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Planning a day journey in San Antonio, Texas? Right here’s my information to the most effective issues to do and excursions to take!
First up, I’ve to say that sooner or later in San Antonio isn’t actually sufficient! That is the USA’s seventh-largest metropolis: a sprawling metropolis that’s full of unbelievable sights.
It’s additionally a metropolis wealthy with historical past, heritage, and tradition. That is the house of the Alamo, a sight of significant significance in Texas’ historical past, and a UNESCO Metropolis of Gastronomy.
From the tranquil downtown River Stroll and the stunning variety of city inexperienced areas that dot the town, to fabulous theme parks for enjoyable days out and museums that deliver historical past to life… there’s simply a lot to see and do.
However in case you solely have time for a day journey to San Antonio, you may nonetheless pack in loads of the town’s high sights.
You received’t be capable of do all the pieces in a day, sadly! So within the submit under, I’ve tried to stay to the most important sights. I’ve left issues like Legoland, Six Flags, and San Antonio Zoo off the record, as they really want a full day all to themselves.
Right here’s my information to all the pieces you can’t miss on a San Antonio day journey. Blissful travels…
READ MORE: Causes to Go to San Antonio
San Antonio in a Day: The Quicklist
Don’t wish to organise all the pieces your self? E-book this San Antonio day journey from Austin and let another person make all of the plans! The 7-hour tour contains visits to a few of the town’s high sights. Click on right here to verify costs and availability.
Should you’re tremendous quick on time and solely wish to see the town’s main sights, under is a fast record of the highest, must-see locations in San Antonio. I’ll go into extra element on all of them within the subsequent part.
- Go to the Alamo.
- Discover the River Stroll and take a cruise. When you’ve got time, don’t miss La Villita Historic Village whilst you’re there.
- Take in the views from the highest of the Hemisfair Tower.
- Head to at least one or two of the town’s many museums: the Witte Museum for pure and cultural historical past; the Buckhorn Saloon & Museums for cowboy tradition and Texas Ranger historical past; or the Briscoe Western Artwork Museum.
12 Issues to Do on a Day Journey in San Antonio
High Tip: Should you plan on visiting a number of of those San Antonio in sooner or later, I like to recommend grabbing the San Antonio CityPASS® – which might prevent as much as 35%. Extra data on the backside of this submit.
1. Uncover Texas Historical past at The Alamo
Most likely San Antonio’s most well-known attraction, and one that really encapsulates the town’s spirit, is The Alamo.
Put together to be transported again in time at this tiny mission church. Established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, the mission was the setting for an iconic battle within the Texas Revolution, by which Texians and native Tejanos fought for independence from Mexico.
The Alamo is seen as a testomony to the unwavering willpower of these revolutionaries who dreamt of independence from Mexico. The notorious Battle of the Alamo – a gripping conflict that unfolded from 23 February to six March 1836 – left an indelible mark on the panorama of the Texas Revolution.
Although the defenders in the end fell, their bravery ignited a flame of inspiration that will in the end result in victory for the Texian Military and the start of a brand new nation. Independence was declared in April 1836, and Texas later joined the USA in 1845.
Don’t miss the wonderful museum nestled inside the grounds. Right here, you may delve deeper into the compelling narrative of the Alamo – particularly useful if US historical past isn’t your sturdy swimsuit. There’s a fascinating assortment of artefacts and paperwork which deliver the tales of the battle and the revolutionary fighters to life.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Small Group Tour with Alamo, Tower & River Cruise
2. Uncover Eating places and Public Artwork Alongside the River Stroll
Flowing proper via the town centre, the serene San Antonio River units the tempo of life for the downtown space. And that tempo is splendidly relaxed!
The river is ready down a degree from the town streets, so it feels fairly lower off from the town centre. Tree-shaded pedestrian paths run alongside both facet, linked right here and there by small bridges, to create the tranquil San Antonio River Stroll. A lot of that is additionally lined with eating places and bars, offering loads of al fresco ingesting and eating.
Don’t miss the River Stroll Public Artwork Backyard – a set of out of doors artworks by native and worldwide artists. The centrepiece is the 16-foot “Stargazer (Citlali)” sculpture by Mexican artist Pedro Reyes which towers over the river.
3. Take a Cruise on the San Antonio River
To actually recognize San Antonio’s downtown river community, I extremely suggest you take one of many Go Rio river cruises. These are 30-minute narrated cruises across the central a part of the River Stroll.
