17 Best Things to Do in San Antonio

San Antonio is the second-largest city in the Southern United States and is a popular tourist destination for domestic and international travelers.

As the site of the infamous 1836 Battle of the Alamo, where Texan independence from Mexico was fought for, San Antonio is undoubtedly one of the most historically important locations in the southern United States.

However, there’s much more to this progressive city than its past. From epic theme parks and animal adventures to world-class museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone here in Alamo City. Let’s explore the 17 best things to do in San Antonio.

1. Stroll Along the San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is a top attraction and the perfect way to soak up the history and culture of this charming city. Known by some as The Venice of Texas, this pedestrian walkway is one level down from the main street and is part park, part pathway. You’ll discover many of the city’s iconic sites during your walk, and there are countless bars, restaurants, and cafes to stop off at en route.

Here are the best things to see and do on the walk:

• Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat at Pullman Market.
• Walk the Museum Reach section from Lexington Avenue to the Pearl Brewery district.
• Take a guided tour to learn about the most important sites along the walk.

2. Delve into the City’s History at the Alamo

San Antonio’s history dates back to 1691 when Spanish explorers named the city. Then, in 1718, San Antonio de Valero—the Alamo Mission—was founded as a midpoint for missionaries in Northern Mexico and Eastern Texas.

History buffs won’t will love exploring Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio. Take a guided tour of this historic landmark to soak up 300 years of fascinating Texas history.

3. Go Wild at San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium

San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium is one of the leading zoos in the US, and animal lovers shouldn’t miss it when they visit San Antonio. Check out the themed enclosures that provide a glimpse into the global animal kingdom without ever leaving Texas. Africa Live and the Cat Grotto are particularly popular exhibitions.

San Antonio Zoo offers several incredible animal encounters where visitors can get hands-on with the zoo’s residents. Our favorite experiences include:

• Kangaroo Krossing – Meet kangaroos in their Australian-inspired enclosure
• Giraffe Feeding – Help keepers serve lunch to these gentle giants
• Butterfly Rainforest – Walking among hundreds of butterflies in flight is an unforgettable experience

4. Hang Out at the Pearl

The Pearl is an iconic site that dates back to 1883 and is now a popular meeting place for local Texans. Head here for a taste of this vibrant city’s culture and some of its best cuisine, indulge in some retail therapy or stick around after dark to sample the city’s nightlife. For a truly unique experience, you can even stay at Hotel Emma, the luxury on-site hotel.

Here are a few of the best things to do at the Pearl:

• Catch some live music at Stable Hall.
• Relax and unwind at Hiatus Day Spa + Retreat.
• Feast on American-Asian cuisine at Best Quality Daughter.

5. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

If you like rollercoasters, you can’t miss a chance to test your bravery at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This branch of the popular chain of theme parks is packed with thrills and spills for all ages.

The bravest riders in your group should try BATMAN: The Ride — a one-of-a-kind rollercoaster with a 12-story hill and two beyond-vertical drops. If you’re planning a trip to this amusement park with kids in tow, try the less terrifying Bugs’ White Water Rapids instead.

6. Set Sail on a River Cruise

The San Antonio River is the heart of the city and many of the best things to do in the city are on it or around it. If you’ve already done the Riverwalk that we mentioned above, consider taking a cruise along the waterway for an alternative perspective of this charming area.

There are dozens of cruises on offer, but these options from Go Rio are popular:

• A narrated cruise connects you to Alamo City’s unique culture and history and points out the must-see sights.
• Dinner cruises are a luxurious way to enjoy the river while feasting on local cuisine.
• Special events, such as cocktail cruises, happen throughout the year, so keep an eye on the schedule during your visit.

7. Take a Day Trip to Houston

The vibrant city of Houston is just a three-hour drive away and makes a fantastic side trip. There’s a huge range of things to see and do here, but these are some of our favorite spots if you only have a day to explore:

• Houston Space Center – Learn about the past, present, and future of space exploration.
• Houston Museum of Natural Science – See dinosaur skeletons and explore the cabinet of curiosities.
• Chinatown – Houston has the second-largest Indochinese population in the U.S. and is the best place in Texas for authentic Asian cuisine.

8. Go Museum Hopping

It’s no surprise that a historic city like San Antonio is home to a huge selection of fascinating museums. You’d have no trouble spending an entire week museum hopping, but if you’re short on time, these are some of the best museums in the city:

• The Witte Museum – Explore interactive exhibits that span nature, science, and culture.
• The DoSeum – This children’s museum is inspired by the power of play and is an enjoyable day out for families traveling with kids.
• San Antonio Museum of Art – Discover 5,000 years of art, including the most comprehensive collection of ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian works in the southern U.S.
• Mcnay Art Museum – This is a fantastic gallery for fans of contemporary art, with hundreds of pieces on display across multiple exhibitions.

