A hub of artistic expression and experimentation, Artpace has drawn works from artists as far reaching as Estonia and Australia, and aims to connect creators in effort of inspiring new art. Things to Do in San Antonio Greenbelt Trail SystemOne of the best city wide amenities of San Antonio is this trail system. Brick at Blue Star The Blue Star Arts Complex is in a unique pocket of downtown called the King William district and has been many things over the past 150 years. The displays encircle a secluded Spanish garden (perfect place for a photo), and a portion lies inside of the original home to founder and heiress, Marion McNay. Check out the cave off of Cave Road in Alamo Heights. Bronx Pizza on Hillcrest. Take time to stroll around the 150-mile-radius (241.4 km) market located directly in front of the historic Brewhouse and now extends through Avenue A along Pearl Parkway. Walk, bike, hike and play through our spectacular parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Natural Bridge Wildlife RanchJust a short drive north youll find this fun wildlife ranch with everything from Emus and Giraffes to Rhinos, native Texas Longhorns and Camels. 101. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. This is the heart of the city and undoubtedly, its premier tourist attraction. Be surprised and impressed by the breadth and depth of the collection even from East Asian art as well as a significant number of pieces from Latin America. Explore What's A landmark business dating back to 1917, this custom cowboy hat emporium is infamous for its expansive inventory, and old school customer service. This is a cute town thats been slowly encroached on by San Antonio city limits. The small square is home to a number of businesses, few restaurants, and most notably, the newest satellite branch of the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Registered as a Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Japanese Tea Garden is a must-see, entirely complimentary, and open dawn til dusk each day making it one of our favorite things to do in San Antonio. Because of how cozy it is, fans can get up close to the artists as they jam on stage, dancing and singing along to their tunes whilst rocking out on the dance floor. Combining such vistas with delicious craft cocktails, intriguing mocktails, or a cold beer makes the entire experience just that bit more perfect. 821 places sorted by traveler favorites. 7. 53. long-term exhibits about natural history, art and Texas heritage, as well as interactive exhibits that kids (and adults) just love. 54. The center is located inside the Rivercity Shopping mall downtown. The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is a San Antonio treasure and the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. Located near the North Star Mall, this gigantic sculpture is surely not to be missed before or after a day of shopping when in this side of Texas. World's Largest Cowboy Boots. Fiesta on Main $$ Housed in a beautiful mansion in Midtown, Fiesta on Main is every San Antonians go-to for fiesta dcor/attire, though its frequented year-round too, for traditional south Texas souvenirs. Its great, but I prefer Mercado 23, which is more of a farmers market style. 47 Wonderful & Fun Things to Do in San Antonio + Hidden Gems Lounging at San Pedro Springs Park is one of our favorite summertime activities in San Antonio just be sure to pack sunscreen! Bazaar Istanbul $$ A fun and eccentric shop downtown with lights and lanterns of middle eastern flare dripping from the ceiling. They often have great events and programs for everyone from the art enthusiast and educators to kids and families. 11. Witte Museum If youre looking for something more unique on the list of things to do in San Antonio, the Witte fits the bill and as a combination of science, art, Texas culture, interactive play and nature. What are some popular services for landmarks & historical buildings? 60 gas pumps, 83 award-winning bathroom stalls, 80 fountain dispensers and 68,000 square feet of Texas team memorabilia, hunting equipment, smokers, grills, beef jerky, swimsuits, jewelry, baby clothes, toys, home dcor, barbecue, fresh baked goods, deli sandwiches, home made fudge, jams and condiments, soft drinks, icees and everything that would be in a normal convenience store. Lake MedinaLake Medina is a short 30 minute drive out of the city on the west side and is perfect for kayaks, boating, picnics, fishing and cooling off. 3. 28. The categories help combine activities and pair them into the perfect outing mesh outdoorsy with something fresh and delicious indoors or a shopping excursion with a trip to an old world mission. Pearl Farmers Market If youre searching for the perfect Saturday/Sunday activity, stop in at the Pearl Farmers Market, hosted every weekend, rain or shine, on the southern end of Broadway. