Things to do & places to visit in San Antonio, Texas, United States

Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.

San Antonio city in Texas, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 1:27.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Morgan's Wonderland (381 reviews)
- Great experience!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

This was our first visit and it was truly impressive not in terms of rides or world famous characters but in friendliness and accessibility for everyone. We brought a three year old a year and a half year old and a three month old. There was no place we couldn’t take our stroller and no stairs to be climbed making it possible for our year and a half year old to walk everywhere. There a carousel and Ferris wheel and other rides including a train all of which are completely accessible. It’s not large but for those with physical challenges or who are very young large is often impossible. But this was just the right size. See more..
5.0 LoneStar Handgun (21 reviews)
- Ben & Carmelo - Outstanding Instructors
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shooting Ranges

Situated on 130 acres with over 85 shooting stalls and reactive steel targets out to 300yds, 13 private bays, reactive steel targets, 10 Station Sporting Clays, 5 Stand Clays, Archery Range out to 80yds. We offer a variety of rental firearms, training classes and a full gun shop. Come see why our facility has become the go to range for those in the San Antonio area! See more..
4.5 San Antonio River Walk (26.9k reviews)
- A must see; highly recommend!
Scenic Walking Areas

Also known as Paseo del Rio, this 15-mile-long river walk is a must-do in San Antonio. Opt for a self-guided walking or bike tour of the riverside paths, lined with beautiful cypress trees, shops, museums, hotels and of course, Tex-Mex restaurants. But one of the best ways to experience the River Walk is on a hop-on, hop-off cruise, which glides past iconic spots like the Arneson River Theatre, Marriage Island, and the San Antonio Museum of Art. Visit during festivals and holidays like St Patrick's Day and Christmas for exciting river parades and spectacular light illuminations. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 The Alamo (19.6k reviews)
- Book the timed entry online to avoid the lines
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, for over 300 years the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire Texans and people around the world. Although the Alamo is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, all 300 years of Alamo history are vital to our story. Visitors can take a guided battlefield tour, rent a self-guided audio tour, walk through the historic Alamo Church and Long Barrack Museum, listen to a history talk given by an Alamo Interpreter, participate in living history demonstrations, watch a documentary on the history of the Alamo, and much more. Admission to the Alamo is free, but there is a charge for guided and audio tours. See more..
4.5 Natural Bridge Caverns (3.978 reviews)
- Well worth spelunking
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Caverns & Caves

Natural Bridge Caverns is one of Texas’ largest underground attractions that is best explored on a guided tour. The Discovery Tour takes you through the most spectacular part of the caverns 180 feet underground, whilst the Hidden Passages tour shows you a system of huge underground chambers—or experience both on a combo tour. Otherwise, navigate the outdoor Twisted Trails rope course, find your way out of the AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup maze, and pan for fossils at the Mining Company. Don’t miss the festivities during the holidays, which include the light-ups and a cozy campfire. For additional discounts, book your tickets online in advance. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 San Antonio River (3.669 reviews)
- Stayed on the riverwalk.
Bodies of Water

Scenic river winds through the town of San Antonio. See more..
4.5 Mission San Jose (3.466 reviews)
- Beautiful and Historic - And on the VIA Missions Bus Route!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Missions

Founded in 1720, this Spanish frontier mission, the largest of the five San Antonio missions, is best known for its rose window. On Sundays, this Texas and U.S. National historic site offers a mariachi mass. See more..
4.5 San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral (2.082 reviews)
- Fabulous way to spend an evening!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This cathedral was built in 1873 to replace the original founded more than one hundred years earlier. See more..
4.5 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (1.920 reviews)
- A nice way to spend a morning driving to the different missions while visiting San Antonio
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Historical area that stretches nine miles and contains four important 18th-century missions. See more..
4.5 Japanese Tea Gardens (1.887 reviews)
- Did not expect it to be that good
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters • Gardens

