Location: San Antonio
Top Things to do in San Antonio
Top 10 Things to do in San Antonio, United States
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. River Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
The Paseo del Rio is San Antonio's favorite attraction. You can shop, dine, lounge in a cafe, or simply stroll along and let the strumming mariachi soothe your spirit.
Reviewed By oldfindog - Brandon, Canada
absolutely beautiful site to enjoy fabulous texas hospitality !! really something for everyone from singles to families and everyone in between. take the cruise learn the history or just wine and dine !
2. The Alamo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 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 dmkm53 - Columbus, Ohio
I had heard this wasn't the best spot to visit Well, the 6 of us thought it was wonderful Going into the exhibit and seeing all the exhibits available was moving. The missions of San Antonio are a must see
3. The Magicians Agency
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
MA.6.1.c stands for ; Magicians Agency,61st chapter. The Magicians Agency is a secret organization founded and operated by magicians. They use their unique abilities and skills to take on dangerous missions and make the world a safer place! Witness incredible award winning magic, mind blowing illusions, hilarious comedy, audience participation, daring escapes and baffling sleight of hand.
Reviewed By Ian B - Oxford, United Kingdom
We went and watched the magic act with our 4 children whilst on holiday. The venue and entertainment was brilliant. I would recommend you make time to see the show.
It was also nice to see the lead magician was an English man.... who still has an English accent and makes time to talk to every guest.
4. San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This cathedral was built in 1873 to replace the original founded more than one hundred years earlier.
Reviewed By Jeff R - Marion, Iowa
We enjoyed the remarkable laser light show that is displayed against the front of the cathedral in the evenings (we were there on a Sunday night - I believe the show is every couple of nights, at 9, 9:30 and 10.
It is an artist's depiction of the history of the area, from prehistoric times through to today. An amazing visual and audio presentation.
It did not seem to be very-well advertised. I saw one reference to it (on Trip Advisor?) and ended up asking about it at the hotel. We got there early and had great seats (seating is limited, but there is a lot of open ground in the plaza in front of the cathedral. Easily worththe 10 minute walk from our hotel and you can't beat the price of admission - it's free!
5. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Historical area that stretches nine miles and contains four important 18th-century missions.
Reviewed By JWYColorado - Colorado, USA
A treasure of a saved heritage. There are five Spanish missions in San Antonio: one is the Alamo, (Mission San de Valero), the other four--Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada--constitute the San Antonio Missions National Park. Built by Franciscan friars beginning in 1718, they form the largest cluster of Spanish missions in the U.S. All are walkable, viewable at your own pace. Lots of outside room for kids to run and stretch in; a middle school group was there when I visited, and most seemed fascinated by how the buildings were constructed and shaped.
Can't say enough about the beauty of these buildings. If I were Catholic, I'd be even more moved, being in these structures, which still serve as active church communities.
6. Mission San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 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 CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
Mission San Jose' is part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (see separate Tripadvisor listing). This was the largest mission in the area and is the location of the park visitor center, where you can find informative multi-media exhibits about the history of the Spanish missions and a small shop selling books and souvenirs (open 9am-5pm, free admission). You can explore the grounds on your own or take a free 45-minute guided tour (usually at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm). Note that Catholic services are still held at the church on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. We enjoyed strolling the beautiful, sacred grounds and learning about the community that lived here in the 1700s. We visited on a Monday morning and it was quite peaceful. We left our vehicle parked at the visitor center and walked south on the paved Mission Reach section of the Riverwalk Trail to Mission San Juan Capistrano (3 miles one-way). Maps are available at the visitor center. You can also rent bicycles at self-service bike share stations located at the visitor center and nearby Padre Park (6030 Padre Dr.). The visitor center and walkways around Mission San Jose are wheelchair accessible. The Riverwalk is concrete but there are some hills so wheelchair users may require assistance.
7. Morgan's Wonderland
Overall Ratings
5 based on 312 reviews
Reviewed By Ellen F - New York City, New York
Morgan's is one of the best ideas and parks I've experienced. The planning and care is so detailed and fun. It's like walking through a wonderful story. The Monarch School is very impressive too. I wish they had parks like this in every state.
8. Majestic Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Built in 1929, this movie theater is beautifully ornate, featuring a domed ceiling painted with stars and clouds.
Reviewed By maggiet0813 - Katy, Texas
Extremely ornate and old fashion Theatre. Seats are all good. They sell beverage and goodies. Not fully handicapped accessible as far as I can tell. There is a parking garage available 2 buildings down but it gets crowded at exit time. Bathroom on 2 floor only has 5 stalls.
9. Mission Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 708 reviews
A pedestrian route that starts at the Alamo and winds nine miles along the San Antonio River passing four other historical missions.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
We visited the San Antonio Missions Historical Park and walked on the section of the Mission Riverwalk Hike and Bike Trail between Mission San Jose' and Mission San Juan Capistrano (about 3 miles one-way). The trail goes about 10 miles between all 4 missions in the park. It follows the riverbank and is wide and paved; suitable for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. There are some hills so wheelchair users may appreciate some assistance. The scenery is nice; there was some public art and we enjoyed watching the waterfowl. We passed through some parks along the way (Padre Park, Acequia Park, Espada Park) where there were parking lots, restrooms, and picnic tables. There are also self-service bike rental stations at these parks and at the missions. This area is much less congested than downtown around The Alamo.
In addition to the Riverwalk, there's an on-street route between the missions for cars and bikes called San Antonio Historic Mission Trails. It mostly follows Mission Road and Mission Parkway, and the route is marked by distinctive vintage-looking green light posts that are curved like a candy cane, plus decorative brick curb edging.
There are maps and a trip planner for these routes and trails available online at the website for San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, or inquire at a visitor center or tourist information site.
10. San Antonio Fire Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Bob-a-Link - Fort Worth
Loved the well kept fire equipment, interesting paraphernalia, and the fun videos of firefighters. Cute picture opportunities with stand-up cut-outs around the museum. Great tours offered by retired firefighters and others. Neat souvenirs available at good prices. Entrance prices are also very reasonable. Short to walk from the Alamo and the downtown area. Easy and reasonably priced parking at City lot two blocks away under freeway.
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