24 Things to Do in San Antonio

San Antonio is the best of both worlds, it has a rich history celebrated across the city, and exciting modern experiences to try. We have lined up for you 24 things to do in San Antonio including history and museums, art, activities, and wildlife and nature, because you’ve got to have options. Rain or shine, in the sweltering heat, or chilling freeze, these activities and places will keep you entertained in San Antonio all year round.

24 Things to Do in San Antonio

1. The Alamo
2. The Witte Museum
3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
4. Hopscotch
5. Riverwalk Public Art Garden
6. San Antonio Museum of Art
7. Wonder Chamber
8. Garcia Art Glass
9. Spin Art Nation
10. San Antonio Spurs Basketball
11. Round 1 Bowling and Amusement
12. Riverwalk Boat Tour
13. Liberty Bar
14. Monster Mini Golf
15. Tower of The Americas
16. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17. K1 Speed San Antonio
18. The Menger Hotel
19. Natural Bridge Caverns
20. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
21. Japanese Tea Garden
22. Sea Life San Antonio Aquarium
23. San Antonio Botanical Garden
24. San Antonio Zoo

History & Museums

1. The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

It’s number one on the list because we never forget the Alamo. A true symbol of San Antonio and, for native Texans, a story we are taught our entire lives, the historic Spanish mission was the location of a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution, The Battle of the Alamo. Now, it is a museum in the heart of the city that visitors can explore for free or book guided tours.

2. Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

The Witte Museum is often regarded as San Antonio’s top museum and houses exhibits on natural history, art, and Texas heritage. They have rotating special exhibitions with recent ones featuring Spanish culture and archeology and dinosaurs. Tickets cost between $11-22, but if you’re able to make it, on Tuesday’s from 3pm-7pm the museum offers free entry.

3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio, TX 78214

If you want to learn more about the Spanish missions and have already experienced the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has preserved four of the five Spanish frontier missions in the city. The park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas (some others in the world include the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu, so no big deal) and includes Mission Concepción, Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Admission is always free and it’s an incredible historic experience.

Art & Interactive Exhibits

4. Hopscotch
711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205

Hopscotch is an immersive art experience with amazing light installations, optical illusions, and more in a 20,000 sq. foot space with 15 exhibits created by artists from around the world. Tickets range from $15-25 and this experience is only open in San Antonio and Portland, making it a unique experience to enjoy with family, friends, or on a date night. And to make it even better, Hopscotch has a patio and lounge with creative drinks and fun snacks for y’all to enjoy.

5. River Walk Public Art Garden
802 River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205

If you are looking for a free way to experience amazing art, or a break in between shopping and eating on the River Walk, the River Walk Public Art Garden is available for everyone to enjoy. The garden features 11 works of art from local and international artists and is located in between East Market Street and East Commerce Street.

6. San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

For a more traditional art experience, the San Antonio Museum of Art takes you around the world through 5000 years of art. The museum has large collections of ancient Mediterranean art, Asian art, and Latin American art, with 15 diverse collections total. Adult tickets are $20, but for Bexar County residents, there is free admission Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

7. Wonder Chamber
8800 Broadway # 116, San Antonio, TX 78217

Another amazing immersive art exhibit in San Antonio is Wonder Chamber. The space has 12 stunning exhibits perfect for being creative or taking incredible photos. Tickets are $24 for general admission and the experience is great for people of all ages.

8. Garcia Art Glass
715 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

At Garcia Art Glass you can view a stunning gallery of one-of-a-kind glass lighting and sculptural pieces and watch glass blowing demonstrations. The gallery is open six days a week and closed on Sunday’s and glass blowing demos happen weekly at varying times posted on their instagram.

9. Spin Art Nation
8015 Bandera Rd Unit 105, San Antonio, TX 78250

There are plenty of painting classes to try, but for some that struggle to find an aptitude for painting with a brush, Spin Art Nation has a fun alternative. Instead of a canvas on an easel, try a spin art table to create mesmerizing abstract art. They also offer splatter studios where you can create art with UV glow paint and a variety of tools.

Activities & Food

10. San Antonio Spurs Basketball
1 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219

Texas is home to three NBA teams, and we are so lucky that one of them calls San Antonio home. The San Antonio Spurs are well loved by the city and after acquiring the number one pick of the 2023 NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama, the fire has been reignited for the team. Games start back up in the fall and the Spurs’ 2023-2024 NBA season is one you won’t want to miss.

11. Round 1 Bowling & Amusement
7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

Bowling, arcade games, karaoke, billiards, spark bowling, Round 1 has it all and is now open in San Antonio. Round 1 is great for family-friendly fun or getting a group of friends together because of how much there is to do. And their arcade features exclusive games imported straight from Japan.

