Things to See in San Antonio
Everyone has heard about The Alamo, but did you know Teddy Roosevelt used the Menger Hotel’s bar to recruit his Rough Riders? The bar is rich in Roosevelt memorabilia. (And the hotel is reportedly haunted!)
There is so much to see when you are out and about in San Antonio. The city offers so much for adults and kids, including plenty for history buffs and those looking high (Tower of Americas) and wide (horseback riding) for that perfect outing.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza
Don’t miss the “Shrine of Texas Liberty.” You must purchase tickets/activities ahead of time by visiting the website.
Main Number: (210) 225-1391
Tours: (210) 225-1391 ext. 3005
Educators: (210) 225-1391 ext. 4101
Events: (210) 225-1391 ext. 3001
Website: Thealamo.org
The Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W Market St
The museum features a collection of Western art and artifacts. Exhibits include Pancho Villa’s silver-studded saddle, stunning wildlife photographs by renowned nature photogra- pher Thomas D. Magelsen, and numerous works of art that tell the story of the West.
Main Number: (210) 299-4499
Email: info@briscoemuseum.org
Website: Briscoemuseum.org
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum
318 E Houston St
Soak up the history in the two museums, grab food at the café, and enjoy a drink at the Oldest Saloon in Texas, the place where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and the spot where Pancho Villa is rumored to have plotted the Mexican Revolution.
Admissions tickets include The Buckhorn Museum, a collection of exotic animals, and The Texas Ranger Museum.
Main Number: (210) 247-4000
Facebook: Facebook.com/buckhornsaloonandmuseum
Email: info@BuckhornMuseum.com
Website: Buckhornmuseum.com
Museum tickets: Buckhornmuseum.com/purchase-tickets
The Nightly Spirits Ghost Tours and Pub Crawls
The Nightly Spirits Ghost Tours and Pub Crawls take you inside the most haunted bars and hotels and down to the River Walk. Plan to spend 2.5 hours on the tour.
Departing from Maverick Whiskey at 115 Broadway St
Main Number: (844) 678-8687
Facebook: Facebook.com/NightlySpirits
Email: info@nightlyspirits.com
Website: Nightlyspirits.com/san-antonio-tours
Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours
Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours dives into the haunted history of San Antonio. The walking tour includes stops at the Menger Hotel, the San Fernando Cathedral, and the Bexar County Jail. A bus tour is also available.
204 Alamo Plaza
Main Number: (210) 638-1338
Facebook: Facebook.com/sistersgrimmtx
Email: info@sistersgrimmtx.com
Website: Sistersgrimmghosttour.com/tours
Historic Market Square
514 W Commerce St
Wander the largest Mexican Market in the United States. “El Mercado” encompasses more than 100 locally owned restaurants and shops that feature Mexican food, art, and culture.
Main Number: (210) 207-8600
Website: Marketsquaresa.com
Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours
111 Alamo Plaza (City Sightseeing Welcome Center)
Explore the historic city with a live narrated tour on a double-decker bus. You can jump on or off at as many stops as you’d like with a one-day pass. Or choose to bundle one- and two-day boat cruises or opt for a gold pass that includes entrance to multiple attractions. Save money and time buying tickets online.
Main Number: (210) 224-8687
Email: info@citysightseeingsanantonio.com
Website: Citysightseeingsanantonio.com/en
King William Historic District
South of Downtown between the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez Blvd, South St. Mary’s Street, and South Alamo St
Explore the neighborhood filled with multiple National Register of Historic Places such as the Guenther House built in 1859 and the Pioneer Flour Mills. A map is included on the website below, and this article highlights top things to do within the community.
Main Number: (210) 215-9274
Japanese Tea Garden
3853 N St Mary’s St
Rejuvenate with a peaceful stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden, a former working rock quarry transformed into a tranquil park featuring exotic plants, a 60-foot waterfall, and Koi ponds. Located within the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, you can enjoy multiple attractions in one trip. Admission is free.
Main Number: (210) 559-3148
Email: Jtg@saparksfoundation.org
The Historic Menger Hotel Bar
204 Alamo Plaza
Serving up innovative cocktails and cuisine with a generous helping of Lone Star history on the side, it’s easy to see why the legendary Menger Bar was voted one of the Top 10 Most Historic Bars in the United States.
Phone: (210) 223-4361
The River Walk
849 E Commerce St
Stroll the 15-mile urban waterway featuring paths lined with lush vegetation and towering cypress trees, restaurants, hotels, shops, and museums. The River Walk is a free public park. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities have various costs.
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheSanAntonioRiverWalkOfficial
Email: events@visitsanantonio.com
Website: Thesanantonioriverwalk.com
River Walk Boat Cruise
Experience the “Soul of San Antonio” on the River Walk Boat Cruise. Take a narrated tour or a quick shuttle. They also offer dinner, cocktail, or specialty cruises. The fleet of eco-friendly electric boats is painted in vibrant colors inspired by Mexican folk art. You can paddle the River Walk with a kayak or paddle board rental. Tickets are available at various points along the River Walk or online.
Main Number: (210) 227-4746
Facebook: Facebook.com/GoRioCruises
Email: info@goriocruises.com
Website: Goriocruises.com
San Antonio Botanical Garden
Spanning 38 acres, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is a museum of plants, a tranquil escape, a living classroom, and a research and conservation facility. Purchase tickets online.
Main Number: (210) 536-1400
Facebook: Facebook.com/sabotanicalgarden
Email: info@sabot.org
Website: Sabot.org
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
6701 San Jose Drive
The park has four distinct visitor areas. Each is 2 to 3 miles from the previous site. The park begins 3 miles south of downtown at San Antonio Mission Concepción. The Visitor Center is at the second stop, Mission San José. Admission is free.
Main Number: (210) 932-1001
Facebook: Facebook.com/MissionsNPS
Email: saan_interpretation@nps.gov
Website: Nps.gov/saan/index.htm
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N St Mary’s St
Visit the recently named “Best Zoo in Texas.” The San Antonio Zoo has been operating for more than 100 years. One-day, multiday, and special events tickets are available on the website.
Main Number: (210) 734-7184
Facebook: Facebook.com/SanAntonioZoo
Email: information@sazoo.org
Website: Sazoo.org
San Fernando Cathedral
115 Main Plaza
Built in 1731, the San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest continuously functioning religious communities in the state. The site is renowned for its evening light show.
Main Number: (210) 227-1297
Website: Sfcathedral.org
Tower of Americas
739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd
The Tower of Americas is a 750-foot observation tower that boasts unbeatable panoramic views and features a revolving restaurant atop the tower. Tours and dining booking options available on the link below.
Main Number: (210) 223-3101
Facebook: Facebook.com/toweroftheamericas
Email: tame@ldry.com
Website: Toweroftheamericas.com/location/tower-of-the-americas
Dixie Dude Ranch
833 Dixie Dude Ranch Road, Bandera, Texas
Are you spending a few extra days exploring the area? See the scenic Texas Hill Country from horseback. The Dixie Dude Ranch allows young riders and accepts non-overnight guests as spots allow. Call or email for availability and rates.
Main Number: (830) 796-7771
Website: Dixieduderanch.com/horseback-rides