Make your next trip to Texas extra amazing with these fun San Antonio Travel Tips and Things To Do that you can’t afford to miss!
So are you planning a trip to San Antonio, Texas?
Whether you want to visit the Alamo, the River Walk, or your just want to indulge in some really good Texas style BBQ… don’t miss these San Antonio Travel Tips and Things to Do!
I absolutely loved my visit to San Antonio, Texas and I know you will too! From popular attractions to drool-worthy BBQ, and exciting tourist spots to hidden gems the locals love, I’ll show you everything to see and do in San Antonio… on a budget!
So skip the travel guide book, and check out these San Antonio trip ideas from locals and repeat visitors instead!
Related:
- How to Travel Free or Cheap! {20 Brilliant Budget Hacks}
San Antonio Travel Tips and Things to Do
When is Best Time to Visit San Antonio?
San Antonio gets sizzling hot in the Summer months, and with the high humidity it can feel a bit unbearable at times. If you’re able to swing it, I suggest visiting February – April, or October – December for the best weather and smallest crowds.
Amy writes: “If you go at Thanksgiving/Christmas time there is a HUGE tree lighting and a lighted boat parade on the River Walk that was pretty cool. :)”
Lisa writes: “We went at Thanksgiving (again) because on Friday after Thanksgiving they have their Christmas parade on the river. The tour boats are all decorated! It fabulous!”
Melinda writes: “Do not go in January! They drain and clean the river walk area.”
Janet writes: “I live 20 min from SA. There’s tons to do. Visiting during April? We have Fiesta (2wk celebration) with a night parade.”
Where to Stay in San Antonio:
Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation? It’s so much easier than you think! Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…
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Krystal writes: “The La Quinta Inn on Market Square is a nice hotel to stay at.”
Donna writes: “We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott.”
Lisa writes: “Stay at La Cantera Resort if you want to get away from lots of people and relax.”
Lisa writes: “Stay downtown if you can because you can walk to the Riverwalk, the Alamo and there are lots of great places to eat!”
Kristina writes: “We stayed at the Menger Hotel. It’s right by the Alamo.”
Lisa writes: “I enjoyed staying at the Palace on the River Hilton!”
Laura writes: “Stay on the Riverwalk. We stayed at the Hyatt for a work trip and loved it!!”
Bridget writes: “We stay at the Drury Plaza. It’s centrally located on the riverwalk. Plus, we love the continental breakfast and kick-back happy hour the offer. Perfect way to save a few bucks on dining.”
Jeri writes: “Drury plaza on the Riverwalk. It’s in an old bank with a huge vault. Huge free happy hour. Roof top pool. Right on the Riverwalk.”
Krisy writes: “Stay at the Omni La Mansion del Rio on the Riverwalk.”
Kristin writes: “Was just there. Stayed at Gibbs Hotel. Great location and breakfast buffet every morning.”
Amy writes: “The Emily Morgan Hotel is right across from the Alamo and your room can overlook the Alamo. Pretty awesome.”
{Emily Morgan Hotel pictured above, as seen from the Alamo}
In addition to hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to San Antonio. They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner. I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one. Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen. One even had in-room laundry!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
The Best Things To Do In San Antonio:
Jennifer writes: “The River Walk, you have to go to the River Walk and of course the Alamo. I used to go all the time when I was a kid and it looked huge, but as an adult, you look and think, wow, this is small. I’m from Texas and would recommend everyone visit the Alamo and the River Walk at least once.”
Deb writes: “The history of Texas shown on San Fernando cathedral with lasers is fun! Other things around the city are visiting the SAS factory with the old fashioned store and great prices on shoes/purses! We always stop in to the James Avery jewelry stores to check out new charms. And we always pop into The Alamo for some history lessons! The missions are very interesting – you can drive or ride a bike down a special marked path between them.”
Fun Tip: Take a walk along the Riverwalk at night and take in all of the night life. There are so many fun stores and restaurants to explore!
Donna writes: “We went to the Riverwalk, the Alamo, the Mexican Market, the Zoo, and the Japanese garden.”
Hayley writes: “We loved the Riverwalk – the boat tour is worth it!”
