Outdoor Activities in San Antonio

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
six flags san antonio

If you're the outdoorsy type, and the beating sun doesn't scare you, check out this list of the best outdoor activities to try in San Antonio. With some thrill-seeking, animal-meeting, and river-riding fun, you're sure to have a memorable vacation!

Including:

  • Six Flags Fiesta Texas
  • San Antonio Walking Historical Ghost Tour
  • San Antonio Zoo
  • Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
  • Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise
Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Roller Coaster,

Go Wild at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Let's start proceedings with some exhilaration! Are you a daring sort? Do you find joy in being absolutely terrified? If so, head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and test your mettle on some of the fastest rides on the planet.

And what says speed quite like superheroes? Six Flags knows this, which is why they have a ton of superhero-themed rides for you mere mortals to enjoy. Hop aboard the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Rollercoaster, and find out why she's the queen of comics as your knuckles whiten at every turn. Join the Man of Steel on Superman: Krypton Coaster, and go faster than a speeding bullet. Join the mega-rich yet mortal Batman on his ride around Gotham. If you like superheroes, Six Flags has you covered.

But it isn't all about speed. Six Flags is open to people of all shapes and sizes, so even non-thrill seekers are catered to. Take an easy ride on the Lazy River, catch some of the park's live entertainment, or take the little ones to the kid-friendly rides featuring some of their favorite cartoon characters.

With so many options, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is one of the best outdoor activities you can do in San Antonio.

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Arch, Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Path, Corridor, Indoors, House, Housing, Porch, Arbour, Alley, Patio,

Experience thrills and chills on a Walking Ghost Tour!

If you want to swap shocks for spookums, then boy, do we have a walking tour for you. San Antonio might seem like one of the finest cities around, but beneath the surface, terrors twist and turn. Or, at least, that's what this ghastly tour of the city's paranormal side will make you think.

Supposedly one of America's most haunted cities, you can now join a fearless guide and tour some of San Antonio's paranormal hotspots. Over two hours, you'll delve into the city's historic downtown core, learn about modern paranormal investigation techniques, different types of hauntings, and the creepy tales that go with them. Ooooh!

During the tour, you'll visit various haunted locations, where your guide will fill you in on their history, as well as supposed spooky goings on. Ooooooh!

And don't worry; even little explorers are welcome on this ghoulish jaunt. Even squeamish adults like you will do just fine.

Image of Animal, Mammal, Wildlife, Zebra,

Hang out with some furry friends at San Antonio Zoo

Let's shake off those cobwebs with something a little more light-hearted. And sunnier, if you're lucky. If you're a fan of animals, then why not go to San Antonio Zoo and introduce yourself to over 750 species? So what if they don't reply? At least you made an effort.

With delightful critters from all over the world, you'll have hours of fun exploring every nook and cranny of this 50-acre sanctuary. A fan of alligators, giraffes, and/or zebras? They've got them. Want to ride a train shaped like an eagle? Yep, they've got one of those too. Go meet some big cats up close at Cat Corner, greet the residents of the majestic plains at Africa Plains, and brave the humidity to see some tree-loving oddities at Outpost Amazonia. They even have a petting zoo, for Pete's sake. What more could you want?

Looking for a fun day out for you and the family? Go check out San Antonio Zoo - one of the best outdoor activities in the city!

Image of Animal, Livestock, Mammal, Sheep, Outdoors, Shelter, Countryside, Farm, Nature, Ranch, Rural, Neighborhood, Bird,

Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour

Want to get a taste of San Antonio's delightful ranch scene and see some of the city's history? Of course you do. With the sun shining, head down to Texas Hill Country and take a tour of LBJ's Ranch on this tour!

Travel along the beautiful backroads of the Texas Hill Country and learn all about Texas cowboys and the great cattle drives from South Texas to mid-western markets.

Then, when you reach Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center, you'll get a guided tour of the President's boyhood home before heading to the LBJ Ranch. Known locally as the Texan White House, where you'll learn about LBJ's legacy, his family life, and what he did after leaving the White House.

