29 unique and unusual San Antonio attractions

Unique San Antonio attractions 

Fiesta San Antonio

San Antonio’s biggest annual tradition started in April 1891 with a parade, called the Battle of Flowers, to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico. While the inaugural parade featured horse-drawn carriages, bicycles decorated with fresh flowers and floats with children dressed as flowers, it has grown to a 10-day celebration featuring concerts, festivals and multiple parades including a dog parade and a floating Texas Cavaliers River Parade.

The original Battle of Flowers Parade is the largest Fiesta parade and the second-largest parade in the U.S. after the Tournament of Roses Parade. One of the unique features of the April event is the breaking of cascaróns, confetti-filled eggs, which happens during the opening ceremony and throughout the festival where it is common to crack them on friends and family. Be sure to plan your visit to the city during Fiesta — the local celebration is one of the most fun things to do in San Antonio.

World’s largest pair of cowboy boots

In 1979, Texas artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade made an oversized pair of cowboy boots for a commission for the Washington Project for the Arts in the nation’s capital. After going on display a few blocks from the White House, the 35-foot-tall boots were purchased for $20,000 by the then-owners of San Antonio’s North Star Mall. While en route to their new home, the boots had a treacherous road trip and got stuck under an overpass. In January 1980, the boots arrived at their home and still stand outside the mall over 40 years later.

The brown and white boots are also visible from Loop 410. In 2015, they were named the world’s tallest cowboy boot sculpture by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Find it: 7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216

Hot Wells of Bexar County

In the early 1900s, the Hot Wells Hotel and Spa had a long list of celebrity guests ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Theodore Roosevelt. Aside from the 80-room hotel built in 1902, the resort included three swimming pools and a bathhouse that included 45 private rooms with marble partitions and solid porcelain tubs for guests to relax in the sulfur water. Prohibition and a series of fires led to the demise of the hotel.

Located in southeastern San Antonino, the ruins of the building were incorporated into a public park, the Hot Wells of Bexter County, in 2019. (The structure is now fenced off, and the well was plugged.) Today, the Hot Wells Conservancy, a non-profit that raises money for the park, hosts a variety of public events, including projecting silent movies onto the ruins.

Find it: 5503 S. Presa St., San Antonio, TX 78223

Buckhorn Saloon & The Texas Ranger Museum

This history of the Buckhorn Saloon is a page-turner. The saloon was opened in 1881 by 17-year-old Albert Friedrich across the street from the Southern Hotel on Main Plaza, where he worked as a bartender and bellhop. Since many travelers didn’t have cash, Friedrich started accepting horns and antlers for drinks and accumulated a large and impressive collection. From the walls, these trophies watched as Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders in the saloon.

Even though the bar has changed locations, the collection still lines the walls. The saloon now includes The Texas Rangers Museum, which opened in 2006 due to a partnership with the former Texas Rangers Association. Visitors who stop by the museum can still grab a drink and a bite to eat at the saloon.

Find it: 318 E. Houston St., San Antonio TX 78205

Japanese Tea Garden

Between 1917 and 1918, an 11-acre tract of land adjacent to an abandoned rock quarry was transformed into a tranquil Japanese garden in the northern part of the city. Located on the western edge of Brackenridge Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is lined with shaded walkways, koi-filled ponds, a stone arch bridge and a Japanese pavilion. Local residents donated blubs for the lily pond, and the City of San Antonio provided exotic plants, trees and a lighting system.

One of the highlights of the lower levels is a lush 60-foot waterfall. The year-round garden is also wheelchair accessible, and is one of the best free things to do in San Antonio.

Find it: 3853 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

Big Lou’s Pizza

For a Texas-sized pizza, stop by Big Lou’s Pizza in southeastern San Antonio. Their award-winning pies which are made from scratch daily are some the largest in the country, ranging up to 42 inches. The restaurant was opened in 2000 by Brian Luja, who hired a Chicago pizza oven company to make the largest pizza oven available. Luja’s father helped design the custom 42, 32 and 20-inch pizza pans and rectangular plates for the 12 and 15 inches slices. 

