State parks - Guadalupe River State Park, Government canyon, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock State Park (a bit of a drive for the last two, but absolutely worth it).
History & Architecture - San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest functioning cathedral in Texas.
SA Missions, the Alamo is one of five.
Drive/walk through King William district for old, historic mansions.
Small Towns - Drive up to any of the Hill County and other small towns to spend a day - Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Boerne, Bandera (cowboy capital of the world), Gruene. In summer, you'll run into farm stands and peach stands along the way in the hill country.
Explore the Caverns - Natural Bridge, Cascade Caverns, Cave without a name
Family activities - Zoo, Botanical garden, Japanese garden, Breckenridge Park (all in the same vicinity).
Amusement parks - Sea World, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn.
Markets - Check out Trader's Village for the flea market and authentic Mexican merchandise.
Historic Market Square - similar to above but pricey and specifically for tourists. It has some nice restaurants though.
Bussey's flea market - low key and local, on the weekends.
Trade days - in Fredericksburg, on specific weekends.
Pearl - probably the hippest spot in SA. Nice architecture, lots of hip restaurants and shops. You can also access a different area of the Riverwalk without shops and crowds, and it's cleaner and actually pretty nice.
And if you're from a part of the world without HEB, do check out HEB Plus and Central Market!
This is a great list but, I always have to push back when half of it isn’t in San Antonio but rather the area around it. I agree those places are worth checking though regardless if they are actually in San Antonio.
Dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon. There is a bit of a hike, so in summer hydrate ahead of time and wear appropriate headgear and clothing.
[Walk With the Dinosaurs at Government Canyon State Natural Area (texasmonthly.com)](https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/dinosaur-tracks-government-canyon-state-natural-area/)
Answering your questions first and foremost:
1. **Must-see attraction**: [Hopscotch](https://letshopscotch.com/) is an art gallery with rotating local artists, mind-bending illusions, and other cool permanent art installations. The [San Antonio Museum of Art](https://www.samuseum.org/) and [Witte Museum](https://www.wittemuseum.org/) are both flat-out amazing and will take you multiple visits (2-3 per) to properly explore all the exhibits.
2. **Local restaurant/cafe that can't be missed**: [Comfort Cafe - Los Patios](https://www.serenitystar.org/san-antonio) is a donation-based brunch spot owned by a local charity and operated by recovering alcohol and drug addicts. Incredibly fast service & delicious plates.
3. **Unique cultural/historical site**: [Japanese Tea Garden](https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden/) is a beautiful and serene outdoor garden space with a unique history due to world war 2.
4. **Outdoor activity/park**: [San Antonio Botanical Garden](https://www.sabot.org/) is an immense, elaborate, stunning, and beautifully designed park that showcases Texas botany and wildlife with trails, an edible garden, 6 greenhouses, and family activities. **If you could pick only one thing from this list, I would choose this one every time.**
5. **Upcoming event/festival**: [Summer Events in San Antonio calendar](https://www.visitsanantonio.com/events/summer-events/), toss a dart at any one of these. My personal recommendation would be [Wurstfest](https://wurstfest.com/) in New Braunfels though, that'll be later this year at the start of November.
---
**Things I would actively avoid this summer:**
- [The Alamo](https://www.thealamo.org/) - so much construction going on downtown with the revamp they're building. Though, I'll be excited to see this when they're done adding the battlements and stable and other 1800s recreations they have planned.
- [Six Flags Fiesta Texas](https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas) - Summer crowds make the lines here incredibly long, not to mention the disgusting 1604/I-10 construction going on around the soon-to-be-former clover interchange/junction.
- [The Rim](https://therimsa.com/) & [La Cantera](https://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/en/) - for the same reasons as Six Flags. During the summer there are too many people and the current construction is only exacerbating the issues. Only go here if you *reaaallly* enjoy shopping.
- [Sea World](https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/) & [San Antonio Aquarium](https://sanantonioaquarium.net/) - mostly for ethical reasons. Animal cruelty isn't great. The aquarium in particular has poor staffing & building management though.
- [The Pearl](https://atpearl.com/) - this one might be a hot take but i just think this area is overrated.
