The Best Cheap Things to do in San Antonio

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
the best cheap things to do in San Antonio

Vacations are expensive - there are no two ways about it. You save up all year, putting a bit of your wage away every month so you can splurge on a great trip. But when you take flights, accommodation, eating out, drinks, and your itinerary into account, those savings can go fast. After all, San Antonio is full of things to see and do, places to go, and delicious food and drink to consume. Eventually, all those sweet dollars are gonna dry up.

So, what to do? After all, we can't have you living on noodle cups like a college student. No, those days are long gone. Instead, let's look at the cheaper side of San Antonio. Why don't we bring together the very best cheap things to do in San Antonio? We'll put them all in one place - right here - and let you decide which ones you want to do. Sound like a plan? Good. Alright then, let's get on with it. These are our picks for the best cheap things to do in San Antonio!

Including:

  • Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise
  • One-day E-Bike rental
  • The Tower of the Americas
  • the Witte Museum
  • and more!
Image of Canal, Outdoors, Water, Vehicle, Watercraft, Tree, Path, Boat, Person, Waterfront, Nature, Scenery,

Go ham on a San Antonio River Cruise!

Let's kick things off with a smooth river cruise that'll let you see the city from a different perspective. With a narrator in tow, you'll glide down the San Antonio River, see the sights and sounds, and learn more about the city.

Hop aboard this colorful electric boat at the San Antonio Visitor Centre and set sail down the waterways. You'll pass sites like where General Santa Anna placed his cannon line in the Battle of the Alamo, the old crossing where Teddy Roosevelt led his rough riders, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and much more.

Then, when your thirty-minute odyssey is up, you'll hop out and get on with your day. Cheap and cheerful at under $15, or you could grab an Explorer Pass and see tons of San Antonio's best bits for one price!

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Explore the city on two wheels with a one-day E-Bike rental!

After days of gorging on San Antonio's Texan cuisine and washing it down with a few beers or whiskeys, your midriff might be slightly larger. And by slightly, we mean alarmingly so. If that's the case, why not hire a bike and get active? It'll let you explore the city at your own pace and get your heart pumping at the same time!

You'll find docking stations extending from Mission Reach through downtown and north along Museum Reach. And with pedal assist, you can take your foot off the gas, so to speak.

If you've seen all the San Antonio's sights, give the Mission Reach Trail a go. It's a big one, coming in at sixteen miles for the roundtrip, but it passes through some of the best scenery in the city. At $15 a day, it's easily one of the best cheap things to do in San Antonio. It's also included in our Explorer Pass if you want to get more bang for your buck.

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Take a trip up the Tower of America

Want to experience the best view of the city? Step right up, one and all, and journey to the top of the Tower of America. It's so good, they named the entire country after it. Or was it the other way around? Guess we'll never know.

Head up to the 360-degree observation deck, and you'll see the city's top landmarks and sights, including the Alamo, the River Walk, and more. You'll also get free entry into the Skies Over Texas 4D Theater Ride, where you'll get a virtual helicopter tour of the city's highlights, zooming past live street performances, a high school football game, and more.

Who knew a tower could pack so much into it? Well, we did, because - you guessed it - it's part of our Explorer Pass too. Is there anything we don't do for you? Maybe, maybe not.

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Discover big dead animals and more at the Witte Museum!

If you like your history prehistoric and your mind blown, then we've got two words for you. The Witte Museum. Wait, that's not two words. Disregard the above. But don't disregard The Witte Museum! It's the jewel in San Antonio's cultural crown, with over ten acres of eye-opening, mind-widening entertainment.

From giant dinosaur skeletons to hands-on scientific exhibits, there's something for every curious mind behind the Witte's doors. Explore the Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery, where you'll encounter skeletons, excavate dinosaur bones, and learn about giant dinosaur footprints. And 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.

That's just a taste, mind. To get the full dish, you'll need to head there yourself. And with our Explorer Pass, you'll simply scan in and swan along. Nice.

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Go touch grass at one of San Antonio's many parks!

And finally, we'll end this jolly foray into the cheaper side of San Antonio with something that won't cost you a dime. Parks are their name, and having free, nature-filled fun is their game.

There's Brackenridge Park, with its running waters, golfing opportunities, and plenty of places to pitch your tent. Fancy a hike? Give Friedrich Wilderness Park a pop. With its rocky climbs and enchanting scenery, there's no shortage of natural beauty. Plus, there's plenty of wildlife to spy for those with a keener eye. Or, try the aforementioned Missions Reach Trail, which takes you through the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. SAMNHP to her friends (not really, a park doesn't really make friends) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's where you'll find the infamous Alamo. You can even take a tour if you like. Lovely.

