Getting Around San Antonio Texas
The best way to get around San Antonio is by car, but if your trip is focused on downtown attractions, you might want to avoid the car.
Central San Antonio is compact and notoriously challenging to get around by car. Parking spots are hard to find, too.
Your best bet for getting around during a weekend in San Antonio is by walking, but renting a car will be your best bet if youre going outside downtown.
Another option to consider is the bus. This public transportation option offers inexpensive bus routes that are tourist-friendly that make stops at San Antonios most popular attractions that coincide with the ultimate San Antonio weekend itinerary.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
View A Lights Show Projected Onto The Side Of A Cathedral
For a unique San Antonio experience, visit the San Fernando Cathedral to view The Saga. If you have older kids who stay up late, try this art installation by Xavier de Richmont, which is projected onto the side of the Cathedral on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. The multimedia show covers centuries of San Antonio history. Located at 115 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio Texas.
TravelingMom Tip: Check the Main Plazas calendar before your visit, especially if it falls during April and Fiesta. Some showings of Saga are cancelled due to Fiesta events.
The San Antonio Museum Of Art
200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78215
Free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art is offered twice a week on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. 12 p.m for Bexar County residents. Children 12 and under are always free. The San Antonio Museum of Art has other free/discounted offerings each month that include:
Museums on Us program: One FREE general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders.
Museums For All program: General admission for families receiving food assistance benefits is $3 per person, up to four people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card
University & Corporate Partners program: Alamo Colleges, Texas A& M University-San Antonio, Trinity University, University of the Incarnate Word , and UT Health San Antonio students, faculty, and staff receive FREE general admission to the Museum and free parking during business hours with their school IDs. H-E-B employees receive FREE general admission and free parking with their company ID. Parking validation provided at Admissions Desk
Viva Culture Bus Riders: All VIVA Culture Route riders receive a $2 discount on general admission when they show their bus ticket.
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The San Antonio African American Community Archive And Museum
The newest addition to La Villita and a fantastic addition to the San Antonio landscape is the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum . Located on S. Presa on the outer edge of La Villita, the museum is always free and open during the same hours as La Villita.
The museums mission is to collect, preserve and share the cultural heritage of African Americans in the San Antonio area. They host a monthly Black History River Cruise and feature a wonderful array of online content on their website, so you can also learn this essential piece of San Antonio history right from home.
The Ultimate 3 Days In San Antonio Itinerary
Home | United States | The Ultimate 3 Days in San Antonio Itinerary
Looking for great activities and attractions in the Alamo City? Our San Antonio itinerary is all you need to plan the perfect trip!
Offering historic charm, diverse cultural attractions, amusement parks, and plenty of other impressive activities, San Antonio, Texas, is full of fun and unique attractions waiting to be explored!
Widely known for its Hispanic culture and historic Spanish colonial missions such as the Alamo, San Antonio was founded through a Spanish mission. Originally a colonial outpost in 1718, San Antonio became Texas first chartered civil settlement in 1731.
Now the second largest city in the Southern United States and the seventh most populous city in the United States, San Antonio is every Americans dream.
The impressively low taxes, cheap real estate, mild winters, big-city amenities, and many attractions transform it into a famous travel spot.
A historical location, San Antonio is filled with history from various cultures, including Spanish, Native American, and American.
For example, the many historical sites like the San Antonio Missions and the Alamo, are visited continuously throughout the year by locals and tourists. Other more fragile artifacts are safely settled in museums speckled around San Antonio.
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Free Museum Day In San Antonio Texas
To claim your FREE admission tickets, head to Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. You can download one ticket per email address. Each ticket provides free general admission on Saturday, September 21, 2019, for two people.
If youre not in San Antonio you can still click through and find the museum you want tickets for.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Located in San Antonio, TX enjoy free entry Saturday, September 21, 2019
San Antonio Museum of Art
Located in San Antonio, TX enjoy free entry Saturday, September 21, 2019
A visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art takes you around the world and through five thousand years of art in a complex of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. SAMA is renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States. The Nelson A. Rockefeller Latin American art wing spans the ages from the ancient Americas to the present and includes an outstanding collection of folk art. In the contemporary galleries, works of internationally recognized artists share prominence with notable Texas and regional art. The comprehensive Asian art wing displays works from Korea, India, and Japan, and includes an important Chinese ceramics collection.
Spanish Governors Palace
Located in San Antonio, TX enjoy free entry Saturday, September 21, 2019
UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures
Located in San Antonio, TX enjoy free entry Saturday, September 21, 2019
Explore Architecture History And Culture At A Former Brewery
Ever had a Pabst Blue Ribbon? Well, the historic Pearl Brewery, where it was brewed, is now a mixed use campus of housing, retail, and public space. Weekly Farmers Markets take place on the grounds. Have little kiddos? The Twig Bookstore at the Pearl has a weekly storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays. Love to boogie? During the summer, the Pearl hosts a weekly dance series every Wednesday at the Pearl Stable. Doors open at 5:30 and music starts at 6 p.m. There also are First Thursday night markets year-round with live music and a special theme every month.
