Christmas in San Antonio

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
Christmas in San Antonio

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas, the biggest and best holiday, is once again upon us. Heading to San Antonio over the festive break? Wondering what Christmasy things to get up to while you're there? Good, because we've curated this list of the best reasons to visit San Antonio over Christmas! Read on, pick your faves, and go check them out.

Including:

  • Christmas cheer at Six Flags
  • Underground Carol Singing at the Natural Bridge Caverns
  • Get festive at Historic Market Square
  • Turn on the lights at San Antonio Botanical Gardens
  • See Santa at Christmas on the Ranch
  • and more!
Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Roller Coaster,

White (Christmas) knuckle thrills at Six Flags

Let's kick things off with a Christmas miracle of sorts. Your first thoughts of Christmas in San Antonio might not be of the theme park juggernaut Six Flags, but think again. Because from the end of November to the beginning of January, Six Flags transforms into a winter wonderland.

You'll discover dazzling light displays, live entertainment at every corner, and you've still got all those rides to try. But the jewel in Six Flags' Christmas bonanza is arguably 'The Majesty of Christmas', a stunning reenactment of the nativity, full of songs, animals, and angels literally flying through the air.

And, well, it doesn't get much more Christmasy than that!

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Let the songs ring out at the Natural Bridge Caverns

From the tops of Six Flags' tallest rides, we now descend deep into the Earth. While exploring caves might not sound like a particularly festive time, you'll find a rather unique Christmas experience down in San Antonio's famous Natural Bridge Caverns.

Thats' because carol singers who live in the caves dress themselves up over the festive period, ready to sing songs to unsuspecting explorers! Well, we assume they live there; otherwise, why sing there at all? And they're joined by everyone's favorite fat bearded man Santa, who you may well see spelunking down the cavern walls!

When you're done down in the depths, head up top to experience the Natural Bridge Caverns' outdoor playground, including a Christmasy maze, a 30-foot tall Christmas tree, and a walking trail with lots of lights. And if San Antonio's chill gets a bit much, sit down by the campfire and warm up! Easily one of the most unique things to do over Christmas in San Antonio.

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Go see the lights at Windcrest

In what has become a Christmas tradition in the city, the Windcrest neighborhood of San Antonio competes to see who has the best home decorations. Head there in early December, and you can admire every house you find. Head there a little later in the month, and the winners will already be picked! So, if you only want to see the best of the best, head to City Hall, pick up a map of the winners, and go see them for yourself!

For over six decades, the fun competition has stood the test of time, with winners outdoing one another every year! You've never seen anything like, it, so it's absolutely worth a visit if you're in San Antonio around Christmas time.

Need a quick and easy way to get around the map? Why not hire an E-bike? San Antonio's winters put many summers to shame, so breezing around on a bike might be just the thing. Burn some of those Christmas calories and get around Windcrest at your own pace. Nice.

Image of City, Canal, Outdoors, Water, Path, Urban, Neighborhood, Road, Street, Person, Lighting,

Down by the river

Another traditional San Antonio thing is to deck the river with decorations. Starting off life as a religious display to guide the holy family, it has since become a more general Christmas celebration. Now, the San Antonio River is lined with light-covered trees. Over 100,000 of the beauties, to be exact. So, if you want the perfect photo opportunity, head down there and take a walk!

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and Christmas stalls along the way, should you need to refuel on your adventure. Or, if you fancy adding even more adventure to your trip, why not take a cruise river instead? Walking's great and all, but riding down the river on a boat with the lights surrounding you is something else entirely. Magical. Christmas magic, that's what it is.

Image of City, Lighting, Road, Street, Urban, Light, Flare, Path, Outdoors, Nature,

Christmas like a cowboy at Don Strange Ranch

If 100,000 Christmas lights just aren't enough lights for you, how about 4 million? Because if you head down to the Don Strange Ranch during the Christmas season, that's what you'll find. 4 million Christmas lights, and plenty more too.

