Top 25 San Antonio Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Nikki Jain

San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the United States, ranking at number seven on that scale. It's no surprise, then, that there are so many things to do in San Antonio. There are several iconic hotspots among San Antonio attractions, of course, but don't be lured by just those tourist traps!

Some of the best places in San Antonio are much more laid back, relating to history, art, culture, and nature. After all, the city was once an important location for Spanish colonists and carries much of that legacy with it today. So, what should you do while you're in this beautiful and busy but ultimately storied and complex metropolis? Here are the top tourist attractions in San Antonio, Texas!

Things To Do in San Antonio

Table of Contents [Show]

Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link.

1: San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio River Walk

You simply cannot visit San Antonio without paying a visit to the beautiful River Walk. Also called Paseo del Rio, the River Walk is the most-visited attraction in the entire city.

It weaves through the middle of San Antonio towards Alamo Heights, following the San Antonio River. Beautiful paths at the River Walk are lined by shady cypress trees, interspersed by open green spaces and whimsical stone bridges.

This walk connects many significant attractions, so those who want an easy way to see the sights can simply walk along with it! There's also a 1.33-mile extension to the walk called the Museum Reach that brings you through various works of art and landscapes.

The River Walk is easy to explore via bike or foot. If you get hungry or need a break, plenty of cafes and restaurants flank their length.

Address: River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

2: The Alamo

The Alamo
Dreamstime/Sean Pavone

When it comes to sites that are famous in San Antonio, it doesn't get more iconic than The Alamo. Once upon a time, this was a mission, but in 1836 it was the site of a bloody 13-day battle.

The ruler of Mexico orchestrated the siege at the time, which cost 189 Texans their lives. It is this battle that sparked the journey of Texas to independence, and today, The Alamo continues to honor its legacy.

The Alamo pays tribute to the brave men who fought for Texas and fell in its defense, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie. With 2.5 million annual visitors, the Alamo's importance and central downtown location have made it an absolute must-visit.

Free admission makes it more attractive, while paid guided tours are led by passionate and knowledgeable experts. For a slightly more lighthearted experience, don't forget to visit the Alamo Cat Graves.

These two little markers honor two stray cats named C.C. and Ruby, who were cared for at the compound of the Alamo in more recent years.

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

3: Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Dreamstime/GeorgiaTX

For some fun and thrilling San Antonio attractions, you can't go wrong with Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Located just 17 miles from the downtown area, it's a fantastic spot for families and adrenaline junkies, boasting over 50 individual attractions, tons of restaurants, and lots of shops!

Six Flags Fiesta Texas boasts 200 acres of excitement for people of all ages. There are roller coasters with jaw-dropping names like the Goliath and Thrilling Rattler.

There are Western-themed shows and productions of fireworks and lights. The venue also has its own water park. It's not open all the time, so check in advance when it'll be running.

Address: 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78213

Visit Website

4: SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio
Dreamstime/Valentin Armianu

SeaWorld San Antonio is among the most fun places to visit in San Antonio, especially with kids. The huge 250-acre theme park is a marine blast, offering many ways for you to get up close and personal with sea life.

There are sea lions, whales, penguins, sharks, belugas, alligators, dolphins, flamingos, and so much more. They can be seen both in enclosures and as part of various shows and events. 

SeaWorld San Antonio is the world's biggest marine amusement park. Since it opened in 1988, it has been a haven for water lovers. There are water slides and pools to cool off in and many animal habitats to explore.

There are even some cool rides, such as an inverted roller coaster and a thrilling hypercoaster, to get an adrenaline rush! And, if you get hungry, concession stands sell all sorts of yummy treats.

Address: 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

Visit Website

5: San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo
Dreamstime/Noamfein

When it comes to San Antonio tourist attractions that are fun for the whole family, you can't go wrong with the San Antonio Zoo. It is set on 56 acres of land and hosts over 700 species of animals, making it one of the biggest fauna collections nationwide.

The zoo was set up in 1914 and has grown to contain a grand total of more than 9,000 individual animals. Exhibits at the San Antonio Zoo are fairly diverse. You can see creatures from the Amazon, mammals from Africa, and even a butterfly habitat.

There's also a vast bird collection that is one of the biggest in the country. Overwhelmed by all that there is to see? Hop on the San Antonio Zoo Eagle, a mini train that brings you across the grounds!

