San Antonio Things to Do - Attractions & Must See

The San Antonio River Walk is a pleasant pedestrian walking path that stretches fifteen miles across the city along the banks of the San Antonio River. Most of the Walk’s dozens of restaurants are concentrated in the downtown loop, where tourists and locals can admire the views with a drink and bite. See the stretch from a different perspective by booking a boat cruise down the water.

San Antonio’s vibrant restaurant scene isn’t limited to the River Walk. Although you can find great Tex-Mex around the state, San Antonio is often cited as the capital of this culinary blend.
Grab a basket of chips at Rosario’s, proud purveyor of the “Best Salsa” in the city according to the Best of San Antonio Awards, or try out authentic chili con carne, Texas’s official state dish, from recipes rooted in the flavors of San Antonio’s original Chili Queens, who forever defined city’s food scene with their chili stalls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Immerse yourself in the colorful world of San Antonio’s public art. The World Heritage Mural Trail ushers visitors from artwork to artwork, from portraits of women in aviation at the Stinson Airport to brightly decorated highway underpasses. Take a guided bike tour so you don’t miss a thing. Art enthusiasts will also enjoy Museum Reach, a three-mile stretch of the San Antonio River Walk featuring an abundance of public art installations and museums, as well as Essex Modern City, where muralists, artisans, food vendors, and car enthusiasts gather for Paint Jam, a recurring public art event.

Carve out time in your itinerary to learn about the art and history of the San Antonio area.

Albert Friedrich founded the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum in the 1880s, and during this time, the Buckhorn became a popular tourist attraction due to its unique collections. Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were reputed to frequent the establishment. The Buckhorn Museum features mounted wildlife from around the world, including mammals, birds, and fish, representing over 520 species. It's also home to the Texas Ranger Museum, which features authentic artifacts from the Texas Ranger Division, as well as Ranger Town, a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century.

The San Antonio Museum of Art, conveniently located on the downtown stretch of the San Antonio River Walk, houses masterpieces from around the world spanning nearly 5,000 years.

The McNay Art Museum was the first modern art museum in Texas, founded in 1954 and born from the private collection of heiress Marion McNay, which included over 700 works of art. Today, the museum houses over 22,000 pieces, including works by Picasso.

The Witte Museum draws on its diverse history as a natural history, art, and science museum, combining perspectives to offer interdisciplinary exhibits and workshops that provide guests with a comprehensive view of the region we now call Texas.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. It encompasses four former Spanish Missions—Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. The goal of the park is to invite visitors to reflect on “change, culture, power, and how people have used the land.” Ranger-led programs are available to learn about the history and the unique acequia irrigation systems that surround the site.

This 10-room Spanish Governor's Palace is a rather impressive building, even today. In 1772, San Antonio was made the seat of the Spanish Government in Texas. This is also where Moses Austin came to ask permission to settle a colony of U.S. citizens in Spanish Texas. This marked the beginning of the United States' settlement of Texas, ultimately leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas. Today, you can tour the building and learn about this era of the city’s history.

The Alamo is most famous for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, where members of the Texas independence movement, including the legendary Davy Crockett, fought to defend the stronghold against the opposing Mexican military. However, before it became a fortress, the Alamo was a Spanish mission known as San Antonio de Valero. You can learn all about the building's 300-year history and its impact on the area, including its role in the Texas Revolution, with a guided tour.

San Antonio has truly earned the nickname “Theme Park Capital of Texas”, offering four separate theme park experiences in the immediate area. Guests can splash around at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort or SeaWorld San Antonio, ride the Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or spend the day at Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first theme park designed with accessibility for all in mind.

Kids and adults will love visiting the more than 750 species that call the San Antonio Zoo home. Whether you want to see clouded leopards at the Cat Grotto or come seeking snakes at the Reptile House, you'll find what you're looking for wandering the zoo's 50 acres. Check their events calendar when planning a trip to catch a special celebration, like their holiday lights spectacle or New Year’s Eve party.

Historic Market Square covers three city blocks of downtown San Antonio and is the largest Mexican market in the United States. The entire stretch is packed with over 100 locally owned shops, stalls, and restaurants. You can browse works by local artisans, enjoy fresh produce at the Farmers Market, or catch some live music at the plaza's main stage.