Looking for the best things to do in San Antonio and wondering where to start?
With dozens of attractions from the River Walk to missions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and waste time on lines or the wrong neighborhood.
This guide lists things to do in San Antonio across history, family fun, outdoor adventures, and food so planning is quicker and smarter.
You’ll learn which must-see sites to prioritize, how to combine nearby attractions efficiently, and options for budget, romantic, and family-friendly days.
Find practical tips on timing, reservations, and neighborhoods to stay in so each day delivers the most value.
Whether it’s a first visit or a repeat trip, this list helps travelers pick a mix of Alamo history, River Walk charm, theme parks and natural escapes.
What are the top things to do in San Antonio
San Antonio blends history, culture, nature, and lively food scenes. You can fill a long weekend with varied experiences.
We recommend starting along the San Antonio Zoo and the River Walk to get a sense of the city. The Natural Bridge Caverns offer underground tours and zip lines about 30 minutes north of downtown.
The Tower of the Americas rises 750 feet for panoramic views and a revolving restaurant. The city protects four Spanish colonial missions as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Actually, those missions tell San Antonio’s story better than any brochure. The Japanese Tea Garden gives a calm break with koi ponds and shaded paths near Brackenridge Park.
The Pearl District feeds food lovers with markets, restaurants, and brewery history. Families will like SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas for rides and shows.
The San Antonio Zoo added the Congo Falls habitat with a 60-foot viewing tower in 2026. Market Square serves Tex-Mex and crafts for budget-friendly browsing.
Free options include the Alamo timed-entry tours and mission trails along the Mission Reach. Have you thought about how early arrival changes your whole day?
Plan visits early to avoid crowds and book timed tickets where available. Reserve a River Walk boat tour or Alamo timed entry now.
Top 10 best things to do in San Antonio
San Antonio River Walk
We pick the San Antonio River Walk as the top stop for things to do in San Antonio. The river follows 15 miles of cypress tree-lined paths.
You’ll find restaurants, shops, and frequent boat tours along the water. The new Paseo del Alamo pedestrian connections link downtown attractions with the River Walk.
I really think a sunset boat tour shows the city best. Lights reflect on the river while a guide points out local history—it’s pretty magical.
Book tickets or check schedules at the River Walk official site. Pair the walk with the Alamo or Pearl District to fill a day with food, history, and easy walking.
The Alamo
Visit the Alamo early to avoid crowds and soak in its history. The 1836 battle site offers free timed-entry tours that help you move through the chapel and exhibits at a calm pace.
Book a morning slot to enjoy quieter courtyards and clearer audio in the galleries. The visitor experience now includes the Texas Cavaliers Education Center with hands-on STEAM displays and immersive history theaters.
We recommend reserving your slot the night before travel. Many visitors spend 45 to 75 minutes here, which pairs well with a River Walk stroll afterward.
The Alamo is one of the best things to do in San Antonio if you want history that feels immediate. Plan a short visit early and use the extra time to hit nearby Market Square.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta delivers high-energy rides, live shows, and family zones. You can find roller coasters for thrill seekers and gentler rides for kids.
It ranks among top things to do in San Antonio for families and adrenaline lovers. We recommend arriving at park opening to cut wait times and pack the day with rides.
Expect lines up to 60 minutes on busy weekends. Plan 6 to 8 hours to see shows and ride highlights.
This park works great for mixed-age groups. The park balances intense coasters with family-friendly shows and kid areas. You can pair a visit with other San Antonio attractions for a full itinerary.
Buy tickets online and consider a Flash Pass if you want shorter waits. That single step saves time and keeps your day focused on fun.
SeaWorld San Antonio
Choose SeaWorld San Antonio for a family day that blends education and thrills. It offers marine animal encounters, aquatic shows, and exciting rides at Texas’s largest marine life park.
We recommend booking show seating and animal encounters in advance to avoid sold-out slots. Peak season shows run multiple times daily, so plan which performances you want.
SeaWorld’s mix of rides and learning suits families with kids of different ages. You should check showtimes and buy tickets online to save time and secure seats.
