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San Antonio

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37 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓
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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Historic mission and site of the 1836 battle

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Book ahead
    • Tip: Dress code
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  2. 2

    Landscaped riverside paths lined with restaurants and bars

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Take a river cruise for an overview
    • Walk the quieter Museum Reach
    • Lights at night are lovely
    📷 Photos
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  3. 3

    Largest and best-preserved of the San Antonio missions

    3 tips
    • Free entry
    • UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Bike the Mission Reach trail
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  4. 4

    Oldest unrestored stone church in America

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Free entry
    • Beautiful at golden hour
    • Combine with other missions
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  5. 5

    Former brewery turned dining and shopping hub

    3 tips
    • Saturday farmers market
    • Walk along the Museum Reach
    • Try local restaurants
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  6. 6

    Gardens with Texas native landscapes and conservatory

    3 tips
    • Allow 2 hours
    • Check Lucile Halsell Conservatory
    • Cooler months are best
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  7. 7

    750-foot observation tower from the 1968 World Fair

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Go near sunset
    • Book a dining table for a view
    • Walk down through Hemisfair
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  8. 8

    Largest Mexican market in the US with food and crafts

    3 tips
    • Try tamales and churros
    • Bring cash
    • Weekend mariachi music
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  9. 9

    Stone-walled former quarry garden with koi ponds

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Free entry
    • Great for photos
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  10. 10

    One of the oldest cathedrals in the US, at Main Plaza

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Check evening light show
    • Free entry
    • Respect services
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Before you go: San Antonio tips

Transportation

  • Ride VIA buses: VIA Metropolitan Transit runs buses across the city, and the goMobile app lets you buy passes on your phone.
  • Walk the River Walk: The River Walk links downtown hotels, the Alamo and restaurants along a shaded path below street level.
  • Bike to the missions: Rent a bike to follow the Mission Reach trail along the river south to the four Spanish colonial missions.

Security

  • Stay in busy areas at night: Downtown and the River Walk are lively in the evening, but avoid deserted side streets once crowds thin out.
  • Lock your car: Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, especially at downtown garages and trailheads along the river.
  • Watch for heat stress: Summer heat is intense; drink water often and rest in the shade when exploring the missions or the Pearl.

Saving

  • Visit the missions for free: The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, including Mission San Jose, has no entry fee.
  • Eat at local taquerias: Neighborhood taquerias serve breakfast tacos and puffy tacos for far less than River Walk restaurants.
  • Enjoy free Pearl events: The Pearl district hosts a weekend farmers market and frequent free events and live music.

Weather/Clothing

  • Expect hot, humid summers: Summers are long and hot; wear light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Bring a light jacket in winter: Winters are generally mild, but cold fronts can cause sudden temperature drops.
  • Pack an umbrella in spring: Spring and early summer storms can be heavy, so bring rain gear and watch for flash flood warnings.

Cultural

  • Remember the Alamo respectfully: The Alamo is a historic shrine; keep a respectful tone and take time to read its history inside.
  • Join Fiesta San Antonio: The spring Fiesta brings parades, food and confetti eggs called cascarones across the city.
  • Try Tex-Mex classics: Sample enchiladas, chili con carne and puffy tacos, staples of San Antonio's Tex-Mex food culture.

Local Hacks

  • Visit Market Square: Historic Market Square has Mexican crafts, food stalls and the long-running Mi Tierra cafe and bakery.
  • Explore King William: The King William Historic District has grand old homes and leads to the arts hub of Southtown.
  • Take a river barge: Go Rio barges give a narrated tour of the River Walk, a relaxing way to learn the layout of downtown.

1-day itineraries in San Antonio

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 3

Historic Market Square and around

🕘 9:30–17:30📍 6 stops

  1. 1Historic Market Square
  2. 2San Antonio River Walk
  3. 3Majestic Theatre
  4. 4The Alamo
  5. 5Tower of the Americas
  6. and 1 more
See the day →

Day 2 of 3

San Antonio Botanical Garden and around

🕘 9:30–13:30📍 3 stops

  1. 1San Antonio Botanical Garden
  2. 2Japanese Tea Garden
  3. 3Witte Museum
See the day →

Day 3 of 3

Pearl District and around

🕘 9:30–13:45📍 3 stops

  1. 1Pearl District
  2. 2San Antonio Museum of Art
  3. 3Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
See the day →

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