9. Go into the Deep at Seaworld San Antonio

For an action-packed wet ‘n’ wild adventure, you can’t beat Seaworld San Antonio. Rollercoasters and water rides will thrill visitors of all ages, and there are captivating shows and presentations scheduled throughout the day.

The animal experiences are a top highlight, so don’t miss the exciting opportunities to get up close with creatures, including:

• Beluga whales
• Dolphins
• Sea lions
• Aldabra tortoise

10. Feast on Mexican Food

San Antonio is inextricably linked to Mexico, and as a result, there’s an incredible array of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine on offer. Offering high-end fusion dishes, spicy taco-truck-inspired bites, and everything in between, you’ll love dining at these three delicious spots:

• Ernesto’s Gourmet Mexican Specialties – Expect fresh seafood, specialty sauces, and some of the best enchiladas in town from this upmarket Mexican eatery.
• Pollos Asados Los Nortenos – This spot specializes in flame-grilled chicken served with corn tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole that’ll transport you to the streets of Mexico City.
• Rosario’s Comida Mex & Bar – Make a reservation here for stuffed chillis, chicken with mole sauce, and a wide range of tasty tacos.

11. Unwind in San Antonio Botanical Gardens

San Antonio Botanical Gardens is a museum of plants and a tranquil place to relax and soak up some Texan sunshine. It covers 38 acres and encompasses species from around the world, including 35 endangered and rare species.

Don’t miss these stunning exhibitions during your visit:

• Kumamoto En – An authentic Japanese garden featuring stone walkways, water elements, and granite lanterns.
• Lucile Halsell Conservatory – This exhibit features exotic plants from around the world, including the deserts of South Africa and Mexico.
• Texas Native Trails – Discover 250 plant species that represent the Texas Hill Country, the East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas.

12. Make a Splash at San Antonio’s Waterparks

The weather can get extremely hot in Texas during the summer months, so it’s wise for visitors to plan activities that will help them escape the heat. Waterparks are the perfect way to cool off — and thankfully, there are some great options right here in San Antonio:

• Aquatica San Antonio – This park boasts an exciting combination of waterslides, pools, and animal encounters.
• Hurricane Harbor – This Six Flags waterpark is located near downtown San Antonio and is home to some thrilling rides.
• Morgan’s Wonderland – This was the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park, and there are wet and dry rides for everyone to enjoy.

13. Discover New Heights Atop the Tower of the Americas

The Tower of the Americas is located in Hemisfair Park in Downtown San Antonio and is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of San Antonio. Head up to the observation deck for spectacular vistas or make a reservation at the tower’s revolving Chart House restaurant for dinner with an unbeatable view.

14. Explore San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is home to 300 years of U.S. culture and history and is one of the city’s most important tourist attractions. The city grew around the missions in the early 1800s, and nowadays, visitors can join audio tours of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to learn all about the conception of South Texas as we know it today.

There are four Spanish colonial missions to discover:

• Mission Concepcion
• Mission San Jose
• Mission San Juan
• Mission Espada

15. Escape the City’s Hustle and Bustle in Brackenridge Park

Head to Brackenridge Park whenever you’re craving a break from San Antonio’s action-packed downtown area. The park is home to many of the city’s best-loved attractions including the Witte Museum and San Antonio Zoo, but there are also 343 acres of lush park to relax and unwind in.

Don’t miss the Japanese Tea Garden — this area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a tranquil place to sit and watch the world go by.

16. See a Show on San Antonio’s Broadway

San Antonio’s Broadway Theater combines local talent and Broadway-standard performances to deliver a fantastic lineup of plays and musicals. Shows are very popular, so book ahead to secure tickets.

Past performances have included hit musicals including:

• MJ the Musical
• Les Miserables
• Mamma Mia!

17. Delve into the Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is a unique natural landmark and the largest cave in Texas. The caverns were discovered in 1960 by local cavers, and visitors can walk in their footsteps on five exciting underground tours:

• Hidden Wonders – See the hidden cave, enjoy a sound and light show, and then zip back up to the surface.
• Discovery – Head 54 meters underground to see the largest cavern in the state of Texas.
• Cavern Combo – Combine the Hidden Wonder and Discovery tour to see as much of the cave system as possible.
• Adventure – An experienced guide takes you through an undeveloped section of the caves.
• Lantern – See the caves how the original discoverers did in the 1960s — through lantern-light.

Uncover Incredible and Historic San Antonio

This vibrant, eclectic city has lots to offer for every type of tourist. So, whether you’re a history buff, a thrill seeker, or an avid foodie, you’re sure to fall in love with this Texan hotspot. Which of our 17 top things to do will you add to your vacation itinerary?