Things to do In San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is one of the most happening cities in Texas. With its riverwalk, rich history, and delicious Tex Mex cuisine, this city is a must-visit for anyone touring Texas!

 If you’re looking for something to do in San Antonio, Texas, there are plenty of great events. In the mood for some music? The city is home to some of the best music festivals in the country. Want a little competition? Head on over to The Alamo City for some friendly rivalry and NBA-sized fun at the AT&T Center. Need a laugh or two? You can get both at the Majestic Theatre with family-friendly theater and comedy shows. If you want to mix it up with some cultural exploration, there’s no better time than Fiesta!

 In San Antonio, there are a number of things to do and see. Below are just some of the highlights.

1. Visit the Alamo
2. Take a tour at The Missions National Park
3. Browse through the shops on Riverwalk and enjoy some delicious food from all over the world
4. Spend an afternoon at SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas
5. Go to a Spurs game at AT&T Center, home of one of America’s most beloved sports teams
6. Shop for antiques and vintage clothes downtown or visit one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year (such as Mardi Gras)
7. Find a place to stay during your adventure. We recommend one of our San Antonio Vacation Rentals that can accommodate your entire family and  your pets as well.

 San Antonio is one of the state’s largest cities with 650,000 residents spread throughout 25 unique neighborhoods to create an eclectic blend that adds up to something truly special. It’s home to major professional sports teams, world-class shopping, top-rated restaurants, beautiful parks and landmarks.

At its heart is River Walk – America’s favorite four miles. Whatever you choose as your next adventure, you’ll find it here on any given day in San Antonio at places like The Alamo or The Majestic Theatre.

Whatever you’re looking for in your travels from San Antonio, all you need to do is make sure to pack your Lone Star Attitude!

 

Music / Festivals

 On any given day the Alamo City is home to a variety of events. Among those are hundreds of annual festivals, including: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (Feb – Mar), Fiesta (Apr), Texas Folklife Festival (Apr), Tejano Conjunto Festival & King Ranch Parade (May), Summer Pops Concert Series at Symphony Park (Jun-Aug), Azalea Trail Run for the 90th Anniversary of Mission San Jose (Sep). Get your groove on with Fan Fair X in September. And if you’re looking for a place to take in live music year-round, don’t miss the Jazz, TX, The Rustic or John T. Floore Country Store.

 Music Venues in San Antonio, Texas: Aztec Theater, John T. Floore Country Store, The County Line Restaurant & Saloon, Gruene Hall, Jazz TX, The Grand 1894 Opera House (a historic restored opera house), the Rustic, Hemisphere at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center.

 

Sports / Events

Get into the game! Whether you’re looking to cheer on your favorite teams or get a little competition going yourself there are plenty of opportunities to do so in San Antonio. Catch an NBA Game, NCAA Basketball Tournament games and more at AT&T Stadium located right across from the Convention Center. In 2014 Mayor Castro announced that the city had been selected for two new professional sports franchises. The San Antonio Scorpions, of the North American Soccer League have both been calling Toyota Field home since 2015.

 

Theme Parks

San Antonio is home to some of the most fun theme parks in the country. Head over to Six Flags Fiesta Texas if you’re looking for a thrilling day of rides! And SeaWorld San Antonio is one of the most popular theme parks in the country.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers a variety of attractions including: Silver Bullet (a smooth, fast wooden coaster); Superman Krypton Coaster (the world’s first single rail loop coaster with free spinning cars) as well as lots of options for visitors to dine and enjoy like JL Bugs’ Land – an interactive area for children, Bugs Bunny Boomtown Bistro – a full service restaurant featuring The Looney Tunes Show characters

With so many exciting attractions, it’s easy to see why families are drawn to SeaWorld San Antonio every year. The Ocean Voyager exhibit takes you on a journey through an underwater world. SeaWorld also has rides like Journey To Atlantis and Journey To The Reef that are perfect for thrill seekers! There’s always something new and fun happening at SeaWorld San Antonio.

 

 Arts & Culture / Museums

Culture seekers will feel right at home visiting museums such as: Briscoe Western Art Museum & Witte Museum. For some hands-on fun visit one or more of the city’s many parks including nature preserves like Bexar County Nature Center, Brackenridge Park and Heritage Park.

 

Culture in San Antonio, Texas

Festival – Tejano Conjunto Festival & King Ranch Parade (May), Fiesta (Apr), Texas Folklife Festival (Apr).