The 42-inch pizza is for dine-in only because it literally can’t fit through the door! (It takes a bit of acrobatics to get the 37-inch pizza, the largest one available for to-go orders, through the doorway.) The Super Topping 42-inch pizza, which includes all the toppings ranging from sausage to bell peppers, weighs 27 pounds. Not only is this pizza joint a local favorite, it has also been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel.

Find it: 2048 S. W.W. White Road, San Antonio, Texas 78222

San Antonio attractions for kids

There is no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio. From exploring museums to mingling with flamingos, these San Antonio attractions are equally entertaining for kids and adults. 

The DoSeum

Tackle a top-secret mission at the Spy Academy or an interactive exhibit focused on digital literacy and citizenship and explore the Force Course, a hands-on experience with simple machines, at The DoSeum.

This 68,000-square-foot children’s museum is packed with interactive STEM-focused exhibits, all included in the admission price. Sign up for one of their camps offered during school holidays or join one of their Family Nights on the first Monday of the month. The weekly event is free, but advanced tickets are required. 

Find it: 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209

River Walk kayaking

Rent a kayak or take one of the guided kayak tours from Mission Kayak to explore the San Antonio River Walk from the water.

The company operates three locations — downtown and the Mission Reach section (King William District and Espada Park) — and is expanding to other areas of the River Walk. Check their website for locations and details about age limit requirements for children, which vary per activity. 

Find it: 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205

Science Mill

Head out to Texas Hill Country for a science-based day trip to the Science Mill. The STEM museum is housed in a former 1880 steam grist mill in Johnson City, 64 miles north of downtown San Antonio.

The Jurassic Flight 4D virtual reality experience, which uses a headset and motion board to simulate flying, is one of the many state-of-the-art science and technology exhibits in the 17,000-square-foot space. Be sure to say hello to Tortilla and Miss Jiff, the resident African Spurred Tortoises, before visiting the outdoor Science & Art Park to operate the 30-foot stainless steel robotic hand.

Find it: 101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, 78636

Texas Air Museum at Stinson Field

Walk between rows of vintage aircraft at Stinson Field and learn about San Antonio’s aviation history. The airfield is the second oldest airport in the nation and is still used as a control tower. The Texas Air Museum exhibits dig into the city’s role in developing military air power and the history of the Stinson Family, who trained World War I pilots. 

When you visit, be sure to ask one of the volunteer staff members about Katherine Stinson, a famed stunt aerialist who was the fourth licensed female pilot in the U.S.

Find it: 1234 99th St., San Antonio, TX 78214

Natural Bridge Caverns

This stunning limestone cave system is one of the best things to do with kids in San Antonio. The caverns were discovered by college students in the 1960s, and the entrance area was enlarged in 1963. The family-owned property conducts a series of tours starting with the Discovery Tour that takes visitors 180 feet below the surface and a half-mile into the cave. 

Adrenaline-seekers can join one of the Hidden Passage Tours to explore a smaller system of underground chambers with unique formations or the Adventure Tour that explores an undeveloped section of the cave.

Find it: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266

San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology

Join one of the Tesla coil demonstrations at this STEM-based museum and education center in Port San Antonio.  

Items on display include the first personal computer and Thomas Edison lightbulbs sourced from both donations and the personal collection of curator and founder David Monroe. The museum’s education department organizes a series of camps and free online programs.

Find it: 102 Mabry Drive, San Antonio, TX 78226

LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio

LEGO lovers will be fascinated by this indoor playground. Start with a visit to the awe-inspiring MINILAND, a LEGO replica of San Antonio’s famous landmarks — the Alamo, River Walk and the Tower of the Americas built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Then, build a speedy vehicle and race it against your friends or meet your favorite LEGO characters.

A café and a retail store are also on site to round out your day of fun. 

