San Antonio is a major city in Texas with a rich colonial heritage and Texas history.
It’s located at the head of the San Antonio River in Bexar Country in south central Texas, it has a good selection of historic sites.
San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas and the 2nd most populated behind Houston.
It is geographically large, with 368.6 square miles.
The weather is semitropical, with the most rain and humidity from July through September.
For visitors, it’s one of the most accessible Texas cities, with its lovely tree-fringed River Walk winding through downtown.
San Antonio has many great things to offer.
Families will particularly enjoy the Texas city’s theme parks, top-notch museums, galleries, foodie joints and viewpoints which can fill any city break.
Things To Do In San Antonio
1. San Antonio River Walk
The River Walk can’t be missed in San Antonio, Texas.
One of San Antonio’s most visited tourist attractions winds along the banks of the San Antonio River.
The walk begins in the city’s north, where E. Hildbrand Ave crosses the River, and extends south to Mission Espada.
Following the river, the River Walk is lovely to explore on foot along the river’s walking path.
Sightseeing, shopping, food, and fun, the San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long.
Along the way, you criss-cross lots of Downtown San Antonio, with dozens of restaurants, boutique hotels and sidewalk cafes shaded by colorful umbrellas and street performers.
Hop on a River Walk boat that takes visitors on a leisurely ride down the river.
It’s a great way to see the city and totally chilled.
The River Walk is also home to countless events and river parades throughout the year.
Address: San Antonio River Walk, 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
2. Natural Bridge Caverns
The Natural Bridge Caverns are a short drive from Downtown San Antonio, Texas, and make for an excellent half-day excursion.
The entrance is enclosed by a 60-foot natural limestone slab bridge, which inspired the name.
The Natural Bridge Caverns are some of the largest known natural caves in the USA.
You can take a guided tour through huge underground chambers.
Tours leave every 40 minutes and take approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
The Natural Bridge Caverns walkways are family friendly with lighted and paved paths.
Although the cave is easy to get to, there are a few modest slopes to consider once you’re inside.
There are also fun things for kids as they can enjoy panning for gold and other gems.
Or finding their way through an outdoor maze then testing their balance, agility and strength against the ropes course and zip rails.
Address: Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a National Historical Park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s a spot you can’t miss when visiting the city.
Within the park grounds, five mission sites offer recreational opportunities for the whole family (Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepción, Mission Espada, Mission San Antonio de Valero).
The park is centred along the San Antonio River and protects the mission churches dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The structures are jam-packed with history, and they’re easy to explore.
These structures and surrounding tracts of land are connected by the 12-mile Mission Trail driving route.
Including The Alamo, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a site that looks after the missions that are iconic in Texas.
Start your adventure off at the largest mission in San Antonio, Mission San José, where the visitor centre is located.
Address: San Antonio Missions National History Park, 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
4. San Antonio Historic Market Square
One of the best things to do in San Antonio Texas is a visit to the San Antonio Market Square.
It’s located on Commerce Street, about six blocks west of the River Walk.
It’s an outdoor plaza filled with a combination of restaurants, shops, handicrafts and fresh produce stands.
The shopping district also hosts many festivals and is popular with San Antonio residents.
There’s everything from local pottery to one-of-a-kind jewelry or paintings by local artists.
San Antonio Market Square is a souvenir-lovers must-see.
And probably one of the best things to do in San Antonio for shopping,
Address: San Antonio Historic Market Square, 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
5. San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo is open year-round and is located in the city’s Brackenridge Park.
This 35-acre zoo has over 3,500 animals and an aquarium.
It’s the 3rd largest zoo in the nation and it breeds a number of endangered species, including leopards, African lions, and Komodo dragons.
There is also a Kiddie Park at the San Antonio zoo that is the perfect place for children to enjoy some old-fashioned fun.
There’s a Ferris wheel and famous carousel, as well as other classic kids’ rides that have made Kiddie Park a favourite San Antonio attraction.
While modern updates have been made, the Kiddie park has preserved its 1920’s style by maintaining all the original rides.