And those are our picks for the best cheap things to do in San Antonio. May your vacation be long and full of fun, and your wallet heavy with riches. For everything else San Antonio, 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

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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
Six Flags Fiesta Texas | Go San Antonio Pass
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10+ things to do in San Antonio with kids for a fun family vacation

San Antonio has lots of family-friendly attractions and things to do that are perfect for keeping both younger and older kids entertained.
Katie Sagal
alligator in san antonio zoo
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Wildly Fun and Free: Adventure Awaits Near San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo might be your main attraction, but trust us—the fun multiplies the moment you step outside those playful gates. Why settle for just one wild experience when you can fill your entire day (or weekend!) with unique, absolutely free sights and activities nearby? Whether you’re craving a slice of local culture, green oases, historic treats, or riverside strolls, this neighborhood goes all-in. Curious? You’re in the perfect place. Prepare for animal encounters, artistic wonders, shady picnic spots, quirky museums and breathtakingly beautiful river walks—all while leaving your wallet firmly zipped. Here’s our handpicked list of free things to do near San Antonio Zoo, so your trip is as wild and wonderful as possible from start to finish.  Our favorite free things to do near San Antonio Zoo include:  Brackenridge Park  Japanese Tea Garden  The San Antonio River Walk (Brackenridge Segment)  Witte Museum Grounds  Sunken Gardens  Kiddie Park  Brackenridge Park Train Viewing  Museum Reach Murals  Trinity University Campus Walks  Lambert Beach and Brackenridge Park Fishing  Japanese Tea Garden  Let’s be honest: if you didn’t snap a photo beside the Japanese Tea Garden’s dreamy koi ponds, did you even visit San Antonio? This treasure beckons just steps from the zoo, and entry is always free. Walk winding stone paths between waterfalls, pagodas, and perfectly manicured floral beds, taking in the rare tranquility that fills this repurposed 19th-century quarry. The central lily-pond glows with swimming koi, and there’s a pagoda-style pavilion that quickly becomes everyone’s favorite selfie destination.  Built as a public works project nearly a century ago, the garden flourishes with Japanese maples, cherry blossoms, and stone arch bridges. You’ll meet couples posing for engagement shoots, families marveling at dragonflies, and plenty of world travelers soaking up the Zen-like beauty. Sit for a moment in the cool shade, let the splashing falls wash away city stress, or drop by at golden hour, when the garden practically glows. This is one of San Antonio’s most photogenic and peaceful spots—no ticket required.  The San Antonio River Walk (Brackenridge Segment)  San Antonio’s famous River Walk stretches for miles, but the segment running right alongside the zoo and Brackenridge Park offers a particularly lush, laid-back experience. Picture a riverside ribbon, shaded by cypress and live oaks, dotted with sculptural bridges and gardens. Here, the roar of downtown melts away, replaced by strolling ducks, quiet benches and the soothing burble of river currents.  For explorers, this part of the River Walk is a hidden gem. Set out on foot (or by bike) from nearby park entrances and watch urban and natural worlds collide. Wildflowers line the riverbanks. Runners and dog walkers smile as you pass by. You might spot a family of turtles sunning themselves on a log, or a heron fishing for lunch. Interpretive signs explain the area’s wildlife and history, making your wander both scenic and surprisingly educational. The River Walk, Brackenridge edition, never fails to enchant, whether you’ve got an hour to burn or a whole afternoon to soak in the scenery.  Witte Museum Grounds  While the Witte Museum charges admission for its immersive exhibits and dinosaur skeletons, the beautifully landscaped grounds outside are free to explore. Located right at the edge of Brackenridge Park, the Witte’s exterior spaces merge art, science, and natural beauty in one stimulating environment.  Wide plazas feature public sculptures, including massive animal statues and Texas-sized footprints that double as climbing structures for kids. Native plant gardens showcase the diversity of South Texas foliage—and you might catch a glimpse of butterflies or hummingbirds zipping by. Wander along “Dinosaur Ridge” to find fossil replicas and educational signs (the perfect science fix for future paleontologists). You’ll also find picnic tables and benches, making it easy to rest, snack, and admire views of the San Antonio River as it meanders by. Early evenings can be especially magical, when golden sunlight filters through stately pecan trees and the river sparkles just steps away.  