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San Antonio is underrated for having activities that explore its life and culture.

This vibrant city has sightseeing and attractions for tourists, the community, and Texans alike.

Explore Best Things To Do In San Antonio for its history, iconic destinations, and what makes it unique from other cities in Texas.

Table of Content

1. San Antonio River Walk

Anytime someone mentions San Antonio, you can’t help but think of the San Antonio River Walk.

This iconic walkway has been there since 1937.

It offers dining all along the river and the opportunity to ride a boat.

Experience the San Antonio River Walk for activities, great restaurants, and spectacular river views.

Type of Attraction: 

Walking, Outside, In the City

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Free
  • Timings: Anytime
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: San Antonio Riverwalk
  • Phone: Visit San Antonio/Contact Us
  • Address: San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

2. The Alamo

The Alamo is a well-known historic Texas landmark.

The Spanish mission and compound, founded in the 18th century, is now San Antonio’s most popular museum.

It attracts tourists because of its history and the famous battle between Mexico and Texas that took place there.

Visit the historic site of the Alamo, where Texas fought for its independence.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, City Landmark

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Remember the Alamo™ Guided Tour: $45 PER ADULT, $35 PER CHILD
  • A Line in the Sand™ Self‑Guided Experience: $20 PER ADULT, $18 PER CHILD
  • Timings: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: The Alamo
  • Phone: (210) 225-1391
  • Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

3. Natural Bridge Caverns

If you want something unique, check out the Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio’s largest cavern in Texas.

This remarkable 60-foot limestone bridge has attractions and tours that can be fun for family and friends.

Explore Natural Bridge Caverns and their tours in San Antonio for an adventure you won’t forget.

Type of Attraction: 

Caverns, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Depending on the type of tour, from $35.00-$47.50
  • Timings: 9:00 am-7:30 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Natural Bridge Caverns
  • Phone: (210) 651-6101
  • Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
  • Tours and Tickets

4. Mission San Jose

Another historical site in San Antonio is Mission San Jose.

This church, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” has been standing and preserved since the 1700s.

Discover Mission San Jose by taking a tour that will make you feel like you returned in time.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Free
  • Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Mission San Jose
  • Phone: 210 932-1001
  • Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
  • Tours and Tickets

5. Japanese Tea Gardens

Japanese Tea Gardens

The Japanese Tea Gardens is one of San Antonio’s most popular scenic parks with ponds and waterfalls.

This garden has been around for 100 years and is a perfect place to get in touch with nature while enjoying Japanese art and pavilions.

Visit Japanese Tea Gardens for a beautiful, relaxing time.

Type of Attraction: 

Park, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

6. San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

Another historic church to visit in San Antonio is the San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral.

Founded in 1731, the cathedral is the oldest functioning church in Texas.

Explore San Fernando Cathedral for its architectural grandeur and history.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, Outside Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

7. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is home to four Spanish frontier missions.

The Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada have been standing on the site since the 1700s and are being preserved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Visit San Antonio Missions Park to learn more about its history and marvel at the missions while walking along the River Walk’s Mission Reach.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, Outside Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Free
  • Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: San Antonio Missions
  • Phone: 210 932-1001
  • Address: 2202 Roosevelt Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78210
  • Tours and Tickets

8. SeaWorld

If you’re looking for a fun day at a theme park with rides, attractions, and marine life, check out SeaWorld.

This park, the largest of the SeaWorld chain, offers activities, animal habitats, and dining.

Experience SeaWorld with friends or the whole family for marine attractions in San Antonio.

Type of Attraction: 

Theme Park

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Depends whether you want a ticket or season pass
  • Timings: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: SeaWorld
  • Phone: 210-520-4SEA
  • Address: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • Tours and Tickets

9. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

When you think of one of the top attractions in San Antonio, you probably thought of Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

This theme park opened in 1982 and is home to some of the most amazing rides, such as Iron Rattler, Superman™ Krypton Coaster, and Joker™: Carnival of Chaos, one of the world’s tallest pendulum rides, standing at 17 stories.

Enjoy Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an amusement park with characters from Looney Toons and the DC Universe, and a water park next door.

