5 One-Of-A-Kind Experiences You Can Only Have In San Antonio

By Sara Branstetter | October 25, 2024

As with most cities, San Antonio has its fair share of activities you can do or see in just about any major city in the country. Professional sports, theme parks, high end shopping, great food – we got it all. But we also have our hidden gems, unique offerings, and things you CANNOT do anywhere else. If you are looking to mix things up a bit on your next visit, here are 5 one-of-a-kind experiences you can only have in San Antonio.

ABOUT US

We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local foodies with a combined 29 years of eating in San Antonio, two travel books, and millions of blog readers. We adore local spots, rarely visit chain restaurants, and we aren't afraid to tell you the truth. After spending thousands of our own $$$ at hundreds of local hot spots, we're sharing the best with you.

5 One-Of-A-Kind Experiences You Can Only Have In San Antonio

Party At Fiesta

If you’re looking for a raucous party and a one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in San Antonio, San Antonio has a solution for you – Fiesta San Antonio. Occurring toward the end of April, Fiesta is a ten day, city wide party where we throw all the stops and party hard with boisterous parades, massive festivals, brightly colored clothes and décor, and all the food and wine you could possibly want.

Fiesta events vary from quiet and relaxed, to loud, drunk, and obnoxious, so there is a little something for everyone’s taste. For a full rundown on how to party Fiesta style, you can check out our complete guide to Fiesta San Antonio, or take a peek at our list of the best Fiesta events held across the city.

WEBSITE | 110 Broadway, Suite 350 San Antonio, TX 78205

Paddle Down The San Antonio River

Everybody knows you can walk along the San Antonio Riverwalk, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride through downtown, but many people have no idea you can also kayak on the famed San Antonio river. This one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in San Antonio provides a great way to see some of the best the city has to offer directly from the water.

Mission Adventure Tours offers Saturday and Sunday morning reservations to kayak through the downtown portion of the Riverwalk or north of downtown to Museum Reach. Tickets are $35/person and include a two hour rental of your kayak, paddle, and lifejacket. Keep in mind, this is not a guided tour, but Mission Adventure Tours will help you with a map and advice on entry and exit points from the river.

You can also kayak south of downtown along the Mission Reach Paddling Trail. This 8 mile trail has multiple access points and offers one of only two places to allow stand up paddle boarding as well as kayaking. No reservations are required for this trail, but be prepared to map out your plans and provide your own equipment.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Nicosi

Nicosi, San Antonio’s newest all-dessert concept restaurant, is now open at the Pullman Market. If you have ever wanted to combine haute cuisine with nothing but dessert, your prayers have been answered.

Nicosi offers an 8 course tasting experience where guests can enjoy front row seats to witness super talented pastry chefs work their culinary magic and deliver on some of the most unusual, wild, and crazy desserts you will ever try. There truly is nothing like it!

For more information on what this one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in San Antonio looks like, check out my honest review of Nicosi.

WEBSITE | 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215

RELATED: An honest review of Nicosi

Pay A Visit To The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots

You may not have known that this was a thing, and you may be okay living your life without experiencing them, but in terms of one-of-a-kind experiences you can only have in San Antonio, seeing the world’s largest cowboy boots definitely fit the bill.

Standing tall for 40 years in front of San Antonio’s North Star Mall, the boots are 35ft. high and a kitschy, but beloved San Antonio icon. Stop by for a quick photo on your next trip.

Try To Put Away A 42 Inch Pizza

Big Lou’s Pizza has been featured on both the Food Network and the Travel Channel for its massive 42 inch pizza which is only available for dine in because it doesn’t fit through the doors for takeout! This behemoth of a pizza can weigh up to 27 pounds and is priced up to $107.99. So, grab a few friends, or an army, and have a go at this one-of-a-kind experience.

To be frank, this isn’t exactly my go-to pizza as it isn’t a high quality, wood-fired kind of pie. But for what it lacks in quality it MORE than makes up for in quantity. If a one-of-a-kind experience you can only have in San Antonio is what you are looking for, Big Lou’s is the place for you. (And if you happen to prefer something a bit tastier, check out our post on the best pizza spots in San Antonio.)

WEBSITE | 2048 South W.W. White Rd., San Antonio, TX 78222