Find it: 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 910, San Antonio, TX 78205

Texas Transportation Museum

Hop abroad a red Missouri Pacific caboose or flat car for a short ride down a private rail line at the Texas Transportation Museum. The track was built by the volunteers who operate the museum, which is only open on weekends.

Other highlights of the museum include exploring the series of stationary cabooses, railcars and four model railroad displays. Check their calendar for a list of holiday-themed special events, including an Easter Eggspress egg hunt, a Halloween scavenger hunt and a Christmas adventure.

Find it: 11731 Wetmore Road, San Antonio TX, 78247

San Antonio Zoo

Located in Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is home to over 750 species of animals and spans over 50 acres. Giraffes, flamingos and hippos are a few of the animals visitors can feed in one of the many behind-the-scenes experiences.

Climb aboard the Zoo Train for a 20-minute tour of Brackenridge Park, which stops at other popular San Antonio attractions like the Witte Museum and Japanese Tea Garden. The Zootennial Carousel is another fun experience with 60 hand-painted animals, including four Texas natives — the whooping crane, white-tailed deer, Texas horned lizard and jackalope. And don’t miss Kiddie Park, America’s oldest children’s amusement park, which relocated to the zoo in 2019.

Find it: 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78212

The Witte Museum

Dinosaur lovers will be wowed by the Tyrannosaurus rex and Acrocanthosaurus skeletons on display at the Witte Museum’s 10-acre campus located on the Museum Reach section of the River Walk.

The nature, science and culture of South Texas are the focus of the museum’s collection. Founded in 1926, it is one of San Antonio’s top attractions and the most visited museum in the city. The best time to visit is on a Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. when admission is free.

Find it: 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Botanical Gardens

This stunning 38-acre living museum is a tranquil nature escape with an extensive program of youth and family activities. Bring a flashlight and join one of the Family Night Hikes to explore nocturnal wildlife. From March to October, the garden hosts a series of weekly events.

Bonus: Kids 5 and under can join Little Sprout Hikes on Tuesdays or Storytime in the Garden on Thursdays.

Find it: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209 

San Antonio Fire Museum

If the Alamo is on your must-see list, be sure to make a stop at the nearby San Antonio Fire Museum to explore their collection of antique fire trucks and equipment dating back to the mid-1800s. Kids are even welcome to climb abroad a 1953 international fire truck. The volunteer-run museum is located in the city’s original Central Fire Headquarters.

Mark your calendars: On the first Tuesday of the month, admission is free from 12-4 p.m.

Find it: 801 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Downtown San Antonio attractions

Downtown San Antonio is the epicenter of the city’s cultural attractions and business district. The boundaries of the city’s downtown are defined by the central interstate loop framed by Interstates 10, 35 and 27, and the expansive area is brimming with historical, cultural and culinary attractions.

San Antonio River Walk

One of the top attractions in the Lone Star State is the 15-mile-long San Antonio River Walk. Located along the banks of the San Antonio River, the walkway is divided into three sections — Downtown, Mission and Museum Reaches. The downtown section, which is lined with restaurants, shops and cultural attractions, is a popular place to spend an afternoon. But the best way to explore the Downtown Reach is from the water on one of the 35-minute narrated tours run by Go Rio Cruises on a fleet of colorful electric boats. 

View a map of the River Walk here. 

The Alamo

One of the most important and top attractions in downtown San Antonio is The Alamo, a former Spanish Mission. It was the site of the infamous and deadly 1836 battle in the fight for Texas’ independence from Mexico.

While the Alamo is one of the best free things to do in San Antonio, timed entry tickets are required for the Alamo Church. Guided tours are also available for a fee.

Find it: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

La Villita Historic Arts Village

This one-square-block artisan village in downtown San Antonio is brimming with over 25 shops and galleries. The artist enclave was one of the first settlements in San Antonio and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The village includes a variety of architectural styles spanning from adobe structures to early Victorian buildings. Schedule your visit around the performance calendar at the 800-seat Arneson River Theater, an amphitheater seated on the riverbank.