San Antonio zoo is a great day out for all the family!
Address: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212
6. Historic Alamo Site
A visit to the Historic Alamo Site is one of the best things to do in San Antonio that’s totally iconic.
Not only that, it’s one of the most important historical sites in the United States
The Alamo has served many purposes over the past three centuries, primarily as a Spanish colonial missions, a military garrison, and a tourist attraction.
This national historic landmark is a historical site but it also serves as a shrine and memorial to those who died during the Battle of the Alamo.
Outside in the peaceful courtyard, a history wall tells the story of the Alamo, but if you want a deeper understanding join one of the tours that meanders around the site.
It became a UNESCO site in 2015 and is one of the most visited attractions in Texas.
Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended hours late May through early September until 7 p.m.
Address: Historic Alamo Site, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
7. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, formerly known simply as Fiesta Texas, is a theme park located in Northwest San Antonio.
This 200-acre theme park has thrill rides, family rides, activities, performances and water rides.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas has 7 hair-raising roller coaster rides and includes the world’s largest wooden roller coaster.
One of the fun things available for families is the water park called White Water Bay that is open select days during the Summer season.
At night Fiesta Texas performs the most beautiful Laser show.
There are also restaurants, cafes and a gift shop.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas has so many rides and attractions, it’s one of the most exciting things to do in San Antonio Texas for the whole family.
Address: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
8. Witte Museum
The Witte Museum was established in 1926 and is located in Brackenridge Park on the banks of the San Antonio River in San Antonio, Texas.
Dubbed the center where nature, science, and culture meet, the Witte Museum showcases South Texan history, culture, and natural science.
This San Antonio’s Museum offers permanent exhibits like dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, mummies, and some live animals.
The Witte museum has great activities for everyone, from digging for fossils, to experiencing the treehouse, to learning to weave material for a basket.
There are many hands-on exhibits, log cabins to explore and special exhibitions covering topics such as space.
It’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 hours at this San Antonio’s museum.
Address: Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
9. San Antonio Botanical Garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden offers 41-acres of greenery and plant life that offer visitors some outstanding displays.
Centrally located in the heart of San Antonio, TX, the Botanical Garden has been nationally recognized for its commitment to amazing shows of plant life, botanical diversity and education.
The Formal Gardens are comprised of four large rectangular display areas which are changed seasonally to display a variety of colors and textures.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden also has a Japanese tea garden, rose garden, old fashioned garden and a sensory garden for the blind.
There are collections ranging from desert to rainforest plants in futuristic glasshouses that have pyramid shaped glazed roofs.
From growing your own vegetables, understanding gardening in the Texas landscape and growing food, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has something for everyone.
Address: San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
10. San Antonio Museum of Art
Take a stroll down the River Walk and you’ll come upon one of San Antonio’s most prized attractions, the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Located on the river in San Antonio, Texas, the San Antonio Museum of Art has large collections of ancient Mediterranean art, Asian art, Egyptian art, Latin American art and contemporary art.
In the contemporary galleries, works of internationally recognized artists share space with Texas and regional artists.
The museum also has a restaurant overlooking the San Antonio River and a gift shop.
Address: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
11. San Fernando Cathedral
San Antonio is home to the oldest church in Texas.
The Cathedral dates back to 1738 and remains the heart of Catholic religion in San Antonio.
Over 5,000 people attend services in just one weekend.
With its beautiful architecture, the church also features the remains of some Alamo defenders and is shrouded in history.
The interior is beautiful and you can also see a free main plaza Cathedral light show at night that’s really stunning.
The main plaza Cathedral light show is cast on the front of the Cathedral with laser lights and music, recounting the story of San Antonio.
Address: San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
12. San Antonio Ghost Tour
San Antonio is considered one of the most haunted cities in all of America.
From its humble beginnings as a Spanish settlement in 1691 to the bloody battle at the Alamo, San Antonio’s history is rich in haunting tales.
There are various companies that run a San Antonio Ghost Tour.