Featuring a mile of lights to drive beneath, a host of Christmasy cowboy rides to try out, and a market full of stalls selling everything from eggnog to s'mores, you'll be all Christmas'd out by the end of it.

If you want to make a day of it and see more of San Antonio's old west side, why not take a tour of Texas Hill County and LBJ Ranch during the day, and then head to Don Strange Ranch at night when the lights are all the more spectacular? Yee-haw!

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Christmas, Mexico style, at Historic Market Square!

While many cities traditionally have European-themed Christmas markets, not San Antonio. Oh no. See, San Antonio was once part of Mexico, so they do things a little more southern here. It's still a Christmas market, but not one you've experienced before.

The usual suspects are still in full force - carol singing, Christmas stalls with food and drink, as well as places to buy small stocking fillers. It's just with a Mexican twist. A spicy twist, if you will.

So if you're around over the holiday season, go check it out!

Image of Lighting, Purple, Light, Electronics, LED, Urban,

Dazzling lights at San Antonio Botanical Gardens

And finally, because we all really like Christmas lights, why not treat yourself to the dazzling show at San Antonio's Botanical Gardens?

It's a one-of-a-kind display featuring a metric ton of Christmas lights. Lightscape is the real tour-de-force there; a corridor of lights that is sure to put the cheer in you!

And those were our picks of the best reasons to spend Christmas in San Antonio! If you're looking for more fun things to do during your vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits at your own pace!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Dive In or Build Up: LEGOLAND® vs SEA LIFE Compared