12. River Walk Boat Tour

Go Rio offers exclusive boat tours of the San Antonio River Walk. Tickets range from $8.50 to $14.50. Tickets can be purchased at three locations around the River Walk:

• Rivercenter Ticket Booth
  849 E. River Walk
  San Antonio, TX 78205
• Historia Ticket Booth
  706 River Walk
  San Antonio, TX 78205
• Aztec Theater Ticket Booth
  731 River Walk
  San Antonio, TX 78205

And if you want to bring a little something on board, guests can visit the GO RIO Beverage Bar and Retail location near the Rivercenter Ticket Booth for frozen margaritas, piña coladas, beer, sodas or water.

13. Liberty Bar
1111 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210

You’re going to love it the minute you see it, and then love it more once you try the food. Liberty Bar was once a convent for Benedictine nuns and now is a restaurant serving brunch and cocktails. Their menu has lunch and dinner eats seven days a week, brunch on the weekends, and a bar with a rich history all inside the cutest pink building you’ll ever see.

14. Monster Mini Golf
2267 NW Military Hwy Suite 114, San Antonio, TX 78213

Mini golf is fun, glow in the dark mini-golf is great, but Monster Mini Golf is the best. The glow-in the dark, monster themed, indoor mini golf course is a fun activity everyone can enjoy. There are also arcade games, laser tag, and other exciting things to explore all under the same roof.

15. Tower of the Americas
739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205

The best view in town is definitely at the top of the Tower of the Americas. Standing 750 feet tall, this tower is a dining and entertainment spot in the heart of San Antonio. At the top is Chart House Restaurant which is actually rotating to give you 360 views of the city. Besides good eats, the Tower of the Americas also has an observation deck and 4D theater ride.

16. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
San Antonio, TX 78257

Texans are some of the only people who can tell you why it’s even called ‘Six Flags’ and Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one the company’s best parks in North America. Home of the Iron Rattler, the rides at Six Flags are thrilling and made for adrenaline junkies, and those scared of heights can have fun at the games on the ground.

17. K1 Speed San Antonio
6955 Northwest Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238

If you have the need for speed but don’t feel like waiting in line at Fiesta Texas, there is another great option in San Antonio, and this one is safe for those afraid of heights. K1 Speed’s San Antonio location offers an incredible indoor go kart racing experience. One race costs under $30, or you can get a package deal of three races for under $60.

18. Eat at The Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

San Antonio is known for being haunted and a famous site is the historic Menger Hotel. This Victorian-era hotel is known for its paranormal experiences and gorgeous looks, but you don’t have to stay the night to experience it. The Colonial Room Restaurant inside the hotel is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch and will let you get a peak at this gorgeous hotel.

Animals & Nature

19. Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest commercial caverns in Texas and is named for its gorgeous 60 foot natural limestone slab bridge at its entrance. The caverns offer six different types of tours, one even includes an off trail adventure, and tickets start at $25.

20. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Okay, so caves may not be your thing, but Natural Bridge also has a 400 acre ranch and wildlife refuge. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers a drive-thru safari experience that lets you get up close and personal with amazing animals like cheetahs, emus, giraffes, and over 30 more all without leaving your car. The ranch also has other adventures like their aviary or prehistoric experiences.

21. Japanese Tea Garden
3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212

A beautiful place to connect with nature, the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio offers visitors serine waterfalls and playful koi fish. The garden was once an abandoned limestone quarry and is now a place full of gorgeous water features and lush plant life. Explore this open to the public garden from dawn until dusk.

22. SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium
849 E Commerce St Suite 600, San Antonio, TX 78205

If you want to stay inside, the SEA LIFE aquarium is the perfect way to still enjoy wildlife without the Texas heat. This underwater experience opened in 2021 and features marine life such as small sharks, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, seahorses, and more. Tickets start at $20, and if you’re lucky you could even feed a stingray.

23. San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209

Natural beauty is incredible, but the art created with plant life at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is incredible. This 38-acre urban oasis has lush plant life and gorgeous exhibits throughout the year that combine technology, art, and plants. Tickets start at $13 and the garden is open seven days a week.

24. San Antonio Zoo
3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212

Home to 750 species of animals, the San Antonio Zoo will introduce you to incredible creatures and be fun for everyone. The zoo offers so many experiences like feeding giraffes, mingling with flamingos, and getting up close with kangaroos.

Conclusion

San Antonio truly offers experiences that everyone can enjoy and celebrates the city’s culture and history. Whether you want to explore underground caverns, tour Spanish missions, or take artistic pictures for Instagram, San Antonio has something for you to discover.