Fun Things Do In San Antonio (Besides The Alamo) 2025
San Antonio truly is a great place to live and visit. There are precious few cities around where you can find both the rich blend of history and the colorful fusion of cultures that San Antonio possesses. Buuuuuut...I'm writing this guide because after decades of exploring San Antonio, I'm still shocked at how many people put The Alamo as the top destination in San Antonio without considering the other wonderful parts of this Texas city!
Whether you're visiting for a day or a week, there are more than enough fun things (other than the Alamo) to do in San Antonio to completely fill up your time.
And to take the guesswork out of planning, I've compiled a list + map of 50 things to do in San Antonio to help you quickly decide how to spend your time in SA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sara Branstetter has called San Antonio, TX home for the last 20 years. She’s a wife of a veteran, mom of four, and a cuddler of the world's best dog. The army brought her family to San Antonio years ago, and the city, its culture, and its food have kept her here.
But First, A World About The Alamo...
But first, let’s talk about the Alamo. Nothing is more quintessentially San Antonio than the Alamo Historic Mission.
Its iconic image is recognizable the world over and it is usually the first stop on any SA city itinerary. Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors from all over the world head to the Alamo to learn about the history of the region.
Given these statistics, people, most definitely, “remember the Alamo” and consider it one of the best things to do in San Antonio.
So why didn’t we make it #1 on our list of things to do? 2.5 million people can’t be wrong, right? Right. Its historical significance makes it a must-do on any first-time trip to San Antonio.
>> Problem is, after about an hour (likely much, much less), you’ll have seen all there is to see and be ready for something else. <<
Why You Need This List Of Best San Antonio Activities
You see, the Alamo is surprisingly modest in size. While pictures make it appear enormous, it really only requires a brief amount of time to tour (90 minutes tops, and that is if you are taking your sweet, sweet time).
Many eager tourists have set aside a whole afternoon or even a day to explore the Alamo only to discover that they were done in about 45 minutes and are ready to move on to the next thing. And that’s why we created this list.
If you’ve checked the Alamo box and are antsy to see what else there is to do in the great city of San Antonio, TX, you’ve come to the right place. Below are 50 things to do in San Antonio for all ages, interests, and relative energy levels!
TL;DR
Don't have time to scroll? That's okay - we've still got you covered! Here are the TOP 5 things to do in San Antonio (if all you want is the best of the best)!
- Visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - 4 missions, lots of history, and FREE.
- Stroll the San Antonio Riverwalk - Beautiful scenery, tons of food/drink options, loads of entertainment.
- Cheer on the Spurs - SA's NBA pro basketball team promises always an evening of excitement.
- Eat at Award-Winning Restaurants - BBQ, Tex-Mex, New American, Upscale - we have the best of the best here.
- Wander the Pearl Brewery - The pedestrian-friendly complex has it all - stellar food, live music, shopping, and great entertainment for the entire family.
If you want more information on the TOP 5 or want even more ideas for things to do, keep reading because we have covered it all!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelsey Kennedy is a local Texas author, photographer, blogger, and native Texan who is fully obsessed with all things local San Antonio. She has written on her travel sites for more than 12 million readers across 38 countries who are looking for cool things to do in the hottest cities in Texas.
50 Best Things To Do In San Antonio
1. Visit The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
It's is the only UNESCO world heritage site in Texas. While the Alamo mission may be the most famous, it certainly isn’t the only one.
Other Spanish missions include Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. You can actually bike to all of them in one day! There are too many details to include in this little blurb, but we wrote a complete guide to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park here.
WEBSITE | San Antonio, TX 78214
2. Bike To See All The Missions
This is a great way to get your workout on while also experiencing one of the best things to do in San Antonio!
You can bike the approximately 10-mile-long trail to see all four missions or extend all the way north to the Alamo.
For bike rental info, download the San Antonio BCycle bike share app to purchase a reasonably priced day pass and to locate all of the bike-share kiosks.
WEBSITE | San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78214
3. Stroll The San Antonio Riverwalk
Stroll the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio or take a Go Rio River Cruise and learn about San Antonio’s history and architecture. There are so many things to do on the riverwalk.
