30 Awesome Things To Do In San Antonio

1. It Ain’t Texas Without A Rodeo

If you aren’t in town for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February—one of the largest rodeos in the country—that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing this San Antonio tradition. The Tejas Rodeo holds events from March through November. Giddyup!

2. Looking For Something Spookier? Take A Ghost Tour

In a city so rich with history, there are inevitably plenty of San Antonio ghost stories, too—discover them first hand with Alamo City Ghost Tours or the Sisters Grimm Ghost Tour. Check them out… so long as you don’t scare easily!

3. Become Part Of The “CSI” Team At The Witte Museum

Maybe it’s more edu-tainment than educational, but the Witte Museum’s CSI: The Experience—created in cooperation with the CBS show—will be a hit with fans of the series. And if “CSI” just isn’t your thing, the Witte has a rotating selection of exhibits about science and history, especially Texas history.

4. Get In Some Historic Drinking

Why can’t all history have happened in a bar? The Menger Hotel Bar is, famously, where President Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders while the Buckhorn Saloon boasts of being the oldest saloon in Texas—though the Menger would argue it’s the oldest continuously operated saloon. Visit the Menger for a classy cocktail and the Buckhorn—which is, as described, filled with a wide collection of horns, hunting trophies, and other exhibits—for kitsch.

5. Visit The Exotic Wildlife At The San Antonio Zoo

If you’re looking for something more exotic than the ducks and squirrels that inhabit the rest of Brackenridge Park, venture into the San Antonio Zoo. Nearly 100 years old, the zoo features over 3,500 animals including lions, tigers, and bears—oh my!

6. Check Out An E-Book At The Country’s First All-Digital Library

Bexar County’s BiblioTech is a library without a single physical book, offering only digital books and audiobooks. But the facility itself is worth a visit, with a multitude of e-readers, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers available to use during your visit.

7. Get Some Shopping In At La Villita And Market Square

There are lots of places to shop in San Antonio, but none quite like the La Villita Historic Arts Village—in the oldest part of the city—or the outdoor, Mexican-style marketplace of Market Square. When you’ve worn out your wallet shopping, both have events throughout the year—not to mention great people-watching. You won’t find anything like them outside San Antonio!

8. Go Spelunking In One Of San Antonio’s Many Caves

If you’re tired of all of the outdoors and fresh air, and are craving something a bit more adventurous, head underground to explore one of the area’s many caverns. Natural Bridge Caverns, Cascade Caverns, and Cave without a Name all offer some spectacular sights.

9. For Above-Ground Excitement, Ride The Coasters At Fiesta Texas

If you’re looking to go air bound, you can’t do better than Six Flags Fiesta Texas which features several high-octane roller coasters like the Iron Rattler. But if you don’t have a taste for thrill rides, there are plenty of milder rides and family-friendly entertainment on offer, too.

10. Take Special Needs Friends and Family to Visit Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is a different kind of amusement park, designed and built to be completely accessible to children and adults with cognitive or physical challenges while being a fun experience for all visitors.

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11. See San Antonio From Above At The Tower Of The Americas

Sure, Seattle likes to brag about its Space Needle, but at 750 feet, San Antonio’s Tower of the Americas is taller. It’s the tallest building in San Antonio—and one of the tallest in Texas—and it gives you a stellar view of San Antonio and the surrounding Texas hill country.

12. Play Tourist At The River Walk (Even If You’re A Local)

Yes, the River Walk is a tourist destination, but it’s a tourist destination for a reason—it’s a beautiful place to while away an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day. Take in the sights, grab a bite to eat, and just enjoy the waterfront.

13. See The Largest Collection Of Asian Art In The South

You wouldn’t really think to visit San Antonio to see Asian art, but the San Antonio Museum of Art on the north end of the River Walk has an extensive collection—as well as works from the Americas, Europe, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The crazy juxtaposition of east and (south)west is well-worth seeing.

14. See Modern Art In Spanish Colonial Style

The first modern art museum in the state of Texas, the McNay Art Museum is located in the former home of Marion Koogler McNay, a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion situated on 23 acres of landscaped grounds. Even if modern art isn’t your jam, the grounds are a great place to wander and explore.

