Dive into Free Fun Near SEA LIFE San Antonio

Published: May 19, 2026
family enjoying a shark tunnel at sea life

San Antonio’s SEA LIFE aquarium is a must for anyone curious about the underwater world, but what about when you’ve had your fill of rays and sharks? Turns out, the area around SEA LIFE is brimming with wallet-friendly activities—perfect if you’re balancing the day’s thrills with a focus on fun that costs nothing. Whether you’re after outdoor escapes, riverside strolls, splashy public art, or bursts of Texas history, this city serves up plenty of no-cost ways to stretch your plans (and your legs) without ever reaching for your wallet. We’re here to round up the best free things to do within easy reach of SEA LIFE San Antonio, making your trip not just memorable, but refreshingly affordable. 

Our favorite free things to do near SEA LIFE San Antonio include: 

The San Antonio River Walk 

San Antonio Museum of Art (First Sundays) 

Historic Pearl District 

Brackenridge Park 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park 

Japanese Tea Garden 

El Mercado (Historic Market Square) 

Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair 

King William Historic District 

Main Plaza Light Show (San Fernando Cathedral) 

The San Antonio River Walk

You don’t need to spend a dime to see why the San Antonio River Walk is a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Snaking just steps away from SEA LIFE San Antonio, this lush, shady waterfront promenade puts you right in the center of the city’s unique personality. We love strolling the stone paths, watching colorful barges glide by, and discovering hidden corners filled with cheerful murals or blooming flowers. 

Different sections of the River Walk all offer their own energy. Take a quiet morning wander near Museum Reach for a tranquil escape filled with art installations and native landscaping. Head south after lunch and you’ll join families, friends, and happy pups on leisurely walks toward lively shops and restaurants. Benches along the way become perfect people-watching spots, especially near whimsical footbridges and under canopies of cypress trees. 

The River Walk comes alive at night with twinkling lights reflecting off the water. Street musicians, outdoor art, and occasional free events add unexpected magic. This stretch of the city invites you to slow down and connect with San Antonio at its own pace. You’ll leave with great photos and maybe a deeper appreciation for how this city brings nature, people, and history together right beneath your feet. 

San Antonio Museum of Art (First Sundays) 

Art lovers, circle the first Sunday of the month on your calendar! The San Antonio Museum of Art—just a short walk north along the River Walk—offers complimentary general admission on these special days. Housed in a beautifully converted 19th-century brewery, the museum’s collection spans everything from ancient Egypt to contemporary Texas masters. 

We’re fans of how you can set your own pace here, whether you’re sipping your morning coffee in the shady courtyard or drifting between galleries filled with Greek statues, Latin American folk art, and big, bold Texas landscapes. Kids can pick up free activity guides to turn gallery-hopping into a treasure hunt, while everyone will enjoy the peaceful riverside grounds and public sculptures. 

Even if your timing doesn’t land on a free Sunday, keep an eye out for public art outside the museum’s main entrance and along the waterfront. With murals, installations, and city-wide art “pop-ups” in the mix, art appreciation extends well beyond the museum walls—no ticket needed. 

Historic Pearl District 

Once home to a bustling brewery, the Historic Pearl District now pulses with new energy as one of San Antonio’s coolest free hangouts. Just north of downtown and an easy drive or River Walk stroll from SEA LIFE, Pearl blends stunning architecture, people-watching plazas, and a full calendar of free open-air events. 

The centerpiece, Pearl Park, delights visitors with shaded patio seating, public art, and fountains where children—and occasionally grown-ups—test out their splash skills. The surrounding brick buildings showcase their history, with restored signage and preserved brewery details adding Old World flair to modern shops and eateries. 

We recommend exploring the weekend farmers market, which surrounds the park with enthusiastic local vendors serving up free tastes and live tunes. Browse Pearl’s courtyard herb gardens, admire rooftop beehives, and check out public art installations that change with the seasons. On select days, you’ll catch live music, free fitness classes, or laid-back gatherings under string lights. Pearl is San Antonio’s front porch—come for the history, stay for the community vibes. 

Brackenridge Park 

Trade city buzz for bird song in Brackenridge Park, a sprawling green escape nestled just a short drive from SEA LIFE (and easily reached by public transit). This is where San Antonians come to picnic, jog, spot wildlife, and enjoy nature—all without spending a penny. You’ll find wooded walking trails, grassy lawns, and play areas blended seamlessly with centuries-old live oaks and lush gardens. 

