One of the largest cities in the United States, San Antonio is a popular tourist destination that is home to many iconic sights, including the Alamo and Sea World. The city is also famous for its local cuisine, barbeque, as well as its bustling business district, which helps to give this charming region a big-city vibe. Whether you’re learning about San Antonio’s interesting history or trying out one of the town’s iconic restaurants, you’re sure to have a great time visiting the city.
San Antonio is known for being quite large and sprawling, meaning that a rental car in San Antonio is usually one of the best and most convenient ways to travel throughout the city. Those who will mainly be staying in the city center may wish to rent a sedan, while larger groups of travellers will find SUVs to be particularly convenient for fitting extra passengers and storing luggage.
- 1. San Antonio River Walk
- 2. The Alamo
- 3. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- 4. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- 5. Natural Bridge Caverns
- 6. San Antonio Botanical Garden
- 7. San Antonio Museum of Art
- 8. San Fernando Cathedral
- 9. The DoSeum
- 10. Brackenridge Park
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in San Antonio
Must-see attractions in San Antonio
1. San Antonio River Walk
A popular city park and pedestrian-only street, the San Antonio River Walk is lined with a variety of restaurants and shops for both visitors and locals alike to enjoy. During the warmer months, there are many patios to choose from, making it a convenient spot to enjoy the sunshine while having either a meal or a drink.
Address: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24 hours per day
Time required to see the attraction: You will want between 1 and 2 hours to explore the entire length of the river walk.
2. The Alamo
A trip to San Antonio wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Alamo, a legendary fort and Texas history museum that dates all the way to the 18th century. It is particularly famous for having been the site of the Battle of the Alamo, which occurred in 1836, and is where James Bowie and Davy Crockett died.
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Entry fees: https://www.thealamo.org/visit/tours-and-experiences
Hours: https://www.thealamo.org/visit
Time required to see the attraction: You will need approximately 2 hours to tour the fort and the museum.
3. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
A theme park that spans more than 200 acres, Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers a variety of rollercoasters, rides, and games for visitors to enjoy. Whether you enjoy extreme activities or more mild rides, the park is sure to have something that matches your preferences and will keep you entertained.
Address: 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257
Entry fees: https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/store/tickets
Hours: https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas/plan-your-visit/park-hours
Time required to see the attraction: You will typically need a full day to enjoy the entire park.
4. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Famous for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish missions that were created in the city. Established during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, these outposts were created under Catholic religious orders to help spread the religion amongst the Native Americans.
Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
Entry fees: https://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Hours: https://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Time required to see the attraction: You will need approximately 4 to 5 hours to visit the entire park.
5. Natural Bridge Caverns
To enjoy some of the region’s impressive natural scenery, go to the Natural Bridge Caverns, which are the largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas. There are many different underground tours that visitors can choose from, as well as exciting canopy adventures that are sure to get your heart pumping.
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Entry fees: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/api/tickets.php
Hours: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/hours/
Time required to see the attraction: You will need approximately 4 to 6 hours to explore the caverns.
6. San Antonio Botanical Garden
A serene and tranquil spot that spans more than 33 acres, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a great place to go if you would like to spend some time outdoors and in nature. There are many different walking trails to choose from, as well as a beautiful pond and a cafe where you can enjoy a drink or snack.
Address: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
Entry fees: https://www.sabot.org/tickets/
Hours: https://www.sabot.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
Time required to see the attraction: You will need approximately 2 to 3 hours to visit the entire garden.
7. San Antonio Museum of Art
Located in Downtown San Antonio, the San Antonio Museum of Art first opened to the public in 1981. It has since become one of the most popular museums in the city and has works that span more than 5,000 years of history. Here, you can find pieces from numerous cultures, including ancient Mediterranean, Asian and Latin American art.
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Entry fees: https://www.samuseum.org/visit/
Hours: https://www.samuseum.org/visit/
Time required to see the attraction: It will take you approximately 2 hours to visit the entire museum.
8. San Fernando Cathedral
Architecture enthusiasts will want to make sure that they visit the San Fernando Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe, a landmark Catholic church that was constructed in the 1730s. Its dome also acts as San Antonio’s cultural and geographical center, making it a convenient place to learn more about the region’s culture and history.
Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Entry fees: Free
Hours: https://sfcathedral.org/contact-us
Time required to see the attraction: It will take you approximately 1 hour to visit the cathedral.
9. The DoSeum
A two-story museum that is packed with a variety of interactive exhibits and creative activities for kids, The DoSeum is a great place for families to visit and spend a few hours together. Visitors of all ages are sure to love the programs that are offered here, ranging from family workshops to presentations from popular authors.
Address: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Entry fees: https://www.thedoseum.org/admission
Hours: https://www.thedoseum.org/hours-directions
Time required to see the attraction: You will need approximately 3 hours to visit the entire museum.
10. Brackenridge Park
Spend some quality time outdoors by going to Brackenridge Park, a greenspace that is made up of over 340 acres and has a variety of trails for cycling, running and walking. The park often hosts different events as well, including live concerts and festivals, such as the popular Parktoberfest that takes place each year.
Address: 3700 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212
Entry fees: Free
Hours: https://www.brackenridgepark.org/visit-the-park
Time required to see the attraction: You will need a minimum of 2 hours to explore the entire park.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in San Antonio
San Antonio is known for having a vibrant and diverse food scene, with barbeque and Tex-Mex being two of the most popular cuisines that are offered in the city. It’s also a great area to grab a drink, with numerous craft breweries and wine gardens to choose from.
Howl at the Moon: Part concert venue and part piano bar, Howl at the Moon is a unique place that is popular for its high energy and yummy drinks.
Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina: For delicious food with contemporary surroundings, head to Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina, an establishment that has been consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the state.
Two Bros. BBQ Market: A classic Texas barbeque joint, Two Bros. BBQ Market has a giant play area, making it a great restaurant for families. It serves many staple dishes, including slow-smoked brisket and cherry-glazed baby back ribs.
