11 completely free things to do in San Antonio (beyond the River Walk)
These free things to do in San Antonio will help you discover unique parts of the city. Many are also family and pet-friendly, so bring the whole gang.
San Antonio is among the most populous cities in the U.S. That makes sense, because there’s always something lively going on around the city. From music to movies to impressive nature, you’ll never be at a loss for an activity.
Even better, San Antonio offers plenty of activities that don’t cost a dime. If you’re looking for excitement besides the River Walk, check out these free things to do in San Antonio.
Watch The Saga light show
Every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 pm, the San Fernando Cathedral turns into a spectacular scene. The oldest continuously operating cathedral in the U.S. hosts a 24-minute journey through the city via a light show called The Saga. With more than 7,000 square feet of light, plus color and visual narration, you’ll learn about the history of San Antonio and the people who have shaped it into what it’s become. The show itself has no admission cost; for a truly free experience, visit on Tuesday (free parking at city-operated parking garages, meters, and lots) or Sunday (free parking at the City Tower Parking Garage).
Ride the Mission Trails hike-and-bike system
San Antonio has five Spanish colonial missions: San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada. The Mission Trails hike-and-bike system, built in 1993, enables pedestrians and cyclists to visit all five. While it’s a good workout on its own, you’ll also pass by quite a few historic sites, important businesses, and industrial buildings. And of course, the missions themselves are quite beautiful and informative.
Enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden
Standing next to the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Garden offers free admission every single day. It also happens to be one of the most photographed spots in San Antonio, and for good reason: it’s gorgeous. The year-round floral displays and stone bridges are a lovely backdrop, and the 60-foot waterfall and koi ponds provide a serene setting for visitors. The on-site Jingu House restaurant is a delicious pairing of Asian and San Antonio influences. However, you’ll have to pay if you enjoy a meal. We don’t encourage dining and dashing.
Walk around Brackenridge Park
The Japanese Tea Garden is within Brackenridge Park. However, the park spans more than 400 acres and welcomes about 1.5 million visitors per year, making it one of the top free things to do in San Antonio. The park offers several scenic trails, fishing, train rides, and is a great place to stop for a picnic. Brackenridge Park also hosts some unique community events, such as sound baths and polo matchups. And there’s an exciting future for the area—Brackenridge Park Conservancy is building a nature-based playscape, restoring natural habitats and vegetation, interpreting archeological and historic sites, enhancing the Sunken Garden Theater, and boosting other elements of the space.
Head to a free day at a museum
San Antonio’s wide variety of museums offers several free days throughout the month, which is an excellent way to indulge in some culture without spending a cent. For example, the San Antonio Museum of Art lets Bexar County residents enter free on Tuesdays (4 to 7 pm) and the second Sunday (10 am to 12 pm) of every month, and the Witte Museum is free from 3 to 6 pm on Tuesdays to catch some history and culture. Military members and veterans can visit the McNay Art Museum for free every day, and the general population gets free admission each Thursday night from 4 to 9 pm. The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is opening its new doors with a free week beginning January 29. And some museums, such as the Contemporary at Blue Star, are free every day.
Admire the King William Historic District
One of the best free things to do in San Antonio is also a stunning trip down memory lane. Walk along the neighborhood in the King William Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bounded by the San Antonio River, Cesar Chavez, South St. Mary’s, and South Alamo Street, this neighborhood originally belonged to Mission Valero (the Alamo) before developers started building homes during the second half of the 19th century. The Steves Homestead house, built in 1876, features a Second Empire design and is open to the public as a museum. Other highlights in the area include the Queen Anne-style Harnish House and Schuchard House, Pioneer Flour Mills, and the Guenther House, one of the oldest homes still standing in the neighborhood.
Read on the Landa Branch Library lawn
Nestled in the Monte Vista Historical District, the Landa Branch Library is home to nearly 40,000 works, from fiction and nonfiction to audiobooks and movies. Additionally, the library hosts over 600 programs every year, including storytimes, art programs, and LEGO-building classes. It’s also got a spacious front lawn with plenty of room to curl up with a good book and catch a little sunshine.
Swim at San Pedro Springs Park
Much like the rest of Texas, San Antonio gets quite toasty most days of the year. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to cannonball—or slowly wade in one toe at a time, a classic debate—into a body of water. During the pool season, San Pedro Springs Park lets visitors take a dip just about any time of day, from 5 am to 11 pm. It’s the oldest park in San Antonio, offering a variety of activities for those who forget to bring their swimsuit, including tennis courts, grilling stations, a skate park, and the San Pedro Playhouse theater, which hosts occasional free performances.
Take in an outdoor movie
This one is only available from May through November, but it’s still a fantastic time. The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office hosts its free Outdoor Family Film Series at the Mission Marquee Plaza every summer into the fall. The movie screenings begin 15 minutes after sunset, and guests can bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. Pets are also welcome. The movie collection is a nice mix of classics and recent films, too. For example, in a given month, you might get to see “Grease,” “Inside Out 2,” “Rocky,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Find the water tower at Friedrich Wilderness Park
True to its name, Friedrich Wilderness Park has about 10 miles of wild trails to explore and spot rare birds and terrestrial orchids. Ambling around aimlessly can be a fun time, but if you’re in the mood for a quest, keep your eyes open for a windmill towards the back of the trail. It stands next to a water tower that you can climb onto, gaining a bit of a bird’s-eye view over the land. Bring some drinks and snacks to turn your adventure into a picnic.
Stroll along Pearl
There’s almost always something going on at Pearl. The Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, while the Makers Market welcomes over 40 local artisans and makers on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. While you can find something lovely like a tasty treat or kitchen essential, there’s no pressure to buy anything. Ditto with Pullman Market and the shops and groceries inside. Or swing by during other events, such as author meet and greets and storytimes with Miss Anastasia at The Twig Book Shop. Simply taking everything in and admiring the vibrant architecture and artwork in the area is among the delightful free things to do in San Antonio.
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