There are also many fun programs, events, and activities at the San Antonio Zoo. You're sure to love the up-close and personal animal feedings! The zoo is also award-winning, with a great breeding program that has been able to reproduce the white rhino.

Address: 3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

Visit Website

6: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Dreamstime/Photofires

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a must-see in San Antonio for history buffs. There are four famous historic missions within the park, each about 3 miles apart. There are Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, Mission San José, and Mission Espada, all established in the 18th century.

Free tours allow you to experience each location up close and personal while gaining lots of knowledge about each site. Each mission is uniquely beautiful, with its unique features that make it one-of-a-kind but united in purpose.

Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214

Visit Website

Planning to visit other places in Texas? Here are the top Dallas attractions, and top Fort Worth attractions!

7: McNay Art Museum

McNay Art Museum
Dreamstime/Florin Seitan

The McNay Art Museum was Texas' very first museum for modern art, so it's naturally one of the most interesting spots in San Antonio. Its Spanish Colonial Revival home building was constructed in the 1920s, and it welcomes over 150,000 annual visitors. 

There are more than 20,000 items on display at the McNay Art Museum. They're known across America for being one of the nation's most respectable collections of contemporary sculptures and artworks. There's also a 30,000-volume research library and an attached modern Stieren Center for the works of the Stierens.

Address: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209

Visit Website

8: San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden is one of the loveliest things to do in San Antonio for nature-lovers. Changing with the seasons, the garden is home to numerous collections of flora and many different exhibits.

You can find a sensory garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, and water-saving garden, among others. Those who want to walk along the San Antonio Botanical Garden will love the Texas Native Trail.

Stretching out over 11 acres, it contains more than 250 different species of plants from three unique ecosystems. For a more in-depth experience, visit the Lucile Halsell Conservatory onsite, a futuristic underground enclosure for special plants.

Address: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209

Visit Website

9: San Fernando Cathedral and the Main Plaza Cathedral Light Show

San Fernando Cathedral and the Main Plaza Cathedral Light Show
Dreamstime/F11photo

The San Fernando Cathedral is one of the San Antonio attractions that is very difficult to miss if you do any sightseeing. It's one of the nation's oldest active cathedrals, dating back to 1738.

It's even been the site of many important historic events, such as the detailing of the Alamo's plans. But what mainly draws tourists to the San Fernando Cathedral is the Main Plaza Cathedral Light Show.

The Main Plaza is the heart of the city and the host of a free light show that is sure to wow and impress. Images of all sorts are projected onto the facade of the San Fernando Cathedral in a 24-minute experience.

You can also just hang out in the Main Plaza during the day. It's filled with beautiful trees, water features, and a lovely landscape complete with tables to rest at!

Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

10: San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the best attractions in San Antonio for art aficionados. Though it's somewhat small in size, this is a true cultural gem with a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as several seasonal special events and educational programs.

Over 5,000 years of history are represented at the San Antonio Museum of Art, gathered from many cultures across the globe. The museum is spread across several different buildings in a single complex, each containing different works.

You'll see collections of Native American, Ancient Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Latin American, Oceanic, and Asian art. One exciting display at the San Antonio Museum of Art is the Roman urn collection.

Dating back millennia, these artifacts once held the ashes and remains of the Roman elite. They are carved from marble and sit in the rear of the Greek and Roman Hall of the museum.

Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

Visit Website

11: Morgan's Wonderland

Morgan's Wonderland

If you have a special needs family member, then Morgan's Wonderland is one of the best attractions in San Antonio to bring them to. It is designed specifically for those with special needs and contains an impressive 25 acres of space.

Rides and experiences are wheelchair-accessible, and the staff is knowledgeable about making kids with unique needs comfortable.

Among the things you can see at Morgan's Wonderland are a catch-and-release lake for fishing, an antique carousel, a music garden, a pirate-themed playground, picnic gardens, and a sand play area.

There's also Starlight Amphitheater, which puts on various concerts and shows throughout the year.

Address: 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233

Visit Website

12: Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns
Dreamstime/Faina Gurevich

The Natural Bridge Caverns are probably among the hottest tourist sites in San Antonio. They are the state's largest commercial cave system and are also the biggest known caverns of their kind in the US.

The name of the caverns comes from a natural limestone bridge measuring 60 feet across the entrance of the caverns. There are five different tour options at the Natural Bridge Caverns, including one for hidden passages and others for lantern-lit experiences.