Sunken Gardens  San Antonio’s original Sunken Gardens, tucked near the Japanese Tea Garden, is one of those quirky local secrets that rewards curious wanderers. Once a limestone quarry floor, the gardens now invite visitors to descend gently sloping paths into a lush hollow—think sun-dappled lawns framed by stone walls, beneath rows of enormous palm trees and flowering shrubs.  Though less manicured than neighboring attractions, the Sunken Gardens are beloved for their peaceful, old-world ambiance and surprising wildlife. Catch butterflies flitting between wildflowers or ducks gliding across the pond’s glassy surface. On sunny weekends, you might encounter impromptu yoga sessions, strolling wedding parties, or birdwatchers equipped with binoculars and enthusiasm. Grab a friend, sprawl out on the grass, and enjoy the perfect mash-up of urban retreat and untamed beauty. It’s a timeless, generously open space for anyone who needs a break from the buzz.  Brackenridge Park Train Viewing  Here’s a treat the little ones will never forget: the Brackenridge Eagle mini train, a beloved San Antonio tradition, circles through the park and around the zoo. You don’t need a ticket to ride to get in on the excitement. Simply find a shady spot along its circuit—trains pass through every few minutes—and wave as delighted families whistle by.  Kids especially get a kick out of feeling part of the action, and you’ll notice a contagious joy every time the miniature locomotive appears. Stations and bridges make great photo stops; bring a snack or cold drink, listen for train bells, and let imaginations run wild. For many, it becomes a highlight of their park day—proof that the simplest pleasures sometimes make the best memories.  Museum Reach Murals  Art and river air—now that’s a winning combo. The Museum Reach section of the River Walk, just south of Brackenridge Park, is dotted with creative murals, mosaics, and monumental sculptures—all free to enjoy. These colorful displays, created by local and internationally celebrated artists, transform bridges, tunnels, and even riverbanks into a dynamic open-air gallery.  Take a stroll and see how each piece tells a slice of San Antonio’s story: look for mosaic fish darting beneath bridge arches, abstract shapes bursting with vibrant Texas colors, and mythic creatures peeking from unexpected corners. The Starfish Pass bridge in particular is a must-see, with playful mosaics that seem to ripple when sunlight hits. Whether you’re on a solo photo safari or corralling pint-size art critics, these walkable murals spark conversation (and deliver plenty of new profile pic material). Best of all, the art is always open—24/7, rain or shine.  Trinity University Campus Walks  Craving a culture fix and maybe a bit of architecture envy? Trinity University sits just north of the zoo, its hilltop campus open for strolling. Leafy walkways, dramatic limestone buildings, and spectacular city views at sunset are all part of the deal. You don’t need an enrollment letter to thrive in this academic air.  As you wander, you’ll discover public art installations, flowering gardens and fountains, and quiet corners perfect for reading or contemplation. Don’t miss the skyline vistas from the Coates Esplanade—especially when purple Texas mountain laurels bloom in spring. During the academic year, keep an eye out for open lectures or pop-up outdoor concerts, often free for visitors (check Trinity’s events calendar). The entire grounds buzz with student energy and collegiate vibrance, making it one of the city’s most inspiring—and accessible—walking routes.  Lambert Beach and Brackenridge Park Fishing  Need to cool off or just decompress by the water? Head to Lambert Beach inside Brackenridge Park, a serene stretch of the San Antonio River often overlooked by visitors. This spot, historically used as a swimming area, now serves locals and travelers seeking gentle river breezes, shallow water play (weather permitting), and scenic angling.  Bring a picnic, dangle your toes in the water, or set up a folding chair for an afternoon of people and wildlife watching. The riverbank often teems with turtles, fish, and the occasional egret making a dramatic landing. For those who love to fish, the park is an oasis; Texas residents and kids under 17 can drop a line without a state license in these urban waters. Even if you don’t fish, the cool green shade and rippling water guarantee instant relaxation—think of it as San Antonio’s answer to a day at the lake, totally free and right in the heart of all the action.    So there you have it: San Antonio Zoo may be at the heart of your adventure, but the area around it bustles with charm, color, and good old-fashioned Texas hospitality—no tickets, wristbands, or bills required. From secret gardens to riverside strolls, kid-friendly classics to artsy finds, this corner of San Antonio proves that the most memorable vacation moments don’t always come with a price tag. All you need is an open itinerary, a dash of curiosity, and maybe some extra room on your camera roll. Happy exploring!    Like this? Why not find the best museums in San Antonio, and make the most of outdoor adventures in and around 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! 

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