25 Best Things to Do in San Antonio: Beyond the River Walk

We’ve visited San Antonio multiple times over the years, and it’s one of those cities that keeps surprising us. The Alamo and the River Walk get all the headlines, but there’s so much more to this city: a UNESCO World Heritage Mission Trail, one of the best food scenes in Texas, quirky museums, and Hill Country day trips that are worth the drive on their own.

This guide covers all our favourite things to do in San Antonio, from the big-ticket attractions to the spots we keep coming back to. We’ve also included tips on where to stay, how to get around, how to save money with discount passes, and some recommended tours.

How to Spend 2-3 Days in San Antonio

If you only have a couple of days, here’s how we’d spend them. On your first day, start with the Alamo first thing in the morning before the crowds build, then walk down to the River Walk for a boat cruise and lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. Spend your afternoon at the Pearl District for independent shops and coffee, then come back downtown for the free light show projected onto San Fernando Cathedral in the evening.

On day two, head south to the Mission Trail (four more missions beyond the Alamo, all free to visit), then loop back through the King William Historic District and the Guenther House for lunch. If you have time in the afternoon, pick whichever museum appeals most: the San Antonio Museum of Art if you like art, the Witte Museum for Texas history, or the Buckhorn Saloon if you want something completely different.

A third day opens up options outside the city centre: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Japanese Tea Garden and San Antonio Zoo in Brackenridge Park, or a day trip to the LBJ Ranch in the Hill Country.

Below we go into all of these in more detail, along with other options depending on your interests and how much time you have.

Things to Do in San Antonio

San Antonio is a big city with a lot to offer. We’ve focused on the highlights and our personal favourites here, roughly in the order we’d recommend them for a first visit.

The Alamo

The most visited attraction in San Antonio, and somewhere you really should see in person regardless of how much time you have in the city. The Alamo was originally built as a mission in the early 18th century, and it’s famous as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.

The siege lasted 13 days before Mexican troops overran the heavily outnumbered Texian defenders, leaving only two survivors. The defeat didn’t crush the Texan uprising as intended. Instead, it motivated many more Texians to take up arms, with the battle cry “Remember the Alamo!” becoming a rallying point for the revolution.

The Alamo has changed quite a bit in recent years. The Church itself is still free to visit, but you now need to book a free timed-entry ticket in advance. There’s also a paid Alamo Exhibit at the new Ralston Family Collections Center, which houses over 500 artefacts including the Phil Collins Collection (yes, that Phil Collins, who is a serious Alamo history collector). The exhibit is well worth the admission fee if you have any interest in the history.

You can also take an audio tour or a guided docent-led tour, both of which are excellent for understanding the full story of what you’re seeing. We opted for the audio tour on our first visit and found it really added to the experience.

The Alamo is open daily from 9am, with the Church closing at 5:30pm and the Exhibit at 5pm (last entry an hour before close). Check the official website for current ticket prices and booking, as well as ground rules for your visit.

We also have a complete guide to visiting the Alamo with everything you need to know, including the full history and tips for your visit.

San Antonio River Walk

One thing we love about San Antonio is the River Walk. This 15-mile network of walkways runs along the San Antonio River, sitting one level below the main city streets, creating a pedestrian zone filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and public artwork.

You can walk between many of the city’s major attractions along the River Walk without worrying about traffic and road crossings. It stretches from the museum area in the north, through downtown, and all the way south to the Mission Trail.

We’d recommend taking a Go Rio river cruise at some point during your visit. The narrated cruises last about 35 minutes and cost around $12, and they’re a great way to get oriented with the downtown section. A river cruise is also included on the trolley tour and river cruise combo and the San Antonio CityPASS.

For more about the River Walk, see our complete guide to visiting the San Antonio River Walk, which has tips on what to see and do, where to eat, and how to get around.

San Fernando Cathedral and The Saga Light Show

Dating from 1750, the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest church in Texas and one of the oldest in the USA. It’s an impressive twin-towered Roman Catholic cathedral that sits right on the city’s main plaza, with the dome marking the geographical centre of San Antonio.

The cathedral is free to visit during the day and well worth a look inside. But we’d especially recommend coming back in the evening for The Saga, a spectacular sound and light show projected onto the cathedral’s facade. This was one of our favourite activities in San Antonio.

