15 Best Things to See in San Antonio (TX)

The Texas Triangle’s southwest portion is where San Antonio is located, and it is pure Texas! As of 2011, there were roughly 1,409,200 people living there, making it one of the American cities with the highest population growth. Over 26 million tourists visit San Antonio each year to enjoy its many well-liked attractions, including the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the 18th-century Spanish Mission known as the Alamo, which is now preserved as a museum and commemorates the battle for Texas independence from Mexico in 1836. For more information about the greatest things to do in San Antonio, keep reading!

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

There are several missions in San Antonio that may be seen, and the easiest way to do so is by going to the Missions National Historical Park. After living in continual fear of attack from Apache raids, the South Texan populace sought the missions, which were built in the early 1700s, as a refuge. They had to give up their previous way of life and adopt their new religion in order to join a mission. In fact, a large percentage of parishioners now are descended directly from the Mission Indians who constructed the buildings. There are four magnificently preserved missions to see, all of which are open to the public for free and provide a serene and meditative atmosphere.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

The 38-acre botanical gardens are a fantastic location for a family outing any time of year. The gardens present a magnificent variety of colors from the plant world with each season, from the Rose Garden to the exotic tropic selections or the native grasses of the rural area that resembles a desert. And if you’re thinking of redesigning your own garden, you can find lots of information on backyard design; take a walk along the WaterSaver Garden to see some examples and get inspiration. You will also be able to observe various birds at the bird blind feeding along the road. Enjoy a delicious sandwich from the garden’s café to cap off your trip.

Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest known natural caves in the entire country, are well worth a trip with the family! The impressive-looking 60-foot natural limestone slab bridge that spans the amphitheatre’s entrance in the cavern inspired the venue’s name. You can see the astounding formations discovered in the underground chambers as you stroll along the paved, well-lit corridors that are appropriate for families. Kids can have fun in the maze and enjoy panning for gold and other jewels in the miniature mine village.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Regardless of whether they have particular physical or cognitive challenges, Morgan’s World is a wonderland of entertainment for both children and adults. This 25-acre park, which was formerly a limestone quarry, was repaired and rebuilt and currently has over 25 attractions. The location, which was created by Gordon Hartman and motivated by his daughter Morgan, who has a severe cognitive impairment, is the first theme park of its kind. The fifth season of the cosy, secure park, which has welcomed more than 500,000 guests from all over the world, has begun. Those with special needs are admitted free of charge, and there are minimal admission fees for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers, and members of the general public.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Why not take the family on a safari for a really enjoyable day out? in Texas In reality, sure! The 400 acres of tree-lined, gently sloping hills at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a drive-through safari, are home to 500 animals (neither predators nor elephants) of 40 distinct kinds. The three opulently large pastures on this private property have animals roaming around freely as you pass through them. Your children will be amazed by the variety of creatures they encounter, including zebras, wildebeest, large birds like emus and ostriches, and so many more—the majority of which will approach the car right away! The best part is that you can drive past as often as you like! With your entrance charge, you will receive one complimentary bag of food.

River Walk

A really pleasant (and healthy!) way to get to know this lovely city is by taking a walk along the San Antonio River, now a network of walkways that wind below bridges with two parallel sidewalks filled with busy shops, bars, and restaurants, connecting to the city’s major tourist venues. The San Antonio River Walk, also known as Paseo del Ro, was created as a result of a catastrophic flood that claimed 50 lives and led to the establishment of the river’s flood management. The region is currently a popular tourist destination, especially during the annual Fiesta San Antonio, a festival that takes place in the spring and features floats that are brightly decorated and leisurely float down the river.

The History Shop

When you enter this store, time seems to have stopped! Alfred, a history enthusiast, owns and runs the shop, which is home to a genuinely remarkable collection of authentically old books, militaria, and even weaponry. The History Shop is an authority on Texas history, spanning the Republic era, the Civil War, and more. Additionally, they provide a compassionate and painstaking repair and preservation service for books, pictures, maps, and other papers. The audio and light presentation that describes the Alamo before the great conflict of 1836 took place will also be a hit with the family.