Originally a rock quarry, part of the tea garden came from a donation by George W. Brackenridge and another section from Emma Koehler. In 1915 Ray Lambert, city parks commissioner, thought it would make a nice location for a lily pond. Ultimately, it grew to become a tea garden. The latest renovations began in 2007 and cost about $1.6 million, compared with the $7,000 Lambert originally spent to open the park. It is a Registered Texas Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. See more..
4.5 Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (1.447 reviews)
- A MUST DO!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Texas-Style. View and feed more than 700 animals representing over 45 species from all over the world in the comfort of your own car. Since 1984, 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and magnificent oak trees that make up the safari drive-thru in the scenic Texas Hill Country has been open to the public. Additionally, the Walk-A-Bout area features several bird and primate species, a family of giraffes, the Safari Camp Grill, and the Safari Trading Post gift shop. The Texas Land Heritage Property, recognized and certified by the State of Texas for being used for agriculture by the same family for over 100 years, is proudly diversified over generations into a source of education and conservation of endangered and threatened species. See more..
4.5 Majestic & Empire Theatres (1.295 reviews)
- Great Show, Beautiful Theater, Drinks Delivered to Your Seat!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

Established in 1929 and 1914, the Majestic & Empire Theatres are the historic Crown Jewels of Houston St., entertaining San Antonio in the heart of downtown for over 90 years. See more..
4.5 Alamo Plaza (1.227 reviews)
- Order Free Timed Tickets. If You Struggle to Stand in the Heat, Advance Reading will Enhance Your Experience!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Be sure to order free timed tickets in advance. Our family spent roughly 20 minutes in the small but historically significant church. The timed system worked nicely to manage the # of people inside (creating a peaceful, reverent environment). During our visit there was an historical encampment behind the church and a film showing under a covered area at the very back of the property. Unfortunately, due to warm temperatures and a lack of seating, our family (all >60yo) was unable to further enhance our learning of the historical events which took place on this site :( We hope that the planned renovations will include an air-conditioned visitors center! See more..
4.5 San Antonio Botanical Garden (1.145 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

A wide range of plants from Texas and around the world spread out over 33 acres. See more..
4.5 Mission Concepcion (1.018 reviews)
- A beautiful stop at Mission Concepcion
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Missions

This 200-year-old Franciscan mission at the very heart of the Mission Trail was originally built against claims of French colonization. See more..
4.5 McNay Art Museum (911 reviews)
- Great Layout. Nice Mix of Art. A Piece of San Antonio History
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The McNay Art Museum engages a diverse community in the discovery and enjoyment of the visual arts. Built in the 1920s by artist and educator Marion Koogler McNay, the Spanish Colonial Revival residence became the site of Texas’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1954. Today, 200,000 visitors a year enjoy works by modern masters including Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Joan Mitchell, Alice Neel, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The 25 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds include sculptures by Willie Cole, Robert Indiana, Luis A. Jiménez Jr., Alejandro Martín, George Rickey, Joel Shapiro, Kiki Smith, Tom Wesselmann, and more. See more..
4.5 Briscoe Western Art Museum (865 reviews)
- Lovely Museum
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

The Briscoe Western Art Museum, located on the banks of the historic San Antonio River Walk, brings to life the vibrant culture and heritage of the Western United States. The Museum offers a permanent collection of Western art and artifacts, providing visitors from San Antonio and beyond the opportunity to experience artifacts and artwork depicting the American cowboy, American Indian, the Vaquero and the many diverse cultures that forged the American West. See more..
4.5 Mission Trail (849 reviews)
- Beautiful Missions from the 1700s - Espada and San Jose Were Our Favorites
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Walking Areas

A pedestrian route that starts at the Alamo and winds nine miles along the San Antonio River passing four other historical missions. See more..
4.5 San Antonio Museum of Art (807 reviews)
- Really Worth a visit...great Asian Collections !
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in a historic brewery along the banks of the Museum Reach of the Riverwalk. The Museum offers important permanent collections of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Asian art, Latin American art, contemporary art and American paintings. The museum offers a variety of programs. Visit our website for admission pricing and more information. Bexar County residents enjoy free general admission every Tuesday 4–7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–12 p.m. See more..
4.5 King William Historic District (793 reviews)
- Stayed in this area
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

Settled by wealthy German merchants in the late 1800s, San Antonio's first suburb consists of 25 blocks of historic mansions set amid lovely landscaping. See more..
4.5 Witte Museum (650 reviews)
- An immaculate gem!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

