18 Best Things to Do in San Antonio, TX

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a quick getaway, Red Roof has got you covered. We’ve curated a list of the best things to do in San Antonio — and there’s plenty more where that came from! If you enjoy exploring landmarks, visiting local attractions, and immersing yourself in the city’s culture, you’ll find endless opportunities for adventure near our budget-friendly hotels.

If one thing is certain, it’s that San Antonio, Texas, provides visitors with a uniquely authentic vacation that can be jam packed with tons of outdoor and indoor adventures. The south-central city has a rich colonial heritage with a heavy Spanish influence, so if you’re a Mexican food enthusiast, you’re in for a treat.

In addition to eating yourself silly, San Antonio boasts tons of historical sights worthy of a visit, theme parks, natural parks lined with trails and walking paths, and much more. It’s a great place to visit with your family, pals, and even furry friends as there’s so much to see and do.

Before hopping on your flight to visit the city that coined the term “Tex Mex”, check out these fun things to do in San Antonio.

Visit the Alamo

This historic Spanish fortress has become a very popular tourist attraction. The Alamo was founded by Roman Catholic missionaries way back in the 18th century and was the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a piece of Texas’ proud history and it’s open daily. Visitors have the option of buying tickets and exploring the historic site by themselves or joining a guided group tour where they’ll hear stories from an engaging Alamo expert.

The River Walk

Since the weather in San Antonio is often sunny and warm, it’s wise to plan on spending a good chunk of your vacation outside. No matter your fitness level, the San Antonio River Walk is a great way to see all that the city has to offer, by foot. The 15-mile urban waterway is lined with restaurants, shopping boutiques, art galleries, and other cultural experiences. As for the walk itself, the waterfront is beautifully landscaped, which means you’ll be snapping tons of photos between popping in and out of eateries for nachos and cold beverages. It’s easy to spend all day wandering the River Walk, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear and to pack a water bottle.

Go to The Mercado

The Mercado, otherwise known as the Historic Market Square, is a large marketplace where visitors will find locally and family owned shops. These quaint stores offer an impressive variety of products that celebrate the artistic, ethnic, and cultural influences of Mexico and the Southwest. It’s a superb place to go if you’re looking for a quality souvenir to take home with you, a gift for a loved one, or some tasty treats to snack on throughout the day. Entry to The Mercado is free and it is open to the public from Monday to Sunday. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a mouthwatering yet inexpensive Mexican meal.

Spend time at Hopscotch

Calling all art enthusiasts! This experiential, uniquely curated art gallery is a must-visit for those eager to dive into the San Antonio creative scene. Hopscotch, located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, features eye-catching light installations, plenty of optical illusions, and even a food truck where you can catch a bite to eat after working up an appetite exploring the 20,000-square-foot venue. Tickets are required for admission into the gallery and they must be purchased online in advance. It’s important to note that Hopscotch is closed on Tuesdays.

Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns

Spending some time exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest commercial caverns in all of Texas, is a wonderful family-friendly activity for those visiting San Antonio. It features two distinct cave systems, a zipline, rope course, an area where children can mine for fossils, and more. There are a few different options when it comes to tours and tickets are required for entry.

Have a picnic at Woodlawn Lake Park

On a hot, sunny day, there are few things better than a picnic in the park - Woodlawn Lake Park to be exact! Stop by a local eatery, grab a few cold beverages and sandwiches, pack a picnic blanket, and head to the park for the afternoon. At Woodlawn Lake Park, you’ll find picnic areas, a lake for fishing and swimming, a trail, pool, playground, and plenty of greenspace where kids can run around. This one-of-a-kind park does require visitors to pay for parking, which helps maintain the park’s pristine surroundings. There are also restrooms on-site.

Stone fountain at Spanish Governor’s Palace

Explore the Spanish Governor’s Palace

Like the Alamo, the Spanish Governor’s Palace is another must-visit site for those interested in San Antonio's rich history. This historic landmark is the only lasting example in the state of an aristocratic Spanish Colonial house from the 18th century. It was built back in 1749 and was the main residence of Presidio San Antonio de Béxar. A small fee is required for entry and it is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Take a spooky Ghost Tour at night

What many people don’t know is that San Antonio is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States. If you’re planning on visiting San Antonio in October around Halloween, a ghost tour will really get you in the mood. There are tons of companies that offer ghost tours, by foot or bus, where guides will share stories and legends of paranormal activity in the city. A walking ghost tour is also a great way to safely experience San Antonio’s streets at night.

Wander around San Pedro Springs Park

What makes San Pedro Springs Park unique is that it’s the second oldest park in America. The land was once owned by the Spanish government and in the 18th century, it was designated for public use. The 46-acre park is a wonderful place to soak in some rays or get some exercise, and there is even a swimming pool for those looking to take a dip. There aren’t many trails but visitors can get their steps in by walking around the grounds, which also include picnic areas, tennis courts, and a playground. No admission fee is required.

