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Things to do in San Antonio

Texas · 45 vetted places · city

What is worth your time in San Antonio

  • Mission San Jose y San Miguel de AguayoDo not miss

    Explore the 'Queen of the Missions', the largest and best-restored mission on the UNESCO trail with its carved Rose Window and active church.

    Historic Site · 1.5 hr4.8

  • San Antonio Japanese Tea GardenDo not miss

    Walk the free lush sunken garden in a former limestone quarry, with koi ponds, a stone pavilion, and a waterfall on shaded paths.

    Park · 1.1 hr4.8

  • San Fernando CathedralDo not miss

    Visit one of the oldest standing cathedrals in the U.S. on Main Plaza, host to the 'San Antonio: The Saga' light-and-sound projection show several nights a week.

    Architecture · 45 min4.8

  • King William Historic DistrictDo not miss

    Wander the leafy Southtown streets of grand Victorian homes, then hit independent galleries, coffee shops, and acclaimed restaurants along South Alamo.

    Neighborhood · 1.5 hr4.7

  • Natural Bridge CavernsDo not miss

    Drive about 30 minutes northeast for guided tours of Texas's largest commercial caverns plus ziplines and a gem-mining park above ground.

    Day Trip · 5.5 hr4.7

  • The PearlDo not miss

    Eat and shop through the redeveloped brewery complex packed with chef-driven restaurants, a weekend farmers market, and the Culinary Institute of America campus.

    Food District · 2.3 hr4.7

  • The San Antonio River WalkDo not miss

    Stroll the below-street network of stone walkways along the river lined with restaurants, bars, and barges that anchors the city's social life.

    Scenic Route · 2.3 hr4.7

  • Historic Market Square (El Mercado)Do not miss

    Browse the largest Mexican market in the U.S. for crafts and folk art, then eat enchiladas and pan dulce at the landmark Mi Tierra cafe.

    Market · 1.5 hr4.6

  • The AlamoDo not miss

    Tour the 1718 mission compound and 1836 battlefield at the heart of downtown, a short walk from the River Walk.

    Historic Site · 1.5 hr4.6

  • Tower of the AmericasDo not miss

    Ride to the 750-foot observation deck of the 1968 World's Fair tower for the city's widest panorama, best at dusk as downtown lights come on.

    Viewpoint · 1.1 hr4.5

  • River Walk Museum Reach

    Walk the quieter northern river extension past public art and lock-and-dam to connect downtown with the Pearl and SAMA.

    Scenic Route · 1.4 hr5

  • Hotel Emma Library Bar

    Linger over cocktails in the book-lined Sternewirth and Library bars inside the landmark Hotel Emma at the Pearl's old brewhouse.

    Nightlife · 1.5 hr4.8

  • Mission Concepcion

    Visit the oldest unrestored stone church in the U.S., where original 18th-century fresco fragments still survive inside the twin-towered facade.

    Historic Site · 1.1 hr4.8

  • Mission San Francisco de la Espada

    See the smallest and southernmost mission plus the still-working Espada Aqueduct, the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the country.

    Historic Site · 1.1 hr4.8

And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.