San Antonio's Nature, Science and Culture Museum is a fun learning experience for the entire family. Includes a dinosaur gallery, Texas heritage center, art gallery, H-E-B treehouse, climbing wall, and more. See more..
4.5 The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids (606 reviews)
- Solid Kids Museum To Visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Children's Museums

The DoSeum, San Antonio's museum for kids, serves as a “charging station” to power up kids’ minds and support the important work of schools and community organizations. Our exhibits and programs promote joyful learning, invite discovery, spark interest, and develop positive attitudes towards learning across critical content areas - including STEM, the arts, and literacy. See more..
4.5 Lackland Air Force Base (581 reviews)
- BMT Graduation was amazing!
Military Bases & Facilities

Home to a well-known medical research facility and an important source of income for the community. See more..
4.5 Pearl Brewery (525 reviews)
- Pearl Brewery
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Shopping Malls

This former brewery has given way to a sprawling entertainment complex with great shopping and dining options. Dating back to 1883, the repurposed Pearl Brewery has given new life to this up-and-coming area of San Antonio. Besides being known for its remarkable architecture, it now boasts dozens of restaurants, cafes and shops that draw lively crowds on weekends. Explore all the world-class eateries and book a stay in a hotel to enjoy the area to the fullest—including the twice weekly farmers’ market. Don’t forget to take a pleasant stroll along the adjacent River Walk as well. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 St Joseph Catholic Church (452 reviews)
- Hemmed in By Riverwalk Mall
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This was an ornate church surrounded by the Riverwalk mall. Unusual setting but glad it resisted the efforts to replace it with shops. It’s been around since the 1800s and was the 4th Catholic Church in the city. It was open to all and we had the opportunity to look inside without interrupting any mass. I liked the holy water automated dispenser found at the front of the church. Definitely a good choice even as COVID-19 protocols have relaxed. Above the front of the church was a large organ that would have been nice to hear playing. Altar was quite ornate and appealing when contemplating or worshipping. Lots of beautiful stained glass windows and paintings and statues. See more..
4.0 SeaWorld (4.748 reviews)
- Go to Six Flags instead
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea. Experience up-close animal interactions and dive into the world beneath the waves on thrilling rides, like the Great White coaster. Enjoy awe-inspiring shows like the beautiful and powerful One Ocean(R) featuring Shamu(R), or laugh along at our comical show Pets Ahoy, featuring locally-rescued animals. And don't miss the all-new Discovery Point, where you can experience dolphins through nose-to-bottlenose encounters. Together through inspiration, education and personal animal connections we can make a difference in the natural world we share. Discover your memories that will last a lifetime at SeaWorld(R) San Antonio. See more..
4.0 Six Flags Fiesta Texas (3.092 reviews)
- Water park could use a refresh
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the 2nd Six Flags theme park in Texas established 30 years ago that includes thrilling rides, a water park, world-class shows & entertainment, unique shopping experiences, dining, and much more. Experience 12 world-class roller coasters. Discover 6 excitingly themed areas around the park for a winning combination of special family moments and all out thrills. Interact with classic Loony Toons and super DC characters at our character meet and greets. Find out why this is the place where family memories are made! See more..
4.0 Tower of the Americas (2.617 reviews)
- Great value!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers • Civic Centres

This 750-foot tower built for the 1968 HemisFair has unbeatable panoramic views, especially if you're in the tower's revolving restaurant. See more..
4.0 Historic Market Square (2.208 reviews)
- Fun and Festive
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

The Historic Market Square is a multi-business with a majority of the buildings managed by The City of San Antonio. Centro De Artes - Centro de Artes presents a full season of solo and group exhibitions and programming annually through an open call managed by the City of San Antonio, Department of Arts and Culture. El Mercado and Farmer's Market Building - The shops of The Historic Market Square, together there is a total of over 100 shops that makes it one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border Cano Fruiteria, El Merkadito, Plaza Taxco, La Margarita, Viva Villa, and Mi Tierra - These buildings and private businesses are independently owned. See more..
4.0 San Antonio Zoo (1.965 reviews) from $26.87
- One of the best zoos in the US!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

With more than 8,500 animals on 56 acres, there's plenty of fun for the whole family. The San Antonio Zoo was first established with a donation from George W. Brackenridg in the 1800s. Two of the first cageless exhibits in the U.S. opened here in 1929 and the bird collection is one of the world's largest. See more..