If you get hungry, here are our favorite restaurants on the San Antonio River Walk. Bonus if you go at Christmas time when the trees that line the river are aglow in twinkling lights.
WEBSITE | San Antonio, TX 78205
4. Go, Spurs Go!
San Antonio loves their NBA Spurs. Purchase some tickets and come see what the fuss is all about.
WEBSITE | 1 Frost Bank Center Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78219
5. Don't Forget About The San Antonio Minor League Teams
But the Spurs aren’t the only game in town. San Antonio has a couple of other professional and minor-league teams that call the city home.
Soccer fans can check out the San Antonio FC, football fans choose between the IFL San Antonio Gunslingers or the UFL San Antonio Brahmas, and baseball fans can cheer on the San Antonio Missions.
WEBSITE | 5757 US HWY 90 West San Antonio, TX 78227
6. Amble Through The World-Class McNay Art Museum
It is a home to both a permanent collection (you can see works by Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse, O'Keefe and more) well as rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
(Psst: here's how to see almost any San Antonio museum for free!)
Be sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out for unique gifts and souvenirs.
WEBSITE | 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209
7. Hike In San Antonio
With well over 200 days of sunshine per year in SA, hiking is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. There are so many fantastic hiking trails nearby, but a few favorites include McAllister Park, Government Canyon, and Friedrich Wilderness Park.
8. Shop At La Cantera Mall
For those itching to shop around, La Cantera Mall has a little something for everyone, from the bargain hunters to the haute couture chasers.
WEBSITE | 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. Ste 6698. San Antonio, TX 78256
9. Visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas
For all the adrenaline junkies out there, Fiesta Texas offers more than 16 thrill rides, including the Joker Carnival of Chaos, one of the world’s tallest pendulum rides, as well as a fully functioning water park.
WEBSITE | San Antonio, TX 78257
10. Eat At Award-Winning Restaurants
San Antonio is a food lover's paradise with a number of award-winning chefs and restaurants, as well as a fusion of cultures and food that combine to make the city a great place to nosh.
For a few of our recommendations, take a look at some of the best restaurants in San Antonio.
11. Wander The Pearl Brewery
The revitalized Pearl Beer Brewery now houses some of San Antonio’s best restaurants, unique shopping, and the breathtaking Hotel Emma.
Take a walk through the pedestrian-friendly streets, order a meal at the food hall, or take your kids for a quick splash at the splash pad.
WEBSITE | 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
12. Visit The Pearl Farmers Market
If you happen to be in San Antonio on a Saturday morning, the Pearl Farmers Market is a fantastic place to purchase your fresh produce and meat from local farmers and ranchers.
WEBSITE | 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
13. Eat Some Tex-Mex In San Antonio
Because you haven’t really experienced the best things to do in San Antonio without indulging in its world-famous Tex-Mex cuisine. Here are the 13 best Tex Mex restaurants in San Antonio.
And if breakfast tacos are calling your name, check out our suggestions for the best breakfast tacos in San Antonio.
14. Enjoy An Evening Of Theater
San Antonio has a number of venues that host both community-produced theater as well as national tours of famous plays and musicals.
Here's a rundown of all the great options for live theater in San Antonio. If you prefer local venues, check out the Woodlawn Theater or the Public Theater of San Antonio. But if Broadway is calling your name, head to the Majestic Theatre or the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
15. Float The Nearby Rivers
San Antonio summers can be oppressively hot, but the Comal and Guadalupe rivers maintain much cooler temperatures and are great places to chill out. Grab some friends, a cooler of cold drinks, and float the river!
Tubing season is open from March through November.
WEBSITE | 100 Liebscher New Braunfels, TX 78130
16. Spend The Day At SeaWorld San Antonio
Of course, this is one of the most popular things to do in San Antonio, and it truly is a very fun activity for all ages!
Animal (dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more) fanatics will find an abundance of activities to take part in such as animal exhibits, interactions, and educational presentations.
If thrills are more your thing, check out the rides and roller coasters, including the Tidal Surge screaming swing.