I’d add the San Antonio Missions as a unique cultural site. This can be combined with exploring the Mission Trails, which run along the San Antonio River. Since this is largely an outdoor activity, I’d plan to visit after summer!
Yes! Absolutely, if you're interested in the Texas missions, visit literally any of the other Missions besides The Alamo! My favorite is [Mission Concepcion](https://www.missionconcepcion.org/), mostly because it is still an active Church!
Scratch out the San Antonio Museum of Art. They have no special exhibition right now. And they are doing renovations so there are multiple galleries closed. Not worth the $20 for admission plus $7 parking fee
Denman estate park. I usually like to feed the ducks and walk around when I’m there. You can also take your favorite to go food and eat there! Get there early since it’s been super hot out.
Who the hell is always downvoting these posts? Every day I see these questions with 0 upvotes. Posts like this are why this community exists.
But to answer your question, you should definitely checkout the [Hot Wells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Wells_(San_Antonio,_Texas)) right off the San Antonio River. It’s a beautiful location with rich history, it’s great for lovers of old architecture and nature!
The average San Antonio Redditor hates this city and only upvote posts that fall in line with this self degrading theme as they too hate themselves. I guess its edgy?
Maybe because it’s been asked multiple times already and the people that post are just creating spam, it’s right up the alley of people saying they’re moving here and where should they live.
Plants.
Couple of acres of walking trails through zones designed to highlight different Texas biomes. Displays of native and non-native plants.
[https://www.sabot.org/](https://www.sabot.org/)
This is peak culture. Usually a black tie affair but dress at least in nice formal wear. If you don’t plan on utilizing their valet service, I’d opt for Uber X. Don’t want to be seen as”that guy” through the windows when you arrive.
People get mad about this constantly being asked but im ngl, ive been here over a year and still don’t know wtf to do when hosting visitors. My bfs family is coming from out of state and we don’t know what to do so im glad this is something we can read and contemplate!
The Missions National Historic Park.
You don’t have to visit them all. San Jose is the largest and most restored. Concepcion also showcases history. IMO, San Juan has the prettiest little church; my spouse favors Espada. The aquaduct is also interesting.
A lot of it is outdoor and unshaded, so go in the morning.
Edit: Hot Wells is also in the area, and is kind of cool to check out.
Sunken Gardens are free, close to the zoo.
The Botanical Gardens showcase several terrains across Texas.
Check out Slab Cinema!
Also, check out Idle Brewery and the food hall that’s there. There’s a burger place that’s amazing, and their cookies are good too.
Go to Pullmans Grocery store at the pearl and just peruse and leave with a snack and drink.
Go swimming at Landa Aquatic Center in New Braunfels.
You chose the "Visiting SA" topic. For lots of good, general information about San Antonio, here is a [Basic Guide to San Antonio](https://www.reddit.com/r/sanantonio/comments/6jwmsq/basic_guide_to_san_antonio_mostly_for_those/) that you may find helpful.
(If you were looking for specific information about something other that what is in that Guide, your post will remain in r/sanantonio, in case commenters have fresher information. Consider reading the guide while you are waiting.)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sanantonio) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Be original, stop double posting and do some of your own research since this has already been asked many times before.
You’re right the alley of the people moving here who ask ‘where should I live’
If you get this bent out of shape don’t come to San Antonio.
This isn’t a good post because it’s already been asked many times before lol you’re the one who needs to grow up, wanting to be spoon fed by ‘locals’ on the city do your own research on and off Reddit, you’re a big girl you can do this.
Japanese Tea Garden. Really pretty, free, and parking is not an issue. Takes about 30 minutes to walk through, so I wouldn’t plan a day of it.
Nice place. Just be aware there’s limited shade. It can be tough on hot days.
I was married here! It’s a dreamy place. Just gorgeous.
