San Antonio Attractions
San Antonio is best known for the San Antonio Spurs and for remembering The Alamo. It is a great place to visit any time of the year, so pack your bag and check out some of our top 10 must-see attractions. Whether you are into museums, history, or amusement parks, we have something for you.
Other local attractions include the Tower of the Americas, Zoological Gardens and Aquarium, Spanish Governor’s Palace, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. If you like to play golf, you can enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf courses at Malibu Castle and Grand Prix.
The Alamo
This important historic Spanish mission and fortress compound was founded in the 18th century. It is the site of the battle between the Republic of Texas and Mexico. Take a tour of the grounds and see historical items and documents from the actual battle. Reminiscent of the rebellious history of Texas, the Alamo is a frequented tourist spot situated in the main San Antonio city. It is here at this monument that no less than 189 volunteer defenders lost their lives on the 6th day of March of 1836, as they fought for the Alamo against the vicious siege attempt of Mexican dictator General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
The precious lives lost invigorated the Texan liberation movement like never before and resulted in the eventual Texas freedom from the grips of Mexican tyranny. The monument to this day stimulates the respect of a shrine as tourists come here to pay their regards to the heroes of the freedom fighters and the heroic battles once fought here.
The Alamo inside displays barracks sporting guns and the other war materials intact, used by the then-war heroes, including James Bowie, William Travis, and Davy Crockett, who sacrificed their lives to defend the Alamo. A visit to the Alamo is like a trip down memory lane and going through the small Franciscan mission that led to greater things. As you take a tour on your own, you can carefully listen to the 20-minute history talk programmed to recur every 30 minutes during working hours, except at 1200, 1230, and 1300 hours. You can also read the detailed history of the Alamo and the mission on a history wall, standing right outside in the quiet square of the Alamo.
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
www.thealamo.org
San Antonio River Walk
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205; (210) 227-4262; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com
The San Antonio River Walk is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River. As you walk along the river, there are historical markers, a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and a mall. You can catch a guided boat tour and learn even more about the history of San Antonio.
A lovely Spanish flavor blended with generous splashes of multi-ethnicity greets your senses, as you leisurely walk along the downtown San Antonio River Walk. Busy with tourist and business activities around the year, the Riverwalk is a major tourist attraction of world renown infamous Texas, in the beautiful city of San Antonio.
Historically significant, the Riverwalk is set astride the flowing San Antonio River. Also known as Paseo del Río, the Riverwalk is beautifully landscaped across its winding and looping course throughout downtown San Antonio Texas. To compliment, pleasant weather rules the air throughout the year and maintains the spirits of the visitors high as well. Communication is not a problem as most of the people here speak English and Spanish.
The neat and well-maintained River Walk area is less than a five-minute stroll away from Days Inn Downtown/ Hotel Near River Walk San Antonio Texas. You get to mingle with the local life and take delight in your heart’s fill of regional Italian drinks/ cuisines at many restaurants and bars here at the Walk. There are lots of little shops and a mall in the entire area for shopping. Our courteous staff can be sought to guide you through your itinerary, including the popular nightclubs, theme parks, river cruises, and restaurants in and around the heart of downtown.
Historic Market Square
514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207, (210) 207-8600; www.marketsquaresa.com
The Market Square is a three-block outdoor plaza lined with food vendors, shops, and musicians and is the largest Mexican market in the United States. You will find unique multi-cultural merchandise along with traditional Mexican foods.
From colorful stalls full of handmade Mexican crafts to delicious restaurants featuring traditional TexMex cuisine, Historic Market Square has something for everyone. Visitors will find an array of jewelry, clothing, art, pottery, leather goods, and much more. Additionally, there are live events featuring traditional Mexican music and dance throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to explore historic culture or shop for unique souvenirs, Historic Market Square is definitely worth checking out. The vibrant atmosphere and captivating sights make it the perfect spot for visitors of all ages to explore and appreciate.
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212; (210) 734-7184; www.sazoo.org
San Antonio Zoo is one of the top attractions in San Antonio, and for good reason. The San Antonio Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species, all located on 56 acres. You can participate in different animal encounters like feeding giraffes and seeing underwater views of hippos and crocodiles. The zoo also hosts several themed events.
From Asian elephants and jaguars to giraffes and Komodo dragons, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. The zoo also features a variety of educational activities and interactive experiences, such as animal shows, keeper talks, and children’s programs. Additionally, the zoo has several themed areas that are sure to delight, such as the African Savanna, which offers a simulated African wildlife habitat, and the Amazon Rainforest, an immersive recreation of the lush tropical ecosystem. With its impressive collection of animals and engaging exhibits, San Antonio Zoo is sure to make your visit to this vibrant city unforgettable.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78257; (210) 697-5050; sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Fiesta Texas is San Antonio’s largest theme park. You’ll spend the day riding thrilling roller coasters, watching shows, and playing games to win prizes. During the summer months, you can hang out in the water park located within the park. A fun place for all ages and a must-visit tourist spot on any sightseeing agenda in San Antonio city, Six Flags Fiesta is San Antonio’s largest theme park. It is definitely a full-day pastime with all its roller-coaster rides, the water park features, and at last but never the least, the musical shows that made this park a San Antonio attraction in the first place.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a well-managed and maintained theme park that’s being promoted by reinventing and expanding it year to year. As a result, the park has a surprise for its tourists unfailingly and remains a San Antonio attraction for tourists visiting the city for the nth time. Growing bigger and more interesting each year, the tourists enjoy its newer roller coaster rides and Water Park games as much as they enjoy the staging of musical shows and reviews at Lone Star Lil’s in Crackaxle Canyon.