Welcome to San Antonio's Family-Fun Showdown!  Planning your San Antonio adventure? If you’re traveling with excitable kids, curious friends, or even your significant other, there are two attractions you absolutely can’t miss: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE San Antonio. But which one’s best for you? (Secret: you can’t actually go wrong.) From epic underwater tunnels to endless brick-building, this guide breaks down the special moments, highlights nearby food and drink, and shares pro-tips for both attractions. Get ready to make your trip easy—maybe even double the fun if you visit both.  The Lowdown  Both attractions are perfect for families or anyone looking for fun in the heart of San Antonio, and they’re as close to each other as peanut butter and jelly. Here are the essentials:  LEGOLAND® Discovery Center San Antonio  Indoor mini-theme park loaded with LEGO® play zones and interactive rides.  MINILAND® San Antonio: a miniature city built from over 1.5 million LEGO® bricks.  Creative workshops and a dedicated soft-play area.  4D cinema with action-packed LEGO® short films.  Build and test zones to race your own creations.  Best for: Imaginative play and hands-on fun for ages 3-10, but parents love it too!  SEA LIFE San Antonio  Aquarium experience featuring Texas’s only underwater ocean tunnel.  5,000+ creatures including sharks, rays, seahorses, and rescued green sea turtles.  Interactive rockpool where you can touch marine life.  Daily talks and feeds for up-close animal encounters.  Colorful habitats—from rainforest to coral reefs.  Best for: Nature lovers, animal fans, and anyone who wants to chill out surrounded by beautiful creatures.  Sounds Good, Tell Me More...  Okay, So Which One is Most Impressive?  It all comes down to what impresses your squad. Want to wow aspiring engineers or unleash your inner city-planner? LEGOLAND® Discovery Center’s MINILAND® San Antonio—a painstakingly accurate, brick-by-brick version of the Alamo, River Walk, and even the Tower of the Americas—wins big. Watching your latest masterpiece zoom down a test track doesn’t get old, either.  For a completely different kind of “wow,” SEA LIFE delivers. The 50-foot-long ocean tunnel lets you stroll below rays and reef sharks, getting a unique 360-degree view. The sight of graceful turtles floating overhead or the swirling colors of the coral habitats leave kids (and adults) spellbound every time.  Which One is More Fun?  For all-out, sensory-engaging play, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is a nonstop sandbox. Kids (and playful adults) can build, ride, climb, and laugh all day. There’s a new activity around every corner, and the hands-on freedom means you set the pace.  SEA LIFE, on the other hand, is interactive in gentler ways. Touching a sea star or walking through the tunnel gets applause, especially from little animal lovers. Educational talks bring moments of surprise—like a sea cucumber wiggling out from under a rock. For a slower-paced adventure, it’s fantastic, and it appeals to all ages.  If your crew wants a louder, more energetic day, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center wins. If you’re looking for relaxed wonder with a splash of animal magic, SEA LIFE takes the prize.  Which is More Beautiful?  LEGOLAND® Discovery Center brings color and creativity everywhere you look—walls lined with rainbow bricks, toy trains zooming past LEGO® San Antonio, and imaginative scenery crafted by genuine Master Model Builders. The beauty comes from invention and detail.  Switch gears to SEA LIFE, and it’s all about the soothing shimmer of blue tanks and the hypnotic grace of fish, rays, and jellies. The vivid coral reefs and glowing jelly tanks offer a natural palette that’s hard to beat.  In short, LEGO® provides a showcase of creativity and bright color; SEA LIFE delivers dreamy, natural beauty.  Which Has the Better View?  For fans of quirky cityscapes, MINILAND® in LEGOLAND® Discovery Center packs tiny but mighty views. Stand in awe of the model Alamo or peer across the micro-sized River Walk—it’s impressively detailed for such a small scale.  But SEA LIFE’s massive underwater tunnel steals the show for one-of-a-kind perspectives. No windows, no screens—just a real, all-around view of life below the waves.  If “view” means little city scenes in LEGO® form, choose LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. If “view” means being surrounded by sea life, SEA LIFE’s tunnel is unbeatable.  How Do I Get There?  Both attractions sit right in the middle of downtown at Shops at Rivercenter. Here’s how to navigate:  By Public Transport:  VIA Metropolitan Transit buses stop frequently at the Commerce & Navarro stop, which leaves you a two-minute stroll from both spots.  The VIA VIVA culture bus (Line 11) runs nearby, connecting popular downtown hotspots.  From downtown hotels, you could also walk—both sit just a block from the Alamo.  There’s ample parking at Rivercenter Mall, but you can’t beat letting someone else handle the driving, especially if you’ve got kids in tow.  Best Choice For Families, Couples or Friends  Families: Both are standouts. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center slightly edges it for grandparents and younger kids who want active play, while SEA LIFE works wonders for mixed-age groups thanks to a gentler pace and easy stroller accessibility.  Couples: Looking for quirky date ideas? SEA LIFE’s mood lighting and tunnel views promise chill vibes with conversation starters everywhere. Nature lovers can linger by the tanks, soak in the peaceful sounds, and feel transported.  LEGOLAND® Discovery Center’s playful energy makes for a dorky-fun date—especially if you like tapping into your inner child (or flexing your competitive side with a race car build).  