Rebecca Engel
San Antonio is one of the oldest cities in Texas, and it wears its history right out in the open. Spanish missions, a famous old fort and a river lined with cafes all sit within a short ride of each other, with some of the best Tex-Mex in the country in between.
These things to do in San Antonio Texas cover the big sights downtown, the missions and museums a little farther out, and a few easy trips to caves, theme parks and dinosaur tracks. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, there’s more here than most people expect.
1. Reserve A Free Visit To The Alamo
The Alamo started as a Spanish mission and became famous for the battle fought here in 1836. Its stone church is the most recognizable building in Texas, and it sits right in the middle of downtown.
Visiting the church is free, but you need a timed reservation, so book one online before you go. Give yourself time for the Long Barrack and the exhibit hall too, where you can see weapons, letters and artifacts from the battle.
Go early in the morning if you can. The plaza is quieter, and it’s easier to take in the place before the tour groups arrive.
2. Walk The River Walk Through Downtown
The River Walk is a path that follows the San Antonio River one level below the city streets. Restaurants, cafes and hotels line the water, and cypress trees shade much of the way.
The downtown stretch is the busiest part, and it’s easy to wander for hours. Grab a table by the water for chips, salsa and a margarita, then keep walking as the lights come on in the evening.
During the holidays, the River Walk is covered in lights from the parade the Friday after Thanksgiving through early January. It’s one of the prettiest things to do in San Antonio Texas at that time of year.
3. Ride A GO RIO Boat Along The River
The colorful GO RIO boats are the easiest way to see the River Walk without walking all of it. The narrated cruise takes about 35 minutes and loops through the downtown stretch.
The guides point out the history of the river and the buildings along it, along with a few jokes. It’s a good first activity on day one, since it shows you where everything is.
Boats leave often throughout the day and into the evening. A night ride is especially pretty when the lights reflect off the water.
4. Watch The Saga Light Up San Fernando Cathedral
San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the country, and on many evenings its front wall turns into a giant screen. The Saga is a free light show projected onto the church, telling the story of San Antonio in color and music.
The show lasts about 24 minutes. Find a spot in Main Plaza a little before it starts, since the benches fill up quickly.
It runs on several evenings each week, but it’s paused for some holidays and big events. Check the schedule before you plan your night around it.
5. Shop Historic Market Square
Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the United States. More than 100 shops and stalls sell pottery, embroidered dresses, leather goods, sweets and souvenirs.
Colorful paper banners hang over the plazas, and there’s often live mariachi music on weekends. It’s an easy place to spend an hour or two, even if you don’t buy much.
Stop at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia while you’re there. The bakery case is full of pan dulce, and the dining room is decorated with Christmas lights all year.
6. Order A Puffy Taco At Ray’s Drive Inn
San Antonio is famous for Tex-Mex, and the puffy taco is the city’s own creation. The shell is fried until it puffs up, so it’s light and crispy outside with a soft bite inside.
Ray’s Drive Inn on the west side has been making them since 1956 and calls itself the home of the original. Order a few with different fillings and eat them fast, before the shells soften.
It’s a simple, no frills spot, which is part of the charm. Check the hours before you go, since it’s closed on some days.
7. Browse The Artist Shops Of La Villita
La Villita is one of the first neighborhoods in San Antonio, tucked right beside the River Walk. Its small stone and adobe buildings now hold galleries, craft shops and artist studios.
The shaded lanes are a nice break from the busy downtown streets. You’ll find handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings and Texas themed gifts that feel more personal than the usual souvenirs.
Pair it with the River Walk, since the two connect. A short wander here fits easily into an afternoon downtown.
8. Stroll The King William Historic District
The King William Historic District sits just south of downtown along the river. German merchants built grand homes here in the 1800s, and many of them still stand on quiet, tree lined streets.
It’s a lovely walk, with big porches, gardens and stately old mansions on almost every block. A few of the historic homes are open for tours if you want to step inside.
Follow the River Walk south from downtown to get there on foot. The neighborhood also has some great cafes for breakfast or lunch.
9. Ride Up The Tower Of The Americas
The Tower of the Americas was built for the 1968 World’s Fair, and it’s still the tallest structure on the San Antonio skyline. An elevator takes you up to the observation deck in less than a minute.
From the top, you can see the whole city spread out around you, from downtown to the Hill Country in the distance. Sunset is the best time to go.
There’s also a restaurant near the top if you want to make it a dinner with a view. The tower stands in Hemisfair, a park with a fun playground and fountains for kids.
10. See The Oddities At The Buckhorn Saloon And Museum
The Buckhorn started as a saloon in the 1880s, and it’s been collecting strange things ever since. Today it’s a museum packed with mounted animals from around the world, carnival style oddities and old Texas curiosities.
The same ticket includes the Texas Ranger Museum, which tells the story of the state’s famous lawmen. Kids tend to love the wild animal halls, while adults get a kick out of the old saloon.
It’s only a couple of blocks from the Alamo, so it’s easy to fit in on the same day. Plan about an hour to see it all.
11. Bike The Mission Trail To Mission San José
The Alamo is just one of five Spanish missions in San Antonio. The other four sit south of downtown in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and together with the Alamo they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best way to see them is on the paved Mission Reach trail, which follows the river for about eight miles and links all four. Rent a bike downtown and ride from mission to mission at your own pace.
Mission San José is the largest and most famous of the four, and rangers lead free tours there every day. Entry to all of the missions is free.
12. Spend A Saturday Morning At The Pearl
The Pearl is a former brewery north of downtown that’s been turned into one of the best places to eat and shop in the city. The old brick buildings now hold restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques.
Saturday mornings are the best time to visit, when the farmers market fills the plaza with local produce, breads and food stands. On Sundays, local makers set up instead.
