Location: San Antonio
Top Things to do in San Antonio
10 Historic Sites in San Antonio That You Shouldn't Miss
Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.
Restaurants in San Antonio
1. Hermann Sons Hall W Rathskeller Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Rewstercrows
Best kept secret in downtown San Antonio! located right behind La Villita and perfectly nestled along the riverwalk. this Bar has the perfect vibe for a social Gathering or a quiet beer with a friend. Beer and wine only, but no worries since it's always cold and cheap! be sure to ask about the history behind the building and the Hermann Sons Organization.
2. The Alamo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,155 reviews
Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, for over 300 years the former mission now known as the Alamo has been a crossroads of history. Having existed under six flags of independent nations and served as a garrison for five different armies, the Alamo has a rich history and a heritage to inspire Texans and people around the world. Although the Alamo is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, all 300 years of Alamo history are vital to our story. Visitors can take a guided battlefield tour, rent a self-guided audio tour, walk through the historic Alamo Church and Long Barrack Museum, listen to a history talk given by an Alamo Interpreter, participate in living history demonstrations, watch a documentary on the history of the Alamo, and much more. Admission to the Alamo is free, but there is a charge for guided and audio tours.
Reviewed By 532stephena - Las Vegas, United States
The Alamo is to Texans what Washington D.C. is to Americans, a historical landmark that definitely deserves a look see. There are several great exhibits, beautifully landscaped grounds, a great little gift shop, and all within walking distance of other attractions such as the River Walk and the Hemisphere grounds and tower. This is where Texas history began!
3. King William Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Settled by wealthy German merchants in the late 1800s, San Antonio's first suburb consists of 25 blocks of historic mansions set amid lovely landscaping.
Reviewed By mouchtd - Cincinnati, United States
stumbled across this area while walking from the riverwalk to The Guenther House what an awesome collection of historic home a must see
4. Mission San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,402 reviews
Founded in 1720, this Spanish frontier mission, the largest of the five San Antonio missions, is best known for its rose window. On Sundays, this Texas and U.S. National historic site offers a mariachi mass.
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
Of all the Missions in San Antonio, this is the largest, most detailed, and most intact grounds. This mission yard allows you to see what a fully developed mission looked like to provide a community, safety and place to congregate for worship. Here the entire courtyard is in tact and you can see how people lived in the mission walls. You also see a beautiful and large church that has a rose window and incredible carves and details around its entrance. It does of the ruins of the Indian quarters attached to the church and only one bell tower. However, aside from these small imperfections, San Jose is an incredible Mission and now sits in the center of residential neighborhood. Still the site is well preserved and has the protection from the National Parks system. For me the Missions are the number one attraction in San Antonio and San Jose is the best, number one, Queen of the Missions.
5. Steves Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Take the docent-led tour of this Victorian mansion for a reconstructed take on the lifestyle of rich and famous San Antonio personalities in the late 1800s.
Reviewed By DaveJ708 - Texarkana, United States
The home is magnificent and the tour is well worth it to really appreciate the life of wealthy Germans in San Antonio of the 19th century. The tours are intimate (just my wife and I with the guide) and allow for questions and conversation. I suggest the self guided walking tours of the King William district with this house tour and an inexpensive lunch at the Gunter House.
6. The Guenther House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Majestic home belonging to the founders of the Pioneer Flour Mill.
Reviewed By TiaJK - Dallas, United States
This is an absolutely fabulous place for brunch. But be warned lots of other people know this! So plan to take the tour of the grounds and the house and do some shopping in their great little shop- but the wait is worth it! You can also take some fantastic photos while you wait- as the grounds are along the River and breathtaking!
7. Casa Navarro State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Come explore the 1830s-1850s renovated adobe homestead and history of Texas hero, José Antonio Navarro. Interact with multi-sensory exhibits and browse through our visitor center and museum store. Schedule your tour group or special event and take a moment to relax in our urban garden oasis.
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
This historic site documents the life and home of Jose Antonio Navarro, who was a prominent 19th century political figure in San Antonio. The displays are easy to read, with lots of interesting facts. A history of the house itself is also on view, which documents the changing neighborhood. Worth a visit!
8. Monte Vista
9. Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By ElvisAndrus - Arlington, United States
and very good for everyone else. Something like 7500 artifacts in the house with each one being what would be the prized possession of any individual. Many quirky and fun (ten silver cow cream dispensers) some impressive (one of twelve death masks made of Napoleon Bonaparte) and others plain beautiful.) There is a good history of the house and the docent was ready to provide her best answer for every question. Best to plan your day around one of the guided tours as without that, you do not get to see the entire house.
10. Pearl Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Pearl has a rich history dating back to 1883. Today Pearl is home to unforgettable cuisine, rich history, curious articles, and all the charm of South Texas. When you visit Pearl, we’d bet you won’t ever walk the same path twice. With apartments and lofts, fifteen restaurants and cafes, thirteen retailers and eighteen resident businesses as well as a twice weekly Farmers Market, this neighborhood is always full of life and activity. From culture to cuisine, we hope you explore to your heart’s content.
Reviewed By marrium1 - San Antonio, United States
i am really surprised that how come this place do not often shows up as a best tourist spot when it comes to pen down the San Antonio tourist attractions . Pearl , Pearl Brewery "now EMMA HOTEL " Pearl Farmers Market are literally the most Beautiful interesting places at one spot Emma hotel at this spot is so fascinating as it was a brewery before and the architect didn't kill its origin ,its beautifully blended .its a must see thing they have different shops and cafes around and every now and then they hold different events in the open area of the attraction .I always take my visitors to this place and all of them loved it .
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