WEBSITE | 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
17. Explore San Antonio's Best BBQ Spots
A recent study ranked San Antonio #1 in the nation for the best BBQ, and not without good reason.
You can experience world-class brisket, ribs, and sausage all over the city at one of its many great BBQ joints.
We created a map of all of our favorite San Antonio BBQ spots, which includes 2M Smokehouse, Reese Bros BBQ, Curry Boys, and Garcia’s Mexican Food.
18. Listen To Some Live Music
San Antonio certainly isn’t Austin when it comes to live music, but we’re no slouch either.
With a number of restaurants, bars, music venues, and concert halls, music lovers can easily find something to fit their personal tastes and preferences.
19. Bring Your Kids To The DoSeum
Load up your kids and head to the best children’s museum in San Antonio (or the nation, for that matter, according to USA Today in 2022). Exhibits inspire the young (and young at heart) to play, explore, create, and innovate.
WEBSITE | 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
20. Cozy Up To A Good Book At The Central Library
San Antonio has a robust library system that spans the entire city with branch library locations. But none are as huge, or as beautiful, as the downtown central library.
Library patrons can check out books, computers, and even records at the central library. The third floor is a dedicated children's and teen's floor and has a reading room, play area, and kid-sized computers.
WEBSITE | 600 Soledad St., San Antonio, TX 78205
21. Take A Day Trip To Boerne, TX
This charming German town lies just outside the SA city limits and visitors looking for unique crafts, vintage goods, or antique ANYTHING will be able to shop till their hearts are content while enjoying fantastic local food and entertainment in this quaint community.
22. Walk Through The San Antonio Botanical Gardens
The SA Botanical Gardens are a green oasis in an otherwise drought-burdened city.
With an emphasis on plant diversity and conservation, guests will be treated to a variety of plant life as they meander the trails and rolling hills of the gardens.
In the summer, kids can bring along their swimsuits and splash around the Family Adventure Garden.
WEBSITE | 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
23. Get Wild At The San Antonio Zoo
With over 57 acres and 750 different animal species, the San Antonio Zoo has a little something for guests of all ages, including annual events and festivals such as the Halloween Zoo Boo, Holiday Zoo Lights, and the springtime Monarch Fest.
WEBSITE | 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
24. Explore Hemisfair Park
Located in the heart of downtown, Hemisfair Park is a great place to bring your kids for some fun and food.
Take in a show at the kid-friendly Magik Theatre, swim in one of the civic park pools, or monkey around in one of the three urban park areas and playgrounds like Yanaguana Garden.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite you can visit one of the many great places to eat at Hemisfair. Grab a cup of joe at CommonWealth Coffeehouse, or treat the whole family to San Antonio’s best pizza at Dough Pizzeria. If it is super hot, stop by Lick Honest Ice Creams for a refreshing scoop.
WEBSITE | 434 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
25. Kayak The San Antonio River
Why river WALK when you can river KAYAK? San Antonio offers many different paddling trail options for kayak and canoe enthusiasts who prefer to experience the city from the water.
Kayaks, life vests, and paddles are available to rent from a few local organizations.
26. Unwind At The Japanese Tea Garden
This lush, outdoor sunken garden is open year-round and features a 60 ft. waterfall and a number of koi ponds.
Stroll the shaded walkways and stone bridges or find a place to sit down and zen out in the quiet of the gardens. If you get hungry, grab some food at the Jingu House Restaurant.
WEBSITE | 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
27. Go Spelunking At Natural Bridge Caverns
Recognized as the largest commercial cave in Texas, guests to Natural Bridge Caverns will be treated to visually stunning cave formations as they tour 180 ft. below the surface.
Back above ground, guests can marvel at the summer night Bracken bat flight, challenge themselves on a high ropes course, or mine for gems and fossils.
WEBSITE | 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
28. Visit The Trendy King William Historic District
Located just south of downtown, guests can tour the historic district with homes dating back to the late 19th century.
Those who are hungry can head to the Guenther House which was built in 1876 and is now home to San Antonio’s premiere brunch restaurant. (Or use this map of the best restaurants in the King William District to find your new favorite spot!)