Go wine-tasting in the Hill Country

Even though San Antonio’s downtown core is filled with exciting things to do, it can be nice to escape to the countryside for a slower, more relaxed vibe. The scenic area of Hill Country is home to more than 30 wineries that are eager to welcome wine-loving visitors for a tasting. The most common grape varieties grown along the Texas Wine Trail include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chenin Blanc. Many of the wineries also serve snacks like cheese and crackers, which will perfectly accompany your tasting flight of wine. Group tours are available.

Rent bikes

Bike rental shops are scattered all throughout San Antonio, and exploring the city on two wheels is a fun way to cover a lot of area in a shorter period of time. If you’re not wanting to spend the afternoon or entire day on a bike, the city also has a bike share program that’s designed for shorter trips. These bikes can be found docked all around the city and charge you based on time used. Don’t forget your sneakers and water bottle!

Get your adrenaline pumping at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

While visiting a theme park like Six Flags isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s an incredibly exciting way to spend the day. In addition to hair-raising thrill rides and roller coasters, Six Flags Fiesta Texas also has a waterpark with water rides, kids rides, family rides, a variety of restaurants and dining options, entertainment, shops, and more. The theme park is open seven days a week and a full event schedule, as well as ticket pricing information, can be found on its website.

Visit SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium

The SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium is another great attraction to visit if you’re traveling with kids. The aquarium features tons of exhibits that are home to sea creatures big and small like sharks, sting rays, fish species, seahorses, octopuses, jellyfish, and many, many more. There are even touch pools so curious children can experience San Antonio’s marine life by finger tip. It’s wise to book tickets in advance as the aquarium can get very busy, especially on evenings and weekends. Opening times, as well as ticket and pass options, can be found on the SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium website.

Hit the Water at Canyon Lake

This gorgeous blue lake spans 8,200 acres and has 80 miles of shoreline for locals and visitors to take full advantage of. The community and reservoir is located approximately 44 miles northeast of the city of San Antonio, but it’s definitely worth the drive. The lake is set on the Guadalupe River and there are 8 lush, green parks in the area that are perfect for picnics and get-togethers. If you’re not the type to enjoy relaxing, you can always kayak, hike, boat, ski, and fish at Canyon Lake. And if you’re lucky upon your visit, you might even get to see a white-tailed deer, roadrunner, or fox -- the park is filled to the brim with wildlife.

Explore the Lost Maples State Natural Area

No matter when you’re visiting San Antonio, you’ve got to visit the Lost Maples State Natural Area as it is beautiful all year round. The 2,906-acre area features expansive views of rolling hills and canyons, and is located near the upper Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau Region. The natural area is a great place to go for hiking, fishing, bird-watching, backpacking, stargazing at night, and hunting for geocaches. Access to the park does require adults to pay an entrance fee, which goes towards maintaining the pristine natural area. Children under 12 can visit the park for free. To guarantee entry, it’s recommended that you purchase a pass online before making the journey.

Check out the Exhibitions at the San Antonio Museum of Art

Like Hopscotch, the San Antonio Museum of Art is heaven on earth for those who love admiring and immersing themselves in a city’s arts and culture scene. This art museum covers more than 5,000 years of global culture, with exhibits showcasing Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Asian, and Latin American art. Conveniently located along the San Antonio River Walk, the museum will leave visitors with plenty of new information and even some inspiration. The San Antonio Museum of Art is housed in the former Lone Star Brewery and is open daily, except for Mondays. Admission is required.

Take in the Natural Beauty of Brackenridge Park

This 343-acre park is deeply adored for its shady spots where families can relax and avoid overheating in the hot Texas weather. The public park is located on the San Antonio’s Broadway Corridor just north of its downtown core. Entrance to the park is free and it is open seven days a week. Within the park, visitors can also explore the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theatre, part of the San Antonio River, Lambert Beach, and even the San Antonio Zoo. It’s a popular spot among locals and tourists for picnics, some outdoor exercise, and for soaking in the scenery to de-stress. Depending on the in-park attractions you plan on visiting, like the San Antonio Zoo, there may be an admission fee.

Catch a Show at the Majestic Theatre

If you’re a fan of live music, performances, and comedy, getting tickets to a show at San Antonio's largest and oldest atmospheric theatre should be on your vacation itinerary. The theatre boasts an incomparable interior and exterior that was designed back in 1929 by the very talented architect, John Eberson. The theatre seats 2,264 people and has upcoming shows featuring George Lopez, Margaret Cho, Lyle Lovett, Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional, Daryl Hall, and more. Tickets are required for all of the shows taking place at Majestic Theatre.

Traveling to San Antonio? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.