The site of the legendary Battle of the Alamo, San Antonio is a center of Mexican-American culture in the heart of south-central Texas. While the River Walk, a lattice of lovely riverside paths from downtown to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, is the biggest draw, you'll find many other things to do in San Antonio. Venture from the river and tour the Alamo, Spanish Governor’s Palace, and San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral. Catch bird's-eye views from the Tower of the Americas, marvel at the culture of the American West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and dine on Tex-Mex, the favored cuisine.
Visit during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor experiences. Texans do the same when visiting the city to avoid the punishingly hot summer. While summer is hot and humid, it’s also festival season: things to do in San Antonio include the Pride River Parade, Fourth of July celebrations, the Fiesta Noche del Rio song and dance performances, and Saturday night rodeos. Winter brings mild weather and lower hotel rates.
If you’re not driving, the VIA metro buses are your best bet for getting around. From downtown the routes can access most corners of the city, reaching, for example, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park on the outskirts in about an hour. The River Walk is built for walking and remains relatively cool during hot weather. Other transportation options are typical for any major US city (cabs, rideshares, and bike shares), with one exception—water taxis on the San Antonio River.
On its journey to the Guadalupe River and the Gulf of Mexico, the San Antonio River continues past the River Walk through parts of Brackenridge Park, a local favorite and home to the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Zoo, and some walking trails. Take a break from the Riverwalk’s carnival-like atmosphere and head to the park for a peaceful picnic and quiet walks in a green urban space.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone CDT (UTC -6) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 28 | Tours 123 | Reviews 7,960 |
Kristin grew up in Texas and went to San Antonio for many a family vacation, later returning often as an adult to stay with friends and sample San Antonio’s best-in-class Tex-Mex.
take a stroll on the River Walk and get a margarita. It’s lovely at night and lined with terrific bars and restaurants.
involves spending all day riding roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which has everything you’d expect, as well as some Texas flair in the form of shows and themed rides.
the Alamo. It’s smaller than you might think, but the museum has a great mix of plaques and audio-visual exhibits. And the weapons display is excellent.
visit the Historic Market Square to get a feel for the strong Mexican influence. You’ll find delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex food and drinks, as well as tons of vendors selling unusual handmade goods.
the top of the Tower of the Americas is unbeatable. I’d recommend going for happy hour and skipping the overpriced dishes at the restaurant.
is thinking San Antonio is small, when it’s a proper city with a booming economy. And it’s Texas’ second city after Houston, bigger even than Dallas.
Does “Remember the Alamo” ring any bells? The legendary fort, where outnumbered Texas revolutionaries died fighting a Mexican siege, lies at the heart of the city. Visitors also flock here to explore the River Walk, a European-like maze of canals, bridges, and waterside pathways along the river.
...MoreTour the River Walk and the Alamo on the first day. Then, see the European and American collections at the McNay Art Museum and visit the Mission San José, also known as the queen of the Texas missions. On the third day, visit wineries and orchards in Texas Hill Country.
...MoreAfter a picnic at Brackenridge Park, visit the old-fashioned carousel and Japanese Tea Garden. Then, cozy up on a boat ride along the San Antonio River; after-dark the River Walk is illuminated. Finally, take a wine tasting trip to Texas Hill Country, one of the many romantic things to do in San Antonio.
...MoreSan Antonio is home to fine urban parks and gardens. Locals with families visit Yanaguana Garden, with its play structures and colorful mosaics, or the Quadrangle, which has a public petting zoo on the grounds of Fort Sam Houston. For hiking, biking, and kayaking, locals head to Confluence Park.
...MoreThis city is known for historic attractions like the Alamo, Fort Sam Houston, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The River Walk is a network of canals and walkways along the San Antonio River. Also of note is the McNay Art Museum, with its American and European art collections.
...MoreYes. It is one of the most attractive and storied cities in Texas. Many top attractions also happen to be free to visit, including the legendary Alamo, the European-like River Walk, and the four missions south of town at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
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