Created by French artist Xavier de Richemont, this 24-minute show tells the story of San Antonio through a 7,000 square foot projection that really has to be seen in person to appreciate. The show runs Tuesday through Sunday at 9pm and 9:30pm, and it’s completely free. The contract was recently extended for another decade, so it should be running for years to come.

We’d suggest arriving a little before showtime to get a good spot, although as it’s projected across the full width of the cathedral, you can see it from almost anywhere on the plaza.

Mission Trail

Beyond the Alamo, San Antonio is home to four more mission buildings that together form the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Along with the Alamo, these five missions make up a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The four missions were built between 1690 and 1720 and are found to the south of the city along the San Antonio River. They’re in various states of preservation, with Mission Concepcion (the northernmost) in the best condition. Visiting these gives you a sense of what the Alamo might have looked like as a working mission, and the experience is far more peaceful than the busy downtown Alamo site.

The missions are spread out, with around 2-3 miles between each one. You can drive the mission trail route, cycle it (the pedestrian and cycle trail connects all the missions from the Alamo to Mission Espada at the southern end), or take public transport on bus lines 40 or 42. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from B-Cycle stations at each mission.

Be aware that summer days in San Antonio are very hot and humid, so unless you’re used to cycling in those conditions, we’d suggest driving or taking a guided missions tour with transport.

Visiting the missions is free. They’re generally open from 9am or 10am until 5pm every day, with some holiday closures. See the NPS website for full details.

Pearl District

Before you get too excited about a brewery tour, I have to break it to you that the Pearl is no longer an actual brewery. There was a brewery here from 1883 through to 2001, but operations shifted elsewhere and the site closed.

The good news is that the Pearl has undergone a massive regeneration, and it’s now one of the best parts of San Antonio to explore. Many of the original brewery buildings were sympathetically restored, and the site is home to independent bookshops, excellent restaurants (San Antonio is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and the Pearl is where you’ll find some of the city’s best dining), and a year-round farmers market.

The Pearl has a number of on-site parking options, and it can also be reached via the San Antonio River Walk, which was extended here in 2013. It’s a good spot for a leisurely morning or afternoon of browsing.

San Antonio Museum of Art

Art lovers will want to head to the San Antonio Museum of Art, housed in the former Lone Star Brewery complex. The collection spans 5,000 years of history and includes over 30,000 objects, from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art through to European and American works.

The museum is fairly large, and you could easily spend a few hours here. Free parking is available on site, and you can also get here via the River Walk. There is an admission fee, with some free entry times on certain days of the week. Check the official website for current information, opening times and details of special exhibitions.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS.

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and Texas Ranger Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is a San Antonio institution, but it definitely won’t be for everyone. The Saloon itself is a bar that’s free to visit, but the highlights are the two museums: one housing the collection of Albert Friedrich, and one focused on the history of the Texas Rangers.

Friedrich was a cabinet maker born in 1864 whose creations were owned by notable figures including Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1881 he started a private collection of mounted wildlife, which rapidly became a tourist attraction. The collection has expanded over the years and now represents over 520 species from every continent.

It is quite a display, and animal lovers may find it disturbing. When the collection was started, attitudes towards shooting and mounting wildlife on this scale were very different.

Beyond the wildlife displays, there’s also the Carnival of Curiosities with fun optical illusions and interactive exhibits, and the Texas Ranger museum with hundreds of authentic artefacts from this uniquely Texan law enforcement agency.

Overall, the museums span over 40,000 square feet. It’s much larger than we were expecting, and we ended up spending much longer here than anticipated. The Buckhorn is open 10am to 5pm on most days, but check the website for full times as these vary. There’s an entry fee for the museums, although the Saloon Cafe and gift shop are free.

Historic Market Square

If you’re looking for Mexican-themed souvenirs, head to the Historic Market Square. This huge indoor market spans three blocks west of the city plaza and is home to almost 100 locally owned shops and stalls selling Mexican goods.

As well as shopping, there are places to eat and drink, and regular events. We had Margaritas at the popular Mi Tierra Mexican Cafe and Bakery, which were delicious, and we also had a lovely dinner at the nearby Pico de Gallo, a very popular Mexican restaurant.

