{"id":24534,"date":"2014-01-16T07:57:49","date_gmt":"2014-01-16T15:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=24534"},"modified":"2014-01-16T07:57:49","modified_gmt":"2014-01-16T15:57:49","slug":"things-to-do-in-san-antonio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-san-antonio\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Awesome Things To Do In San Antonio"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. It Ain\u2019t Texas Without A Rodeo<\/h2>\n

\"Rodeo

Source: Flickr user Larry Johnson<\/p><\/div>
\nIf you aren’t in town for the San Antonio<\/a> Stock Show and Rodeo in February\u2014one of the largest rodeos in the country\u2014that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing this San Antonio tradition. The Tejas Rodeo holds events from March through November. Giddyup!<\/p>\n

2. Looking For Something Spookier? Take A Ghost Tour<\/h2>\n

\"Alamo

Source: Flickr user AndYaDontStop<\/p><\/div>
\nIn a city so rich with history, there are inevitably plenty of San Antonio ghost stories, too\u2014discover 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!<\/p>\n

3. Become Part Of The \u201cCSI\u201d Team At The Witte Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Witte

Source: Flickr user Colleen Pence<\/p><\/div>
\nMaybe it’s more edu-tainment than educational, but the Witte Museum’s CSI: The Experience\u2014created in cooperation with the CBS show\u2014will be a hit with fans of the series. And if \u201cCSI\u201d just isn\u2019t your thing, the Witte has a rotating selection of exhibits about science and history, especially Texas<\/a> history.<\/p>\n

4. Get In Some Historic Drinking<\/h2>\n

\"The

Source: Flickr user G. Jewels<\/p><\/div>
\nWhy 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\u2014though the Menger would argue it’s the oldest continuously operated saloon. Visit the Menger for a classy cocktail and the Buckhorn\u2014which is, as described, filled with a wide collection of horns, hunting trophies, and other exhibits\u2014for kitsch.<\/p>\n

5. Visit The Exotic Wildlife At The San Antonio Zoo<\/h2>\n

\"San

Source: Wikimedia user John Tedesco<\/p><\/div>
\nIf 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\u2014oh my!<\/p>\n

6. Check Out An E-Book At The Country’s First All-Digital Library<\/h2>\n

\"BiblioTech

Source: Flickr user Maria Elena<\/p><\/div>
\nBexar 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.<\/p>\n

7. Get Some Shopping In At La Villita And Market Square<\/h2>\n

\"La

Source: Flickr user Stuart Seeger<\/p><\/div>
\nThere are lots of places to shop in San Antonio, but none quite like the La Villita Historic Arts Village\u2014in the oldest part of the city\u2014or the outdoor, Mexican-style marketplace of Market Square. When you’ve worn out your wallet shopping, both have events throughout the year\u2014not to mention great people-watching. You won’t find anything like them outside San Antonio!<\/p>\n

8. Go Spelunking In One Of San Antonio’s Many Caves<\/h2>\n

\"San

Source: Flickr user anja_johnson<\/p><\/div>
\nIf 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\u2019s many caverns. Natural Bridge Caverns, Cascade Caverns, and Cave without a Name all offer some spectacular sights.<\/p>\n

9. For Above-Ground Excitement, Ride The Coasters At Fiesta Texas<\/h2>\n

\"Six

Source: Flickr user Jon Seidman<\/p><\/div>
\nIf you’re looking to go air bound, you can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

10. Take Special Needs Friends and Family to Visit Morgan’s Wonderland<\/h2>\n

\"Morgan's

Source: Flickr user Colleen Pence<\/p><\/div>
\nMorgan’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.<\/p>\n

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11. See San Antonio From Above At The Tower Of The Americas<\/h2>\n

\"The

Source: Flickr user Nan Palmero<\/a><\/p><\/div>
\nSure, Seattle<\/a> 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\u2014and one of the tallest in Texas\u2014and it gives you a stellar view of San Antonio and the surrounding Texas hill country.<\/p>\n

12. Play Tourist At The River Walk (Even If You’re A Local)<\/h2>\n

\"The

Source: Flickr user Stuart Seeger<\/p><\/div>
\nYes, the River Walk is a tourist destination, but it’s a tourist destination for a reason\u2014it’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.<\/p>\n