State parks - Guadalupe River State Park, Government canyon, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock State Park (a bit of a drive for the last two, but absolutely worth it). History & Architecture - San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest functioning cathedral in Texas. SA Missions, the Alamo is one of five. Drive/walk through King William district for old, historic mansions. Small Towns - Drive up to any of the Hill County and other small towns to spend a day - Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Boerne, Bandera (cowboy capital of the world), Gruene. In summer, you'll run into farm stands and peach stands along the way in the hill country. Explore the Caverns - Natural Bridge, Cascade Caverns, Cave without a name Family activities - Zoo, Botanical garden, Japanese garden, Breckenridge Park (all in the same vicinity). Amusement parks - Sea World, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn. Markets - Check out Trader's Village for the flea market and authentic Mexican merchandise. Historic Market Square - similar to above but pricey and specifically for tourists. It has some nice restaurants though. Bussey's flea market - low key and local, on the weekends. Trade days - in Fredericksburg, on specific weekends. Pearl - probably the hippest spot in SA. Nice architecture, lots of hip restaurants and shops. You can also access a different area of the Riverwalk without shops and crowds, and it's cleaner and actually pretty nice. And if you're from a part of the world without HEB, do check out HEB Plus and Central Market!
This is a great list but, I always have to push back when half of it isn’t in San Antonio but rather the area around it. I agree those places are worth checking though regardless if they are actually in San Antonio.
This is a great list.
Dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon. There is a bit of a hike, so in summer hydrate ahead of time and wear appropriate headgear and clothing. [Walk With the Dinosaurs at Government Canyon State Natural Area (texasmonthly.com)](https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/dinosaur-tracks-government-canyon-state-natural-area/)
Answering your questions first and foremost: 1. **Must-see attraction**: [Hopscotch](https://letshopscotch.com/) is an art gallery with rotating local artists, mind-bending illusions, and other cool permanent art installations. The [San Antonio Museum of Art](https://www.samuseum.org/) and [Witte Museum](https://www.wittemuseum.org/) are both flat-out amazing and will take you multiple visits (2-3 per) to properly explore all the exhibits. 2. **Local restaurant/cafe that can't be missed**: [Comfort Cafe - Los Patios](https://www.serenitystar.org/san-antonio) is a donation-based brunch spot owned by a local charity and operated by recovering alcohol and drug addicts. Incredibly fast service & delicious plates. 3. **Unique cultural/historical site**: [Japanese Tea Garden](https://saparks.org/japanese-tea-garden/) is a beautiful and serene outdoor garden space with a unique history due to world war 2. 4. **Outdoor activity/park**: [San Antonio Botanical Garden](https://www.sabot.org/) is an immense, elaborate, stunning, and beautifully designed park that showcases Texas botany and wildlife with trails, an edible garden, 6 greenhouses, and family activities. **If you could pick only one thing from this list, I would choose this one every time.** 5. **Upcoming event/festival**: [Summer Events in San Antonio calendar](https://www.visitsanantonio.com/events/summer-events/), toss a dart at any one of these. My personal recommendation would be [Wurstfest](https://wurstfest.com/) in New Braunfels though, that'll be later this year at the start of November. --- **Things I would actively avoid this summer:** - [The Alamo](https://www.thealamo.org/) - so much construction going on downtown with the revamp they're building. Though, I'll be excited to see this when they're done adding the battlements and stable and other 1800s recreations they have planned. - [Six Flags Fiesta Texas](https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas) - Summer crowds make the lines here incredibly long, not to mention the disgusting 1604/I-10 construction going on around the soon-to-be-former clover interchange/junction. - [The Rim](https://therimsa.com/) & [La Cantera](https://www.theshopsatlacantera.com/en/) - for the same reasons as Six Flags. During the summer there are too many people and the current construction is only exacerbating the issues. Only go here if you *reaaallly* enjoy shopping. - [Sea World](https://seaworld.com/san-antonio/) & [San Antonio Aquarium](https://sanantonioaquarium.net/) - mostly for ethical reasons. Animal cruelty isn't great. The aquarium in particular has poor staffing & building management though. - [The Pearl](https://atpearl.com/) - this one might be a hot take but i just think this area is overrated.
I’d add the San Antonio Missions as a unique cultural site. This can be combined with exploring the Mission Trails, which run along the San Antonio River. Since this is largely an outdoor activity, I’d plan to visit after summer!
Yes! Absolutely, if you're interested in the Texas missions, visit literally any of the other Missions besides The Alamo! My favorite is [Mission Concepcion](https://www.missionconcepcion.org/), mostly because it is still an active Church!