The Guenther House and King William Historic District

The Guenther House is found in the King William neighbourhood to the south of the city centre. It’s a house museum and restaurant registered on the National Register of Historic Places, notable as the home of the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills.

The property still sits on the grounds of the Pioneer Flour Mills, which is still in operation today. The house is open for tours and contains 19th century artefacts and family keepsakes. The downstairs cafe is also good, and we had a nice lunch here. The signature house blend coffee is excellent.

The King William neighbourhood is worth a wander in its own right. It’s home to beautiful 19th century homes in styles ranging from Greek Revival to Victorian, and some of the properties are open for viewing. Villa Finale is another good one to visit if you’re in the area.

The Guenther House is open seven days a week, with the restaurant serving 7am to 3pm daily. Entry to the house is free.

Wacky Attractions around Alamo Plaza

Right across from the Alamo you’ll find a cluster of family-friendly attractions that might appeal, depending on your interests and who you’re travelling with.

Options include Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records museum, Tomb Rider 3D interactive ride, Louis Tussauds Waxworks, and The Amazing Mirror Maze.

These are a lot of fun but fairly pricey if bought individually. If you want to visit more than one, consider a combo ticket for the Guinness, Tomb Rider 3D and Ripley’s attractions, which can save you up to 59%.

Casa Navarro State Historic Site

Housed in his original adobe and limestone property, Casa Navarro celebrates the life of Jose Antonio Navarro, one of only two native-born Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence.

This is a lovely property to visit if you want some insight into 19th century Texan life. It’s the only surviving property from the historically Mexican west side of San Antonio, and one of the oldest remaining adobe structures in the city.

There’s a small fee for entrance, and it’s open every day except Mondays and some holidays. See the official website for more information.

Spanish Governor’s Palace

Just a five minute walk from Casa Navarro is the Spanish Governor’s Palace, another 18th century adobe structure. This is all that remains of the Presidio San Antonio de Bejar, the residence and office for the military garrison captains of the time.

National Geographic named this the most beautiful building in San Antonio, which we think is reason enough to visit. The building is open as a museum with ten rooms to explore. It’s open year round every day except Mondays, with a small entry fee. See the official website for more.

Tower of the Americas

For a panoramic view across San Antonio, head up the Tower of the Americas in southeastern downtown.

This 750ft tower was built for the 1968 World’s Fair and is still the tallest structure in the city. The observation deck has sweeping views, and there’s also a lounge and revolving restaurant at the top if you want to combine your view with a meal or drink. The tower is open late into the evening, so it also works well as a sunset spot.

There’s an entry fee which includes elevator access and a 4D Theater Ride. Check the official website for opening times and restaurant reservations. The Tower of the Americas is also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS.

Japanese Tea Garden

If you want a break from sightseeing, the Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park is a lovely place to slow down. It’s built on the site of a former limestone quarry (the same quarry that probably provided the building stone for Casa Navarro and other historic San Antonio buildings).

A Japanese garden was first opened here in 1918. After years of neglect, a restoration project brought it back to life, and it reopened in 2008. The garden now has a cafe serving Japanese dishes, an amphitheatre for events, and beautiful water features and trails. Entry is free, and it’s open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden spans 33 acres and has a number of areas to explore, including the subterranean Lucile Halsell Conservatory, formal gardens, the Sullivan Carriage House, an ornamental grass garden and Kumamoto En (a Japanese garden).

There’s a fee to enter, and it’s open from 9am to 5pm daily with some holiday closures. Free parking is available on site. See the official website for ticket prices and opening information. Also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS.

Witte Museum

Opened in 1926, the Witte Museum covers the culture and history of Texas from prehistory to the present day. Exhibits range from cave paintings and dinosaur bones to a four-storey interactive body adventure where you can cycle through virtual landscapes and learn about how your body works.

Free parking is available on-site. There’s an admission fee and the museum is open year-round every day, with a few holiday exceptions. Check the website for full details as well as information on special exhibits. Also available on the San Antonio CityPASS.

The DoSeum

If you’re visiting San Antonio with children, the DoSeum is a must. This is San Antonio’s museum for kids, with a focus on interactive education. You’ll find everything from an interactive robot to a spy academy to a musical staircase, with the focus on science, technology and maths-based experiences.