When you're done exploring the interior, there's more to do outside. Head for the rope course, go gem mining, dine, shop, or ride a zip line.

Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

13: Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park
Dreamstime/Victoria Ditkovsky

If you're looking for more things to do in San Antonio that let you sightsee without the bustle of River Walk, try Brackenridge Park. It covers a whopping 343 acres and provides tons of recreational and relaxing options, with 2.8 miles of trails, a golf course, and fields for sports. 

Established in 1899, Brackenridge Park is home to a famous Japanese Tea Garden. The oasis was gifted to San Antonio as nothing more than a rock quarry, but a Japanese family transformed it in the early 1900s.

Extension repairs allowed it to be refurbished in the 2000s. Now, it is home to stone bridges, a gorgeous pagoda, and meandering paths interspersed by ponds and gardens.

If you're at Brackenridge Park at the right time, you can also visit the Sunken Garden Theater, a natural pit where outdoor concerts are often held. There's also a train that you can use to travel around the park and see what it has to offer.

Address: 3700 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

14: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 450-acre wonderland filled with many animals, including some not native to America. There are giraffes, white rhinos, Damaraland zebras, ostriches, buffaloes, lemurs, etc. Over 40 species thrive at the ranch across 500 individual animals.

The most common way to explore Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is by driving through it. If you're an animal lover wondering what to do in San Antonio, you mustn't miss this! And, if you get hungry, stop at the Safari Camp Grill for a meal or the Safari Trading Post for snacks and souvenirs.

Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

With a name like Majestic Theatre, it's no surprise that this performing arts venue is one of the prime destinations in San Antonio for entertainment.

Extremely ornate and luxurious, the theatre was first opened in 1929 and bears a Spanish Mediterranean architectural style. It is now a National Historic Landmark!

The Majestic Theatre hosts three balconies and a total of 2,311 seats. It's the site of many Broadway shows, concerts, and shows and is definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of live performances.

Address: 224 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

16: Guenther House

Guenther House

Not many San Antonio attractions are dining establishments, but Guenther House is an exception. The award-winning culinary site has been open since 1988 but is set in a restored home from 1860. It was once the home and family estate of the titular Carl Hilmar Guenther.

Guenther House opens for lunch and breakfast every day. It also boasts a museum onsite that you can explore, transporting you back in time to the house's early days. You'll see some vintage cooking utensils and information about the people who once lived here.

Address: 205 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX 78204

Visit Website

17: The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids

The DoSeum - San Antonio's Museum for Kids

San Antonio's Museum for Kids is probably one of the key things to do around San Antonio when you're bringing children on your vacation. It's also known as the DoSeum, and true to that nickname, it's filled with interactive, hands-on activities that educate kids through play.

Boasting 65,000 square feet, San Antonio's Museum for Kids lets kids create, invent, think, make, and play. Children can solve math puzzles while playing as spies. They can watch an interactive puppet parade.

They can traverse a safe river or climb a musical staircase or treehouse. An outdoor exhibit is fitted with water features for even more fun.

Address: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Visit Website

18: San Antonio Market Square

San Antonio Market Square
Dreamstime/Christian Hinkle

San Antonio Market Square is a Mexican outdoor market and one of the best things to do in San Antonio for shoppers and food-lovers.

The three-block expanse of the market is the biggest of its kind in all of North America. There are more than a hundred locally-run businesses that populate its stretch.

At San Antonio Market Square, you can find a wide range of specialty shops and stalls. These stalls sell various forms of Mexican souvenirs, snacks, attire, accessories, and crafts.

A lively atmosphere gets you in the spending mood, with mariachi music playing in the background during special seasonal festivals.

Address: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207

19: Spanish Governor's Palace

Spanish Governor's Palace
Dreamstime/Barna Tanko

The Spanish Governor's Palace is an adobe structure that, while never named a palace officially, is undoubtedly quite the grandeur location. A National Historic Landmark, this was once a seat for the Spanish government. It's one of the most interesting San Antonio attractions for history buffs.

The Spanish Governor's Palace is decorated with authentic furnishings from the 18th century that do a great job transporting you back in time to its heyday. It also boasts a gorgeous patio made from cobblestone, and most of the doorways have delightfully intricate carvings.