The park’s centerpiece, the San Antonio River, curves through the grounds and creates tranquil fishing and picnic spots. Sit quietly and you might spot herons, turtles, or a family of ducks floating by. If you’re into history, stroll over to the old stone bridges and limestone pavilions, built with classic San Antonio charm. 

Families will love the playgrounds and train rides (free to watch, fee to ride), while everyone can linger at the public art displays and shaded picnic tables. The Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Garden anchor the northern edge of the park and are also free—making this a gift that just keeps on giving. 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park 

Creativity flows—almost literally—at San Pedro Creek Culture Park, a striking public artscape skirting downtown and just a quick hop from SEA LIFE. This revitalized waterway combines native landscaping, flowing streams, and a mile-long outdoor gallery of murals, tile mosaics, and interpretive history walls. 

Strolling the park’s well-marked paths, you’ll see how San Pedro Creek tells the city’s story: historic figures boldly painted on underpass walls, narratives about early settlers, and contemporary artwork by local artists. The gardens bloom year-round thanks to Texas-hardy plantings, while elegant stonework and bridges invite you to linger. 

Not just about art and history, Culture Park also draws locals for morning yoga classes, evening strolls, and outdoor performances—many of them entirely free. If you catch it at dusk, colorful lighting transforms the creekside into an atmospheric urban oasis, perfect for a restful moment in between city adventures. Pack a camera; you’ll want a snapshot (or ten). 

Japanese Tea Garden

Tucked inside Brackenridge Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is a favorite free escape for serenity seekers—and just a stone’s throw from bustling downtown. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a dramatic stone arch, lush koi ponds, and paths winding beneath towering bamboo and flowering trees. 

The real joy here lies in wandering: loose yourself amid twisting walkways, cross picturesque stone bridges, and pause to listen to water trickling through mini waterfalls. Vibrant water lilies, darting fish, and sun-basking turtles add whimsy around every bend, while shaded benches encourage quiet contemplation or, let’s be honest, a well-earned break from sightseeing. 

The pavilion at the garden’s center offers panoramic views across the ornate grounds, with a breeze carrying the scent of blooming wisteria or jasmine depending on the season. It’s a treat for photographers and those needing a gentle reset. Weddings, family picnics, and afternoon strolls all blend effortlessly in this oasis—reminding us that the best moments sometimes cost nothing at all. 

El Mercado (Historic Market Square) 

For a true flavor of local life, follow the vibe to Historic Market Square, also known as El Mercado—a lively, three-block pedestrian zone just a few minutes from SEA LIFE San Antonio. This is where the city’s Mexican heritage shines brightest, and you don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy the full sensory experience. 

Strands of papel picado flutter above cobbled walkways, merchants display colorful crafts, mariachis strike up spontaneous serenades, and every block bursts with the energy of a street festival. Duck into the open-air plazas and you’ll find free dance performances, artisan demonstrations, and pilóns of folkloric costumes perfect for family photos. 

Even just window shopping is a full experience, as handwoven textiles, traditional pottery, and vibrant masks catch the eye at every turn. Be sure to check out the small galleries and free historical exhibits nestled among the stalls. If you fancy a treat, savor free samples of local confections like cajeta or spicy candied pecans. El Mercado is where San Antonio’s spirit and story come to life, every day of the week. 

Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair 

If you’re exploring San Antonio with kids (or just young at heart), carve out time for Yanaguana Garden—a whimsical, art-filled green space in Hemisfair Park, a pleasant stroll from downtown and the River Walk. Entry is always free, and there’s something to spark every imagination. 

The garden’s playground is a masterpiece: giant blue climbing structures, kinetic sculptures, mosaic benches and splash pads invite hours of adventure. Art installations feature local talent, while interactive games built into the pavement encourage friendly competition—think oversized chess, ping-pong and clever hopscotch trails. Children love the shaded sand playscape and reading nooks, while parents can relax under the palms with a coffee from a nearby kiosk. 

Even adults find plenty to enjoy—quiet seating circles, native plant gardens and a calendar of free performances year-round. Whether it’s a morning playdate, a creative photo session or a sunny place to snack, Yanaguana Garden brings together families, friends, and fellow travelers in the most delightful ways. 

King William Historic District 

Craving a walk through Texas history? Head south from the River Walk into the King William Historic District, where storybook mansions and shady lanes reveal the city’s Old World roots. Established in the 19th century by German settlers, this area boasts some of Texas’ most beautiful architecture. 