Type of Attraction: 

Theme Park

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Depends whether you want a ticket or season pass
  • Timings: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Six Flags Fiesta Texas
  • Phone: You will need to send an electronic note
  • Address: Jeffrey Siebert, Park President, 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
  • Tours and Tickets

10. San Antonio River

The San Antonio River is a waterway that flows through the city and drains into the San Antonio Bay and the Gulf of Mexico 240 miles away.

You can walk along the river using the Riverwalk pathway or take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic route.

The next time you are visiting, explore the San Antonio River and how unique it makes the city.

Type of Attraction: 

Walking, Outside, In the City

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

11. Historic Market Square

If you like shopping and eating authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in one place, head to Historic Market Square.

Walk through the El Mercado and Farmer’s Market shops, or dine at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery, a popular Tex-Mexican restaurant in San Antonio.

Visit Historic Market Square to shop and learn about the Latino culture and the city’s foundation.

Type of Attraction: 

Shopping/Dining, Outside Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

12. Majestic & Empire Theatres

One of San Antonio’s oldest and largest theatres is the Majestic & Empire Theatre.

This theatre can seat over 2,000 people and hosts events such as plays, comedies, musicals, and small concerts.

Experience Majestic & Empire Theatres for shows in San Antonio in their historic building that has been standing since 1929.

Type of Attraction: 

Entertainment

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Depending on event/show
  • Timings: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Majestic & Empire Theatres
  • Phone: (210) 226-5700
  • Address: 224 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

13. Gruene Historic District

A walkable 15-acre land that is full of Texas culture, with some of the original buildings still standing since 1850, is the Gruene Historic District.

This historic area of New Braunfels, Texas, is full of shopping, dining, and other experiences, such as music and dancing.

If you want to do something with the whole family or a group of friends, explore the Gruene Historic District.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, Shopping/Dining, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

14. Cascade Caverns

Cascade Caverns is located in Boerne, Texas, where you can take cave tours or go camping.

Since opening to the public in 1932, these caverns are the oldest cave attraction in Texas and are now celebrating 90 years of offering cavern tours.

Discover Cascade Caverns for an adventure in the caves and their outdoor activities.

Type of Attraction: 

Caverns, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: $14.95 – $19.95
  • Timings: Office Hours – Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm & Daily Tours Start Every Hour 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Cascade Caverns
  • Phone: (830) 755-8080
  • Address: 226 Cascade Cavern, Boerne, TX 78015
  • Tours and Tickets

15. Grape Creek Vineyards Fredericksburg

A great place for wine tasting is Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg.

Taste wine, tour the winery, and maybe dine at one of their restaurants by the vineyards.

Visit Grape Creek Vineyards and enjoy the vineyard at one of their patios while sipping wine.

Type of Attraction: 

Winery, Tastings

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: Ranges depending on tasting or tour
  • Timings: 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: Grape Creek Vineyards Fredericksburg 
  • Phone: (830) 644-2710
  • Address: 10587 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
  • Tours and Tickets

16. National Museum of the Pacific War

National Museum of the Pacific War

If you are looking for a day full of history and want to learn something new, check out the National Museum of the Pacific War.

This history museum showcases World War 2, unique artifacts, and stories from that time.

Explore the National Museum of the Pacific War near San Antonio for their impactful exhibitions on our war history.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, Museum

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: From $14.00 – $30.00
  • Timings: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Wednesday through Monday
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: National Museum of the Pacific War
  • Phone: (830) 997-8600
  • Address: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
  • Tours and Tickets

17. The Haunted Dinner Tour

The Haunted Dinner Tour

Try the thrilling Haunted Dinner Tour at the historic Emily Morgan Hotel for a three-course dinner that will give you chills.

This hotel was built in the 1920s and is near the Alamo.

Experience The Haunted Dinner Tour, which includes ghost tours, dining, and haunted stories for a suspenseful, eerie evening.