Address: 105 Plaza De Armas, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

20: Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling

If you love alcohol and seek good vacation ideas in San Antonio, your trip won't be complete without a visit to Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling. Here, you'll find a large selection of different handcrafted whiskey and beer. The industrial location is a renowned microbrewery offering tasting tours on weekends.

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is the only so-called "brewstillery" in all of Texas. You'll find wonders like Texas Straight Bourbon, Oat Meal Pale Ale, White Whiskey, and Red-Headed Strangler. The Tasting Room keeps things fresh with a seasonal, rotating menu.

Address: 4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217

21: Briscoe Western Art Museum

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Briscoe Western Art Museum is hard to miss. Set in a gorgeous restored 1930s art déco building that was once the city's first public library, the museum can be found along the River Walk.

It's one of the best things to do in San Antonio for lovers and appreciators of art and history. You'll be able to completely sink your teeth into a knowledge of the heritage and traditions of the American West.

There are nine galleries in the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Here, you'll get to view popular and engaging exhibits like a diorama of the Alamo, the saddle of Pancho Villa, and an original Chuck Wagon. There are also works by the Taos Society of Artists and Frederic Remington.

Outside of the Briscoe Western Art Museum, part of its grounds, you'll find the McNutt Sculpture Garden. The relatively hidden garden is filled with western-themed statues made in bronze, made by some of the country's most renowned artists.

Sculptures depict European settlers, Native Americans, cougars, horses, snakes, and lizards, and among them are lots of desert plants.

Address: 210 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

22: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures

UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is a part of the campus of the University of Texas. It is a crucial educational resource, providing showcases, research opportunities, and exhibits about social, ethnic, historic, and heritage issues.

It's also one of the San Antonio attractions that properly honors the tales of immigrants who traveled to Texas and made it their home. The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures was set up in 1965. It boasts several interactive exhibits across 65,000 square feet of space.

It also has a library that contains 700 recorded oral histories, numerous rare books and personal documents, manuscripts, and over 3 million photographs. An eerie and unusual display at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is the Castroville Hearse.

Built in 1898, it was the only hearse in Castroville for many years, seeing its fair share of death and despair. The horse-drawn carriage is a beautiful antique, French-made and hand-carved. In 1930, a newly engined hearse allowed the Castroville Hearse to be retired, and it is now on display at the institute.

Address: 801 E Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

23: The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum are several attractions in one. This makes a trip through these offerings one of the best things to do in San Antonio. There's a cafe to eat in, a shooting gallery to try, and a great gift shop. But, of course, the highlight of the location is its two family-friendly museums.

The Texas Ranger Museum is a great way to learn about the Texas Rangers and similar topics. You'll view exhibits about Bonnie and Clyde, Buffalo Bill, and Teddy Roosevelt, learning through artifacts.

Meanwhile, the Buckhorn Saloon boasts more than 520 preserved or taxidermied wildlife species from across the globe. This includes the likes of an Irish elk from 10,000 years ago, a black marlin weighing 1,056 pounds, and several oddities.

Address: 318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

24: San Antonio Fire Museum

San Antonio Fire Museum

History buffs will find that the San Antonio Fire Museum is one of the finest San Antonio attractions. Family-friendly and packed with information, it's a great glimpse into the world of firefighters. It sits inside what was the old Fire Station No. 1 garage.

The San Antonio Fire Museum was created in 2013. It is primarily focused on the story of the city's local fire department, which was established in 1854 with merely 20 volunteers and a selection of carts. Today, 1,660 firefighters are working for the organization.

In the museum, you'll find loads of antique equipment, early fire trucks, and great photographs. You can even dress like a firefighter and get your photo taken in a fire truck! 

Address: 801 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Visit Website

25: Ghost Tour

Ghost Tour
Flickr/amboo who

One of the more interesting and unique things to do around San Antonio is to go on a ghost tour. There are plenty of tour companies in the city that offer this experience, bringing you to the most historic and supposedly haunted locales in San Antonio.

People of all ages can join these tours, all led by expert guides with tons of historic tales to tell. Each tour will teach you about the gory, uglier history of the city. You'll learn about murders, public executions, and all manner of death.

If you're lucky, maybe you'll even see a ghost or two yourself! That is if you believe in them!

26: Witte Museum

Witte Museum

The Witte Museum is one of the best places to go in San Antonio for family-friendly educational history.