 

Historic Moments / Landmarks / Sights to See

The Alamo, San Fernando Cathedral, Tower of the Americas, Spanish Governor’s Palace.

 

Local Cuisine

Food is an integral part of San Antonio culture. The community is located in the Texas Hill Country where the rich Rio Grande River flows and Spanish missions were originally established, making us a melting pot of numerous cultures that have impacted our food scene today. Our signature dish? Tex-Mex! In fact, there are more than 700 locally owned restaurants with over 7000 employees who work to ensure you get the freshest ingredients around when dining in one of San Antonio’s local eateries.

We’re also home to many highly acclaimed chefs & restaurants like Mi Tierra Café y Panadería (open since 1935, it’s been designated as a National Historic landmark), cb2 Chef Brian West and Rick Gresh (who opened their restaurant concept, Minnie’s Tavern over twenty years ago in San Antonio), Lou Seibert and Adrienne Lo (who opened their original location of La Fonda on Main in 2001). You’ll want to check out some of our local farmers markets as well!

It’s not uncommon for residents to be familiar with a handful of local restaurants nearby thanks to our large population yet short driving distances. In fact, San Antonio is known for its excellent food scene where you’ll find a variety of locally owned restaurants to help you discover the city like never before! Everyone’s tastes are different but with so many choices, it may take some time for visitors to decide what they’re in the mood to eat. Why not try traditional Tex-Mex dishes at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería or another favorite restaurant like Boudro’s Texas Bistro on The Riverwalk. How about something more casual like late night tacos on South St Mary’s Street after enjoying an event at The Majestic Theatre or catching one of our local sports teams in action?

San Antonio is also home to the Culinary Institute of America. The CIA Texas campus at The Perl is home to a diverse and energetic community of food lovers who have a special interest in Latin cuisine.

 

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

 The San Antonio Convention Center is one of the top convention centers in the U.S. and is conveniently located adjacent to Downtown, River Walk and the world-famous Alamo. The San Antonio Convention Center offers 200,000 sq ft (18,580 sq m) of exhibit space with a maximum capacity for 12,500 people; 22 meeting rooms totaling 100,800 sq ft (9,760 sq m); and a Ballroom that can accommodate up to 3,400 guests in theater seating or 2,200 in banquet-style seating.

 

 River Walk

 San Antonio’s section of the River Walk runs four miles through downtown on its way from Lake Houston to the San Antonio Sea Hawk Terminal at La Villita. In addition to a tree-lined greenbelt, the River Walk features artistic bridges, shops and restaurants with outdoor seating.

 

 San Antonio River Walk Food & Entertainment District

 Along both sides of the river you’ll find countless restaurants and shops to choose from. From casual Mexican food, seafood and southern BBQ to fine dining with live music, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes. Nightlife includes everything from brew houses and wine bars to dueling piano bars and full-service dance clubs.

 

 AT&T Center

 The AT&T Center is home to the San Antonio Spurs basketball team as well as other sports & events such as boxing, wrestling, hockey and more. The center was formerly known as SBC Center (1999-2006) and Spurs Arena (1997-99).

 

 Seguin Avenue Trolley Tours

 Get a taste of San Antonio with an old-fashioned streetcar. The Seguin Ave. Trolley Tour is perfect for families, history buffs and locals alike. Hop on the trolleys at any of seven convenient locations that range from River Walk to Alamo Plaza to Market Square.

 

 The Majestic Theatre

 This famous theater was built in 1926 and has hosted performances by some of music’s biggest names including Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Liberace and many more! Today, you can catch live comedy shows, Broadway musicals and concerts here throughout the year. For more information visit:    https://www.majesticempire.com/

 

 Guenther House

 The home of local architect Alfred Giles was constructed in 1887 and is now part of the San Antonio Museum Association’s collection at River Walk. Tours are offered daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

 

 Museum Reach Tributary Trails System (MRTS)

 A new 12-mile multi-use trail system for pedestrians, cyclists and joggers began construction along the banks of the San Antonio River downtown in 2018. This project connects several important cultural attractions including museums, parks or trails into one seamless greenbelt along this major tributary to the main stem of the river that flows downriver towards Austin.

 

 San Pedro Creek Improvements & Extension

 San Pedro Creek is getting a $175 million upgrade with plans to transform it into San Antonio’s next great urban amenity. This project will beautify the creek, provide storm water improvements and offer more recreational opportunities beside a centerpiece pedestrian bridge that crosses over to Brackenridge Park.

