10 Best Free Things to Do in San Antonio
How to Experience San Antonio on a Small Budget
San Antonio has no shortage of free things to do for travelers with a small budget, thanks to the city’s historical sites, rolling green hills, and multicultural neighborhoods. If you’re a fan of classical and contemporary art, take advantage of free admission days at museums such as McNay Art Museum and DoSeum.
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is where you can find the iconic Alamo, which is free to visit all year round. Enjoy a stroll along the San Antonio River to explore more Spanish missions (now churches) within the UNESCO site. Make the most out of your vacation by checking out our guide to San Antonio for budget travelers.
1. The Alamo Roman Catholic Mission
Remember the Alamo
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Alamo Roman Catholic Mission, abbreviated simply as “The Alamo,” is seen as an intersection of history. Though not particularly striking in appearance, the bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Texan history and its label as the “Lone Star State.” Here, the legendary battle between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836, a famous last stand against impossible odds.
The mission is now a museum for this time in US history. Tour and audio guides are offered for a more in-depth experience.
Location: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 210-225-1391
The Alamo Roman Catholic Mission
2. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Hiking or biking along the San Antonio River
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s made up of 5 Spanish missions, with the Alamo being the most famous of them. Established in the early 18th century, the San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada missions function as Catholic churches that hold Mass services on weekends.
You get to explore the historical park on foot or bicycle as there’s an 8-mile-long (13-km-long) pathway along the San Antonio River connecting all 5 missions. Read more
Location: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 210-932-1001
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
3. McNay Art Museum
Free admission on Thursdays and the first Sunday of every month
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
Enjoy free admission to the McNay Art Museum every Thursday from 4 pm to 9 pm and the first Sunday of every month from noon to 5 pm. Occupying a sprawling Spanish colonial mansion, the museum displays over 2,000 modern European and American artworks, most of which date back to between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Check out masterpieces by Paul Cezanne, Edward Hopper, and Pablo Picasso. You also get to explore a Japanese garden in the museum’s courtyard. Read more
Location: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78209, USA
Open: Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 210-824-5368
McNay Art Museum
4. Japanese Tea Garden
Live acts at the Sunken Garden amphitheater
Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget
A stroll along the lush landscape of the Japanese Tea Garden gives you a sense of being in the Land of the Rising Sun. Founded in 1901, its centerpiece is a 60-foot (18-meter) waterfall that flows into several koi ponds.
Couples and families often frequent the Japanese Tea Garden to enjoy views of the onsite shrine and torii (Japanese traditional gate). Stop by Jinghu House for tea and light snacks, or catch a live performance at the open-air Sunken Garden Theater. Read more
Location: 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 210-559-3148
Japanese Tea Garden
5. San Antonio River Walk
An attractive way to take in the city
Good for: Photo, Budget
The San Antonio River Walk follows a network of waterways that wind around the city. The walk, also named Paseo del Rio, brings you across streams of shops, boutiques, bars, cafés, and restaurants. It’s definitely worth visiting either night or day. The river at night is well-lit with strings of lights across the pathways.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Fiesta San Antonio, it’ll be even more happening. The Fiesta San Antonio is a springtime festival that features colorful floats streaming down the river. Though the festival is gorgeous, it means the river area becomes incredibly busy. Read more
Location: San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
San Antonio River Walk
6. Brackenridge Park
A local gathering spot
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Brackenridge Park, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest public parks in San Antonio. Spanning over 300 acres (121 hectares), it’s full of picnic tables, playgrounds, trails, and historical sites. Locals often gather at the park for morning yoga, jogs, and a variety of sports activities.
If you’re a fan of birdwatching, Brackenridge Park is where you can spot woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, chickadees, and wrens. Additionally, the park offers a serene environment for families to enjoy leisurely walks, making it a popular gathering spot. Read more
Location: 3700 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
Phone: +1 210-826-1412
Brackenridge Park
7. Historic Market Square
A Mexican market with live entertainment, shops, and dining
Good for: Food, Shoppers, Photo
Historic Market Square, or El Mercado as the locals call it, is a lively cultural hub in Downtown San Antonio, often famed as the largest Mexican market in America. Consisting of an indoor mall and Farmer’s Market, the Historic Market Square is home to over 100 vendors selling handcrafted goods, authentic street food, and all-things Mexican. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and sights of old Mexico as you browse through the stalls.
The market hosts live music and dance performances almost every weekend, making it a fun spot just to hang out and soak up the atmosphere. Check out their website for the regular events that are free and open to the public.
Location: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 210-207-8600
Historic Market Square
8. The Pearl District
One of San Antonio’s coolest neighborhoods
Good for: Photo, Budget
The Pearl District has the idealistic vibe of a college campus, strewn with bicycles and well-dressed San Antonians. It’s a quaint yet hip neighborhood with many fashionable boutiques, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. One to note is the famous Hotel Emma, a charming hotel inside a 19th-century brewery. Its rooftop pool has great views of the city.
Pearl District’s tacos are also worth mentioning. A must-visit is La Gloria, which offers a delightful atmosphere with its charming river-view courtyard. This vibrant eatery showcases the authentic flavors of Mexico and the Southwest, featuring a menu that includes street-style tacos, ceviches, and other traditional Mexican dishes. Read more
Location: San Antonio, TX 78215, USA
The Pearl District
9. San Antonio Central Library
Murals and art installation on the 1st floor
Good for: Families, Budget
San Antonio Central Library is where you can find thousands of books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs of various genres. Located along Soledad Street, it occupies an imposing 6-story building overlooking the River Walk and downtown San Antonio.
You get to enjoy activities such as storytelling, movie screenings, and author lectures all year round. The first floor features an art gallery displaying temporary exhibits by local artists. Numerous murals and art installations can be found throughout San Antonio Central Library, one of which is a blue neon-lit room installed by Stephen Antonakos.
Location: 600 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Monday–Tuesday from noon to 8 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 210-207-2500
San Antonio Central Library
10. The Saga light show at San Fernando Cathedral
Art under the night sky
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Saga light show at San Fernando Cathedral illuminates the cathedral for 24 minutes, 2 times a night on 6 nights of the week. The art installation, created by French artist Xavier De Richemont, is a perfect way to fill your night and to admire the cathedral in a new way. It’s also representative of a burgeoning art scene in San Antonio.
As well as a show for the eyes, a narration throughout the light show tells the story of the city. Seats are limited and the show is very popular with locals and visitors alike, so try get there early to avoid having to stand. Read more
Location: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Open: Tuesday–Sunday at 9 pm and 9.30 pm
Phone: +1 210-225-9800
The Saga light show at San Fernando Cathedral
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