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. The food and experience is exceptional, putting this at the top of our list of things to do in San Antonio. Featuring beautiful concrete sculptures surrounded by educational interpretive signage, a day touring around this park will not just fill your camera with phenomenal photos but also let you see the importance of conserving and restoring the ecosystem. Relax and be Furthermore, art appreciators have even more to take in; on every second Saturday of the month, the Barrio Logan Art Crawl takes place, allowing visitors a self-guided tour entailing artistic highlights, such as public art displays and local galleries. Learn about the art of glassblowing in Garcia Art Glass Studio that offers an hour of tour and demonstration in a fine art glass studio in San Antonio. It's no secret that San Diego-dwellers love craft beers, which is why a slew of amazing breweries have popped up all over the city. For Some Outdoor Fun and Yum, Head to These Top SA Destinations! Romantic Things to Do in San Antonio Floores Country StoreA classic honky-tonk in the historic Helotes neighborhood with dancing, live music, and bbq. While definitely a scaled-back version of Legoland, this is still a great way to spend the afternoon with family. It's good news for IPA aficionados; the city is the home of many different kinds, including the iconic West Coast IPA - a delectable top choice amongst San Diegan booze-lovers thanks to its hoppy taste and citrus and tropical fruit undertones. Off season is the best time to go and at the end dont forget to park and walk to the giraffe and lemur enclosures for an extra half hour of fun. The indoor space starts off with a stunning replica of downtown San Antonio built out of legos- complete with motorized boats floating through the River Walk. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or youll be dead on your feet even before finishing the 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) walking tour. A massive pedestrian bridge connects the east and west side of the park allowing for tons of exploration, animal spotting, family time or exercise. There is plenty of shade in the covered pavilions or on some of the hill top gazebos. Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Hot Wells is a free and unique historic site and Bexar County Park worth seeing on the Southside of San Antonio. The Alamo is one of the most famous landmarks in San Antonio and a symbol of Texan independence. 55. Official Visitor's Guide - Things to Do in San Antonio It provides a fun experience of country dancing in the city. Enter Feliz Modern a brightly-colored, fun-loving boutique, where neons and prints adorn crossbody bags, and beaded bracelets sit next to Frida Kahlo keychains. Next: These Are California's Best Beaches, According To Your Favorite Beach Activity. Visit the studio on S. Alamo St. and reserve a guided tour/demonstration, or stop by the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown to view incredible pieces at the Garcia Art Glass gallery! Relish history and wildlife rolled into one at the Quadrangle. The zoo houses hundreds of amazing animals and opportunities to feed giraffes, Lorikeets, butterflies and even a petting zoo. BuceesImagine a true Texas big-box store thats also a gas station. Visit Paris Hatters Our idea of the ultimate San Antonio souvenir, is an authentic Stetson hat from legendary downtown retailer, Paris Hatters. Book a private experience Unusual Things To Do In Madrid That Are Not In Your Guidebook February 24, 2020 Madrids intoxicatingly sultry way of life is so palatable that it keeps world travelers renewing and extending their visas. If youre a person who wants to escape the crowd of Texas but still wishes to experience what San Antonio has to offer, check out these non-touristy things to do in San Antonio, Texas carefully curated just for you. Aside from kayaking activities, Confluence Park is also a gateway to the hike and bike trail which begins near the Blue Star Arts Complex and ends near Mission Espada, perfect for burning some energy after a day of indulging with San Antonios delicacies. Unusual things to do in Madrid 88. Quiet Beach Lounging And Marine Critter Hunting At Mushroom Beach, Strawberry Picking And Instagrammable Fields, Drink Your Way Through San Diego On A Craft Beer Tour, Marvel At Mexican Art And Culture In Barrio Logan, Get Cozy With Beach Bonfires And Roasted Marshmallows, the pools that form at low tide are home to lots of interesting marine species, The Best Parks For Reconnecting With Nature In San Diego, Looking For Some Good Beer Tours In San Diego? WebExplore Festivals, Events, & More! Its the rodeo locals bring friends from out of town to and definitely worthy of a spot on our list of things to do in San Antonio! 