It’s a good way to see loads of the town centre in a short while. Your information will share a brief overview of native historical past and level out among the most important sights. They might additionally share some private suggestions for locations to eat and drink! It’s an awesome introduction, so I’d suggest beginning your day journey in San Antonio with one in every of these fab cruises.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: River Boat Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Go
4. Take in the Views from the Tower of the Americas
Probably the most iconic sights in San Antonio is the Tower of the Americas (also referred to as the Hemisfair Tower). At 750 ft (230 m) excessive together with the antenna spire, it’s the tallest construction in San Antonio. It’s additionally the second-tallest statement tower within the USA and the third-tallest within the Western Hemisphere!
The tower was constructed for HemisFair ’68, the San Antonio World’s Truthful in 1968. Towering over the town centre, the views from the statement deck are fairly sensational. San Antonio is a reasonably flat and sprawling metropolis – so you actually can see for miles round!
Hungry? Dine while you benefit from the views from the Tower’s revolving Chart Home Restaurant. There’s additionally the Tower Café positioned on the Remark Deck, and Bar 601 close to the very high of the tower.
5. Discover San Antonio on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
The Metropolis Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is IDEAL in case you solely have sooner or later in San Antonio. Take an open-top bus tour of the town centre, with a operating commentary to level out the most important sights and share native historical past.
There’s one route in San Antonio, with 19 stops at among the metropolis’s high sights. A 24-hour move begins from $54.11pp, and you’ll hop on and off as usually as you want. Or, you may trip the entire thing in a single go to hearken to the commentary in full, then work out which sights you’d like to return to.
I’ve performed Metropolis Sightseeing bus excursions in cities everywhere in the world, from Barcelona to Cartagena, and at all times had a fab expertise!
6. Eat your Approach Across the Metropolis of Artistic Gastronomy
In 2017, San Antonio was designated a UNESCO Artistic Metropolis of Gastronomy in recognition of the town’s wealthy gastronomic heritage and its thriving culinary business.
Town is a real melting pot. Almost two-thirds of San Antonians are Hispanic or Latino, and 75% of the town’s inhabitants is made up of individuals of color. Cultural and culinary influences come from the area’s indigenous peoples, the Spanish colonists of the 1700s, European settlers within the 1800s, and African slaves, in addition to extra fashionable immigrants.
The result’s a singular fusion of flavours, traditions, and culinary methods. Tex-Mex, Asian, German, Czechoslovakian, Tejano… you’ll discover all kinds right here. And also you’ll shortly be taught that meals is a BIG deal in San Antonio!
Town takes its UNESCO standing significantly. Try SA Metropolis of Gastronomy for culinary trails, occasions, festivals, and extra. And be sure you take a while out of your day in San Antonio to understand some actually good meals!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Historic Downtown Meals and Tradition Strolling Tour – from $44
7. Store for Native Crafts at La Villita Historic Village
Top-of-the-line locations to expertise the melting pot of artwork, tradition, and meals that’s San Antonio is the quaint, riverside La Villita Historic Arts Village.
That is a small Artisan Village close to the River Stroll. It’s a tranquil, leafy neighbourhood full of boutique retailers, artwork studios, eating places, and bars.
Throughout the boutiques and galleries, you may discover the works of over 200 native artisans. Jewelry, trend, portray, magnificence merchandise, pottery, and extra – all housed inside the historic buildings of San Antonio’s “First Village”.
La Villita’s roots return to the 18th century, when it was a easy settlement of adobe huts. Within the nineteenth century, European immigrants moved into the neighbourhood, ensuing within the wealthy number of architectural kinds we are able to nonetheless see at this time.
8. Indulge your Interior Cowboy on the Buckhorn Saloon & Museums
Consider Texas, and it’s exhausting not to consider cowboys! And San Antonio has its justifiable share of cowboy tradition.
Town is residence to the oldest operating saloon in Texas– the Buckhorn Saloon – the place Pancho Villa is alleged to have deliberate the Mexican Revolution. It’s a significantly atmospheric house, with partitions coated in antlers and an unlimited cherry wooden bar the place you may attempt a neighborhood beer – or maybe a prickly pear margarita, the native speciality.
The Buckhorn Saloon can be residence to 2 museums. Upstairs, the Buckhorn Museum is a large assortment of taxidermy animals from world wide. Apparently, the gathering began when the saloon’s founder determined to just accept horns and antlers as fee for drinks.
Downstairs, the Texas Ranger Museum is one other must-visit. Devoted to over 100 years of Ranger historical past, this good exhibit offers a unbelievable perception into life on the Frontier. There are some GREAT picture ops for cowboy fanatics!
9. Delve into Cowboy Tradition on the Briscoe Western Artwork Museum
Talking of cowboy tradition – don’t miss the close by Briscoe Western Artwork Museum.
I’d by no means actually heard of Western Artwork earlier than visiting this unbelievable museum in downtown San Antonio – however I used to be an on the spot fan! There’s an enormous assortment of sculptures and work capturing the attractive Western panorama or depicting life within the American West for cowboys, vaqueros, and Native Individuals.