 

 The Missions of San Antonio

 Situated about 45 minutes outside Downtown is San Antonio’s Missions National Park, with the five missions located on an 80-acre historic site in South Texas. Each mission was originally created as a Catholic place for Franciscan priests and Native Americans to live together peacefully. Today visitors can walk the grounds of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose and Mission Espada as they were in 1720.

 

 San Antonio Botanical Gardens

 The San Antonio Botanical Garden is located near Brackenridge Park and offers several different choices of annual and day passes to choose from. The gardens contains a wide variety of native Texas plants as well as exotic species from all over the world. In addition to plant education, wildlife viewing and other garden-related activities, special events are held each year that draw crowds of visitors.

 Established in 1980, this 53 acre park located just north of the Alamo features over thirty themed gardens including a rose garden with over 2,000 varieties from around the world as well as four acres of Fabaceae (pea family) collection. The Garden’s newest addition is an expansion that incorporates native plants and provides a glimpse into San Antonio’s diverse ecology along TxDOT’s Interstate 35 corridor.

 

 The Pearl (The Pearl Brewery Complex)

 The historic Pearl Brewery has been transformed into an urban center of art galleries, loft apartments, retail stores, offices and restaurants. The brewery site includes the 100-year-old main brewing building designed by iconic architect Otto E. Neurath as well as a second historic structure built in 1941 by Pritzker Prize Winner Philip Johnson (1906 – 2005).

 A former industrial area along Interstate 35 that once served as an operating flour mill saw new life with construction of several apartment complexes, restaurants & bars including Casa Rio which opened on Christmas Day in 1986. The former industrial area became a high-end neighborhood over the next two decades with several large-scale apartment and condominium complexes being built along the banks of the San Antonio River including The Pearl complex, La Mansion Del Rio , The Weston , Fox Tower and many others.

 

 San Antonio River Walk History and Points of Interest

 A Trip Back in Time: A look at the history of the San Antonio River from early Spanish settlers to modern day development.

 

 The Gardens on Guenther

 Award-winning mixed-use property that blends a culturally diverse collection of unique shops, restaurants, artistic workspaces, offices and residential living spaces with manicured gardens in a park-like setting along the banks of the San Antonio River.

 

 Iconic Bridges in San Antonio

 You can’t help but notice these landmarks while visiting Downtown’s historic district! 

 

 Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort

 This AAA four diamond resort is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country just minutes from downtown San Antonio and all major points of interest. The resort features two incredible golf courses designed by world renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., tennis courts, swimming pools, waterfalls, walking trails and more.

 

 The Westin La Cantera Resort & Spa

 Welcome to the resort with everything! Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this AAA four diamond award-winning resort offers unique accommodations that showcase elegant Spanish colonial architecture, stunning views of San Antonio, a championship golf course designed by PGA Tour player Ben Crenshaw and two soothing outdoor swimming pools. The resort is just minutes from historic Downtown San Antonio with its museums, river walk attractions and shopping districts.

 

 Weston San Antonio Hotel

 This downtown luxury hotel features 333 comfortable guest rooms including 32 suites. Each room includes high speed internet access as well as cable television service. Select rooms offer spectacular skyline or river valley views. Enjoy onsite dining at Carrigan’s Restaurant or step outside to the poolside lounge. 

 

 The Witte Museum

 Founded in 1956, The Witte is a private, non-profit cultural and natural history institution with extensive exhibits representing cultures from around the world. The museum also features educational programs for children and adults as well as an IMAX® Theatre on the banks of the San Antonio River.

 

 Mimosa Rocks Nature Park

 This new city park on the north bank of the San Antonio River next to the Pearl Brewery District features nature trails, a scenic overlook and an observation deck overlooking the river. The 1.5 acre park opened in November of 2012 and is named after nearby Mimosa Rocks Natural Area just north of Downtown.

 

 Mimosa Overlook

 This scenic overlook on IH-35 north of downtown provides sweeping views of Downtown’s skyline, HemisFair Park, Tower Life Building, Alamodome and more…

 

 Menger Hotel

 This historic hotel opened in 1859 has been restored to its original Victorian character. Many believe it was once haunted by spirits of San Antonio’s past including Bowie, Crockett and Travis. During the siege of the Alamo in March of 1836, Davy Crockett was said to have once occupied Room 207 where he wrote his famous letter ‘To My Wife’ on stationary that can still be seen at the hotel today.

