dinner show, makes this arguably, the most amazing date night in the city. The Palm Steakhouse in downtown San Antonio, originating from the NYC home of the original Palm Restaurant, lives up to the reputation of distinctive restaurants. Here you'll find caricatures of various celebrities drawn onto the walls of the restaurant with signatures of those who have enjoyed this upscale treat. It's location, just across from Majestic Theater, makes visiting the steakhouse just before a show the perfect date night. Valet will park your vehicle while you enjoy both. Majestic hosts Broadway-style shows, concerts, comedy events, and a variety of entertainment year round. It's definitely a perfect pair.
Lulu's Bakery & Cafe -Permanently Closed circa COVID-19-
MUST TASTE! Don't miss your chance to eat a 3lb cinnamon bun (for $12) while in San Antonio. These buns have been feature on copious amounts of media coverage. Also on the menu, you'll find Chicken Fried Chicken (The Texas Ranger Challenge for $32) with a 21oz slab served on a pizza platter with 2 sides and 2 yeast rolls to serve the whole family, choice of gravy or queso. Why would you even consider gravy when you're in San Antonio?
Madhatters Tea House -Permanently Closed circa COVID-19-
Saturday Brunch here is well worth it with fishbowl mimosas and a menu of fresh cooked deliciousness. http://www.madhatterstea.com/menu/ From tea sandwiches to homemade breakfast meals, Madhatters is one of my favorite little mom and pops restaurants near the Riverwalk, located in the King William's district at 320 Beauregard St, San Antonio, TX 78204.
Did this make life a little easier? Hopefully so. Let me plan your next getaway. I never charge booking fees and love getting folks to destinations they've always dreamed of visiting.
Shannon Daniels
(919) 344-3517
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