Go beyond the River Walk or remembering the Alamo with some of our favorite things to do in San Antonio, from cool eats and drinks to rejuvenating activities.
Certain attractions in San Antonio receive constant attention. The River Walk is a lovely stroll. The Alamo is always teeming with people. And the Tower of the Americas gives you a picturesque view of the city. However, San Antonio has plenty of other spots that offer a wide range of exciting adventures.
Whether you’re looking for a new bar or want to get in touch with nature, check out 11 of our favorite things to do in San Antonio that you might not have tried.
Shop at Traders Village
9333 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78242
Flea market meets amusement park at Traders Village, one of the most unique things to do in San Antonio. Each weekend, the area transforms into a shopaholic adventurer’s dream. You’ll find over 1,000 vendors, from perfume and vintage clothing to candy and stickers to figurines and games. Admission is free, and parking costs $6. And if you want to enjoy the amusement park rides, the $11.99 all-you-can-ride wristband is the way to go (rides are $2.99 apiece otherwise). Pro tip: Visit on Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. to take advantage of “Happy Hour at the Hall,” which includes discounts on beer and micheladas, as well as live music.
Grab some sweets at Alamo Candy Co.
1149 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Sporting a mascot that’s an accurate representation of how you’ll feel after enjoying the company’s items, Alamo Candy Co. has no shortage of treats. You’ll find classic items and unique sweet-and-spicy concoctions, such as the AC Big Tex Dill Pickle, a sour treat coated in chimoy for an extra kick. It’s perhaps the largest collection of treats in San Antonio, making it a perfect gift for visitors or family members who live out of state.
Watch the light show at The Saga
115 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Saga debuted in June 2014 at the Main Plaza, and it remains one of the top free things to do in San Antonio. French artist Xavier de Richemont designed the exhibit to educate visitors on the city’s history, covering key battles, development, and the people who have helped turn San Antonio (and Texas) into what it is today. The 24-minute light show plays every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 p.m., boasting over 7,000 square feet of light and color projected on the façade of San Fernando Cathedral.
Have a drink at Bar 1919
1420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78204
Billing itself as “San Antonio’s best kept secret,” Bar 1919 feels like stepping through a time machine and emerging during the Prohibition era. It’s down a dark flight of stairs in the Blue Star Complex and sports the largest selection of spirits in Texas. You will certainly see something on the menu you’ve never tried before, and with a robust happy hour (4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday), you’ll have ample opportunity to indulge in a new creation. Bar 1919’s specialty is whiskey; the establishment hosts regular Whiskey Wednesday specials and single malt whisky tasting events. The mixologists are quite knowledgeable and friendly, too. Don’t be afraid to ask for some recommendations!
Watch the sunset at Hays Street Bridge
803 N Cherry St, San Antonio, TX 78202
Back in 1881, a bridge was built over the Nueces River west of Uvalde to aid the expansion of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway Company. The bridge eventually moved to San Antonio in the early 1900s and was named the Hays Street Bridge. Its initial usage was for horse-drawn carriages and motor vehicles. However, as traffic increased, the city shut down the bridge in 1982. Around the turn of the century, the San Antonio Conservation Board restored the bridge. Today, it remains a popular spot for photoshoots, offering a pleasant walkway into downtown. Hang around the bridge for a lovely view of the sunset, then pop down to Alamo Beer Co. below for a nightcap.
Take a cooking class at Pullman Market
221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
Pullman Market is in the heart of the Pearl, so its location isn’t off the beaten path. But its collection of classes is an excellent way to learn a new skill while hanging out with your fellow foodies. I took a pan de muerto class during the Day of the Dead holiday—don’t tell anyone else, but I made the best bread out of the bunch. While some classes are seasonal or only offered for a limited time, several occur weekly. You can take a latte art workshop, master the art of pizza making, or enjoy mariachi and tequila tastings. Okay, that last one isn’t a class so much as an event, but it’s still a ton of fun.
Hit the putting green at Cool Crest Miniature Golf
1402 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78201
Mini golf is one of the great equalizing activities because it’s both social and challenging to excel at. And Cool Crest, which opened in 1929, is one of the oldest still-operating miniature golf courses in the entire country, featuring two distinct Art Deco-style courses. Cool Crest has changed hands in ownership over the years, but there’s always been a consistent focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere. And should you find yourself getting frustrated at your ball’s inability to find the bottom of the cup, you can find yourself at the bottom of a glass at the course’s accompanying Metzger Biergarten, which welcomes both dogs and children.
Soak at Camp Hot Wells
5503 S Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78223
Hot Wells was once a place where visitors could bathe in hot sulfuric waters flowing from the wells. The bathhouse burned in 1894 and was rebuilt into a stylish resort. It later became a school (before burning down again) and then reopened as a group of tourist cabins. Alas, fires once again overtook the area, which lay in ruins for decades. Thanks to conservation efforts, the historic grounds opened back up in 2019, offering tours of the ruins to guests. Right next to Hot Wells of Bexar County Park is Camp Hot Wells, a space where you can soak in geothermally heated water surrounded by a private garden. The Clawfoot and Cedar Suites feature antique tubs and open-air garden views, delivering a soothing, relaxing experience. If you don’t want to get fully wet, grab a seat at the bar, which offers foot baths for patrons.
Two-step by the world’s largest cowboy boots
7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216
We love a good Texas world record, and dropping by the largest cowboy boots is a delightful activity among things to do in San Antonio. Bob “Daddy-O” Wade built these enormous boots during the 1970s. North Star Mall then purchased and Wade re-erected them in January 1980. Nearly half a century later, the boots still stand proudly at 35 feet, three inches tall; 33 feet, 4 inches long; and nine feet wide. They’re a nice photo opp, and if you do a little line dance nearby, who knows? You might get some passersby to join you.
Visit the Donkey Lady Bridge
Applewhite Road, San Antonio, TX 78264
Fans of ghost tales and paranormal activities can visit one of the more haunted spots in Texas. As is often the case with mysterious legends, the story of Donkey Lady Bridge is steeped in tragedy. You may hear different versions, but the general gist is that someone set fire to a farmer’s home—either the farmer himself or a stranger—killing the children inside and badly disfiguring the mother. Though the woman ultimately survived, her hands were burned down to resemble hooves, and her face became elongated, much like a donkey’s. Now, the “Donkey Lady” haunts Elm Creek. You can park beside the bridge and see if you feel her presence, or perhaps you may hear some wails or click-clacking of her hooves.
Go dog wild at Hops & Hounds
1123 Avenue B, San Antonio, TX 78215
Near the San Antonio Museum of Art—which is also a lovely place to visit—is a dog lover’s paradise at Hops & Hounds. It’s the favorite place for pups to bring their two-legged friends. There’s plenty of space for dogs and humans to stretch out, and there’s also an enclosed area for off-leash playing. Hops & Hounds also has arguably the best drink deal in San Antonio with a flight of six frozen margaritas for $21. Trust me from personal experience: Do not order the margarita flight if you’re visiting solo. Once you’ve had your fill of belly scritches and zoomies, swing by next door at Elsewhere Garden, a bar and kitchen that evokes the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland and includes fun elements like porch swings and a treehouse slide.
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