WEBSITE | 032 S Alamo St. San Antonio, TX 78210
29. Get Some Fresh Air At Brackenridge Park
Looking for some fun things to do outdoors in San Antonio? The park is home to some of San Antonio’s most popular attractions including the Zoo, Japanese Tea Garden, and Witte Museum, but is also a great place to walk, bike, fish, bird watch, picnic, and golf.
WEBSITE | 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78209
30. Visit A Local Craft Brewery In San Antonio
The SA craft beer scene has boomed in recent years and those in search of a place to chill out and pop open a cold one are not without options, including a few breweries that have won some national awards.
A few of our favorites include Dos Sirenos, Künstler Brewing, and Roadmap Brewing. You can also check out our complete list of amazing craft breweries in San Antonio.
31. Head To The San Antonio Stock Show And Rodeo
Going strong since 1949, the SA rodeo is one of the city’s largest and most popular events.
During the day, guests can head over to see the animals at the stock show, hit up the carnival rides, or do a little shopping from local vendors. You can also check out my list of all the things to do at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
In the evening, head inside the Frost Bank center arena for nightly live rodeo action and musical performances by nationally recognized artists and bands.
WEBSITE | 1 Frost Bank Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219
32. Indulge In A Fantastic Steak
Texas is home to some of the best steakhouses in the country, and there are more than a few excellent options in San Antonio alone.
In addition to a few well-regarded chains (Ruth’s Chris, Morton’s, J-Prime, and Kirby’s), San Antonio boasts a few fantastic local restaurants including Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood and Blü Prime Steakhouse.
If you happen to be in the market for a Brazilian steakhouse, Chama Gaucha is my go-to.
33. Luxuriate At The Hotel Emma
Whether you are visiting San Antonio or looking for your next staycation, the Hotel Emma is the perfect place to put your feet up and relax.
This award-winning boutique hotel is an absolute stunner from check-in to checkout. And with a prime location in the Pearl Brewery District, everything you could possibly need is right at your fingertips.
WEBSITE | 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
34. Support A Great Cause At Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is a fully accessible theme park open year-round to visitors of all ages and abilities.
The park has over 25 ultra-accessible attractions as well as a fully accessible water park, and it’s one of the best things to do with kids in San Antonio.
WEBSITE | 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233
35. Pamper Yourself At A Spa
With local spa menus offering everything from massages to facials and mani/pedis, you will have no trouble finding somewhere to soothe those aching muscles and completely unwind.
Two of our favorites are the Mokara Spa at the Mokara Hotel and the Lantana Spa at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort. For a full list of the best spas in San Antonio, click here.
36. Hit Up The Lazy Brunch Scene
Brunch is one of our favorite meals and SA doesn’t disappoint when it comes to options. Brunch goers can find anything from classic Tex-Mex breakfast tacos to high-end French omelets.
Check out our list of the best brunch restaurants in San Antonio for recommendations.
37. Get High At The Tower Of The Americas
It’s one of the best things to do in San Antonio if you’re a first-time visitor!
This 750 ft. tall observation tower sits high atop San Antonio’s downtown area. Board the elevator for a ride up to the observation deck and sweeping, 360° views of the whole city.
While there, sit down to a meal at the Chart House rotating restaurant and if you time it just right, you will be treated to a sensational sunset.
WEBSITE | 739 Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX 78205
38. Celebrate The Wild West At The Briscoe Western Art Museum
The museum is home to galleries and exhibitions that highlight the history and traditions of the region with a particular focus on the peoples, animals, and landscapes of the old west.
WEBSITE | 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
39. Snap Some Pics At Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a fully immersive art installation, displaying the works of over 40 artists from around the world.
Guests to Hopscotch will walk through a number of different installations where they can interact with the art while capturing colorful, unique pics that are sure to be a highlight of their Instagram profiles.
WEBSITE | 711 Navarro St Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205
40. Commune With Nature At The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Photo credit: Heather P. Yelp
Named as one of the 10 best safari parks in the nation, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a first-rate experience for those wanting to get up close and personal with some wild animals from around the world without leaving the comfort of their own cars.