The park has multiple dining options and shaded picnic areas. Expect moderate walking and bring water during hot months.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Tour four UNESCO Spanish colonial missions set along the river. The park includes Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada.
Self-guided walks or bike rides follow the Mission Reach Trail, a scenic corridor of about 8 miles that links the sites. You pass restored acequias, interpretive signs, and quiet courtyards.
We recommend renting a bike to cover more ground and move at your own pace. Biking makes the stories stick—you stop where you want, read plaques, and sit in shaded plazas.
Pair the visit with the San Antonio River Walk and the Alamo for a full history day. Plan two to three hours for a relaxed tour.
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. Add this to your list of top things to do in San Antonio today.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo showcases diverse wildlife and hands-on learning stations for kids and adults. We recommend saving two to three hours for the zoo visit so you can see major exhibits without rushing.
The new Congo Falls habitat opens in 2026. It includes a 60-foot tower, one of the largest viewing structures in the US.
You’ll find interactive exhibits for all ages that focus on conservation and animal behavior. You can pair the zoo with the nearby Japanese Tea Garden for a relaxed afternoon.
The tower and immersive habitats make the zoo a top pick among things to do in San Antonio. Buy timed tickets online to avoid lines and bring comfy shoes.
Tower of the Americas
Soar 750 feet above downtown San Antonio for panoramic views. The observation deck offers 360-degree vistas over the skyline and River Walk.
We recommend the Tower for romantic things to do in San Antonio. The revolving restaurant makes dinners memorable (and honestly, who doesn’t love a view that moves?).
The site features a 4D theater with short films about local history and landmarks. You can plan a sunset visit for warm light and cooler temperatures.
Buy tickets online to skip lines and secure timed entry. Pair this stop with a River Walk stroll or a Pearl District lunch.
The glass elevators reach the top in under a minute. Allow 60 to 90 minutes for observation, dining, and the theater show. Wheelchair access and on-site parking make the visit easy for most visitors.
Pearl District San Antonio
Visit the Pearl District for food, markets, and living history. The 22-acre site centers on the restored historic Pearl Brewery.
We recommend a Saturday morning at the Pearl Farmers Market. You’ll find dozens of vendors, coffee stalls, and live music.
The dining here ranks among the best San Antonio attractions. Try award-winning restaurants or casual tacos after browsing artisan shops.
Plan a detour to the San Antonio River Walk. Add a short brewery tour for a full afternoon. Check the Pearl event calendar before you go.
Over 20 dining spots sit inside the complex, from fine dining to casual counters. You can join San Antonio food tours that include Pearl stops.
Pair your visit with the Alamo. Add the San Antonio missions for a mixed day of food and history. Public transport and short rideshare trips connect all these San Antonio attractions.
Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio
We recommend the Japanese Tea Garden as a calm stop inside Brackenridge Park. The garden offers free entry, koi ponds, stone bridges, shaded pathways, and a small waterfall.
You can stroll quiet paths and watch koi glide beneath arched bridges. This spot ranks high among the best things to do in San Antonio for a peaceful pause.
Plan 30–45 minutes for a relaxed visit and bring water and a hat. Go early for softer light and fewer people, which makes photos easier.
Pair this visit with the San Antonio Zoo or a short walk to the San Antonio River Walk for a full morning outdoors.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns sits 30 minutes north of downtown San Antonio. You can explore underground cave tours, ride zip lines, and visit the Wildlife Ranch for up-close animal encounters.
Guided cave tours last about an hour and reveal towering formations and wide chambers. The zip line course crosses rugged limestone and offers varied line lengths for different comfort levels.
We recommend the early tour to beat heat and crowds. The Wildlife Ranch adds a memorable twist—you drive past giraffes, zebras, and other exotic animals while staying in your car.
Pack water and sturdy shoes. Book tickets online before you go and slot this stop into your list of day trips from San Antonio for a nature-focused escape from the city.
Best attractions in San Antonio for first-time visitors
Start at the Alamo. Arrive by 8:30 AM to beat lines. Reserve a free timed-entry ticket online. Plan 45–60 minutes for the site and exhibits.
Head to the San Antonio River Walk for lunch. Book a 30–40 minute boat tour or choose a riverside table. The Walk covers about 15 miles of paths, shops, and dining.