Hours Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 303 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio Art League And Museum
Located in the charming King William Historic District, the SAALM serves as a converted art museum and gallery. Focusing on Texas artists, this 19th-century carriage house possesses over 600 works in varying mediums in its permanent collection. Roaming exhibitions feature local and regional Texas artists. Although you can donate to the museum, admission is free.
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Admission for children under 12 and active military are always free at the Briscoe. Recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP are also eligible for free admission. Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Trust cardholders get one free admission during the first weekend of each month. The Briscoe offers discounts to seniors, veteran military, first responders, educators, firefighters, police officers, active military family, and half-off admission on locals days.
The following museums are currently closed due to COVID, but here is some information on admission for when they are comfortable with opening up again. Some of these establishments do offer virtual tours.
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Encompassing over 300 years of layered history, this historical park hosts four distinct Spanish missions: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
Each mission still contains active Catholic parishes and holds regular services. The Missions stand as a representation of South Texas Tejano culture and provide learning experiences for the whole family.
The Institute Of Texan Cultures
This museum serves as a multicultural education center to celebrate the many cultures that have sought a home in Texas. Exhibits, educational programs, and cultural events seek to educate and inspire local residents and tourists alike.
The museum typically offers free admission every second Sunday of the month from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., but be sure to check the website or call ahead in case of changes due to COVID-19 precautions.
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Check Out These Free Museums In San Antonio
Barney Smiths Toilet Seat Art Museum is a unique museum thats always free. You can visit the museum and see decorated toilet seats and artwork made out of toilet seats.
The Alamo was one of the first national historic sites in the United States. You can visit the Alamo and learn about different things that led up The Alamo. There, you can also learn about the effects it had on the rest of the nations history.
The San Antonio Missions are close to the Alamo and give you a different glimpse of everything that went on during that time. They are always free to visit, but might not always be open the same times as the Alamo.
The Quadrangle is located on the base. The museum is always free. Keep in mind that if you dont have a government or military ID, it may take longer for you to get on base to get into the museum.
The Fort Sam Houston Museum is also located on the base. Its suggested that you visit the Quadrangle and the Fort Sam Houston Museum at the same time to avoid the struggle of getting on base twice.
While the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio is free, they do suggest a $1 donation to visit the museum. You can learn more about the impact the Holocaust had on the area and how it changed the area.
San Antonio: The Saga is an exhibit you can enjoy for free. While not necessarily a museum on its own, it does offer you a chance to learn more about the history of San Antonio and everything that has happened to the area in the past.
Day 3 In San Antonio Texas
On your last day of this perfect San Antonio itinerary, make it worthwhile!
Start the morning with a refreshing hike exploring the Spanish Colonial Missions, including the famous Alamo.
Then, stroll through the San Antonio Historic Market Square, one of the countrys largest Mexican markets, for fresh produce, snacks, or souvenirs.
Finally, end the day wandering through the scenic King William Historic District.
Day 3 Morning Hike the Mission Trail To See The Spanish Colonial Missions
To visit San Antonio, you have to see San Antonios star attractions. The notorious Alamo and the Spanish Colonial San Antonio Missions are a historical must-see.
There are a total of five missions in San Antonio, connected by the Mission Trail hiking and biking route. The missions were built by Spanish colonists in the mid-1700s and constructed along the San Antonio River.
These missions were meant to function as the northern frontier of New Spain with the purpose of transforming the local way of life by introducing religion, new farming methods, and communities.
In addition, these communities were meant to encourage religious education and instruction to the local Native Americans.
Except for the Alamo, all of the other historic missions remain active Catholic churches in San Antonio.
On the Missions Trail hike and bike trail, tourists and locals can participate in an active role in exploring the five Spanish colonial missions.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
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Stroll Through King William Historic District
Located off of the Riverwalk near Downtown San Antonio, this historic district was named in honor of King Wilhelm I of Prussia by German immigrants. King William is a designated Cultural Arts District. Victorian houses, art galleries, boutiques, coffeehouses and ice houses abound in this area that meets up with Southtown. A personal favorite of mine Rosarios is located here. If you feel like a beer, the Friendly Spot is a great kid-friendly ice house that the whole family can enjoy.
Southtown is also home to San Antonios Blue Star Arts Complex. This mixed use area includes everything from brewpubs to a contemporary art museum. Nearby, you can head to Guenther House Restaurant for the most amazing pancakes and breakfast choices. There is a museum onsite dedicated to the history of the property and the Guenther family who founded Pioneer Flour Mills.
