San Antonio is Houston’s cooler cousin. As a lifelong Houstonian, it is hard for me to admit this. But when putting together this San Antonio itinerary, it really did hit me. There is just so much to do there! There are things to do in Houston, sure … but once you’ve finished NASA, it’s really time to go back to the hotel.

RIP.

But in San Antonio, you can just keep going … and going and going. I’ve been visiting since I was a little kid, as the Alamo City is in my dad’s sales territory. In each new era, the city rises up to meet me.

Here are my favorite things to do in San Antonio, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

San Antonio Itinerary: The Best Things to do in Alamo City

Things to do in San Antonio for Couples

The best San Antonio itinerary for all you loved-up people. Of course, you can also do these as a group of girlfriends, too. I actually think downtown San Antonio rivals Nashville and Scottsdale as a top bachelorette party destination. I said what I said!

Hopscotch

Buy your tickets to Hopscotch here. 

This is a bit like MeowWolf, but cooler and more local. There is a bar upstairs with one of the friendliest bartenders I’ve ever interacted with. When people love their jobs, you can tell. And he really, really did. You can also take your drinks down into the exhibit, which was fun.

It was wild down there. If you were tripping balls, it might be even more fun.

But I would never advocate for that, of course.

My favorite room was a room where you could listen in to people tell their deepest, darkest secrets — then record one of your own in a spy-style phone booth. I made mine up, though. So IDK if the others were true, either.

Tower of the Americas

Buy your tickets to the Tower of the Americas here. 

Built for the 1968 World’s Fair, the Tower of the Americas stands 750 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

I’ve been up here two times. Once, as an eight-year-old. It was late at night and I BEGGED my dad to take me up there, but it was cold and freezing and I remember going out on the second-floor observation deck and being absolutely terrified. My dad told me if he dropped a penny off the roof, it would gain so much momentum that it would kill someone below.

Such a day thing to say.

I also went up top with a boyfriend I had in my 20s. Way more romantic to have a drink up top, but I was still a little scared of heights. Really, really great views though! And the gift shop down below is elite.

If you’re going for a drink or dinner, you don’t need a ticket, but you will need a reservation! Call ahead to avoid disappointment. This is also a great place to start your evening on the San Antonio RiverWalk, as it’s only a short walk away, so you can leave your car in the lot.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Buy your tickets to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens here.

What’s more romantic than strolling through expertly curated flowers with the love of your life? I love a botanical garden, but never thought that I’d love one in Texas because of our weather. But the team here has really knocked it out of the park with both native displays, as well as plants from all over the world.

They also have seasonal displays for the San Antonio Dia De Los Muertos festival, which is the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the States! I loved seeing all the marigolds the team had worked so hard to arrange in the shape of a Monarch Butterfly, and I also loved that it was sponsored by Whataburger. It’s all very, very Texan.

Things to do in San Antonio for Kids

There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Antonio. Growing up in Houston, the Alamo City was where my parents always took my sister and me for inexpensive family getaways. We loved chasing each other along the River Walk, swimming in the hotel pool (shout out La Quinta!), plus the things below:

GoRio River Cruise

Buy your San Antonio River Cruise tickets here.

I remember thinking the drivers were so funny, even as a kid. You can treat this as a hop-on / hop-off kind of vibe, or just ride it to get the commentary. You see the Miss Congeniality filming locations (all you need is a light jacket) AND the bridge from Selena. Really, you can’t go wrong. Bring a hat! The boats don’t have tops, so you’ll need that and some sunnies.

The Alamo

Buy your Alamo special exhibit tickets here.

Remember the Alamo? Because I do! Once on my camping trip to Outback Australia, a man on my tour asked me if I’d “ever heard of the Alamo” when I told him I was from Texas. Sir, Alamo Davy Crockett and I have the same birthday and I wrote a letter to Texas Governor Rick Perry as a kid asking if August 17 could be a holiday in Texas.

He never wrote back.

Anyway, it’s free to go into the church and walk the grounds of the mission.  Don’t miss the free movie about the events of the day, playing on a loop in one of the wings. The gift shop here also has some FANTASTIC air conditioning and great Texas-themed souvenirs.

If you want to see some original artifacts in a sick new museum (funded by … and with lots of bits also donated by, you didn’t guess it — PHIL COLLINS?), you can pop into the museum out the back.

