10+ things to do in San Antonio for adults

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, there are so many delightful attractions that you’re sure to find something to suit all tastes. From inspiring art museums to the wonders of nature, and from historic attractions to modern restaurants, enjoy it all in San Antonio.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
san antonio
San Antonio Texas

If you’re looking for things to do in San Antonio for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including...

  • SeaWorld San Antonio
  • Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour
  • Six Flags Fiesta Texas
  • Rio San Antonio Cruise
  • Buckhorn Museum & Saloon
  • Tower of the Americas
  • and more...

SeaWorld San Antonio

Seaworld San Antonio

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea at SeaWorld San Antonio. Experience up-close sea life interactions and dive into the world beneath the waves. Enjoy awe-inspiring shows, or laugh along at the comical Pets Ahoy, featuring locally rescued animals. Don’t miss their rides like the Great White® coaster.

You can even have a nose-to-nose interaction with a dolphin and experience amazing underwater viewings at the Discovery Point.

🎟️Getting in: SeaWorld San Antonio admission is available as a premium attraction option with the San Antonio Go City® Explorer Pass

Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour

LBJ State park

This is one for the history buffs and nature lovers alike. There’s so much beautiful countryside to explore out here in Texas that you’ll never want to leave. Your full-day excursion will escort you to Lyndon Baines Johnson’s childhood home and tour the LBJ Ranch, aka the Texas White House.

Then, explore the lovely historic town of Fredericksburg, which has significant German heritage and is today a great place to enjoy some German beer. Next, head to the musical town of Luckenbach, where legendary artists like Willie Nelson hail from. End your tour with a winery tour – what a day!

🎟️Getting in: Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour admission is available as a premium attraction option with the San Antonio Go City® Explorer Pass

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flags Fiesta

Release your inner big kid and let loose at one of the country's best theme parks! Six Flags Fiesta Texas is larger than life (as would be expected.) Part theme park, part water park, it's full of thrills.

This is Texas's most exhilarating theme park complete with a mix of rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides and games, water park slides, live entertainment, and more. Hop aboard the world's first single-track rollercoaster, and whizz, spin, and loop around some more coasters with thrill-inducing names such as Boomerang, Fireball, and Goliath.

There's even a wave pool the shape of Texas to cool off in under that Southern sun.

🎟️ Getting in: Six Flags Fiesta Texas admission is available on the Go City® Explorer Pass. 

Rio San Antonio Cruise

San Antonio River Cruise

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the lovely San Antonio River for some of the best sightseeing you’ll get to experience in the city. This hour-long cruise will showcase the highlights of San Antonio’s River Walk neighborhood, which is flush with cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and more. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the informative narration, and plan where you’re going to explore next along the River Walk.

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo flamingos

Animal lovers will also enjoy a trip to the San Antonio Zoo. Located in the scenic Brackenridge Park (also near the Witte Museum – see below for more details), this zoo is moderate in size but big on diversity and fun. The zoo itself is divided into thematic regions and sub-attractions, from Amazonia to the Hixon Bird House. Big Cat Valley is a particularly popular attraction, featuring up-close and personal encounters with majestic lions.

🎟️ Getting in: San Antonio Zoo admission is available on the Go City® Explorer Pass. 

Buckhorn Museum & Saloon / Texas Ranger Museum

Fans of Texas culture and those looking to see why “everything’s bigger in Texas” will value the opportunity to visit the Buckhorn Museum & Saloon. The Buckhorn Museum was founded based using the personal collections of the saloon owner, who had a fascination for natural history artifacts.

Today, the museum features more than 500 different species of wildlife remnants! The adjacent Texas Ranger Museum showcases the cowboy heritage of Texas with artifacts and objects that tell the story of the wild frontier days.

🎟️Getting in: Buckhorn Museum & Saloon admission and Texas Ranger Museum admission are both included on the Go City® Explorer Pass.

Popular San Antonio Museums

Museums in San Antonio

Culture lovers, rejoice! San Antonio is chock full of delightful museums that will keep you busy for hours upon hours, wandering through their inspiring collections. The Witte Museum is a great example of how diverse museums can be, as it combines nature, culture, and science, all in one great institution.

Then there’s the San Antonio Museum of Art, located in a 19th-century brewery (how cool is that?) and filled with engaging collections of art from over 5,000 years of history across the globe.

🎟️Getting In: Witte Museum admission and San Antonio Museum of Art admission are available available on the Go City® Explorer Pass.

Tower of the Americas

Tower of the Americas

Visit one of San Antonio’s most popular structures for visitors to explore – the Tower of the Americas. It’s comprised of two major attractions, the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck (the perfect place for that Insta-worthy snap) and the Skies Over Texas 4D Theater Ride. Both are great ways to learn more about the history and the modern vibe of San Antonio.

🎟️Getting in: Tower of the Americas admission is available on the Go City® Explorer Pass.

The Alamo

The Alamo

You can’t visit San Antonio without at least a stroll through their most famous attraction – the iconic Alamo. The Alamo is the site where a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution was fought, today it commemorates that history and serves as a museum. The compound itself was originally a Spanish mission, so the architecture alone is worth the visit.

Plus, they’ve also got an amazing collection of Alamo artifacts to peruse. Book a tour, check out their special events schedule, and be sure to pop into the gift shop.

🎟️Getting in: Admission to the Alamo is free.

Enjoy Local Outdoor Spaces

San Antonio Botanical Garden

If you loved the Natural Bridge Caverns, then see what it’s like to explore some local Texas flora and fauna. Head to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, a tranquil 38-acre expanse that’s been named one of the best botanical gardens in the South. It’s the perfect place for nature photos.