Type of Attraction: 

City Tours, Themed Tours

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: $75
  • Timings: EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT 6:45 PM (CHECK-IN AT 6:30)
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: The Haunted Dinner Tour
  • Phone: 805-757-0512
  • Address: 705 E HOUSTON ST, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

18. The San Antonio Ghost Walk

Another haunting experience you can experience in the city is The San Antonio Ghost Walk.

Take a walking tour where you’ll hear ghost stories in the city and visit some haunted locations.

Join The San Antonio Ghost Walk for a thrilling evening that you won’t forget.

Type of Attraction: 

City Tours, Themed Tours

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: $25 for Adults, $20 for Children 12 & under
  • Timings: EVERY NIGHT AT 8:00 (CHECK IN AT 7:40)
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: The San Antonio Ghost Walk
  • Phone: 805-757-0512
  • Address: BAD WOLF GHOST TOURS, 507 E HOUSTON ST, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

20. The Haunted Ghost Bus Tour in San Antonio

The Haunted Ghost Bus Tour in San Antonio

Finally, the Haunted Ghost Bus Tour is another scary tour in the city.

Drive around hearing haunted tales, visiting the scary locations, and learning San Antonio’s haunted history.

Join the Haunted Ghost Bus Tour for an unforgettable time that will give you goosebumps after.

Type of Attraction: 

City Tours, Themed Tours

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

  • Price: $50 per person
  • Timings: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Days: Open Daily
  • Website: The Haunted Ghost Tour in San Antonio
  • Phone: (210) 441-0883
  • Address: 204 Alamo Plaza Suite J, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Tours and Tickets

21. Brackenridge Park

If you want a nice day at the park, go to Brackenridge Park for peaceful recreation.

It’s a great place to connect with nature and walk along its beautiful pathways.

Explore Brackenridge Park if you are looking for outdoor activities in San Antonio.

Type of Attraction: 

Park, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

22. Pearl District

The Pearl District in San Antonio is a great place to eat, shop, and enjoy an outdoor lawn.

Near downtown, this district is a popular location during the day and at night.

Visit Pearl District for its great restaurants, artisan shops, and weekly events.

Type of Attraction: 

Historic, Shopping/Dining, Outdoor Activities

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

23. Blue Star Arts Complex

Check out Blue Star Arts Complex for its various art collections, which will amaze you.

This is San Antonio’s longest-running contemporary art gallery, with shops and a place to dine and drink.

Explore Blue Star Arts Complex the next time you want to spend a day at a gallery.

Type of Attraction: 

Art Gallery

Time To Spend:

Half-day to Full Day

Visitor Information:

Best Things To Do In San Antonio, As Per Reddit

On Reddit, finding information and stories about people’s experiences or asking for advice is pretty easy.

San Antonio locals or travelers who have been there gave their input on what their favorite thing to do in the city is.

Many people mention visiting the missions at Missions National Historical Park because a path runs along the San Antonio River.

You could rent a bike to make your journey easier and more enjoyable while getting a workout.

Others agreed that visiting parks like the Japanese Botanical Gardens would also be a great choice.

One user mentioned a park called Sunken Gardens, a historic outdoor amphitheater used for festivals and other live events.

However, visitors mostly go for the garden, ponds, and beautiful landscape.

In a post asking what underrated locations locals visit, users suggested trying the local panaderias for delicious treats or Tex-Mex cuisine from Mi Tierra, which also has a bakery inside.

Finally, users also mentioned checking out the Tower of Americas.

This 750-foot-tall attraction shows off the entire city at the top.

It has a viewing deck and a nice restaurant and bar that moves so you can see the entire city of San Antonio.

Visiting San Antonio with SO for first time. What are some must see or do things that locals like?
byu/Carpetdime2024 insanantonio

What is your absolute favorite thing to do in San Antonio?
byu/DogJaded9120 insanantonio

Conclusion

San Antonio is a great city for various activities and fun attractions.

Whether you want to learn about the city’s history, travel around town, or relax and see something new, this list of the best things to do in San Antonio will be very helpful when considering your next adventure.

Even if you are a born Texas citizen or from out of town, there is something for everyone that will make your experience unforgettable.