San Antonio,Texas : Things to do
San Antonio is one of those cities that just has a good vibe. Whether you're interested in history, food, nature, or simply seeking a new experience, San Antonio offers a wealth of sights and activities. I got the chance to explore this beautiful city while on a 3-month travel nurse contract, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. From walking the River Walk with a drink in hand to checking out the Alamo (because you kind of have to), this place is full of cool spots and local flavor. If you're planning a trip or just looking for a weekend adventure, here are some of the best things to do while you're in town.
Explore the river walk
You can’t really visit San Antonio without checking out the River Walk—it’s kind of the heart of the city. Picture yourself walking along the streets of downtown San Antonio and stumbling upon stairs that bring you a level below the city streets to a winding path along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. The river walk is perfect for a stroll during the day or a cozy dinner by the water at night. You can even hop on a riverboat tour if you're into that, or just grab a drink and walk along the river. Either way, it’s a must.
You can access the Riverwalk from many different places in downtown, as the San Antonio River Walk is a network of pathways that stretches approximately 15 miles, connecting various parts of the city. The downtown section spans about 1.5 miles; this is the part where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants, and bars.
Visit the Alamo
Another very important part of San Antonio’s history is the Alamo. You can’t make a trip to this city without visiting this landmark. The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in 1718. It is renowned for the pivotal 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, where approximately 200 Texan defenders held out against over 2,500 Mexican troops.
General admission to visit the Alamo is free, allowing you to explore the Alamo Church, Long Barrack, and grounds without any charge. You can also pay for a guided tour to receive even more knowledge from experts.
Visit La Villita village
La Villita village is located close to the Alamo, which makes it easy to make a quick detour to visit this beautiful part of the city. La Villita Historic Arts Village is a vibrant cultural and artistic square block located in downtown San Antonio. It was established in the early 18th century, and it is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic community for local artists and artisans.
The village features a collection of heritage buildings that now house over 25 galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Visitors can explore a diverse array of art, including oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, metal art, textiles, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, and regional folk art.
Throughout the year, La Villita hosts numerous cultural events and festivals that celebrate the rich heritage and community spirit of San Antonio. One of the most prominent is the "Night in Old San Antonio" during Fiesta San Antonio, attracting thousands of visitors each April.
Catch an NBA game
One exciting thing to do in San Antonio—especially if you're a sports fan—is to catch an NBA game featuring the San Antonio Spurs. This was easily one of my favorite things to do during my stay. Make your way to the AT&T Center (Frost Bank Center) to enjoy a game surrounded by a high-energy crowd. Tickets are fairly cheap, and you can find great seats last minute. I got to watch three games while I was there and enjoyed my time every single time.
Visit the Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo, located in Brackenridge Park, is a 57-acre facility that houses over 3,500 animals or more than 750 species. Established in 1914, it has evolved into a leading institution for wildlife conservation and education. You can find giraffes, lions, elephants, zebras, and many more animals. My favorites were the hippos, as the exhibit permits you to watch them underwater. It’s the perfect way to spend a day in San Antonio.
Open most days from 9am to 5pm.
General admission for adults is around $35 and $30 for children.
Visit here for more information.
Vist The pearl
The Pearl in San Antonio is a trendy neighborhood built around a historic brewery from the 1800s. It’s now a lively spot with great restaurants, shops, a weekend farmers market, and the Culinary Institute of America. You can also spot the Hotel Emma (a boutique hotel in the old brewhouse), a huge food hall called Pullman Market, and live music at Stable Hall. It’s also connected to the River Walk, making it a fun and scenic place to explore. If you do spend some time here, I suggest also stopping by Gloria’s for amazing food and drinks.
Spend an afternoon at the botanical garden
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is 38 acres and offers a mix of nature, culture, and education. It features different landscapes such as the Texas Native Trail, which showcases the state's three major ecological regions: Hill Country, East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas. Visitors can explore the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, where you can learn about exotic plants from around the world, and the Kumamoto En Japanese Garden, where you can spot some fishes and turtles. The garden also offers interactive experiences like the Family Adventure Garden, culinary gardens with cooking classes, and seasonal events such as the Lightscape display during winter.
Get your tickets here.
Shop till you drop at La Cantera
The Shops at La Cantera is an open-air shopping destination known for its upscale retailers and inviting atmosphere. You’ll find some major department stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Macy's. The mall features over 170 stores, including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Enjoy a Show at the Real Life Amphitheater
Another great way to spend a night out is by catching a live concert at The Real Life which is a large outdoor concert venue located in Selma. The venue can accommodate up to 20,000 guests, with 8,000 covered seats and 12,000 lawn spots. Although you have to drive a bit out of the city to enjoy this venue it is definitely worth it. The amphitheater has hosted performances by artists such as the Zac Brown Band, Kansas, and Casting Crowns. You can also purchase food or alcool from one of the many concession stands. Parking is fairly easy but you have a small walk in order to arrive at the venue (same thing if you’re getting dropped off).
To see who’s playing or to purchase tickets visit the website here.
Immerse yourself at hopsctoch
Do you enjoy illusions and interactive installations? then this is the place for you. Hopscotch San Antonio is a 20,000-square-foot immersive art gallery in downtown San Antonio, featuring interactive installations by artists from all over the world. They use lights, sounds, and technology to create engaging, hands-on experiences that invite visitors to become part of the art. There’s even a ball pit !!
Before entering the gallery don’t forget to check out the venue’s full bar which serves specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options, as well as a patio that hosts rotating food trucks and occasional live music. Guests typically spend 60–90 minutes exploring the gallery
Located at 711 Navarro St., Suite 100, Hopscotch is open to all ages, though children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets should be purchased online in advance.
For more information or to purchase tickets in advance click Here
