Are you ready to explore your city? This guide to a budget-friendly weekend in San Antonio offers plenty of new sights and experiences.
San Antonio spans more than 500 square miles, so there are all kinds of fun things to explore within the city limits. Of course, we’re also living in a strained economic period. Lavishly going out and spending money to experience those fun things isn’t always an option.
The good news is that the Alamo City is full of free and inexpensive things to do. Here’s how to have a fantastic summer weekend in San Antonio, all while keeping your budget under a crisp $25.
Saturday
We’ve got a busy day of activities ahead of us, so let’s make sure we’re powering up. Head to the Original Donut Shop for breakfast, where you can grab a Chorizo & Egg Taco and Glazed Donut for $4.49. Alternatively, pair a breakfast taco with donut holes, so you can snack as you’re out and about on the town.
10 a.m.: Take a wellness class at the Tobin Center
Some extra mindfulness is never a bad thing, and the Tobin Center hosts free wellness events nearly every Saturday throughout the summer and fall.
You’ll need to bring water, a mat or towel, and wear comfortable clothing. But an hour of mindful flow yoga, strength and mobility training, and other wellness classes is an excellent way to get your blood pumping to start the day. And because the classes cater to all experience levels, everyone is welcome, even if you think yoga is a cartoon bear.
11:30 a.m.: Tour some fancy buildings in the King William District
The King William District was the most elegant residential area in San Antonio during the late 1800s. This stretch of 25 blocks south of downtown and east of the river has been remarkably well preserved over the past century and a half. Admiring the stunning architecture is a nice activity any time of year.
Take in the sights at a leisurely pace, or even better, bring an audio guide along with you. GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours of over 1,500 cities across the world, and San Antonio is no exception. Its King William District tour features eight attractions, from the Anton Wuff House to the Steves Homestead Museum. Each stop includes a stamp for your virtual passport (we love gamifying our adventures) and a guide to learn more about what you’re looking at, which you can enjoy via written or audio form. I like to bring some headphones with me and hit play when I arrive at the next destination, and it’s like having an expert right there with me, except I don’t need to make any uncomfortable small talk. How about this weather, huh?
12:30 p.m.: Admire art at the San Antonio Art League & Museum
The San Antonio Art League & Museum is one of the stops on the King William District walking tour, so you’ll already be at the front door. Unlike some of the tour’s other homes, which are pretty to look at but inaccessible to visitors, SAALM is open to the public and features over 600 works in its permanent collection of Texas artists.
Admission to the museum is free. It’s had a robust history, having been converted from a doctor’s carriage house into a duplex and later a chiropractic office. Today, it’s home to impressive paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, tiles, and photographs, showcasing the vibrant skills of Texans across the state.
2 p.m.: Get some buns at Ming’s
Ming’s has a couple of locations around San Antonio, so feel free to fit in a visit that best aligns with your plans. Almost everything on the menu here is great, but since we’re looking to keep things inexpensive, go the steamed bun route.
You can get a pair of buns for $10 or less. Our recommendation: The Popper Bun, which features pork belly, cream cheese, and house-pickled jalapeño, and the Summer Bun, a vegetarian option that includes marinated mung bean noodles and edamame, cucumber, crispy onion, and ginger dressing.
3 p.m.: Go on a sculpture tour
If you love a good sculpture, San Antonio is the spot for you. Whether you’re in the mood for quirky, world-record-setting things, like the world’s tallest cowboy boots, or would prefer to say hello to a bear gifted by West Berlin in the 1960s, there’s plenty to see across the city.
Here’s a guide to seven unusual sculptures to check out. If you’d rather not travel all over town, simply head to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, which features the McNutt Sculpture Garden alongside it. The sculptures and tile works showcase iconic figures of the American West and are impressive to behold. Plus, the courtyard provides a nice bit of shade from the summer heat.
5 p.m.: Walk through the historic Market Square
Nearly every weekend of the year, Market Square brings the spirit of San Antonio alive. You’ll find live entertainment, amazing artwork, and tasty food options all around, with a liveliness that’s hard to match anywhere else in the city. Feel free to dance like no one’s watching, because chances are high there are hundreds of other people doing the same thing.
If you decide to splurge beyond your $25 budget, there are dozens of cute shops and stalls selling cultural merch, jewelry, clothing, and much more. But even if you keep your money in your pocket, a stroll through the square is always a pleasant time.
7 p.m.: Catch a free movie at Mission Marquee Plaza
After a busy day, you probably want to relax and watch something light-hearted and entertaining. Why not trade your TV at home for a massive screen under the starry nighttime sky? The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office hosts its annual Outdoor Family Film Series throughout the summer and fall at the Mission Marquee Plaza.
The movie begins screening 15 minutes after sunset, so the exact start time will vary slightly depending on the day you go. Either way, with snacks on-site and a pet-friendly environment, you’ll have plenty of entertainment before the film starts. This year’s lineup is jam-packed, including showings of “Zootopia 2,” “Tron: Ares,” “Monsters University,” and a special feature of “Hamilton – America 250: A Cinematic Celebration” on June 27.