13. See The Largest Collection Of Asian Art In The South<\/h2>\n

\"San

Source: Flickr user John W. Schulze<\/p><\/div>
\nYou 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\u2014as well as works from the Americas, Europe, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The crazy juxtaposition of east and (south)west is well-worth seeing.<\/p>\n

14. See Modern Art In Spanish Colonial Style<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Wikimedia user Zereshk<\/p><\/div>
\nThe 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\u2019t your jam, the grounds are a great place to wander and explore.<\/p>\n

15. Skip The Museums And Find Some Street Art Instead<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user AndYaDontStop<\/p><\/div>
\nFor 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.
\n[php snippet=1]<\/p>\n

16. Cheer On The Home Team At A Spurs Game<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user Katie Haugland<\/p><\/div>
\nIf you’re in San Antonio you’re obligated to root for the home team\u2014and four-time NBA Championship winners, the Spurs, will give you plenty to cheer for!<\/p>\n

17. Brush Up On Your Texas History At The Alamo<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user Brad Holt<\/p><\/div>
\nNothing says Texas\u2014or San Antonio\u2014more 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\u2014and ideal for a stroll before or after a ride down the River Walk.<\/p>\n

18. And Check Out San Antonio’s Other Historic Missions, Too<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user Katie Haugland<\/p><\/div>
\nThough 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.<\/p>\n

19. Want To See It All? Bike The Mission Trail From The Alamo<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user Heather Cowper<\/p><\/div>
\nA hike and bike trail runs from the Alamo all the way down to the southernmost Mission Espada. Rent a \u201cB-cycle\u201d from San Antonio B-Cycles and enjoy the ride!<\/p>\n

20. See The Nation’s Oldest Cathedral<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user regan76<\/p><\/div>
\nBuilt in 1750, the Cathedral of San Fernando in downtown San Antonio is the oldest cathedral in the United States\u2014and is still the center of Catholic life in the city.<\/p>\n

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21. Take In Military History At Fort Sam Houston<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Wikimedia user Peter Rimar<\/p><\/div>
\nSan Antonio has a large military presence\u2014enough 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.<\/p>\n

22. Visit A Historic Homestead (Or Two Or Three)<\/h2>\n

\"Steves

Source: Flickr user Matt Howry<\/p><\/div>
\nArchitecture 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.<\/p>\n

23. See New England Fall Colors Without Braving The Cold Weather<\/h2>\n

\"Lost

Source: Flickr user Adam Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nTexas may not be known for the changing seasons, but that\u2019s only because not everyone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

24. Enjoy The Country Without Leaving Town<\/h2>\n

\"Brackenridge

Source: Flickr user Sean Loyless<\/p><\/div>
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

25. And Take Your Dog Along<\/h2>\n

\"Phil

Source: Flickr user H. Michael Karshis<\/p><\/div>
\nDogs 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.<\/p>\n

26. Find Your Zen At The Japanese Tea Garden<\/h2>\n

\"The

Source: Wikimedia user mikenish<\/p><\/div>
\nFor 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.<\/p>\n

27. See Some Sea Life At SeaWorld<\/h2>\n

\"

Source: Flickr user Collin Harvey<\/p><\/div>
\nYou 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!<\/p>\n

28. Take A Spin At Lady Bird Johnson Skate Park<\/h2>\n

\"Lady

Source: Flickr user Naoki Tomeno<\/p><\/div>
\nOK, so the city of San Antonio only calls it Lady Bird Johnson Park, but there’s a sizable\u2014and free\u2014skate park on the property. How many other first ladies have their own skate parks? We can\u2019t think of any.<\/p>\n

29. Entertain And Educate At The San Antonio Children’s Museum<\/h2>\n

\"San

Source: San Antonio Children’s Museum<\/p><\/div>
\nThis kid-friendly\u2014and, as a result, parent-friendly\u2014museum focuses on interactive exhibits and learning through play. With three floors of display space, the San Antonio Children\u2019s Museum is sure to be a hit with the little ones.<\/p>\n

30. Catch A Show At The Alamo Drafthouse Or The Majestic Theatre<\/h2>\n

\"The

Source: Majestic Theatre<\/p><\/div>
\nYou can\u2019t 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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