39. Chill on Main Plaza outside of San Fernando Cathedral (reading a book or running through the water fountains). It is a huge span of 2 different underground cave systems beautifully lit and perfect for exploring and cooling off in the Texas heat. Not into making the trip? 69. Its a refreshing break outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. Dont hesitate to raise some questions that may trouble your mind during the course of the 90-minute tour, for the guides surely knows the history of San Antonio and the citys hidden sights. 1. McNay Art Museum Out of San Antonios diverse museum/gallery scene, the McNay Art Museum has to be one of our top three favorites, and most frequently suggested. 24. This guide will make sure no one ever leaves San Antonio wishing they would have been able to see something more. Learn how your comment data is processed. Locals and tourists simply can't get enough of the ever-trendy Hillcrest neighborhood. Ice and golf center at Northwoods Say yes to ice skating at least a few times in life! They also have a free family night in the evening on the firstTuesday of each month and one of my favorite bakeries in the city (Bakery Lorraine) operates the museums cafe so definitely grab a croissant while there! The design of the garden alone is entertaining and on top of that, there are 38 acres of it to explore. This locals guide of things to do in San Antonio is designed to provide the very best this city has to offer so that a traveler, tourist or even a local can find something to make the most out of their time here in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Stop by the lesser known Missions (amazing how many tourists/locals alike dont see these missions) around town. Neighborhoods & Rentals in San Antonio There are many wonderful places and areas to stay in San Antonio. This is another condensed area downtown full of music, vendors, shops and Mexican culture. Free and adult-friendly, this museum is definitely worth to visit especially if you want to avoid the museums with screaming kids that run wild and usually crowded. Then, for a little more intrigue, other fun spots to check out are the town's Wax Museum or Estadio Caliente where sports fans can watch a soccer game. Open grass areas, huge play structures, splash pads, Paletaria (popsicles) and a water and sand area are a few of the things found here. On certain days of the week, the HI San Diego Downtown offers free tours of the neighborhood, which includes local points of interest including taco food joints and the beautiful Chicano Park - home to the biggest collection of outdoor murals on the planet. 95. San Antonio River Walk. 85. Tejas Rodeo Every Saturday night, March-November this rodeo happens. One of the bestthings to do in San Antonio! 5. Round Top Antiques show(Spring/Fall) Made extra famous by Joanna Gaines, this Antique show, includingMarburger Farm, Round Top Antiques, The Vintage Round Top, Cedar Hill Farmhouseand a few more, happens twice a year, in the spring and fall and is a spectacle to plan for. Peruse La Villita or Market Square. Natural Bridge Caverns A short drive north of the city you can find Natural Bridge Caverns tucked in the hill country. A beautiful lake with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy swimming, playing and jumping off rocks. If youre looking for something more unique on the list of things to do in San Antonio, the Witte fits the bill and as a combination of science, art, Texas culture, interactive play and nature. Definitely one of the most beautiful things to do in San Antonio. San Pedro Springs Park San Pedro Springs Park is the oldest public park in the state of Texas, and second oldest within the United States Crazy to know this 46-acre gem lies only a few blocks outside of downtown! The creek that runs through the park is lined with tall Cypress trees and is a great spot to cool off and hang out or play in the water. WebAlamo Drafthouse Cinemas, Westlakes 1255 S.W. In-N-Out ( Use the secret menu! ) TRAVEL: Top 5 Non-Touristy Things To Do San Diego has birthed many a world-famous artist -and plenty of whom have gone on to win Grammys and other prestigious awards. The concept and infancy of this museum goes back decades and produces the fun learning atmosphere you will find there now. WebRubios (mexi-cali + fish tacos!) Explore San Antonio's Thrilling Adventures from Wild Gardens to Ghost Tours! Libraries are important hubs for information and San Antonios extensive network of libraries make it easy to find the latest best-seller, movies, digital trainings, certifications, kids activities and storytimes. Give yourself some extra time to visit nearby Brackenridge park for a picnic or just to see the ducks. 