Find it: 418 Villita St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Majestic Theatre & Empire Theatre

Built in 1929, the Mediterranean-style Majestic Theatre was once the second-largest theater in the country. It hosted movies and Vaudeville entertainers such as Bob Hope and Mickey Rooney. During the 1980s, the 2,264-seat theater underwent a $9 million renovation and now hosts the Broadway in San Antonio series.

The neighboring Charline McCombs Empire Theatre is a European Palazzo-style building constructed in 1913. Like the Majestic, it was also a movie theater and Vaudeville house before eventually closing in 1978. After a $5 million renovation, the 856-seat theater opened in 1998. Both theaters are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check their shared calendar for a list of upcoming performances.

Find it: 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205 and 226 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Historic Market Square

This three-block outdoor plaza is the largest Mexican market in the U.S. with over 100 locally owned shops and stalls. It’s filled with handcrafted artwork and tasty eateries, including Mi Tierra Café & Bakery, which is open 24 hours and decorated with Christmas lights year-round.

Other dining options include La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the 30-taco menu at Viva Villa Taqueria. Don’t miss the food court located in the Farmer’s Market building.

Find it: 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78207

Hopscotch

This 20,000-square-foot downtown gallery features the work of over 40 local, national and international artists.  

The core focus of the gallery is to allow visitors to participate and explore fourteen immersive and interactive art installations in a playful manner. The colorful exhibits rotate, and the space also has a fun-filled food and entertainment schedule with yoga, DJs and food vendors.  

Find it: 711 Navarro St., Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205

Briscoe Western Art Museum

The collection at this three-story art museum on the banks of the River Walk tells the story of the American West. A replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach along with a series of paintings, drawings and sketches are on display.

Take a stroll through the McNutt Sculpture Garden to view a comprehensive collection of bronze sculptures by Bruce Green, Allan Houser and other well-known Western artists in the U.S.

Find it: 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Tower of the Americas

The best view of downtown San Antonio is from the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. The tower was built in 1968 for the World’s Fair, known as Hemisfair, which celebrated the city’s 250^th anniversary. The structure features both indoor and outdoor observation decks along with a 4D theater showing a feature titled “Skies over Texas.” Three elevators whisk 1,950 passengers an hour to the top in a lightning 43 seconds.

Book a reservation to dine at the revolving Chart House Restaurant or stop by Bar 601 for a happy hour cocktail.

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

Yanaguana at Hemisfair

This outdoor wonderland is fun for adults and kids alike. The park’s amenities include sandpits, oversize chess and checkers boards, stone ping pong and foosball tables and a Bocce ball court. The 4.1-acre San Antonio park opened in 2015 and is the first of a three-phase development project to revitalize the vacant space around the former site of the 1968 World’s Fair, known as Hemisfair, as an urban parks district.

Be sure to check out the lighted Union Pacific Railroad Splash Pad where kids can use the oversized buttons to control the water.

Find it: 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Selena’s Bridge

A romantic scene in the movie “Selena” was shot on an arched stone bridge between North St. Mary’s Street and Navarro Street. 

Find it: between North St. Mary’s Street and Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Maverick Carter House

Real estate developer William Harvey Maverick built this stunning three-story limestone house in 1893 on the banks of the San Antonio River, which was rechanneled in 1920. The home was then sold to H.C. Carter whose second wife, Aline, converted the first-floor library into a chapel and added an observatory on the roof. In addition to being the poet laureate of Texas from 1947-49, she was also an artist, musician, astronomy educator and humanitarian who taught astronomy to children. San Antonio architect Alfred Giles designed the 23-room home with a Richardsonian Romanesque façade, a rounded castle-like tower and conical roof. 

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas Historic Landmark. Guided tours are available weekly, but advance reservations are required.

Find it: 119 Taylor St., San Antonio, TX 78205