Don’t miss the McNutt Sculpture Backyard, a peaceable public backyard tucked behind the museum.
10. Study Extra on the Witte Musem
The Witte Museum in San Antonio is a fascinating establishment that provides a pleasant mix of science, nature, tradition, and Texas heritage. Positioned simply north of the Downtown space, it’s a must-visit attraction for anybody who desires to be taught extra about San Antonio, Texas, and the world on the whole!
It’s a state-of-the-art constructing surrounded by lovely grounds, on the sting of the attractive Brackenridge Park. Delve into the wealthy historical past of Texas on the South Texas Heritage Middle, meet the traditional beasts of the Dinosaur Gallery, or uncover the pure world of Texas within the Texas Wild Gallery.
There’s additionally an awesome programme of occasions and non permanent exhibitions protecting all the pieces from native artwork to Antarctic Dinosaurs. So be sure you verify what’s on throughout your San Antonio day journey!
11. Go to the Different San Antonio Missions
The Alamo (part 1) is only one of 5 colonial Christian missions that had been inbuilt San Antonio through the 18th century. Its bloody historical past might make the Alamo extra well-known, however the different San Antonio Missions are effectively price a go to.
The missions had been walled compounds containing a church and a few lodging buildings. Native Individuals who transformed to Christianity got housing on the compound.
This can be a considerably sophisticated historical past, because the missions performed a task within the colonisation of indigenous communities and may very well be seen as a part of the eradication of Native American tradition. For the missionaries, they had been doing God’s work and saving the Native American’s souls.
Nevertheless you are feeling about it, the missions shaped an essential a part of the state’s historical past and are price exploring to be taught extra. Should you solely have time for one, I like to recommend the Mission San José, which has a very lovely church with an intricately carved facade.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: UNESCO World Heritage Missions Tour (from $65)
12. Escape the Metropolis at Phil Hardberger Park
When you’ve got a little bit longer than simply sooner or later in San Antonio, I strongly suggest escaping the town to go to the city wilderness at Phil Hardberger Park.
Named after the previous San Antonio mayor who bought it constructed, this 330-acre sustainable city park is managed as a wildlife habitat. Round 75% of the park is left in its pure state, so you may really feel really wild – regardless of being surrounded by the town.
This attractive park can be residence to the most important land bridge within the USA. The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge spans an enormous 6-lane freeway to attach both facet of the park.
It’s 150 ft large on the high, with a slim path winding between large swathes of grass and wildflowers. There’s loads of house for animals to cross, serving to maintain them off the busy Wurzbach Parkway. I used to be amazed to seek out that I might barely hear the roar of the visitors under – it felt like being in the course of the wilderness, as an alternative of on a bridge above a busy motorway.
Don’t miss the two wildlife blinds on high of the bridge. These are additionally public artwork items designed by native artists Ashley Mireles and Cade Bradshaw, with intricate designs lower out of the steel sides rather than home windows.
Map: High Issues to Do in San Antonio
Use the map above to plan your day journey in San Antonio. Keep in mind that a few the highest sights, just like the Missions and Phil Hardberger Park, are a little bit additional out from the Downtown space.
There’s a very good public transport system round San Antonio, so you may hop on a bus and attain spots just like the Witte Museum or Mission San Jose in about half an hour. There are additionally loads of Ubers obtainable in case you’re quick on time and don’t thoughts paying a little bit extra.
Finest Excursions for Your Day Journey in San Antonio
Use the San Antonio CityPASS® to Save Cash in your Day Journey
San Antonio is a CityPASS® vacation spot – so you may pay one low worth for entry to all the town’s main sights.*
CityPASS® is an excellent multi-attraction ticket obtainable in a number of main US cities – together with San Antonio. Buy the CityPASS for $57 USD per grownup (about £47) and you’ll go to any 4 of the next metropolis sights – saving round 35% vs paying for every attraction individually:
- Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises
- San Antonio Botanical Backyard
- San Antonio Museum of Artwork
- San Antonio Zoo
- The DoSeum
- The Tower of The Americas (aka Hemisfair Tower)
- Witte Museum
You get a cell ticket so there’s no want to fret about printing issues out. Your CityPASS will probably be legitimate for 9 days from the primary day you go to an attraction – and also you don’t want to decide on which 4 sights you’ll go to prematurely. It’s SUPER simple to make use of and a good way to save lots of a bit of cash whilst you discover San Antonio.
*(I used to be gifted a CityPASS throughout my go to – however this hasn’t influenced my opinion. I’ve bought one myself in different cities earlier than and have at all times had an awesome expertise.)
Have you ever ever taken a day journey to San Antonio? Scroll all the way down to share your experiences and suggestions within the feedback!
