Known for its rich colonial heritage, San Antonia is a major city situated in South Central Texas. It showcases Spanish influenced architecture, a vibrant culture, and rich heritage. Aside from that, the food is as exquisite as the top remarkable landmarks found in the city. While in San Antonio, you might want to visit the San Antonio river walk and immerse yourself in the city’s culture with a plethora of local shops and eateries. You may also bring your family to SeaWorld San Antonio and make lasting memories. If you are on a tight budget, here is a list of things to do for free in San Antonio, Texas, that are just as fun. Feel free to browse below.
1. Discover the historical ground for the Battle of the Alamo
If you have a lot of time in your hands and you are into the culture, heritage, and history of San Antonio, Texas, you should definitely not miss out paying the location of the Battle of the Alamo a visit. It is a significant event in the city’s history that shaped it to what it is now. It shows the ruins of war, and the locals tell fascinating stories that are handed down from generation to generation. Take a tour around the area and don’t forget to bring your camera for photo souvenirs.
Historical ground for the Battle of the Alamo
Address: The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Opening hours: Open 24hrs
2. Experience the iconic Mcnay Art Museum
Do you have a deep fascination with art? If so, head over the Mcnay Art Museum at New Braunfels Ave, and marvel at the beauty of American and European art forms. These art pieces showcase various themes from medieval to contemporary. It features a Spanish style mansion of colonial architecture, serving as the museum. Aside from that, it also boasts of a relaxing lawn with lush greeneries of rich vegetation.
Mcnay Art Museum
Address: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Website: Mcnay Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed & Fri: 10am - 6pm; Thurs: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (Closed on Mon and Tues)
3. Go window shopping at the Market Square – El Mercado
This area of San Antonio has become a melting pot of people in dire need of a good time. It is a three-block market place in an outdoor setting that features a plethora of excellent eateries, shops, and local stores. Come visit this place and enjoy a morning or afternoon of shopping and dining. Fun fact, San Antonio’s Market Square is considered the largest Mexican Market in the whole of the US.
Market Square – El Mercado
Address: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Website: Market Square – El Mercado
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
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4. See exotic plants at the Japanese Tea Garden
If your idea of a perfect afternoon is spending some quiet time alone or with people that you love in a beautiful garden filled with lovely flowers and plants, then you should see the Japanese Tea Garden. Also known as Sunken Gardens, it is a majestic paradise-like tourist destination that is located on a vast land gifted to the city of San Antonio by George Washington Brackenridge in 1899. Since its establishment, a lot of people, families, lovers, or friends, have come to this place to make lasting memories.
Japanese Tea Garden
Address: 200-414 Alpine, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
Website: Japanese Tea Garden
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
5. Visit the San Fernando Cathedral
Also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe, the San Fernando Cathedral is one of the many cathedrals in San Antonio, Texas. It is situated in the heart of the city. People visit this sacred church to say a little prayer of wishes and thanks, and to marvel at the beauty of its architecture. At present, it is considered as the oldest church community in San Antonio, and a significant pillar in the history of the city.
San Fernando Cathedral
Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Website: San Fernando Cathedral
Opening hours: 8am - 7:30pm (daily)
6. Explore the King William Historic District
King William Historic District is a beautiful neighborhood that is Victorian inspired. It has become the center of arts in the city of San Antonio. It features locally owned bars and cafes, museums and art exhibits, retail shops, souvenir stores, and more. Here, you can marvel at beautiful art masterpieces, dine on mouthwatering food in local eateries, and just have fun all together. As a whole, it looks like a lively laid-back park that is a melting pot of people from different walks of life.
King William Historic District
Address: 1032 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78210-1110
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm (Closed on Sat and Sun)
7. Witness The San Antonio Missions - minor league baseball team in San Antonio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a natural sports fanatic, this exciting activity might pique your interest. While you are in the beautiful city of San Antonio, why don’t you watch a game of the San Antonio Missions? San Antonio Missions is known as a minor league baseball team in the city. Surely, whether you are alone or with your family or friends, this is something you will all enjoy. Fun Fact, this minor league got its name originally from the Alamo Missions which plays an important part in the history of San Antonio.
The San Antonio Missions - minor league baseball team in San Antonio
Address: 5757 US-90, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
Website: The San Antonio Missions
Opening hours: Depends on match day
8. Take a free tour of the Pearl Brewery
Originally a brewing company, Pearl Brewery is now a hub for dining, shopping, and exciting activities in the city of San Antonio. If you are thinking of where to bring your family while in the city, check this active and laidback commercial center. As the locals would say, if you want to experience authentic Texan vibes, here is the best place to do so. You can’t get more Texan than the authentic Texan food here and the warm hospitality and friendliness of the people.
Pearl Brewery
Address: 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215, USA
Website: Pearl Brewery
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
9. Go on an adventure into the Natural Bridge Caverns
Are you interested in unique adventures? Do you fancy activities that involve discovering hidden tourists attractions? If so, why don’t you go on an adventure and discover one of San Antonio’s hidden gems, the Natural Bridge Cavern? Known as the largest of its kind in the whole Texas, these bridge caverns showcase beautiful formations of limestone that are just majestic up close. Pro tip: don’t forget your camera because this experience is definitely one for the books.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA
Website: Natural Bridge Caverns
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
10. Tour the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
One of the remarkable landmarks in San Antonio that is being preserved by the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. That being said, you can not leave San Antonio without visiting this fascinating tourist attraction. It was established by Catholic missions in an effort to spread the message of Jesus throughout the city. Stroll around the area, say a few prayers, and take pictures and photographs, while you are in the sacred place.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, USA
Website: San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Beautiful San Antonio
San Antonio is indeed a major city in south-central Texas with so many fascinating sights and activities in store for tourists visiting it. You can spend so much money in this city, and you will go home thinking every penny is worth the pleasure. On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget, there are still so many things that you can do without breaking the bank. Use this article of the best things to do for free in San Antonio, Texas, as your guide. May you have a memorable vacation ahead.
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