15. Skip The Museums And Find Some Street Art Instead

For all the museums we’ve mentioned, you can find art in San Antonio without ever setting foot in one. We’re particularly fond of F.I.S.H. by Donald Lipski, which features fish floating over the River Walk below the I-35 overpass near Camden Street. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll also find murals all over the city.
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16. Cheer On The Home Team At A Spurs Game

If you’re in San Antonio you’re obligated to root for the home team—and four-time NBA Championship winners, the Spurs, will give you plenty to cheer for!

17. Brush Up On Your Texas History At The Alamo

Nothing says Texas—or San Antonio—more than the historic Alamo. And though we’ve all heard the story, it’s worth taking the time to visit. More than just the iconic facade, the Alamo is a 4.2 acre complex of gardens and exhibits—and ideal for a stroll before or after a ride down the River Walk.

18. And Check Out San Antonio’s Other Historic Missions, Too

Though the Alamo always gets top billing, San Antonio is home to more than just the one historic mission. Missions Conception, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada make up the San Antonio Missions National Park located along the San Antonio River.

19. Want To See It All? Bike The Mission Trail From The Alamo

A hike and bike trail runs from the Alamo all the way down to the southernmost Mission Espada. Rent a “B-cycle” from San Antonio B-Cycles and enjoy the ride!

20. See The Nation’s Oldest Cathedral

Built in 1750, the Cathedral of San Fernando in downtown San Antonio is the oldest cathedral in the United States—and is still the center of Catholic life in the city.

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21. Take In Military History At Fort Sam Houston

San Antonio has a large military presence—enough to nickname the town “Military City USA.” Still an active military base, Fort Sam Houston is home to several museums and a grassy, animal-filled quadrangle ideal for spending an afternoon feeding the (rather demanding) birds.

22. Visit A Historic Homestead (Or Two Or Three)

Architecture lovers will be in heaven. San Antonio is full of historic homes, from the 18th century Spanish Governor’s Palace to the Steves Homestead and Villa Finale in the King William District.

23. See New England Fall Colors Without Braving The Cold Weather

Texas may not be known for the changing seasons, but that’s only because not everyone’s visited the Lost Maples State Natural Area west of San Antonio. There, you’ll find over 2,000 acres of Bigtooth Maples and Texas Red Oaks which give a brilliant display every fall.

24. Enjoy The Country Without Leaving Town

The Lost Maples are a bit of a drive, but Brackenridge Park offers 343 acres of outdoor entertainment right in the heart of town. You’ll find birds to feed, paths for walking or biking, playgrounds for the kids, a golf course, and even a miniature railroad.

25. And Take Your Dog Along

Dogs are allowed on-leash in Brackenridge Park, but at the two dog parks inside Phil Hardberger Park , your furry friend can go off the leash to run and play with other dogs.

26. Find Your Zen At The Japanese Tea Garden

For a bit more Asian culture in the heart of San Antonio, swing by the Japanese Tea Garden in Brackenridge Park where you can watch the swimming koi, relax by the waterfall, or just stroll the garden.

27. See Some Sea Life At SeaWorld

You don’t need to trek the 250 miles to Galveston to see marine life, because the world’s largest marine park is right in San Antonio with SeaWorld. Be sure to catch up with Shamu and friends at the One Ocean show and take a swim with the stingrays at Aquatica!

28. Take A Spin At Lady Bird Johnson Skate Park

OK, so the city of San Antonio only calls it Lady Bird Johnson Park, but there’s a sizable—and free—skate park on the property. How many other first ladies have their own skate parks? We can’t think of any.

29. Entertain And Educate At The San Antonio Children’s Museum

This kid-friendly—and, as a result, parent-friendly—museum focuses on interactive exhibits and learning through play. With three floors of display space, the San Antonio Children’s Museum is sure to be a hit with the little ones.

30. Catch A Show At The Alamo Drafthouse Or The Majestic Theatre

You can’t come through San Antonio without catching a show. For recent run movies, try the Texas original Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which serves up movies, food, and drinks all in the same place. For theater and other events, the historic Majestic Theatre is where you should go.
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