Wide sidewalks make it easy to lose yourself on a self-guided stroll past ornate Victorian homes, stately Greek Revival houses, and gardens alive with bougainvillea and wild roses. Brochures (available free online or at local shops) share stories of legendary residents and the community’s colorful social past. 

Stop into tiny pocket parks, admire historical landmarks, and visit the riverside stewards’ garden dedicated to native plants. On weekends, you might stumble upon free outdoor art fairs or musical performances at local churches. This walk is equal parts inspiration, exercise, and time travel—all with zero price tag. 

Main Plaza Light Show (San Fernando Cathedral) 

Come evening, make your way to Main Plaza for one of San Antonio’s most dazzling free spectacles: the weekly light and sound show projected onto the façade of San Fernando Cathedral. Scheduled multiple nights each week, this immersive experience transforms the city’s oldest church into a living canvas—telling San Antonio’s story through animation, color and soaring music. 

Crowds gather early, lawn chairs and snacks in tow, while others drift in spontaneously from the River Walk nearby. As the sun sets, anticipation mounts until the cathedral explodes in light—depicting ancient Native American culture, frontier drama, the Alamo, and modern celebrations in a fast-paced visual journey. 

The atmosphere here is festive, family-friendly and full of wow-factor. Locals mingle with visitors from around the world, sharing in this unmissable moment of community and creativity. Best of all, the experience is expansive but not overwhelming, making it a perfect grand finale to your day near SEA LIFE San Antonio. 

 

San Antonio’s spirit thrives in the spaces where history, art, and culture meet—often for free. From riverside strolls and peaceful gardens to vibrant neighborhoods and open-air festivals, the possibilities circling SEA LIFE San Antonio are endless—and easy on the travel budget. Mix and match your favorite free experiences to design a trip that’s uniquely yours. The memories you make exploring San Antonio don’t need to come with a price—sometimes the best adventures really are the least expected. 

 

Like this? Why not get adventurous in San Antonio, and discover the best places to stay in the city. 

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September in the City: Can't-Miss San Antonio Attractions