After all that, settle down for lunch at a German beer garden, go to a wine-tasting session, or visit the Nimitz Museum and National Museum of the Pacific War. It's completely up to you! After lunch, you'll head to the town of Luckenbach, before ending the tour at a Texan winery.

A fantastic way to spend a day out on your vacation to San Antonio!

Image of Canal, Outdoors, Water, Boat, Vehicle, Nature, Scenery, Path, Amphitheatre, Arena, Person, Tree, People,

Relax on a Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise

And finally, let's end our guide with a relaxing trip on the water. If picturesque sights and sounds are your thing, take a wonderful river cruise and see the city from a different angle. You'll have plenty of photo ops on your way, so make sure to bring a camera!

Snap stunning bridges, old buildings in San Antonio's original neighborhood, and some points of historical significance your guide will expand upon. You'll pass the cannon line from The Alamo, as well as the location where Roosevelt's rough riders crossed.

If you want to catch some of San Antonio's most historical landmarks, then this guided river cruise is easily one of the best outdoor activities for your itinerary!

And that's our list! If you're looking for other outdoor activities in San Antonio, and some inside ones too, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits, as well as some of the best museums in the city, at your own pace!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

DoSeum in San Antonio
Blog

Best Museums in San Antonio

Learning is one of life's many joys, but for many of us, it takes until adulthood to feel like that. When you're younger, learning can feel like a drag. After all, school gets in the way of all your life-learning experiences. How can you learn how to perfect a kickflip when you've got math? Learning to style pigtails? Sorry, write another book report on Of Mice and Men. Ugh. School, right? But now you're an adult, and what do you learn? Work's hardly stimulating your brain. Where can you turn for some of that sweet, sweet knowledge? Put down that book, you square, and head to a museum! These monuments to history, knowledge, and discovery come in all shapes and sizes, serving you with a hearty helping of information. San Antonio has its fair share of museums, so no matter your desires, you're sure to find one just for you. But which are the best? Read on, discover our picks of the best museums in San Antonio, and then brave the outdoors to see them. Including: Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum San Antonio Museum of Art The Alamo & Long Barrack Museum Witte Museum and more! Image courtesy of JustPixs/Shutterstock Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum Let's kick things off with some bucking buckaroos! If you're the kind of person that yearns for the Old West, minus the rampant diseases, daily chance of death, and general horror, then boy, do we have a museum for you! Take a trip back to Texas' hat-tipping past at the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum! The Buckhorn Museum traces its heritage back to the late 1800s. The founder of the saloon started collecting bones, antlers, and other natural artifacts from hunters and tradespeople passing through. Now, you can see more than 500 species of preserved wildlife, some as old as ten thousand years old! The antler display alone is worth a whole picture album, so get snapping. Then, enter the adjoining Texas Ranger Museum to get a better look at life on the frontier. Created to bring law to a lawless place, you can now get up close and personal with their gear. You'll find hundreds of authentic ranger artifacts, from weapons and badges to their hats and coats. Even people with a passing interest in the old west will consider these two the best museums in San Antonio, so