Need help planning a trip to San Antonio? Look no further!
San Antonio is packed with history, culture, and plenty of ways to explore – whether floating down the River Walk, touring missions, or hunting ghosts. With so much to see, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where we come in!
We’ve rounded up the best things to do in San Antonio, from iconic landmarks to unique experiences, all based on top-rated tours that make exploring easy and fun. Here are the best activities to maximize your time in San Antonio!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this best of San Antonio sightseeing tour! It combines all the highlights like the Alamo, the Tower of the Americas, and a river cruise. It was a stress-free way to see the city with a small group and a great guide.
Things to do in San Antonio, Texas
1. Visit San Antonio’s UNESCO-listed Missions
Tour Details
We’ve always been curious about San Antonio’s missions but didn’t want to just wander around aimlessly reading plaques, so this small-group tour was perfect for us! Not only did we get to see them all in one go, but with only 12 people max, we could ask tons of questions.
Our first stop was Mission Concepcion, where the original 1700s frescos were still visible—faded but impressively detailed! Then came Mission San Jose, with its intricate baroque facade that revealed new details the longer we looked. No wonder they call it the “Queen of the Missions!”
At Mission San Juan, we were fascinated to learn how early settlers used irrigation for farming. It was like stepping into the blueprint of a self-sustaining community. Then we arrived at Mission Espada, the smallest of the four, with a rustic charm that transported us back in time.
We also passed by The Alamo and heard about its role in Texas history. While an Alamo tour isn’t included, you can take a self-guided visit afterward.
Our guide, Alex, made the trip even better! He was hilarious and shared stories you’d never find in a book. He even gave us restaurant recommendations and tips for taking the best photos!
This tour combined history, culture, and local insights without making us feel rushed or overwhelmed. If you want to see San Antonio’s missions without the hassle of big tour groups, this is the way to do it!
2. See San Antonio’s best sights – Riverwalk Boat Cruise and the Alamo
Tour Details
If you want to experience the best of San Antonio without the stress of planning, this driving tour and river cruise is the way to do it! With stops at the Alamo, San Jose Mission, Tower of the Americas, and a River Walk cruise, everything is arranged for you—so you can just relax and enjoy!
What really stood out was how personal it felt! With only seven people in our group, it was almost like a private tour. Our guide, Autumn, was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing each stop to life with stories we had never heard before.
We started at the Alamo, admitting we thought we already knew its history. Turns out, we didn’t know much at all! Autumn pointed out key battle sites and explained the massive 16-pounder cannon. At San Jose Mission, the intricate stonework and centuries-old history made us feel like we went back in time.
But we found the best views of the city at the Tower of the Americas. It’s totally worth the elevator ride up! And by the time we stepped onto our River Walk cruise, we were ready to just sit back and take it all in. Floating along the winding waterway, we passed lively restaurants, stone bridges, and historic buildings like the colorful La Villita, one of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods.
This tour made exploring San Antonio effortless and fun. If you want to experience the city like a local without worrying about the logistics, you won’t regret booking this one!
3. Learn about the city’s spooky history on a Haunted Ghost Bus tour
Tour Details
We never put much stock in ghost stories—until we took this original ghost bus tour in San Antonio! This wasn’t just a collection of spooky tales but a journey through the city’s haunted history, led by a guide who spoke about the spirits like they were old friends.
We started at the Menger Hotel, a place with so many ghost sightings that even the staff had stories of their own eerie encounters. As we stepped inside, the air felt heavier, and the flickering lights cast just enough shadow to make us question what we saw.
Our guide described guests who checked in but never checked out, and just as he finished his story, I felt the hair on my arms stand up. Maybe it was the air conditioning… or maybe not!
Next, we rode through San Pedro Creek Culture Park, passing what was once the city’s Red Light District and an old jail-turned-Holiday Inn Express. A strange place to sleep, considering its past!
The bus eventually stopped at one of San Antonio’s oldest cemeteries, where we walked among gravestones dating back centuries.
Between the chilling ghost stories and eerie stops, the whole experience felt like a trip into San Antonio’s supernatural past. For an easy way to explore the city’s most haunted sites, this bus tour made believers out of us!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
4. Go wine tasting in the charming town of Fredericksburg
Tour Details
We never knew Texas had such a solid wine scene until we spent a day sipping our way through Hill Country. With just ten people on this full-day wine-tasting tour, it felt like a relaxed day out—good wine, great conversation, and a guide who knew all the behind-the-scenes details that made each stop even better.
We started at Sister Creek Vineyards, housed in a historic cotton gin from the 1800s. The scent of oak barrels hit the moment we stepped inside, and after a tour of the production room, we sampled a mix of reds and whites. Their Bordeaux-style red? Smooth, bold, and way too easy to drink!
At Texas Wine Collective (the second winery varies by tour), we switched things up with new flavors, learning how the Texas heat gives their wines a distinct character. Each pour felt like a lesson in just how good Texas wine can be!
We had free time to explore Fredericksburg, so we grabbed bratwurst and warm pretzel bites at a cozy German café before wandering through a shop filled with handcrafted leather goods—the kind that smelled like adventure and aged whiskey!
We’ve done wine tours before, but this one was totally different! For a laid-back, well-paced wine tour that skips the crowds but delivers on quality, this one’s a must. Check out the rave reviews here and see why this is an award-winning tour!