WEBSITE | 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
41. Admire The San Fernando Cathedral
Built in 1731, the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in Texas. The cathedral is also home to the remains of Alamo heroes Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie.
Guests are welcome to tour the cathedral on their own or attend one of the daily masses. You can find more info by heading over to my post on visiting the San Fernando Cathedral.
At night, visitors can sit outside in the plaza and watch the Saga - a stunning video art projection show on the facade of the cathedral.
WEBSITE | 5539 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78249
42. Make Waves At Schlitterbahn
Photo credit: Allen N. Yelp
Just 20 minutes northeast of San Antonio, Schlitterbahn sits on over 70 acres of spring-fed, waterpark fun. The park is comprised of two distinct areas, linked by tram, and more than 50 attractions.
Whether you are a thrill seeker or a take-it-easy soaker, Schlitterbahn has something for you.
WEBSITE | 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
43. Turn Back Time In Historic Gruene
While away a day as you roam the streets of this historic town that has been wonderfully restored to preserve the 19th-century look and feel of the original buildings.
Spend some time shopping for antiques or other unique Texas fare, visit a winery for a tasting, or lounge along the banks of the Guadalupe River as you dine at The Gristmill.
WEBSITE | New Braunfels, TX 78130
44. Be Inspired At The San Antonio Museum Of Art
You can travel around the world with SAMA’s extensive collection from ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Latin America, and Asia.
The museum also houses a large contemporary art collection with a particular focus on American painting and sculpture.
WEBSITE | 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
45. Immerse Yourself In The Culture Of Mexico At The Historic Market Square
San Antonio’s “El Mercado” is the largest Mexican market in the United States, covering three city blocks with over 100 vendors.
While there, you can shop at the outdoor plaza where artisans display a wide variety of goods including leather, piñatas, pottery, and authentic Mexican dresses. Or you can snack your way through the food court in the Farmer’s Market building where you will find tacos, ice cream, candy, and more.
Here's our guide to the Historic Market Square.
WEBSITE | 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
46. Satisfy Your Bread Cravings At A Panadería
No trip to SA is complete without a visit to a Mexican bakery or panadería. Here you can taste delicious pan dulces such as conchas, orejas, or sweet empanadas.
If you have a hankering for something heartier, try a torta (a Mexican street food sandwich).
There are a number of panaderías in the city, the aptly named, La Panadería, is our favorite.
WEBSITE | 8305 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
47. Scream For Ice Cream
San Antonio is known for being hot, hot, hot, so ice cream is a great way to cool off after a sizzling day of exploring the city.
Here is a list of the 10 best ice cream shops in San Antonio including two of our favorites - Lick Honest Ice Creams and Black + White Modern Creamery.
48. Party Hardy At Fiesta
Every April, the city of San Antonio throws out all the stops (think Mardi Gras style) to commemorate those who died at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Known as “the biggest party you’ve never heard of,” Fiesta provides an opportunity for SA residents to gather together to eat, drink, and make merry over a wild and raucous 10-day period.
Fiesta events (of which there are too many to name!) include city-wide celebrations like the food and alcohol-heavy Night In Old San Antonio (NIOSA), the Fiesta Carnival, the Fiesta Oyster Bake, and the capstone event, Battle of the Flowers parade.
49. Relax With A Cup of Coffee
San Antonio has a thriving coffee scene that includes both your standard chains as well as some fantastic local brewhouses and artisan roasters.
Here is our guide to the best shops in San Antonio for anyone looking to savor that perfect cup of joe.
WEBSITE | 9333 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242
50. Have A Cocktail At The Oldest Bar In Texas
The Menger Bar, located at the Menger Hotel, has been serving guests (such as Teddy Roosevelt, who set up a table at the bar in 1898 to recruit his infamous band of Rough Riders), since 1887.
Guests today can still enjoy a bit of that history as they sip on a cocktail and browse the historic memorabilia that lines the walls of the bar.
For recommendations on what to drink, we suggest the featured cocktail – The Old Fashioned – as they have been doing it well for decades.
WEBSITE | 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
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