Groups of Friends: Both are fun! LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is ideal for big kids at heart—if your crew loves to play together, this is it. SEA LIFE makes a great backdrop for catch-ups, especially if you want somewhere beautiful for group selfies and animal discoveries.  I’ve Got Fidgety Kids to Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands On’ Activities?  LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is basically built for energetic hands. Whether your kids want to build a brick city, race cars, climb on adventure play zones, or get busy in workshops, hands-on fun is everywhere. Events with Master Model Builders and themed LEGO® builds mean there’s always something new.  SEA LIFE has interactive elements—touching sea stars in the rockpool, pop-up bubbles for underwater views, and trivia trails. But most areas are about watching and learning, so younger kids with a lot of steam to burn will get more of their energy out at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.  What’s the Accessibility Like?  Both attractions were created with families in mind, so accessibility’s a priority. At LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, everything happens on one level, and paths are wide for strollers and wheelchairs. Quiet spaces help families with sensory sensitivities, and staff are trained to assist with mobility needs.  SEA LIFE is similarly well-designed with ramped access, smooth floors throughout, and accessible restrooms. The atmosphere stays relatively calm, and the lighting helps visitors with autism or sensory differences. Both venues welcome service animals.  Check websites before you go for latest updates on sensory-friendly events or relaxed hours.  Best Lunch Spots Nearby?  Refueling is easy with the Rivercenter’s bounty of options just steps away:  Yard House: Craft beer meets an epic menu—think poke nachos, truffle fries, and giant salads amid a lively, modern sports bar vibe.  Maria Mia Mexican Bistro: Local flavor, terrace seating, and legendary sizzling fajitas. Don’t forget to sample their tableside guacamole—made as spicy or mild as you wish.  Big Easy Café: Quick, wallet-friendly comfort food with a Cajun twist. Fried catfish and gumbo are must-tries.  Fiume Pizzeria & Wine Bar: River Walk views, wood-fired pizzas, and a solid wine list for tired parents or groups who’ve earned a treat.  Shops at Rivercenter Food Court: If you need a speedy lunch, there’s always pizza, tacos, and burgers ready to go.  For a local twist, pop over to the historic Schilo’s Delicatessen—just a block away—for giant homemade root beer floats and hearty sandwiches in a retro, family-friendly setting.  Where Are the Best Photo Opportunities?  Both attractions are photogenic playgrounds.  At LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, don’t miss snapping shots of:  Your mini-builders in action  The intricate MINILAND® San Antonio (especially fun to catch the Tower of the Americas poking above LEGO® trees)  Cheesy, team photos outside the LEGO® shop entrance under the bright brick arch.  SEA LIFE’s showstoppers are:  The 360-degree ocean tunnel—shoot upwards as turtles glide past for an unforgettable memory  Pop-up glass bubbles set into tanks, making it look like you’re floating with the fish  Color-packed coral reef tanks—especially vibrant in the late afternoon lighting  Pro tip: For fewer crowds and the best photos, head to either attraction right as they open.  We’re Finished and Thirsty – Is There a Decent Bar in the Area?  After a day wrangling kids (or friends!), a cool drink is essential.  Paramour at The Phipps: For knockout views, this rooftop bar offers inventive cocktails like the Hibiscus Margarita, plus a chic lounge perfect for sunset people-watching.  The Bar at Bohanan’s: Classic, upscale ambiance steps from Rivercenter, with perfectly crafted Old Fashioneds and a quiet spot to decompress. A little splurge, a lot of sophistication.  Waxy’s O'Connor’s Irish Pub: Wallet-friendly pints, easygoing vibes, and live music, all in a bustling setting on the River Walk.  Any Other Good Stuff Nearby?  Rivercenter is right at the heart of San Antonio, so you’re spoiled for choice after visiting LEGOLAND® Discovery Center or SEA LIFE:  The Alamo: Just a block away, see the legendary mission and browse the beautiful gardens—admission’s free.  San Antonio River Walk: Stroll scenic walkways winding through downtown, packed with shops, cafes, public art, and live music.  Hemisfair Park: A modern playground, splash pads and lush gardens make this a relaxing spot for unwinding post-attraction.  Briscoe Western Art Museum: Perfect for art buffs, with interactive galleries and, often, family-friendly activity tables.  Yanaguana Garden: A hidden gem with funky climbing structures and street food vendors—a local favorite especially on weekends.  Inside Rivercenter, Duck Tours and river cruises give a breezy way to spot downtown from the water, and most tours welcome walk-ups.  The Final Word  With LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE San Antonio sitting side by side, it’s easy to build an action-packed day just the way you like it. Want imagination, energy, and hands-on fun? Dive into brick-building at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Craving color, calm, and animal encounters? SEA LIFE San Antonio has you covered. And between their convenient location, friendly staff, and buzzy downtown neighborhood, you’re guaranteed a great time—no assembly required.    Want more? Check out our guide on where to stay in San Antonio, and what to do in the city’s Downtown.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
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2 Days in San Antonio - A Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary

