Discover and have a quick browse through Top 10 Things to Do in San Antonio
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The 7th-largest city in the USA and the number one tourist attraction in Texas, San Antonio is a destination that's packed with attractions. Home of BBQ, basketball, and a bustling business district, this city has more than enough to keep you occupied on your vacation – from the Alamo to Sea World and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, there's something here for everyone. For a little travel inspiration, check out our top 10 picks for things to do in San Antonio.
If you're heading to San Antonio, don't forget to book your flights and accommodation with Trip.com…
1. Take a Trip Back in Time at the Alamo
The Alamo is a must-visit attraction in San Antonio.
Located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is central to the history and identity of the city. Explore its captivating backstory through a series of interactive tours, exhibits, and a Living History encampment where you can experience and learn more about frontier life in early Texas. Through dynamic demonstrations and the city's heartfelt devotion to its past, history really comes to life in San Antonio.
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
What to do: Take a stroll through the 4.2-acre complex and Alamo Gardens
Why go: A mix of historical site and place of pilgrimage, the Alamo is central to Texan identity
Need a place to stay nearby? Why not try The Emily Morgan Hotel over on Houston Street? This charming hotel from the 1920s is within walking distance of both the Alamo and the Riverwalk.
2. Take a Romantic Stroll Along the River
The River Walk is a quintessential San Antonio experience.
Close to the Alamo, the San Antonio River Walk is without doubt one of the city's most popular attractions, combining sightseeing with food, shopping, and some light exercise in the Texas sunshine. The winding path of this 15-mile urban waterway takes you past charming waterways, floral gardens, historical sites, trendy boutiques and exceptional restaurants. Throughout the year the River Walk plays host to some great events too, like the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, the Day of the Dead celebrations, and the Ford River Parade. Rent a barge, take a cruise or explore on foot – just go with the flow!
Address: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
What to do: Take a 2-hour stroll along San Antonio's beloved Riverwalk
Why go: Combining sightseeing with exercise and dining, this is the perfect day out in San Antonio
If you're looking to explore the history, architecture, and landmarks of downtown San Antonio, you can – with this Historic Downtown and Riverwalk Walking Tour from Trip.com.
3. Explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of modern Texas.
Just south of the River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 4 of the 5 Spanish frontier missions are preserved. In the early 1700s, faced by drought and starvation, many Native peoples of South Texas left their traditional way of life behind, ushering in a new era of Spanish influence and cultural assimilation that was to become the foundation stone of modern Texas.
Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
What to do: Explore the Mission San Jose Church Parish Offices
Why go: Discover the history and religious heritage at the heart of San Antonio
To delve a little deeper into this fascinating site, take a guided tour with history teacher, television actor and professional guide Michael Robinson, on this Private UNESCO Missions Tour in San Antonio from Trip.com.
4. Make a Splash at SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio
Home to beluga whales, dolphins, penguins and puffins, SeaWorld San Antonio is a big family favorite. The park combines rides and attractions with restaurants, animal experiences, presentations, and educational camps. This March, there's a new rollercoaster set to open – the Tidal Surge will let guests experience the sensation of flying over the park's one-acre water ski lake, on the world's tallest and fastest screaming swing. Upcoming events include Mardi Gras and the Seven Seas Food Festival, when visitors can sample over 60 types of global cuisine, paired with around 50 beer, wine and cocktail selections.
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
What to do: Visit the Dolphin Lagoon over at Discovery Point
Why go: Combining education with entertainment, this is fun for all the family
Need a place to stay? Check out our recommended hotels near SeaWorld in San Antonio.
5. Find Inspiration at the San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is home to the largest collection of ancient art in the southern states
Located in the former Lone Star Brewery building on the River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) features more than 30,000 examples of ancient Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American art, spanning 5,000 years of human history. SAMA is home to the most comprehensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art anywhere in the southern United States. For families, there are some great art activities to explore, along with unique Storytime videos that help bring history to life. Download SAMA's scavenger hunts before your visit, and watch the little ones curate their own art adventure!
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
What to do: Explore one of the world's biggest and best Mayan art collections
Why go: From ancient history to contemporary art, SAMA is an absolute must
6. Explore the Main Plaza
San Antonio's Main Plaza houses the beautiful San Fernando Cathedral.
Situated right in the heart of San Antonio, the Main Plaza is also home to some of the city's most impressive cultural sites and historic treasures. Throughout the year, the plaza hosts all kinds of events and celebrations, from musical concerts and plays to bustling farmers' markets and art installations. If you're here in December, remember to drop by for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – a real highlight in the city's calendar.