62. Definitely deserving of a spot on the list ofthings to do in San Antonio. 76. Our favorite is the Block, by the University of Texas at San Antonio, with its spacious patio, dog and family-friendly feel, complimentary WiFi, and large outdoor projector (bring a blanket on game night, and catch a Spurs match on the lawn). Unique, historic. Great place for a date or come and bring the family on a nice day for a brief nice walk. It's the perfect opportunity to see and experience why San Diego is fiercely proud of its incredible brews. These are our recommendations for best scenic drives through the hill country:Willow City Loop, Bluebonnet House via Marble Falls, Gruene-Fredricksburg-Bandera Loop. Boerne LakeThis quaint lake is wonderful for swimming , fishing and picnicking. 84. Definitely deserving to be on the list of things to do in San Antonio, its over the top and so fun! Go to a San Antonio Spurs gameThe AT&T center is home to many things, none more famous than the NBA San Antonio Spurs. Hike Government CanyonThis preserved stake park has miles and miles of hill country trails for hikers, bikers, dog walkers and kids. By design, those who support the park make sure that children with special needs pay no admission. Nothing better then bringing out your chairs, blankets, and a little picnic basket and enjoying the beautiful scenery the Gardens provide.". We were seated immediately and appreciate the fact that it wasn't loud andmore, Maybe it's because I am not a local or maybe they are just that amazing.more, than the way I've come to enjoy these same activities in different locales I am used to!more, Landmarks & Historical BuildingsTobin Hill, a gift for the holidays at any of the local vendors (#2), there is no shortage of things to do.more, ToursCommunity Service/Non-ProfitDowntown, Although we rate it as three stars, it's rather nice considering that it was constructed by localmore, I was looking for a fun way to see the sights again and maybe explore the local history and culturemore, One of my favorite times to come to the Gardens is when the local jazz station (KRTU-follow them onmore, MuseumsLandmarks & Historical BuildingsDowntown, of the month when The Alamo becomes a center of living history, with local men & women dressed up inmore, Historical ToursWalking ToursBus ToursDowntown, Since she was a lifelong local, she also was super helpful in being able to point out other historicmore, Super cool place we got admission for almost nothing because we get tickets for local events throughmore, This place has art from all over, historic and contemporary - local and world famous artists, allmore, I would have given 5 stars but the wings were not made incorrectly. The locally owned bakery is our go-to for tequila-almond croissants and a morning caf miel (honey latte with a dash of cinnamon), and is perfect for people-watching at their newest Houston St. location. The concept and infancy of this museum goes back decades and produces the fun learning atmosphere you will find there now. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Or for Texans, just a nice place to sit and cool off! Visitors can grab pastries at the panaderia at Mi Tierra and make their way through the shops while enjoying the local entertainment and music. It is truly a unique race and such a unique way to tour these missions. Barbecue at 2M Smokehouse BBQ Texans take their barbecue very seriously, and 2M Smokehouse BBQ has made quite the name for itself both within the city, and across the nation, since its open in 2016. The Alamo. Its situated at the bottom of rolling hills by the air force base so its a cool place to see the planes go by. Morgans Wonderland With so many fun things to do in San Antonio its hard to narrow it down, but this park is one of the most unique places in the city. It has since expanded from public film showings and also serves as a meeting place to enjoy many outdoor activities, festivals, film screenings, cultural events, and open-air markets. The San Antonio Missions are our minor league baseball team and a night with them at Nelson Wolff Stadium is a night well spent. This Southeast gem in historic Dignowity Hill, specializes in outdoor dcor and antique, worldly finds. Outdoor Excursions and Cultural Experiences That Won't Cost You a Dime. 1. I went in for a morning movie to avoid some of the heat San Antonio has overwhelmed me with (true New Englander here). San Fernando Cathedral Founded in 1731, the San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the state of Texas, and happens to sit at San Antonios geographical center. It is the largest Mexican market in the United States and for a minute makes you feel like youre