Guenther House

Visit Guenther House, the acclaimed restaurant of flour milling pioneer Carl Hilmar Guenther, for a unique culinary experience. You can tour the tastefully renovated 1860 historic home before or after your meal at the restaurant, which is open every day for breakfast and lunch. After all, that delicious food—likely including quiche, small blueberry muffins, and other scrumptious treats—was cheerfully presented by the restaurant’s helpful and pleasant employees!

The DoSeum – San Antonio’s Museum for Kids

Families with curious kids must visit this three-story museum! The DoSeum is a terrific location for youngsters to create, build, make, discover, and invent, encouraging learning and discovery via imaginative programming and interactive exhibits. The museum is regarded as one of the top modern learning facilities in America, and children will not want to miss a visit while parents can relax in comfort. This is a great place for kids to get busy, reflect, and possibly get a little wet thanks to exhibits like a musical staircase, an interactive robot, and a spy school full of math difficulties, as well as a tree house, three enormous water play areas, and so much more.

Mission San Jose

This lovely, historic mission was established in 1720 in honour of Saint Joseph and the Marqués de San Miguel de Aguayo, the then-governor of the Province of Coahuila and Texas. Sadly, following the Mexican secularisation act of 1833, the mission went through a protracted period of slow collapse. In a little documentary before beginning your stroll around the tranquil gardens, you may discover more about the stunning original structures’ reconstruction and restoration. The Mission features a wonderful gift shop and free admission.

The Shops at La Cantera

This is a stunning upscale shopping area with wonderful “hill country” charm, making it a wonderful chance for the family who wishes to spend some time shopping in a lovely setting. The 1,300,000 square foot centre has shops and businesses for people of all ages, is easy to navigate thanks to guides, and has locations for people to unwind and cool down from the sun in the shaded outdoor dining areas (or heated areas in the winter). It also has clean restrooms and a play area for toddlers. There is also the option of shopping at typical mall stores.

Majestic Theatre

If you enjoy theatre, seeing a performance at the renowned outdoor Majestic Theatre will brighten your day (or evening!). The theatre is both the largest and the oldest in San Antonio. San Antonio’s Symphony performs in the 2,311-seat theatre, which John Eberson, an architect, designed in 1929, from 1989 to 2014. It received the designation of a National Historic Landmark in 1993. Another accomplishment of the theatre was that it was the first theatre in the state to have complete air conditioning! Fun for a relaxed daytime performance or a chance to dress up in the evening!

San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art opened to the public in 1981 and is popular with both locals and visitors. The expansive museum is home to an amazing collection of over 30,000 objects that span 5,000 years of culture from around the globe. These include the most important pieces of Latin American, Pre-Columbian, Asian, and contemporary art, as well as important works of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities. A fantastic gift shop and a wonderful café are also nearby.

San Antonio Fire Museum

Families with children and fans of fire should visit this place without a doubt! The museum, which was established in 2013, tells the tale of how the San Antonio Fire Department began as a 20-man brigade of volunteers using hand and horse-drawn carts in 1854 and gradually developed into the 1,660-man-powered department it is today. The museum is housed in the former garage of Fire Station No. 1 and is jam-packed with vintage memorabilia, including fire trucks from earlier times and old photographs. Although there is no admission fee, donations are appreciated, and any purchases made in the stocked gift shop help to support the operation of the museum.

The Alamo

The legendary Battle of the Alamo in 1836 is commemorated by the 18th-century Alamo Roman Catholic Mission, which is now a museum. The family would have a fantastic opportunity to learn about the mission’s intriguing history through numerous centuries, from its use as a Native American educational institution to its use as a military stronghold. You may be sure to discover a lot of interesting information because the tour guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the Mission. Don’t overlook the gift shop, which features a diorama of the conflict as well as some amusing mementoes like phoney coonskin hats. City Sightseeing Van Tour is included.