Sheri writes: “Here are a few San Antonio Things to Do! If you have kids do Sea World, Six Flags, Morgan’s Wonderland (great for people of all abilities), San Antonio Zoo. If you like history go to the Alamo and all the other missions. The Natural Bridge Caverns, the River Walk (got to take the boat tour), HemisFair Park and La Villita if you want touristy things. Museums include The Children’s Museum, The Witte Museum (has a big tree house with science activities geared toward kids), McNay Art Museum, San Antonio Art Museum. I could go on! If you are into sports, there’s the Spurs (of course), but there also baseball, AHL Hockey, WNBA during the summer, Arena Football, and a new professional soccer team beginning in April.”
Tara writes: “Kids Magik Theatre and Traders Village. I can see Sea World from my house, love it, plus they are opening a Water Park there opening in May.”
SeaWorld Tips: Did you know there is a SeaWorld in San Antonio? Check out my tips before you head to SeaWorld…
SeaWorld Top Attractions – Top 10 Tips
Christine writes: “It is free to walk the river walk. If the city is hot, it is a great temperature break.”
Claudia writes: “I’m from San Antonio Texas, too! All my family lives there! And I can’t wait to move back! The Riverwalk is a must, so is the Alamo and the Market Square!! There is Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Children’s Museum, the zoo and botanical gardens, The Missions, The Aztec Theatre, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is awesome, too!”
Lauren writes: “Tower of the Americas”
Glenda writes: “Take a carriage ride. The drivers are so knowledgeable and fun. Really worth it.”
Kristin writes: “Visit Buckhorn Saloon and museum. Take a riverboat cruise at night.”
Deb writes: “Check out the Menger Hotel located next to the Alamo! It’s where Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders! Their Sunday brunch is awesome. Cute gift shops inside too. Casa Rio is a must stop! It is the original Riverwalk restaurant! You can’t miss it with the colorful umbrellas to sit under while dining and watching the boats float down the river. During Spring/Summer nights a few times a week there is the story of San Antonio cast upon San Fernando cathedral – very interesting! Another favorite restaurant is Alamo Cafe located off hwy 281 (San Pedro). Sit on the patio and enjoy the fresh hot flour tortillas with your meal and margarita pie for dessert!”
Nicole writes: “Riverwalk (take a boat tour too), Alamo, visit the Missions (and watch the informational videos before you walk around) on the trail.”
Lindsay writes: “Circle E Candles! They are the best candles ever! They are a short drive from San Antonio, Texas.”
Julianne writes: “Walking through the King William District were highlights for us.”
Jeri writes: “Tour Alamo, and all 5 of the Missions, and the historic Menger Hotel by the Alamo.”
Tanja writes: “Come on down to Texas! I love the River Walk. The Pearl Brewery has a Farmers Market every Saturday. Tower of the Americas, The Japanese Tea Garden, The Alamo, The Missions, Fiesta Texas, Sea World, The Witte Museum, HemisFair Park! We love taking our guests on the River Walk Cruise. We love it here.”
Blanca writes: “I came here on a vacation and ended up moving here…lol. We have got Six Flags, Sea World, the Witte Musuem, The Museo Alameda, River Walk, San Antonio Zoo, San Jose Missions,…of course awesome food everywhere in all price ranges. If you come in late April, be sure to catch all the Fiesta activities… or if you come in mid February, check out the San Antonio Rodeo.”
Sidney writes: “San Antonio, Texas is a beautiful old city. Don’t miss the Mission Trail Tour. La Villita is a great place to see the work of local artisans. And take the river walk boat tour. You see things from the boat that are hard to get to any other way. The free trolleys are pretty handy, too. It’s one of my favorite towns in Texas. Don’t go in the heat of the summer, though. It’s too hot and humid.”
Jeff writes: “I’ve lived here for 10 years and I love this town. In addition to things mentioned, add La Villita, New Braunfels. You have to visit the Missions National Park where San Antonio’s “other” missions are. See the Alamo for sure, but go to Mission San Jose to get a better idea of what the mission life was all about.”
Tina writes: “San Antonio Things to Do? I am from SA. So many things to do! Check out the Botanical Gardens, the Art Museum, and especially the Mission Trails.”
Megan writes: “Do the Mission Trail! The Alamo, obviously, gets the most attention, but was actually our least favorite mission. Many are still set up/ walled off to show what living there was actually like. It was the part of SA I really wanted to do, and I dragged my kids claiming “homeschool field trip,” but they really liked it.”