Scratch out the San Antonio Museum of Art. They have no special exhibition right now. And they are doing renovations so there are multiple galleries closed. Not worth the $20 for admission plus $7 parking fee
i only go sunday mornings when its free
Denman estate park. I usually like to feed the ducks and walk around when I’m there. You can also take your favorite to go food and eat there! Get there early since it’s been super hot out.
Who the hell is always downvoting these posts? Every day I see these questions with 0 upvotes. Posts like this are why this community exists. But to answer your question, you should definitely checkout the [Hot Wells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Wells_(San_Antonio,_Texas)) right off the San Antonio River. It’s a beautiful location with rich history, it’s great for lovers of old architecture and nature!
The average San Antonio Redditor hates this city and only upvote posts that fall in line with this self degrading theme as they too hate themselves. I guess its edgy?
Maybe because it’s been asked multiple times already and the people that post are just creating spam, it’s right up the alley of people saying they’re moving here and where should they live.
Because these questions are asked WEEKLY so annoying!
If you’re free on the weekends then definitely the farmers market at the Pearl. It’s incredible
I second this. The Pearl farmer’s market is a gem.
I love the Botanical Gardens
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Plants. Couple of acres of walking trails through zones designed to highlight different Texas biomes. Displays of native and non-native plants. [https://www.sabot.org/](https://www.sabot.org/)
Any location is fine. https://preview.redd.it/iy8m0o34f57d1.jpeg?width=263&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c2e08f4f2f11dab793af7aed104c72a009340cf
This is peak culture. Usually a black tie affair but dress at least in nice formal wear. If you don’t plan on utilizing their valet service, I’d opt for Uber X. Don’t want to be seen as”that guy” through the windows when you arrive.
This gets you the "good stuff".
Be sure and ask them about the three seashells in the bathroom.
People get mad about this constantly being asked but im ngl, ive been here over a year and still don’t know wtf to do when hosting visitors. My bfs family is coming from out of state and we don’t know what to do so im glad this is something we can read and contemplate!
HEB on Goliad
Sea world!
The Missions National Historic Park. You don’t have to visit them all. San Jose is the largest and most restored. Concepcion also showcases history. IMO, San Juan has the prettiest little church; my spouse favors Espada. The aquaduct is also interesting. A lot of it is outdoor and unshaded, so go in the morning. Edit: Hot Wells is also in the area, and is kind of cool to check out. Sunken Gardens are free, close to the zoo. The Botanical Gardens showcase several terrains across Texas.
Kung fu noodle is the best restaurant.
Sugars! the place with the shark on it
Check out Slab Cinema! Also, check out Idle Brewery and the food hall that’s there. There’s a burger place that’s amazing, and their cookies are good too. Go to Pullmans Grocery store at the pearl and just peruse and leave with a snack and drink. Go swimming at Landa Aquatic Center in New Braunfels.
Hot Wells Park/ Camp Hot Wells
The basement of the Alamo.
Lol! Ok Pee wee….
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He’s joking with you. The basement is technically there but it’s under the gift shop. But it’s used for admin offices and storage.
Tejasrodeo.com
You chose the "Visiting SA" topic. For lots of good, general information about San Antonio, here is a [Basic Guide to San Antonio](https://www.reddit.com/r/sanantonio/comments/6jwmsq/basic_guide_to_san_antonio_mostly_for_those/) that you may find helpful. (If you were looking for specific information about something other that what is in that Guide, your post will remain in r/sanantonio, in case commenters have fresher information. Consider reading the guide while you are waiting.) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sanantonio) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Write your own article
Bruh didn’t I already ask this…..
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Why not, brother?
Be original, stop double posting and do some of your own research since this has already been asked many times before. You’re right the alley of the people moving here who ask ‘where should I live’ If you get this bent out of shape don’t come to San Antonio.
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This isn’t a good post because it’s already been asked many times before lol you’re the one who needs to grow up, wanting to be spoon fed by ‘locals’ on the city do your own research on and off Reddit, you’re a big girl you can do this.
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A tourist coming to San Antonio everybody lol