Visiting San Antonio is a fun idea for a weekend getaway! There’s more than meets the eye, and I’m not only talking about the top-notch selection of restaurants. While this list includes some of your typical San Antonio sights that you can see once to cross off your list (or maybe want to avoid altogether), there are some fresh options for an adventurous weekend.
Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in San Antonio.
Cathedral of San Fernando
The Cathedral of San Fernando is one of the oldest active cathedrals in the United States. The historic building was built between 1738 and 1750 and restored in 2003. It’s a beautiful building and you can attend services there. At night, you can enjoy the free, 24-minute, video art exhibit “The Saga” at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This beautiful video features the story of San Antonio and includes brilliant designs and music.
McNay Art Museum
The McNay Art Museum is perfect for anyone wanting to see art but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by it. You can easily see the whole museum in about an hour. They have noteworthy pieces by Monet, Picasso, Rodin, and others. The collection’s mix of age and theme makes the museum interesting. In the summer, the museum has free admission, though their temporary exhibit requires a ticket. From paintings to sculptures, I thoroughly enjoyed this sight!
Pearl Brewery
This newer part of town is fantastic and we spent a lot of time there. You’ll find excellent restaurants and fun shops. These shops will have gifts and souvenirs: Adelante Boutique and Rancho Diaz. Some of the restaurants are in the old buildings, which are cool to see. It’s not far from the center of downtown and the River Walk also reaches this point, though it’s best if you took a water taxi instead of walking. Stay tuned for my food post to see the restaurants you can enjoy!
Farmers Market at Pearl Brewery
On the weekend, Pearl Brewery is bustling with the Farmers Market. You’ll find the usual farmers market features – local vendors and food stands – and live music. It’s always interesting to walk around and see what products a city has to offer. Visit Saturdays from 9am-1pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm.
F.I.S.H. by Donald Lipski
After the sun sets, this art installation under a bridge lights up with 25 seven-foot fiberglass fish. It’s a pretty and unusual thing to see.
San Antonio Murals
Around every corner is art and murals are some of my favorites. (Remember HOPE Outdoor Gallery in Austin or Clarion Alley in San Francisco?) Plan a tour of popular murals or keep your eyes open for what you might run into. The mural below was next to our hotel at Richmond and St. Mary’s Street and tagged with Gravelmouth Gallery, Nik Soupè, and Christopher Montoya. Instagram is a good source to find murals also.
The Classic San Antonio
These are some places that are known as the “to-see” of San Antonio because of the significance of the landmark and their value to the city. While these can be marked the most touristy of activities, some you need to see at least once!
The San Antonio River Walk
The walkways of the River Walk are one story down from the street and expand five miles around downtown, following the San Antonio River. Restaurants, hotels, shops, and bars line the walkways. Riverboat tours and river taxis help you explore the River Walk by boat. Familiar restaurants, like Hard Rock Café, are available for meals and drinks, especially if you want outside seating for people watching. Walking the main loop would take about 20-30 minutes. It’s a very crowded walkway and lines for the boat tour can be up to two hours.
Historic Market Square
If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is your place. You’ll find colorful Mexican blankets, toys, dishware, and other trinkets. You’ll also find street food vendors. The main building is air-conditioned and the street leading up to it is lined with shops.
The Alamo
If you grew up in Texas, you would have heard the story of The Alamo over and over. This historic site was where the Battle of the Alamo in the Texas Revolution was fought in 1836. It was a loss for Texas but inspired many to join in the fight which led to independence. It’s free to explore and a humbling place to visit. The must-see for history enthusiasts!
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
In this park, you can visit four special areas and main buildings to learn about Spanish and Native American life: Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, and Mission San José. We visited the largest mission – Mission San José – and it was interesting to learn the history and view the reconstructed mission. The park is free to visit.
Artistic San Antonio
In addition to the McNay Art Museum, here are some artistic places you can check out.
Majestic Theater
As the city’s oldest theatre, the Majestic is located downtown and was built in 1929. It is now a National Historic Landmark. You can see Broadway, comedy, and a variety of shows here. It’s so gorgeous inside!
The Tobin Center
This performing arts center is a sight to see on the outside and brings many wonderful shows inside. You’ll see musical performances, comedy, and musicals here.
San Antonio Museum of Art
This art museum has expansive collections and temporary exhibits. Free admission on Tuesday 4-9 pm and Sunday 10 am-12 pm, otherwise, it is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $7 for seniors.
Family Fun San Antonio
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities, here are some suggestions.
The DoSeum
This museum looks like a lot of fun! This children’s museum opened in 2015 and features many hands-on, interactive exhibits. Admission is $12 and kids under one year are free.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
For families with younger and older kids, this amusement park will give you all the thrills. There’s a section of the park for younger kids and an adjoining section of the park includes water rides. Prices are $52-58 per person.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones, oh my! This astounding underground cavern with rock formations is a sight to see. They have a variety of tours with costs from $20-35 per ticket.
Did I miss any of your favorite San Antonio sights? Comment below!
Looking for the best restaurants in San Antonio? Check out this post.
If you’re planning a bachelorette party in San Antonio, see this post for a recap of mine.
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