Frugal Tip: After you visit the Alamo, try to visit all of the other 4 San Antonio Missions: Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Concepcion, and Mission Espada. They are relatively close to each other and I loved how they were all so well preserved in their original state. You can still see the original paintings on the walls. What a beautiful and peaceful places to spend some time! Plus, they’re all FREE to visit!
Mission San Jose
Mission San Juan
Mission Concepcion
Mission Espada
Nicole writes: “If anyone has a child with special needs, go to Morgan’s Wonderland!”
Carol writes: “The Wildlife Park blows any zoo away and is an awesome place to bring the kids! If you go to the San Antonio Zoo, which I also recommend, purchase the nectar for the oversize birdcage that you can walk in. Birds will land on you to get a drink. Very cool!”
Irene writes: “I live in Houston and we go to SA at least twice a year! We Love it there! The Wildlife Ranch is Safari style, you can feed the animals as they come up to your car!! The caves are awesome too!!”
Anita writes: “We’re going to San Antonio Texas in a few weeks to visit the in-laws. The Fiesta San Antonio looks like a blast.”
Score Discount Tickets: Get up to 55% off the top places you already plan to go with a Go San Antonio Card. You can score discount tickets for a River Cruise, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Museums and more.
Janet writes: “Chicken n Pickle is a great place for families.”
Lisa writes: “I loved the Riverwalk and the Alamo, eating lunch and dinner at all the different delicious spots, and having nachos and salsa all the time. :)”
Mary writes: “I grew up there, and still visit often. Morgan’s Wonderland – a great amusement park for kids of all abilities. The San Antonio Zoo and the train at Brakenridge Park are great fun. The Children’s Museum downtown is a blast. Another fun park for kids is Orsinger Park on Huebner. The Arneson River Theater at La Villita for folklorico dancing or mariachi music.”
Stacy writes: “In addition to other mentioned places. I recommend SAS factory Outlet.”
Dianna writes: “The RIM is where everything is now, tons of food, shopping etc”
Vikki writes: “Check out the surrounding areas too! Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, New Braunfels… really cool places too!”
Lisa writes: “Check out the Twig Bookstore, and go into Boerne!”
Joie writes: “The Japanese Tea Garden is downtown by the San Antonio Zoo and it’s FREE & BEAUTIFUL! The Pearl District in historic downtown is the cutest place to shop and eat. But New Braunfels is where it’s at for River life and laid back vibes. If you’ve come this far, you’ve got to visit Gruene Hall and eat at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. This cute town will NOT disappoint! It provides all the Texas feels you thought you’d fine in San Antonio. 🙂 New Braunfels also has so many one of a kind things to do and see… here are a few to check out: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Natural Bridge Cavers, Stars & Stripes Drive-In, Buttermilk Cafe, and Schlitterbahn Waterparks. Boerne is also a super cute / fun town where kids can fish on the river while mamas shop!”
Where to Eat in San Antonio TX:
Jeri writes: “Eat at the Magnolia Pancake Haus for breakfast.”
Julianne writes: “Have breakfast at the Guenther House”
Jeanette writes: “I’m from San Antonio, if you want good Mexican food with the tourist feel Mi Terra is great, it has a great bakery in the restaurant where you can find delicious Mexican pastries. If you want great bbq 2M BBQ is a must, the pit master was on the food network’s bbq competition.”
Bridget writes: “Mi Tierra is very good. Get there early or prepare yourself for a long much worth it wait.”
Tasty Tip: If you have made it all the way to San Antonio, do yourself a huge favor and experience some really good barbecue at Texas Pride Barbecue. This is truly a unique experience, from the meat cutters, to the antiques at this renovated old gas station. There was even a covered spot where all the Harley’s could park. It felt like I was at a theme park dedicated to Texas style Barbecue!
Texas Pride Barbecue
Jeff writes: “Try Big Lou’s Pizza (home of the 42 inch pizza and even a 62 inch!), and Paloma Blanca on Broadway. ”
Sierra writes: “Eat on the river at Casa Del Rio.”
Deb writes: “Our 1st/last stop is always Alamo Cafe with fresh flour tortillas coming off the grill! The Menger hotel is nice and full of history (where Roosevelt gathered his Rough Riders) and has a great Sunday brunch. We enjoy Casa Rio, sitting outside watching people while we sip margaritas and eat chips/salsa!”
Mary writes: “Food on the River Walk is so so overpriced, but you have to do it at least once.”
Kristan writes: “Some great restaurant options are Rudy’s BBQ, ChaCha’s, Mamacita’s or ChaCho’s.”