It’s helpful to have tickets beforehand, as it can get quite crowded. And no, if you’ve seen PeeWee Herman and are hoping to visit the basement, there isn’t one.

San Antonio Zoo

Buy your San Antonio Zoo tickets here.

As a kid, I was always both 1) terrified and 2) sickly excited to go to the zoo here because there’s a green anaconda in the snake house. The thing IS HUGE. There are also 54 acres of other animals to enjoy. It’s one of the great things to do as a family in San Antonio.

Things to do in San Antonio as a Solo Traveler

I love being alone on my travels! Because its downtown tourist district is so pedestrian-friendly and always so busy, San Antonio is a great place for newer solo female travelers to cut their teeth. Here are a few of the things you can do on your own:

San Antonio Museum of Art

Buy your San Antonio Museum of Art tickets here. 

They have a fantastic collection of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art, which is always my favorite to look at. A great South American collection, too, and some old Texas furniture. The museum is also on the RiverWalk and has a great patio restaurant for a drink and people-watching in the evening.

I’ve only ever been by myself and think it’s very peaceful walking around alone. Plus, if you’re scared to travel alone, going to a museum is one of the best ways to practice for your first solo travel adventure!

San Antonio River Walk Food Tour

Buy your San Antonio River Walk Food Tour tickets here. 

This tour is a great way to make friends and get a taste of the famous San Antonio River Walk. Along with the GoRio River Cruises, this is a great way to get your bearings on your trip, so do it on one of your first days! It’s a lunch tour, starting at 1:00PM.

San Antonio World Heritage Admissions tour

Buy your San Antonio World Heritage Admissions tour tickets here. 

San Antonio’s colonial past is full of stories that shaped the city and the region. In the 1700s, Spanish missionaries set up missions that were more than just religious centers—they were hubs for farming, trade, and community life. Visiting them gives you a sense of what daily life was like back then and how these early settlements influenced the San Antonio we know today.

For anyone curious about history or culture, exploring the missions is a great way to connect with the city’s roots and see the lasting impact of Spanish influence.

You can visit the missions on your own, or take this tour if you aren’t in town with a car. These missions are both UNESCO World Heritage listed and associated with the USA National Park Service. I was very impressed by the frank look at the Spanish influence in the area, and what the Catholicism they brought meant for the Indigenous communities at the time, as well as how the religion shapes culture today.

San Antonio Itinerary: Where to Eat in San Antonio

I recently went on a press trip to San Antonio and they HAD US EATING. I had no idea San Antonio was such a city of gastronomy, but it actually was officially awarded the status by UNESCO for its role in the development of the widely-known fusion Tex-Mex cuisine, as well as Mexican cuisine in America.

📍La Gloria (Pearl District of the RiverWalk)

100 E Grayson San Antonio, TX 78215

Influenced by the extensive travels of Chef Johnny Hernandez throughout Mexico, La Gloria features Mexican dishes as diverse as the regions where they were first born. Chef Hernandez is also well-known for his community involvement, including the Dia De Los Muertos Festival. A seafood-heavy menu, so a great place for ceviche and the like!

📍Pullman Market (Pearl District of the RiverWalk)

221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

Pullman Market is a vibrant culinary marketplace that celebrates the craftsmanship of local and regional producers. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of dining concepts, artisan goods, and specialty ingredients, all curated to showcase the evolving flavors of Texas. It’s a gathering place for food lovers and a cornerstone of the Pearl District’s growing food scene.

Think like, Whole Foods mixed with Trader Joe’s … but with eat-in options. And all local! My favorite was Burgers by the Butcher for a quick bite.

📍La Margarita (Historic Market Square)

120 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207

Located in the heart of Historic Market Square, La Margarita has been a San Antonio favorite for decades. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere, sizzling fajitas, and legendary margaritas, all served with authentic Mexican hospitality. With its open-air courtyard and live mariachi music, it captures the festive spirit of the city and offers a true taste of San Antonio tradition.

It’s family-owned and has been for generations. You can pop next door to Mi Tierra, which is owned by the same family, where it’s Christmas all year round, to see that famous painting of President Bill Clinton.