Hours vary by day, and there are some holiday closures. There’s an admission fee, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Note that adults visiting without children need to provide ID and pass a background check. See the official website for more information. Also available on the San Antonio CityPASS.

San Antonio Zoo

The 35-acre San Antonio Zoo is home to 750 species and one of the most popular attractions in the city. As well as the main zoo, there’s a narrow gauge train ride, an aquarium, and regular animal encounters including giraffe feedings.

The zoo can easily fill half a day or more. It’s found in Brackenridge Park in the north of the city, near the Japanese Tea Garden, Witte Museum and DoSeum. Free parking is available. Also an option on the San Antonio CityPASS.

Go Shopping

Beyond the Historic Market Square, San Antonio has plenty of other shopping options.

The Shops at Rivercenter is a large mall right on the River Walk. For those looking for cowboy and western wear, some good places to visit include Paris Hatters for custom cowboy hats, Little’s Boots for custom boots and belts, Cavender’s for a range of western items, and Wandering Cowboys for everything from shirts to boots.

LBJ Ranch

If you’re interested in American history, the ranch where President Lyndon B. Johnson spent around 20% of his time in office is about a 90-minute drive north of San Antonio in the Hill Country.

The LBJ Ranch includes the first school the President attended, a reconstruction of his birthplace, the “Texas White House” and the cemetery where both Johnson and his wife Lady Bird are buried. Start at the state park visitor centre to pick up a self-drive permit (free) and then take the driving tour. There’s a $3 fee for the Texas White House tour.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a Texas Hill Country and LBJ Ranch tour from San Antonio which includes hotel pickup and admission.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

About a 20-minute drive northwest of the city centre, this 200-acre theme park is home to five themed areas with shops, dining and lots of rides, including the Iron Rattler roller coaster and a 61-metre StarFlyer.

Given that Six Flags is one of the more expensive attractions in the city, plan to spend the whole day to get your money’s worth. Check the official website for pricing and opening hours. Parking is $25 per car, or you can take Route 94 bus from downtown.

SeaWorld San Antonio is also within a short drive of downtown and would offer another full day of entertainment for a family. Both parks are included as premium options on some of the discount passes mentioned further down in this post.

Map of Things to Do in San Antonio

To help you plan your time, here’s a map of all the major attractions. You can also view this on Google Maps here.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

San Antonio has lots of accommodation options across all budgets. Here are some places to consider, including where we stayed.

• Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk – Right across the street from the Alamo, this mid-range hotel was where we stayed. We loved the great breakfast, friendly staff, well-sized rooms and fantastic location.
• Menger Hotel – We had a lovely dinner at this historic four-star hotel right next to the Alamo. If you’re looking for a luxury property with history, this is your best choice.
• Hotel 1914 – Historic Alamo Riverwalk – A good-value mid-range hotel in downtown San Antonio, just 100 yards from the River Walk and about a ten minute walk to the Alamo.
• The St. Anthony – Another luxury pick in a historic property, featuring a heated pool with bar and a location 450 yards from the Alamo and 200 yards from the River Walk.
• Econo Lodge Inn & Suites – For those on a tighter budget, this Econo Lodge has good reviews at a great price and is three miles from the city centre, with free parking.
• Motel 6 San Antonio Downtown – A budget option in the downtown area. As with any budget property, read recent reviews before booking, but we’ve stayed at many places like this and as long as you know what to expect, they do the job.

There are of course lots more options. We recommend checking out the listings on Booking.com for San Antonio to start with. We usually find they have the widest range of properties.

Getting Around San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio is very walkable, with many attractions easy to reach on foot along the River Walk or the main city streets. You can also take the river taxis around the main sections of the River Walk.

A city-wide cycle scheme, BCycle, is available for $12 per 24 hours (bikes need to be checked in at a station every 60 minutes). There are also rentable electric scooters.

The city is well served by public transit, with some bus routes like the “Viva” services specifically designed to reach tourist attractions. See the Via Metropolitan Transit website for more information on routes, tickets and schedules.

There’s also a hop on hop off narrated trolley tour that covers all the major tourist sights with audio commentary.

Driving is another option, although be aware that downtown parking lots and hotel parking will charge a fee. Attractions further out like the Pearl, Zoo and Museum of Art have free parking. Always check in advance before driving to an attraction.

