Ordering a margarita bigger than your head on the River Walk, cheering on the Spurs, teeing off, and riding a roller coaster are just some of the amazing attractions that this historic Texas town has to offer.
Arts & Culture
The Alamo City serves as a cultural oasis in the Texas desert. Hang out the bar, or go to a show at The Aztec Theater, a historic performing arts venue at the corner of Commerce St and St. Mary's St in the heart of downtown. Also located downtown, Majestic Theater is SA’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre. The historic theater hosts live performances, from comedy and live music to ballet and musicals. Pro-tip: Have dinner at Bohanan's Prime Steaks and Seafood across the street—its arguably the best steakhouse in Texas.
Southtown is considered the epicenter of contemporary art in San Antonio, and the Blue Star Arts Complex is Southtown’s destination for several art galleries, retail spaces, and great restaurants. The DoSeum is an outstanding children’s museum with entertaining yet educational exhibits and programs for kids.
Housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is the only encyclopedic museum of fine art in South Texas. Browse SAMA’s collection of global culture spanning 5,000 years.
Art, science, and history collide at the Witte Museum in Brackenridge Park just north of Downtown. Its permanent collection features historic artifacts and photographs, Texas art, textiles, dinosaur bones, cave drawings, and Texas wildlife dioramas, in addition to nationally acclaimed traveling exhibits.
Housed in the former home of collector Marion McNay, the McNay Art Museum was the first museum of modern art in Texas. Its 20,000 piece collection including works by Degas, Monet, O’Keeffe, and Picasso.
Outdoor Activities
With 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s always something to do outside. At nearly 350 acres, Brackenridge Park is the city’s largest public park and also one of it’s oldest, having been created in 1899. The historic park features trails for walking and biking, playgrounds, a golf course, fishing, and the San Antonio Zoo. Botany buffs should check out the San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Built in 1876, Quadrangle at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston is a historic military base where chicken, deer, geese, peacocks, and rabbits reside. History buffs and kiddos alike will enjoy exploring the grounds.
River Walk
Spanning 15 miles along the banks of the San Antonio River, Paseo del Rio, aka the River Walk is a pedestrian-only street lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, and more. Order a 60oz margarita from Cafe Ole then hop a boat tour and learn about the charming city’s architecture, culture, and history. Biga on the Banks offers New American fine-dining (and delish cocktails to boot!), while the long-standing Esquire Tavern slings cold beer and cocktails over the longest wooden bar top in Texas. Locals avoid this tourist trap until December when its decorate with gorgeous holiday lights.
Sports
San Antonio is super proud of its NBA team, which won five championships in 15 years (1999-2014). When Los Spurs win a game, car horns honk all over the city for an hour in unofficial celebration. The San Antonio Rampage, a top affiliate of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, also plays at AT&T Center. The arena also hosts touring bands.
Tee off at TPC San Antonio, an amazing resort that hosts of the Valero Texas Open. (They also have a lazy river!) Canyon Springs is San Antonio’s best public course. Every hole is interesting at this stunning championship course.
The Alamo and the surrounding Missions
Lest we forget, The Alamo is Texas’ most visited historic landmark. Located in the heart of Downtown, the historic Spanish mission and fortress compound was founded by Roman Catholic missionaries in the 18th century. The Republic of Texas soldiers rallying cry of “Remember the Alamo!” lives in history as the last stand against Mexican troops in 1836,
eventually leading to victory that makes Texas the proud state it is today. Show yourself around or take a guided tour, then feel free to check out the four other missions in nearby San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
While you’re there, grab a drink at Menger Hotel Bar, San Antonio’s oldest continuously operated pub. San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest church in the state of Texas and the oldest cathedral in the US is another point of interest Downtown.
Theme Parks
For aquatic animal encounters, SeaWorld San Antonio offers 250-acres of rides, live shows, and a big ol’ waterpark. Head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for even more family fun. Its five themed areas are full of activities, rides, and shows. San Antonio is also home to Morgan’s Wonderland, the first-ever amusement park designed primarily for people with disabilities. Cool off from the Texas heat at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The world-famous waterpark is a quick 45 minute trip up I-35 in nearby New Braunfels.
Enjoy gorgeous panorama views from the city’s tallest building. Located in HemisFair Park, the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, the Tower of the Americas offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding hill country from its observation deck, 750 feet in the sky. Tickets include access to the thrilling Skies over Texas 4D Theater Ride. Enjoy happy hour or dine at the revolving Chart House Restaurant. Just make sure to leave plenty of time to stroll around the 15 landscaped acres of historic buildings, waterfalls, and playgrounds.
Shopping
El Mercado, aka Historic Market Square is Downtown’s Mexican-style marketplace. Find souvenirs and a bite to eat in the three-block outdoor plaza. Mi Tierra Café offers the state cuisine, Tex-Mex, while La Margarita is a fun place to have a margarita and listen to some live music (especially on Cinco de Mayo!).
Pearl Brewery is another popular marketplace. While actual brewery no longer exists, its 22-acres of riverside are now populated with retail shops, restaurants, and offices, as well as green spaces and an amphitheater for events. Pearl Brewery also plays host to the first year-round farmers’ market in the region. It’s also home to the third Culinary Institue of America campus, the world's premier culinary college, so you know there’s some good food to be had.