Sunday
Have breakfast at home on Sunday. Feel free to indulge a bit, because you’ll be walking off the meal while exploring the city.
9:30 a.m.: Visit the San Antonio Missions
The missions of San Antonio date back to 1718. The Spanish Empire formed five mission communities along the San Antonio River, introducing new religion, farming, and customs to the area. The pairing of Spanish and Native cultures resulted in the unique South Texas culture that continues to evolve today, with frescoes, food, clothing, and activities.
Driving between the missions is the fastest method of transportation. However, there’s a Hike & Bike Trail along the San Antonio River that connects all five missions. Cruising along the river (whether on foot or two wheels) offers an excellent breeze to combat the San Antonio heat. Each mission is about two-and-a-half miles apart; you could easily spend a good chunk of the day here if you visited all five. For our purposes, we’re sticking to two missions of your choice. Personally, as a Joseph, my favorite is Mission San Jose, though they’re all impressive in their own ways.
12 p.m.: Get funky at Ruby City
As you approach Ruby City and its red plaza, you’ll already get a sense of the unique style of art that lies inside the building. Ruby City is one of the best sources of contemporary art in all of Texas, and there are some cool temporary exhibitions going on right now. For example, Daniel Rios Rodriguez is displaying “Open This Wall,” a 12-year project of paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures from the artist’s period after he moved back to San Antonio from New York.
Admission is free, though the museum recommends booking a timed entry to better help them prepare. After you see all the artwork, head outside to Chris Park. The space features a mix of exotic plant species and plants from native South Texas, creating an inviting path full of energizing foliage and play areas.
2 p.m.: Sip some tea at the Japanese Tea Garden
Okay, you don’t actually have to sip on tea to enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Tea Garden. Located next to the San Antonio Zoo, there’s no cost to enter this oasis in the heart of the city. The 60-foot waterfall and koi ponds are among the most notable sights, with eye-catching floral displays and stone bridges just about everywhere you turn. It’s no surprise, then, that the Japanese Tea Garden is one of the most photographed spots in San Antonio.
The tea garden is also technically within the confines of Brackenridge Park. Take a walk on one of the trails, or see what fish you can spot in the water. On the weekends, the park usually attracts a few food trucks to power up for lunch. Alternatively, pack a lunch before you head out for the day and enjoy a picnic with invigorating views.
4 p.m.: Stroll through San Pedro Creek Culture Park
San Pedro Creek is where the first settlers set up shop in what’s today known as San Antonio. The creek was largely overlooked for many years, but the San Antonio River Authority has invested extensive resources in restoring the area, creating a working stretch of the original waterway powered by innovative architecture and engineering. As a result, San Pedro Creek Culture Park has become one of the more charming places to spend a summer day in San Antonio.
The entire park is ADA accessible and features 12,793 linear feet of walkways. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history of the creek or take a rest on one of 68 benches. However, the coolest part of the park is the mix of art and nature. Tile murals from local artists adorn the walk, with ceramic artwork, poetry, and historical text adding an enriching feel of culture. You’ll also walk past more than a thousand native aquatic plants and nearly 6,000 perennials. Depending on the day you visit, you might come across a community performance or special event at Plaza de Fundación, St. James AMEC Culture Crossing, or Mustard Seed Park.
6 p.m.: Dine at Mr. Juicy
Let’s not kid ourselves. Exploring the city works up an appetite! We’re looking for a good value that will help satisfy that hunger, and Mr. Juicy is the perfect answer.
Does “home of the wet burger” sound like the most appealing tagline? Not particularly. Will it matter after you’ve taken your first bite? Definitely not. A hamburger only costs $5 here and is plenty tasty. If you want some extras, a burger/fries/drink combo is still a mere $10. And you’ll have plenty of joy as you head into your final activities.
7:30 p.m.: Settle in for the sunset
The best way to unwind on a Sunday night? By admiring the sun as it sets on the city. And the cooler air as day turns to night is always refreshing.
You’ve got a few different options for catching the sunset. If you’d rather get a nice elevated view, head to Hays Street Bridge or the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, the nation’s first mixed-use wildlife crossing. Nothing like spotting a deer during the sunset! Lockwood-Dignowity Park is another nice spot, with the park’s slope facing west, in the direction of the setting sun. The park is situated in a way where you can see downtown to the west, parts of Hill Country to the northwest, and the Pearl and midtown skyline to the north.
9 p.m.: Watch The Saga light show
Say goodbye to one light (the sun), and say hello to thousands more. Every Tuesday through Sunday, the San Fernando Cathedral—the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the U.S.—hosts The Saga light show. And it’s a wondrous stop to wind up our summer weekend.
This 24-minute journey takes you through the city’s history. Over 7,000 square feet of lights and colors accompanied by visual narration transform the cathedral into one of the most spectacular shows in San Antonio. There’s no admission cost, and you’ll learn about the people of San Antonio and how it’s grown into the vibrant city it is today.
Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve just had a magical weekend in San Antonio, all for under $25. Well done!