The calendar flips to September, and San Antonio transforms. The city shakes off summer’s hottest days, trading them for balmy evenings, glimmering events, and the kind of festival energy you just can’t bottle. Foodies, families, and adventurers all find their happy place here as music floats from street corners, parks fill with laughter, and the River Walk brims with color. This is when San Antonio hits its sweet spot: the crowds thin just enough, but the city’s rhythm never slows down. September’s mix of outdoor festivals, historic haunts, and local eats means you’re in for a trip packed with uniquely Texan experiences. Ready to plan your perfect September getaway? Here’s how you can soak up the city’s best.  Our favorite things to do in San Antonio in September include:  San Antonio Zoo  SeaWorld® San Antonio  San Antonio Missions  San Antonio Botanical Garden  Tower of the Americas  The Witte Museum  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour  GO RIO San Antonio River Cruise  Latin music & food festivals  Exploring the Pearl District  SeaWorld® San Antonio: Rides, Shows, and Splash-Tastic Escapes  September is prime time at SeaWorld® San Antonio. The crowds thin out, the lines for rides dwindle, and the Texas sunshine pairs perfectly with a splash from the water rides. It’s also the start of the park’s Halloween Spooktacular, bringing costumed characters, trick-or-treat trails, and themed shows for younger visitors—spooky, but never too scary.  Beyond the festivals, SeaWorld® delivers up-close encounters that will make any animal lover’s heart race—from playful dolphins to soaring seabirds. The orca and sea lion shows blend spectacle and learning, while the animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours peel back the curtain on the park’s focus on education and rescue. Adrenaline-seekers can’t miss thrill rides like The Great White coaster, while families breeze through child-friendly playgrounds and gentle water adventures. The vibe here is pure fun, alive with laughter, music, and awe. Grab a funnel cake or a frosty lemonade and soak up the happy energy!  San Antonio Missions: A Journey Through History and Nature  A visit to the San Antonio Missions is more than just a history lesson—it’s an active day weaving through centuries of stories, wildflower-dotted trails, and peaceful chapels. The Missions National Historical Park includes four beautifully restored Spanish colonial landmarks: Mission Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. In September, the Texas heat eases just enough for comfortable bike rides or leisurely hikes along the mission trail that threads each site together.  Expect soaring stone walls, tranquil courtyards, and little museums that put you right in the middle of 18th-century life. You can join ranger talks or experience Mass in centuries-old churches, all set within lush parkland. Don’t miss the acequias (historic waterways) winding through each site—a marvel of early engineering. The blend of cultures here—Spanish, indigenous, and Tejano—means every step reveals fresh perspective. If you love photography, you’ll find cool, diffused early fall light perfect for shots of weathered stone against blue Texas sky.  San Antonio Botanical Garden: Autumn Blooms and Serene Escape  September is flower power month at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The summer sun has ripened everything, and late-blooming perennials fill the trails with color. Butterfly gardens flutter to life, and the Jasmine arches drip with fragrance. Throughout September, the gardens host plant sales, outdoor yoga classes, and tasting tours highlighting edible native plants. The café on-site sets up patio tables surrounded by greenery—ideal for a slow lunch in the shade.  What really sets the Botanical Garden apart is its dedication to Texas heritage: walk from arid desert landscapes lined with cacti to lush East Texas woodland in the space of a few steps. The Family Adventure Garden taps into every sense with splash pads, “stickwork” mazes, and muddy garden beds that beg to be dug into. For grown-ups, September’s cooler evenings often mean twilight events—movie nights, star-gazing, or artist pop-ups set around tranquil ponds and winding paths. It’s an escape that’s both tranquil and lively, perfect if you want to recharge in nature without leaving the city.  Tower of the Americas: Epic Views and Sky-High Dining  San Antonio’s skyline isn’t complete without Tower of the Americas rising above it all. This 750-foot landmark lets you see for miles, and in September, the city glows gold as summer gives way to early fall. Ride the glass elevator up and step onto the observation deck, where panoramic views stretch from the bustling River Walk to the distant Texas Hill Country. Sunset is especially popular; the city feels calm and cinematic with twinkling lights flickering to life below.  The revolving Chart House Restaurant upstairs delivers classic Texan steakhouse fare with sweeping views—order the prime rib, seafood specialties, or decadent chocolate lava cake. The atmosphere manages to be both relaxed and a little fancy. After your meal, spend time at the base plaza, where fountains bubble and kids love to run through splash pads. Tower of the Americas captures the feeling of possibility: one minute you’re on the ground with locals picnicking nearby, the next you’re hundreds of feet up, eye-to-eye with hawks on the wind.  The Witte Museum: Wonder for All Ages  This is where science, culture, and discovery unite for a day that’s anything but ordinary. The Witte Museum sits on the edge of Brackenridge Park, drawing families, art fans, and curious minds. From paleontology exhibits with towering dinosaur skeletons to interactive Texas heritage displays, every gallery tells a story—and September means a fresh round of special exhibitions and activities.  What brings us back again and again? The living, hands-on spirit: pedal a bike on a tightrope, explore mysterious “cabinet of wonders” displays, or trace native Texas wildlife in beautifully designed dioramas. The South Texas Heritage Center brings cowboy and vaquero history alive with sound effects and immersive sets. Younger visitors flock to the H-E-B Science Treehouse for outdoor experiments and rushing water tables. Expect a cheery, bustling vibe, from families pulling science carts to local artists leading workshops in the open-air courtyard. The Witte keeps brains buzzing and imaginations lit up from start to finish.  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour: Adventure Underground  Texas heat? Beat it underground. Early fall is one of the most comfortable times to explore Natural Bridge Caverns, a short drive from central San Antonio. These vast limestone caves—some of the most spectacular in the state—mean constant cool temperatures, plus that wow factor as you wind among eerie stalactites and boulder-sized columns. On a Discovery Tour, expert guides share stories of the cavern’s formation, point out animal fossils, and shine spotlights on formations with names like “The Chandelier Room” and “Castle of the White Giants.”  Above ground, there’s just as much energy: adventure courses, gem mining, and even zip lines for thrill-seekers. Snack stands offer fresh lemonade, soft pretzels, and Texas BBQ sandwiches—the perfect fuel for a post-cave picnic at the shaded tables. The whole site buzzes with families and adventurers, all swapped-out their sunhats for hard hats and headlamps. Whether you’re a nature lover or just up for something unique, the caverns deliver a day you’ll talk about for years.  Latin Music & Food Festivals: September’s Flavors and Rhythms  September brings a calendar brimming with cultural celebrations, with Mexican Independence Day at the heart of the action. From Market Square to Hemisfair Park, the city buzzes with live bands, folklorico dancers in swirling costumes, and food stalls serving up everything from elote (grilled street corn slathered in spices and cheese) to crispy churros.  Look out for the Fiestas Patrias celebrations—there’s usually a parade, traditional mariachi concerts, and mouthwatering regional dishes showcased on pop-up patios. Sample tamales, tres leches cake, and spicy chorizo tacos. Kids can join craft workshops, while adults enjoy local beer or frozen margaritas under strings of papel picado flags. The energy at these festivals is unbeatable—everyone’s dancing, tasting, and toasting together. To sample true San Antonio spirit, you’ve got to experience a festival feast.  Exploring the Pearl District: Boutique Bliss and Riverside Strolls  The Pearl District is San Antonio’s urban playground: a former brewery transformed into the city’s trendiest district. September’s balmy days are perfect for wandering the open-air plazas, checking out indie coffee bars, trendy boutiques, and riverside walking trails. Locals gather under string lights for weekly farmer’s markets, where you can snack on warm kolaches, smoky brisket tacos, or flaky cinnamon pastries.  Lunch at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery delivers the perfect pause—try their oyster bar or legendary fried chicken, served in a buzzing, light-filled space that straddles historic and hip. Afterward, shop for Texas-made leatherware, browse bookstores, or just soak in the district’s blend of vintage-industrial ambiance and leafy courtyards. The Pearl comes alive at sunset with live acoustic sets, local cocktail bars pouring creative takes on margaritas, and kids splashing in dancing fountains. If your September needs a shot of the city’s young creative energy, this is your headquarters.    San Antonio in September? Pure joy. This is the month that brings together all the flavors, sounds, and stories that make the city so special. From wild nature escapes and underground adventures to rooftop dining, bustling music festivals, and sunny river cruises, the city puts its best foot forward. Whether you’re chasing butterflies in the gardens, spinning under twinkle lights in Pearl, or listening for echoes in centuries-old churches, you’re bound to stumble into something unforgettable. So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a light jacket)—San Antonio’s ready for you.    Want more? Check out our comprehensive guide to SeaWorld San Antonio, and make the most of outdoor adventures in the city.  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! 
best time to visit san antonio
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Best Time to Visit San Antonio