Spend the afternoon with the San Antonio missions. Ride the Mission Reach trail on a bike for a 6-mile loop.
Visiting all four missions takes roughly two hours on foot with stops. Use rideshare and VIA buses for short hops.
Expect limited street parking and paid lots near downtown. Bring water and sunscreen for outdoor stretches between sites.
Here’s a solid loop: Alamo in the morning, River Walk midday, missions in the afternoon, Tower of the Americas at sunset for city views from 750 feet. What better way to see the whole city in one go?
We recommend adding a nearby half-day trip after your downtown loop. Book timed Alamo entry and a River Walk boat tour before travel to save time.
Best family activities in San Antonio
Which is better for families: SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas
We recommend SeaWorld San Antonio for families with young kids and Six Flags for families with thrill-seeking teens.
SeaWorld focuses on marine life encounters, daily animal shows, and gentler rides. Kids under 10 enjoy hands-on exhibits and predictable ride intensity. Dining skews family-friendly with shaded patios and kid menus.
Six Flags delivers more high-intensity roller coasters and stunt shows that appeal to teens. Expect faster rides, splash zones, and casual counter-service dining.
Fast pass options reduce wait times on busy weekends. Your kids’ ages and energy should decide.
If you want learning plus low-key fun, pick SeaWorld. If you want adrenaline and big coasters, pick Six Flags. Add either park to your list of things to do in San Antonio and buy tickets online to save time.
San Antonio Zoo and Botanical Garden experiences
We recommend a zoo, garden, and museum loop. Start at the San Antonio Zoo. Visit Congo Falls and its 60-foot viewing tower for great animal views.
Walk five to ten minutes to the gardens. See the Botanical Garden koi ponds and shaded trails for a calm break.
Stop at the Witte Museum STEM exhibits for hands-on science that keeps kids busy about 45 minutes. If you’re searching things to do in San Antonio, add this loop to your plans.
This plan fits families and couples who want nature and learning in one ride. Plan a half-day and book zoo tickets online.
Interactive museums and indoor attractions
Pick indoor options that keep the whole family active and dry. LEGOLAND Discovery Center offers build zones and a 4D cinema for ages roughly 3–10.
DoSeum children’s museum features STEM play areas and hands-on exhibits that let kids touch and experiment. Witte Museum blends science, history, and tactile displays that engage older kids and curious adults.
iFLY indoor skydiving delivers a real adrenaline rush inside a controlled wind tunnel. You can book beginner flights for ages as young as three with instructor support.
We recommend booking timed-entry tickets. This avoids long lines and makes the visit smoother. Reserving slots saves frustration and adds one extra hour of fun.
These spots rank among the best things to do in San Antonio for families. They work well for rainy days. Book tickets online before you go.
Romantic things to do in San Antonio
You should plan at least one River Walk sunset stroll for a date night. The lights, cypress trees, and gentle river set a quiet mood.
Book a scenic boat tour to float past restaurants and live musicians. A 35-minute river cruise often fits perfectly between dinner and a show.
Reserve a table at the Tower of the Americas for panoramic city views while you dine. Watching the city glow from 750 feet makes any evening memorable.
Head to the Pearl District for wine tastings and late-night bites. Small tasting rooms let you sample local bottles without a long commitment.
Find a peaceful moment at the Japanese Tea Garden. The koi ponds and stone bridges make a lovely photo backdrop.
Pick one main activity and keep the rest flexible. Couples report better nights when they avoid packing too many stops into one evening.
We recommend booking river cruises and Tower reservations at least two weeks ahead for weekend stays. Mix quiet moments with one standout experience.
Your itinerary could pair a San Antonio attractions highlight with a romantic boat tour ride and a dinner with views. Make reservations early and pick comfortable shoes. That small planning step saves time and keeps the focus on each other.
Free things to do in San Antonio
You can see top San Antonio attractions without spending money. Start at the Alamo and join the free timed-entry tours early to avoid crowds.
The Mission Reach Trail links four UNESCO missions across about 8.5 miles. Walk or bike between Mission San José, Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada for history and river views.