add them to your itinerary and go see them for yourself! Image courtesy of AbeSnap23/Shutterstock San Antonio Museum of Art Looking for something a little more...visually appealing? Then you're probably in the market for an art museum. In which case, how does gazing at over 30,000 artistic objects from over 5000 years of human history sound? Good? Well, take yourself to the San Antonio Museum of Art, then, because that's where you'll find them. You'll find historical delights from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as art from Asian and Latin-American History. But that's not all, because they're joined by contemporary pieces courtesy of some of the best modern artists around. You'll even find exhibits dedicated to Texan artists! If art is your thing, the San Antonio Museum of Art should be a must-visit on your vacation. The Alamo & Long Barrack Museum The Alamo is one of the most famous places in America. For more than 300 years, five different armies have been positioned there, and the flags of six different nations have been hoisted atop it. Perhaps most famously, it was the arena for the Battle of the Alamo, where Mexican troops retook the fortress before US coalition forces eventually retook it, finally declaring Texas a US State. So, there's a lot of history here. Why not explore it and visit this hallowed ground for yourself? You've got plenty of options during your visit. You could take a guided tour of the fort and surrounding area, or go your own way with an audio tour. You'll find the Alamo Church and the Long Barrack Museum on the grounds too, where you can learn more about the armies, and the people within them, which called the fortress home. You can even participate in recreations of famous moments from the Alamo, if you're so inclined. Courtesy of Kit Leong/Shutterstock Witte Museum Prefer your history of the natural sort? Well, why not head to San Antonio's largest museum and go exploring? With over 10 acres of space dedicated to everything from science to history, the Witte Museum is one of the best museums in San Antonio! Explore the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, where you'll encounter skeletons, excavate dinosaur bones, and learn about giant dinosaur footprints. Did you know that Texas was covered in water 90 million years ago? Well, you will do when you go! At H-E-B Body Adventure, you'll explore the human body like never before. Over four floors, you'll learn about its limits, and its goings on from the inside out. And at the Kittie West Nelson Ferguson People of the Pecos Gallery, you'll learn about the lives and travails of Tecan prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Gaze upon life-sized recreations of their camps, how they created artwork within caves, and what they did to survive. The DoSeum Bringing the little ones along with you on your vacation? Then treat them to a museum made just for them! The DoSeum is San Antonio's museum for kids, and it's a great place to open their minds. Part museum, part classroom, they'll learn all about themselves, their world, and what lies beyond. Fun is the name of the game here, so don't expect any stuffy classrooms where they'll be bored. Instead, DoSeum aims to make learning fun, with interactive exhibits and workshops that will help them develop interests in science, art, and writing. It might not have much for us grown-ups, but with plenty to keep your kids engaged, you'll get away with doing something for yourself right after! And those are our picks for the best museums in San Antonio! Now take that newfound knowledge and go out to change the world! Or, at least, flex your superior intellect to your colleagues. 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, as well as some of the best museums in the city, at your own pace!
Dom Bewley
dolphins underwater at sea world
Blog

