San Antonio in Spring

10+ Things to Do in San Antonio in Spring

Our guide to springtime in the River City.
By Katie Sagal

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.

Spring often brings ideal temperatures to San Antonio, with pleasant highs and cool lows. What this means for travelers is that spring is a truly pleasant time to be exploring this otherwise sultry Texas destination. You’ll be able to enjoy relaxing walks on the River Walk, strolls through the San Antonio Zoo, and an afternoon at SeaWorld without worrying about the oppressive heat.

You’ll also find better deals on hotels and travel if you visit before April, which is when the tourist season really picks up. If you’re in search of a few things to do in San Antonio in spring, check out these suggestions. A couple of our favorite spring things include:

  • San Antonio River Cruise
  • SeaWorld® San Antonio
  • Six Flags Fiesta Texas
  • San Antonio Museum of Art
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
  • And more!

Save on Springtime Activities in San Antonio

Admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go San Antonio pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.

Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go San Antonio pass.

San Antonio River Tour

blur-colorful-river-walk-downtown-san-antonio

You’ve probably spent some time at the San Antonio River Walk, but seeing it from the perspective of the water makes all the difference. First off, you’ll be cooler, with the breezy waters keeping your spring day pleasant. Second, it’s a lot more fun to be on a boat! Some of the places you’ll see along your narrated Rio San Antonio Cruise River Tour include top riverfront sites, museums, markets, restaurants, and more. 

Getting In: San Antonio River Tour tickets are available as an option on the Go City® San Antonio pass.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

There’s nothing more exciting than the cool breeze whipping through your hair as you soar through the air on a roller coaster. Or perhaps you prefer the splashing good time on a water ride? Whatever you love best about theme parks, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has something in store for you. Thrill-seekers of all ages will love to indulge their wild side. With six different themed areas to explore, the possibilities are practically endless!

For those who love to party, the Six Flags Fiesta Texas Mardi Gras event is a must. Running from mid-January to the beginning of March, this exuberant party is chock-full of Mardi Gras food, drink, and entertainment you could desire. Don't forget about the beads! 

Getting In: Six Flags Fiesta Texas tickets are available as an option on the Go City® San Antonio pass.

SeaWorld® San Antonio

seaworld-san-antonio

The only institution around that combines the best of the theme park fun with the most significant and important work in animal conservation is SeaWorld®. At their San Antonio location, you’ll be able to visit all types of sea creatures and learn about their aquatic worlds. Don’t forget about their animal shows! Then, take advantage of the park’s exhilarating offerings with top roller coasters like the Great White and Steel Eel, plus gentler attractions for small visitors like Sesame Street Bay. 

Insider Tip: If you’re visiting in April, check out their Seven Seas Food Festival (not included with regular admission). 

Getting In: SeaWorld San Antonio tickets are available as a premium option with the Go City® San Antonio pass.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

man-woman-enjoy-flying-together-wind

For a thrill that can only be matched by jumping out of a plane, head to the iFly Indoor Skydiving. At this exhilarating attraction, you'll get to explore what it's like to float through the air without the terror of actually falling to earth. Newbies will be comfortable, and more experienced folks will enjoy the chance to practice some fancy moves.

Getting In: iFly Indoor Skydiving is separately ticketed.

Splashtown San Antonio

One of the city's best waterparks, Splashtown San Antonio is a top choice among families traveling in late spring. It opens for the season in April, with promises of more wet and wild fun than ever. Explore 20 acres of watery fun, with slides, rides, and other attractions that are designed to make you cool, wet, and happy.

From wave pools to lazy rivers to over 40 water slides, Splashtown has more than enough to keep you busy for hours. They also host periodic special events, so we recommend checking their calendar to see what's on. 

Getting In: Splashtown San Antonio is separately ticketed.

Texas Hill Country & LBJ Ranch Tour

beautiful-texas-hill-country-ranch-bluebonnets

Given that the weather this time of year is pretty pleasant, it’s a great opportunity to embark on a tour of Texas Hill Country. Travel along dusty back roads and learn about the history and heritage of the Texas cowboy. This full-day tour also includes stops at several small towns, including the German town Fredericksburg and the musical Luckenbach, home to Willie Nelson.

And of course, there are all the attractions related to the 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and his wife, Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor. Visit his childhood home and tour the LBJ Ranch (aka the Texas White House). This immersive day-long excursion will truly introduce you to local Texas history. 

Getting In: Texas Hill Country tour tickets are available on the San Antonio pass.

San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art

Art lovers won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore some of the finest art in the southwest with a visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art. Housed in a historic nineteenth-century brewery, this fascinating structure boasts impressive collections of art from around the world. Particular strengths of the collection include Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, contemporary art, plus art from Latin America.

They also feature frequent special exhibitions this spring on topics like Texas Art and Aboriginal Art from Australia. Some special exhibitions may be separately ticketed. 

Getting In: San Antonio Museum of Art tickets are available as a premium option with the Go San Antonio pass.

San Antonio Zoo

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Many animals love springtime, too! It’s cooler in Texas, and that means many critters will be more playful and active. Pay a visit to the San Antonio Zoo to see over 750 different species, lodged across 50 acres in authentic habitats. Conveniently located in Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo features all your favorite animals, plus a fun historic train and carousel. It’s a great way to spend a few hours with the kids and then visit something else in the park (like the nearby Witte Museum). 

Getting In: Admission to the San Antonio Zoo is available on the Go City® San Antonio pass.

Local spring events in San Antonio

Poteet Strawberry Festival in April, Poteet, TX

Poteet Strawberry Festival

Poteet Strawberry Festival in April, Poteet, TX

Poteet Strawberry Festival, April, Poteet, TX

This unique local event is a fun way to get a taste of Texas farm culture, close to San Antonio. Poteet was known as the first place in the region where strawberries were successfully grown, and this three-day festival continues to celebrate this legacy today. 

But if previous years' festivities are anything to go by, expect everything from traditional carnival rides and games to a petting zoo and a ball. Oh, and a hypnotist, a gunfighting demonstration, a rodeo, a mobile fossil museum, and strawberry growing contests. 

Getting In: Admission to the Poteet Strawberry Festival is separately ticketed. For more information, please visit the event website.

Fiesta! San Antonio, April, Various Locations

Originally designed as a parade in honor of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, Fiesta San Antonio has evolved into something much more expansive for locals and visitors alike. This multi-faceted, multi-day festival incorporates several small events – like dance performances, an official parade, food festivals, etc. – which benefit the community, as all profits from the Fiesta go back towards community services. 

Getting In: Fiesta San Antonio is separately ticketed. For more information, please visit the event website. Many events, however, are free!

So if you’re in the midst of planning that perfect San Antonio springtime vacation, check out a few of these ideas from things to do in April, May, and June.  We hope you like an idea or two from this post. Happy travels!

Save up to 50% on San Antonio attractions  

Planning your San Antonio trip? 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.  

☀️See all San Antonio attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a San Antonio pass ✈️ 

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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
Christmas in San Antonio
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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! 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! 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. 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. 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. 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! 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! 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

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