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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 On 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.
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in San Antonio, Texas
- 1. Visit San Antonio’s UNESCO-listed Missions
- 2. See San Antonio’s best sights – Riverwalk Boat Cruise and the Alamo
- 3. Learn about the city’s spooky history on a Haunted Ghost Bus tour
- 4. Go wine tasting in the charming town of Fredericksburg
- 5. Explore the Texas Hill Country and learn about President LBJ
- 6. See San Antonio at night on a Riverwalk Boat Cruise
- 7. Catch the big one on Canyon Lake
- 8. Get around the city easily on a hop-on, hop-off trolly
- Where to Stay in San Antonio, Texas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in San Antonio, Texas
1. Visit San Antonio’s UNESCO-listed Missions
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am and 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Visit four of the five San Antonio Missions, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Alamo Plaza, and the Espada Aqueduct, hear live and recorded narrated history
- Inclusions: Experienced history guide, pickup and drop-off at select downtown hotels
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 850+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Book this combined missions tour here and experience San Antonio’s rich history!
2. See San Antonio’s best sights – Riverwalk Boat Cruise and the Alamo
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am and 2 pm
- Highlights: Driving tour and a river cruise exploring San Antonio, tour the Alamo and San Jose Mission, ride up the elevator at the Tower of the Americas, enjoy a San Antonio River Walk cruise
- Inclusions: Guide, transportation, admission tickets for the Tower of the Americas, San Antonio Missions, and Alamo, pick up and drop off at any downtown San Antonio location
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Reserve your spot here and get free cancellation until 24 hours before your tour!
3. Learn about the city’s spooky history on a Haunted Ghost Bus tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 6:30 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Discover San Antonio’s haunted history on a spooky bus tour, visit the Menger Hotel and a historic cemetery, pass by the old Red Light District, former Bexar County Jail, and more
- Inclusions: Tour guide, air-conditioned vehicle, entry into the Menger Hotel and a Historic Cemetery, suitable for those ages eight and older
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 790+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Explore San Antonio’s most haunted locations, and book this tour here!
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:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Go wine tasting in the charming town of Fredericksburg
- Duration: 6 – 7 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Full-day tour to Texas wine country, tastings at two wineries, behind-the-scenes tour of the production facilities, free time to explore Fredericksburg
- Inclusions: Escort, transportation from meeting spot, air-conditioned vehicle, wine tasting fees, snacks, bottled water, crackers, and dark chocolate
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Check availability here and book your spot on this Texas wine country tour!
5. Explore the Texas Hill Country and learn about President LBJ
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Full-day tour of Texas Hill Country from San Antonio, visit the former home of President Lyndon B Johnson, explore Fredericksburg on your own, learn how cowboys and German migrants shaped the Texas landscape
- Inclusions: Tour guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off at downtown hotels starting at 8:30 am, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What we loved most about this full-day Texas Hill Country tour from San Antonio was that it packed history, culture, and music into one seamless trip. From presidential landmarks to small-town charm, every stop added something special to the day.
Our morning started early with hotel pickup before heading into the rolling hills. The first stop was the LBJ Ranch, where we strolled through President Lyndon B. Johnson’s boyhood home and explored the ranch grounds. It was fascinating to stand where a former president grew up.
While tours inside the Texas White House were paused when we went, there was still so much to take in, like vintage cars and LBJ’s JetStar plane. We couldn’t help but laugh at its nickname, “Air Force One-Half!”
Next, we had free time in Fredericksburg, a German-influenced town with unique shops, historic buildings, and cozy wine-tasting rooms. We grabbed bratwursts at a Biergarten and wandered the charming streets before continuing to Luckenbach.
And let us tell you—this tiny town lived up to its huge reputation for country music! Sitting on the outdoor patio with a cold beer and listening to live music, we felt truly immersed in the Texas vibe.
If you’re looking to experience Texas history, small-town culture, and live music in one day, we highly recommend this tour!
Reserve your spot on this top-rated Texas Hill Country tour here!
6. See San Antonio at night on a Riverwalk Boat Cruise
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Explore the lights of San Antonio by night, stop at Alamo Square and the Tower of the Americas, take a river night cruise, immerse in local culture
- Inclusions: Guided driving tour of San Antonio, nighttime River Walk cruise, Tower of the Americas admission, pick up and drop off at any downtown San Antonio location
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Book this adventure here and experience San Antonio’s nightlife like never before!
7. Catch the big one on Canyon Lake
- Duration: 4/8 hours
- Time: 7 am and 3 pm
- Highlights: Private fishing charter on Canyon Lake, fish for largemouth bass with expert guidance, enjoy scenic views and personalized instruction, all fishing gear provided.
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bottle water, use of rods and reels
- Rating: 5.0 stars (check 65+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
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!
With glowing reviews, this experience is a must for both beginners and experts – book here!
8. Get around the city easily on a hop-on, hop-off trolly
- Duration: 1 – 2 days
- Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Fully narrated tour with 12 stops around the Alamo City, stay on board for a 90-100 minute tour or hop on and off at any of the stops
- Inclusions: Live narration, children aged 0 – 3 ride free, 2nd consecutive day FREE
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Book your trolly ride here and explore San Antonio at your own pace!
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!
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
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
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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