Grab a coffee and take your time. The Pearl sits right on the river, so you can walk the River Walk back toward downtown afterward.
13. Walk The Museum Reach To The San Antonio Museum Of Art
The Museum Reach is a quieter, newer stretch of the River Walk that runs north from downtown toward the Pearl. It’s full of public art, gardens and calm water, with far fewer crowds than the downtown loop.
Along the way, you’ll reach the San Antonio Museum of Art, housed in the old Lone Star Brewery buildings. Its collection covers ancient Greek and Roman art, Asian art and one of the best collections of Latin American art in the country.
Walk one way and ride a river taxi back if your feet are tired. It’s an easy half day that feels very different from the busy center.
14. See Modern Art At The McNay
The McNay was the first museum of modern art in Texas, and it’s set in a beautiful Spanish style mansion surrounded by gardens. Inside, you’ll find works by famous painters like Van Gogh, Picasso and O’Keeffe.
The mansion is a big part of the visit. Tiled courtyards, fountains and shady grounds make it feel like a peaceful escape from the city.
Leave time to wander the sculpture garden outside. It’s a favorite stop for art lovers and a calm way to spend a hot afternoon.
15. Wander The Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden was built inside an old rock quarry in Brackenridge Park. Stone paths and bridges wind past koi ponds, a waterfall and gardens set into the quarry walls.
It’s free to visit and one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Come in the morning for soft light and fewer people.
There’s a small cafe at the garden for a snack. Brackenridge Park around it is great for a picnic, and the zoo is right next door.
16. Visit The San Antonio Botanical Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is home to some of the most unusual greenhouses in the country. The glass conservatory is built partly underground, with tall glass peaks rising out of the lawn.
Inside, separate rooms hold desert plants, ferns, palms and tropical flowers. Outside, the gardens show off native Texas plants, wildflowers and shady walking trails.
It’s a relaxing stop in any season. Spring is especially pretty when the wildflowers bloom.
17. Step Into Texas History At The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum tells the story of Texas, from dinosaurs and ancient people to cowboys and the wild landscapes of the state. It sits on the edge of Brackenridge Park.
The dinosaur gallery is a highlight, with huge skeletons of creatures that once lived in Texas. Other halls cover the plants, animals and people of every corner of the state.
It’s a great choice for families, with plenty of exhibits kids can touch and try. Plan at least two hours.
18. Spend A Day At The San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo sits in Brackenridge Park, next to the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s home to thousands of animals, from lions and hippos to giraffes and colorful birds.
The paths wind through shady trees and rocky cliffs, which makes it a nice walk even on warm days. Kids can feed the giraffes, and the little train that loops through Brackenridge Park stops right outside.
Go early in the day when the animals are most active. Pair it with the tea garden and the Witte for a full day in Brackenridge Park.
19. Catch A Spurs Game
San Antonio loves its Spurs, and catching a home game is one of the best ways to feel the city’s energy. The crowd is loud, loyal and full of silver and black.
The season runs from fall into spring, so it lines up well with the cooler months. Even if you’re not a big basketball fan, the atmosphere makes it a fun night out.
Buy tickets ahead for weekend games, which sell out more often. Get there early to soak up the scene before tip off.
20. Ride The Coasters At Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is built inside an old limestone quarry, so tall rock walls tower over the rides. It’s one of the most dramatic settings for a theme park anywhere.
The park has big roller coasters for thrill seekers, gentler rides for kids and live shows throughout the day. In summer, the water park is a great way to cool off.
It sits on the northwest side of the city, about 30 minutes from downtown. Plan a full day to get the most out of it.
21. Spend A Day At SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio mixes roller coasters with animal shows and up close encounters. You can see penguins, sea lions, dolphins and more, all in one park.
Next door, Aquatica is a water park with slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. It’s a big hit with families during the hot months.
Like Fiesta Texas, it’s worth a full day. If you’re visiting both, give each one its own day so you don’t rush.
22. Go Underground At Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is about 30 minutes northeast of downtown, and it’s the largest known commercial cave in Texas. Its name comes from the natural stone bridge that arches over the entrance.
The main tour takes about an hour and leads you through huge rooms full of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave stays a steady, comfortable temperature, which feels great on a hot day.
Above ground, there are zip lines, a maze and gem mining for kids. Book a tour time in advance during busy seasons.
23. Walk Beside Dinosaur Tracks At Government Canyon
Government Canyon State Natural Area is a huge preserve on the northwest edge of San Antonio. It has miles of hiking trails through the Hill Country, and one of them leads to real dinosaur tracks.
The footprints were left about 110 million years ago and are pressed into the rock along a creek bed. It’s a longer hike to reach them, so bring plenty of water and good shoes.
The area is only open to the public on certain days of the week, and the trails close after rain. Check the park’s schedule before you make the drive.
Tips For Visiting San Antonio Texas
Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit, with warm days and cooler nights. Summer is very hot, so plan outdoor things for early morning and save museums and the River Walk for the afternoon.
Fiesta, the city’s biggest party, takes over in April with parades, music and food. In winter, the River Walk lights up for the holidays from late November through early January.
Downtown is easy to see on foot, and the River Walk connects many of the main sights. You’ll want a car or rideshare for the theme parks, Natural Bridge Caverns and Government Canyon.
If you have extra time, the Hill Country is close by. These German towns in Texas make great day trips, and this list of bucket list places to visit in Texas has plenty more ideas for a bigger road trip.
Final Thoughts
San Antonio packs a lot of history, food and fun into one friendly city. You can stand inside the Alamo in the morning, bike to a 300 year old mission in the afternoon and eat puffy tacos for dinner.
Pick your favorites from these things to do in San Antonio Texas, and leave time to slow down by the river. If you’re heading north after this, these things to do in Austin Texas are only about an hour and a half up the road.
