Stand on the stone bridge at Alamo Plaza in the early morning and you can hear the city waking up around a former mission that has been at the centre of Texas history since 1718. A few blocks south, the San Antonio River drops a level below the streets and becomes the River Walk, where tour barges slide past restaurants and cypress trees.
San Antonio suits travellers who want their history and their evenings within walking distance of each other. The downtown core holds the Alamo, the River Walk and several museums, while the missions and the historic districts sit a short ride away.
This guide covers the sights and experiences the source material identifies as worth your time, followed by a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in San Antonio
1. The Alamo
The Alamo is a former mission and the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, and it is considered hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The site includes the mission itself plus monuments, informational placards and outbuildings, and ongoing excavation and expansion of exhibition space means there is already more than enough to see and learn on-site to fill a day if you choose.
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated, and revenue from the adjacent gift shop funds historic preservation. It is open daily from 9AM to 5:30PM, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and you can park at any of the pay lots in the area.
2. River Walk (Paseo del Rio)
The River Walk sits one level below the street level of San Antonio and is an excellent place to explore by day and party by night. The most popular and developed downtown loop winds below the streets bounded by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south, and St. Mary's to the west, with restaurants, shops and hotels lining both sides.
Guided barge tours run regularly by Rio San Antonio Cruises. Along many sections there is nothing between the edge of the sidewalk and the river, so be very careful with young children, baby strollers, wheelchairs and intoxicated persons.
3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Four Spanish frontier missions are preserved here: missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion. They were part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish southwest in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and together with four other missions around San Antonio they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The national park was established in 1978 and contains cultural sites along with some natural areas. The missions are about 2.5 miles (4 km) apart, so plan how you will move between them.
4. San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
SAMA holds four floors of permanent collections, from Antiquities to Asian to Contemporary Art, as well as changing exhibits. The source material calls it the one museum to explore in San Antonio if you can do only one.
You can bring your sketchpad or camera, though no flash and permanent collections only. Cafe SAMA serves only snacks. It is on the #7 Sightseer Special bus line, or reachable via buses along Broadway with a several-block walk. Free Tuesdays 4PM-9PM.
5. Tower of the Americas
The tallest structure in San Antonio, and one you can personally experience by riding an elevator to the revolving observation deck at 750 feet, where you will find a restaurant and a 4-D adventure ride. It stands at Hemisfair Plaza.
6. King William Historic Area
A 25-block area south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River, where prominent German merchants settled in the late 1800s, making it the most elegant residential area in the city. It is Texas' first Historic District.
Highlights include the mansions along King William St. from Beauregard St. to Guenther St., the Steves Homestead (1876) on King William St., and the Guenther House (1859) and Pioneer Flour Mills on Guenther St. It is accessible from Alamo Plaza via the Blue VIA Streetcar. If you arrive early in the month, try to catch First Friday, when booths sell everything from flowers to art to funnel cakes, usually with live music.
7. McNay Art Museum (The McNay)
A fine arts museum with exhibits, a library and a museum store. Free admission is offered on Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of the month, except for select exhibitions and special events.
8. San Antonio Botanical Gardens
A peaceful place to walk, with a Spring Children's Vegetable Garden Program in the spring. It is open daily 9AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
9. Briscoe Western Art Museum
Western lore and exhibits on Texas Independence, on the opposite side of the River Walk from La Villita. It opens Thu 10AM-8PM and Fri-Mon 10AM-5PM.
10. Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
A short two blocks from the Alamo and 50 feet (15 m) from the River Walk, which makes it easy to combine with either. It opens daily at 10AM, with closing time varying by season.
11. Casa Navarro State Historical Park
The homesite of Jose Antonio Navarro, a 19th-century Texas legislator under Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the U.S. The park is the site of Navarro's furnished house, first residence and store.
It is open Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM and Sun noon-5PM, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
12. San Antonio Zoological Gardens and Aquarium
The zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species on 56 acres (23 hectares), and it is open 365 days a year: 9AM-5PM from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and 9AM-6PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
13. Aztec on the River (Aztec Theatre)
A historic 1926 movie palace, meticulously restored in 2006, complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. It sits on the River Walk at the corner of E. Commerce and N. St. Mary's Streets.
14. The DoSeum
A vibrant museum for children, with exhibits that might also appeal to adults, plus groups, parties, events and hands-on learning play. It opens Mon-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri and Sat 9AM-6PM, and Sun noon-5PM.
15. Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Part of the Blue Star Arts Complex, this non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art center advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at The Alamo when it opens, giving yourself time for the mission, monuments and placards. Walk the short two blocks to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum if you want more before lunch.
Afternoon: Spend the middle of the day on the River Walk, taking a guided barge tour and stopping for lunch along the downtown loop. If you would rather have a museum afternoon, San Antonio Museum of Art is the one to choose, and it is free on Tuesdays from 4PM-9PM. Ride the elevator up the Tower of the Americas for the revolving observation deck.
Evening: Return to the River Walk, which is at its best for exploring by day and partying by night, and choose a restaurant on the loop. If you have energy left, the Aztec on the River sits right on the River Walk at E. Commerce and N. St. Mary's Streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Alamo free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated, and revenue from the adjacent gift shop funds historic preservation efforts.
When is The Alamo open?
Daily from 9AM to 5:30PM, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
How do I get between the missions in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park?
The missions are about 2.5 miles (4 km) apart, so plan your transport between them in advance.
When can I visit the San Antonio Museum of Art for free?
Free admission applies on Tuesdays from 4PM-9PM.
Decide which of these fits your days, check the opening times that apply to your dates, and start building your San Antonio itinerary.