When you think of San Antonio, you might think of The Alamo, the River Walk, and the San Antonio Spurs. But the city has a lot more to offer–from theme parks to golfing, delicious Mexican food to a famous shopping market. Read on to find out the top 10 San Antonio attractions.
Theme Parks
If you have kids, San Antonio has you covered in the theme park department. The 250-acre SeaWorld San Antonio has a water park, rides, aquatic animal encounters, and really cool shows. There’s even a show with trained cats! Trained cats! How did they do that?
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also a family pleaser, with five themed areas, hours of thrill rides, and numerous activities and shows. If the Texas heat gets to be too much, cool off at the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark in nearby New Braunfels. San Antonio is also home to the first-ever amusement park designed primarily for people with disabilities, Morgan’s Wonderland.
The Alamo and the Surrounding Missions
Who could forget The Alamo? Texas’ most visited historic landmark in the heart of downtown San Antonio is where Republic of Texas soldiers had a last stand against Mexican troops in 1836. Although the soldiers defending the Alamo lost their lives, the rallying cry of “Remember the Alamo!” eventually led to a Texas victory. Some say this is where the legendary Texas pride began. Regardless, a trip to San Antonio isn’t complete without a visit. Take a guided tour, or just show yourself around.
History buffs, and the intellectually curious will enjoy the four other missions nearby in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The Menger Hotel Bar, San Antonio’s oldest continuously operated pub, is another can’t miss on your Texas history tour. The historic hotel has been in business since 1859, so they must be doing something right. The legendary establishment is also famous for being the site of where Theodore Roosevelt recruited for the Rough Rider cavalry unit. Another point of interest downtown is the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest church in the state of Texas and the oldest cathedral in the US.
River Walk
While you’re downtown, take a stroll down the River Walk, aka Paseo del Rio. Spanning 15 miles along the banks of the San Antonio River, the pedestrian-only street is lined with restaurants, hotels, and shops. It’s touristy and eclectic, family friendly, but still a good time. Margaritas as big as your head are a favorite at Cafe Ole, along with a crop of foodie and respectable cocktail joints like Biga on the Banks, and the long standing Esquire Tavern. Most locals avoid the River Walk unless they have visitors in town, or at least until early December, when the whole place is lit up with gorgeous holiday lights.
Culture, Museums, and the Arts
San Antonio may not be known for its cultural landscape, but maybe it should be. See a band at The Aztec Theater (or just go hang out in the bar). The amazing historic Majestic Theater downtown has everything from live music, to comedy, ballet, dance, and musicals. Make a night of it and go across the street for a steak dinner at Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood (arguably the best steakhouse in Texas). Meanwhile there’s the outstanding Blue Star arts complex, Gemini Ink literary center, an outstanding children’s museum (The DoSeum), The San Antonio Museum of Art, the Witte Museum, and the first museum of modern art in Texas, the McNay Art Museum, housed in the former home of collector Marion McNay in one of San Antonio’s coolest neighborhoods. Bring a picnic and make a day of browsing the 20,000 pieces of art in the collection—including works by Monet, Picasso, Degas, and O’Keeffe.
Tower of the Americas
HemisFair Park, the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, is home to the tallest building in San Antonio. Those who are not acrophobic should head up the 750 feet to the Tower of the Americas’ observation deck for the sweeping views of the city and surrounding hill country. The 15 landscaped acres also boast waterfalls, historic buildings, and playgrounds.
Day Trippin’: Natural Bridge Caverns & Hill Country Wineries
Just outside of the city is the Natural Bridge Caverns–the largest network of caves in Texas. This is a great trip to take on those insufferable hot summer days because the caves stay at a cool 70 degrees no matter what. Another day trip that’s worth your time is the Hill Country Wineries. Head north of the city to Hill Country and spend the day winery-hopping the Texas Wine Trail. This has quickly become one of the hottest San Antonio attractions. Hop on a tour with Texas Wine Tours and hit up the best wineries in the state, including Six Shooter Cellars, Baron Creek Vineyard, Wedding Oak Winery,Torre di Pietra Winery, and Santa Maria Cellars.
Outdoors
There are 300 days of sunshine a year, so of course San Antonio offers plenty of activities for enjoying the weather outside. The city’s largest public park, Brackenridge Park, has been around for over 100 years. The nearly 350 acres feature walking/biking trails, a golf course, fishing, playgrounds, plenty of places for picnicking, and the San Antonio Zoo. Floral fans should explore the 33-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Gardens.
TPC San Antonio is the best place to tee off. That’s where the Valero Texas Open is played. The resort is amazing, too, not to mention they have a lazy river! Canyon Springs is the not-so-expensive golf course, and every hole is interesting.
History buffs and kiddos will enjoy the Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston. Built in 1876, the historic military base is now populated by an assortment of animals like peacocks, deer, geese, chicken, and rabbits. Bring some food for the animals if you go–you’re allowed to feed them!
AT&T Center
One of the first things you need to know about San Antonio before you call it home is that this city sure is proud of their Spurs. The NBA team has won five championships in 15 years. Los Spurs’ long-running success almost makes up for the absence of other pro sports. When the boys win a game, every horn within city limits will be honking for the next hour and the city feels like one big block party.
Shopping
The Historic Market Square, or El Mercado, is a Mexican-style marketplace in downtown. The three-block outdoor plaza is lined with shops, restaurants, and is prime hunting ground for the perfect souvenir. Grab a bite at Mi Tierra Cafe Y Panaderia or La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar. (Side note: if visiting during Cinco de Mayo- this is your spot.) Another popular marketplace is the Pearl Brewery. The actual brewery no longer exists, but the 22-acres along the San Antonio River is now a marketplace with shops, restaurants, and events.
The city of Austin may get all the glory, but San Antonio is another cultural oasis in the Texas desert, and cheaper to boot. From outdoor activities, to shopping and sports, San Antonio attractions have a little something for everyone. The city’s rich history, wonderful weather, and perfect margaritas make it the perfect place to find your next apartment.
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