Stroll the Japanese Tea Garden for koi ponds, stone bridges, and a waterfall inside Brackenridge Park. The garden offers shade and quiet after a busy River Walk visit.
The San Antonio River Walk stretches roughly 15 miles of paths lined with cypress trees, public art, and free live music at some plazas. Market Square delivers vibrant stalls, mariachi bands, and budget bites for people-watching.
Public art installations dot neighborhoods near the Pearl District. You can find murals, sculptures, and photographic spots that cost nothing and photo well.
We recommend pairing the Alamo visit with a mission walk and an afternoon at the Japanese Tea Garden to balance history, nature, and local flavor. The missions and River Walk give the best value for your time and money.
You should plan a loop and bring a refillable water bottle for hot days.
Best day trips from San Antonio
You can escape the city in under an hour. Pick caves, river tubing, a waterpark, or winery tastings for a single day trip.
We recommend these outings because they fit a half-day or full-day schedule and require minimal planning.
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Natural Bridge Caverns sits about 30 minutes north of downtown. Book the 60-minute guided tour or the longer adventure tour. Add a zip line for an extra 30 minutes of thrill.
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Guadalupe River tubing runs about 40 minutes away. Shuttle times vary, but typical floats last 2–3 hours. Bring a dry bag, water, and SPF 30.
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Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels lies 35–45 minutes away. Expect multiple slide complexes, a lazy river, and family-friendly zones. Arrive early to avoid parking lines and buy tickets online.
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Hill Country wineries sit 30–60 minutes west and offer boutique tastings and vineyard views. Reserve tastings ahead. Plan two stops to sample different styles in one afternoon.
These day trips add a fresh layer to your list of things to do in San Antonio. Book tickets and check hours before you leave.
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San Antonio food tours and dining experiences
We put food first on your list of things to do in San Antonio. A food day pairs River Walk meals with Pearl District stops for varied flavors and easy walking.
Your River Walk time should include riverside dining. The river runs through 15 miles of paths. You can eat riverside, ride a boat, and sample Tex-Mex within a five-minute walk of many restaurants.
Head to the Pearl for farm-to-table plates and casual bites. The district hosts a weekend market with 40+ vendors and craft chefs.
Try late-night tacos or a chef-driven tasting menu for romantic things to do in San Antonio. Visit Market Square for vibrant Tex-Mex stalls and mariachi music.
Stop at the Mexico City food hall at Rivercenter for street-style tacos and tortas. These spots show why San Antonio earned UNESCO City of Gastronomy status.
Book a guided tasting to cover more ground. A three-hour food tour typically hits four to six stops and saves time. Guided tours help you discover hidden restaurants and local history faster.
Plan one food-focused day and then mix in San Antonio attractions like the Alamo or the Tower of the Americas. Reserve a food tour slot today to lock a popular time.
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Practical tips for visiting San Antonio attractions
|
Attraction |
Best Time to Visit |
Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|
|
San Antonio River Walk |
7–9 AM or after 8 PM |
Book boat tours online |
|
The Alamo |
Morning slots |
Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead |
|
Natural Bridge Caverns |
Early morning |
Buy tickets online |
|
Pearl District |
Saturday morning |
Check event calendar |
Visit the San Antonio River Walk early between 7 AM and 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Evening strolls after 8 PM feel calmer and show the lights.
Reserve Alamo timed-entry online before your trip. Book slots one to two weeks ahead during peak season and arrive 15 minutes early for security checks.
Street meters near Market Square limit time. Use public garages downtown for day rates around $15–30. I personally prefer garages for predictability.
Walk between downtown attractions when you can. The River Walk, Tower of the Americas, and Pearl sit within a mile of each other.
Use rideshares for Natural Bridge Caverns or distant day trips from San Antonio. Public transit via VIA buses reaches many mission sites and the zoo. Biking suits the Mission Reach trails for short hops between San Antonio missions.
Choose neighborhoods that cut travel time. Stay downtown for walkability, Pearl District for dining, or King William for quiet charm. Pearl gives the best mix of food and access.
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. Plan one major attraction per morning to keep afternoons flexible.
Book Alamo timed-entry now and pick a downtown garage before you arrive.
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