Looking for something to do in San Antonio? Here are the best places to shop, play, eat, and explore.
From shopping to museums to the best brunch you've ever had, these seven attractions need to be on your San Antonio bucket list!
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Image Courtesy of Jowdy Photography (via The Alamo's Official Facebook Page)
1. The Alamo
Neighborhood: Downtown San Antonio
Smack dab in the middle of Downtown San Antonio, The Alamo is the ultimate local attraction (not to mention the most popular tourist destination in the entire state)! The setting for "a story bigger than Texas," The Alamo represents over 300 years of history. Originally built in 1744 as a Spanish mission, The Alamo was eventually transitioned to serve as a coveted military outpost, eventually serving as the location for The Battle of the Alamo in 1836, a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution! Today, visitors can wander through the Alamo's hallowed grounds, join guided and audio tours, and attend sanctioned Alamo events, from book signings to holiday events.
Image Courtesy of Six Flags Fiesta Texas Facebook Page
2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Neighborhood: North West San Antonio
A thrilling theme park journey all its own, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has actually called San Antonio "home" longer than Six Flags itself! (It was originally constructed as simply "Fiesta Texas," an independent theme and show park.) Today, this unique branch of the Six Flags family displays a distinct "San Antonio" theme, celebrating various pieces of local heritage (think: Germany, Mexico, the Old West, etc.). Rides include everything from kid-friendly coasters to water rides to thrilling fan favorites like the Superman Krypton Coaster, Goliath, and the Boomerang. Check park hours and book your tickets in advance!
Image Courtesy of Sea World San Antonio's Official Facebook Page
3. Sea World San Antonio
Neighborhood: West San Antonio
One of only three Sea World parks in the United States, Sea World San Antonio is one of the most popular marine parks in the world (and is a global leader in marine animal care and welfare, education, conservation, research,
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Image Courtesy of The Shops at La Cantera Facebook Page
4. The Shops at La Cantera and The Rim
Neighborhood: North West San Antonio
Looking for a go-to shopping spot in San Antonio? Head north! Both located on the upper edge of Loop 1604, The Shops at La Cantera and The Rim Shopping Center offer premier shops and entertainment, from Bass Pro Shop to Tiffany and Co. The Shops at La Cantera is an upscale, open-air shopping complex situated more like a traditional mall (with anchor department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus), while The Rim is a sprawling development various luxury chains and discount stores like Nordstrom’s Rack, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, and Target. No matter your choice, The Shops at La Cantera and The Rim Shopping Center are go-to shopping choices for San Antonio residents and visitors alike!
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Image Courtesy of Hotel Havana's Official Facebook Page
5. The San Antonio Riverwalk
Neighborhood: Downtown San Antonio
The San Antonio River Walk originally opened in 1941 and has since blossomed into one of the most unique and iconic attractions in the state of Texas! only expanded and innovated! Today, the River Walk is home to a wide swath of restaurants, specialty bars, shops, artisan markets, holiday parades, and various city celebrations. Stroll down the sparkling banks, settle into a river barge for a tour, or hop in a kayak and explore the river for yourself! Whether visiting the classic Casa Rio Restaurant or checking out La Gloria at the far end of the Museum Reach, the River Walk is always a winning spot for a visit.
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Image Courtesy of the Blue Star Arts Complex Official Facebook Page
6. Southtown The Arts District
Neighborhood: Downtown San Antonio
As San Antonio’s most artistic, eclectic neighborhood, Southtown is a cultural hub famous for its funky art galleries, high-end boutiques, street art, and beautiful historic architecture. Composed of historic neighborhoods like King William, Lavaca, and Lone Star, Southtown began as an elegant residential area in the late 1800s and now serves as a sort of urban playground for locals and art enthusiasts. Visit foodie-favorites like Liberty Bar at the Convent (a Spanish church-turned-trendy-cocktail-haven), art hubs like the Blue Star Arts Complex (the longest-running contemporary art space in the city), or one of the many local art events (festivals, Art Walks, and monthly First Friday and Second Saturday events that feature everything from artisan shops to live music and food trucks).
Image Courtesy of The Historic Pearl’s Facebook Page
7. The Cultural Corridor + The Pearl
Neighborhood: Central San Antonio
An area that has experienced unprecedented growth in the last 10 years, Central San Antonio's " Cultural Corridor" is a section of the city rich with museums, outdoor green spaces, award-winning restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and reimagined historic buildings. Stroll through Brackenridge Park, visit the critters at the San Antonio Zoo, admire art at The Mc Nay, and stop by The Pearl Brewery. Originally Texas’ largest brewery (and the only one in San Antonio to survive Prohibition), this historic bottling department has been transformed into a mixed-use space featuring retail and dining, picturesque green spaces, a paseos riverside amphitheater, a boutique hotel, and the third campus of The Culinary Institute of America. A few of our favorite stops include Na o, The Granary ‘Cue and Brew, Lick Honest Ice Creams, High Street Wine Co, and Jazz TX.
As a group of specialized agents obsessed with our beautiful city, we’d love to show you the ins and outs of San Antonio. Contact an expert agent and connect with a lender to see what you can afford! Plus, we’ll hook you up with our exclusive Buyer’ s Guide (with important insights and tips specific to San Antonio). We’d love to answer any questions and show you around our one-of-a-kind city.
Note: This blog was originally published in 2015 and has been updated to reflect current info.