Address: 126 E Main Plz, San Antonio, TX 78205
What to do: Grab a picnic lunch of tapas in the square, with San Fernando Cathedral as your backdrop
Why go: The Main Plaza is a hub of history and modern culture in the heart of San Antonio
7. Stop to Smell the Flowers at San Antonio Botanical Garden
Covering 38 acres in Funston Place, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is home to native Texan plants, endangered species and exotic flora and fauna, including wildflower meadows and Monarch Waystations for butterflies. This living classroom, museum and conservation facility also doubles as an entertainment venue for music and theatre, so whenever you choose to visit, you're sure to find something special going on at the garden.
Address: 555 Funston, San Antonio, TX 78209
What to do: Catch a movie by moonlight in the garden
Why go: Cultivate your love of the natural world, while also contributing to its conservation
8. Enjoy a Wild Day Out at San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo is home to one of the largest collections of birds anywhere in the USA.
One of America's first 'cageless' zoos, the San Antonio Zoo covers 56 acres and contains more than 9,000 animals representing 779 species. Beyond the flora and fauna, facilities include a museum, Kiddie Park play area, miniature train, café, and Japanese Tea Gardens. Open every day of the year, the zoo is a guaranteed hit with the little ones, with plenty for grownups to enjoy too.
Not far from the zoo, and close to San Antonio's famous Riverwalk area, the Hotel Indigo by IHG provides a comfortable and family friendly place to stay. The perfect basecamp for trips out into the city.
Address: 3903 North Saint Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212
What to do: Join the Jungle Boogie Break this springtime for live music, dance parties, animal interactions, and food promos.
Why go: From Big Cat Valley to the Hixon Bird House, get up close with creatures great and small
9. Unleash the Little Ones' Creativity at the DoSeum
The DoSeum in San Antonio is an awesome place to nurture young and inquisitive minds (source: stem.T4L / Unsplash).
The DoSeum is one of the very top family attractions in San Antonio, where kids are encouraged to learn through doing, inventing, imagining, dreaming, building, making and playing. A wide range of interactive exhibits and installations include a spy academy, a treehouse, an interactive puppet parade, a musical staircase and the Children's River. Grownups can get involved too, or take a well-earned break at the DoSeum Café.
Address: 2800 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209-7034
What to do: Introduce your kids to Baxter the interactive robot
Why go: Find 'edutainment' at one of San Antonio's top family-friendly attractions
10. Enjoy 3 Attractions in 1 at Ripley's
Combining the Guinness World Records Museum with Ripley's Haunted adventure and Tomb Raider 3D, this popular series of attractions in San Antonio combines fright, fascination and adventure into one awesome day out. The World Records Museum is home to some eye-catching world record artifacts, alongside exhibits, videos, touch screen computers, games and many more interactive installations. Uniquely, visitors can attempt to break the records themselves – with official adjudicators on-hand, you might just go home a world record-breaker!
Address: 329 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
What to do: Try your luck at interactive trivia in the new Attempt Arena
Why go: Taking you round the world and back in time, this is a record-breaking adventure that's not to be missed
To make your day even more magical, head across the Alamo Plaza for an enchanting evening at the Magicians Agency Theater, which includes a fun scavenger hunt around the historic building.
With its combination of history, cultural diversity and beautiful scenery, there's so much to see and do in San Antonio. If you're looking for the perfect place to stay during your vacation in the city, check out a few of our recommended hotels:
Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel Alamo/Riverwalk
Hilton San Antonio Hill Country
Super 8 by Wyndham San Antonio Downtown/Alamo
FAQs about Things to Do in San Antonio
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What are the best things to do in San Antonio?
Some of the best things to do in San Antonio, Texas include the romantic River Walk, family activities, great hotels, RV parks, cruises, fishing, zip lining, wedding venues, day trips, and diverse free attractions. Be sure to leave plenty of time for sampling San Antonio's great burgers, breakfast, Italian and other food.
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Is San Antonio open to tourists?
The majority of attractions, museums, tours, and restaurants in San Antonio are open. Business operations and indoor meeting capacity limitations put in place because of COVID-19 hospitalizations are now lifted.
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How far is San Antonio from the beach?
Galveston Island, near Houston and Pearland, is only 252 miles (or a 4-hour drive) away from San Antonio.
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What is the best time of year to visit San Antonio?
The best time to visit San Antonio is from November to April, when the weather is comfortable, and the hotel rates are lower. Summer sees the largest influx of tourists from in- and out-of-state.
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Is San Antonio the most visited city in Texas?
With attractions like Six Flags Fiesta, The River walk, and the historic Alamo site, it's no surprise that San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas. It's also the 17th most visited city nationwide.