Best things to do in San Antonio

San Antonio wears its history on its sleeve – and on its cathedral. A flamboyant light show beams out nightly, all year round, leaving visitors in no doubt that this city has seen a lot in the last three centuries. When you’ve caught up on the San Antonio story, it’s time to explore.

The city has gained much from many benefactors, from enormous art collections to hundreds of acres of land, former and current residents have shaped the city for the better. Their generosity has elevated some of the best things to do in San Antonio into world-class 

The River Walk

San Antonio, TX 78205

Architect Robert H. H. Hugman conceptualized San Antonio’s River Walk as far back as 1929. From those early plans, a lengthy process of beautification, building and bypasses transformed the waterways of Downtown into one of the best things to do in San Antonio.

Today, almost a century on, the 2.5-mile, tree-lined, riverside paths are home to the city’s best restaurants, shops, hotels and museums. Stroll along the banks to soak up the atmosphere or drop into the Trader’s Village – you’ll find over 1,000 traders and their wares.

Elsewhere on the walk, annual events and festivals make the river an ever-changing, colorful landscape to explore. Highlights include artisan craft shows, foodie walking tours and lantern parades.

Natural Bridge Caverns

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266

Take a 40-minute drive out of downtown San Antonio and head northwest to the Natural Bridge Caverns. For thousands of years, the stalactites of Natural Bridge Caverns lay deep underground unseen by the unsuspecting landowners above. Then, in 1960, four San Antonio students got permission to explore.

After three attempts, the students discovered miles of natural caves, tunnels and passageways, all containing fascinating geological formations and archaeological finds.

Join a tour to explore the corridors and canyons of this underground spectacular. State-of-the-art lighting is used to showcase the limestone walls, while your guides walk you through 20 million years of the cavern’s history.

The Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

As historical landmarks go, The Alamo almost needs no introduction. An iconic piece of Texan heritage and synonymous with the Lone Star State, the former Spanish mission is a must-see on any San Antonio itinerary.

Dating back further than the 1836 siege (The Battle of The Alamo) that put it on the map, the Alamo has been under the control of five different nations. Originally built in 1718, the events that went before 1836 are vital to understanding the siege and its importance.

Explore the site’s artifacts, buildings and gardens to walk in the footsteps of history. Don’t miss the new ‘Phil Collins Collection’. The famous rock star recently donated his entire Alamo collection to the Texas General Land Office.

Eat, shop and browse at The Pearl

303 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215

An iconic building on the Midtown skyline since 1883, The Pearl has changed radically over the years. Originally a brewery, production came to a halt in 2001 and new plans were drawn up for the 23-acre site. Today, The Pearl is a place for San Antonian’s to eat, shop, stay, work and live.

Choose a spot to eat from 20+ restaurants, browse boutiques selling everything from fashion forward clothing to bike parts and books or stay at Emma, the riverfront hotel boasting 146 luxurious rooms.

The weekend farmer’s markets draw the biggest crowds, turning the site into a sprawling, open-air grocery store. Expect colorful stalls full of local-grown goods. Plus, gelato stands, face-painting and live music add to the festival atmosphere. 

Japanese Tea Gardens

3853 N St Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78212

The best things to do in San Antonio needn’t take up much of your time. Only have an hour to spare? Hit the Japanese Tea Gardens. All the land, including a former quarry, was donated to the city over a 16-year period in the early 1900s. Where the excavations took place for the quarry, the famous lily ponds filled the gaps.

Now flowing with clear waters, waterfalls and giant koi, the waterways in the Japanese Tea Gardens are one of the most relaxing aspects of this gorgeous park. Stop and watch the fish idly swim by or admire the year-round blooms and native plants, including Esperanza and Mountain laurel.

See San Antonio: The Saga

Main Plaza, Home Of San Fernando Cathedral, 115 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205

Skip the museums and learn the history of San Antonio in a flash at the San Fernando Cathedral. Year round, Tuesdays through Sundays, a light show is projected onto the walls of America’s oldest cathedral.

Designed by Xavier de Richemont, San Antonio: The Saga is a 24-minute festival of light, color and narration. The story begins with the discovery of the city and continues through time as settlers arrive and develop San Antonio.

Admission is free to either of the two shows per night (9pm and 9:30pm). On Tuesdays and Sundays there’s also free parking nearby too. 

Morgan’s Wonderland

5223 David Edwards San Antonio, TX 78233

Every attraction at Morgan’s Wonderland is fully inclusive. In fact, all of the amenities spread out over this 25-acre theme park are fully accessible and safe for children of all ages. Built in 2010 by a local family, Morgan’s Wonderland is designed for – but not exclusive to – children with disabilities or special needs.

This unique theme park is a world-first, with all attractions custom-made for wheelchair access. In summer, an accessible water park opens up allowing visitors to enjoy splash-pads and boat rides in free-to-hire waterproof wheelchairs.

Back in the main park, kids can get behind the wheel on the off-road adventure ride, take to the sky on the Ferris wheel or go for a spin on the carousel.

McNay Art Museum

6000 N New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78209

It’s tempting to stay central on a city break, but the McNay Art Museum is worth the short drive north from downtown San Antonio. Established in 1954, the museum was born from the legacy of Marion Koogler McNay, an Ohio-born heiress. On her death in 1950, she left 700 works of art to the city, along with a wish to start Texas’ first modern art museum.

Opening in 1954, the museum went on to add over 20,000 pieces to its impressive collection. Today, you can admire Renaissance pieces, 19^th-century European paintings, American art, sculptures and photographs, medieval pieces, a glass collection and New Mexico art. The 25-acre site has plenty of free parking and offers free admission on Thursdays (after 4pm).

When you’ve ticked off every item on our list of things to do in San Antonio, explore a little further. Canyon Lake is just a 50-minute drive north of the city and is perfect for outdoor adventurers.

Learn more about San Antonio

Keen to book a stay in San Antonio? Our expert guides contain everything you need to plan a trip to the city.

• Best restaurants in San Antonio
• San Antonio driving guide
• San Antonio’s neighborhoods