Spending a weekend in San Antonio and looking for things to do? We put together a list of the best things to do in San Antonio with limited time. Check out this popular 2 days in San Antonio itinerary. This Itinerary Includes: The Alamo (free!) CitySightseeing San Antonio Hop-Off Hop-On Bus Tour Pearl Brewery San Antonio Museum of Art The Riverwalk SeaWorld® San Antonio San Antonio Zoo Looking for some other itinerary options for your trip? We’ve also put together this popular 3 day San Antonio itinerary. Save on Attraction Admission Some of the attractions included in this itinerary are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from many of the top San Antonio attractions and save up to 40% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Or, build your own pass and save up to 20% off. For all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more. Day 1 Stop #1: The Alamo (free!) Stop #2: CitySightseeing San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off Tour This comprehensive San Antonio hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect introduction to San Antonio. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a resident who hasn't taken the time to see the sights yet, this tour provides a great overview of the city sights. Especially since the tour buses operate on 20-30 minute intervals, it's a very convenient and reliable way to get around to all of the most popular spots. The tour takes you to the best of San Antonio, from the Riverwalk to Southtown while professional guides provide informative and entertaining narration along the way. Enjoy the freedom to hop-on and off and explore any of the 18 stops as you go. Featured stops include: the Alamo, the Pearl Entertainment Complex, Veteran's Memorial Park, El Mercado, and more. Insider tip: Use your San Antonio Explorer Pass and get a 48-hour pass to this City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off tour to get around to the other attractions listed in this itinerary. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Antonio Bus Tour tickets are available as an option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #3 - Pearl Brewery & Entertainment Complex Hop off at the very next stop: The Pearl Brewery, a culinary and cultural destination along the river, is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. It features a farmer's market, multiple restaurants, several boutique shops, a well-curated bookstore, and plenty of entertainment options year-round. This is a great place to stop and get a feel for genuine San Antonio culture, and to enjoy things that the locals love as well. Stop #4: San Antonio Museum of Art Stop #5 - The Riverwalk Finish out the remainder of the bus tour and hop off at the last stop: the Shops at Rivercenter Mall to explore the famous Riverwalk area where you'll end the day. Consider dining here at one of the many delicious restaurants, and then save some time later for browsing the shops and stalls of the waterfront merchants. Day 2 Stop #1: SeaWorld® San Antonio Stop #2: San Antonio Zoo Let's Recap So there’s your perfect 2 days in San Antonio weekend itinerary – packed with some of the best things to do in San Antonio. This itinerary includes all of the most popular things to do in San Antonio and provides a great, all-around overview of the city’s top attractions, landmarks, and historic sites. Use this itinerary as a starting point for planning your San Antonio itinerary and customize it from there; whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeker, outdoor adventurer, or whatever type of traveler, San Antonio has it all. Save big when you plan your itinerary with the 4- Choice San Antonio Explorer Pass and choose from over 15 top attractions, tours, museums, and more – including popular day trips from the city, like a Natural Bridge Caverns Tour or the Texas Hill Country and Lyndon B. Johnson’s Ranch Tour. Remember, you can save on admission to many of these popular attractions and more with a San Antonio Explorer Pass.
Casey Makovich
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One Day in San Antonio Itinerary - Experience San Antonio in a Day for Under $100