The theme park is a favorite among tourists seeking adventure and thrill. However, it’s also expensive with its many paid thrill rides and exciting offerings. The admission into the Six Flags Fiesta is also seasonal and the theme park is generally open between mid-May to mid-August from 1000 hours to 2200 hours. It is always suggested to enquire over a call before you plan a trip to Six Flags Fiesta.
Sea World
Sea World San Antonio is an out-and-out astonishing experience for all age groups and various interest spans. It is the largest and the most popular marine life adventure cum recreational park in the world that welcomes you to a wide array of breathtaking Sea World attractions, including various animal shows, roller coaster rides, water splashes, and educational explorations.
Get set to forget all about stress and dullness, as you enter the home to Believe star Shamu – the killer whale, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, flamingos, and seals, among others. Feed the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and feel their touch, observe the sharks under the sea at The Coral Reef, watch sea lions and seals busy in their communities, and get all wet as Shamu splashes water all over you in your seats when she plunges a long jump out of the water and back inside.
Besides visiting and observing exciting marine life in their habitat, remarkable rides, slides, and water rides also wait for you at Sea World Adventure Park. You can easily feel your adrenaline rushing as you take a ride on Journey to Atlantis, a water ride cum roller coaster or The Great White, an inverted steel roller coaster, or Steel Eel, the hypercoaster. Those of you with children may not feel disappointed as there is Shamu Express in the waiting to give them the taste of their first coaster ride. There are also experiences of wild river adventure and splashdown for you to feel dipped, drenched, and enthralled with children by your side.
Tower of Americas
739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205; (210) 223-3101; toweroftheamericas.com
The Tower of Americas is a 750-foot-tall tower that gives visitors a spectacular view of the Alamo City. Enjoy the gorgeous views out on the observation deck, or enjoy a romantic dinner in the revolving restaurant.
Welcome to a spectacular view of the Alamo city from a height of 750 feet from the observation deck of the Tower of the Americas! The Tower of Americas is a major San Antonio attraction that witnesses throngs of tourists and locals visiting it for a good time. Besides the breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the tower offers you attractive dining and recreational facilities up there.
The tower’s revolving restaurant is a hit with everyone and the management keeps enhancing its various attractions and adding new ones to the kitty to fine-tune the overall visitor experience. Presently the tower attractions include quality restaurants and a 4-D multi-sensory theatre sporting Texas theme. The observation deck also has a banquet facility and meeting space that are equipped with the latest amenities to hold business meetings, weddings, and other formal events of significance.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
307 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205;(210) 224-9299; ripleys.com/sanantonio/
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is located across the street from the Alamo; it is an attraction you don’t want to miss. Travel through 3 floors of over 500 unusual, strange, and weird items like a shrunken human head and rare animal skeletons.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a must-see for any San Antonio visitor. Located in the Alamo City’s downtown area, Ripley’s is home to an incredible array of oddities and curiosities from around the world. From dinosaur fossils and two-headed animals to shrunken heads and genuine works of art, Ripley’s provides a unique experience that one can find nowhere else. Whether you’re interested in strange artifacts or bizarre stories, there is something to captivate even the most seasoned traveler. Guided tours are available with knowledgeable and experienced guides who will provide insight into some of the oddest wonders on display. This is an attraction not to be missed during your stay.
San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215′; samuseum.org
This fantastic museum is located on the River Walk, and it hosts over 5,000 years of global culture. The museum is housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery. They host monthly events for families and happy hours.
The San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions, offering a captivating selection of art from across the world. Exploring the museum’s galleries, visitors will find stunning pieces from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Matisse, and Picasso, along with a variety of sculptures, photographs, and installations. There are also several interactive displays at the museum, designed to engage visitors in the creative process and explore the limitations of physical media. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum also offers lectures, workshops, and other educational opportunities for visitors to learn more about the featured art. San Antonio Museum of Art is definitely worth a visit when exploring this vibrant city.
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209; (210) 357-1900; wittemuseum.org
Learn all about the story of Texas from prehistoric to the present time. Exhibits that are interesting and educational for people of all ages. Events are hosted throughout the month for all ages and interests.
The Witte Museum is a fascinating cultural and educational destination in San Antonio. Founded in 1926, the museum is committed to inspiring lifelong learning by showcasing hundreds of years of South Texas history and culture. It features collections spanning paleontology, anthropology, art, and science that explore the environmental and historical significance of the region. Through dynamic exhibitions, breathtaking grounds, interactive displays, and entertaining activities, visitors can learn about the natural wonders of this area.
The Museum boasts nine permanent exhibits to explore, including artifacts related to early settlements in the San Antonio area, the lives and cultures of Native American tribes, and the development of agriculture and industry. In addition, they offer engaging temporary exhibits that range from dinosaurs to ancient Rome. The spectacular outdoor space includes lush gardens, twisting pathways, delightful sculptures, and unique outdoor classrooms. Additionally, the Nature Trails provide a chance to experience nature up close in a meditative setting. With so many captivating attractions and activities, it’s no wonder why the Witte Museum draws people from all over the world.
Pearl Farmers Market
312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215; (210) 212-7260; atpearl.com/farmers-market
The Pearl Farmers Market is hosted at the Pearl Brewery every Saturday and Sunday with 40 plus vendors, selling products that range from farm-fresh produce and dairy to salsas, honey, and gourmet candies. You can enjoy live music and cooking demos while you shop.
This lively market features locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and cheeses, freshly roasted coffee, and more. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, with vendors offering samples of their wares alongside live music and workshops. Whether you’re in search of a unique gift or just looking for some delicious produce for dinner, the Pearl Farmers Market is the perfect place to find it. For an added bonus, you can also take a walk around the historic Pearl Brewery complex and explore its many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Make sure to stop by the Pearl Farmers Market next time you’re in San Antonio – you won’t regret it!