Tasty Tip: Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is one of my favorite spots to get barbecue! It opened it’s first restaurant in the San Antonio neighborhood of Leon Springs. I recommend getting your Brisket moist with extra bark! Then finish off your meal with some Creamed Corn and Banana Pudding… YUM!
Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
Mary writes: “Have dinner at La Fogata – eat outside!”
Stacy writes: “Try Gunther House and Shilo’s Deli.”
Karen writes: “My family is all down there. A must hit is Panchos Mexican Buffet! YUMMY!!!”
Donna writes: “Have dinner at Stouts Pizza”
Tasty Tip: We loved the barbecue at the Bun ‘N Barrel Restaurant. It was a fun combination of old 50’s style diner and barbecue. They also served up some really delicious desserts!
Bun ‘n Barrel
Joie writes: “I love eating at Dodging Duck Brewhaus and Longhorn Cafe. Blackrifle Coffee Company is also there.”
Mona writes: “One of my favorite cities to visit, and the food…if we hadn’t walked as much as we did I would have gained a 100 pounds on all the yummy food! The River Walk is my favorite place to walk, chill, have some drinks and more to eat!”
Donna writes: “My kids love the restaurant named The Magic Time Machine. You might get served by a Ninja Turtle, Mad Hatter, Alice or tons of other characters in an interesting setting.”
Holly writes: “The Magic Time Machine! This is my favorite place EVER!!! I have been going here since I was a little girl! It is amazing!”
Kyla writes: “Try Dee’s Tip Top Cafe for the chicken fried steak. El Chaparral in Helotes. Their bean soup is so good. The food is good in San Antonio. We lived there for 4 years. (And 40 lbs+)” 🙂
Cindy writes: “If you dont mind driving a half hour away to a small nice town of Cibilo there is a little BBQ joint called Harmons. It is the best I have ever eaten.”
Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”
How to Score Free Coffee at Starbucks in San Antonio! With so many things to do and explore all over town… you just might be needing a caffeine fix and a snack! There are so many Starbucks locations all around San Antonio, so check this out…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
Lauren writes: “Try La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar.”
Lisa writes: “In the Pioneer Flour Mill District, eat breakfast or lunch at the Guenther House. Have coffee at Bakery Lorraine at the Pearl.”
Donna writes: “Born and raised here. On the river, Boudros, Bigas on the Banks, and Shilohs for breakfast are good. Soluna in Alamo Heights is good.”
How to Visit San Antonio on a Budget:
So You’re Planning a Trip to San Antonio? To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘San Antonio Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
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How to Get Cheap Flights to San Antonio:
Wondering how to get cheap flights? My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare! I’ve scored so many free flights this way! Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards? Here’s what you need to do…
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What To Pack for San Antonio:
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Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!
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So… do YOU have some fun San Antonio Travel Tips?
What are some of your favorite places to eat and San Antonio things to do?
Leave a comment & share!
Srishti Verma says
Wonderful Photography, San Antonio river walk is one of the most beautiful place to visit in Texas. When i was 14 years old, I visited the place and the beautiful area was just amazing. It is recommended travel place to visit in Texas, It has again memorize my childhood pictures. Subscribed your blog for updates.
Heidi says
That sounds like an amazing trip, and wonderful memories! The San Antonio River Walk really is such a gorgeous spot!
Rehana says
Looks like an awesome place to visit.
Jacinta says
We are heading to Texas in March and this post was INCREDIBLY helpful! Thank you for all the great tips and places to visit and see.
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Jacinta! Have FUN on your trip!!
Claudia says
I’m from San Antonio too! All my family lives there! And I can’t wait to move back! [Currently living in Florida 🙁 ] The Riverwalk is a must, so it the Alamo. There is Ripley’s Believe it or Not, The Children’s Museum, the zoo and botanical gardens, The Missions, The Aztec Theatre, Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels is awesome too!
Claudia says
Oh completely forgot, Mi Tierra is a MUST and so is the Market Square!!
lynda says
i had a job offer but the apt were so high over $100.00 sq ft & apt mgr guy told me I could not afford San Antonio on single person budget of 13.00 hr can someone tell me if that is true or not?
Lisa @ A Little Slice of Life says
This week is Fiesta so there are parties everywhere. Fiesta is by far the best time to come to San Antonio. You get to experience all sorts of food, parades, carnival, bike rides and more.