San Antonio. Alamo City. The city with plenty of sun and hat-tipping fun. Of all the places in all the world, you've chosen San Antonio for your vacation. Good choice. Or did it choose you? Are cities sentient? No. Probably not. Anyway, San Antonio is full of things to do and see, places to go, and plenty of experiences to boot. But if you're unfamiliar with the city, you might wonder when the best time to visit is. And wonder you should, friend, because the climate is a fickle beast. America is so large that no two states share the same weather. So, let's explore the best time to visit San Antonio, what you can expect, and answer a few frequently asked questions. Onward! Including: How many days do you need to visit San Antonio? What is the rainy season in San Antonio? What is the hottest month in San Antonio? Which season is the best time to visit San Antonio for you? What is the rainy season in San Antonio? Thanks to climate change, 'April showers' have become a thing of the past. As such, many places around the world experience their wettest seasons in May. The same is true for San Antonio, where you can expect the heaviest rainfall from May through early June. Just in time for that scorching summer, baby. Aw yeah!   When is the best time to visit San Antonio? This will depend on a few factors - how you feel about intense heat, what you're looking for in a vacation, and the kind of things you want to get up to in San Antonio! So let's explore the city, season by season, and then you can decide! It's your vacation, after all.   And that's everything you need to know about the best time to visit San Antonio! Want more ideas to fill your itinerary? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits, whichever season you choose! So grab a San Antonio pass and make the most of it!
Dom Bewley
New Year fireworks light up the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio.
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New Year's Eve in San Antonio