It is often forgotten in the great list of the city's attractions, but it's a gem filled with information on the state's history, natural science, and anthropology.

The museum covers many different topics, including insects, dinosaurs, mummies, and many quirky others.

There are some pretty interesting interactive elements at the Witte Museum, too. Historic log cabins take you back in time.

A rock-climbing tower lets you try your hand at the sport. Rotating exhibits never fail to amuse and engage. And, of course, there's Cinnamon Kandy, the Circus Elephant.

Cinnamon Kandy is a statue of the titular elephant, created in the 1930s with a cute, hand-painted style.

It was gifted to the city after its owner's passing in 1940 and spent the next 75 or so years moving around San Antonio.

Children love taking photographs with this gorgeous, refurbished statue, which has brought joy to the city's residents and guests since its inception.

Address: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

Visit Website

27: Monster Mini Golf

Monster Mini Golf

Wondering what to do in San Antonio that puts a little twist on a classic fun activity? Monster Mini Golf is a great choice for people of all ages!

With simple courses that challenge adults while accommodating kids, this is a unique experience as far as mini golf is concerned.

At Monster Mini Golf, all golf balls glow in the dark as you put them around a spooky monster-themed course.

Animated props create an engaging atmosphere, each hole presenting a new and unique concept.

When you're done golfing, settle down and play some air hockey or arcade games! There's even a laser tag experience, laser maze, and virtual reality adventure at the venue.

Address: 2267 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213

28: The Shops at La Cantera

The Shops at La Cantera

Shopaholics seeking attractions in San Antonio will love The Shops at La Cantera.

The upscale venue mixes a little country charm with modern amenities. It spans a shocking 1,300,000 square feet and has numerous stores, shops, and facilities for people of all ages and interests.

You can expect everything from fancy designer brands to delicious eateries and from bargains to department stores at The Shops at La Cantera.

If you need a little break, you can bring your kids to the shopping center's play area, sit in shaded sheathing areas outdoors, or head to a heated spot in the winter.

Address: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 6698, San Antonio, TX 78256

29: World's Largest Cowboy Boots

World's Largest Cowboy Boots
Flickr/Todd Carr

Some of the hidden vacation spots in the USA are photo opportunities just waiting to happen. The World's Largest Cowboy Boots are one of them.

Built in 1979 by Bob "Daddy-O" Wade, the fiberglass and concrete artwork was originally set upon a vacant lot near the White House.

The cowboy boots were designed to look as if made from ostrich skin, spanning a shocking 40 feet in height.

After spending just 6 months at its initial location, the boots were moved all the way to San Antonio.

They were taken to the North Star Mall and were used as the DJ station for the San Antonio Rodeo. The boots were even mentioned in Wade's own song, Too High Too Wide Too Long.

The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized the World's Largest Cowboy Boots in 2016. You can find them at the North Star Mall, where they sit on the corner entrance and wow passersby.

Address: 7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

30: Hot Wells Hotel and Spa

Hot Wells Hotel and Spa
Flickr/Nan Palmero

Hot Wells Hotel and Spa is one of the most unique places to visit in San Antonio. Once upon a time, this was a hotspot for celebrities.

In its heyday as a hotel, the location played host to the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Theodore Roosevelt, Tom Mix, Rudolph Valentino, Sarah Bernhardt, Cecil B. DeMille, Will Rogers, and more.

The Hot Wells was renowned for its health spa, where sulfurous water from an Edwards well was piped directly into baths and pools.

The water smells of sulfur very strongly and had initially been intended for an asylum.

People believed that it may have healing properties, and thus the 104-degree smelly water, spilling forth 180,000 gallons per day, created this popular early 20th-century attraction.

The resort was opulent but burned down after more than three decades of operation, some of which had included rebuilding from another fire.

It's a wonder to imagine the three 90-foot swimming pools and the many luxurious private rooms. There was even an ostrich farm onsite where guests could directly find feathers for their outfits.

For a while, the ruins of the Hot Wells Hotel and Spa were a hotspot for explorers.

In 2017, the property was closed and redeveloped, and in 2019, it opened as a historic preserved park. You can visit it now to see what life was like in the lap of luxury back in the day.

Address: 5503 S Presa St, San Antonio, Texas, 78223

31: Tower of the Americas

Tower of the Americas
Dreamstime/Chon Kit Leong

The Tower of the Americas is one of the best San Antonio attractions for those seeking a view of the city.

