Looking for things to do in san antonio that go beyond one quick stop at the Alamo? Riverside walks, colorful markets and a plate of breakfast tacos give you plenty to start with.
There’s room for gardens, historic buildings and a little time on the water too.
You can keep your plans simple or fit in a few bigger outings. Pick the spots you love most rather than rushing through everything.
The last idea takes you outside the city for a little side trip!
San Antonio Outings Worth Saving
walk beneath the riverside trees
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous stretch of the River Walk. I love the branches arching over the water and the little bridge ahead.
Leave yourself time for a stroll rather than treating the path as a shortcut. This is the kind of view worth putting your phone away for, at least after a picture!
see the Alamo lit up
How pretty is the Alamo against that deep blue sky? The golden lighting brings out the carved entrance and curved roofline.
If you want this evening view as well as an interior visit, check the current visiting hours before planning your day. Seeing the facade after dark is a different idea from touring inside.
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take a riverboat ride
Want to see the river from somewhere other than the path? A boat ride gives you another way to take in those bends and waterside buildings.
The turquoise boat here carries a dressed-up group. You don’t need to copy the occasion to borrow the idea.
Check current sightseeing cruise options for your own visit.
spend some time at Pearl
If you are looking for somewhere to slow down between stops, Pearl is worth a look. The lawn, outdoor chairs and blue umbrellas make this courtyard so inviting.
Start with a wander around the plaza. You might want to leave room in your plans for a meal rather than heading straight to the next attraction.
wander under colorful banners
I am obsessed with these rows of colorful cut-paper banners. Pink, green, blue and yellow stretch right across the market lane.
Take a walk through Historic Market Square and give yourself time to look around. Decorations can change, so enjoy whatever colors are overhead when you visit.
step inside a historic church
The painted arches and gold-colored altar details are so beautiful here. Even the long center aisle gives you plenty to take in.
Include a historic church interior in your plans where visitor access is permitted. Keep your voice low and follow any photography guidance, especially if people are there to worship.
make room for a thrill ride
This one is for you if a quiet sightseeing day isn’t quite enough! The ride pictured has bright green seats hanging beneath tall pink supports.
You could build a theme-park day into your trip for a complete change of pace. Check the current ride lineup and restrictions before choosing your park.
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explore the garden bridges
This little stone bridge may just be one of my favorite views here. The uneven edges, curved steps and surrounding greenery are so pretty together.
Visit the Japanese Tea Garden if garden paths sound more like your kind of outing. Choose shoes you can manage steps in and take your time looking around.
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eat beside the river
Who wouldn’t want to sit beside this view? The colorful umbrellas run along the water, with restaurant lights reflected below.
Plan a riverside meal if you’d rather enjoy the River Walk while sitting down. Ask about outdoor seating instead of assuming every table comes with a water view.
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see the city from above
If you love a city view, this one is for you. The tables beside these tall windows overlook buildings and roads stretching into the distance.
Look into the Tower of the Americas for a high-up San Antonio outing. Check the dining and observation options separately so you book the experience you actually want.
browse the market stalls
There’s so much color packed into this little market stretch. I love the striped umbrellas and the small guitars displayed outside the shop.
Make browsing its own part of your Market Square visit rather than only walking through. You could pick out a small keepsake, or simply enjoy looking at the displays.
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visit the botanical garden
The angled glass buildings are such a fun contrast to all that greenery. Pink flowers and low planted borders give you more to look at along the lawn.
Add the San Antonio Botanical Garden to your plans if you love plants and interesting architecture. Leave time for the grounds as well as the conservatory areas that are open during your visit.
start with breakfast tacos
How good does this platter look? Folded tortillas hold a mix of fillings, including visible scrambled eggs, with shredded cheese piled along the sides.
Make breakfast tacos one of your food stops. You could order a couple of different fillings to try rather than committing to the same one twice.
return to the river after dark
I know the daytime river views are gorgeous, but this nighttime scene is another favorite. The boats glow red, green and blue beneath the bridge.
If seasonal lights are part of your wish list, check their dates before you travel. Otherwise, an evening walk is still a lovely way to see the riverside after sunset.
consider a sea lion program
That sea lion is quite the centerpiece! The bright turquoise pool and orange-trimmed backdrop make this a very different scene from the garden stops.
If a SeaWorld visit interests you, check its current sea lion programs. The interaction pictured shouldn’t be taken as something every ticket includes.
Follow staff guidance around the animals.
pause by a courtyard fountain
I love this courtyard with its glowing fountain and palms. The balconies and rows of illuminated arches are just as pretty as the water.
Look for a courtyard stop you can include during a museum visit or another planned outing. Check public access first rather than assuming every beautiful courtyard is open to wander into.
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look around historic storefronts
Don’t want every stop to be a big attraction? A walk past older storefronts is a lovely change.
This two-story building has white porch railings, a central staircase and red, white and blue bunting.
You could set aside time to browse the historic buildings and shops around La Villita. Let the smaller details be part of the outing too.
take a waterside break
Not every part of the day needs a ticket or a packed schedule. This shallow water feature has rows of little square blocks and seating along the edges.
Build in a plaza or park break between your bigger stops. If you’re visiting with children, check posted rules before treating a water feature as a play area.
plan a mission bike outing
A bike ride and a historic stop? That’s a lovely combination if you want a more active day.
A person straddles a bicycle in front of this weathered mission entrance, with two bells overhead.
Look into the Mission Reach trails and choose a route that suits you. Bring water and a helmet, then leave time to get off your bike and explore.
take a side trip to Gruene
Last but definitely not least, we have Gruene Hall with its white facade and water tower behind it. I love how simple that big lettering looks across the front.
This stop is in Gruene, part of New Braunfels, rather than San Antonio itself. Save it for a separate side trip and check the live-music calendar if you want to catch a performance.