31 San Antonio Travel Tips and Things To Do! {What You Can’t Afford to Miss}

Make your next trip to Texas amazing with these fun San Antonio Travel Tips that you can’t afford to miss!

Planning a trip to San Antonio??  Whether you want to visit the Alamo, the River Walk, or just want some really good Texas BBQ, don’t miss these San Antonio Travel Tips and Things to Do!

I absolutely loved my visit to San Antonio, Texas!  The sites are one-of-a-kind and the barbecue is out of this world!  Check out some of my favorite tips and more tips shared by your frugal friends…

Related: 22 Southwest Airlines Hacks! {Tips To Know Before You Fly}

San Antonio Travel Tips and Things to Do

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’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…

Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online

How to Visit San Antonio for Free!

How to Get Free Travel Gift Cards

Now keep reading for all the very best San Antonio travel tips and things to do shared by myself and your frugal friends…

Jennifer said:  “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.”

Amy said:  “Do the Riverwalk and the Alamo. The Emily Morgan Hotel is right across from the Alamo and your room can overlook the Alamo. Pretty awesome. 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.  :)”

My Tip: Take a walk along the Riverwalk at night and take in all the night life.  There are so many fun stores and restaurants to explore.

Emily Morgan Hotel as seen from the Alamo

Sibyl said: “River Walk, the Alamo, Sea World, and LOTS of good food.”

Tara said: “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.”

Sheri said:  “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.”

SeaWorld Tips: Did you know there is a SeaWorld in San Antonio?  Check out my tips before you head to SeaWorld…

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Claudia said: “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.  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!  Mi Tierra is a MUST and so is the Market Square!!”

Karen said:  “My family is all down there. A must hit is Panchos Mexican Buffet! YUMMY!!!”

Frugal San Antonio Travel Tip: Learn How to Travel for Free or Cheap to San Antonio! {Budget Travel Hacks}

Lauren said: “River Walk, the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, Buckhorn Saloon, La Margaritas, etc.”

Lindsay said: “Circle E Candles!  They are the best candles ever!  They are a short drive from San Antonio, Texas.”

My 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!

Tanja said:  “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 said:  “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.”

Texas Pride Barbecue

Sidney said: “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 said: “I’ve lived here for 10 years and I love this town.  In addition to things mentioned, add La Villita, New Braunfels, bbq, Big Lou’s Pizza (home of the 42 inch pizza and even a 62 inch!), and Paloma Blanca on Broadway.  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 said:  “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.”

My 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!

Holly said: “The Magic Time Machine!  This is my favorite place EVER!!! I have been going here since I was a little girl!  It is amazing!”

Donna said: “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.”

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  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

Nicole said: “If anyone has a child with special needs, go to Morgan’s Wonderland!”

Carol said: “The Wildlife Park blows any zoo away and is an awesome place to bring the kids! Magic time machine is a ton of fun.  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 said: “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 said: “We’re going to San Antonio Texas in a few weeks to visit the in-laws.  The Fiesta San Antonio looks like a blast.”

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Kristan said:  “I live here!!!  Have you ever been to the Alamo? It’s not huge, but if you’re a history fan, I guess it’ll do you some good.  Check out Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World, and the Majestic Theater to see who’s entertaining, whether it be the symphony, a comedian or Broadway Show.  Some great restaurant options are Rudy’s BBQ, ChaCha’s, Mamacita’s or ChaCho’s.  Also check out one of the many museums, and if you feel like heading up north, check out Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfels. There is also great shopping at the Tanger Outlet Malls in San Marcos.”

My Tip:  Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is one of my favorite spots to get barbecue where I live in Phoenix.  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

Lisa said:  “I was there for a title I conference, to present all the way from Alliance, Ohio.  Loved the Riverwalk and the Alamo, eating lunch and dinner at all the different delicious spots, and having nachos and salsa all the time.  I enjoyed staying at the Palace on the River Hilton! :)”

Mary said:  “Grew up there, 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. Food on the River Walk is so so and overpriced, but you have to do it at least once.  Another fun park for kids is Orsinger Park on Huebner.  The Arneson River Theater at La Villita for folklorico dancing or mariachi music. Dinner at La Fogata – eat outside!”

My 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 good desserts.

My Tip: Don’t forget to cash in your Swagbucks for Free Gas Cards, Free Hotels, and Free Airfare, too!

What To Pack for San Antonio:

Best Baby Travel Gear

Traveling with Baby?  Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials!  I’ve taken my babies on the long flights so many times and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

Suitcases

Now that you’ve read through all of these incredible San Antonio Travel Tips… are you ready to get packing for Texas?  Make sure you’ve got some good sturdy luggage with wheels to take along!  Fun and unique prints on luggage are always great, because it always seems like every suitcase at the airport or hotel is black, right?  Someone will be a lot less likely to walk off with your luggage when it’s got a unique color or print!

Large Travel Purse

Every great trip starts with a large purse, right?  I have one large purse I save just for trips, and it’s perfect for storing my Kindle, Maps, Snacks, and even my Camera!  I never leave on a trip without it, and am always grateful for that extra space!

Travel Pillow

Make sleeping on those long flights a whole lot easier when you pack a comfy travel pillow!

Don’t board your plane without these 11 Carry On Must Haves!  They’re a lifesaver on long flights!

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!