It was built for the World's Fair of 1968 and has since become famous among the nation's skyscrapers.

With 750 feet in height to its name, the observation deck provides jaw-dropping panoramas of the world around you.

When you're done with drinking in the view, you can pay a visit to the onsite 4D theater or dine at the fancy revolving restaurant.

There are also occasional events held here seasonally, so if you're lucky, you might be able to catch one.

Address: 739 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78205

32: The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and Museum

The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and Museum
Flickr/Nan Palmero

The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and Museum is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most calming San Antonio attractions.

It is the oldest structure in Fort Sam Houston, having been built in 1876. It serves as a free public wildlife garden and an Army center all in one.

The park area is filled with peacocks, rabbits, and deer that come up to guests who bring food.

The Quadrangle strikes quite an imposing figure, with no windows to make it stronger against potential attacks.

It was Sam Houston's original fort, designed as a storage house and quartermaster's depot until the US Army repurposed it as an arsenal.

It is also here that Geronimo, leader of the Apache, was held in 1886. Stories say that the deer that roam the park was brought here to help Geronimo feel at home, but the truth remains unconfirmed.

A brick clock tower at the Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle and Museum stands over the park. It bears a plaque that commemorates the Quadrangle's creation and adds a touch of the majestic to the location.

Address: 1405 E Grayson St, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

33: U.S. Army Medical Department Museum

U.S. Army Medical Department Museum

The U.S. Army Medical Department Museum is one of the lesser-known educational attractions in San Antonio.

The location is packed with history, showcasing the legacy of the US Army and its medical contributions. The museum was created with private donations and has been open since 1862 in many different forms.

You can find the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum at Fort Sam, a military base in the city.

It is packed with memorabilia and artifacts, including showcases dedicated to unique and fascinating topics. Admission is free, though donations are possible!

You'll learn about different specialized fields of military and frontline medicine and get to see some medic-used military vehicles.

There are also vintage photos from war times, antique equipment, and a hospital train using the Korean War. Hospital trains were an essential part of World War II, used for evacuation and emergency treatment.

Address: 3898 Stanley Rd Building 1046, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

34: Lollypop Carriage Co.

Lollypop Carriage Co.

You might be surprised that one of the most whimsical vacation ideas in San Antonio comes right out of a fantasy fairy tale!

Lollypop Carriage Co. is an incredible way to make your sightseeing experience in San Antonio's downtown all the more exciting.

Essentially, this is a touring company that uses fancy carriages that look like they popped out of the tale of Cinderella!

Tours at Lollypop Carriage Co. run from 6 in the evening to 11 at night. Each one is led by a knowledgeable and experienced driver who adds to the touring experience.

You'll feel truly pampered, like royalty, as you cruise through the streets!

Address: Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

35: Old Time Wooden Nickel Company and Historical Museum

Old Time Wooden Nickel Company and Historical Museum

The Old Time Wooden Nickel Company and Historical Museum is one of the more unique gems among things to do in San Antonio.

The museum is situated inside a pre-existing building once used for nickel creation. 

Inside, you'll be able to view some of the original printing presses used to manufacture novelty wood nickels alongside various antiques and similar tools.

Of course, there are also hundreds of beautiful, historic nickels of that material on display. The oldest ones date all the way back to 1948!

The most exciting feature of the Old Time Wooden Nickel Company and Historical Museum is likely the gigantic coin right outside of it.

It's one of the largest of its kind on the planet, measuring 4 inches in diameter and 13 feet across, with a whopping 2,500-pound weight. It makes for a great photo op!

The giant coin was made by former Air Force officer Herb Hornung, who owned the museum and company before passing away in 2008.

On one side of the coin, you can see a traditional American Buffalo. On the other, you can see a beautiful dedication to soldiers who served in the Armed Forces.

Address: 345 Old Austin Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209

Plan your trip to San Antonio soon!

With all the things to do in San Antonio, you'll find it very difficult to feel bored in this bustling city. You can visit natural or green sites filled with flora and fauna. You can browse the educational displays at many different museums. You can shop till you drop or dine at fine restaurants. You can go on lots of different tours. No matter your preference, you'll find something to occupy you. Besides, if you can fit them in, all of these San Antonio attractions are worth visiting.

Texas Travel Guide

Explore Guide