What To Do When It Is Cold In San Antonio

By Sara Branstetter | February 18, 2025

Baby, it’s cold outside! The last vestiges of winter can be hard on San Antonio residents who are used to sunny days and blazing temperatures. As we hunker down through the final weeks of winter in South Texas (which, to be honest, doesn’t require that much hunkering in the first place), it’s fair to ask what there is to do when it is still too chilly to spend time outside. Below is my top 5 list for getting out of the house and keeping busy – while still staying indoors – when it is cold 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.

What To Do When It Is Cold In San Antonio

Museums

Cold outside? Head indoors and try something new and refined - perhaps a little of the arts and culture. San Antonio has both and they can be found at any one of its fantastic museums. Like art? Head to the GORGEOUS McNay Art Museumfor 19th and 20th century European and American Art. You’ll find works here by Picasso, Gauguin, and one of my favorites, Georgia O’Keefe.

The San Antonio Museum of Art also has a wonderful collection of ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American art.

If you prefer a mixture of art and culture, try the Briscoe Western Art Museum which features a vast collection of western art, sculptures, and authentic antiquities from America’s wild west.

If you have kids and need something a little more hands on, try the DoSeum or the Witte Museum. You can also check out the San Antonio Fire Museum or the Texas Transportation Museum.

And if history is more your thing, check out the San Antonio Holocaust Museum. While small, they do an excellent job educating people on the horrors of the holocaust and honoring the 6 million lives lost during this tragic period in history.

For more info on SA museums, check out our post on how to visit local museums for free!

Theaters

It may be cold outside, but San Antonio theaters remain temperate year round. No better way to pass the indoors by enjoying a performance at a local playhouse. The Majestic Theatre and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts are the two most popular options, showcasing national and international talent including the national tours of Broadway plays, musical acts, comedians, and more.

If you prefer local options, try the Empire Theatre, the San Pedro Playhouse, or the Magik Theatre. Be sure to check out my complete rundown on where to catch live theatre in San Antonio for a list of all the local playhouses.

Coffee Shops

Cappucino at Shotgun House Coffee Roasters

This one’s a no-brainer. When it is cold in San Antonio, best to warm yourself up with a hot cup of ‘joe. If you like the cozy, coffee shop vibe, head to one of the CommonWealth Coffeehouse shops for a crackling fire and comfortable seating. Want a little entertainment with your coffee? Try What’s Brewing and you can enjoy your java while playing on one of their old-fashioned pinball machines. If you’re all about the pour, head directly to Shotgun House Coffee Roasters for high-quality coffee that starts with their in-house roasted beans.

For a complete list of our favorite coffee houses, check out our post on the 18 best coffee shops in San Antonio.

Explore Great Food

Whether it’s hot or cold in San Antonio, it’s ALWAYS a great time to explore some of SA’s bangin’ food scene. Three of my current faves include Isidore at the Pullman Market (upscale/fancy with totally delicious food), Garcia’s Mexican Food (casual taqueria with a variety of street tacos that have earned a nod from none other than the Michelin guide), and Sushihana Japanese Restaurant (neighborhood sushi joint with surprisingly fresh, robust sushi options).

For a more complete list of great eateries to try, see my list of the 25 best restaurants in San Antonio right now!

San Antonio Spurs

We are a little more than halfway through this year’s NBA season and now is a great time to head indoors while it is still cold in San Antonio and enjoy the thrill of cheering on the home team. With the rodeo road trip poised to end soon, games will resume this week at the Frost Bank Center so it’s time to come and check out Wemby and the Spurs in some exciting basketball action.