Traveling to San Antonio with only one day to explore? It can be hard to decide what to do with such limited time in your schedule. Fortunately, we’ve put together a one day in San Antonio itinerary to help you make the most of your one day in this historic city. This one day itinerary includes: Six Flags Fiesta Texas The Alamo (free!) Battle For Texas: The Experience Go Rio San Antonio Cruise El Mercado (free!) Spending more than one day in San Antonio? Then take a peek at one of our sample 2-day and popular 3-day itineraries for longer stays, enjoy! Save on Attraction Admission Many of the popular attractions included in this itinerary are available on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 45% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. With the 3-Choice San Antonio Explorer Pass, you'll get to enjoy a full day of fun! Remember, this one day in San Antonio itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area. The San Antonio Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from many top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Stop #1: Six Flags Fiesta Texas Start your trip with a half day of entertainment and excitement at Six Flags Fiesta Texas - a part theme park/part water park destination. The park features six themed areas: Los Festivales Crackaxle Canyon Spassburg Rockville Fiesta Bay Boardwalk and KIDZOPOLIS No matter what your favorite type of theme park fun is, from classic carnival rides with varying thrill levels and high-speed roller coasters, to water pools and slides, you'll find it at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. In addition to all of the rides, the park hosts a variety of live shows and entertainment, several dining options, and even shopping venues. Our favorite ride is the Boomerang, a triple-loop coaster that thrill-seekers will adore. NEW! Coming in 2018 is the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso coaster, an exciting single-rail coaster that's among the first of its kind in the entire world! Getting In: Six Flags Fiesta Texas tickets are available as a Premium Attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #2: The Alamo (free!) Alamo Square, the famous site of the Battle of the Alamo, is the most visited historic landmark in the state Texas. Conveniently located in the heart of San Antonio, it's easy to visit and a San Antonio must-see attraction. The iconic building you'll see is a former Spanish mission-turned-fortress for the battle and stands today as a testament to those who fought and gave their lives in the Battle of the Alamo--it's also the place where Texian troops won independence and famously shouted “Remember the Alamo!” after months of fighting in 1836. Insider tip: Get acquainted with some of the tales and folklore surrounding The Alamo and learn some of its history by watching the Disney miniseries Davy Crockett from the 1950s and John Wayne’s film The Alamo from 1960 before your trip! Stop #3: Battle for Texas: The Experience After spending some time at The Alamo, walk over to Battle for Texas: The Experience, right in Alamo Plaza. This fully interactive exhibition is one of the best ways to learn about The Battle of The Alamo. You'll get to witness the spectacle and heroism of one of the most pivotal battles in U.S. history. See what life was like in 1836 Texas for the early settlers, learn about the tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution from both Texan and Mexican perspectives, and more through multi-media experiences and re-enactments. You'll even get to see some artifacts from the battle first-hand, including Santa Anna's uniform, Bowie knives, and some of Davy Crockett's personal possessions. This is a great educational experience for kids and adults alike, and is an excellent companion to a visit to the Alamo. Getting in: Battle for Texas: The Experience tickets are an included attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #4: Go Rio San Antonio Cruise After soaking up all of that Texan history, explore San Antonio's River Walk area and start with a relaxing, 30-minute cruise along the river. Each boat is operated by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about some of the area's unique history and culture. You'll also learn plenty of fun facts about Texas and the flourishing River Walk community. On this scenic river cruise, you'll pass under bridges and walkways, and alongside a vibrant, bustling riverfront area as your tour guide points out all the important sites. Getting in: Rio San Antonio Cruise tickets are an included attraction option on the San Antonio Explorer Pass. Stop #5: El Mercado (free!) For your last stop of the day, you'll want to pop by El Mercado, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico and one of the top 10 outdoor markets in the US, according to Frommer’s. Home to over 100 locally owned shops and stores, El Mercado is one of the best places to go for authentic Mexican fare and music and to immerse yourself in one of the cultures that has had such a large influence on San Antonio. Admission to the market is free, although anything you purchase will not be covered by the Explorer Pass. Let’s Recap There you have it – our suggestions for how to make the most of your one day in San Antonio. Plan to add a few of the attractions above to your San Antonio itinerary to make the most of your trip to Texas. Remember, you can save on admission to your choice of popular attractions, like the ones included in this one day itinerary, and more with a San Antonio Explorer Pass.  
Casey Makovich

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