in a different country. Ice skating, mini golf, hockey, indoor soccer and games gives plenty of variety for everyone to have a bit of fun. 101 Things To Do in San Antonio: A Locals Guide - Female Foodie The history, food and service put an experience at Emma at the top of our list of things to do in San Antonio, and one of our favorite places to stay. Take a haunted ghost tour and hear grisly tales of notorious Texas events from local guides while walking along the streets of San Antonio. The place is lined with hipster bars and restaurants coupled with an array of vintage stores. Considered as the oldest building in Fort Sam Houston, admire the huge interior courtyard park, surrounded by the beautiful stone walls and visit the museum that features a nice exhibit of memorabilia depicting its role during the World War II as an arsenal for the US Army. The park has rides for all ages, food for anyone, a splash pad and play area, carnival games and special Halloween and Christmas themed events and experiences. No problem, simply grab your passport and head to the Mexican border, where a completely different lifestyle and culture can be discovered in Tijuana. The city park comprises walkways, courtyards, lily ponds, and pagodas, beautified by Japanese bulbs and a daytime caf. I highly recommend a visit as a relief to the heat!!!". Everything from outdoor water play to indoor spy games can be found in fun spanning ages 2-62. Hats range from $20-$7,000, and are rung up on an antique 1930s register (that requires hand-cranking to open) by third generation owner Abe the Hatter or his wife Myrna. When she's not busy with any of these things, she's walking her dogs, sipping coconut water on the beach, or rocking out to her hefty heavy metal collection. WebSan Antonio invites you to be inspired, be curious, and be hungry. 75. 58. Admire the collection of mosaic work that perfectly blends with the beautiful plants and trees surrounding the park that are truly worth some space in your Instagram feed. Some popular services for landmarks & historical buildings include: What are people saying about things to do near San Antonio, TX? Watch San Antonio | the Saga Hands down one of our favorite things to do in San Antonio, is catch a late-night showing of San Antonio | The Saga at Main Plaza. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/san-antonio-free-things-to-do Sitting on the corner of N. St. Marys St., Cadaeux brings museum-store style to the shopping experience, by selling curated collections of art next to stylish journals, jewelry, and household items. Spend the day strolling Main St., or study up at the Pioneer Museum, which honors the citys European heritage. What's more, Hillcrest is the headquarter of San Diego's LGBTQ scene where the yearly Pride parade begins each summer. With a capacity of just 29 people the theater had reclining leather chairs and love seats fit for royalty. Pack your bags and visit now before the crowd flock to these sites. Scenic Hill Country Drives Texas boasts beautiful scenery year-round and some of the most gorgeous drives through the hill country area surrounding San Antonio. Address: 1400 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78208, Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 1pm; Sat - Sun: 12am - 8pm. They also have camping areas and recently added a natural outdoor play area for kids with picnic tables and grills. Related: The Best Parks For Reconnecting With Nature In San Diego. People also searched for these near San Antonio: See more non tourist things to do near San Antonio. Things to Do in San Antonio A quick 15 minutes from the city center, the Alamo Quarry Market is easily recognizable by its three original smokestacks, and includes notable brands like Kendra Scott, Lululemon, and J.Crew Factory. Think vinyl record shops, used book stores, and pre-loved fashion outlets selling heaps of vintage clothing and accessories. A hot spot for fly fishing too, Gruene in its entirety is registered on the National Register of Historical Places, and is our favorite spot to end an evening in New Braunfels. Then hop on a tram to experience the uphill water coaster, wave river and boogie boarding on the other half of the park. 60. Best non tourist things to do near San Antonio, TX 78216 - Yelp 43. One of the best steps back in time and historical adventures are the 5 missions in San Antonio. See some of the masters in the McNay Art Museum (this might be borderline touristy, but it is one of the finer private-collections-turne. They say Texas wouldnt be Texas without the Alamo and its easy to see why. Downtown. Sipping a refreshing drink with skyline, ocean, and bay views as a backdrop may sound clich, but it is actually one of the city's best and most peaceful pastimes.