San Antonio Travel Guide | Insider tips, hidden gems, itineraries and more

The ultimate guide to discovering San Antonio

Produced in partnership with Visit San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas is an action-packed playground, from exciting theme parks to the city views along the stunning River Walk to the historic Alamo. This city has it all, including must-see museums, a bustling Mexican market, and outdoor adventures galore. It's no wonder San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas. And the food? Oh, the food! While Tex-Mex is king, San Antonio's diverse culinary scene will tantalize your taste buds in ways you never thought possible — it's even been named a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy. If you're tempted, here's how to get ready for all the unforgettable experiences San Antonio has to offer.

"In the heat of South Texas thrives a city where the echoes of a rich cultural heritage are interlaced with a pulsating modern spirit. San Antonio, the Lone Star State’s second-largest metropolis, harbors a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unearthed."

Explore experiences in San Antonio

A complete guide to the 8 best museums in San Antonio

“Mission City” may be best known for the Alamo, but this guide to San Antonio museums proves the city is more than just historic battles. The best museums in San Antonio range from the Western-style Buckhorn Saloon to the cutting-edge Hopscotch.Escaping the Texas heat in the city’s coolest museums is among the best things to do in San Antonio, especially for the expansive collection at the SAMA and the dynamic Witte Museum's hands-on exhibits. Dust off your boots before heading out — you’ll need some Lone Star flair to navigate this guide to San Antonio’s museums.

The 12 most romantic things to do in San Antonio for couples

San Antonio is a city filled with history, culture, and charm, making it the perfect destination for couples looking to create unforgettable memories. Whether exploring the iconic River Walk, strolling through the Japanese Tea Garden, or visiting the historic Missions, there’s no shortage of romantic things to do in San Antonio.From scenic boat rides to candlelit dinners, the city offers countless romantic activities for every couple. Looking for unique date ideas? Enjoy a wine tasting in the Texas Hill Country, take in skyline views from the Tower of the Americas, or uncover the city’s haunted past with ghost stories. In this guide, we’ll cover the top couple’s activities for an unforgettable trip to San Antonio.

Make their day: 12 Things to do in San Antonio with Kids

San Antonio is packed with family-friendly activities, offering a mix of history, adventure, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re exploring the San Antonio Missions, cooling off at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, or taking in city views from the Tower of the Americas, there are endless things to do in San Antonio with kids.Families can enjoy family-friendly activities like the Japanese Tea Garden, hop on a river cruise, or experience hands-on exhibits at the Witte Museum. San Antonio has something exciting to discover regardless of your child's interests. This guide highlights the best activities for a memorable family trip.

The best things to do in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas is the seventh largest city in the United States. Its unique blend of cultures and traditions gives it an unmistakable charm, but it’s the mix of nature, art, food, and entertainment that has made it the state’s most popular visitor destination. Home to the iconic Alamo and the emblematic downtown River Walk, San Antonio offers a wealth of attractions for all types of visitors. Families can explore world-class theme parks, nature enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to the picturesque Hill Country, and festival-goers can revel in year-round celebrations. Art aficionados will be delighted by top-notch galleries, while museums showcase the city's rich Mexican, Spanish, and Indigenous heritage. With its vibrant cowboy culture and ever-growing metropolis status, San Antonio provides a distinct flavor that is truly unparalleled. Dive into these 15 must-do experiences to uncover the magic of this captivating city.

San Antonio at night: 8 epic adventures after dark

Best known for dusty rodeos, old Spanish missions, and a whimsical riverwalk, you'll find many exciting evening activities in San Antonio. Nocturnal adventures like bar hopping in St. Mary's Strip and watching the setting sun from the Tower of the Americas are hands down some of the best things to do in San Antonio.See a show at the Arneson River Theatre, solve brainteasers to get out of an escape room, or take in the vibrant energy of the River Walk. It's all here in this guide to find the best nighttime activities in San Antonio.

Best neighborhoods in San Antonio to get a feel for the city

San Antonio is a city where history, culture, and community unite to create a unique Texas experience. From iconic landmarks like the Alamo to quiet hidden gems waiting to be discovered, the best neighborhoods in San Antonio offer a little something for everyone. Explore historic districts like Downtown San Antonio, bustling areas like Pearl, and family-friendly activities and spots with plenty of places to visit. San Antonio neighborhoods are filled with diverse attractions, from charming boutiques to world-class dining, making it a perfect destination for uncovering the heart and soul of this dynamic city.

10 fun things to do in San Antonio for a one-of-a-kind trip

Famous for its Spanish colonial past and mix of Mexican-American culture, there are plenty of educational and fun things to do in San Antonio.Check out the city’s thriving food scene at the Historic Market Square, where you can try Mexican-inspired cocktails and classic puffy tacos. Enjoy a Tex-Mex dinner while listening to soothing jazz, or take it to go and relax at the Japanese Garden.To cover more ground, join a bike tour of San Antonio to see its Spanish missions before stopping at one of the city’s unique museums to challenge your perspective on art.

Explore Texas with the top weekend getaways from San Antonio

When you’re ready for a break from the bustle of South Texas, the best weekend getaways from San Antonio offer the perfect escape. Just a short drive from San Antonio, you can discover Austin’s vibrant food scene, explore Corpus Christi’s birding hotspots, or sip local wine in Fredericksburg. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Dripping Springs, known as the "Gateway to Texas Hill Country," or unwind in a peaceful small town. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, culture, or relaxation, these weekend trips promise a refreshing change of pace from city life.

Best food in San Antonio: 11 ways to experience the city’s best flavors

Heading to San Antonio and looking for the best food? Lovers of innovative, experiential, and experimental dishes won’t be left hungry in this city. In 2017, San Antonio joined Tucson as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy; the only two US cities to be awarded the title. Explore the Pearl District, try your first kolaches, or get your hands on all the Tex-Mex you can dream of, San Antonio won’t disappoint. Navigate your way through the city's incredible dishes with our guide to the must-try food experiences in San Antonio.

8 best views in San Antonio: Rooftops, viewing decks, and more

Craving a bird’s-eye view of San Antonio? Texas’s cultural powerhouse and second-largest city serves up views that’ll make your camera work overtime. From the sky-piercing Tower of the Americas to the charming curves of the River Walk, this city knows how to show off.You’ll discover vantage points that tell San Antonio’s story, each offering a fresh angle on history mixed with modern-day buzz. From the peak in Comanche Lookout Park, where it’s believed that Native Americans kept an eye on enemy tribes, to a beloved high school sports stadium, here’s our guide to the best views in San Antonio.

The top outdoor experiences in San Antonio for every traveler

In the heat of South Texas thrives a city where the echoes of a rich cultural heritage are interlaced with a pulsating modern spirit. San Antonio, the Lone Star State’s second-largest metropolis, harbors a treasure trove of outdoor pursuits waiting to be unearthed.Renowned for its festive River Walk, Spanish-style missions, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine, this Southern jewel is also a verdant oasis, teeming with adventure-laden attractions—all cradled within the warm embrace of its year-round mild climate.From gorgeous gardens and striking street art within the city limits to the postcard-perfect natural landscapes of Texas Hill Country, here are 12 outdoor experiences that reveal why San Antonio is an awesome, one-of-a-kind destination. Here's how to get outside and explore.