Tour Options in San Antonio

If you’d like to take a guided tour, there are some good options depending on your interests.

• An Alamo, River Walk, Cathedral, Cruise and Tower tour that covers the main highlights in one go, including a river cruise.
• A Premium San Antonio City Tour with the Alamo and a River Walk cruise, great if you want a more in-depth guided experience.
• A San Antonio food tour covering some of the best restaurants and food spots in the downtown area and along the River Walk.
• A San Antonio Missions guided tour with round-trip transport to all the missions.
• A full day San Antonio sightseeing tour covering the history and highlights of the city.
• A Ghost and Murder Walk if you fancy something a bit different in the evening. San Antonio has no shortage of spooky history.

Discount Passes in San Antonio

San Antonio has discount cards that can help you save on attractions. There are two main options.

San Antonio CityPASS

The San Antonio CityPASS costs $63 and lets you choose four attractions from the following:

• Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises (35-minute narrated cruise)
• San Antonio Zoo
• Tower of the Americas (observation deck and 4D Theater)
• The Alamo Exhibit and Church
• San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Witte Museum
• The DoSeum
• San Antonio Museum of Art

If you plan on visiting at least four of these attractions, the CityPASS will save you money and is the pass we’d recommend for most visitors doing general sightseeing in the city.

GoCity San Antonio Essentials Pass

The GoCity San Antonio Essentials Pass costs $114 for adults and $104 for children (ages 3-12). It gives you entry to one premium attraction (either SeaWorld San Antonio or Natural Bridge Caverns) plus two more from a list of 12 other options.

This pass makes sense if you’re specifically planning to visit SeaWorld or Natural Bridge Caverns, as those are expensive individually. If you’re not doing either of those, the CityPASS is better value for general city sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in San Antonio?

Two to three days is a good amount of time for most visitors. That gives you enough time to see the Alamo, explore the River Walk, visit the Mission Trail, and fit in a few museums or other attractions. If you want to add in a day trip to the Hill Country or spend a day at Six Flags or SeaWorld, allow an extra day for each.

We’ve visited over multiple trips and still find new things to do, so you could certainly fill a longer stay if you wanted to.

What is the best time of year to visit San Antonio?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most comfortable times to visit. Summers are very hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35C (95F), which makes walking around the city and outdoor sightseeing tiring. Winter is mild by most standards, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-teens Celsius (high 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit).

If you visit in April, you might catch Fiesta San Antonio, a ten-day celebration with parades, food, music and events across the city.

Is San Antonio walkable?

Downtown San Antonio is very walkable, especially along the River Walk which connects many of the main attractions without any road crossings. The River Walk sits one level below the main streets and is entirely pedestrianised. Attractions further out like the Zoo, Six Flags and the LBJ Ranch will need a car, bus, or tour.

Is San Antonio worth visiting?

Definitely. San Antonio surprised us with how much it has to offer beyond the Alamo and River Walk. The Mission Trail is a genuine UNESCO World Heritage experience, the food scene is excellent (it’s one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the US), and the mix of museums, historic sites and family attractions means there’s enough to fill several days without running out of things to do.

Can you visit the Alamo for free?

Yes, the Alamo Church is free to enter, but you need to book a free timed-entry ticket in advance. The new Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center has a separate paid admission, and optional guided tours and audio tours are also available for a fee.

Further Reading

That covers our guide to things to do in San Antonio. It was one of our favourite stops on our Texas road trip, and we’d happily go back again.

Here are some other posts that might help you plan your trip:

• Our guide to visiting the Alamo has everything you need to know about planning your visit, including the history and practical tips.
• Our guide to the San Antonio River Walk covers what to see and do, where to eat, and how to get around.
• We have guides to things to do in Austin, things to do in Houston, and things to do in Dallas if you’re doing a broader Texas trip.
• If you visit Houston, check out our guide to Space Center Houston.
• We have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA and tips for driving in the USA if you’re planning a road trip.
• For road trip inspiration, see our itineraries for a Deep South road trip, California road trip, Route 66 road trip and Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
• We’ve visited lots of US cities. See our guides to Savannah, Charleston, Albuquerque, Cambria and Santa Fe.

As always, we’d love to hear your feedback and questions. Just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.