Another great option is the Yanaguana Gardens located in Hemisfair Park. You’ll likely see some kids around, but the garden and the larger park is fun for adults, too. This is close to the Tower of the Americas, so it’s easy to fit into a broader itinerary.

🎟️Getting in: Admission to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is separately ticketed and is not available with the Explorer pass. Admission to Hemisfair Park is free.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

That should do it! Our list of some of the most fun things to do in San Antonio for adults during your vacation. These ideas are great for couples or if you are traveling with a group of friends, so consider adding a few of these fun options to your kid-free vacation itinerary. Enjoy!

With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. So pick up a San Antonio attraction pass and save while you sightsee!

🌎Explore other destinations 🌎 ✈️Buy an Explorer pass✈️ 

 

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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San Antonio in Spring
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10+ Things to Do in San Antonio in Spring

With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and an array of fun festivals, springtime in San Antonio is one of the best times to visit. Here's our guide to the best things to see and do.
Katie Sagal
san antonio where to stay
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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
things to do in downtown san antonio
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Things to do in Downtown San Antonio

Are you alone? Is life making you lonely? Well, what are you doing? Don't let your problems surround you. And why is that? Well, because you can always go downtown, of course! Leave all your troubles behind and go where the action is. Downtown is often the most bustling part of a city, and San Antonio is no different. Here, you'll find plenty to see and do, and most of it is within walking distance. So, what things are there to do in downtown San Antonio? Read on and find out. Including: The Amazing Mirror Maze San Antonio Museum of Art E-Bike rental Scavenger Hunt by Foot San Antonio Zoo and more! Get spooked on a San Antonio Walking Historical Ghost Tour Let's kick things off with some spooky goings-on in downtown San Antonio. Did you know that it's one of America's most haunted cities? Well, now you do! Explore some of San Antonio's rich and gruesome history on this walking ghost tour of the downtown area. This two-hour walking tour takes you around San Antonio's most historic neighborhood, where you'll learn about modern paranormal investigation techniques, different types of hauntings, and the creepy tales that go with them! Led by a trained ghostographer (we may have made that up), they'll take you to various haunted locations around the city, fill you in on all the history you could want, as well as some taller tales of the paranormal. And don't worry, it doesn't get too graphic. People of all ages are welcome on this eerie descent into San Antonio's past. Get confused at the Amazing Mirror Maze You know those films that include mirror mazes? Usually, they're horror films, and it usually doesn't end well for the escapee. Well, why not try escaping from downtown's very own mirror maze, minus the imminent danger, of course. At the Amazing Mirror Maze, you'll be immersed in mirrors - a whole maze of them, to be exact. Who knows what will be around every corner. Will it be you, or will it be you? Aren't mirrors fun? Plus, thanks to the 3D glasses you'll get on entry, the maze comes to life in three dimensions. Can you escape the horror of constantly looking at your withered face? Only time, and a visit, will tell. But wait, there's more! Once you're done, try your hand at the Vault Laser Challenge. Your task? Make it through a hall of lasers. The challenge? You can't break a single one of them. Do your best Tom Cruise, and see if you'll survive. Get inspired at the San Antonio Museum of Art After all that excitement, why not calm your body and open your mind to some inspiring artwork? If that sounds like just the ticket, head on down to the San Antonio Museum of Art and find over 30,000 artistic artifacts from more than 5000 years of history. The museum houses several collections, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, Latin American artwork, contemporary art, and Asian art. There's even a particular gallery dedicated to Texan art. Yep, even cowboys have a sensitive side. For cultural fun, the San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in downtown San Antonio. Get the heart pumping with a one-day E-Bike rental Want to get the blood pumping to those measly muscles as you explore San Antonio's downtown? Thanks to the brilliance of technological progress, you can now hop on a two-wheeler powered by the god Zeus himself. They're called E-bikes, and they're brilliant. Thankfully, San Antonio has docking stations all over the city, so you're never too far from a charge. And if it all gets too much and the sweat's stinging your eyes, simply take a load off, dock the bike, and pick it up when you've toweled off! Freedom! Activity! And while you're atop your two-wheeled steed, why not explore the Mission Reach trail? This sixteen-mile roundtrip is the city's largest ecological restoration project and the best way to access the UNESCO World Heritage site, the San Antonio Missions. Or head downtown and museum-hop your way through the city. Options! Get lost on a Scavenger Hunt by Foot Want to see all the city's most significant landmarks, explore its many streets and corners, and have fun doing so? Then boy, do we have just the thing for you. Get involved with this scavenger hunt as you walk, pace, and run around San Antonio! Solve clues, complete challenges, and keep the host of the game updated with your progress. All you need is a phone with a camera, and you're good to go. Meet up at Hemisphere Park at the large mosaic panther, learn the rules from the mysterious host, and then off you trot. Fun for the whole family, if you've been forced to bring them on your vacation. Get historical at the Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum And finally, no list of the best things to do in downtown San Antonio would be complete without a touch of cowboy. No, you won't need a horse riding license, if they even exist. All you'll need is your two feet, a head, and the directions to the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum! At the ol' Buckhorn, you'll find hundreds of artifacts from local wildlife discovered during the old west days. Have you ever seen a 10,000-year-old prehistoric elk? No, you have not. Go here, and you will! And then, at the Texas Ranger Museum, you'll learn about the history of these law enforcers as they attempted to civilize the desert. You'll also see authentic ranger artifacts like weapons, munitions, badges, and clothing. If the frontier calls to you, and you suspect you experienced it in a past life, it's a must-visit! And those are our picks of the best things to do in downtown San Antonio! If you're looking for more fun things to do outside of the downtown area, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass, you can see San Antonio's best bits at your own pace!
Dom Bewley

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