 

 The Saint Anthony Hotel

 Another historic luxury hotel is The Saint Anthony which opened in 1911 and featured a two-hundred foot tower topped by a revolving restaurant that offered stunning views of San Antonio when it was completed in 1913. A later expansion added an eight story annex with more than 500 guest rooms which were connected via a luxurious indoor walkway. Guests included Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Dwight Eisenhower.

 

 Hemisfair Park

 Built in 1968, Hemisfair Park was the site of the 1968 World’s Fair which brought millions of guests to San Antonio who returned home with a lasting impression of the city. Future urban renewal projects included an expansion along Interstate 35 that created The Esplanade and numerous hotels and restaurants including The Saint Anthony, La Mansion del Rio, The Westin Riverwalk Hotel , Weston San Antonio Hotel and others.

 

 Hemisfair Arena

 Opened in 1968 as an events center for the world fair, HemisFair Arena became home to several professional sports teams including the Spurs (NBA) and Comets (ABA). Large concerts were also held at this historic venue over the years before it closed in 1989. The City of San Antonio demolished the structure in 1999 to make way for a $175 million dollar expansion along Interstate 35 known as The Esplanade and Weston Urban’s La Cantera mixed-use development project. Harvey Milk Plaza, located just north of HemisFair Arena was dedicated on May 22nd, 2013 to honor the life and legacy of slain activist Harvey Milk who spoke at the 1979 Human Rights Campaign here during an earlier visit to San Antonio before his assassination later that year in November.

 

 Crockett Park

 This park was named after Davy Crockett (a former resident), shortly after his death at the Battle of The Alamo in 1836 and became home to festivals celebrating Mexican culture including Fiesta Noche del Rio and international events celebrating the Spanish culture as well as home to Cinco de Mayo Parades since 1891. Formerly known as HemisFair Plaza, Crockett Park sits on 6 acres of land that was once part of the city’s historic Mission San Antonio de Valero (aka Alamo) . The park features a towering statue of Crockett created by famed artist Elizabet Ney.

 

 The Alamo

 This most hallowed ground in Texas is home to one of the largest collections of historic buildings including The Long Barrack Museum, Chapel, Army Hospital and more… Established in 1718, this San Antonio landmark witnessed nearly 3 years of bloodshed during the siege with over 250 men killed in the final 13 day battle. Today, The Alamo has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is visited by nearly 2 million guests each year.

 

 Sanchez-Pena House

 Located on the grounds of El Mercado , this historic home was built in 1869 specifically to overlook the Alamo but was later moved in 1992 to its current location at 200 South Main Street. This 4 story brick Victorian structure is one of only two remaining residential homes from San Antonio’s Victorian era left standing today.

 

 La Villita

 A historic village recreated by architect Robert Hugman is home to numerous restaurants, galleries, festivals and events each year that celebrate Mexican arts & culture.

 

 The King William Historic District

 Walking through this neighborhood you’ll notice homes here are often adorned with beautiful cast iron ornaments on their porches and balconies. This eclectic community’s parish was established in 1868 but saw an influx of immigrants and other non-English speaking Europeans during the 1880s, 1890s, & early 1900s. The neighborhood now features over 900 buildings with architecture from numerous historical periods including 19th Century Victorian homes, various Craftsman style bungalows as well as historic commercial buildings like the Driskill Hotel (1886).

 

 Maverick Democratic Club

 Home of some of Texas’ most influential leaders such as Lyndon B Johnson , U.S Congressman Albert Thomas was a key architect in bringing NASA’s Mission Control to Houston while local philanthropist Ima Hogg (for which the University of Texas at Austin’s performing arts center is named after) served on The League of Women Voters and even met with Eleanor Roosevelt.

 

 El Mercado

 This charming Mexican marketplace dating to 1744 has served as a trading post for local farmers and ranchers, helping San Antonio establish its first official market in 1856. Today it houses over one hundred shops & restaurants including El Mirador De La Flor Historic Building which was re-built in 2003 after it was destroyed by fire several years prior.

 

 San Antonio is full of rich history, culture and architecture. But there’s so much more to city life than meets the eye. If you’re interested in learning more about what San Antonio has to offer from a culinary perspective or want some help exploring historic landmarks near your home, take a virtual trip to VisitSanAntonio.com for more information.

 

The opportunities are endless in San Antonio and this is just a sampling of what’s available. Get started planning your trip today!