Visiting San Antonio During The Spring Heres Where To F Find Texas Bluebonnets
Although bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, bloom everywhere across the state, one of the best places to find them is the Texas Hill Country, which is just a short drive from San Antonio. You will probably also see them along the side of the highway coming in and out of town. There are a lot of clusters along the side of 281 going from San Antonio to Fredericksburg and along I-10 toward Houston. Follow these safety tips for bluebonnets if you plan to stop on the side of a busy road.
Bluebonnets bloom from late March to early April . If youre visiting San Antonio during spring, why not add a stop and check out the beautiful wildflowers. More on where to find bluebonnets here.
What are your favorite free things to do in San Antonio? Share with us in the comment section below.
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Day 2 In San Antonio Texas
On day two of this optimal San Antonio itinerary, refresh your senses at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for an immersive nature experience. In the afternoon, quench your thirst at a local brewery with a glass of hand-crafted beer or whiskey.
Then end the day at the Majestic Theatre for a live performance at Texass oldest and largest atmospheric theatre.
Day 2 Morning Refresh Your Senses At The San Antonio Botanical Garden
A well-hidden attraction in San Antonio, the Botanical Garden is a 33-acre non-profit botanical garden.
Nationally recognized for its botanical diversity and vibrant displays, this hidden San Antonio gem is known for its environmental stewardship, immersive experiences, and fruitful education efforts.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is dedicated to inspiring its visitors to connect to the natural world through its refreshing displays and commitment to preserving endangered plant life.
A getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, the San Antonio Botanical Garden houses three main areas.
The Lucille Hasbell Conservatory is home to a tropical lagoon, sunken courtyard, and plants that habituate the desert and forested regions.
The Texas Native Plains houses plants from three geological areas of Texas, and the formal gardens display area houses sights like the Rose Garden, the Old Fashioned Garden, and the Kumamoto En Japanese Garden .
Day 2 Afternoon Quench Your Thirst At A Brewery
- Opening Hours: 11am 10pm
- Address: 1414 S Alamo St #105
The Quadrangle And The Ft Sam Houston Museum
1405 East Grayson St. Building 16 Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
The Quadrangle is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays, its open from noon to 6:00 p.m. The Ft. Sam Museum is located inside the historic Quadrangle on Liscum Road. Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., Tuesday thru Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Visitors without a valid government should use the Walters Street gate off of IH-35. Visitors must obtain a pass by stopping in the Visitor Control Center and presenting a form of identification. Admission to both is free.
As of this posting, the museum remains closed due to COVID concerns.
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Museums On Us Program For Free Admission At San Antonio Museums
Museums on Us is a special program that allows one free general admission on the first weekend of every month to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders. Present your active Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card with photo ID to gain one free general admission to a participating cultural institution.
In San Antonio, the McNay, Briscoe, Witte, San Antonio Museum of Art and the DoSeum participate in this program.
Go To A Playground Both Adults And Kids Will Love
Hemisfair Park added Yanaguana Garden in October of 2015. This playground area has something for the whole family with a Pre-K play area, climbing structures for bigger kids, a games plaza, a sand area and a splash pad. Grownups will enjoy the restaurants and local beers. A fun new addition? The park has its own chickens. Be sure to visit the raised garden bed coop. Hemisfair Park, the location of the Tower of the Americas, also hosts free Friday concerts from 7-11 p.m.
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Day 1 In San Antonio Texas
To start off the perfect three-day San Antonio itinerary, were going to take a stroll down the scenic River Walk, the #1 attraction in all of Texas.
Then, well scour the history of the West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum with its three floors worth of artifacts, sculptures, and artwork. Finally, to end day one, we will continue the day exploring the city center of San Antonio and all it has to offer!
Day 1 Morning Stroll Down The Scenic San Antonio RiverWalk
The San Antonio Riverwalk is popularly known as the heart of San Antonio and the #1 attraction in Texas and for a good reason!
Lined with enigmatic hotels, fragrant restaurants, and suave shops, San Antonio River Walk knows how to attract a crowd with its stunning location and downtown location.
The banks of River Walk are often decorated and crowded with eager tourists and locals looking to explore what it has to offer. Often, many come to visit River Walk to sit back and bask in the entertaining river parades hosted throughout the year.
River Walk began with a young architect with an empowered vision Robert H. H. Hugman. His vision was to intersect bridges and pathways that flanked the San Antonio River in a way that connected it to downtown.
Take a scenic night tour and river cruise during your weekend in San Antonio to partake in the vibrant nightlife of this fun city.
Day 1 Afternoon Scour The History Of The West At The Briscoe Western Art Museum