5. Step into San Antonio’s most magical experience
Tour Details
San Antonio has plenty of history, great food, and famous attractions, but sometimes it’s fun to do something a little different! That’s exactly where this magic show comes in. Part immersive experience, part comedy show, and part mind-bending magic performance, this is one of the most unique and family-friendly nights out in the city.
The fun starts before the main show even begins. As you explore the themed saloon, you’ll take part in a scavenger hunt and interactive activities that help set the scene. We love that it’s not a case of simply finding your seat and waiting for the curtain to rise. The experience begins the moment you walk through the door.
Then it’s time for the main event. For around an hour, you’ll be treated to a fast-paced mix of magic, illusion, and comedy that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Expect impossible tricks, plenty of laughs, and more than a few moments where you’ll be wondering, “How did they do that?!”
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on a date night, this is a fantastic way to add something a little different to your San Antonio itinerary.
6. See San Antonio at night on a Riverwalk Boat Cruise
Tour Details
San Antonio looks completely different after dark, and this nighttime tour is the best way to experience the city lights without the crowds. With a guided driving tour, a narrated River Walk cruise, and a visit to the Tower of the Americas, you get a little bit of everything in a small group of just seven people.
We instantly liked our guide, Jason! He knew hidden stories about the city and told them like he was letting us in on a secret. As we drove through downtown, he shared fascinating details about landmarks and local spots we hadn’t noticed before.
Then, we stopped at the Tower of the Americas, rode the elevator up, and took in the glowing skyline from the tallest observation tower in Texas. It felt like we had San Antonio all to ourselves!
Next came our favorite part—the River Walk Cruise! Gliding along the water at night, passing places like Old Mill Crossing and the historic La Villita neighborhood felt like stepping back in time.
The narration added some cool tidbits, but honestly, just floating under the twinkling lights was enough. We wrapped up with a drive through Alamo Square, where Jason brought the city’s past to life with his passion for history and storytelling.
This tour let us soak in the lights and left us with a deeper appreciation for the city and a list of places we wanted to revisit. You don’t want to miss this one next time you’re in San Antonio!
7. Catch the big one on Canyon Lake
Tour Details
If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water with just the right mix of fun and fishing, this private fishing trip on Canyon Lake is a reel treat. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or a seasoned angler, this experience is tailored to meet you at your level, and help you land some serious bass.
You’ll head out on a sleek 22-foot Triton TrX Elite boat with your guide, who knows the lake like the back of his hand. Your guide not only supplies all the rods, reels, and gear, but also offers helpful coaching to boost your skills along the way!
Canyon Lake is known for its clear waters and healthy population of largemouth bass, and the guide will help you target the best fishing spots. We appreciated the added bonus of hearing about local landmarks and scenic points around the lake as we drifted or cruised between casts.
This four-hour charter is perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups who want a personalized outdoor experience. There’s no pressure, just a great time fishing and soaking up the Texas Hill Country scenery. If you’re craving a peaceful day on the water, with a few fish tales to tell by the end, this one’s a catch!
8. Get around the city easily on a hop-on, hop-off trolley
Tour Details
San Antonio is full of history, culture, and must-see landmarks, and this hop-on hop-off trolley tour made it easy to experience them all. With 12 stops along the way, we could explore the city’s top sights—without exhausting our feet!
From the legendary Alamo to the vibrant Pearl District, we had the freedom to explore at our own pace. And the best part? We got the second consecutive day free, so there was no need to rush through it all in one go!
We started our day at Alamo Plaza, where we could smell the Tex-Mex in the air while being entertained by street performers. After taking in the iconic Alamo, we hopped back on the trolley for more exploring! The live narration made the ride even better, sharing details we would’ve missed on our own.
You can stay on board for the full 90-100 minute tour and soak in the sights with commentary, or hop on and off as you please to explore stops like San Fernando Cathedral, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Botanical Garden. One of our favorites was Market Square, where we wandered through colorful shops and even sampled fresh pan dulce!
We loved the flexibility—spending extra time in spots that caught our interest and simply catching the next trolley when we were ready. Whether you want to see San Antonio all in one go or take your time over two days, this trolley tour makes it easy!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Follow our 3-day San Antonio itinerary to see the top sights, find hidden gems, and get our personal recommendations!
Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas
Now that your San Antonio trip is planned, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! With so many options, choosing the right spot can be overwhelming, but staying near the River Walk is always a great choice. To make it easier, I’ve rounded up my favorite hotel picks for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
For a prime location right on the River Walk, the Hyatt Regency San Antonio is an excellent pick. This upscale hotel offers stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple on-site dining options, and a rooftop pool with amazing city views. Plus, you’ll be steps from the Alamo and some of San Antonio’s best restaurants and attractions!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start around $300 USD per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk is a fantastic mid-range choice with a prime location right on the River Walk. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, a hot tub, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Plus, perks like free evening drinks and snacks at the on-site restaurants make it an even better value for your stay!
Prices usually start around $140 USD per night and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Downtown is a solid budget-friendly option within walking distance of the River Walk. It features comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Plus, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast to start their day before exploring San Antonio!
Rooms can start as low as $100 USD per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in San Antonio here!
Related Read: Need help deciding on a hotel? Check out our Where to Stay in San Antonio guide for our top area and hotel recommendations!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
We loved reliving our favorite experiences in San Antonio to write this guide! It’s such a fun place to explore and is full of some pretty incredible history. Whichever activities you choose to add to your itinerary, I hope you have an amazing time!
If you’re planning more exploring in the USA, check out all our blogs on America here. We’ve been to a lot of major cities to test out the best activities and write our personal recommendations.
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