You can see Old San Antonio’s most haunted places and uncover the history that lies waiting for those who dare to enter their doorways and take a ghost tour.
Many are walking tours that aim to show the most haunted spots, while you learn the tragic stories of spirits unable to find their eternal rest.
They take in many of the important landmarks like the Alamo, Cathedral, and other sights.
There are also Segway, Bus and river Cruise Ghost tours.
13. Monster Mini Golf
This is a Monster themed mini-golf challenge featuring a glow-in-the-dark indoor course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn.
It is a great place to come to, to beat the heat of the San Antonio sun because it is all indoors.
This monstered themed 18 hole miniature golf course attracts both young and adults.
Monster Mini Golf also has a DJ and they serve good food.
The course is challenging enough for adults to navigate, yet very playable for children.
Address: Monster Mini Golf, 2267 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213
14. Morgan’s Wonderland
For individuals of all ages and abilities, San Antonio’s Morgan’s Wonderland is a 25-acre accessible theme park.
Morgan’s Wonderland was built in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in Northeast San Antonio.
The park is the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park, full of rides, attractions and activities for everyone.
The completely wheelchair-accessible park features more than 25 elements, including rides, playgrounds, and other colorful attractions.
Those with and without disabilities can come together for fun and a better understanding of one another.
Address: Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233
15. Seaworld San Antonio
San Antonio’s SeaWorld is a 250-acre animal theme park, oceanarium, and marine animal park.
It contains some of nature’s biggest marine animals, world-class thrill rides and dozens of conservation exhibitions and hands-on animal encounters.
There are thrilling coasters, inventive rides and spectacular displays.
The animals are the main attraction with orcas that are the real headliners, closely followed by penguins, sea lions and stingrays.
SeaWorld San Antonio Texas is a great day out for all the family, a kiddie park and an adult’s amusement park.
Address: Seaworld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
16. Blue Star Arts Complex
One of the best things to do in San Antonio Texas for art lovers.
The Blue Star Arts Complex is the city’s longest-running contemporary art institution.
It was established by a group of artists in 1986 after the success of the Blue Star Exhibition.
The center has a wide range of arts spaces, gift shops, and studios where you may get food and drink.
It also hosts concerts and performance art events.
The museum is a great place to visit and it’s accessible from the River Walk trail.
Address: Blue Star Arts Complex, 1414 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210
FAQ
What is San Antonio well known for?
San Antonio, TX, is known for being the seventh-largest city in America.
It’s a popular tourist destination known for famous locations like the Alamo, Sea World, and The San Antonio Botanical Garden.
The city is also home to the San Antonio Spurs a professional basketball team that plays its home games at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
What is a good shopping area in San Antonio?
Just 10 miles from downtown San Antonio, the North Star Mall is an internationally acclaimed shopping destination.
North Star Mall has over 200 specialty stores, food stores and general merchandise, with a selection of restaurants.
It is a long mall that is airconditioned and spacious.
What is the oldest theatre in San Antonio?
The Majestic Theatre is San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre.
Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Majestic theatre was designed and built in 1929.
The Majestic theatre seats 2,264 people and puts on some great performances.
Is there a Fire Museum in San Antonio?
The San Antonio Fire Museum is close to the Alamo and a great place to visit, especially with children.
The San Antonio Fire Museum is owned and operated by the San Antonio Fire Museum Society.
Visitors can see antique fire trucks and fire-fighting equipment, artefacts dating back to the mid-1800s, and beautifully archived documents and photos.
Is there a safari style ranch in San Antonio?
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Texas-Style in San Antonio.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has more than 500 animals representing more than 40 species.
The ranch covers more than 450 acres and visitors must drive through the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, so having a car is a must to visit here.
Visitors must drive through the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, so having a car is a must to visit here.
What is the Texas Ranger Museum?
The Texas Ranger Museum is home to hundreds of Texas artefacts relating to life as a Texas Ranger.
The Museum offers the public the chance to see priceless historical artefacts that span more than a century of Ranger history.
Visitors will find everything from revolvers to knives to badge and sawed off shotguns.