San Antonio Surprises: Fun Near SeaWorld®

You’ve nailed down SeaWorld® tickets and packed your sunscreen—so, now what? San Antonio shines as a city where family-friendly memories, lively local eats, and Texas hospitality turn any trip into something special. The neighborhoods near SeaWorld host parks, zoos, gardens, quirky museums, shopping and more, all within a short drive of your dolphin-day dreams. Want to pet a giraffe, trek ancient natural caverns, snap arty selfies, or feast on sizzling brisket? We’ve scouted out the top spots and standout experiences to help you build your best itinerary. Ready for adventure? Here are our favorite things to do near SeaWorld® in San Antonio.  Our favorite things to do near SeaWorld® include:  SeaWorld® San Antonio  San Antonio Zoo  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour  San Antonio Missions National Historical Park  Tower of the Americas  The Witte Museum  San Antonio Botanical Garden  Tejas Rodeo Company  The Shops at La Cantera  Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise  San Antonio Zoo  Just a short drive from SeaWorld®, the San Antonio Zoo invites everyone to reconnect with the animal kingdom in the shade of ancient oaks. The 50-acre campus packs in more than 750 species, ensuring plenty of “did you see that?” moments. Expect a family-friendly, laid-back ambiance where you can get surprisingly close to animals from every continent.  The Africa Live! section astounds with hippos above and below the waterline. Kids flock to feeding stations for giraffes and Lory Landing, where brilliant birds will land right on your arm for nectar sips. Stroll through Zootennial Plaza for classic carousel spins and a quick bite at outdoor picnic tables. Not just for little ones, the zoo’s informative exhibits and conservation focus make the experience meaningful for all ages.  Love wildflowers and wandering trails? The zoo’s Kiddie Park blends nostalgia with modern play spaces, and the Will Smith Zoo School inspires eco-friendly curiosity. Seasonal events bring new reasons to visit year-round, from after-hours lantern festivals to Halloween safari nights. Bring your sense of wonder (and maybe a camera!)—the San Antonio Zoo promises memorable encounters in a lush urban oasis.  Natural Bridge Caverns Discovery Tour  Trade the Texas sun for cool underground wonders at Natural Bridge Caverns, about a 30-minute drive from SeaWorld® but completely worth the trip. Here’s why: massive limestone chambers, mysterious tunnels, and formations that dazzle even geology skeptics. The vibe is adventurous and genuinely awe-inspiring, offering plenty of “can you believe this?” moments.  Guided Discovery Tours lead you along paved walkways through cathedral-like underground rooms. Stalagmites and stalactites look like something dreamt up in a fantasy novel. Kids and adults alike love testing their echo in the enormous chambers, while budding scientists geek out over cave bats and mineral displays. The guides bring history to life, sharing tales of early explorers and the science behind those dripping formations.  If you want to up your adventure, try the ropes course, mining for gems, or the Twisted Trails aerial adventure outside. A picnic area and snack bars turn this into an easy half-day escape. Even on triple-digit days, temperatures inside stay refreshingly cool. It’s a must for anyone craving a little natural wonder—or just a break from the heat.  San Antonio Missions National Historical Park  Ready for a side of history with your adventure? The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the city’s famous Spanish colonial missions, all linked by a scenic river trail just 20 minutes from SeaWorld®. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a peaceful, moving look at the region’s roots.  Whether you walk, bike, or drive between Missions San José, Concepción, San Juan, and Espada, you’ll discover towering stone churches, centuries-old frescoes, blooming gardens, and shaded courtyards. Each mission has its own story—San José is known for its stunning Rose Window, while Espada features an 18th-century aqueduct. The atmosphere feels tranquil and reverent, with birdsong and the slow swing of mission bells.  Interpretive centers at each stop include fascinating displays and friendly rangers ready to share hidden details (like which well is rumored to grant wishes!). Pick up coffee and pastries from local panaderías along the way. If you fancy a scenic break, bring a picnic under the trees. The blend of culture, architecture, and nature make the missions a favorite for travelers seeking something unique to San Antonio.  Tower of the Americas  Want the perfect panorama of San Antonio? Head to the Tower of the Americas downtown—a quick hop from SeaWorld®—for a sky-high escape. The 750-foot landmark rises above Hemisfair Park, offering unrivaled 360-degree views that stretch all the way to the Hill Country. The ambiance is equal parts retro and modern, with that swanky sixties space needle feel and recent upgrades that make your visit extra comfy.  