📍Boudro’s (San Antonio River Walk)

421 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

A River Walk classic, Boudro’s blends Texas boldness with Southwestern flair. Guests can enjoy signature tableside guacamole and mesquite-grilled specialties while watching the river flow by. The shrimp and grits are also a can’t-miss here!

📍Casa Catrina (La Villita Historic Arts Village)

515 Villita St., San Antonio, TX 78205

It’s Day of the Dead all year round at Casa Catrina. It offers a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, inspired by the artistry and heritage of Mexico’s diverse regions. The murals (even in the bathroom!) are gorgeous, as are the River Walk views.

📍Rita’s Test Kitchen (The Shops at Rivercenter)

849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205

One of the best places to eat in San Antonio. Rita’s Test Kitchen brings innovation and fun to the River Walk dining scene. Blending Tex-Mex favorites with creative new flavors, the menu reflects the spirit of experimentation and local flair. It’s a fantastic place for breakfast tacos.

📍La Panaderia (Multiple locations throughout San Antonio) 

A must on your San Antonio itinerary! Founded by brothers José and David Cáceres, La Panadería celebrates the art of Mexican breadmaking with techniques passed down through generations. Known for its handmade conchas, croissants, and tortas, this bakery-café combines tradition with modern flavor. Every pastry tells a story — one of family, craftsmanship, and a passion for sharing Mexico’s rich baking heritage.

Uniquely Texan Things To Try in San Antonio

These have to be on your San Antonio itinerary if you’re coming from out of state!

Bucc-ee’s

If you’re visiting San Antonio, you can’t miss Bucc-ee’s—it’s a Texas road trip icon! Think massive snack selection, quirky souvenirs, and fuel for adventures (yes, even the giant beaver is worth a selfie). It’s not just a convenience stop—it’s a full-on experience that screams Texas fun. Even if you’re from out of state, you’ll leave wondering why every gas station back home isn’t this epic.

Plus, you gotta use the bathroom while you’re here. They have a red light/green light system just like airport parking garages. It’s wild.

Blue Bell Ice Cream

No trip to Texas is complete without tasting Blue Bell Ice Cream. It’s a creamy, dreamy local legend. Every scoop is a little taste of Texas sunshine. Even if you’ve got a favorite back home, this ice cream will make you reconsider your life choices. Plenty of places on the River Walk serve it. My personal fave is Cookie Two Step (Cookies and Cream mixed with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough).

H-E-B Butter Tortillas

H‑E‑B’s butter tortillas are the stuff Texas food dreams are made of. So soft and so so buttery, they’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for store-bought anywhere else. Locals swear by them, and once you try them, you’ll see why.

One Perfect Day in San Antonio

Here’s my ideal San Antonio itinerary if you just have a day and want to hit all the highlights!

To save money, consider going with a San Antonio CityPass, which can help you save up to 51% on admission to most of the activities below.

Morning: Start with breakfast La Panaderia (301 E Houston St is the closest to the RiverWalk).

Walk five minutes over to the Alamo! (It opens at 9:00am). Tour the church, the grounds, and the museum out back. Don’t forget to hit up the gift shop. (1 hour to 90 minutes)

Walk fifteen minutes to the Tower of the Americas for the best views of San Antonio. (45 minutes to 90 minutes)

Walk about 15 minutes to Historia – 706 River Walk (Under Market St. Bridge & Alamo St.) – across from Hilton Palacio del Rio for your GoRio Rivercruise (roughly 35-minute cruise).

Lunch on the RiverWalk — maybe the food tour? Or a favorite pointed out on your cruise?

Afternoon: head to Hopscotch or the San Antonio Museum of Art! If you’re alone, or just quick, you’ll likely be able to catch both 🙂

Evening: drive to La Margarita in Historic Market Square for some TexMex and a touch of shopping (shopping closes at 6:00pm, so best to check out before).

San Antonio Arrival Information (because first, you gotta get there):

By plane:

San Antonio International Airport / eight miles or 20ish minutes from downtown.

By bus:

Vonlane picks up/drops off at Marriott Rivercenter 101 Bowie Street

Flixbus/Greyhound has two stops 612 Avenue A in the Pearl District + San Antonio Bus Station 500 N St Mary’s St

By car:

200 miles / three hours from Houston on I-10

80 miles / 90 minutes from Austin on I-35

300 miles / four hours from Dallas on I-35

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