10 Best Things to Do in San Antonio
What is San Antonio Most Famous For?
Many of the best things to do in San Antonio highlight its important role in US history. Also known as the gateway to the Texas hill country, it boasts some of the best scenery in the state, from giant oak trees to rolling green hills.
San Antonio will surely be a hit with history buffs, thanks to impressive Spanish colonial missions and the battle surrounding one of them. The city also offers an eclectic food scene, from Tex-Mex cuisine to farm-to-market food. The San Antonio River Walk gives travellers a relaxing and scenic way of enjoying the city’s sights. To help you have a great visit, we’ve put together a list of must-see places in San Antonio.
What are the best things to do in San Antonio?
1. The Alamo
Iconic Roman Catholic mission
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Abbreviated simply as ‘The Alamo’, the mission is seen as a crossroads of history. Although not particularly striking in appearance, the bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Texan history and its label as the ‘Lone Star State’. Here, the legendary battle between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836 – a famous last stand against impossible odds. The mission is now a museum for this time in US history. Tour and audio guides are offered for a more in-depth experience. Read more
Location: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 210-225-1391
The Alamo
2. Market Square
Indulge in a breakfast burrito
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Food, Budget
As the biggest Mexican market in the US, Market Square houses over 100 shops selling jewellery, piñatas, textiles and many more Mexican products. These markets are a fine example of San Antonio’s strong connection with Mexico. Littered around these shops are bustling cafes and restaurants offering unique Tex-Mex food. Whether you’re waking up early or ending your night late, these cafes are sure to have something to satisfy your appetite. A visit in the morning is a better call so you can avoid the crowds. If you happen to crave some Tex-Mex food in the middle of the night, Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia serves up a mean burrito. Read more
Location: 514 West Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Open: Market: Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Market Square
3. San Antonio River Walk
An attractive way to take in the city
Good for: Photo, Budget
The San Antonio River Walk follows a network of waterways that wind around the city. The walk, also named Paseo del Rio, brings you across streams of shops, boutiques, bars, cafes and restaurants. It is definitely worth visiting either night or day. The river at night is well-lit with strings of lights across the pathways. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Fiesta San Antonio, it’ll be even more happening. The Fiesta San Antonio is a springtime festival that features colourful floats streaming down the river. Although the festival is gorgeous, it means the river area becomes incredibly busy.
San Antonio River Walk
4. Mission San Jose
Explore the Queen of the Missions
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Mission San Jose is beautiful, historic and the largest of the Texas missions. This church has been active for over 250 years and its power and history is evident through its enchanting presence. San Jose is almost fully restored to its original design and is therefore a remarkable example of the architecture of its time. The mission is perhaps the most visually pleasing of the 5 missions of San Antonio, with unique, grand archways and its famous Rose Window. There’s a short documentary you can watch before you enter that offers a more in-depth discussion of its history. Read more
Location: 701 East Pyron Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78214, USA
Phone: +1 210-922-0543
Mission San Jose
5. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the Texan sun in 33 acres of gardens
Good for: Couples, Photo
The San Antonio Botanical Gardens impress with their great, green open spaces and the variety of flora on display. Perfect for a relaxing wander in the middle of the day, the gardens are large enough to allow you to get lost. In the fragrant, colourful confines of the gardens, there is a restaurant named ‘Rosella at the Garden’. Here, you can enjoy coffee, breakfast, lunch and brunch in the sun. The restaurant is within the historic Sullivan Carriage House, which is linked back to the legendary cattle drives of the 19th century. Read more
Location: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 210-536-1400
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
6. Pearl District
Lose yourself in one of San Antonio’s coolest neighbourhoods
Good for: Photo, Budget
The Pearl District has the idealistic vibe of a college campus, strewn with bicycles and well-dressed San-Antonians. It’s a quaint yet hip neighbourhood littered with fashionable boutiques, bars, restaurants and coffee shops. One to note is the famous Hotel Emma – a charming hotel inside a 19th-century brewery. Its rooftop pool has great views of the city. Also worth mentioning are Pearl District’s tacos. You can easily visit both LaGloria or Viva Tacoland as they are opposite one another. Tacoland serves their great food with craft beer out of a food truck, but both offer a lovely atmosphere on a river-view courtyard. Read more
Pearl District
7. Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
Get the full Texan experience in a quintessential saloon
Good for: History, Photo
Between them, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum represent everything you could possibly imagine about the Old West. The walls are covered with displays of animals and horns; a remarkable taxidermy collection. There’s a believe-it-or-not display as well as a recreated Western town and a tribute to the Texas Rangers. The saloon’s attention to detail cuts you off from the outside world and transports you back in time to the Old West. The experience is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re in the heart of Texas. Read more
Location: 318 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 210-247-4000
Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
8. San Fernando Cathedral Light Show
Enjoy some art under the night sky
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Light Show illuminates the San Fernando Cathedral for 24 minutes, 3 times a night on 4 nights of the week. The art installation, created by French artist Xavier De Richemont, is a perfect way to fill your night and to admire the cathedral in a new way. It’s also representative of a burgeoning art scene in San Antonio. As well as a show for the eyes, a narration throughout the light show tells the story of the city. Seats are limited and the show is very popular with locals and visitors alike, so try get there early to avoid having to stand. Read more
Location: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9 pm, 9.30 pm and 10 pm
Phone: +1 210-762-6665
San Fernando Cathedral Light Show
9. San Antonio Ghost Tour
Not for the faint-hearted
Good for: History, Photo
San Antonio Ghost Tours cover the most haunted and historical sites in San Antonio on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. The guides recount intriguing stories of the past as they take you through the streets of Old San Antonio. Even if you’re not easily afraid, the tour brings you across sights with enticing stories. The sights visited will no doubt solidify San Antonio as one of the most haunted cities of the US.
10. San Antonio nightlife
End your night with a cocktail on the riverbank
Good for: Nightlife
The San Antonio River is very much the cultural hub of the city, with locals and tourists coming to hang out by the glittering waters. The friendly atmosphere of the city is perhaps best felt here, where you can experience a bit of local life. Golden-hued lights dangle across the Riverwalk, creating a magical setting for you to end your night. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the river and even more in Downtown San Antonio, which is nearby and just as lively.
San Antonio nightlife
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.