Step onto the glass-walled observation deck and watch the city sprawl below: the River Walk ribbons through leafy parks, the missions dot the horizon, and the Hill Country glows gold at sunset. History buffs will geek out on the informative exhibits about San Antonio’s growing skyline and the 1968 World’s Fair.  The revolving Chart House restaurant is great for a special meal (look for steak and seafood highlights), but there’s also a more casual café for quick bites. Kids adore the Skies Over Texas 4D Theater, which adds a dash of virtual excitement to your outing. It’s a cool spot for couples, families, or anyone who loves snapping city photos—and the sparkling night views add a touch of romance to your San Antonio stay.  The Witte Museum  Craving a mix of hands-on fun and Texas tales? The Witte Museum, just 25 minutes from SeaWorld®, delivers science, history, and art in an airy riverside campus. It’s the kind of place that delights all ages—whether you geek out over dinosaur fossils, marvel at historic cowboy gear, or play your way through inventors’ labs.  The South Texas Heritage Center transports you to the Wild West with real wagons, spurs, and personal stories from days gone by. Kids flock to the H-E-B Body Adventure, a four-story interactive space where climbing walls, cycling challenges, and fun fitness games rule. Step outside for world-class gardens and walking paths along the banks of the San Antonio River.  Rotating exhibitions keep every visit fresh—think Maya artifacts one month, local art the next. The Witte’s blend of learning and play draws locals and visitors alike, and the riverfront picnic lawns make it easy to pause and soak up the scene. After exploring, grab a taco from a nearby café and stroll the river trails for bonus adventure.  Tejas Rodeo Company  Craving cowboy culture? Head north to Tejas Rodeo Company for an evening of authentic Texas rodeo, live music, and hearty barbecue—all just 25 minutes from SeaWorld®. It’s a high-energy, all-ages experience that immerses you in the Lone Star spirit, complete with dust, boots, and plenty of yeehaw.  The Saturday night rodeos (seasonal, March–November) deliver classic competitions: barrel racing, bull riding, and trick roping, all set under string lights and open skies. The crowd gets into the action, cheering for pint-sized mutton busters and local ranch hands alike. Between events, grab a barbecue plate piled with brisket or ribs, or savor a cold beer while Texas bands take over the dance floor.  Families will love the petting zoo, pony rides, and western games. If you’re after something a little different, try your hand at roping lessons or take a sunset ride on the property’s horseback trails. The relaxed country vibe and friendly faces make even first-timers feel like rodeo regulars—so pull on your boots and join the fun!  The Shops at La Cantera  When your crew is ready for retail therapy or just a change of scenery, The Shops at La Cantera delivers. This open-air mall, less than 10 minutes from SeaWorld®, combines luxury labels with local boutiques, set among leafy courtyards and shaded walkways. The mood is breezy and casual—you can flip-flop between Saks and surf shops, then cool off with artisan ice cream.  Highlights include flagship stores for Apple, Anthropologie, and Nordstrom, plus local gems like Kendra Scott jewelry and handcrafted home décor at Texas-unique shops. Dining options impress, from gourmet burgers at Hopdoddy to wood-fired pizzas and sushi. We always make time for Las Palapas, where friendly staff serve up classic breakfast tacos with bold salsas.  Live music and seasonal pop-up markets keep things vibrant, and kids love the landscaped play areas and splash pads. The Shops at La Cantera are the go-to spot for picking up something stylish, recharging with a cappuccino, or simply people-watching under swaying palms.  Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise  When you’re ready for downtown fun, a Go Rio River Cruise is pure San Antonio magic. These colorful barges glide through the city’s winding River Walk, blending urban buzz with serene water views. Wheelhouse staff keep things playful, sharing tidbits of city history and fun local lore. Generally, the mood is lively but laid-back—think gentle sightseeing with a side of Texas charm.  Hop on a narrated cruise to admire tile-adorned bridges, cascades of flowers, and the blend of Spanish and modern architecture that defines the River Walk. You’ll float past bustling patios, hidden art installations, and twinkling lights in the evening. Options range from quick 35-minute tours to themed adventures and private charters.  Post-cruise, stay riverside for a table at Iron Cactus (killer margaritas and sizzling fajitas) or an al fresco meal at Boudro’s (prickly pear margarita alert!). Day or night, the river scene is a must for first-timers and locals alike. It’s the perfect way to wind down a busy sightseeing day or kick off an evening of exploring downtown San Antonio’s attractions and nightlife.    Want more? Check out our comprehensive guide to SeaWorld ® San Antonio, and discover what to do in Downtown San Antonio.  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! 
san antonio where to stay
Blog