San Antonio is a city that knows how to throw a party, and its New Year’s Eve celebrations are no exception. We’re talking gala dinners, lavish balls, live music (played loud!) and some of the biggest and best firework displays in Texas. And that’s not all: there are oodles of top-notch attractions to keep you entertained all day long in the Alamo City, before you hit the River Walk bars and restaurants in the evening, from the San Antonio Missions and historic Alamo itself, to the observation deck that tops the soaring Tower of the Americas. Suffice it to say, San Antonio is packed with way more landmarks than even the most dedicated sightseer could possibly fit into a single day. Our guide picks out some of the best to make your New Year’s Eve in San Antonio go off with a bang. Morning: Delve into Texan History San Antonio is chock-full of historic treasures, with the Alamo and San Antonio Missions being far and away the biggest ticket items. Set aside a full morning for either one of these bucket-list beasts and we promise you will not be disappointed. The 1836 Battle of the Alamo is etched into San Antonio’s very DNA. You can delve into the iconic Mission-turned-garrison’s rich history and discover its pivotal role in the conflict, as well as paying tribute to American folk heroes Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, who met their end here. Take a guided tour of the battlefield to hear how the massacre unfolded and view the epic collection of Alamo artifacts donated by pop legend Phil Collins in 2014. Once the biggest private collection of its kind, it boasts priceless treasures including an original Bowie knife, and a leather pouch and rifle owned by Davy Crocket. Choose the San Antonio Missions tour if you want to dive even deeper into the Spanish influences that shaped the city. This epic 3.5-hour extravaganza takes in multiple missions and other architectural marvels. Step inside the 200-year-old Mission Concepción – an ultra-photogenic IG addicts’ dream of Spanish and Moorish architecture that’s only the oldest unrestored stone church in the US. Here’s where you can ogle original frescoes and explore the various nooks (sanctuary, nave, granary) once used by Franciscan friars. The tour also calls at the (even older) Mission San José with its beautiful baroque rose window (La Ventana de Rosa), and the Espada Acequia, an extraordinary feat of 18th-century engineering that is one of the oldest working aqueducts on the planet. Afternoon: A Visual Feast Hit up the colorful San Antonio River Walk for lunch. This epic urban ecosystem is the cultural, artistic and social artery of the city, a broad and lively waterway that’s liberally lined with fine bars and restaurants. So you’ll have no difficulty finding somewhere great to eat, though you may well struggle to choose just one place! There’s so much to do down here that you could easily fill a leisurely afternoon. Stroll the River Walk Public Art Garden near the intersection of Market and Alamo Streets for eye-popping sculptures and installations from contemporary local visual artists. Explore the lavish mansions in the King William Historic District. Or just soak up the atmosphere and take in the views on a sightseeing river cruise. You could also spend your New Year’s Eve afternoon ticking off any one of stacks of other top-tier attractions in and around the Downtown area. Go wild at San Antonio Zoo, where you can meet the majestic lions of Big Cat Valley, say ‘hey’ to resident hippos Timothy and Uma, and spy spectacled bears snoozing in their grottoes. Or get your culture fix at the San Antonio Museum of Art, housed inside the former Lone Star Brewery, where the story of five millennia of human history is told through Roman and Egyptian antiquities, Latin American and Asian art, and much more. Look out for highlights including 1530 painting The Holy Family by Giuliano Bugiardini and an extensive collection of elaborately decorated Iranian pottery. And, if being in an old brewery has whet your appetite for a taste of the good stuff, hit up the original Texas brewstillery, Ranger Creek, where the tour and tasting experience includes samples of beer and bourbon straight from the barrel. Just remember though: New Year’s Eve is a marathon, not a sprint. And it isn’t even evening yet... Evening: The Best of San Antonio’s Party Scene Nighttime options abound for your New Year’s Eve celebration in San Antonio. Start your evening with dinner on the River Walk where cuisines run the gamut from fine dining seafood restaurants to dirty burgers and Tex-Mex. Perennial favorites here include Joe’s Crab Shack, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, and Boudro’s Texas Bistro. Or hit up the Southtown Arts District for hip oyster bars, trendy taquerias and some of the best modern American fare in town. Try Little Em’s, Bliss and Bar Loretta for the win. Suitably stuffed, it's time to get your party shoes on. There will be events going on at all the major players in town, with live music, dancing and general merriment all included in the price of entry. Check listings for the likes of The Pearl, the Grand Hyatt, Hotel Emma and the historic Menger Hotel for some of the grander shindigs. Live music bar Howl at the Moon’s New Year’s Eve parties are the stuff of legend, and proximity to the River Walk means great views of the midnight fireworks, making this one of San Antonio’s most popular options. And if views of the firework displays are at the top of your wish list, the River Walk is by no means your only option. There’s an annual party and pyrotechnics show in Hemisfair Park and, for completely uninterrupted views, the observation deck at the Tower of the Americas – 750 foot icon of the San Antonio skyline – glass of champagne in hand, is hard to beat. Do bear in mind that bars everywhere will be packed and events ticketed, so you should book well in advance if you plan to attend a specific party. Save on activities and attractions in San Antonio Save on admission to San Antonio attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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