Where To Stay in San Antonio

San Antonio is one of America's biggest and oldest cities, attracting tons of would-be cowboys and tourists to its streets every year. And with good reason; there are plenty of things for people to do in San Antonio. If you're looking for authentic Tex-Mex, San An practically created the stuff. If history's your thing, the city is full of it. And, if you want a great vacation spot over the winter months, San Antonio's mild seasonal weather is ideal. So you know why you should visit the city. Now, the question is where to stay in San Antonio. Do you want to be in the center of it all, within walking distance of the best attractions, or would you prefer somewhere quieter? Read on, and your questions (and maybe prayers) will be answered. So enough talk, let's get on with it. Here's our guide on where to stay in San Antonio! Where to stay in San Antonio: Downtown Downtown is the bustling neighborhood in San Antonio. Not only is it where you'll find most of the touristy things to do in the city, but it's also easy to get around by foot thanks to the River Walk - a pedestrian-only pathway system that branches out from the San Antonio River. But the river isn't just great for walking. It's a river, after all, and us resourceful humans have been using it for travel for millennia. Don't believe me? Don't be silly. Take a cruise on the river and see for yourself. Of course, you've also got the aforementioned glut of tourist hotspots to explore. Head up to the top of the Tower of the Americas to get the best view in town. Take the little ones to a performance at the Magik Theatre, or let them enjoy the rides at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Further north, you'll find the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, a hunting lodge turned bar with a museum on the side. It doesn't get much more cowboy than that! All that, and we haven't even mentioned the nearby amenities. Downtown, you'll find a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops, and plenty more to do! Choose Downtown if: you want to be close to the city's biggest landmarks and attractions, and prefer to walk on foot or cycle around the city. Where to stay in San Antonio: Museum Reach North of the Downtown area, you'll find Museum Reach. Unsurprisingly given its name, it's considered the cultural heart of the city, with a wealth of museums and galleries for you to visit. So, if you want to be amongst the city's culture and art, Museum Reach might be the perfect place for you. So what are the area's highlights? Well, you've got the San Antonio Museum of Art, which features over 30,000 artistic artifacts spanning 5,000 years of human history, from ancient Egypt all the way to local art from the last few decades. There's the Witte Museum, which is the city's largest. Mixing science and natural history, and with plenty of dinosaur skeletons to gawp at, it's one of the best of its kind in the country. You'll also find the DoSeum Children's Museum, where kids can experience a fun way to learn, the San Antonio Zoo, where they'll come face to face with tons of exotic animals, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden. If you're visiting the gardens over the winter months, go check out Lightscape, one of the most impressive displays of Christmas lights you'll find on the planet. It's the most expensive neighborhood to stay in on this list, but with so much culture within walking distance, it's a no-brainer! Choose Museum Reach if: culture is your jam, and you don't mind paying a premium to be amongst it! Where to stay in San Antonio: Northwest We're into the suburbs now. If you're hiring a car or planning on getting around on public transport and you're wondering where to stay in San Antonio, give Northwest a shot. Your stay will be a lot cheaper, and you'll still be close enough to some of the city's unique attractions. And, if you want to explore further into the center, you can always hop in your car! One of the city's most popular attractions is SeaWorld San Antonio, which you'll find in the heart of the city's Northwest neighborhood. Perfect for kids and big kids alike, it features rides, animal shows, and a massive aquarium to explore. If that wasn't enough underwater creatures for you, you'll also find the San Antonio Aquarium nearby. It's perfect if you prefer the observation side of sea life without the spectacle. There's also plenty of shopping to do, thanks to the Alamo Ranch open-air shopping mall, and the hikers among you will appreciate the miles of trails at the Government Canyon State Natural Area. Choose Northwest if: you're planning to have a car with you, and affordable accommodation is important. Where to stay in San Antonio: South If you're looking for cheaper accommodation but also want to make the most of the Tex-Mex cuisine San Antonio prides itself on, check out South. It's also a quieter neighborhood, if you prefer being away from the action when it's bedtime. South San Antonio is also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This sprawling space is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites that almost demand a visit. There's the Mission Concepción, the oldest unrestored stone church in America. You'll also find Mission San Jose, an 18th-century church featuring a stunning arched exterior and weathered photogenic facade. And finally, the Espada Aqueduct & Acequia, one of the oldest functioning irrigation systems known to man. To see and learn even more about them, we'd recommend taking a tour of the area. As far as food is concerned, you can't go wrong with Nicha's, Don Pedro, and Claudia's Restaurant. They do some of the best spicy offerings in the entire country. Choose South if: you're here for the food, and want to walk off the calories somewhere historic. And that's our guide on where to stay in San Antonio! Looking for more of the city's best attractions? Check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits at your own pace!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.